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
Jessica Walker: Consumer NZ Acting Head of Research and Advocacy on the growing calls to ban credit card surcharges
Mastercard has recently released a survey showing a significant amount of Kiwis want credit card surcharges banned. The data shows 61 percent of respondents…
- Best of Business
Alan McDonald: EMA Head of Advocacy on the increase in businesses seeking advice about redundancies
A record number of businesses have sought advice about redundancies in the first three months of the year, according to new Employers and Manufacturers…
- Best of Business
Joshua Tan: Export NZ executive director on NZ seeing the highest monthly trade surplus in years
A strong primary sector performance has produced a billion-dollar monthly trade surplus - for the first time in five years. Stats NZ data reveals it sat on…
- Best of Business
Simon Watts: Revenue Minister admits Donald Trump was a factor in scrapping Digital Services Tax Bill
The Revenue Minister says Donald Trump was a factor in scrapping the incoming Digital Services Tax Bill. A legacy of the last Government, it would've imposed a…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist outlines predictions for Budget Day 2025
It's less than two days to go until Budget Day 2025, and experts are outlining their predictions. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has hinted this won't be a…
- Best of Business
Terry Collins: AA Principal Policy Advisor on U-GO offering customers cheaper petrol options than Gull
The tide looks to be changing for Gull as the leader of low-priced petrol offerings. Fuel-finding app Gaspy is reporting Taupo's Gull Ātiamuri has been…
- Best of Business
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the UK and EU's latest trade talks
Negotiations to reset the UK's post-Brexit relations reached a turning point - with leaders holding talks ahead of an upcoming summit. Both regions recently…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on what Moody's downgrade of US Government debt ratings means
Moody's cut the US credit rating by one notch, citing rising debt and interest payments that outpace those of similar sovereigns. The downgrade to 'Aa1' from…
- Best of Business
Patrick Noone: former Costco managing director responds to videos of people bulk-buying products at stores
A bustle of butter-buying at Auckland's Costco - where it costs $10 a kilo. Stats NZ figures show the price of a block of butter has soared 65 percent in the…
- Best of Business
Simon Arcus: Business Central CEO on what Wellington needs from the Government's budget
The Government will officially announce its annual budget this Thursday. It comes as Wellington’s economy has been particularly hit hard over the past 12…
- Best of Business
Ryan Bridge: We need better protection of our privacy
Here's a question for your Monday morning. If somebody came up to you on the street and asked for DOB, next of kin, phone number, personal address, your…
- Best of Business
Peter Lewis: Asia Business Correspondent on the US-China trade war, Japan's conditions on trade with the US and China's April exports growing
The trade war between the United States and China has settled down for 90 days. President Donald Trump’s agreed to reduce tariffs by 115 percent. Asia Business…
- Best of Business
David Mair: Sanford Managing Director on the company's half-year profit more than doubling
Half-year profit has more than doubled for New Zealand seafood company Sanford. It's the best result in a decade for the company, which took home $34 million…
- Best of Business
David Mair: Sanford Managing Director on the company's half-year profit more than doubling (dupe)
Half-year profit has more than doubled for New Zealand seafood company Sanford. It's the best result in a decade for the company, which took home $34 million…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on dairy products driving a spike in food prices
Butter, cheese and milk were the biggest drivers of a rise in food prices for the year to April 2025, new figures from Stats NZ show. Food prices increased 3.7…
- Best of Business
Duane Emeny: Air Chathams chief commercial officer offers theory as to why domestic flights have gotten pricier
A new report suggests the increase in domestic air fares may be due to a lack of the right planes. In particular, airlines don't seem to have access to…
- Best of Business
Rod Duke: Briscoe Group managing director on the company's bid to introduce metro stores
Up to 15 metro-style Briscoe and Rebel Sport stores will be popping up across the country - in a bid to pump up Briscoes Group's profitability. The project…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management Equities Analyst on NZX making a recovery
It's been a memorable year for financial markets so far - but experts have noted that the NZX appears to have calmed down. After President Donald Trump's…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on Nicola Willis hinting towards KiwiSaver changes in Budget 2025
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has talked up how changes to KiwiSaver, due to be announced at the Budget, will boost members’ balances. She's offered up some…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Bremworth reversing their wool carpet only policy
