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
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on ANZ Australia confirming they plan to cut thousands of jobs
ANZ's Australian parent recently announced a significant restructure, which would see about 3500 employees losing their jobs by September 2026. ANZ Group said…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on investors calling for US rate cuts after weak payrolls report
Recent US payrolls data has indicated the economy is slowing, and it's sparked concern among investors. Economists are calling on the US Federal Reserve to…
- Best of Business
Shamubeel Eaqub: Simplicity chief economist on the feasibility of NZ First's proposed KiwiSaver reforms
An economist has raised concerns over NZ First's proposed reform for KiwiSaver contributions - and claimed they're not feasible. NZ First recently promised to…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on equity markets taking a turn for September
Equity markets have taken a turn this September, and it's prompted concerns among experts. Markets are softening a bit, which is a remarkably regular…
- Best of Business
Johanna Cederlöf: Ikea NZ Market Manager on New Zealand's first Ikea opening in December
There's only three months until New Zealand's first Ikea store opens its doors in Auckland's Sylvia Park. The Swedish furniture giant's 34,000 square metre…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on the winners and losers from NZX results season
A busy reporting season has concluded for the NZX-listed companies, with some doing better than others. A2 Milk stood out as a success story from this season…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the concerns for what Government building overhaul means for homeowners
There are fears the Government’s proposal to change who is liable for shonky buildings risks leaving homeowners in the lurch. The Government is proposing to…
- Best of Business
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Does Amazon want to play us for fools?
Now, we need to talk about that Amazon announcement yesterday. These guys have taken us for fools in this country. They've looked at us in New Zealand and…
- Best of Business
Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on trade figures showing economic growth
Stats NZ came out with the latest trade data for New Zealand - and the results show good news for exporters. Exports were up 9.9 percent in the year to June…
- Best of Business
Manuel Bohnet: Amazon Web Services' NZ country manager on Amazon's $7.5 billion investment plan for New Zealand
There's hopes the promised 1,000 new jobs created from Amazon's locally based data centres will go to Kiwis. The tech giant's investing $7.5 billion into the…
- Best of Business
Anthony Mosinkhof: Forbes Global real estate agent on the impact of the Government loosening the foreign buyers' ban
A luxury real estate agent says there's huge interest only in two areas of New Zealand, with the Government's planned loosening of the foreign buyers ban. By…
- Best of Business
Peter Griffin: tech commentator on the new Amazon data centres set to go up in Auckland
A tech commentator has weighed in on the arrival of Amazon's new Auckland-based data centres, which are set to be built in Auckland. The tech giant's investing…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on whether the US Federal Reserve will cut rates
New economic data impacting the US came out last week and it's got experts speculating over whether rate cuts will come. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly…
- Best of Business
Duane Emeny: Air Chathams CEO on the Government's funding push for small airlines
There's relief for regional airlines, as they receive help to battle soaring costs. The Government's offering up to $30 million in loans from the Regional…
- Best of Business
Jodi O'Donnell: Heather Du Plessis-Allan talks with Jodi O’Donnell on TVNZ’s $10.7m profit.
There are questions over whether TVNZ cut too many jobs as it turns a surprisingly strong profit. The broadcaster's reported an after-tax profit of nearly…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the luxury sector's economic troubles
Luxury spending has been booming over the last couple of decades, but many high-end brands have been taking a financial hit. Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Pāmu Farms' economic turnaround
Pāmu, formerly Landcorp, recently reported a net profit after tax of $120 million for the year ended June 2025, which will see it return a $15 million…
- Best of Business
Mark Leslie: Pamū Landcorp CEO on the company's turnaround in profit
Pāmu, formerly Landcorp, is seeing a significant financial turnaround, having reported a net profit after tax of $120 million for the year ended June 2025…
- Best of Business
Matt Cowley: Tauranga Business Association CEO on the Port of Tauranga project being halted
There's frustrations over yet another delay to a possible extension of the Port of Tauranga wharves. The Stella Passage development fast-track application has…
- Best of Business
Nicole McKee: Associate Justice Minister on the new alcohol regulation shake-up set to impact businesses
The Government hopes businesses will be in favour of an alcohol regulation shake-up. It's allowing breweries and wineries to have both an on and off license -…
- Best of Business
