The SME Stream

Jason Stockill: Woolworths Retail and Franchise Director on new retail crime changes

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Woolworths says it takes a community effort to curb retail crime.  Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has unveiled the plan for Police to issue infr...

Catherine Beard: Business NZ Advocacy Director on the establishment of Invest New Zealand

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Business NZ's Advocacy Director says Invest New Zealand is looking to hire people with an array of international connections.  The government org...

The Māori Millionaire Te Kahukura Boynton on her financial, mindset and health journey

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Māori Millionaire Te Kahukura Boynton is a young wahine on a mission to change not just her own money mindset and financial trajectory, but that ...

Thomas Coughlan: NZ Herald political editor on Chris Luxon discussing NZ's economic prospects following China visit

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister is talking up our economic prospects - in challenging global times. He's just returned from meeting leaders in China and Europe, as...

Monika Lacey: Centrix Chief Operating Officer on the latest figures on consumer arrears and company liquidations

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Positive signs when it comes to consumer arrears, but some businesses are still doing it tough.  The latest Centrix data for June shows the numbe...

Max Whitehead: Work impacts your happiness in life

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New employment data reveals work-life balance is the top reason people leave their job. Additionally, more people are working past the retirement age....

How to raise $100m with Halter's unicorn founder

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this interview, Craig Piggott gives advice to entrepreneurs on raising US$100m from Silicon Valley venture capital firms that have backed Airbnb, M...

Sandy Lau: Superannuation will cost us more in the future

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

IRD reports that New Zealand will need to restructure the tax system to fund the superannuation. Capital gains tax could be on the table, and even a G...

John MacDonald: How would you feel about paying more tax?

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How do you feel about the prospect of paying higher income tax rates and more GST?   I think it’s inevitable. So does the Inland Revenue De...

Carolyn Young: Retail NZ Chief Executive on government expected to revamp shoplifting and trespassing laws

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Shoplifting and trespassing laws are expected to get a revamp this week.  Newstalk ZB understands policy changes relating to Retail Crime Ministe...

Geof Nightingale: Tax expert on the proposed increase in GST

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A draft Inland Revenue briefing supports lifting the GST rate if required - and notes tax credits could help people on lower incomes. The IRD briefing...

Sunny Kaushal: Retail Crime Ministerial Advisory Group Chair says retailers are excited over law changes

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There's excitement over expected changes to the way authorities deal with retail crime.  Newstalk ZB understands Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith ...

From healthy homes to golden visas: How July 1 changes could affect you

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On July 1st, a series of changes are due to be implemented by the Government – and some of them will have a direct impact on your day to day. No...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 27th June

26 Jun 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 ...

Entrepreneur Derek Handley on tech, housing, and getting dumped by Jacinda Ardern's government

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Liam is joined by entrepreneur Derek Handley to discuss his varied career in the tech and startup space and how that has changed over the l...

Kiwi businesses shift gears: Optimism, innovation, and ambitions for growth

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Business of Tech podcast, we unpack the sixth annual 2degrees Shaping Business Study, a barometer for the mood and ambitions of Kiwi ...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the new reports claiming the Banking Association lobbied the Government

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New reports reveal the Government did get lobbied by the Banking Association over a proposed law change to prevent costly class action lawsuits. Minis...

Rockets to Ranches: How Halter hit US$1b valuation

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY] Craig Piggott left Rocket Lab to build cow collars and create a virtual fencing company - now Halter's ...

Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on what recent GDP figures mean for the economy

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

According to one expert, last week's GDP figures are a sign New Zealand's economy is on the up. Stats NZ says our gross domestic product grew a strong...

Why US$42b DataDog is going all in on AI

22 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY] The enterprise software company DataDog is investing almost US$1b a year into artificial intelligence. ...

Why are we so reluctant to take out personal insurance?

22 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealanders are among the most underinsured in the OECD, according to the Financial Services Council.   We insure our cars, our houses an...

Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business Editor on the GDP rising by 0.8%

22 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

GDP figures just out are stronger than economists had forecast.  Stats NZ says New Zealand's gross domestic product grew 0.8% in the March quarte...

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on how investors can prepare for geopolitical disruptions

22 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Israel-Iran conflict has continued on for a week - and it's seen markets dropping as more fear the conflict intensifying. Experts also believes ma...

Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large unpacks recent GDP data for first quarter of 2025

22 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New data out of Stats NZ reveals the country's gross domestic product grew by 0.8 percent in the first quarter of 2025. It's a stronger result than pr...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 20th May

19 Jun 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 ...

Tim Tams, Canva, and reimagining your business with AI

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tracy Sheen isn’t your typical artificial intelligence guru. “I am looking forward to stirring the AI pot with you, Peter,” Sheen to...

