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
Nicola 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…
- Best of Business
Sandra Grey: CTU President on the new survey showing workers are displeased with the Government
Thousands of blue collar and working class New Zealanders have expressed clear disapproval for this Government. The Council of Trade Unions' Mood of the…
- Best of Business
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…
- Best of Business
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…
- Best of Business
Jimmy Wales: Wikipedia founder on the site turning 25 and what that means for technology
On January 15, 2001, Wikipedia officially launched online, giving users a new platform to learn from. While the site's credibility and reliability were…
- Best of Business
Sandra Grey: CTU President on the growing calls for NZ to introduce 'right to disconnect' policies
As workers across the country return to their jobs for a new year, there's growing calls to give people the right to ignore their bosses after hours. A new…
- Best of Business
Best of 2025: Heather du Plessis-Allan - Does buying NZ-made ever work?
First of all, can I start by offering an apology to TVNZ? I gave them a bit of grief last night for starting the news bulletin with the peaches, but it turns…
- Best of Business
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…
- Best of Business
Moko Tepania: Far North District Mayor encourages tourism to boost Northland businesses
The Far North District is a hot-spot for Kiwis looking to get away over the holidays. However, due to the impacts of cyclones, storms and COVID - the area's…
- Best of Business
Jannet Xuccoa: When's the right time for a trust?
Often trust have been seen to be province of the uber wealthy. But are they? And often people don't think about this issue until it is too late So when should…
- Best of Business
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…
- Best of Business
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…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Nathan Guy being appointed as New Zealand’s special agricultural trade envoy
Dairy farmer and agribusiness leader Nathan Guy is New Zealand’s new special agricultural trade envoy. Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment and…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the reports showing NZ's economy is improving
New Zealand's back on the road to financial recovery, according to new reports. The latest Stats NZ data shows the economy contracted 0.5 percent in the year…
- Best of Business
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…
- Best of Business
Perspective with Ryan Bridge: Can we appreciate the good economic news coming out?
I know you shouldn't count your chickens before they hatch, but can we just take a minute to look at the good economic news coming out? Government books aside…
- Best of Business
Mark Wilkshire: The Co-Operative Bank chief executive on the new changes set to impact the Reserve Bank
There's hopes a new move by the Reserve Bank will bring about positive changes for New Zealand's banking sector. It is changing the mix of capital banks are…
- Best of Business
Bodo Lang: Massey University marketing professor on Trade Me marketplace being hit with $138m write-down
Online marketplace Trade Me has been hit with a $138 million write-down of the value of its marketplace business unit. This comes as revenue continues to drop…
- Best of Business
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…
- Best of Business
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…
- Best of Business
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…
- Best of Business
Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on whether surplus is likely to be pushed out further
The Prime Minister's tempering expectations ahead of the Government's books opening this week. The Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update will be unveiled…
- Best of Business
Harry Mellsop: Kiwi entrepreneur on his new AI-based startup Antioch
New Zealander Harry Mellsop has raised US$4.3 million for his start-up, Antioch, which he says brings artificial intelligence into the physical world. He…
- Best of Business
Sabrina Delgado: Kiwibank economist predicts economic growth for 2026
New Zealand's economy is set to expand next year, as several key indicators point to economic recovery. Kiwibank's latest bi-annual report forecasts a 2.4…
- Best of Business
Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist says GDP has had a strong rebound in the second half of the year
There are signs that green shoots are starting to flourish economically. The latest card spending data from Stats NZ shows retail spending was up 1.6-percent…
- Best of Business
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…
- Best of Business
Michelle Allbon: The Fractional Directory CEO on the company signing a deal with the Singapore Government
The Singapore Government has teamed up with New Zealand-founded start-up The Fractional Directory for a new pilot programme. The project will pair fractional…
- Best of Business
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…
- Best of Business
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…
- Best of Business
Christoph Schumacher: Massey University Professor of Innovation and Economics on the summer holiday period and productivity
The debate over out long summer break is heating up. An op-ed from businessman Toss Grimley claims New Zealand’s extended shutdown hurts productivity, a stance…
- Best of Business
Chris Keall: NZ Herald Technology Editor on Deloitte Top 200 Company of the year winner Rocket Lab
Deloitte's Top 200 awards took place at Auckland's Viaduct Event Centre last night, with New Zealand space company Rocket Lab, founded by Peter Beck, taking…
- Best of Business
Kerre Woodham: Productivity and the great Christmas shutdown
This morning, I'm going to pretty much let Toss Grumley do the opener for me. Who's Toss Grumley? Well, Toss is a New Zealand business advisor and investor…
- Best of Business
Fiona Cooper: NZUS Council Executive Director on today's US Business Summit
New Zealand’s relationship with the "Land of Opportunity" is taking the spotlight in Auckland today. Business, trade, and political leaders are attending the…
- Best of Business
Dan Schnur: University of California political analyst on doing business in Trump's America
University of California professor and political analyst Dan Schnur talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan on the realities of doing international trade with the US…
- Best of Business
Mike's Minute: I'm confident for 2026
It probably came out on the wrong day to get the coverage it deserved, but one of the last pieces in the economic turnaround told us we are basically there…
- Best of Business
Tom Walters: Matakana Oysters owner says industry is struggling after heavy rain and wastewater spill
Auckland oyster farmers are facing another blow just weeks after a major wastewater spill into the Mahurangi River. Watercare says heavy rain on 19 November…
- Best of Business
Chris Luxon: Prime Minister says banks should be passing OCR rates to customers, or customers should switch banks
Chris Luxon says banks need to be passing on their OCR cuts to customers - and customers should be switching banks if they don't. Mortgage rates have been…
- Best of Business
Francesca Rudkin: Why are we in such a retail frenzy?
