The SME Stream

Tina Schirr: Business NZ Energy Council Executive Director on businesses being hit by surging gas prices

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There's a view businesses have been taken by surprise by surging gas prices.  Energy management company Optima and Business NZ's joint survey rev...

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on what the US CPI report means for rates

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The next US Consumer Price Inflation report will be out this week, and economists are speculating about what this could mean going forward. Markets ar...

Simon Brown: Financial literacy is invaluable

10 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most New Zealanders consider themselves only “average” with money.  In fact, a new study from Partners Life finds less than a quarter...

Side hustle secrets for financial freedom

10 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Amid the soaring cost of everything from butter and cheese to rates and insurance, tips on how to trim your budget abound. But once that budget's cut ...

Anduril’s Underwater World of Warfare (ft. Engineering VP)

10 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Anduril has a plan to protect Western waters, involving extra-large autonomous submarines and torpedoes. Go inside the US$30.5b defense hardware compa...

David Cooper: CEO and Director of Malcom Pacific Immigration discusses the two new work visas being introduced by the government

10 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Two new seasonal visas have been unveiled, allowing the likes of rural contractors or chairlift operators to return for up to three years or stay for ...

Economic worries putting pressure on National as parties lay groundwork for next election

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Cost of living and the economy remains top of the agenda for National. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s already touting his leadership as one ...

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on how investors can respond to the ongoing global uncertainty

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

2025 has been regarded as a challenging year for economic forecasting, with experts stumped about what decisions to make. Traditional indicators have ...

Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on the rising unemployment rate and its impact on the economy

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Higher unemployment could continue to be a handbrake on the country's economic recovery.  More Kiwis are out of work, with unemployment now at a ...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 8 August

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina Shrimpton each week as she gives you a ...

Amanda Morrall: Why is refinancing increasingly common?

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The number of mortgage holders refinancing their loans is the highest ever recorded.  More than 3,500 borrowers refinanced in June, and experts a...

Debbie Roberts: Property investment isn't as passive as you'd think

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Property investment has long been thought of as the way to make passive income.  It's money coming in without the 40 hours a week - but is i...

Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister talks unemployment, Cook Islands, Road User Charges

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister's blaming New Zealand's rising unemployment on the last Government's economic management.   The rate's hit a five-year high of...

Inside America's Ivy League Admissions Industry

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Crimson Education has been valued at NZ$1 billion (US$600 million) - but could its core business, getting kids into Ivy league, be destroyed by AI? Co...

Kate Acland: Tariffs will see NZ exports pivot to other markets

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Beef + Lamb New Zealand Chair Kate Acland joins Tim Beveridge to discuss the impacts of the newly announced 15% tariff on exports to the United States...

Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist ahead of Wednesday's projected unemployment data

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The latest unemployment statistics for New Zealand are due out tomorrow, and experts are divided ahead of the announcement. Many are projecting the ma...

Todd McClay: NZ trade minister discusses the impact of Trump's latest tariff hike

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Trade Minister's hitting the phones, as it's confirmed US tariffs on New Zealand will be higher than when they were first announced. The Trump adm...

Tim Groser: Former trade minister says NZ could not have avoided Trump's Tariff

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There was little this country could do to dodge the latest  tariff - this from a former trade minister Donald Trump's raising tariffs on New Zeal...

Ryan Bridge: The economic freeze has no end in sight

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s about that time of year when it feels like winter really starts to drag.... and it must be feeling that way for Christopher Luxon, too. It&...

Datacom at 60: Leading NZ’s tech giant into the AI era

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode of The Business of Tech marks a historic moment: the 60th anniversary of Datacom, New Zealand’s largest homegrown IT company...

Wayne Boyd: Insights from a career spent on over 160 boards

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, prolific board director Wayne Boyd shares his best and worst money stories with Liam Dann, including pivoting from his planned legal career...

More Kiwisavers are looking at private equity - what it means for investment

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Private Equity is starting to become part of the asset mix for an increasing number of KiwiSaver providers, with Fisher Funds the latest to ramp up th...

What the US tariffs mean for our economy - is it time we pivot our trade strategy?

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From tomorrow, there’ll be a 15% tariff on New Zealand imports for US businesses. The announcement of the arbitrary amount saw us frantically se...

Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business Editor on the unemployment rate reaching 5.2%

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Economic recovery is taking longer than many hoped.  Unemployment's risen to a five-year high of 5.2%, up from 5.1% in the March quarter.  N...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the unemployment rate, impact of tariff uncertainty

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Finance Minister says anxiety about tariffs will be playing a part in slowing down New Zealand's economic recovery.  Unemployment's reached a...

Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on Government debt levels rising globally

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Government debt levels are rising globally - with many at risk of permanent structural deficits if they can't bring down interest bills each year. Cut...

