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The SME Stream
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Episodes
The SME StreamJenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on why the Reserve Bank left the OCR on hold
Higher mortgage rates have given the Reserve Bank a 'bit of breathing space', its chief economist says. Paul Conway, one of the Reserve Bank committee members…
The SME StreamTodd McClay: Trade Minister on the new round of tariffs proposed by Donald Trump
The Trade Minister believes the US is simply looking for a new reason to reintroduce tariffs. The Trump administration announced a new 12.5% tariff on dozens…
The SME StreamBrendon Crompton: Blue Light Ventures CEO on the Government's investment in reducing child and youth offending through sport and recreation
A youth programme leader is delighted to see the Government prioritise early intervention through sport. Sport and Police Minister Mark Mitchell has confirmed…
The SME StreamKristy Phillips: Hospitality NZ CEO on the number of businesses closing their doors over the last year
The hospitality squeeze continues, with a flurry of closures. Credit reporting agency Centrix says liquidations are up 49 percent year-on-year. Cafes…
The SME StreamThe superannuation reckoning
Should the retirement age rise to 67? Liam Dann and Tamsyn Parker discuss the growing cost of NZ Super and whether younger generations are being asked to foot…
The SME StreamNicola Willis: Finance Minister on whether the TSB and Heartland merger will boost banking competition
TSB and Heartland Bank are looking to join forces by the end of the year. TSB owner Toi Foundation's seeking feedback on the plan to join with Heartland Bank…
The SME StreamWhat Budget 2026 means for tax | Tue 2 Jun
Deloitte's Robyn Walker on tax changes and how they'll affect kiwi businesses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The SME StreamYour morning markets update with Forsyth Barr | Tue 2 Jun
Investment strategist, Zoe Wallis says there may be cause for optimisim in global markets. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The SME StreamRené de Monchy: Tourism NZ CEO on the increased spending by international tourists, focus on the luxury market
New Zealand's cementing itself as a premium tourism destination. Market data from Grand View Research estimates our luxury travel market brought in more than…
The SME StreamVicky Price: Business Correspondent on rising oil prices, jet fuel stocks
Airlines are taking another hit from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Oil prices jumped 7% after an Iranian news agency announced Tehran has suspended…
The SME StreamClaire Matthews: Massey University banking professor on whether the merger between Heartland and TSB will boost competition
There's a view a merger by Heartland and TSB won't hand the big four banks a massive blow. Heartland Bank has struck a deal to buy TSB for $620 million…
The SME StreamKent Duston: Banking Reform Coalition Convener on Heartland striking a deal to purchase TSB and form a new banking entity
A banking expert says a TSB–Heartland Bank merger may not transform the market but could still be a good thing for Kiwis. Heartland has struck a deal to…
The SME StreamLatest consumer confidence pulse-check shows confidence lifting | Tue 2 Jun
ANZ reckons the bounce in consumer confidence comes from a small relative decline in petrol prices for May. 2degrees business wrap with Garth Bray. See…
The SME StreamNick Crawford: Households will have to anticipate higher cost-of-living pressures
This week's budget announcement had a focus on sorting out the books, and no straight sugar hits for individuals. Infrastructure, healthcare and education…
The SME StreamThe Panel: A bland budget, harbour bridge protests and OCR decisions
This week on The Panel, Tim Beveridge is joined by Newstalk ZB's Resident Builder Pete Wolfkamp and NZ Gardener editor Jo McCarroll to discuss the biggest…
The SME StreamThe crypto tax problem nobody warned you about
The IRD is ramping up crypto enforcement and some investors are discovering they owe tax on gains that have long since disappeared. Crypto tax specialist Tim…
The SME StreamNo handouts, no hype: Why this is the Broccoli Budget
Infrastructure and health are the big priorities in this year's Budget, as banks face a new levy, and cuts take shape. There are no specific cost-of-living…
The SME StreamSimon Watts: Auckland Minister says Budget 2026 delivers for Auckland, despite Mayor's pessimism
The Government says this year's budget especially strengthens Auckland's role as New Zealand's economic engine room. They point out that they're investing in…
The SME Stream(#104) I Don't Know What to Sell (5 Ways to Find Your Million Dollar Product Idea)
Not knowing what to sell is one of the biggest reasons people never start. In this episode I share the exact five methods I have used to identify every product…
The SME StreamChristopher Luxon: Prime Minister on accusations NZ's freeloading off the US military, Budget 2026,
“We choose our defence spending and no one else,” the Prime Minister says as the United States continues to pressure other nations, including New…
The SME StreamPaul Stenhouse: Anthropic announces $65 billion funding around, DuckDuckGo users spike as Google moves to replace search with AI
Move over ChatGPT, Claude is now the #1 Anthropic announced a new $65 billion funding round, bringing their valuation to $965 billion and making their company…
The SME StreamKerre Woodham: As far as Budgets in tough times go, this was a pretty good one
As far as Budgets in economically precarious times go, I thought it was a pretty good one. And save yourself the 20 cents, anonymous texter. I can see you…
The SME StreamSharon Zollner: ANZ Chief Economist addresses Nicola Willis' surplus hopes
While presenting Budget 2026, Finance Minister Nicola Willis shared a prediction that New Zealand will reach a $2.6 billion surplus by 2028-29. ANZ Chief…
The SME StreamThe SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 29 May
As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina O'Keeffe each week as she gives you a rundown of…
The SME StreamKerre Woodham: Was holding the OCR the right decision?
