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
Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on retail spending trending upward before Iran conflict
There's hopes the war in Iran doesn't reverse gains in our retail sector by making shipping more expensive. Stats NZ data shows back-to-back increases in…
- Best of Business
Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on Nicola Willis urging Kiwis not to panic over fuel shortages
The Government's yet to make a call on whether New Zealand would ease sanctions on Russian oil, as the Iran war affects shipments. The US has eased some of its…
- Best of Business
Philip Gregan: New Zealand Winegrowers CEO on the Government's proposed changes to alcohol laws
New Zealand Winegrowers are on Cloud Wine over proposed Government changes to alcohol laws. They include allowing licensed premises to meet legal obligations…
- Best of Business
Nathan Surendran: Wise Response Society chair on what the Middle East crisis will do to fuel supply
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has sparked concerns about global oil shortages, domestic rising petrol and diesel costs, and it's got experts…
- Best of Business
Cath O'Brien: Board of Airline Representatives NZ executive director on Air New Zealand cutting 1100 flights
One expert has suggested Jetstar won't follow Air New Zealand in cutting upcoming domestic flights. The airline plans to cancel about 1100 flights over the…
- Best of Business
Brendan Larsen: Milford Asset Management expert on markets calming down from Middle East conflict shock
The US President's social media posts suggest he's worried about the price of oil, as the US and Israel bombard Iran into an 11th day. More than 1700 have been…
- Best of Business
Rod Duke: Briscoe Group managing director on the business posting steady result in tough financial year
The balance sheet is looking strong for Briscoe Group, which managed to score a few goals late in the game. The retailer's posted record annual sales of close…
- Best of Business
Paula O'Kane: Otago University associate professor calls for changes to be made to sick leave
Public health experts have noticed this latest Covid wave is worsening as fewer Kiwis are getting vaccination boosters and tests, and it's renewed debate about…
- Best of Business
Alan McDonald: EMA Head of Advocacy on Heinz Wattie's shutting down at least three manufacturing facilities
There's predictions Heinz Wattie's won't be the last to shutter operations this year. It's proposing closing three manufacturing facilities in Auckland…
- Best of Business
Maree Tassell: iFindProperty founder on the growing calls to regulate property flippers
There's been a significant increase in property flippers and it's prompted concerns from experts. One of the country's most prominent buyers' agencies has…
- Best of Business
Matt Goodson: Salt Funds Management managing director on the markets fluctuating amid Middle East conflict
Stock markets have rebounded and oil prices have dropped below yesterday's forecast, following recent comments from US President Donald Trump. Trump indicated…
- Best of Business
Cynthia Robins: Formerly the Blackball Hilton owner on the pub being forced to remove outdoor seating
A legendary West Coast pub has removed its popular outdoor seating under threat of a $20,000 fine. It was decided the Formerly the Blackball Hilton's tables…
- Best of Business
Irene King: aviation commentator on Air New Zealand lifting fares in response to Middle East conflict
An aviation commentator says Air New Zealand needs to look at ways to cut costs as the war in the Middle East impacts fuel prices. The airline's adjusted fares…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on the economic impact of the war in Iran
There's growing concerns about the economic impacts of the war in Iran. Crude oil prices have topped $100 US dollars a barrel for the first time since 2022 -…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the Government's plan to monitor fuel prices amid Middle East conflict
The Government is actively monitoring the impact international fuel prices are having on the price we're being asked to pay at the pump. Crude oil prices have…
- Best of Business
Greg Smith: Generate investment specialist on the economic impact of the Middle East conflict
The NZX has fallen 3.1 percent as the US and Israeli war on Iran dents people's investment portfolios. Closure of the crucial Strait of Hormuz has ignited…
- Best of Business
Oliver Peterson: Australian correspondent on the Middle East conflict's impact on the markets
Australia's sharemarket has taken a hammering as investors voice concerns over the escalating conflict in the Middle East. After it resumed trading today, the…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on what investors should be thinking about when it comes to the Middle East crisis
Punishing strikes continue across the Middle East as Iran retaliates to US-Israeli attacks - with Gulf states busy blocking incoming fire. Israel continues to…
- Best of Business
Lisa Stewart: Trade Me Head of Marketplace on the company scrapping bank transfers and dropping success fees
People will have to pay with cash after a Trade Me sale if they want to avoid a fee. The company's removing its 7.9 percent 'success fee' for casual selling -…
- Best of Business
Anthony Morsinkhof: luxury real estate agent on the Government relaxing the foreign buyer ban