Patrick Noone: former Costco NZ managing director on whether more grocery retailers would boost competition
A former supermarket leader agrees New Zealand's lacking competition. The Government's aiming to put supermarkets that would improve competition up for being…
- Best of Business
Greg Foran: outgoing Air NZ CEO on the airline's profits dropping
The boss of Air Zealand says he's proud they've made even two cents of a dollar this year - as profits drop 13.7 percent. The airline's being hit hard by a…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the warning letter the RBNZ chair sent to Treasury
It's been revealed the Reserve Bank chairman sent a warning letter to Treasury in the wake of Adrian Orr's resignation. Neil Quigley warned that it would…
- Best of Business
Andrew Curtayne: Milford Asset Management expert on the market reactions to the Federal Reserve changes
The state of the US Federal Reserve has always prompted responses from financial markets, but recent actions from the Trump administration have raised…
- Best of Business
Mike Roan: Meridian Energy CEO on the company posting a multi-million dollar financial loss
The recent energy crisis has rippled out to the big companies, with Meridian the latest to take a significant financial hit. Meridian Energy recently confirmed…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the new legislation set to fast-track new supermarkets for NZ
The Government expects new supermarkets to pop up in months, rather than years - with planned reforms. It's introducing legislation to pass before the end of…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on NZ's gender pay gap narrowing to record low
A build-up of industry income changes could have driven the pay gap between men and women to a historic low. The pay gap for the June quarter is sitting at 5.2…
- Best of Business
Azaria Howell: Newstalk ZB reporter on the Government unveiling a solution to boost supermarket competition
The Government isn't ruling out a forced breakup of the country's largest supermarket players. In a bid to improve competition, it's fast tracking applications…
- Best of Business
Kerre Woodham: Surely this visa can only be good for New Zealand?
A new visa to attract businesspeople to New Zealand has been established by the Government, and really, it's only a matter of days, perhaps weeks, before a…
- Best of Business
Chris Small: ABC Business Sales Managing Director on the new Business Investor Visa
More money could soon circulate through the economy as the Government opens up the country to more overseas businesspeople. Under its new Business Investor…
- Best of Business
Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber CEO on the new Business Investor Visa
More foreign investors could soon flock in to work hard on Kiwi businesses. The Government's new Business Investor Visa will give foreign businesspeople who…
- Best of Business
Erica Stanford: Immigration Minister on the new Business Investor Visa
The number of people coming in on the Government's new Business Investor Visa could be limited. It'll fast track residency for any foreign investors who put $2…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the Reserve Bank's decision to review bank capital rules
The Reserve Bank's move to review banking capital rules has been welcomed by Federated Farmers. Banking spokesperson Mark Hooper says the stricter rules make…
- Best of Business
Matt Goodson: Salt Funds managing director on the increased overseas interest in NZ companies
According to new reports, overseas interest in NZ-based companies is at a record high. A new survey by Simpson Grierson says 49 percent of international…
- Best of Business
Michael Boggs: NZME Chief Executive on the company's 12 percent rise in half-year earnings
NZME is reporting an almost 12 percent rise in half-year earnings. The media company - which owns Newstalk ZB and the Herald - is reporting growth across…
- Best of Business
James McGlinn: Eventfinda co-founder on the company being acquired by Ticketek Entertainment Group
Events discovery platform Eventfinda could soon reach global markets, with help from Ticketek Entertainment Group. The live entertainment business has acquired…
- Best of Business
Robbie Paul: Icehouse Ventures CEO on the number of young Kiwi start-ups and investors
Do younger Kiwis still have that No.8 wire mentality? While some are concerned the younger generation is settling as opposed to striving and investing in their…
- Best of Business
Jane Wrightson: Retirement Commissioner on the number of self-employed people contributing to their KiwiSaver
Self-employed Kiwis are prioritising their businesses rather than thinking about retirement. A report by the Retirement Commission and accounting firm Hnry…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management on the US Federal Reserve hinting at rate cuts
US Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell has indicated rate cuts could be on the cards soon. Powell indicated the tariffs were making an inflationary impact, but…
- Best of Business
Grant Webster: Tourism Holdings CEO on the company's financial results
Campervan company Tourism Holdings has reported a bottom line net loss, which they're claiming reflects the economic situation in the US. Despite the weak…
- Best of Business
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Does Chris Bishop have a point about house prices?
