Shows / Best of Business
Best of Business
Best of Business is the home of all things business at Newstalk ZB, from morning market updates right through to incisive interviews with New Zealand’s top business leaders and decision makers.
Whether you’re a small business owner or interested in what’s going on in the Big End of Town, this podcast encompasses the sharpest voices and minds in the world of business.
Episodes
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on Microsoft and Google posting their latest results
Two more of the big tech companies posted their results, and they're quite different as both companies move forward on AI. Despite growing their AI output and…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host speaks ahead of the International Dairy Federation's World Dairy Summit
Auckland's city centre is set to see a lot more rural industry faces, with the International Dairy Federation's World Dairy Summit set to take place. The event…
- Best of Business
Bridget Snelling: Xero Country Manager on small businesses' year-on-year sales rising 5.6% in the September quarter
Promising signs for small businesses, even in a shaky economy. A Xero Small Business Insights report shows sales rose 5.6% year-on-year in the September…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on how the OCR announcement will impact mortgages
The Reserve Bank moved to keep the OCR on hold today, surprising experts who were expecting an increase. The Monetary Policy Committee voted four votes to…
- Best of Business
Remy Wisenberg: Milford Asset Management expert on the market reactions to the OCR being kept on hold
The Reserve Bank moved to keep the OCR on hold today, and it caused a stir among financial experts. The markets had priced in a 95 percent chance that the cash…
- Best of Business
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Here's why holding the OCR in place was the right move
It is fair to say the overwhelming reaction to the Reserve Bank's decision to hold the OCR was surprise and, in some cases, shock. Everyone thought the Reserve…
- Best of Business
Anna Breman: Reserve Bank Governor on why the Reserve Bank kept the OCR on hold at 2.75 percent
The Reserve Bank Governor is defending voting to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged for another six weeks. Three members of the Monetary Policy Committee…
- Best of Business
Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on the Reserve Bank keeping the OCR on hold at 2.75 percent
The Reserve Bank has opted to keep the Official Cash Rate on hold at 2.75 percent, but it's likely future hikes could come. This goes against the initial…
- Best of Business
Heath Milne: Development West Coast CEO on the new data showing the West Coast has higher than average advertised salaries
According to new data, one section of the South Island is the highest paid part of the country. New Trade Me jobs reporting shows the average person in the…
- Best of Business
Andy Bowley: Forsyth Barr Head of Research on their prediction Air NZ will lose $338 million this financial year
Amidst an already bad time for airlines, an analyst says Air New Zealand faces a unique set of challenges. Forsyth Barr expects the airline to lose $338…
- Best of Business
Enda Brady: UK correspondent ahead of Chancellor John Healey presenting UK 2026 Budget
Over in the UK, British finance minister John Healey is due to announce his first Budget on Wednesday - but people aren't feeling optimistic. Households and…
- Best of Business
James Ryan: Genesis general retail manager reveals how much powering your home with an EV could save
How much money could you save by powering your home with an electric car? Genesis is trialling tech to let owners charge their car battery off-peak for use in…
- Best of Business
Vicky Pryce: Business Correspondent on the upcoming UK Budget announcement, cost of living protests in Europe
The UK's new Chancellor is set to deliver his first Budget. John Healey will set out Labour's tax and spending plans on October 28th, with tax increases…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: National Finance Spokesperson on the party's plan for first 100 days of re-election
National's unveiled a 26 point plan for its first 100 days if re-elected. The first pledge will be introducing KiwiSaver changes to parliament, including…
- Best of Business
Wrapping the Week with Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson: Election campaign, long weekends, business success
Ahead of the long weekend, Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that Was. They discussed the latest from the election campaigning…
- Best of Business
THE RE-WRAP: A Seismic Shift
THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Friday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) Well, a Feeling, Anyway/Friends Like These/Mark the Week/How to Succeed In Business…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on what the SpaceX financial result means for investors
It's been a big week for the tech sector, with Meta and SpaceX recently publishing their earnings. Elon Musk recently claimed third-quarter revenue went up to…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Federated Farmers voicing support for keeping agricultural and horticultural science available for Year 11
Feilding High School has called for agricultural and horticultural science to remain a standalone subject for Year 11 students, and Federated Farmers has…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on inflation dropping to 3.7 percent in the year to September
