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
Billie Moore: NZ Airports Association CEO says Air New Zealand needs regulation and pricing investigation
New Zealand's Airports Association has voiced disapproval with the latest review of their regulatory arrangements - and suggested the scrutiny needs to be on…
- Best of Business
Business Panel: Working Style boss Chris Dobbs and Tommy's Real Estate CEO Ben Castle
Businesses in the capital city are still feeling glum - Westpac's latest survey has found Wellington has the lowest business confidence of any region in the…
- Best of Business
Enda Brady: UK correspondent on Rachel Reeves dashing UK hopes of early US trade deal
The UK is still hoping to work out a trade deal with the US - but early reports indicate it's quite a way off. Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently arrived in…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on Donald Trump's attacks on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell
US President Donald Trump has spent the past week verbally attacking Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and it's prompted concerns from the markets. Trump…
- Best of Business
Rowena Duncum: The Country host on local cheesemakers voicing concerns about presence of supermarket cheeses
Local cheesemakers have voiced concerns about the competition created by supermarket-produced home-brands. Smaller brands have been forced to scale back on…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on inflation expectations going up in new data
Consumer confidence has gone back up - but new data indicates people are also worried about inflation. The latest ANZ-Roy Morgan survey shows consumer…
- Best of Business
Peter Lewis: Asia Business Correspondent on Donald Trump reportedly considering slashing tariffs on China
New reports indicate Donald Trump is considering slashing tariffs on Chinese goods by more than half. No announcements have been made yet- but tariffs could…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on Nicola Willis rejecting claims of political interference on the Reserve Bank
The Finance Minister has adamantly denied any suggestions of the Government trying to interfere in the Reserve Bank. Critics have raised concerns that the…
- Best of Business
Stephanie Batchelor: Milford Asset Management expert on the sections of the market that have held up
Despite the negative press and volatile climate, some financial markets have managed to hold up solidly throughout 2025. The consumer staples industry - food…
- Best of Business
Rowena Duncum: The Country host on chicken exports returning to normal after bird flu outbreak
Chicken exports are returning to normal after a bird flu outbreak in Otago last year. Last December, New Zealand experienced its first confirmed case of avian…
- Best of Business
Nick Brunsdon: Infometrics principal economist on goods exports going up by 19 percent
There's been some positive trade news. Stats NZ data shows goods exports rose 19 percent to $7.6 billion in March - compared to the same time a year ago. Milk…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister unveils plan to bring down deficit in 2025 Budget
There's less than a month to go until the 2025 Budget is unveiled - and the Finance Minister has been clear about the goals she aims to tackle. Nicola Willis…
- Best of Business
Carolyn Young: Retail NZ Chief Executive on the growing number of retailers calling for an end to Easter trading hours
Limited Easter trading hours are bringing extra financial burdens for businesses according to retailers. The Retail Radar survey shows almost 70 percent of…
- Best of Business
Francesca Rudkin: We need to simplify Easter trading hours
If you live in a city, there is something quite special about waking up on Good Friday - to the sound of silence. There are no cars on the road, no hum of…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the future of Trump's tariffs - and what it could mean for the economy
With China and the US promising trade war escalations, economists are speculating about the future of the tariffs and how they'll impact global economies. Some…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on inflation going up higher than predicted
New data shows inflation's gone up again - and there's concerns about what it could mean going forward. The latest Stats NZ figures put the rate at 2.5…
- Best of Business
John Carnegie: Energy Resources Aotearoa CEO 'unsurprised' by Genesis Energy slowing down gas production
Genesis Energy has confirmed it plans to shift its focus over to coal, as gas production declines and no other suitable sources have been found. Genesis has…
- Best of Business
Gareth Kiernan: Infometrics Chief Forecaster on what Donald Trump's tariffs could mean for inflation going forward
US tariffs are expected to impact our next inflation figures, according to new reports. The rate increased in the three months to March to 2.5 percent - up…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on Te Pāti Māori saying Māori should receive New Zealand Superannuation early
Labour is staying tight-lipped, as Te Pāti Māori says Māori should receive New Zealand Superannuation seven to 10 years before everyone else. Meanwhile, the…
- Best of Business
Sharon Zollner: ANZ chief economist on the bank predicting interest rates will drop further than expected
ANZ is speculating interest rates will drop lower than previously expected - as the economy is predicted to need extra help to recover. The bank believes the…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister says she's satisfied with the balance struck over Reserve Bank funding
