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
Chris Litten: Building Research Association expert on whether more insulation makes your house too hot
A new study from the Building Research Association has found that indoor summer temperatures have gone up 6 to 10 percent in the last 20 years. The new…
- Best of Business
Nathan Guy: Meat Industry Association Independent Chair explains how primary sector can benefit from NZ-India trade deal
New Zealand's sheep farmers could be big winners if we secure a trade deal with India. The Prime Minister has announced formal negotiations on a comprehensive…
- Best of Business
Julie Wilson: Airbnb volunteer community leader on Wellington Airbnb hosts voicing disapproval with accommodation rate hike
Wellington Airbnb hosts are hitting out at the city council and claiming accommodation rate hikes are overkill. It's proposing applying commercial rates to…
- Best of Business
Todd McLay: Trade Minister on free trade agreement with India
The Government has announced New Zealand will enter into a free trade agreement with India. The announcement came overnight as the Prime Minister Christopher…
- Best of Business
Jason Walls: Newstalk ZB political editor on Chris Luxon's four-day trip to India
The economy, trade, and talks will be top-of-mind as the Prime Minister lands in India today. Christopher Luxon's being joined by a large business and…
- Best of Business
Sam Stubbs: Simplicity co-founder on Nicola Willis mulling over changing KiwiSaver contributions
The default Kiwisaver contribution rate could be due for a shakeup. Finance Minister Nicola Willis is looking at upping the amount employees and employers…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: Business Editor explains what Public Private Partnerships are
Liam Dann joined Matt Heath and Tyler Adams to explain how public private partnerships work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on Tesla's share price taking a hit
Tesla's share price has taken a dive in recent months. Donald Trump's ascension to the US Presidency initially helped boost the share price, but it's since…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on the new stats revealing how many Kiwis left the country
The number of people leaving the country long-term hit another new record in the year to January - but monthly data suggests the brain drain has peaked. Stats…
- Best of Business
Brett Shepherd: Craigs Investment Partners spokesperson recaps the first day of the Government's Infrastructure Investment Summit
Investors are keen to see a long term pipeline of work - before committing to spending their money here. More than a hundred companies, managing about six…
- Best of Business
Chris Bishop: Infrastructure Minister on the Government's first Infrastructure Investment Summit
The Minister in charge of the Government's Infrastructure Investment Summit says deals will mostly be done in the coming weeks, months and years ahead. More…
- Best of Business
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on Westpac's boss urging Australians to stop complaining about tariffs
Over in Australia, Westpac's head is urging people to stop complaining over the new tariffs set out by the Trump administration. The US President has recently…
- Best of Business
Stephanie Batchelor: Milford Asset Management expert on the significant drops in the US financial market
Investors have voiced concerns over declining US market growth - resulting in a significant drop. US President Donald Trump also didn't rule out a recession in…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the IMF's annual report on New Zealand's economy
The International Monetary Fund is cautioning the Government against bending over backwards, deregulating banks in a bid to spur more competition in the…
- Best of Business
Jason Walls: Newstalk ZB political editor ahead of the Government's Infrastructure Investment Summit
Delegates from some of the world's largest banks and investment firms have arrived in Auckland for the Government's first Infrastructure Investment Summit…
- Best of Business
Shane Jones: Energy Minister on the opening of a new production well in the Pohokura gas field
The Energy Minister says he's doing his best to improve the stability of energy supply. A new gas well at the Pohokura Production Station in Taranaki was…
- Best of Business
Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on New Zealand's banking sector making a profit amid economic downturn
Banks are hanging tough despite tough economic conditions. A KPMG report has found the sector's net profit for 2024 increased just 0.25 percent from the…
- Best of Business
Rod Duke: Briscoe Group managing director on the company's full-year sales data
Briscoe Group's revenue has stayed virtually flat, with profit taking a hit. Total revenue for the owner of Briscoe Homeware and Rebel Sport decreased 0.06…
- Best of Business
Katherine Baird: BusinessNZ Director Of Advocacy on the Government overhauling procurement rules
An overhaul of the Government's procurement rule is a win for small Kiwi businesses. The Finance Minister is scrapping 24 requirements and adding a new…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the market's response to Donald Trump's comments about the economy
Stock markets across the US have taken a significant hit over concerns about the negative economic impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs. After the…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the golden run that's set to continue for NZ beef pricing