Carpet maker Bremworth has reversed its wool only policy - and will soon start making synthetic carpets again. The NZX-listed company, which stopped producing…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on Nicola Willis revealing the Government will make its first withdrawal from the Super in 2028
The Finance Minister has revealed the Government will will make its first withdrawal from the Super in 2028 - five years earlier than initially planned. In the…
- Best of Business
Robyn Walker: Deloitte tax partner on the IRD cracking down on overseas student loan borrowers
Inland Revenue has collected more than $207 million in repayments since July last year from student loan borrowers living overseas in the past 9 months. This…
- Best of Business
James Ross: Taxpayers' Union spokesperson voices disapproval with the Government's plan to invest more into the Elevate fund
There's belief that injecting taxpayer dollars into venture capital comes with high risks. The Government's putting $100 million into the Elevate fund - which…
- Best of Business
Julia Sekula: Head Of Nutrition at Beef + Lamb NZ on the the health benefits of meat and plant-based alternatives
Another plant-based meat alternative is set to leave the market - and it's sparked debate about the benefits and drawbacks of these products. Bean Supreme, a…
- Best of Business
Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber CEO on Wayne Brown's manifesto for Auckland
Auckland's Business Chamber CEO says we have nothing to lose by loosening transit visas for Chinese nationals. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's updated his…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on the US and China's trade talks
The US and China have agreed to slash their reciprocal tariffs by 115 percent for 90 days. Washington imposed a 145 percent tariff on Chinese imports at the…
- Best of Business
Chris Small: ABC Business Sales managing director on businesses reaching the cut-off point to pay back Covid loans
Time is running out for businesses who took out a Covid Small Business Cashflow Scheme. It's five years today since Inland Revenue introduced the loans. They…
- Best of Business
Richard Ryall: Zenkuro Sake director on the company winning gold at the Tokyo Sake Challenge for its Drip Pressed Junmai Ginjo
A Queenstown brewery has put New Zealand on the global sake map for the first time. The country’s first and only dedicated sake brewery has taken home a gold…
- Best of Business
Peter Lewis: Asia Business Correspondent on US and China trade officials holding talks this weekend
Trade officials from the worlds biggest economies are coming together for discussions this weekend. US-President Donald Trump says tariffs on goods from China…
- Best of Business
Mark Robinson: NZ Rugby CEO on the body posting a $19.5 million loss
New Zealand Rugby has posted a $19.5 million loss for 2024. Since NZR brought US fund manager Silver Lake on as an equity partner in June 2022, the national…
- Best of Business
Enda Brady: UK correspondent on the UK and US gearing up to announce a trade deal
New reports indicate a 'major' trade deal between the US and UK is set to be announced. US President Trump has teased that a partnership with a 'respected…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Beef and Lamb NZ urging the Government to close carbon farming loopholes
Beef + Lamb New Zealand is urging the Government to close farming loopholes before 'more damage is done' to the sector. The organisation want loopholes in the…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large speculates about Budget 2025
We're two weeks away from Budget 2025, and the Government has been dropping hints about what we can expect. Prime Minister Luxon recently confirmed the…
- Best of Business
Nikki Hart: nutritionist on WeightWatchers filing for bankruptcy
It's the end of an era - as WeightWatchers files for bankruptcy after 62 years in business. The company's New Zealand arm closed in-person workshops last year…
- Best of Business
Tania Tapsell: Rotorua mayor on the city's bid to draw back tourists
Rotorua is hoping to boost its reputation as a top tourism destination - despite some media blowback. TRENZ, New Zealand’s largest international tourism event…
- Best of Business
Mark Robinson: NZ Rugby chief executive on NZ Rugby posting its third consecutive deficit
New Zealand Rugby has posted a loss of $19.5 million for 2024, despite also bringing in record income. The result was announced during today's AGM in…
- Best of Business
Catherine Beard: BusinessNZ Advocacy Director explains the benefits of encouraging investment in New Zealand
Encouraging investment is a top priority in this month's upcoming Budget, according to new reports. Prime Minister Chris Luxon says it'll come from a small…
- Best of Business
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the UK and India agreeing to a trade deal after three years of talks
A boost in trade for the UK and India after finalising a long-desired free trade deal. It focuses on tariff reductions for British and Indian goods across…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management Equities Analyst on Briscoe Group sales dropping
Briscoe Group sales fell 2.58 percent on the year to $178.3 million in the first quarter, weighed down by weaker homeware sales. Briscoes Homeware store…
- Best of Business
Graham Quirk: former Lord Mayor of Brisbane on what Auckland needs to improve
It's been 15 years since Auckland became a supercity, and new data has revealed what people believe the city needs in order to improve. A total of 575…