Wealthy overseas buyers will soon be able to buy themselves a spot in the New Zealand property market - under new terms. The foreign house-buyer rules will…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the increase in new lending going to first-home buyers with small deposits
A record portion of new bank lending to first-home buyers is going to those with small deposits. More than half of the $1.1 billion lent to first-home buyers…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on what the Middle East crisis is doing to oil prices
There's been growing concerns about what the ongoing crisis in the Middle East could do for petrol prices. There's fears Kiwi motorists will soon pay the price…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on what the Middle East conflict could do for beef exports
The US-Iran conflict could affect New Zealand’s red meat exports to the Middle East, the Meat Industry Association says. Reports reveal New Zealand red meat…
- Best of Business
Dehardt van der Merwe: Propopoly founder on what the company hopes to do for Kiwis
Propopoly is a startup that aims to give everyday New Zealanders a chance to enjoy the benefits of being a property developer. The business allows people to…
- Best of Business
Paul Raeburn: new head of GrabOne on the company relaunching under Paradigm Group after liquidation shutdown
GrabOne is getting a second life under brand new owners. Wellington's Paradigm Group has bought the GrabOne brand and assets. It went into liquidation last…
- Best of Business
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on the RBA warning the Middle East could have economic impacts
The conflict in the Middle East continues to rage on, and there's concerns about what it could mean for the Australian economy. The US and Israel have struck…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on the market reactions to the Iran conflict
The recent conflict in the Middle East has sparked concerns about the wide-reaching implications for the global economy. The US and Israel launched strikes at…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the economic implications of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East
There's concerns about what the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could do for oil prices and inflation. Iran's sent retaliation strikes across the Middle…
- Best of Business
Sue Chetwin: Grocery Action Group chair on Foodstuffs looking to appeal Commerce Commission’s merger ruling
Foodstuffs is again trying to bring its North and South Island operations under one roof, after failing two years ago. The company's heading to the High Court…
- Best of Business
Karl Dean: Federated Farmers Dairy Chair says new KiwiSaver rules are a win for rural staff
Farmers say new KiwiSaver rules are a win for rural staff looking to buy property. Farm workers, rural teachers, police and defence personnel can now use…
- Best of Business
Gareth Edgecombe: T&G Global Chief Executive discusses strong financial result from premium apple demand
Premium apple demand is at the core of a strong financial result for T&G Global. Its revenue has increased by 14% to $1.6 billion and its net profit after tax…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on meat processors struggling to get stock onto lines
It's looking to be a rough season for our meat processing sector, with companies struggling to compete with abundant grass and a turbo-charged store stock…
- Best of Business
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Was David Seymour right about Air New Zealand going 'woke'?
So David Seymour’s right about Air New Zealand - but he’s also wrong about Air New Zealand. Before we get to why, let me bring you up to speed on what’s…
- Best of Business
Sophie Moloney: Sky TV chief executive on the 'challenging' market factors impacting their results
Sky TV says even though it's had a strong first-half financial year result - the television market remains challenging. It's reported a $52 million net profit…
- Best of Business
Kelvin Davidson: Cotality Chief Property Economist on the reports claiming women are being left behind in the property market
Women are continuing to lag significantly behind men when it comes to home ownership. Data from Cotality shows more than half of Gen Z men surveyed own their…
- Best of Business
Nikhil Ravishankar: Air New Zealand CEO says airline on the road to recovery following first half financial loss
Air New Zealand's assuring it's on track for economic stability. The national airline's announced a first-half before-tax loss of $59 million. CEO Nikhil…
- Best of Business
Sam MacKinnon: Hospitality NZ spokesperson on alcohol consumption dropping and what that means for the sector
New reports show alcohol consumption is at an all-time low, and there's concerns about what this could mean for the hospitality sector. Stats NZ figures show…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the RBNZ considering requiring banks to set up thousands of ATMs
New Zealand won't be going cashless anytime soon under the Reserve Bank's new proposal. It wants to set up 1300 multi-bank hubs to provide full services free…
- Best of Business
Andrew Curtayne: Milford Asset Management expert on what Anthropic's Claude AI is doing to the markets
AI firm Anthropic has made upgrades to their Claude model and it's sparked concerns about what this could mean for markets and jobs. Claude specialises in…
- Best of Business
Mike Roan: Meridian Energy CEO on the company delivering a higher than expected net profit