The September quarter's reprieve from inflation is likely to be temporary, according to one expert. The Consumers Price Index measure of household expenses…
- Best of Business
Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber CEO on the Mood of the Boardroom weeks out from the election
Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges says politically, the Mood of the Boardroom shows a "tactical draw" between National and Labour. The survey of…
- Best of Business
Alan McDonald: Employers and Manufacturers Association Head of Advocacy and Strategy on the Mood of the Boardroom
There is a positive picture to be found within the Mood of the Boardroom, says EMA's Head of Advocacy and Strategy. Alan McDonald told Mike Hosking that the…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington Business Editor on Milford Asset Management's performance hit against competitors
KiwiSaver provider Milford Asset Management’s performance has been lagging compared to its competitors in recent times. In the year to September, its active…
- Best of Business
Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on whether the 'Australia dream' is fading
Over in Australia, unemployment is on the rise and wages haven't kept up with inflation, leaving many to wonder if the trans-Tasman dream is at risk. The…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on the market reactions to the ongoing tensions in Ukraine
The US share market took a dive in the weekend, and experts have linked it to recent global conflicts and a declining tech market. This has resulted in global…
- Best of Business
Charlie Loughnan: business consultant on the sale of Christchurch boutique cinema Academy Gold
One of Christchurch's best known boutique movie theatres, Academy Gold Cinema, is officially up for sale. The sale comes after 30 years of family ownership…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Beef + Lamb NZ putting case forward at US International Trade Commission
Beef + Lamb NZ chair Kate Acland is set to make a case for New Zealand exporters at a hearing of the US International Trade Commission in the coming days. This…
- Best of Business
Chris Henderson: Mammoth Brands co-founder on the return of Burger Burger
Three months after Burger Burger went into liquidation, the Kiwi brand has been given a new chance at life. Four big Kiwi brands, Neat Meat, Mammoth Brands…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the state of the 2026 finance debate
Tonight's leaders' debate between Luxon and Hipkins isn't the only big political face-off happening tonight. The ‘ASB Great Finance Debate’ will take place in…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on the election's impact on the NZX
The 2026 election season is well underway - but what does this campaign mean for the economy? The retirement sector has taken a hit on the NZX, with many…
- Best of Business
Mike Lee: UOA marketing professor on Kiwibank responding to online controversy over mascot sheep
Kiwibank's new mascot sheep has been the subject of scandal and questionable content, and the bank has weighed in. Sexualised tweets about Buck the Sheep have…
- Best of Business
Sam MacDonald: Christchurch City Councillor on the prospect of a new Costco coming to the area
Costco is eyeing up its next location - this time in the South Island. The US bulk retailer, which sells goods and groceries at discounted wholesale prices…
- Best of Business
Dave Slomp: McKechnie Aluminium Solutions managing director on the concerns impacting the aluminium sector
New Zealand's aluminium extrusion industry has urged the Government to take action in order to reduce the impact of offshore competition. Industry leaders have…
- Best of Business
Andy Bowley: Forsyth Barr Head of Research on Air New Zealand teaming up with Virgin Australia
Air New Zealand's partnership with Qantas is due to come to an end, and there's growing speculation a new partnership with Virgin Australia could replace it…
- Best of Business
Leeann Watson: Business Canterbury CEO on the ASB research showing economic activity doesn't tend to slow down ahead of elections
ASB says elections aren't usually a handbrake for business or household decisions. Fresh analysis from the bank has found activity doesn't tend to slow down…
- Best of Business
Mike's Minute: Paddock to Pantry shows competitive settings are working
Hss Paddock to Pantry just confirmed what most of us who think the whole “blow up the super market” game is stupid …were in fact right? The most open display…
- Best of Business
Pam Ford: Auckland Council General Manager of Economic Development on the beginning of Auckland Startup Week
Auckland Startup Week is set to begin for another year, and it's set to draw some extra attention to the tech sector. The event runs from October 12-16, and it…
- Best of Business
Louise Upston and Willow-Jean Prime: National Social Development Minister and Labour social development and employment spokesperson on their new policies
The election season is well underway, and employment is a key issue for many voters. National has pledged more drug testing for beneficiaries, to ensure more…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the NZ arable industry's pitch to McDonald’s
Talks are underway between McDonald’s and New Zealand's arable industry to encourage the fast food giant to use locally grown grain for its burger buns. The…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the economic impact of the US mid-terms
The US mid-term elections are set to take place in four weeks, and experts are speculating about what this means for the economy. Donald Trump's approval…
- Best of Business
Bowen Pan: Growth NZ co-chair outlines how New Zealand could potentially grow GDP