Following a surge in the second half of 2024, the golden run for New Zealand farmgate beef pricing has continued in the early part of 2025. Returns are also…
- Best of Business
Dame Therese Walsh: India Business Delegation Lead on the opportunities in the ministerial delegation to India
The Prime Minister's taking one of the largest ministerial delegations to India. Christopher Luxon is heading to New Delhi and Mumbai on Saturday with a…
- Best of Business
Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on Donald Trump's impact on the economy
New Zealand is hoping for an economic reprieve - but experts warn that's less likely to happen this year. Donald Trump's ascension to the presidency has…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on Donald Trump declining to rule out US recession amid tariff war
US President Donald Trump has declined to rule out a recession this year as his administration's tariffs spark economic concern. It comes after a volatile week…
- Best of Business
Rachel Aiello: Canadian correspondent on what we can expect from Canada's new Prime Minister
Canada's new Prime Minister is expected to tout his economic expertise as he enters the job. Mark Carney has served as Governor of Canada's and England's…
- Best of Business
Peter Lewis: Asia Business Correspondent on China's retaliation against Trump and US trade war
How is China feeling amid the trade war coming out of the United States? Tariffs have been on and off under Trump's direction, but when it comes to China they…
- Best of Business
Enda Brady: UK correspondent on UK supermarkets adding non-alcoholic lagers to meal deals
Meal deals have been a staple across UK retailers - and some outlets are offering consumers a new lunchtime option. Companies like Asda, Sainsbury's and Tesco…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert explains why equity markets are falling
Equity markets across the world have taken a dive - and one expert has explained the sudden drop. Donald Trump's tariff threat and collective concerns about…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on red meat prices rebounding
New Zealand’s red meat sector is on track for a strong rebound, with export returns and overall profitability expected to rise. According to Beef + Lamb New…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on petrol prices being expected to drop
Good news for Kiwi motorists - they can look forward to lower fuel prices in the next few days. The price of oil is at its lowest level in more than three…
- Best of Business
Michael Wood: E tū negotiator on Canadian billionaire Jim Grenon's potential impact on NZME
An Auckland-based Canadian billionaire previously linked to an alternative news venture has taken a substantial holding in media company NZME. NZME owns the NZ…
- Best of Business
Irene King: aviation commentator on Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran's resignation
Air New Zealand is in for a change - with CEO Greg Foran resigning from October. He's told the board the airline is in a good place and this is the right time…
- Best of Business
Jessica Walker: Consumer NZ Acting Head of Research and Advocacy on the growing calls to ban card payment surcharges
There's renewed calls for an outright ban on card payment surcharges. Consumer NZ says the Commerce Commission's considering lowering interchange fees, but…
- Best of Business
Sam Trethewey: Milford Asset Management Portfolio Manager on the current state of the 2025 stock market
It's a big week for the New Zealand stock market, and one expert is taking a look at the highest performers. As results reporting continues, some companies are…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on Adrian Orr's abrupt resignation from the Reserve Bank
Major question marks over the shock-resignation of Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr. Orr's laid out areas of his work he's proud of, but gave no reason for…
- Best of Business
Gareth Kiernan: Infometrics Chief Forecaster on the economic impact of Donald Trump's tariffs
One expert has delivered a grim outlook for share markets around the world. Stocks have tumbled after US President Donald Trump slapped tariffs on Canada…
- Best of Business
Mark Orams: sailing professor floats the idea of the America's Cup returning to Auckland
Auckland has expressed interest towards Emirates Team New Zealand around returning the next America's Cup defence to the City of Sails. Tataki Auckland…
- Best of Business
Todd McClay: Trade Minister unpacks what Donald Trump's proposed tariffs could mean for New Zealand
The Trade Minister says he's taking potential disruption to trade very seriously. US President Donald Trump has sent stocks tumbling across the world after…
- Best of Business
Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent on Adrian Orr's sudden resignation as Reserve Bank Governor
Today's surprise resignation by Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr has left experts with plenty of questions. Neither the Prime Minister nor Finance Minister are…
- Best of Business
Jonathan Kearsley: US correspondent on Donald Trump delivering his first Congress address of his second term
Donald Trump says tariffs will make the US rich again. The President's been delivering his first Congress address since commencing his second term. He's talked…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on Adrian Orr's 'unexpected' resignation
