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
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on wool price surging up
It's a good start to the year for wool farmers, as prices leap up to a historic high. Following a Covid-induced downturn, growth has returned to the sector -…
- Best of Business
Tom Aitken: Amico creator on the new app designed to formalise loan agreements between family and friends
If you've ever lent money to a friend or family member and never seen that cash again - a new app could turn that situation around. A former banker turned…
- Best of Business
Grant Webster: Tourism Holdings Limited CEO on the company's half-year profit dropping 36 percent
Campervan company Tourism Holdings is being hit hard by a tough economic climate, according to new reports. The company's net profit for the six months ended…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on the increase in retail spending at the end of 2024
Retailers are hoping a sales rebound means an industry uptick has begun. Stats NZ data shows total retail sales increased 0.9 percent in the three months…
- Best of Business
Carolyn Young: Retail NZ Chief Executive on the calls for small towns to ditch the 9-5 retail model
Business owners are being encouraged to work with neighbours to keep small towns 'alive'. Napier City Business general manager Pip Thompson says Napier and…
- Best of Business
David Seymour: Associate Finance Minister on a reform to the Overseas Investment Act
The Government is welcoming more foreign investment to New Zealand businesses by amending the Overseas Investment Act. The Associate Finance Minister David…
- Best of Business
Catherine Beard: Business New Zealand Director of Agency on a reform to the Overseas Investments Act
David Seymour has announced the Government will make it easier for Kiwi businesses to receive international investment. The Associate Finance Minister said a…
- Best of Business
Suzannah Jessep: Asia New Zealand Foundation Chief Executive on the importance of Vietnam ahead of PM's visit
Christopher Luxon is heading to Vietnam this week for bilateral talks. This visit comes as the Asia New Zealand foundation put out a report which explores…
- Best of Business
Peter Lewis: Asia Business Correspondent on Xi Jinping's meeting with prominent entrepreneurs, India cutting import taxes in response to Trump's tariffs, and Singapore's tax breaks
Xi Jinping had a meeting with prominent entrepreneurs this week... what was his message to them? India is looking to cut import taxes in response to trump's…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on farmer confidence reaching its highest level in years
Farmer confidence has risen to its highest level in over a decade, rebounding from record lows in recent years, Federated Farmers says. The advocacy group has…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on the Reserve Bank raising issues with Stats NZ data
The Reserve Bank is urging the Government to take a hard look at Stats NZ, with a view to improving the timeliness and accuracy of key economic data. The…
- Best of Business
Greg Foran: Air New Zealand chief executive defends airline from criticism by Auckland Airport
Air New Zealand is brushing off criticism from Aotearoa's largest airport. Auckland Airport CEO Carrie Hurihanganui has suggested the national carrier's too…
- Best of Business
Louise Upston: Child Poverty Reduction Minister on the Government failing to meet targets for reducing child poverty
The Child Poverty Reduction Minister attributes stagnant progress to tough economic conditions. Annual figures to June show no real change since 2018, despite…
- Best of Business
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on Australia's unemployment rate rising to 4.1 percent
Australia's unemployment rate rose to 4.1 percent in January from 4 percent in December, in line with expectations from economists. According to the Australian…
- Best of Business
Rowan Simpson: Kiwi Entrepreneur talks start ups, business confidence, and economic growth
The name of the game for the government this year is economic growth and increased productivity. For that, what New Zealand needs is successful businesses. One…
- Best of Business
Mike's Minute: KiwiSaver reality vs ideology
Given the issues around KiwiSaver, it’s a miracle any of us save anything to become remotely independent in retirement. Last week we told you about the…
- Best of Business
Oliver Mander: NZ Shareholders Association CEO on Fonterra mulling over move to sell off consumer brands
Fonterra appears to be advancing its plans to sell off Anchor, Mainland and its other consumer brands. The co-op hasn't decided whether or not to sell the…
- Best of Business
Remy Morgan: Milford Asset Management expert on the market reactions to today's OCR cut
The Reserve Bank started 2025 off with some good news for homeowners and slashed the OCR by 50 basis points. The Central Bank also implied more rate cuts will…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the banks cutting down mortgage rates after OCR decision
Banks have begun slashing shorter-term mortgage rates following today's cuts to the OCR, but experts have issued a warning to homeowners. Reserve Bank…
- Best of Business
Andrew Reding: Fletcher Building CEO on the company's climbing losses
Fletcher announced a $134 million net loss after tax for the December 31, 2024 half-year, up on the previous $120m net loss. Losses climbed partly due to the…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on today's 'double-cut' to the OCR