So what would you rather? A little bit of pain now or a whole lot more later? The Reserve Bank yesterday opted to keep the official cash rate at 2.25%, but the…
The SME StreamShane Jones: NZ First Deputy Leader explains why the party won't budge on New Zealand Super
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has described superannuation as a 'time bomb' that is here now and political parties need to be honest about it. Delivering the…
The SME StreamNicola Willis: Finance Minister says growth and higher wages will come following Budget 2026
The surplus train's left the station early in Budget news today, with the country expected to be out of deficit by 2028/29, a year ahead of predictions…
The SME StreamThe Huddle: What did we make of Budget 2026?
Tonight on The Huddle, NZ Herald senior correspondent Katie Bradford and Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson joined in on a discussion about the following…
The SME StreamWinston Peters: Minister for Rail and Foreign Affairs on what he got across the line in the Budget, the situation in the Middle East
Over $1 billion allocated for KiwiRail's planned network investments in the Budget means “all the things we want to upgrade are going to happen&rdquo…
The SME StreamUnion warns of lasting damage from Budget 2026
While everyone counts the dollars and tries to make sense of Budget 2026 – there are thousands of public servants staring down losing their jobs. In her…
The SME StreamRBNZ Governor on OCR split decision | Thu 28 May
Ryan Bridge interviews the RBNZ boss on her captain's on the OCR and rates expected to rise faster than forecast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy…
The SME StreamThree external votes against the RBNZ governor on OCR | Thu 28 May
Katie Bradford speaking to Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold about OCR yesterday and Budget today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The SME StreamChris Hipkins: Labour leader responds to Budget 2026
Labour leader Chris Hipkins is not impressed by the Budget. The party's promising an alternative fiscal plan, but says it will be more than a few weeks away…
The SME StreamEarnings week so far, plus RBNZ market reaction with Ben Crozier Forsyth Barr | Thu 28 May
It was more the RBNZ coming to what the market was expecting rather than any surprise. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The SME StreamWillis must not add fuel to the fire - Ruth Richardson on Budget 2026 | Thu 28 May
Ruth Richardson weighs in ahead of today's Budget 2026 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The SME StreamRobyn Walker: Deloitte tax partner on the tax changes included in Budget 2026
A tax expert says it's good to draw a line under recent changes to charity rules. This year's Budget tweaks the Research and Development Tax Incentive…
The SME StreamNick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist on the Reserve Bank's decision to hold the OCR at 2.25%
ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley says the window for low mortgage rates has closed, with multiple Official Cash Rate hikes expected later this year following…
The SME StreamJamie Mackay: The Country host on what Budget 2026 can offer farmers
Budget 2026 was unveiled today, and there's discussion about what these changes mean for Kiwi farmers. The Government's revealed it plans to extend the Waikato…
The SME StreamBrad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on Budget 2026, return to surplus coming a year earlier than expected
Most households may not see any immediate direct benefit from the Budget. It shows a return to surplus in the 2028/29 financial year, a year sooner than…
The SME StreamIs Starlink eating rural NZ?
