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
Anna Breman: new Reserve Bank Governor on the RBNZ keeping the OCR in place
The Reserve Bank says inflation's too high, but it's actually worried it could soon end up too low. It's kept the OCR unchanged at 2.25 percent. New Governor…
- Best of Business
Enda Brady: UK correspondent on Sarah Ferguson's companies winding down following latest Epstein release
Six companies linked to the former Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, are being wound down, according to new reports. One company is related to public relations…
- Best of Business
Geoff Cooper: Infrastructure Commission chief executive on the unveiling of New Zealand's first national infrastructure plan
New Zealand's not getting good bang for its infrastructure buck, according to some. The Infrastructure Commission has released a 30-year plan with 16…
- Best of Business
Catherine Beard: BusinessNZ Advocacy Director on the impact of conferences on the economy and the new International Convention Centre in Auckland
The business events sector's working to bump up our international multi-day conferences, which are currently lagging behind domestic bookings. A Business…
- Best of Business
Matt Ball: Property Investors Federation expert on house prices dropping in January
New housing data shows the market hasn't quite matched the mood of the economy as of yet. The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand says housing sales are down…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister addresses concerns over India FTA
Labour has raised some concerns over the FTA with India, but Finance Minister Nicola Willis is pushing back. The opposition says they want the un-redacted…
- Best of Business
Mark Troughear: Freightways chief executive on the company reporting a 17 percent rise in half-year profit.
More evidence of an improving economy, based on the amount of freight hitting our roads. Freight company Freightways is reporting a 17 percent rise in…
- Best of Business
Mike Blackburn: construction market analyst on Airbnb rates in Christchurch dropping
Airbnb rates in Christchurch have fallen for the first time in five years, as hosts flood the market before the new stadium opens. The Press reports average…
- Best of Business
Chris Luxon: Prime Minister responds to calls for clarity from the opposition around India trade agreement
The Prime Minister says Labour's concerns with the India Free Trade Agreement is "politicking", and Chris Hipkins wanting attention. Labour's saying they want…
- Best of Business
Mike's Minute: Greg Foran is back where he belongs
Greg Foran is back where I suspect he belongs, and likes. The former Air New Zealand boss, if you have missed it, is off to Kroger, which is America's second…
- Best of Business
Mike's Minute: March 6th is the start of redemption
March 6th is your day. This is the date that the changes to foreign buyers of expensive houses comes into play. This date, in a way, is like the LNG…
- Best of Business
Graeme Rose: Window Treatments CEO explains why it's not practical to regulate blind cords
An industry expert says it's not practical to regulate blind cords. A coroner's released a report on the death of three-year-old Tilly Cambie in 2023, after a…
- Best of Business
Bridget Snelling: Xero NZ country manager on the new report showing nearly half of small business owners feel link giving up
A lot of the country's small businesses are feeling the end of financial year sting. Data from Xero shows 75 percent of the New Zealand small business owners…
- Best of Business
Chris Small: ABC Business Sales CEO on the MYOB report revealing the increasing work for SMEs
Signs of growing positivity from New Zealand's small and medium sized businesses. A new report from MYOB reveals that 33% of SMEs polled have more work or…
- Best of Business
Stew Hamilton: Mercury Energy CEO on the Government's plan to build a new LNG import facility
A potential insurance policy for those who can't move away from gas for energy, as the Government charges ahead with its plans for an importing facility. The…
- Best of Business
Simon Delander: Rua Gold vice-president on the company's plan to expand over the West Coast
A small West Coast town might be about to strike gold again. Canadian mining company Rua Gold has discovered a 2.5 kilometre stretch of gold and other minerals…
- Best of Business
Paul Goldsmith: Justice Minister defends early end to retail crime advisory group
The Justice Minister says his retail crime advisory group has been successful and productive. It'll been cut short, ending in May - not the planned September -…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics chief executive on the Government's signs a new standards agreement with Australia
More consistency across the Tasman in the standards for goods and services could reduce administrative burdens and free up business capacity. A new agreement…
- Best of Business
Greg Foran: Former Air New Zealand CEO on taking over as head of US retailer Kroger
The former boss of Air New Zealand is jetting off to America. It's been reported Greg Foran will be named as the new chief executive of retail giant, Kroger…
- Best of Business
Kelly Eckhold: Westpac Chief Economist chats US dollar, European interest rates, and global dairy trade
Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold joined Andrew Dickens to discuss the economic news in New Zealand and around the world. They discussed European interest…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the Government's planned review into insurance premiums
The Government has launched a review into soaring home insurance costs - to take place over a six-month period. This investigation comes as AA Insurance moves…
- Best of Business
Michael Luke: Milford Asset Management expert on software stocks plunging
Software stocks have taken a dive, and it's prompted concern among economists. This follows a difficult month for the sector, with many of them seeing their…
- Best of Business
Ratu Mataira: OpenStar CEO on the company getting the funding for a new research facility
A Wellington fusion energy start-up’s getting a major boost, with fresh funding to build a next generation research facility. The Government will lend up to…
- Best of Business
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: There's a recovery story in today's unemployment figures
On the face of it, the unemployment figure out today is not good. It’s gone up, it's now sitting at 5.4 percent, a high we haven’t seen in almost 11 years. The…
- Best of Business
Millie Silvester: Trade Me spokesperson on the growing popularity of gold and silver listings
Trade Me’s seeing a rush on gold and silver listings. Searches for both metals have surged on the site - and are now the second and third fastest-rising terms…
- Best of Business
Simon Smuts-Kennedy: Hill's Hats owner on the rising popularity of Jackson St
An opinion piece in the Herald reckons Wellington's Cuba St has a rival for the title of the region's coolest strip. Lifestyle writer Joanna Wane says Petone's…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on what the new unemployment figures mean for economic recovery
A warning we've been burnt by high hopes for economic recovery. Stats NZ data out today puts unemployment at 5.4 percent in the December quarter. The numbers…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business Editor on unemployment rising to 5.4%
Unemployment's risen again to a ten-year high, with 165 thousand Kiwis currently out of work. Stats NZ data shows the unemployment rate was 5.4% in the…
- Best of Business
Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on the RBA increasing the OCR to 3.85 percent
The Reserve Bank of Australia started the year off with an increase set to impact mortgage holders. The RBA increased the official cash rate by 25 basis points…
- Best of Business
Stephen Scheeler: Former Facebook CEO for Australia and New Zealand on whether parental controls are the way forward for social media
Following the launch of Australia's ban on social media for under-16s, there's been debate over whether New Zealand should follow this example. Meta's Global…
- Best of Business
John Worth: Geo40 CEO on the presence of sought-after metals in New Zealand
The head of a mineral extraction company says New Zealand's rich in some of these sought-after critical minerals. New Zealand and the United States are…
- Best of Business
Murray Crane: Crane Brothers founder on the store extending their High Street lease
As more stores across Auckland's CBD close their doors for good, Crane Brothers has reaffirmed their commitment to the area. After extending their High Street…
- Best of Business
Greg Fleming: National MP on the cross party support for the Modern Slavery Bill
National and Labour are joining forces in support of legislation to tackle modern slavery. Their bipartisan backing means the Bill can be introduced in…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on Meta and Microsoft reporting their results
Meta and Microsoft are among the big tech companies that just released their quarterly results after the stock market closed, and there's more results to come…
- Best of Business
Simon Squibb: entrepreneur and influencer reveals why he's committed to helping Kiwis fund their dreams
Simon Squibb has always been committed to encouraging people to fulfil their dreams, and as a multi-millionaire entrepreneur, he's in a position to make real…
- Best of Business
Nikki Dines: Air New Zealand Chief People Officer on the planned cabin crew strike to take place in February
Air New Zealand says it hopes to avoid a three-day strike by international cabin crew in February. E tū Union and the Flight Attendants Association have issued…
- Best of Business
Brendan Larsen: Milford Asset Management expert on the possibility of more OCR changes
The Reserve Bank spent most of 2025 lowering the OCR, leaving experts to speculate how these changes impacted the economy. Since then, economic and business…
- Best of Business
Malcolm Fleming: NZ Certified Builders CEO on the rise in construction business liquidations
2026 has been a rough year for New Zealand's construction sector, with multiple businesses going bust in January alone. Reports show there were 22 applications…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the possibility of the OCR going up later this year
The Official Cash Rate is expected to rise this year, although forecasters say predicting when is tricky. Inflation was stronger in the December quarter than…
- Best of Business
Chris Wilkinson: First Retail Group Managing Director on Michael Hill reporting its first positive result in over two years
A possible sign of the economic recovery with Michael Hill's New Zealand operation reporting its first positive result in more than two years. In the six…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the market reactions to the NZ-India trade deal