There's praise for the Reserve Bank tonight - from one of its fiercest critics. It's signalling this afternoon's double-cut to the Official Cash Rate will be…
- Best of Business
Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent on the Government's response to today's OCR cut
The Prime Minister says this afternoon's double cut to the OCR is another sign the economy's improving. The Reserve Bank is also signalling it'll follow up…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on the exodus of 25 to 45-year-olds leaving New Zealand
Over 70,000 Kiwis left the country last year - and there's a changing trend in the types of people departing. The OE is a classic experience for many young New…
- Best of Business
Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on Australia slashing their OCR by 25 basis points
There's finally some relief for Australian homeowners, as the RBA lowers interest rates for the first time since 2020. It held the cash rate at 4.3 percent for…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics principal economist on what we can expect from the first OCR update of 2025
It's the Reserve Bank's first official cash rate decision for 2025 - and many economists are predicting a rate cut to start off the year. The RBNZ is largely…
- Best of Business
John Stevenson: Chair of Fonterra's Co-operative Council on the company offering dairy farmers compensation for sustainability efforts
Fonterra dairy farmers will be able to earn cash for their climate efforts - beginning from June. The dairy giant has announced it will pay an extra 1-5 cents…
- Best of Business
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on the RBA cutting the OCR to 4.1 percent
Over in Australia, the RBA has moved to lower the Official Cash Rate by 25 basis points from 4.35 percent to 4.1 percent. This is in line with predictions from…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on A2 Milk's share price surging
A2 Milk has upped its first-half net profit by 7.6 percent - overtaking expectations - and announced its first dividend of 8.5 cents a share. Its infant milk…
- Best of Business
Mark Troughear: Freightways CEO on the company's revenue going up despite economic downturn
One of our largest freight companies says it's yet to see economic green shoots. Freightways is reporting a 6.5 percent increase in profit in the six months to…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: Economic Growth Minister reveals another supermarket player is interested in setting up in New Zealand
The Economic Growth Minister says she's had another supermarket express their interest in setting up shop here. Nicola Willis has repeated the call we need…
- Best of Business
Robert MacCulloch: Auckland University economics professor warns against cutting the OCR
An economics expert says cutting the Official Cash Rate is unwarranted. The Reserve Bank is set to release its first 2025 OCR decision on Wednesday. Many…
- Best of Business
Business Panel: Delivereasy's Tim Robinson and Adult Toy Megastore's Nicola Relph
They're two Wellington business behemoths; one delivering food, the other offering sexual wellness products. But now unlikely partners Delivereasy and Adult…
- Best of Business
Richard Templer: Engineering NZ CEO urges the Government to release infrastructure funds amid job shortage
There's growing concern about a potential decline in engineering roles - with renewed calls for the Government to step in and intervene. Engineering New…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the collective response to Donald Trump's tariffs?
The expanded tariff measures announced by President Donald Trump are contributing to economic uncertainty held by multiple companies, according to experts…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host addresses backlash from farmers as Southland farmland set to be converted into forestry
A series of livestock sales making way for blanket afforestation on a productive hill-country station on the Hokonui Hills in Southland isn't being received…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on the Finance Minister's plan to boost competition in the supermarket sector
The Government has confirmed it plans to create more competition between the supermarkets as part of its growth plan. Finance and Economic Growth Minister…
- Best of Business
Patrick Brockie: City Rail Link CEO on the first test train travelling through the Auckland tunnels
Managers of Auckland's City Rail Link are still shying away from naming a specific opening date, following last night's successful tests. A train made five…
- Best of Business
Tex Edwards: MonopolyWatch research director on the Government's new plan to boost supermarket competition
There's hopes a fresh call for reform to break our supermarket duopoly brings meaningful action. Economic Growth and Finance Minister Nicola Willis has…
- Best of Business
Kris Faafoi: Insurance Council CEO on the rise in people switching to third-party car insurance due to costs
Rising premiums are pushing more people into considering third party car insurance. The average quote for comprehensive car insurance on comparison website…
- Best of Business
Jo Learmonth: Wānaka Business Chamber Chair on the potential impact of a McDonald's in the city
Wānaka's business community doesn't appear to have been fazed by the now unlikely prospect of McDonalds setting up shop in town. The fast-food giant has had…
