The SME Stream
Episodes
Nicola Willis: Economic Growth Minister on the unemployment rate reaching 5.3%
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Economic Growth Minister's confident the economy will turn a corner soon. Unemployment's reached 5.3% in the September quarter – the h...
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on why the US share market dropped this week
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The US share market took a hit this week, with leading AI companies seeing a decline. Market darlings Palantir and chip behemoth Nvidia were among the...
Katherine Rich: Business NZ CEO on the increase in people taking sick leave
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Those who are in work are taking more sick leave. New research by Southern Cross Health Insurance and Business NZ has found an average staff mem...
Alan McDonald: EMA Head of Advocacy on Kiwis taking more sick days than ever before
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Assurance news of a rise in Kiwis calling in sick indicates a positive cultural shift. A Business NZ and Southern Cross report shows workers are...
How KiwiSaver cash ends up backing countries accused of human rights abuses
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A chance for New Zealand to lead change the world in ‘ethical investing’. As of last year, more than half a billion dollars of New Zealand...
Mike Jones: BNZ Chief Economist on unemployment expected to hit nine year high
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Unemployment has hopefully almost reached its peak. Latest Stats NZ data is expected to show unemployment has reached 5.3% in the September quarter. T...
The Huddle: Can we really measure unpaid labour?
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tonight on The Huddle, Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues...
Leonora Risse: Canberra University economics professor on the cost of unpaid labour
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New research out of Australia has revealed the cost of unpaid household labour - and it's a high figure not recognised in economics statistics. These ...
Max Whitehead: Be careful when placing a complaint with HR
02 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dame Noeline Taurua was stood down as the coach of the Silver Ferns in September due to 'significant issues' in the team. After many public statements...
Debbie Roberts: CGT wouldn't be the end of the world
02 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Labour has introduced their Capital Gains Tax policy after it was leaked to the media last week. If implemented, it would mean a 28% tax on any ...
Crypto 101: Should you buy Bitcoin?
02 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bitcoin has cracked six figures in US dollars, but does all the hype mean it's a good investment. Janine Granger, co-founder of Easy Crypto, joi...
SME Stream Wrap - 31 October
30 Oct 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 ...
John MacDonald: Employers should be able to hire whoever they want
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever since the 1930s, when American soldiers were based all around the world, people in many countries have been antsy about foreigners getting what a...
Rocket Lab at 20: From pipe dream to $50 billion space empire
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rocket Lab is on the brink of turning 20 – and what began as one man’s dream in an Invercargill garage is now a Nasdaq-listed global space...
Is Labour's new policy a watered down capital gains tax?
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Labour has announced what some are describing a “watered down” version of a Capital Gains Tax. This targeted CGT would affect profit made ...
Chris Hipkins: Labour leader on the party proposing a Capital Gains Tax to fund free doctors' visits
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Hipkins is confident Labour's Capital Gains Tax policy can cover three free GP visits every year. The party's announced a policy for next year's...
Bruce Bernacchi: Dentons Tax Partner reviews potential impact of Labour's Capital Gains Tax
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Early this morning, the Labour Party made a surprise Capital Gains Tax announcement. The targeted tax would raise funds for the health system, includi...
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister voices concerns with Labour's capital gains tax policy
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Governing parties have been quick to condemn Labour's proposed capital gains tax policy. The opposition announced the policy for next year's ele...
Geof Nightingale: independent tax expert weighs up Labour's proposal for capital gains tax
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The rate Labour settled on for its capital gains tax policy is partially below the recommendation made by the tax working group six years ago. The pro...
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on when we can expect to see the economy recovering
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's been a tough couple of years for the economy, but there's hope things will pick up sooner rather than later. There's been an improved outlook on ...
Phil Goff: former Labour leader on Labour's CGT policy
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A former Labour leader says there'll be a sense a relief among many to see a new capital gains tax policy. Labour's announced the policy for next year...
Simon Ansley: Head of Foreign Director Investment for Invest New Zealand discusses new investments in energy infrastructure
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Malaysian company 'Yinson Renewables' is set to invest in a new pipeline of projects totalling one gigawatt of wind energy - almost doubling New Zeala...
Rachel Simpson: Business NZ Immigration Specialist talks government getting tougher of businesses wanting to recruit migrants
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Belief that both employers and the Government need to up their game to ensure Kiwis are being hired before migrants. The Immigration Minster's g...
Janet Xuccoa: What's the point of a trust?
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trusts are hardly mentioned outside of when wealth tax is in the news, or when someone mentions their accountant told them to get one. One side of the...
A meaningful funeral doesn't have to break the bank
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Funerals have become one of the most expensive life events in New Zealand — and for families already stretched, the cost of saying goodbye can a...
