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
Jarrod Kerr: Kiwibank chief economist says the Reserve Bank needs to help boost recovery following latest unemployment data
Kiwibank says the latest unemployment figures are ugly, but in line with expectations. The unemployment rate rose to 5.1 percent in the December quarter - the…
- Best of Business
Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on whether Australia's OCR will be adjusted in February
Australia has kept their official cash rate on hold for an entire year - but one expert believes that's likely to change. The nation has been committed to…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host outline predictions for February GDT auction
Experts are hoping for a good result ahead of tonight's GDT auction. Jarden economists are expecting a 4 to 5 percent lift - off the back of a solid auction in…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on Treasury's latest warning to the Government
Treasury has warned the Government that 'significant reforms' or 'reductions to public services' will be needed in the not-too-distant future if it sticks to…
- Best of Business
Claire Matthews: Massey University banking expert on the Government critiquing the banks' withdrawal of lending to petrol stations
The Prime Minister has taken aim at the chief executives of New Zealand’s largest banks saying it was 'utterly unacceptable' that some were withdrawing banking…
- Best of Business
Ben McNulty: Wellington City Councillor reveals rates bill unlikely to change as housing valuations dip
Wellington housing valuations have taken a dive, with no suburb unscathed. QV valuations show house values have fallen 24.4 percent since 2021, with the…
- Best of Business
Robin Oliver: OliverShaw Tax Partner on the Government hinting towards changes to corporate tax settings
New Zealand could have one of the least competitive corporation tax rates - but that could change by May. The Prime Minister has hinted this year's Budget…
- Best of Business
Simon Moutter: Kāinga Ora chair on the plan to turn the state housing agency around
Kāinga Ora is focused on bringing down its building costs going forward. The Government is taking aim at its pricing - saying it is refocusing the state…
- Best of Business
Scott Brown: former US ambassador to New Zealand on how the nation can respond to Trump tariffs
One expert believes the US could potentially establish a Free Trade Agreement with New Zealand. Donald Trump is set to meet with the leaders of Canada and…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister hints at upcoming update into procuring new ferries, potential corporate tax cuts
The Finance Minister's floated potential tax cuts for corporations. Speaking to Ryan Bridge about economic growth, Nicola Willis says our corporate tax rate is…
- Best of Business
Kate Ross: Swivel Careers founder on the rise in teenagers struggling to find work
There's belief the job market is tougher for teens without any experience than ever before. Hawke's Bay local Kaitlin Elsworth has spent two years searching…
- Best of Business
Bodhi Vette: CEO and founder of Road Ninja on the new platform designed to help Kiwis find work in Australia
A new app connecting businesses and truckies is looking to fill labour shortage across the ditch following a successful launch in New Zealand. Road Ninja has…
- Best of Business
Catherine Delahunty and Josie Vida: Coromandel Watchdog chair and Straterra CEO on the pros and cons of the Government's mining strategy
The Government has recently unveiled its future plan for mining with the release of the minerals strategy and critical minerals list - with the goal of…
- Best of Business
Mike's Minute: Is hospitality about how hard you're prepared to work?
Proving life is what you make it, I walked into a local restaurant over the holidays. It's Italian and very good, and they have a new owner. Who was this…
- Best of Business
Catherine Beard: Business NZ Advocacy Director on the potential impact of US tariffs on NZ exporters
New Zealand remains in the dark about Donald Trump's tariff plan, as new data shows the US has overtaken Australia as our second largest destination for…
- Best of Business
THE RE-WRAP: Proof Banks Make Too Much Money
FIRST WITH YESTERDAY'S NEWS (highlights from Thursday on Newstalk ZB) Why Else Would They Turn Away Business/How To Succeed In Business/Mark the Week/Cheating…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the ongoing volatility in the tech market
There's been plenty of volatility in the tech market this week off the back of the recent DeepSeek fiasco. Despite things picking up after this week's crash…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Kāinga Ora reversing its decision on wool carpets
Kāinga Ora has announced it will allow wool carpet providers the chance to tender for supply of carpet and underlay in its homes. The agency has spent the last…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on the US Federal Reserve leaving rates on hold
The US Federal Reserve has left its benchmark interest rate unchanged, due to stubbornly high inflation. US President Donald Trump has voiced his disapproval…
- Best of Business
Henry Russell: ANZ economist on the US overtaking Australia as New Zealand's second-biggest export market
Growing demand for burger meat has super-charged New Zealand's exports to the United States. The US has recently overtaken Australia as New Zealand’s…
- Best of Business