Tony Morris: IRD Customer Segment Manager on the IRD revealing NZ businesses owe over $1.4 billion in unpaid taxes

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand businesses owe more than $1.4 billion in unpaid GST and PAYE from the 2025 tax year, according to new reports. Of 2025's number, $432.9 mi...

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on what investors can expect for the second half of 2025

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

2025 is nearly halfway over - and it's been a memorable one for the markets so far. Between new developments in AI, ongoing economic uncertainty and D...

Todd McClay: Trade Minister on the uncertainty surrounding Trump's new tariff rate

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand has yet to hear from the US ahead of Donald Trump's latest tariff deadline – 4pm today, New Zealand time.  The White House says...

Bridget Snelling: Xero Country Manager on the Small Business Insights report and the industry performances

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Agriculture is leading the way as the country's top performing industry.   Xero’s latest Insights report shows consistent under-performance...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 1st August

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina Shrimpton each week as she gives you a ...

Opes Partners' Andrew Nicol: From 'poor' upbringing to owning 43 houses

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, founder and managing partner of property investment company Opes Partners, Andrew Nicol, shares his best and worst money stories with Liam ...

Concrete for a low-carbon world, with Neocrete’s Zarina Bazoeva

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Concrete might be the backbone of modern society, but it comes at a steep carbon cost. As global climate pressures intensify, the business of “g...

Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber CEO voices concerns surcharge ban will harm small businesses

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The New Zealand Chambers of Commerce have warned that the Government’s proposed ban on retail payment surcharges risks hitting small businesses ...

David Seymour: Associate Finance Minister on the plans to find savings for next year's Budget

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government has begun looking for possible areas for cutbacks for next year's Budget.  Associate Finance Minister David Seymour said he hopes ...

Matt Ball: Property Investors Federation advocacy manager speaks in defence in investment properties

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremy Williamson, head of private wealth and markets at Craigs Investment Partners, recently claimed there was momentum building for Kiwis to move aw...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics principal economist on the shortage of available jobs for June 2025

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Recent data shows there were 27,850 fewer jobs in New Zealand in June compared to the year before, and young Kiwis are being hit hard by a tightening ...

Scott Simpson: Commerce Minister on the Government scrapping in-store card surcharges

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Commerce Minister says he's disappointed in businesses who say they will pass on the cost of surcharge scrapping.   Most in-store surcharges ...

Ankit Bansal: Dairy and Business Owners Group chair on the Government banning in-store card surcharges

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government's recent ban on on payment card surcharges has been met with criticism from the retail and hospitality sectors. The Government's announ...

Shane Solly: Is NZ ready for the global 'melt up'?

27 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Consumer Price Index over the June quarter was lower than expected at 2.7%, and it could mean a rate cut by the Reserve Bank next month.  So ...

Why you probably don't need a family trust

27 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Trusts are billed as a way to protect your assets and pass your wealth on to the next generation, and they’ve become a common thing for a family...

Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister joins Mike Hosking in-studio to discuss potential changes to US trade tariffs

27 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

More uncertainty this week for Kiwi businesses exporting into the US. Donald Trump has agreed to a new trade deal with the EU this morning, which incl...

Kevin Milne: Tough trading and the loss of iconic Kiwi enterprises

27 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Times are tough, many businesses unable to survive the cost of living crisis and downturned economy.  Cultural institutions and smaller businesse...

Lisa Dudson: KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals - impacts and other options

27 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The number of Kiwis making withdrawals from their KiwiSaver due to hardship is on the rise.  In the year to June, more than 50,000 were made, com...

Rob Clark: SEEK Country Manager says number of job ads posted to site continue to drop

27 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The job market is slowly rebounding from last year's low point.   SEEK's latest Employment Report shows job ads dropped for a second month, down ...

Why US Drone Manufacturers Can't Catch Up

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY]PrimerAI founder Sean Gourley was behind the Pentagon’s Project Maven. Now, he’s investing i...

Mark Peterson: NZX chief executive on his decision to step down from the role

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Stock exchange operator NZX chief executive Mark Peterson has resigned from the role - and will step down at the end of April 2026. Peterson explained...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 25 July

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina Shrimpton each week as she gives you a ...

The true cost of cloud: David Reiss lifts the lid

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With Big Tech hyperscalers investing billions in local data centres and the Government taking a cloud-first stand, the migration of our data and appli...

Two Raw Sisters: How they overcame health problems to become media moguls and healthy eating advocates

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Rosa Powers and Margot Flanagan - better known as the Two Raw Sisters - join Liam Dann to share their best and worst money stories, from ho...

Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on what recent inflation data means for the market

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Concerns have been raised among economists as inflation data suggests things may not be as on track as they seem. Inflation has hit 2.7 percent, with ...

Cameron Bagrie: Independent Economist on inflation reaching 2.7%

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Inflation is coming dangerously close to the top end of the Reserve Bank’s target band.  It’s reached 2.7% year-on-year – the m...

Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on increasing business optimism despite economic challenges

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Retailers across the country are surprisingly optimistic in the face of ongoing economic challenges.  The latest Retail NZ report reveals nearly ...

Mike's Minute: Why are we looking to discuss employee pay?

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the sort of theoretical nonsense you would expect from a bunch of wonks like the Labour Party, but blow me down if National hasn't clambere...

Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on the CPI rising to 2.7 percent in June

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Inflation's cooling in many corners of the economy, but not headline inflation. Latest Stats NZ figures suggest core inflation and domestically-driven...

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on whether the OCR will cut rates in August

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Stats NZ  recently reported annual inflation increased to 2.7 percent in the three months to the end of June, and it's sparked concerns among exp...

Ryan Bridge: Should we be worried about the business of business cases?

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

ACT's insistence that the Waikato University doctors school cost was out of whack and based on a poor quality business case seems to have been proven ...

Rupert Carlyon: We need to teach our kids about money

20 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We all want our kids to do better than we did, and a major part of that is teaching them how to set themselves up financially.  Founder and manag...

The cost of divorce: What not to do if you want to hold onto your money

20 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We all know that ‘til death do us part’ doesn’t always end up that way, even if we don't like thinking about it. But divorce can be ...

Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister discusses tariffs and education with Mike Hosking

20 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Christopher Luxon is staying upbeat about New Zealand's trading relationship with the US. Donald Trump's threatening to raise tariffs against key trad...

John MacDonald: The "overqualified" jobseekers behind the dole numbers

20 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There’s no doubt the news that the number of people on a benefit in New Zealand is up to the 400,000 mark will have some people tut-tutting. &nb...

New Zealand’s Secret Stargate AI Link

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A New Zealand investment firm is involved in infrastructure required to build OpenAI, Oracle & Softbank’s enormous AI Stargate compute proje...

Louise Upston: Social Development Minister says more jobs are coming to address the rising number of beneficiaries

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Social Development Minister says more jobs are coming to address the number of people on the benefit rising.  Ministry of Social Development ...

Robbie Paul: Icehouse Ventures CEO on the company opening a seed fund to back NZ's latest emerging companies

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The hunt is on for New Zealand's next big new start-up. Icehouse Ventures recently opened a $30 million seed round in an attempt to fund 30 new Kiwi-m...

Phil O'Reilly: Former Welfare Advisory Group member on benefit numbers increasing

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A welfare expert's pointing to the lack of jobs being the main reason more people are ending up on the benefit. Ministry of Social Development statist...

Christine Rankin: Former WINZ CEO on benefit numbers increasing overall despite the Govt getting 81 thousand people off

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The former Work and Income boss says the Government getting 81 thousand people off the benefit is a big achievement, despite the overall number going ...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 18th July

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina Shrimpton each week as she gives you a ...

From Auckland to orbit: Zenno’s bold bet on magnetic space tech

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

One of New Zealand’s most ambitious startups, Zenno Astronautics, is undertaking pioneering work with superconducting magnets to address one of ...

Perpetual Guardian's Patrick Gamble: What he learned from his own financial hardships and property mistakes

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Perpetual Guardian chief executive Patrick Gamble shares his best and worst money stories with Liam Dann, including his family's life chang...

Liz Koh: Enriched Retirement Founder on health insurance in New Zealand, if employers should pay for it

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Should your job provide health insurance coverage?  There are calls for a fringe benefit tax break as a Council report reveals people are twice a...

Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on Ryman Healthcare leading the NZX for July

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ryman Healthcare's share price has gone up for the first half of July, leading experts to speculate about the company's future.  This follows a d...

Kerre Woodham: Times have changed, does our tax system need to as well?

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Yesterday we were talking about Chlöe Swarbrick's grand plans for economic reform, and today brings another interesting suggestion for economic r...

Kirk Hope: Financial Services Commission CEO on the case for making changes to the Fringe Benefit Tax

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New research from the Financial Services Council reveals that New Zealanders are quick to insure their cars, homes, and gadgets - but they're far less...

Trump tariff deadline changes again: Will they finally arrive and what does it mean for NZ?

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Trump tariffs are inching closer and closer towards becoming a reality. While they were meant to kick into gear last week, they've been delayed ag...

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on the market reactions to Donald Trump threatening higher tariffs

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

US President Donald Trump is renewing his threats to Canada, vowing to slap a 35 percent tariff on its goods. He says he'll impose the tariff on Canad...