New Atomic Age: Inside America’s nuclear energy effort

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY] Valar Atomics plans to build tens of thousands of small modular nuclear reactors to power data centres ...

Icehouse CEO Olivia Blaylock: How cancer and the GFC informed how she runs her businesses

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, CEO of The Icehouse Olivia Blaylock shares her best and worst money stories with Liam Dann - from her start in the business world, her expe...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on Nicola Willis revealing legal advice was sought over RBNZ funding

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Finance Minister's revealed top-level legal advice was sought over the Reserve Bank's battle with Treasury for funding.  The bank received le...

Simon Arcus: Business Central CEO on the rising optimism among business leaders

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand businesses believe things are looking up, with optimism at a high.  The 2degrees 2025 Shaping Business Study reveals 45% of surveyed ...

Mike's Minute: Our economy is an increasingly large hole

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Right, let's deal to the economy.  There were two interesting things yesterday.  The first was the food price inflation number showed it is ...

Phil Wicks: Small Business NZ Founder on the banks lending less to small businesses

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's being suggested small businesses are finding it tougher to get loans than big businesses, despite being a safer option.  The latest data sho...

Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: I don't agree with ACT's new employment bill

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I'll tell you what I'm gonna be watching with some interest in the next few weeks -  that employment bill that ACT has just introduced to Parliam...

Ryan Bridge: The economy's been a sick patient for a long time

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If growth is the game we're in then the Reserve Bank should keep cutting interest rates.  The problem is growth is not the game they're in. They'...

Morgan Penn talks quitting her corporate career to become a sexologist

15 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After a decade in a career, it’s perhaps not unusual that you’d consider doing something different, but some career changes can be bolder ...

Amanda Morrall: What makes someone good with money?

15 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After a decade in a career, it’s perhaps not unusual that you’d consider doing something different, but some career changes can be bolder ...

Inside Amazon’s AI chip lab! Could AWS overtake Nvidia?

15 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY] I’m in Texas to visit Amazon Web Service’s computer chip design lab to see how it’s f...

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the increase in companies listing on stock exchanges

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After a couple of dire years, a growing number of companies are listing on the relevant stock exchanges. An IPO is a key source of funding for compani...

Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large speculates about upcoming GDP

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The GDP for Q1 is set to drop next week - and experts are feeling confident about the state of the economy. Predictions from economists claim figures ...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 13th May

12 Jun 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 ...

Unlocking the middleverse: The Publicis playbook for the next wave of digital advertising

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As chief data officer for Australia and New Zealand at Publicis Groupe, Maurice Riley stands at the intersection of data, technology, and advertising ...

Comedian Chris Parker: ' I'm going end Tall Poppy Syndrome by just saying it doesn't exist'

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, multi-talented entertainer Chris Parker shares his best and worst money stories with Liam Dann, from his first childhood job starring in a ...

Justin Flitter: NewZealand.AI founder on the applications and benefits of AI in business

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There’s been plenty of buzz around AI in the last few years.  The most recent headlines have been highlighting its evils, such as the creat...

Katrina King: Franchise Association CEO on franchising in New Zealand

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As more people take the leap to owning their own businesses, many seem to be buying into already established brands.  Data suggests the business ...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the concerns surrounding new KiwiSaver changes

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are fears Finance Minister Nicola Willis is opening a can of worms by potentially allowing young farmers to dip into their KiwiSavers to buy far...

Kerre Woodham: Is it feasible to leave your job and buy a business?

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you turned up to work yesterday, first day of a new week, with a bad case of Mondayitis, feeling like you're getting nowhere working for the man, t...

Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist speculates about the future of interest rates

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Acting Reserve Bank Governor Christian Hawkesby left experts speculating about the future of interest rates following the recent OCR cut. More banks h...

Chris Small: ABC Business Sales CEO on the rising number of people looking to purchase businesses

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Now is the time to sell your business.  According to ABC Business Sales, the number of buyers enquiring about purchases is up 30%.  Demand i...

Richard McIntyre: Federated Farmers' banking spokesperson on the petition urging the Government to change KiwiSaver rules for farmers

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Federated Farmers has launched a petition calling for KiwiSaver rules to be changed to help young farmers get their foot on the ladder. The petition&r...

Ian Cassels: Director of The Wellington Company on the impact of increased rates on businesses

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Wellington City Council is being called on to review its rating system over fears increased rates are driving businesses out of the capital. Newly rel...

Inside Zuru’s empire: Toys, tariffs & trademarks

08 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY] Zuru CEO Nick Mowbray takes us inside its empire in Los Angeles, where thousands of toys are on display...

