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The SME Stream
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Episodes
The SME StreamMike Renfree: Raglan Chocolate Head Maker on the impact of fluctuating cocoa bean prices
As prices for everyone's favourite sweet treat soar, chocolate makers are searching to find cheaper alternatives. A Rabobank report reveals manufacturers are…
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Jonathan Eriksen: Superannuation expert on the retirement age and superannuation funding
A superannuation expert suggests the Government looks across the ditch for ways to maintain the retirement age. The Prime Minister took the opposite stance…
The SME StreamJane Wrightson: Retirement Commissioner on the need for care when changing the retirement age
The Retirement Commissioner is asking for a careful and considered approach for changing the retirement age. During his State of the Nation speech yesterday…
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Andrew Dickens: My thoughts on Luxon's State of the Nation speech
Election Year is off and running with Christopher Luxon’s State of the Nation address. We should know the election date later this week. What we do know is the…
The SME StreamNicola Willis: Finance Minister outlines goals for 2026
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has outlined her goals for the new year, as the Government prepares for the upcoming 2026 election. Willis is hoping Kiwi voters…
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Paul Joules: RaboResearch analyst on the rise in chocolate companies looking to develop alternatives
Chocolate products could be in for a shake-up, as manufacturers race to develop cocoa alternatives. A Rabobank report shows food companies are looking into new…
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Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber Chief Executive questions extent of economic relief ahead of State of the Nation speech
The business sector will want to know how the Government will support them - as the Prime Minister prepares for his State of the Nation speech. Chris Luxon…
The SME StreamNichole Lewis: No-consent granny flats are in, but should you get one?
The no-consent granny flat law changes came in this week. That means you can build an up-to-70sqm dwelling in your backyard without having to ask the council…
The SME StreamDon Brash: Former NZ Reserve Bank Governor on Anna Breman signing a letter of support for US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell
Don Brash says everyone should be concerned about political interference regarding matters at America's central bank. US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell…
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Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on the proposed closure of EB Games' New Zealand stores
Retail New Zealand's Chief Executive says the closure of Australian retailer EB Games would have a wide-reaching impact. The Australian video-game retailer's…
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Kelvin Davidson: Cotality's Chief Property Economist on house prices falling 1% in 2025
New Zealand may be in for a more positive property market in the new year. Cotality’s January Home Value Index shows that property values were down 1% in 2025…
The SME StreamReissue: Chlöe Swarbrick on the Green's economic plans and why NZ should consider a tax on the ultra-rich
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 idea has…
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Terry Collins: AA Fuel spokesperson says long awaited fuel price drop could be coming with major merger
Fuel providers NPD and Gull announced a proposed merger of the two entities on Wednesday, December 24. The decision now sits with the Commerce Commission as…
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Reissue: Vacant lots and empty stores: The dire state of Auckland CBD real estate revealed
Is New Zealand’s largest city dying? Auckland is home to roughly a third of the entire country’s population and is predicted to grow even bigger in…
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Todd McClay: Trade Minister celebrates new Free Trade Agreement with India
The Trade Minister claims our new Free Trade Agreement with India, is its best deal struck with any country. It's followed nine months of negotiations, ending…
The SME StreamHow to Rewire the Beliefs Holding You Back | Guest: Sarah Robb
The beliefs holding you back might have been formed long before you even realised they were there. In this episode, I sit down with coach and NLP practitioner…
The SME StreamDavid Seymour on politics, privacy, and being himself
Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour sits down with Paula Bennett for a wide-ranging conversation that goes well beyond politics. They talk about growing up…
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Peter Lewis: Asia business correspondent says China's economy shows signs of strain
In November China's economy showed clear signs of strain as investment, consumption, and industrial output all weakened more than anticipated. "I think the…
The SME StreamHerald Now Full Episode 19 December
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GDP- What does the 1.1% increase actually mean
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Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert looks back on global equity markets for 2025
2025 has been a memorable year for global equity markets, and it's prompted speculation from investors. Between economic downturns and tariffs, there's been…
The SME StreamNicola Willis: Finance Minister reflects on 2025, looks ahead to 2026
It’s been a tough run for the economy this year, but the Finance Minister is celebrating the progress that was made. Nicola Willis told Kerre Woodham the…
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Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business Editor on the GDP rising by 1.1% in Q3
New Zealand's economy grew more than expected between July and September. But between April and June, it shrank more than previously thought. GDP rose 1.1% in…
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Herald Now Full Episode 18 December
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The SME StreamAI slop, smart rings and riding the S-curve: The year in tech and what’s ahead
“Never a dull moment” is how Wellington-based veteran consumer tech reviewer and commentator Pat Pilcher describes the year in tech after…
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Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the Government pushing out surplus expectations
The Government insists it has a plan to turn the economy around. Treasury's Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows the country is first forecast to be in…
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Cameron Bagrie: independent economist on surplus being pushed out to 2029
Treasury's Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update has painted a concerning picture for the Government books. It forecasted the deficit will peak at $16.9 billion…
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Nicola Willis: Finance Minister hopeful surplus will be achieved by 2029 following half-year update
The Finance Minister's still aiming for a surplus this decade, despite today's bleak economic news. Treasury's Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows more…
The SME StreamThe Country 16/12/25: Ray Smith talks to Jamie Mackay
The Director General of MPI reviews the December Situation and Outlook for the Primary Industries (SOPI) that was released this morning. Kiwi farmers, growers…
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Steven Joyce: Former Finance Minister ahead of Treasury's Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update
There’s a view that New Zealand's still a while away from being a 'rockstar' economy. Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update documents are coming out early this…