Industry experts have voiced their surprise after the Reserve Bank Governor abruptly resigned today. Adrian Orr was almost halfway through his second five-year…
- Best of Business
Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist ahead of Australia's GDP figures being released
Economists are outlining their predictions as Australia prepares to release a GDP update tomorrow. The Australian economy is predicted to have grown faster…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Donald Trump proposing tariffs on agriculture imports
US President Donald Trump has indicated tariffs on imported agricultural products could take effect as soon as April. This announcement has generated concern…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the recent drop in housing consents
The coalition Government wants more homes to be built cheaper and faster, yet official data shows an annual 7.2 percent drop in the sector. New data from Stats…
- Best of Business
Winston Peters: Rail Minister reiterates previous Cook Strait ferry deal wasn't a good one
As Hyundai is back on the table for a potential Cook Strait ferry deal, Winston Peters is reiterating his view that the previous deal wasn't a good one. The…
- Best of Business
Leeann Watson: Business Canterbury CEO on the mood of business owners and growing confidence in the region
In the first of their regular catch ups, Business Canterbury’s Leeann Watson joined John MacDonald in studio to dig into what’s happening on the business…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on whether the delayed tariffs on Canada and Mexico will go ahead
Over in the US, there's plenty of speculation as to what will happen with Trump's proposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico. The proposed tariffs aren't set to…
- Best of Business
Peter Lewis: Asia Business Correspondent on Indonesia's deal with Apple, China cutting a Taiwanese subsea cable, Trump taking aim at Chinese trade and investment
Indonesia and Apple are finalising an agreement to lift an iPhone 16 ban. The ban came after Apple failed to source 40 percent of their products content…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the drought conditions impacting Taranaki farmers
There's relief among farmers as the Government recognises drought conditions in Taranaki. Federated Farmers says the region's had a year-and-a-half of…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on what the latest ANZ Business Outlook survey says about the economy
The latest ANZ Business Outlook survey indicates confidence is up - but not all companies are feeling optimistic about their recovery. Business confidence rose…
- Best of Business
Jason Walls: Newstalk ZB political editor on Prime Minister Luxon's new partnership with Vietnam
A new deal will put New Zealand at the top of Vietnam's diplomatic relationships list. Prime Minister Chris Luxon has signed the comprehensive strategic…
- Best of Business
Greg Smith: Devon Funds Management expert on Nvidia's record sales
Despite growing fears about Deepseek's growing presence, tech giant Nvidia is reporting an impressive sales result. Nvidia reported a surge in fourth-quarter…
- Best of Business
Mike Egan: Restaurant Association President explains rise in Kiwis turning to fast food
New Zealand's KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut stores have helped drive millions in profits for global owner Restaurant Brands. The multi-national company has…
- Best of Business
Kelvin Davidson: CoreLogic Chief Property Economist on the connection between the gender pay gap and home ownership
Home ownership rates among women have gone up, but there's concern financial barriers are holding them back from investment properties. The latest edition of…
- Best of Business
Geof Nightingale: independent tax expert on the IRD's plan to tax 9000 clubs, societies and not-for-profits
Around 9000 clubs, societies, trade associations, professional and regulatory bodies and industry councils are in line to possibly be slapped with a tax bill…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management Equities Analyst on Ryman Healthcare entering a trading halt
Ryman Healthcare has entered a trading halt as it proposes to raise $1 billion of new capital to reduce debt and reset the balance sheet. The retirement…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on thousands of clubs, societies, trade associations and industry councils facing a significant tax bill
New reports indicate over 9000 clubs, societies, trade associations and industry councils could be looking at a significant tax bill. Inland Revenue has…
- Best of Business
Michael Boggs: NZME chief executive on the company posting a $16 million full-year net loss
Media company NZME is considering separating its property brand OneRoof into an entirely new business. The company - which also owns Newstalk ZB and the New…
- Best of Business
Dylan Firth: Brewers Association Executive Director on the rise in Kiwis drinking more beer and less wine
Beer is reclaiming its popularity - in large part due to options with lower carbs and alcohol levels. Stats NZ has revealed the volume of beer for consumption…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the Government's plan to set up Special Economic Zones for Marsden Point
'Special Economic Zones' or energy precincts could be established to strengthen New Zealand's fuel and energy security, according to the Government. Cabinet…