Starlink has quickly become the hero – and potential hazard – of rural broadband in New Zealand. In a few short years, Elon Musk’s low-Earth…
The SME StreamGet ready for the belt-tightening Budget 2026
Energy security. Financial security. International security. Social cohesion. These are the government’s priorities for Budget 2026 that Prime Minister…
The SME StreamAnna Breman: Reserve Bank Governor unpacks the decision to hold the Official Cash Rate at 2.25%
The Reserve Bank Governor is feeling good about her captain's call to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 2.25%. Anna Breman made the final decision after…
The SME StreamSteven Joyce: Former Finance Minister previews Budget 2026, backs public sector cuts
A Former Finance Minister expects this year's Budget to invest in health, education, and defence – with cuts elsewhere. Budget 2026 is being unveiled…
The SME StreamThe Country 27/05/26: Christopher Luxon talks to Jamie Mackay
The Prime Minister ponders today’s OCR announcement, tomorrow’s Budget, Labour’s own goal over horses and ducks, and the NZ First threat in…
The SME StreamF&P leads NZX50 Rally, Matthew Goodson Salt Funds Management | Wed 27 May
A significant slice of the NZX50 reports earnings this week, including heavyweights Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, Ryman Healthcare and Goodman Property. See…
The SME StreamHayden Wilson NZ Chair Dentons on budget expectations | Wed 27 May
If you can do something in KiwiSaver that will make people go that will make this a better place for my children, that's an effective political strategy' See…
The SME Stream'Mortgage rates going up in two weeks' says top economist | Wed 27 May
Tony Alexander, independent economist, joins the show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The SME StreamAnna Breman: Reserve Bank Governor on the decision to leave the OCR unchanged at 2.25 percent
The Reserve Bank Governor says she's mindful of the weak economy, as she weighs up Official Cash Rate settings. Anna Breman made the final call to keep the OCR…
The SME StreamMark Wilshire: Co-operative Bank CEO ahead of the Official Cash Rate announcement
Banks and economists expect the Official Cash Rate to hold at 2.25% despite global uncertainty. It's the first OCR announcement since conflict erupted in the…
The SME StreamJenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor speculates ahead of Budget 2026
Accountants are hopeful the Government will use the Budget to do something about the secret little wealth tax those with offshore investments are currently…
The SME StreamRemy Wisenberg: Milford Asset Management expert on the market reactions to the OCR staying in place
The Reserve Bank has opted to keep the OCR on hold at 2.25 percent today. Most markets had priced in a hold, but the views on what will happen next are split…
The SME StreamThe Country 27/05/26: Riley Kennedy talks to Jamie Mackay
We catch up with the senior journalist at BusinessDesk, as we say goodbye to the 2025/2026 dairy season, which he says was anything but dull. And tomorrow we…
The SME StreamToo much money or not enough business? | Wed 27 May
Something doesn't really add up on business investment in this country, says Ryan Bridge. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The SME StreamPerspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: When will the screws on the economy start turning?
Well, that Official Cash Rate decision is probably one of those moments where you find out whether you're a glass half-full or glass half-empty person. Because…
The SME StreamHow the $1.2b gas loan gamble could reshape big industry’s energy use
The Government's announced a $1.2 billion gas transition loan scheme – a big bet on keeping some of New Zealand’s most gas hungry businesses…
The SME StreamBudget 2026: Even grown-ups like presents at Christmas
Thursday's Budget is being illed as 'grown-up' with no lolly scrambles under a cloud of tough choices ahead. But with rising mortgage costs and stubborn…
The SME StreamResearch shows rising KiwiSaver satisfaction, but more hardship withdrawals | Tue 26 May
ConsumerNZ's Jon Duffy tells Herald NOW Business why Kiwis feel better about KiwiSaver even as many are dipping into savings. See omnystudio.com/listener for…
The SME StreamJamie Mackay: The Country host on Fonterra's opening shot for the 26/27 season forecast milk price
Rural lending specialist Rabobank expects the 2026-27 dairy season to be another strong one for farmgate milk prices, but says rising inflation will take its…
The SME StreamKelly Eckhold: Westpac Chief Economist ahead of the Official Cash Rate announcement
An economist believes the Reserve Bank should raise the Official Cash Rate today to control inflation. The bank will release its first Monetary Policy…
The SME StreamHi-tech industry now worth $24 billion | Tue 26 May
Paul Spain from Gorilla Technology on the $24 billion hi-tech industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.