Rupert Carlyon: "Investing can be extremely simple"

08 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tim Beveridge is joined by Koura Wealth founder, Rupert Carlyon, to discuss the inner workings of a KiwiSaver fund and how to best use KiwiSaver. LIST...

What you need to know about investing this year with Sharesies' Leighton Roberts

08 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sharemarkets have been like the wild west this year. We’re told to ‘buy the dip’ because that’s when shares are on a big brisc...

Can tech save Welly?

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Wellington, once a vibrant hub for New Zealand’s tech innovation, has faced stagnation in recent years.  Last week, a packed audience at a ...

Peter Mersi: IRD Commissioner on the department cracking down on unpaid tax bills

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Inland Revenue's cracking down on unpaid tax bills.  It's been allocated an extra $35 million in Budget 25 to boost its tax compliance and collec...

Stephen Jacobi_ former trade negotiator on Labour criticising the Government for

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Labour has slammed the Government for not getting a better trade deal out of the current Trump administration. New Zealand currently has to pay a 10 p...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 6th May

05 Jun 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 ...

Vision for Wellington - tech and innovation panel May 2025

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A panel discussion hosted by Vision for Wellington on the future of the city and how tech and innovation can help reinvigorate the city's fortunes - f...

2degrees boss Mark Callendar: 'I didn’t set out to be a CEO. That was a bit of a Sliding Doors moment'

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, the chief executive of 2degrees, Mark Callendar, shares his best and worst money stories with Liam Dann, including his unusual path to runn...

Experts push back against WorkSafe reforms - as research warns of potential for a Pike River repeat

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A new study suggests that another Pike River mine disaster is likely. The Victoria University of Wellington researchers say the failures that lead to ...

Oliver Hartwich: New Zealand Initiative executive director on the impact of the Trump tariffs

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Business leaders across New Zealand have voiced concerns that Donald Trump's tariffs could have a more severe global impact than the Covid-19 pandemic...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on homeowners needing to pay extra to fund the Natural Hazards Commission

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Homeowners need to brace for another cost increase, this time to help fund the state disaster insurer, the Natural Hazards Commission. The minister re...

Leeann Watson: Business Canterbury CEO on signs of recovery in the region, WorkSafe changes

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Leeann Watson, CEO of Business Canterbury, joined John MacDonald to give a quarterly update.  Are we seeing signs of recovery in Canterbury? What...

The Huddle: Are the new WorkSafe changes a step too far?

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight on The Huddle, Rob Campbell and Maurice Williamson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Will we read Ja...

John MacDonald: The dangers of tinkering with Health and Safety

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If there’s anyone who shouldn't be told they can wind things back on the health and safety front, it’s a New Zealander.   Because gen...

Todd Hammington: The secret to employee retention

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Career progression is a significant thing to consider for most people - whether they could develop as much as they'd like at their current job, or if ...

The true cost of owning pets and where to find savings

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Owning a pet can bring aso much joy to your life - but it can also bring some big expenses.  Some people can spend a fortune on their pets, and a...

EP10: Business & Wellness Without the BS

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Make way for Beatrice Thorne, beautiful brain that founded Eve Wellness - yes, the brand with the colourful jars! Grab your Suntory Boss Cof...

How Stabicraft is riding the boat buying wave

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY] From Invercargill to Alaska, this iconic New Zealand aluminium boat business is expanding into North Am...

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on Donald Trump's tariffs being blocked by US federal court

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A US federal court's blocked Donald Trump's global tariffs from going into effect - ruling the President overstepped his authority. The Court of Inter...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 30th May

29 May 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 ...

Georgia Lines:  'I never considered swapping music for something that might make more sense financially'

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Liam is joined by singer-songwriter Georgia Lines, who shares her best and worst money stories - from starting her own businesses as a teen...

Art or algorithm? Navigating the creative crossroads in the age of AI

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If the novelty of seeing AI-generated videos popping up in our newsfeeds has started towear off, Google has something new for you to feast your eyes o...

OCR cut again as global uncertainty continues - so what's the outlook for our economy?

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank has cut the Official Cash Rate 25-basis-points -- to 3.25 percent. That's the lowest it's been since August 2022 – though there...

Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister discusses the OCR cut, superannuation, public service leaks

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Christopher Luxon remains hopeful the latest cut in the OCR isn't the last.  The Reserve Bank's dropped the Official Cash Rate 25 basis points to...

Chris Hipkins: Labour Leader on Winston Peters ruling out Labour, KiwiSaver changes, Minister for the South Island

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Labour's yet to rule potential coalition partners in or out.  New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is refusing to work with Chris Hipkins next...