I'll tell you what I found interesting over the last few days it's the enormous surprise at the start, and now the debate about Chris Bishop saying it's a good…
- Best of Business
Pic Picot: Pic's Peanut Butter founder on a private Australian firm buying a majority stake in the company
A private Australian firm has bought a majority stake in the famous Kiwi peanut butter firm Pic’s. The hugely successful Nelson-based company is now 51.3…
- Best of Business
Dr Claire Matthews: Head of Massey University's Finance school on the Reserve Bank's proposed changes to capital lending
A banking expert believes changes to capital requirements would impact home loans and other lending. The Reserve Bank's seeking feedback on proposals to lower…
- Best of Business
Brent Eccles and Steve Armitage: Eccles Entertainment founder and Hospitality NZ chief executive on how we can bring more major events to NZ
Prime Minister Chris Luxon recently claimed he wants a constant flow of events to draw in international guests in order to stimulate the economy. This follows…
- Best of Business
Todd Stephenson: Finance and Expenditure committee member says barriers need to be lowered for foreign banks
Parliament's finance and expenditure committee released the findings of its banking inquiry today, making 19 recommendations - 14 of which have cross-party…
- Best of Business
Miles Hurrell: Fonterra Chief Executive confident farmers will support $3.8billion brand sales
Fonterra is confident farmers will vote to sell major brands like Anchor and Mainland. It's reached a deal to sell its consumer and associated businesses to…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the success of Tencent
While experts are weighing up the results of US-based tech giants, one Chinese company is dominating markets. Tencent is a Chinese multinational technology…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Fonterra lifting the farmgate milk price forecast to $10.15/kgMS
Fonterra has increased its farmgate milk price forecast for the 2024/25 season to $10.15 per kg of milksolids from $10.00/kg, and has narrowed its forecast…
- Best of Business
Jason Walbridge: SkyCity CEO on the company's 42 percent profit drop
SkyCity is pushing forward with a new capital raise, after confirming a significant drop in profit. Underlying profit's plummeted 42 percent, according to new…
- Best of Business
Tim King: Tasman District mayor on the impact of the proposed Eves Valley Sawmill closure
There's belief the job losses at the Eves Valley Sawmill will have a significant impact on the area. Manufacturing company Carter Holt Harvey is proposing to…
- Best of Business
Jordan Boyle: employment lawyer on the House passing new pay transparency laws
Workers are now able to speak freely about their salaries, and it's got experts speculating about what this means for Kiwis. The House passed a new law last…
- Best of Business
Adrienne Begbie: Prospa Managing Director on the impact of the latest OCR cut
Will the latest cut to the Official Cash Rate provide some much-needed stimulus to the business sector? The central bank's cut the OCR 25 basis points to 3%…
- Best of Business
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on UK inflation jumping to 3.8 percent
UK inflation figure rises in data just released, and it's prompted concerns among experts. The 3.8 percent rise in inflation over the 12 months to July this…
- Best of Business
Remy Morgan: Milford Asset Management expert on the market reactions to the OCR cut
The Reserve Bank cut the OCR by 25 basis points to three percent today, but the markets still saw some surprises. Today's cut was divisive, with 2 of the 6…
- Best of Business
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Was Kiwibank's Jarrod Kerr proven right?
The longer that this economic funk that we find ourselves in goes on, the more that Jarrod Kerr of Kiwibank is being proven right, isn't he? And we had a cut…
- Best of Business
Jolie Hodson: Spark CEO on the company reporting a significant fall in profit
Spark has reported another big fall in profit, with reported net profit down 17.7 percent to $260 million - or a 33.6 percent fall to $227 million, adjusting…
- Best of Business
Andrew Reding: Fletcher Building CEO on the company posting a multi-million dollar net loss
Fletcher Building has confirmed a new focus on building materials. The construction giant's announced a net loss of $419 million for the past year, compared to…
- Best of Business
Christian Hawkesby: acting Reserve Bank Governor says there's reasons to be positive following latest OCR cut
There's cautious optimism from the Reserve Bank Governor after cutting the OCR by 25 basis points this afternoon. Christian Hawkesby says the economy's been a…
- Best of Business
Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on the Reserve Bank cutting the OCR to 3 percent
The Reserve Bank is signalling further OCR cuts, but making no promises. It's slashed the cash rate 25 basis points today, to 3 percent. Newstalk ZB senior…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics principal economist on the Reserve Bank cutting the OCR to 3 percent
The Reserve Bank today moved to cut the OCR by 25 basis points to 3 percent, sparking debate among experts. While economists priced in a cut, some anticipated…