- Best of Business
Pattrick Smellie: BusinessDesk managing editor on the Government signing off on new rules for foreign investors
It's looking more likely that NZ First is on board with the new rules for foreign investors - including a shake-up for overseas buyers of property. New reports…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management Equities Analyst on the start of the NZX reporting season
The upcoming reporting season looks likely to reflect the tough times seen in the economy in the second half of last year, yet company 'outlook' statements may…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the Government's planned reviews into the ACC
The Government is running the ruler over the way the Accident Compensation Corporation manages its $50 billion investment portfolio. The newly appointed…
- Best of Business
Vittoria Short: ASB CEO on the bank's interim net profit rising to $763 million
ASB is reporting a one percent increase in net profit, for last year's second half. Profit margins remained flat, but home lending grew five percent and…
- Best of Business
Gareth Abdinor: Director of Abdinor Employment Law on the challenges that come with return-to-office mandates
More and more companies are mandating their workers return to the office after months or years of working remotely - and these moves are proving controversial…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometics Principal Economist outlines economic predictions for 2025
The Prime Minister has copped some backlash over the state of the economy during his morning media round. This follows two disappointing showings for the…
- Best of Business
Edward Miller: Centre for International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research expert reveals how much tax Netflix pays in NZ
Questions have been raised over how much tax Netflix is currently paying in New Zealand. Research indicates there are over 1.3 million Netflix users in New…
- Best of Business
Shane Wilson: mill general manager on the Tai Rāwhiti mill reopening under Australian management
The Tai Rāwhiti mill that ran for 30 years before it was shut down in late 2023 is set to re-open in the coming months, with new Australian owners. About 87…
- Best of Business
Todd McClay: Trade Minister outlines the costs of Trump's tariffs for New Zealand
The Trade Minister is laying bare the cost of Donald Trump's tariffs for New Zealand. The US President is imposing 25 percent tariffs for all steel and…
- Best of Business
Cameron Bagrie: independent economist on whether New Zealand's Superannuation needs to be reformed
An economist says New Zealand needs to have a tough conversation about superannuation. Finance Minister Nicola Willis yesterday told Newstalk ZB the scheme…
- Best of Business
Matt Crockett: Kāinga Ora chief executive on the company's new approach to tackling rent debt
Kāinga Ora's hoping more tenants will stay on top of rent after it's written off debts. It's announced a tougher stance on rental debt - and will end tenancies…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on the possibility of more Trump tariffs
US President Donald Trump has signalled an incoming announcement of 25 percent tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports into the US. Trump also reaffirmed…
- Best of Business
Michelle Isemonger: loan market advisor on the backlog impacting loan requests
Banks are clearing a backlog of lending requests after 'unacceptable' delays of up to five weeks, which caused stress for borrowers before Christmas. A…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister unbothered by underwhelming poll result for the coalition
Two new polls show a shift in the political mood - but National's Nicola Willis isn't too worried about these results. Both the Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll and…
- Best of Business
Chris Bishop: Infrastructure Minister on the growing demand to invest in New Zealand's projects and industries
The Government could be willing to let more foreign investors into a summit it announced today, as demand exceeds spaces. The Prime Minister's announced the…
- Best of Business
David McCloskey: former CIA agent hopes Donald Trump's planned changes won't impact its core mission
A former CIA agent is cautiously optimistic Donald Trump's plans for the agency won't affect its core mission. The US President has extended buyout offers to…
- Best of Business
Stephanie Batchelor: Milford Asset Management expert unpacks Google's financial results
Alphabet, the parent company of Google, has reported its latest financial earnings - and the investors aren't thrilled. Shares reportedly dropped 7 percent…
- Best of Business
Irene King: aviation commentator on Air New Zealand's plans to build a new luxury lounge
Air New Zealand has confirmed it is looking into developing a new luxury lounge for frequent flyers. The airline is staying tight-lipped about what these plans…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on whether we can expect changes to corporate tax rates
The Government is talking up the fact it’s exploring ways of making the tax system more business-friendly, with details of potential changes to be unveiled at…
- Best of Business
Paul Duignan: AI commentator and psychologist on whether New Zealand should ban DeepSeek
DeepSeek, the new Chinese AI-powered chatbot platform that made headlines all over the world, will be banned from Australian Government devices after it was…