Christian Hawkesby: Acting Reserve Bank Governor on the OCR cut, future developments

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Don't bank on further cuts to the Official Cash Rate.  The Reserve Bank's dropped the OCR 25 basis points to 3.25%, and is now forecasting it cou...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the Reserve Bank's OCR statement

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank delivered their quarterly update on the OCR - but there was a hawkish undertone this time round, according to experts. The central ba...

Remy Morgan: Milford Asset Management spokesperson on the market reactions to the latest OCR cut

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank cut the Official Cash Rate by 25 basis points to 3.25 percent. The markets had already priced a rates cut in - but there was some unc...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics principal economist on the future of superannuation

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The 2025 Budget has come and gone, but the Finance Minister has confirmed raising the superannuation age was still on National’s radar after the...

Mark Mitchell: Police Minister clarifies controversial police memo regarding retail crime

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Police Minister is attempting to clarify the meaning of a memo to staff on lower-value retail crime cases. The nation-wide directive told staff no...

Mike Jones: BNZ Chief Economist ahead of today's OCR announcement

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

BNZ's the latest bank to drop its home loan rates, anticipating a change to the Official Cash Rate this afternoon.   The Reserve Bank's expected ...

Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist ahead of latest Reserve Bank OCR decision

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

All eyes will be on the Reserve Bank tomorrow afternoon, when stand-in Reserve Bank Governor Christian Hawkesby delivers the bank's latest monetary po...

EP09: The Core & Raw of Business

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Georgia welcomes Margo Flanagan, one of the sisters of Two Raw Sisters for a real and raw chat! Grab your Suntory Boss Coffee - It's brewed ...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the prospect of changing NZ Super ahead of the election

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nicola Willis says National still hasn't decided on its superannuation policy ahead of next year's election. The Finance Minister says keeping eligibi...

Mark Mitchell: Police Minister on the new shoplifting directives

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Police Minister is reassuring retailers officers will still turn up to reports of shoplifting.  RNZ reports staff have been directed to not i...

Blair MacDonald: Superintendent addresses confusion caused by police shoplifting memo changes

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Police say they can't get to all retail crime - after revelations revealed they won't investigate some lower-level crimes.  RNZ reports staff hav...

Sunny Kaushal: Retail Crime Advisory Group Chair on the new Police directive for shoplifting

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Retailers are seeking clarity on a Police directive on shoplifting.  RNZ reports police staff have been told to not investigate allegations of th...

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on the market response to the new tariff threats

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On Friday, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose 50 percent tariffs on the EU from June 1 due to slow progress on discussion. He also threate...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the Government's alleged $700m hole in the Budget

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Infometrics' Principal Economist says the Government's not entirely ignoring the lack of budget funding allocated for lifting KiwiSaver employer contr...

Mike's Minute: Luxon might be fighting the wrong battle with super

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It is suggested Peter Dutton in Australia lost the election because of his nuclear issue and work from home policies. I personally think he lost becau...

Martin Hawes: "No incentive for self-employed people to join KiwiSaver"

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government is increasing the default KiwiSaver contributions for employees and employers, while halving their own contributions.  Employee an...

"Where do we draw the line?": Expert says foreign buyer policies and golden visas need consideration

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Data shows New Zealand could be losing out on foreign capital with uncertainty around residential property rules for overseas buyers.  So what ar...

The Panel with Brad Olsen & Wilhelmina Shrimpton: Budget talks, Te Pati Maori MPs punishment

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Panel, Tim Beveridge is joined by Brad Olsen and Wilhelmina Shrimpton to discuss changes to Kiwisaver and Jobseeker benefits from the...

What KiwiSaver changes and more means testing means for your savings

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government has unveiled the latest Budget, and it is full of things that are likely to affect your back pocket in one way or another – with ...

Politics Friday with Megan Woods and Matt Doocey: KiwiSaver, means testing, what the budget means for Canterbury

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today Megan Woods and Matt Doocey joined John MacDonald following the release of the budget. They discussed the key aspects of it including changes to...

Michael Littlewood: Pensions should never be means tested

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Budget didn't bring any changes to the pension - but Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has doubled down on his support for raising the age.  L...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on raising the retirement age, outsourcing surgeries, the Northern Motorway speed limit and more

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Finance Minister Nicola Willis talks to Mike Hosking about the week's big issues after the budget announcement last week.  Health New Zealand's a...

Andrew Kelleher: JMI Wealth Director on New Zealand's economic signals

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand's economic recovery is now forecast to be slower than the half year update.  Unemployment is slated to peak at 5.4 percent in the Jun...

Jason Walls: Political Editor on where Labour stands on pay equity

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Opposition leader Chris Hipkins wouldn’t confirm his party’s commitment of returning the $13 billion taken from pay equity schemes by the ...