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Louise Saviker: Student Job Search CEO on the number of students struggling to find work
Students are still battling to find consistent work leading into the summer break. Fifty thousand people applied for work through Student Job Search in…
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Chris Small: ABC Business Sales CEO on the service sector's worst performance since May
New data shows the service sector has now dipped in activity for six months in a row. The most recent PSI recorded performance at its lowest since May, at…
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Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on the Performance of Services Index taking a dive
The BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index has slowed down, according to new data. Reports show it fell by 1.5 points to 46.9, sparking concerns about…
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Nicola Willis: Finance Minister speaks ahead of Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update release
The Government's Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update is due to be unveiled to the nation tomorrow, and the Finance Ministers outlined her expectations…
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AI Will Replace Your Job? What Business Owners Need to Know
AI is changing the way we work incredibly quickly - so what does that actually mean for your job or business? In this episode, I’m breaking down how AI…
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The Country 15/12/25: David Seymour talks to Jamie Mackay
The Deputy Prime Minister and Act Party leader makes his final appearance for 2025 as we discuss tomorrow’s Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update (Hyefu)…
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Monday markets with Forsyth Barr Zoe Wallis talks GDP and financial themes for 2026
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The SME StreamCreating a Global Brand with Lush Co-Founder Rowena Bird
In this episode, Sienna tells her dad Ben she wants to grow up and start her own beauty brand — just like Rowena Bird from Lush. Rowena’s journey…
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Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the projected dairy prices for 2025/2026
The global dairy market is expected to face a period of weaker commodity prices off the back of a growth-filled 2025. According to Rabobank's Q4 Global Dairy…
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The Country 11/12/25: Emma Higgins talks to Jamie Mackay
The global dairy market is expected to face a period of weaker commodity prices following "stunning" global milk production growth across the second half of…
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How cheap drones became the defining weapon of modern conflict
Drones have gone from hobbyist toys to decisive tools of war and essential infrastructure for industry. Few people have had a better vantage point on that…
The SME StreamEpisode 55: Former Speaker of the House and High Commissioner to London, Sir Lockwood Smith
In Leaders Getting Coffee episode 55, our guest is the former National Party Minister, Speaker of the House and Ambassador to London, Sir Lockwood Smith. Sir…
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Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on her first impressions of the new Reserve Bank Governor
The new Reserve Bank Governor, Anna Breman, hosted an event for media earlier, allowing financial journalists to get their first look. Breman is monitoring the…
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Michael Luke: Milford Asset Management expert on the economic struggles impacting the retail sector
Recent trading updates indicate the nation's leading retailers are feeling the pinch ahead of the busy season. The Warehouse and Kathmandu are among the big…
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Kelly Eckhold: Westpac chief economist defends the bank hiking fixed rates
A signal from the Reserve Bank's led Westpac to hike rates - and one economist expects other banks could follow. Westpac lifted two five-year fixed rates by 30…
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Leaving for Oz: Why so many Kiwis are giving up on the local job market
Kiwis are flying the coop, most of them heading for better opportunities across the Tasman. Latest Stats NZ figures show just over 124,000 migrant departures…
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The Country 10/12/25: Christopher Luxon talks to Jamie Mackay
The Prime Minister ponders an FTA with India, the RMA reforms, the latest 1News poll, and whether lamb beats ham for Christmas in the Luxon household. See…
The SME StreamChris Hipkins: Labour Leader on the debate between Nicola Willis, Taxpayers' Union, Andrew Coster
Chris Hipkins is hitting out at the Taxpayers' Union as it prepares to launch a campaign against Finance Minister Nicola Willis. The lobby group is questioning…
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When can I actually retire? A calm reality check from an Investment Adviser
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Sue Tierney: Mortgage Broker on Westpac raising its 2-5 year fixed rates by 30 basis points
A mortgage broker is saying not to panic about rising mortgage rates. Westpac has announced a 30 basis point increase to its 2-5 year fixed rates. They claim…
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Brad Olsen: Infometrics Chief Executive says summer holidays aren't as bad for the economy as some think
The length of New Zealand's summer holiday - isn't as bad for the economy as some may think. Prime Minister Chris Luxon's weighed in on debate - saying after…
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The Viral Content Strategy Behind 30M+ Monthly Views | Guest: Jony Lee - The Attention Seeker
What actually makes someone stop scrolling and watch your content? In this episode, I sit down with viral content expert Jony Lee, who helped build an audience…
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ASB chief economist This is the turning point for the economy
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Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist on a brighter outlook for the economy in 2026
Signs of a brighter economy in the year to come. ASB's forecasting annual growth of more than two-and a half percent in 2026. It points to an accelerated…
The SME StreamIs 2026 the year we finally catch a break?
Financial mentor David Very joins Nadine Higgins to unpack why 2025 hit so many New Zealanders so hard—and whether 2026 will bring any real relief. From…
The SME StreamAndrew Bascand: We've seen the bottom of the rate cycle
Last week the Reserve Bank dropped the OCR 25 basis points to 2.25%, but their tone was a bit more hawkish than usual. Some analysts are thinking it's a signal…
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Charlotte Lockhart on finding clarity when facing mortality
This episode of Ask Me Anything with Paula Bennett features entrepreneur and philanthropist Charlotte Lockhart, co-founder of the 4 Day Week Global movement…
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Paul Bloxham: Are we on track to become a rockstar economy again?
HSBC Chief Economist Paul Bloxham joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to consider the question, will New Zealand ever be a rockstar economy again? The phrase…
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Can Auckland CBD bounce back? Retail vacancies, rail link and recovery
Auckland’s CBD should be at its brightest right now, but this Christmas season has exposed just how far the city has slipped. The former Smith and…
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Federated farmers president on tour with Luxon; Global Dairy Trade auction
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