(#81) The Subscription Trap: How Recurring Costs Are Draining Your Profits
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are subscriptions quietly draining your bank account? In this episode of Make It Happen thanks to Uber One! , I reveal how I uncovered over $400 a mon...
Christopher Luxon: PM discusses ASEAN summit to finalise 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership'
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Prime Minister's set to finalise a deal strengthening our diplomatic and trading ties with 11 South East Asian countries, as he meets with leaders...
Todd McClay: Trade Minister discusses impact of ASEAN summitt on NZ-South East Asia trade relations
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's set to get easier for New Zealand businesses trading in South East Asia, as the Prime Minister's in Malaysia to finalise a regional deal. Chris L...
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on Labour announcing a capital gains tax
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's unclear how much the Labour government will raise, from its just announced new capital gains tax. The targeted tax would apply to profit made fro...
Matt Montgomerie: Forsyth Barr Senior Analyst on Fonterra proposed sale
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand's economy could look to benefit from Fonterra’s proposed sale. The proposed sale of Anchor and Mainland brands to French company Lac...
James Jordan: Housies co-founder on the new investment platform designed to get people on the property ladder
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kiwis will be able to buy a share in a house for as little as $100 with a new investment platform launched today that promises to break down the barri...
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert reveals why 'quality stocks' are trading at a cheaper level
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
'Quality stocks' such as healthcare companies are trading at their cheapest level relative to the market in decades. This is taking place while market...
SME Stream Wrap - 24 October
23 Oct 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 pilot to payoff: “Five times return on our AI investment”
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been a year since AI agents burst onto the tech scene, driven largely by the vision and product roadmap of Salesforce founder Marc Benioff,...
Ryan Bridge: How do we possibly save for retirement?
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Massey Uni releases these numbers each year. They tell you how much you might need to retirement. In the city... two people in a house... ...
Dr. Claire Matthews: Associate professor's new report says Kiwisaver can be great for retirement, if used correctly
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new report reveals the importance of contributing to Kiwisaver after buying a first home. The Retirement Expenditure Guidelines from Massey Un...
Kerre Woodham: It's concerning if this is the best Labour can do
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Labour released some policies yesterday. Very late in the piece, and you can kind of see why. Just like that, we're back to 2017 with a cut and...
Pattrick Smellie: BusinessDesk managing editor on the reactions to Labour's new Future Fund
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Labour unveiled their first major policy a year out from the 2026 election, and it's prompted mixed reactions from experts. Some have lambasted the pr...
'Power prices are the real headline': Why 3% inflation feels worse
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Inflation has risen even further. Latest Stats NZ figures show inflation reached 3% in the year to September. Economists had tipped to hit the top end...
(#80) The $3,000 Startup That Sold 100,000 Gift Boxes: The Celebration Box Story
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you turn a $3,000 idea into 100,000 sales in under three years? In this episode of Make It Happen thanks to Uber One, I take you behind the sce...
Liam Dann: New Zealand Herald Business Editor-at-large discusses annual inflation peak
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Annual inflation has risen to a 15-month high of 3%. Economists had been expecting inflation to reach or surpass the 3% upper limit of the Reser...
The Huddle: Is Labour's Future Fund a good idea?
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of th...
Chris Hipkins: Labour leader on the party's newly-announced Future Fund
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
More investment in New Zealand businesses is Labour's announced goal in a policy released today. It's modelling the Future Fund off the existing Super...
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on the market response to the inflation data
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recent Stats NZ data shows annual inflation hit three percent in September - the upper limit of the Reserve Bank's target range. This has sparked mixe...
Adrienne Begbie: Prospa Managing Director on Labour's Future Fund
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Belief that small businesses are the backbone of New Zealand but are under-served in current Government schemes. Labour has pledged to launch a ...
Robbie Paul: Icehouse Venture Chief Executive questions supposed gap in capital market
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are concerns that Labour's trying to fix a capital problem that kiwis don't have. The party's pitching a $200million Future Fund that re-i...
Ed McKnight: Be careful fixing for too long
19 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After yet another OCR cut, economists and mortgage holders alike are holding their breath for December - the last announcement of the year. A ne...
Chris Wilson: Tech and AI should be changing your KiwiSaver plans
19 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tech stocks have been leading the charge recently, and with the way AI is headed, it's unlikely it will slow down any time soon. So if you're a ...
The secret to getting mortgage-free faster (and it’s not rate cuts)
19 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recent cuts to the Official Cash Rate and the potential for more to come will be a relief for many borrowers, but the real game changer in getting mor...
Cameron Bagrie: Independent economist comments on interest rate cuts
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Economic consultancy Infometrics says the impacts of the latest OCR cut probably won't be felt until mid to late next year - by which point the econom...
Gareth Kiernan: Infometrics Chief Forecaster warns of risk to rise in inflation
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are fears that inflation could come back into the picture as the OCR falls. Infometrics expects the OCR to fall to 2.25% next month - it's...