- Best of Business
James Kilty: Transpower CEO proposes on $1.4 billion upgrade to Cook Strait electricity cables
Transpower says upgrading the Cook Strait electricity cable would come at a very small cost to consumers. It's consulting on a $1.4 billion proposal - to…
- Best of Business
Alison Eddy: NZ College of Midwives Chief Executive on what the pay equity law changes mean for the sector
After many hours of debate, MPs have reached the final stage of the controversial pay equity legislation. The Government introduced the Bill under urgency…
- Best of Business
Jarrod Kerr: Kiwibank chief economist on employment numbers holding steady in latest report
Overall employment's held steady - but the hours people work have notably contracted. In figures out today, the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.1…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business Editor on the unemployment rate remaining at 5.1%
The unemployment rate has stayed static for another quarter. Stats NZ figures just out show the rate remained at 5.1% in the March quarter. The number of…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on livestock numbers dropping over the past 10 years
New figures from Stats NZ show livestock numbers have dropped substantially over the past decade. The total number of sheep dropped by 21 percent and the total…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the Government saving $1 billion after hitting housing targets early
The Government will make major savings over the coming years by outperforming on its housings goals. Last year, it aimed to reduce the number of people in…
- Best of Business
Duncan Greive: Spinoff founder on Steven Joyce being nominated as an NZME board candidate
NZME’s likely new chairman Steven Joyce says he hopes to unify the media company’s shareholders as much as possible, following two months of heated debate over…
- Best of Business
John Key: Former Prime Minister on the Ignite 25 Growth Summit, Trump tariffs
Sir John Key does not believe US President Donald Trump intends to keep tariffs on most of the world. The former Prime Minister is speaking at the Ignite 25…
- Best of Business
Greg Smith: Devon Funds expert on the factors driving the NZ markets up
New Zealand's financial markets have taken a positive turn - following months of financial uncertainty. Greg Smith from Devon Funds unpacked the factors behind…
- Best of Business
Catherine McGrath: Westpac CEO on the bank's profit growing by 10 percent
Westpac New Zealand’s profits are continuing to rise, as it makes more money from existing customers, rather than materially growing its business. The…
- Best of Business
Todd McClay: Trade Minister on India and New Zealand starting the first round of Free Trade Agreement negotiations
A Kiwi negotiation team is in India this week, holding our first in-person Free Trade Agreement talks. Trade Minister Todd McClay says it's an important step…
- Best of Business
Francesca Rudkin: Financial literacy in schools is a good thing
These days I have blurry memories of my time at primary school in Auckland in the late 70s, early 80s, but I can very clearly remember my ASB school banking…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large speculates about unemployment numbers ahead of next week's data
The next set of unemployment figures are due to be released next week - and speculation indicates they'll go up even higher. Unemployment was sitting at 5.1…
- Best of Business
Kiri Hannifin: Air New Zealand Chief Sustainability Officer on the company's new strategy to meet net zero emissions by 2050
Air New Zealand wants to tap into more sustainable aviation fuel - to meet net zero emissions by 2050. It's aiming to cut well-to-wake jet fuel greenhouse gas…
- Best of Business
Dr John Small: Commerce Commission Chair explains why they won't be investigating the cost of flying
The Commerce Commission has confirmed it will not be formally putting the cost of flying under the microscope. Rangitata MP James Meager has suggested the…
- Best of Business
Sam Trethewey: Milford Asset Management Portfolio Manager on the Trump tariffs starting to impact corporate earnings
US earnings season has started up again - and new reports indicate Donald Trump's tariffs are starting to bite. Companies across the US have reported shipping…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the Reserve Bank buying up foreign currency assets
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is continuing to buy foreign currency assets to give it more firepower, should it need to intervene in the market during a…
- Best of Business
Dave Mazey: Whakapapa Holdings Chief Executive on the DoC granting Whakapapa skifield a 10 year concession
The future has been secured for Whakapapa skifield after DoC today granted a 10-year concession. Whakapapa Holdings has signed up to run the Whakapapa skifield…
- Best of Business
Erica Stanford: Education Minister on the Government's new curriculum update designed to teach kids about money
Another Government curriculum refresh is aiming to give school kids more grasp of money management. The Education Minister's making financial literacy a…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on capital markets stabilising
The first 100 days of the new Donald Trump administration have seen capital markets undergo a turbulent few months - but things appear to be stabilising. The…