A positive financial result has gentailer Meridian thinking about infrastructure upgrades. It recorded a half year profit after tax of $227 million. Chief…
- Best of Business
Rawdon Christie: real estate agent on the rise in townhouses taking too long to sell
A real estate agent says there isn't enough demand to meet the supply of townhouses. Newly constructed townhouses are sitting on the market so long that they…
- Best of Business
Ian Woolford: Reserve Bank Money and Cash Director on the RBNZ urging banks to provide cash services to customers
The Reserve Bank's emphasising the importance of cash services being free-of-charge. It's proposed requiring the banking sector to provide accessible full-cash…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Landcorp reporting solid half year results
Momentum's sky-high for state-owned farming enterprise Pāmu. Landcorp's half-year net operating profit jumped $28 million - from a $2 million loss in December…
- Best of Business
Michael Boggs: NZME CEO on the company growing earnings and bouncing back
Media company NZME's remaining cautious about the economy despite a positive financial year. The owner of The Herald and Newstalk ZB reported a $13.1 million…
- Best of Business
Warren Ngan Woo: Westpac's Financial Wellbeing programme manager on the reports revealing less Kiwis have emergency savings
The cost of living is hitting Kiwis hard, with new data showing Aucklanders are more likely to be worse off. More than a third of New Zealanders have a savings…
- Best of Business
Stew Hamilton: Mercury Energy CEO on the company returning to profit
Mercury's achieved a strong return to profit. BusinessDesk says the energy company's half year earnings before interest to December 31- reached $537 million…
- Best of Business
Karl Gradon: Comvita CEO on the company returning to profit in half-year result
Comvita’s half-year result shows the company is seeing a noticeable financial turnaround. Its result for the six months ended December 31 had revenue up 18.3…
- Best of Business
Geoff Summers: Remuneration Authority Chair on local councillors seeing bigger pay increases
The Remuneration Authority says more responsibility attracts more pay. The Taxpayers' Union says Western Bay of Plenty District councillors are getting an…
- Best of Business
Malcolm Johns: Genesis Energy CEO on the Government investing more money into the business
Genesis Energy says fresh Crown investment into the power generator will go towards building infrastructure. The Government's confirmed it will put up to $200…
- Best of Business
Chris Small: ASB Business Managing Director says NZ businesses are getting back on track
Business appears to be booming in most parts of the country. ABC's quarterly market report shows business sales are up 28 percent on this time last year, with…
- Best of Business
Cameron Bagrie: Economist on new Trump tariffs' impact for kiwis
On Saturday Donald Trump announced a 10% levy on all goods coming into the US in response to the Supreme Court ruling his other tariffs unconstitutional. The…
- Best of Business
Bill Reinsch: former US Under Secretary of Commerce and Security on Trump imposing a 15 percent global tariff following Supreme Court ruling
US President Donald Trump is pushing ahead with another round of global tariffs, just a day after being told last year’s levies were illegal. In a post on…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Fonterra shareholders voting to receive the tax free capital return from the Mainland sale
Confidence green pastures lie ahead for Fonterra, as the sale of brands like Anchor and Mainland nears completion. Almost 99 percent of shareholders voted…
- Best of Business
Carrie Hurihanganui: Auckland Airport CEO on the airport reporting higher profits and revenue
Auckland Airport says it's gaining momentum. It's reported a four percent increase in revenue in its half-yearly results. The airport says that lift in revenue…
- Best of Business
Lucy Waterreus: Clubs NZ CEO on the Government widening alcohol restrictions for local clubs
Less confusion over a drink at the local club, as options increase for serving alcohol. Currently, local sport clubs, RSAs and community clubs can only serve…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the market reactions to the OCR being left in place
The new Reserve Bank Governor is standing by the first OCR decision she's overseen - keeping the cash rate at 2.25 percent. Anna Breman said the Bank isn't…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on the market reactions to Fletcher Building
An improving financial situation for one of our largest companies, Fletcher Building. It's announced half-year results, weeks after agreeing to sell off its…
- Best of Business
Jolie Hodson: Spark CEO on the company posting an 83 percent increase in net profit
Telecommunications company Spark's mobile and broadband businesses delivered some revenue growth over the first half, contributing to an 83 percent increase in…
- Best of Business
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Here's hoping this Reserve Bank Governor does a better job
We’ve had the first monetary policy decision from the new Reserve Bank Governor, and it’s not until you get a new captain at the helm that you realise just how…
- Best of Business
Andrew Reding: Fletcher Building CEO on the company posting a smaller half-year loss
Fletcher Building says it's not out of the woods yet, but their financial situation is improving. It recorded an $11 million half-year loss - down from $134…