Audio file FR EDITORIAL 301125.mp3 Transcript So, did you get yourself a bargain on Black Friday or some kind of good deal in the last 10 days that may also be…
- Best of Business
Kevin Milne: A bouquet for a boutique business
This week Kevin Milne wants to give a boutique business their flowers. All Better is a toy repair business run by Janice in Te Awamutu. She specialises in…
- Best of Business
Enda Brady: UK correspondent on the fallout from the UK 2025 Budget
The UK’s embattled Labour Government has unveiled a tax-raising budget - after its full contents were leaked half an hour early. The plan's designed to lift…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on whether the AI bubble is set to pop
There's growing concerns from experts about the risks surrounding AI investments. Investors believe AI is at risk of forming a stock market bubble, and some…
- Best of Business
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Is there a positive side to this recession?
Can I give you a positive spin on the recession that we're just coming out of? I mean, maybe it's not so much a positive spin, but maybe it's an explanation…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics principal economist on what's caused the recent recession to last so long
The Reserve Bank has blamed the ongoing recession on an uncertain property market, prompting experts to weigh in. New Zealand has traditionally relied on…
- Best of Business
Keith McLaughlin: Centrix Group Managing Director on the IRD's planned crackdown on stubborn debtors
The Inland Revenue Department has launched some new steps in bringing down tax debt - with one scheme linked to a key credit agency. Following a successful…
- Best of Business
Stephanie Tully: Jetstar CEO shakes off criticism from Air New Zealand
Business as usual for Jetstar, despite Air New Zealand taking a swipe at its airport discounts. Air New Zealand head Nikhil Ravishankar claimed airports are…
- Best of Business
Ian Woolford: Reserve Bank Money and Cash Director on the RBNZ trialling a community cash depot project
The Reserve Bank is addressing concerns cash is becoming inaccessible by bringing money to rural communities. It has opened a 12-month trial of a cash depot in…
- Best of Business
Mike Colson: Stout Street Chambers partner on the class-action lawsuit over the Northland power outage
Businesses are taking class-action over a power outage to of all Northland last year - although the exact loss is still unknown. In June, an inexperienced…
- Best of Business
Kerre Woodham: Are you feeling optimistic?
The Pohutukawa are out and flowering and abundant. The days are longer, the sun is shining, the Reserve Bank has cut the OCR, Christmas is coming, summer…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the Government's Building Act overhaul
Leaky-home experts fear a proposed overhaul of the Building Act could leave unlucky home owners - apartment owners in particular - in financial ruin. Under the…
- Best of Business
Sam Trethewey: Milford Asset Management Portfolio Manager on the market reactions to the latest OCR cut
The Reserve Bank ended the year on a hopeful note and brought down the OCR for the end of 2025. The central bank cut the Official Cash Rate another 25 basis…
- Best of Business
Roger Gray: Port of Auckland CEO on whether New Zealand suffers from a culture of saying no
The Port of Auckland's CEO says a 'no' culture has permeated New Zealand. Roger Gray says a cruise ship representative he spoke to in the US labelled our…
- Best of Business
Christian Hawkesby: Reserve Bank Governor on whether Kiwis can expect more rate cuts next year
The Reserve Bank's outgoing Governor says New Zealand's economy may be doing better than we realise. The central bank has cut the OCR 25 basis points today -…
- Best of Business
Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist ahead of tomorrow's expected cuts to the OCR
The Reserve Bank is set to deliver their final Monetary Policy Statement for 2025 tomorrow, and reports indicate the OCR will be cut further. Economists are…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Fonterra lowering their farmgate milk prices
Fonterra's forewarning farmers falling global dairy prices could hit their bottom lines. The dairy co-op recently cut its seasonal farmgate milk payout…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on what the markets are projecting ahead of RBNZ announcement
The Reserve Bank is set to make an announcement this week, and experts are expecting at least one more cut to the OCR. Markets are projecting the OCR will be…
- Best of Business
Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber CEO on the reports claiming business confidence is on the up
New surveys show Auckland business confidence is on the up, with reports indicating businesses are feeling less pessimistic ahead of the new year. Auckland…
- Best of Business
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Why is Air New Zealand chasing their customers away?
Let's talk about Air New Zealand. Look, if I was Air New Zealand, I would feel pretty beaten up after the weekend's opinion pieces. Bruce Cotterill wrote a…
- Best of Business
Sheila Skeaff: University of Otago nutrition professor on the new report exposing food waste stats
New Zealand farms and food producers appear to be outpacing other countries when it comes to reducing food waste. A report commissioned by the Ministry of…
- Best of Business
Bruce Cotterill: advisor to business leaders on Air New Zealand staff threatening strike action
Up to 15,000 passengers could be disrupted if Air New Zealand cabin crew go ahead with strike action next month. The airline's largely unionised crew plan to…
- Best of Business
Bosses Unfiltered Episode 7: Angus Brown
It’s hard enough to chase a scientific breakthrough. But as New Zealand company Ārepa found out it's even harder and more expenisve to defend your…