In last night's debate, politicians and influential business leaders outlined their visions for the future of New Zealand's economy. The future of growth is…
- Best of Business
Simon Graafhuis: Chiefs CEO on the Super Rugby team's legal action against the PNG Chiefs
New Zealand Rugby is filing in the High Court to protect its Chiefs trademark as Australian rugby league bosses push ahead with calling the NRL's 19th team the…
- Best of Business
Chris Small: ABC Business Sales Managing Director on National's 47 point small business plan
National's small business plan is being seen as practical, but not transformational. The party's released a 47 point plan to cut red tape for small businesses…
- Best of Business
Phil Wicks: Small Business New Zealand Founder on National's small business plan
A tick of approval for the National Party's small business plan. It's released a 47-point plan to cut red tape for them around things like employment disputes…
- Best of Business
Brendan Larsen: Milford Asset Management expert on the 'political risks' impacting financial markets
The 2026 election campaign is a big topic for Kiwis, but it's not the only political topic impacting the economy. France and the US are facing their own…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on how Labour's plans for the public sector could impact the economy
Labour has suggested that if elected, everyone in the public service would be paid the living wage of $29.90 an hour - $6 more than the current minimum wage…
- Best of Business
Louis Esther: EatClub chief marketing officer on the new app that offers dynamic pricing for restaurants
A new app is helping restaurants offer dynamic pricing. EatClub lets businesses with empty tables offer impromptu discounts on the app, to bring in customers…
- Best of Business
Duane Leo: PSA spokesperson on the IRD considering cutting jobs amid shrinking budget
The union for public servants says morale is low, with the axe hovering over more IRD jobs. Chief executive Peter Mersi has told Inland Revenue staff by the…
- Best of Business
Leeann Watson: Business Canterbury CEO on business confidence rising to 40% in the September quarter
Pressure's on the next government to keep the momentum going on business confidence. The NZIER's latest Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion shows 40% of firms…
- Best of Business
Christina Leung: NZIER Principal Economist on business confidence going up in new survey
Businesses could be spending more increasing staff next year. The latest NZIER Quarterly Business Survey shows a net 40 percent of companies expect general…
- Best of Business
Murray Harris: Milford Asset Management KiwiSaver general manager on ACT's planned changes for KiwiSaver
An investment fund manager says political parties need to reach a consensus on KiwiSaver, so people can get on with saving. ACT has announced it wants to cut…
- Best of Business
Kim Mundy: ASB acting chief economist on ASB's latest forecast indicating inflation could stay up for the rest of the year
Inflation could keep running hot for the rest of the year, driven by high prices at the pump and our weakening NZ dollar. ASB's latest quarterly economic…
- Best of Business
Vicky Pryce: business correspondent on inflation figures going up across Europe
Inflation across Europe jumped to 3.8 percent in September - a higher rate than economists were predicting. This increase was largely down to energy costs, and…
- Best of Business
Brigitte Morton: political commentator on how the recent PREFU figures impacted the election campaign
The Government books were opened up last week, and they unveil a somewhat more promising outlook ahead of the election. The Pre-election Economic and Fiscal…
- Best of Business
Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on Australia banning card surcharges
Last week, Australia's ban on credit and debit card surcharges took effect, and it's sparked debate as to whether we should follow suit. National expressed…
- Best of Business
Greg Houston: Houston Kemp founding director on Foodstuffs stepping up efforts to stop National potentially breaking them up
National and NZ First have expressed interest in pulling apart Foodstuffs, and the company is looking to fight back. Foodstuffs recently commissioned…
- Best of Business
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on Australian house prices dropping across the country
New data shows Australia's house prices have taken a plunge, with Sydney and Melbourne leading the way. Prices across the nation have taken a significant drop…
- Best of Business
Louise Upston: National's tourism spokesperson on the party pledging to make trans-Tasman travel more seamless
National says it'll make trans-Tasman travel more 'seamless' if re-elected. The party is promising to trial fully digitalising airport processes between…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the Government potentially 'going soft' on NZ Super reforms?
The current Government earlier indicated they could be looking to make changes to NZ Super and adjust the eligibility age, but they've changed their tone ahead…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on the market reactions to the Warehouse bouncing back?
The Warehouse Group recently reported an improved annual financial result. It's confirmed an annual net profit of $11.2 million dollars - a departure from last…
- Best of Business
Mark Stirton: Warehouse Group CEO on the Warehouse Group posting a $11.2 million net profit
The Warehouse Group has turned their luck around after the most recent downturn. It's confirmed an annual net profit of $11.2 million - a far cry from last…