The Finance Minister is confident in the operational funding she's giving the Reserve Bank. Nicola Willis has signed the bank up to a new five-year agreement -…
- Best of Business
Thomas Coughlan: NZ Herald political editor on Nicola Willis reducing the Reserve Bank's funding
The Finance Minister has unveiled a major reduction to the Central Bank's planned spending. The Government and the Reserve Bank have agreed to reduce operating…
- Best of Business
Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on the RBA hinting it's open to cutting rates
Over in Australia, the RBA says its upcoming May meeting would be an 'opportune time' to reconsider the OCR. Experts believe that the global uncertainty over…
- Best of Business
Rowena Duncum: The Country host ahead of the first GDT auction since the tariffs were announced
All eyes will be on tonight's Global Dairy Trade Auction to see if the tariffs will leave an impact on dairy prices. It's been two weeks since President Donald…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the RBNZ's new Kiwi-GDP measures and what it means for monetary decisions
Reserve Bank economist Paul Conway believes there's one upside to the tariff turmoil for Kiwis. Conway suspects the tariffs will likely lead to lower inflation…
- Best of Business
Megan Alexander: Robert Half recruitment expert on whether working from home reduces promotion opportunities
Working from the office could set people up better for a promotion than working from home. Recruitment agency Robert Half says 58 percent of workers believe…
- Best of Business
Rebecca Styles: Consumer NZ Investigative Team Lead on the organisation's investigations into greenwashing
Concerns have been raised over the punishments NZ-based companies could face for greenwashing - and whether or not it's a suitable deterrent. An Australian…
- Best of Business
Nick Mowbray: Zuru Toys co-founder on US businesses holding off on purchases as a result of Trump's tariffs
Kiwi toy entrepreneur Nick Mowbray says businesses in the US are pressing pause on major purchasing decisions. There's ongoing uncertainty about Donald Trump's…
- Best of Business
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the race to keep British Steel furnaces running
Last-minute efforts to keep British Steel operating are to be carried out today, as the plant races to secure a supply of raw materials. The Department for…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on what the tech tariff exemptions did to the market
The Trump administration's tariff announcements have left a notable impact on financial markets - and experts fear we may not be out of the woods yet…
- Best of Business
Chris Small: ABC Business Sales managing director on demand outpacing supply in the small business sphere
Demand is outpacing supply in the small business market, as sellers wait out tough trading conditions while buyer interest is at record levels. Recent data…
- Best of Business
Business Panel: Wellington is a 'talent repellant', tech CEO says
A successful Wellington business owner says if he were starting again today, he wouldn't start his business in Wellington. "Whether you should do it in…
- Best of Business
Peter Lewis: Business Journalist on the volatile state of the stock markets amid tariff uncertainty
Markets have been losing many of yesterday's historic gains. US markets climbed steeply after Donald Trump paused higher tariffs on most countries – locking…
- Best of Business
Kieran McAnulty: Labour MP on his bill allowing alcohol sales on public holidays being voted through to Select Committee
A Labour MP is pushing for change on alcohol sales on certain holidays. Kieran McAnulty's new bill will let licensed businesses already open on ANZAC Day…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert reveals how to make investments in a volatile world
It's been an interesting week for global markets - with figures dropping or rising at a rapid rate. As Donald Trump's tariffs spark fear - or elation - among…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on how NZ beef exporters are handling US tariffs
United States beef prices haven't budged much since the implementation of the 10 percent tariff by President Donald Trump - but Kiwi exporters aren't safe. A…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large unpacks what happened to the bond market since Donald Trump's tariffs u-turn
Reports indicate the bond market ultimately prompted Trump to pull back on his stream of tariffs. The US President announced on social media that he paused…
- Best of Business
Kent Duston: Banking Reform Coalition spokesperson explains why banks take so long to pass on OCR savings
The OCR dropped 25 basis points again yesterday - but many homeowners have wondered why their mortgage rates haven't followed. Many people currently on…
- Best of Business
David Mahon: Mahon China Investment Management CEO on the trade war brewing between the US and China
US President Donald Trump today forged ahead with tariffs of 125 percent against Chinese goods - escalating the US-China trade war. Trump’s sweeping tariffs…
- Best of Business
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on the Australian stock market bouncing back after earlier slump
Over in Australia, stocks have surged after an earlier crash brought about by Donald Trump's new tariffs. The ASX climbed more than 6 percent in early trade…