SME Stream Wrap - 17 October
16 Oct 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 ...
Steady hands, not knee-jerk bans: Brainbox’s approach to AI regulation
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The call for dedicated regulations governing artificial intelligence has grown louder as the technology’s power to disrupt industries and societ...
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the Reserve Bank modelling finds Covid-era money printing didn't cause inflation to spike
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Reserve Bank recently disputed the idea that Covid-era money printing programme caused sky-high inflation, which cost the Government billions. Sta...
Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on reports claiming the RBA won't cut interest rates til 2026
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New reports indicate the Reserve Bank of Australia won't be cutting interest rates until at least February 2026. Employment remains high and inflation...
David Cunningham: Squirrel Mortgages CEO on the Reserve Bank easing loan-to-value-ratio restrictions
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Reserve Bank's continuing to change its approach to preventing risky lending. It's further easing loan-to-value-ratio restrictions, allowing...
(#79) When should I hire my first team member?
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Thinking about hiring your first team member? Get it wrong and it can drain your cash and slow your growth. Get it right and it can transform your bus...
Gail Pacheco: Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner reveals how DEI can boost productivity
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner recently penned an opinion piece in defence of DEI amid ongoing concerns about the measures. Winston P...
Tony Morris: Inland Revenue spokesperson on the IRD taking money from people's bank accounts
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The IRD is set to be cracking down harder on those who don't pay their taxes properly, and they've unveiled new measures for people who ignore corresp...
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on Fletcher Building posting a 'gloomy' quarterly update
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fletcher Building's issued a gloomy trading update, marked with trading slumps, market falls and low sales volumes. The company's now aiming for a fur...
Amanda Morrall: There's more to life besides money
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
An interesting report came out this week about budgets: the average household spending has only gone up two dollars a week since 2023. 50-percent of r...
The Money Mentalist on the stories we tell ourselves about money
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We like to think about money in terms of simple maths: earn more, spend less, invest the difference. But the main influence on your bank balance goes ...
Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business Editor on the OCR cut, inflation
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Reserve Bank's continuing to walk a fine line, with its move to cut the OCR 50-basis points to 2.5%. Economic data suggests inflation has no...
Kerre Woodham: OCR cuts have not restored the most important thing - confidence
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hopes for an economic recovery have been given a significant boost by yesterday's decision from the Reserve Bank to frontload cuts to the official cas...
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the growing concerns surrounding AI investments
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Artificial intelligence technology continues to attract attention from investors, but there's growing concerns over an 'AI bubble' situation. Official...
Barbara Edmonds: Labour's Finance Spokesperson on the OCR falling to 2.5%, inflation
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Reserve Bank's cut the OCR 50-basis-points to 2.5%, despite acknowledging inflation is above or almost above where they'd like it. Finance M...
SME Stream Wrap - 10 October
09 Oct 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 ...
Rebuilding With AI: Grief, creativity, and the rise of a digital life companion
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Wellington artist and animator Chelfyn Baxter has turned the darkest year of his life into a pioneering experiment in human-AI partnership, one fuelle...
Closing the books: the best of Money Talks, 2025
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For the final episode of season eight, Liam is joined by Money Talks producer Jane Yee to look back at the best bits of the show for 2025. ...
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the OCR being cut to 2.5%, potential inflation spikes
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Finance Minister says she's okay with a short spike in inflation. The Reserve Bank has slashed the cash rate 50-basis-points to 2.5% and is ...
Chris Small: ABC Business Sales CEO on the impac of the OCR being cut to 2.5%
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The biggest upshot of the latest OCR cut is likely to be the boost to consumer confidence. The Reserve Bank's slashed the cash rate by 50-basis-...
Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on what the latest OCR cut means for the economy
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Reserve Bank has cut the OCR by 50 basis points to 2.5 percent, despite acknowledging inflation is still above where they'd like it. Finance Minis...
Remy Morgan: Milford Asset Management expert on the market reactions to the 50bp OCR cut
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Reserve Bank today slashed the OCR by 50 basis points to 2.5 percent, prompting markets to make readjustments. This recent cut wasn't full priced ...
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Today's OCR cut comes better late than never
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Good news - the Reserve Bank has finally done the thing many of us thought was necessary, and they've gone for a double cut in the OCR of 50 basis poi...
(#78) How to Scale From Side Hustle to Full-Time Business
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder why some entrepreneurs stay stuck making $2-3K/month for YEARS while others replace their salary in 6-12 months? It's not luck or a better...
How the Reserve Bank’s next move could shape economic recovery ahead
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Reserve Bank is expected to cut the Official Cash Rate today, but how deeply it will cut remains to be seen. Markets are pricing in the cut as a c...