Despite Labour raising some concerns with the Government's trade deal with India, the move has been welcomed by rural economists. Trade analyst Stephen Jacobi…
- Best of Business
John Maynard: Postal Workers Union co-president on NZ Post confirming it will close 142 more locations
NZ Post is being criticised for its radio silence, after announcing it's withdrawing services from inside 142 stores. Despite the changes, 90 percent of…
- Best of Business
Andrew Barnes: Kiwi entrepreneur outlines plan to revitalise Auckland's CBD
There's been growing debate over how Auckland's CBD can be revitalised after years of uncertainty and economic decline. The $5.5 billion City Rail Link is due…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on whether the US Federal Reserve will cut interest rates
US President Donald Trump has been upping the pressure on the Federal Reserve to cut rates. The US Federal Reserve is set to convene next week, and it's…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the impact of the latest rise in inflation
Finance Minister Nicola Willis is hoping inflation can drop back into the Reserve Bank's target band off the back of the latest data. The annual inflation rate…
- Best of Business
Colleen Getley: GoGetta CEO on the rise in job hunters using AI to craft CVs
More and more job hunters are using AI to craft their CVs, but experts are looking to warn them away from the concept. Recent research shows half of Kiwi…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business Editor on the annual inflation rate rising to 3.1%
Inflation's officially higher than it's supposed to be. Latest Stats NZ data shows inflation's reached 3.1% – up from 3% at the last update three months ago…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert examines the risks impacting the equity markets
The new year is getting under way, but concerns have been raised over what investors should focus on for 2026. There's risks impacting the tech sector and…
- Best of Business
Malcolm Johns: Genesis Energy CEO on what the latest operating reports mean for the winter season
The latest operating reports by New Zealand's leading power companies indicate things are looking up. Both Contact Energy and Genesis Energy have confirmed…
- Best of Business
Perspective with Ryan Bridge: Does JP Morgan's Jamie Dimon have a point about AI?
If you don't know him, Jamie Dimon is the boss of JP Morgan and quite a smart guy, obviously. I've mentioned him a few times on this show because he's a good…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics chief executive on the reports claiming the 'brain drain' could be slowing down
There's signs the brain drain could be slowing, according to new reports. A total of 67,800 citizens left the country in the year to November 2025, many for…
- Best of Business
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on Europe reportedly looking to suspend approval of US trade deal
The European Parliament is planning to suspend approval of the US trade deal that was agreed to last July, according to new reports. Donald Trump has been…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on whether homeowners have missed the perfect time to fix
Experts have indicated the Reserve Bank could be done cutting the OCR for the moment, and there's questions about what this could mean for homeowners. The…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on Xero's rough start to 2026
Accounting software business Xero has started 2026 on a low note, with the share price dropping significantly. This is in line with other challenges in the…
- Best of Business
Martin Snedden: former NZ Cricket CEO on the risks that come with leading a sporting body
Three of New Zealand's biggest sporting bodies have seen their leaders depart, and it's prompted concerns about what this could mean for the sector. NZ Rugby…
- Best of Business
Ed McKnight: Opes Partners economist on the Bay of Plenty overtaking Auckland for most expensive properties
A new challenger's taking on Auckland in the race for the most expensive properties. Trade Me data shows the Bay of Plenty's average asking price has dethroned…
- Best of Business
Matt Montgomerie: Forsyth Barr analyst on A2 Milk's shares dropping following declining China birth rate
New reports show China's 2025 birth rate was lower than expected, and that's impacted A2 Milk's shares. Data out of China revealed there were 5.63 live births…
- Best of Business
Mark Lister: Craigs Investment Partners investment director on Fletcher Building selling construction arm to Vinci Construction
Welcome news for shareholders from one of our largest companies' change in direction. Fletcher Building is selling its construction arm to French multinational…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on the market reactions to Trump's latest Greenland tariffs
US President Donald Trump has warned eight European countries he'll impose and hike tariffs - unless he can take over Danish autonomous territory, Greenland…
- Best of Business
Cath O'Brien: Board of Airline Representatives NZ executive director on the bid to get 24/7 coverage at Ohakea Airbase
There's growing concerns in the world of air travel, as New Zealand currently lacks a 24/7 backup airport. Ohakea Airbase originally filled that gap, but it…