- Best of Business
Scott Shellady: US markets analyst unpacks why Trump may have paused tariffs
A US markets analyst suspects Donald Trump is trying to buy time by lowering tariffs on most countries to a blanket 10 percent for 90 days. But the US…
- Best of Business
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the UK Government potentially nationalising British Steel
Over in the UK, the Government could potentially nationalise British Steel as fears grow that the company's blast furnaces in Scunthorpe could run out of raw…
- Best of Business
Remy Morgan: Milford Asset Management expert on the Reserve Bank slashing the OCR by 25 basis points
The Reserve Bank is keeping a watching brief internationally as Donald Trump's new tariffs kick in. The central bank cut the Official Cash Rate another 25…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the Government's proposed changes to consumer finance laws
The Government has introduced legislation that could see more than 150,000 mortgage holders miss out on hundreds of millions in compensation for mistakes made…
- Best of Business
David Norton: Pure Advantage advisor on whether we need to stop using pine trees to offset emissions
There's been suggestions we need to move away from relying on pine trees to offset our emissions. The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment recently…
- Best of Business
Perspective with Ryan Bridge: We've got to take the wins where we can get them
So the Reserve Bank did the predictable thing today and cut 25 basis points. Good news for mortgage holders, good news for the economy, more money in our…
- Best of Business
Barbara Edmonds: Labour finance spokesperson criticises the Government's handling of Donald Trump's tariffs
Labour's finance spokesperson has accused the Government of 'sitting on its hands' amid an economically turbulent week for the world. Barbara Edmonds has…
- Best of Business
James Annabell: Egmont Honey founder on the impact Donald Trump's tariffs are having on Kiwi businesses
Exporters are scrambling under the sudden imposition of Donald Trump's tariffs. The President's signature economic policy has taken effect, with US allies and…
- Best of Business
Kara Biggs: Campaign for Wool's general manager celebrates new directive to use NZ wool in Government buildings
There's industry celebrations over a directive to use Kiwi wool in Government buildings. New builds worth more than $9 million and refurbishments costing over…
- Best of Business
Kelly Eckhold: Westpac Chief Economist on the OCR getting cut by 25 basis points amid tariff uncertainty
There's uncertainty about what's next after today's OCR cut. The Reserve Bank has slashed the Official Cash Rate 25 basis points to 3.5 percent, with most…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on what Donald Trump's tariffs mean for the dairy sector
New Zealand's dairy sector has voiced concerns as the world prepares to accommodate the financial impacts of Donald Trump's tariffs. Reports show only six…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on China’s commerce ministry vowing to fight US tariffs 'to the end'
China’s commerce ministry has vowed to fight US tariffs 'to the end' after Donald Trump threatened them with new levies. One ministry spokesperson has labelled…
- Best of Business
Steven Joyce: former Finance Minister on the financial 'uncertainty' that comes with Donald Trump's tariffs
A former Finance Minister says New Zealand faces uncharted territory - as the world grapples with Donald Trump's tariffs. New Zealand, Australian and Asian…
- Best of Business
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on the state of the ASX following Trump's tariffs update
Over in Australia, the ASX has seen a slight rebound following a drop from earlier in the week. The S&P/ASX 200 Index lifted 2.1 per cent, or by 151.5 points…
- Best of Business
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the rules around electric cars getting relaxed following Trump tariffs
The UK Government is stepping in to make things a little easier for car manufactures following Trump's latest tariff update. A ban on producing new petrol and…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on the state of the NZX after Trump's tariffs
The NZX50 index had fallen around 3.7 percent at the close of market today as Donald Trump's tariffs continue to reverberate globally. It hasn't had a fall of…
- Best of Business
Mark Ross: Wood Processors & Manufacturers Association of NZ CEO on the timber sector escaping the tariffs
There is relief among New Zealand's wood exporters - who've escaped the import tariffs set by the US. Imports of timber and lumbar products into the US have…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the potential impact of Donald Trump's tariffs
The Finance Minister has been getting updates about the financial fallout from the latest batch of Trump tariffs. New Zealand goods have been hit with a 10…
- Best of Business
Brooke Roberts: Sharesies Co-CEO on the global impacts of Donald Trump's tariffs
The NZX50 index had fallen about 3.7 percent at the close of market today - as Donald Trump's tariffs continue to reverberate globally. It hasn't had a fall of…
- Best of Business
Simon Squibb: author and social media sensation on new book What’s Your Dream? Find Your Passion. Love Your Work. Build a Richer Life
Simon Squibb is not your average entrepreneur. After tragedy saw him leave home at the age 15, Simon went into survival mode - he started a gardening business…