Hamish McKay: The Country spokesperson on the state of New Zealand's trade deal with India
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trade Minister Todd McClay has confirmed trade negotiations with India are progressing - but there's still a ways to go. New Zealand and Indian trade ...
Mils Muliaina: former All Black talks new role on Auckland Business Chamber
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Former All Black Mils Muliaina is set to trade rugby fields for the boardroom as he steps into his new role. He recently joined the Auckland Business ...
Leah Gates: Auckland Business Chamber COO on the tough job market impacting young workers
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Auckland Business Chamber’s bracing for the new incentive to encourage more teens to join its youth employment programme. It uses its busine...
The credit card cult with Luke Kemeys
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The best way to get the most out of your credit card? Cut it up. That’s the advice from Luke Kemeys, accountant and host of the ‘Keep the ...
Viv Beck: Heart of the City Chief Executive says business need public by-laws to be enforced
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Auckland city centre store owners believe homelessness, anti-social behaviour and not enough police is crippling their trade. Heart of the City survey...
SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 3 October
02 Oct 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 ...
Making your house work for you in retirement
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asset-rich but cash-poor? You’re not alone. Cam Bagrie, founder of Equity Release NZ, joins Nadine to talk about the growing range of ways...
Beating the algorithm: Recruitment in the age of AI
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How is AI reshaping recruitment in New Zealand, and what must candidates do to stand out in a crowded digital job market? This week’s epis...
Nigel Latta 'What matters is time with people you love' (reissue)
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In May, we launched this season of Money Talks with Nigel Latta - clinical psychologist, author, broadcaster, and friend of host Liam Dann. With the s...
Leeann Watson and Viv Beck: Business Canterbury CEO and Heart of the City CEO on rejuvenating a city
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The state of central cities is a big issue as local body elections loom. Both Wellington and Auckland’s CBDs are suffering, with the perce...
Simon Watts: Energy Minister on the Government's new energy sector announcement
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Government's opted against a significant energy shake-up - rejecting calls to re-nationalise or split up the big gentailers. Instead, it'll ...
Mike Roan: Meridian CEO on the Government's measures to tackle issues in the energy sector
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Government's opted against a significant energy shake-up -- rejecting calls to re-nationalise or split up the big gentailers. Instead, it'l...
Jon Duffy and Alan McDonald: Consumer NZ CEO and EMA Head of Advocacy on the Government's plan to address energy sector issues
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Government finally unveiled its plan to address issues impacting the energy sector, and it's prompted a mixed response. The country's largest powe...
Michael Luke: Milford Asset Management expert on the market reactions to the Government's energy announcement
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Government recently unveiled its highly-anticipated energy sector announcement and it's prompted good news for the energy companies. The share pri...
Huia Burt: Electric Kiwi CEO on sector disappointed with government's energy reform
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Disappointment the Government's energy reforms haven't prioritised keeping electricity prices down. Changes include allowing Crown-controlled gentaile...
Politics Friday with Hamish Campbell and Tracey McLellan: Power costs, economy, Mood of the Boardroom, Christchurch Hospital ED
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Much has happened this week, so National’s Hamish Campbell and Labour’s Tracey McLellan joined John MacDonald to delve into the biggest is...
Eric Crampton: NZ Initiative Chief Economist on the report looking at the Reserve Bank's handling of Covid inflation
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Reserve Bank has been learning lessons from its handling of the Covid pandemic. Chief Economist Paul Conway says they now have a deeper unde...
Richard Wagstaff: Council of Trade Unions President on the Government's upcoming announcement on energy sector reform
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The CTU's head says excessive dividends for shareholders are stopping power companies investing more in generation. The union says the partially...
Mike Fuge: Contact Energy CEO on the Government's reforms for the energy sector
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There's hopes that investment will flow into the energy sector once Government reforms are announced. Energy Minister Simon Watts will unveil th...
Karen Boyes: Major Electricity Users' Group Executive Director talks expected energy sector reforms
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The energy sector's hopeful that Government reforms will be bold, and address their concerns. Energy Minister Simon Watts is expected to announc...
Mike Collins: Business South CEO on the launch of the Invest Ōtepoti Dunedin plan
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A fresh blueprint has been developed to boost Dunedin's future. Business South's new targets include delivering more than 15 thousand high-valu...
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: We need to talk about how the Reserve Bank stuffed up
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Now, we need to talk about the Reserve Bank's excuses for how it completely stuffed up its job and let inflation get away on it during Covid. We spoke...
Ryan Bridge: We need more than agriculture to be successful
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There’s nothing quite like watching a well-thought-out strategy come together and work. And hats off to South Korea this morning — they&rs...
Martin Hawes: Does a new Reserve Bank governor even matter?
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new governor has been appointed for the Reserve Bank of New Zealand - all the way from Sweden. Dr Anna Breman has already received criticism f...