Brad Olsen: Buyers shouldn't wait for more OCR cuts

13 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New reports show the to cost to build is up. The OCR was also left unchanged this week - and it's expected to stay at 3.25% Should buyers look into pr...

Melissa Chan-Green on life after Newshub and finding a new purpose after redundancy

13 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s one thing to decide to move on from a job or career, but what happens when you’re at the top of your game and your job just... evapor...

Chlöe Swarbrick on the Green's economic plans and why NZ should consider a tax on the ultra-rich

13 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Should the ultra-wealthy pay more tax? It’s a debate that’s continued for decades, even centuries. From Ancient Athens to present day, the...

Tracksuit takes Times Square

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY] Tracksuit just closed a US$25 million funding round to push its brand tracking tool into boardrooms, in...

Rachel Simpson: Business NZ Education Specialist on the need to update vocational skills and training

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Many Kiwis are studying or training in skills that aren't needed in the job market.  That's the warning from Business NZ as the Government review...

Leigh Hodgetts: Finance and Mortgage Association Country Manager on the Reserve Bank holding the OCR

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mortgage-holders will be holding their breath in after yesterday's OCR announcement. The Reserve Bank's opted to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 11th July

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina Shrimpton each week as she gives you a ...

Girls Get Off co-founders Viv Conway and Jo Cummins: Behind the scenes of the business the banks didn't want to touch

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, the co-founders behind sexual wellness brand Girls Get Off, Viv Conway and Jo Cummins, join Liam to discuss how their different experiences...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on businesses and economic recovery

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Finance Minister says businesses should be more confident about the economic recovery.  The Reserve Bank's been weighing up lower-than-expect...

Remy Morgan: Milford Asset Management expert on the market reactions to the RBNZ leaving the OCR on hold

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank left the OCR on hold at 3.25 percent - with the bank claiming it was waiting for more economic data. Economists widely suspected the ...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics principal economist on the Reserve Bank keeping the OCR unchanged

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Another cut to the Official Cash Rate still looks more likely than not, according to one expert. The Reserve Bank's kept the OCR unchanged at 3.25 per...

Catherine Beard: Business NZ Advocacy Manager on the tariffs on US trade

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand isn't likely to get a better deal than we're currently getting, when it comes to trade with the US.  Almost all goods to the US now f...

Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on the Reserve Bank of Australia holding rates at 3.85 percent

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank of Australia has defied market expectations by leaving its cash rate target unchanged at 3.85 percent. Market expectations were for t...

Catherine Beard: BusinessNZ Advocacy Director on the Government's first AI strategy

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hopes a move to boost New Zealand's use of AI will get small businesses on board.   Science Minister Shane Reti's announced the Government's firs...

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on the market reactions to Trump's newest tariff threats

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Time's ticking for US trade partners to sign tariff deals with Donald Trump. In April, the President announced most countries, including New Zealand, ...

Martin Hawes: Self-employed people will be hit hardest by KiwiSaver cuts

06 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, the Government's KiwiSaver contribution was halved under budget changes. Employers will also have to fork out a mandatory 4% contribution t...

From Lego to handbags - could your collections be the secret to unlocking your investment portfolio?

06 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to investing, we all know the usual suspects – shares, bonds, property, gold.  But the latest Financial Services Council repo...

Mike's Minute: Your retirement savings are in your own hands

06 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There was a survey out last week that broadly supported the Government’s moves around KiwiSaver, as in the 3% and 3% going to 4% and 4%.  B...

Kelvin Davidson: Cotality Chief Property Economist on property values growing slightly in June

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand’s property values are ticking back up again.  New data from Cotality has revealed a 0.2% national increase in June, reversing t...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 4th July

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina Shrimpton each week as she gives you a ...

Contented AI’s quest to turn conversations into business gold

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

By now, you’ve probably participated in a video conference call that’s been recorded and automatically transcribed, with a meeting summary...

Dame Julie Chapman: How an abusive relationship shaped her move into charities like KidsCan

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, the founder and CEO of KidsCan and Pet Refuge, Dame Julie Chapman, shares her best and worst money stories with Liam Dann, from how she ori...

OpenAI investor Vinod Khosla reveals BIGGEST risk

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Billionaire venture capitalist Vinod Khosla believes the greatest risk of artificial intelligence is not the technology itself, but who holds its powe...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the ACC tightening up claims payouts

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Reports reveal ACC is planning to be more scrupulous when paying claims, as the Government pressures it to run a tighter ship. The state insurer has c...

Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management Equities Analyst on the current state of the global markets in 2025

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

2025 is halfway over - so how are the global markets holding up, and what can investors expect for the second half of the year? Several key markets ha...