Richard Corney: managing director of Flight Coffee issues warning about the future of the coffee industry
Experts are warning things are set to get 'very scary' for New Zealand's coffee and café industry. Global supply chain disruptions and worsening climate…
- Best of Business
Mike Stokes: Indicator CEO on the survey of sales team leaders and company growth
Sales teams are still bracing for some tough months ahead, according to consultancy firm Indicator's latest survey of sales team leaders. Only 39% of…
- Best of Business
Gail Downey: UK correspondent on the UK Government increasing funding for expansions at Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton airports
The UK Government is looking to 'fight for growth' and expand the resources dedicating to funding major airports. British finance minister Rachel Reeves is…
- Best of Business
Andrew Curtayne: Milford Asset Management expert on stocks bouncing back following DeepSeek debacle
Over in the US, tech stocks have picked up again after a 3 percent selloff after Chinese startup DeepSeek caused a storm in the AI industry. The stocks took a…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the rise in people shopping around for better mortgage rates
Bank switching surged in December, as those with mortgages appear to have shopped around for cheaper debt at a record rate. Just over $2 billion of mortgage…
- Best of Business
Chris Kane: Fonterra Director of Global Engineering on the company's plan to invest more into electrification
Fonterra is investing $150 million into electrification over the next 18 months. The collective says the projects across the North Island are a significant…
- Best of Business
Chris Bishop: Transport Minister on the Government's plan to change speed limits on 38 sections of road
More roads could get faster - beyond the Government's planned changes to speed limits on 38 sections of road. The Government is reversing speed limit…
- Best of Business
Richard Wagstaff: NZCTU President on the results from the latest Mood of the Workforce survey
New data shows more people are concerned about work, housing, and health, according to research by NZCTU. The council's annual Mood of the Workforce survey…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on whether the Government will put The Country on the chopping block
There's speculation the Government may be looking to sell off Landcorp as the asset continues to underperform. Long-standing agricultural consultant Will…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist unpacks the current market for digital nomads
The Government's hopeful that digital nomads will help grow New Zealand's economy off the back of their recent visa change. Finance Minister Nicola Willis…
- Best of Business
Scott Shellady: US markets analyst explains why US experts are worried about DeepSeek
US stocks took a sharp drop - and experts are feeling wary - after a Chinese artificial intelligence startup posed a threat to America's technology industry…
- Best of Business
Dennis Kneale: Former Managing Editor of Forbes and host of “What’s Bugging Me” talks Elon Musk
The richest man in the world, Elon Musk is a controversial man with a history of innovation and entrepreneurship. He’s one of the most talked about men in…
- Best of Business
Mark Lister: Craigs Investment Partners spokesperson on the expected results from US tech titans
It's set to be a big week for the US' biggest tech companies. Meta, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon and Tesla are all expected to report their results in the coming…
- Best of Business
Todd Dawson and Alan Piper: Napier Port CEO and KiwiRail Executive Manager of Freight Markets on the new logging train from Palmerston North to Hawke’s Bay
Following the closure of the Tangiwai Mill in the Ruapehu District, forestry company Ernslaw One has found a new way to continue production and keep…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister hopeful visa changes for digital nomads will help grow tourism numbers
The Finance Minister is determined to get tourism figures back up to their pre-pandemic levels - and she hopes the newest batch of visa changes will speed that…
- Best of Business
Tim Alpe: LyLo director on the Government relaxing visa requirements to attract digital nomads
Overseas visitors may need an extra nudge to come here, even with relaxed visa requirements aiming to attract digital nomads to spend more. From today, they're…
- Best of Business
Karl Christensen: Ohakune business owner on the closure of Desert Road
Ohakune is basking in the closure of Desert Road, as businesses are reaping the benefits of a detour. The Mountain Rocks Café & Bar owner Karl Christensen said…
- Best of Business
Greg Smith: Devon Funds Management representative on Global PMIs, the luxury brand that is soaring, and why things are looking up in the red meat sector in NZ
The United States has stood out as the only major economy experiencing significant expansion amid Global PMIs. The economic health indicator was a mixed bag…
- Best of Business
Richard Easther: Auckland University physics professor on the potential impact of the Government's proposed changes to the science sector
The Government's proposed changes to the science sector have raised a few eyebrows among the nation's scientific community. The Government aims to merge seven…
- Best of Business
Peter Lewis: Asia Business Correspondent on China's reaction to Trump's tariffs, the sale of TikTok, and Donald Trump and Xi Jinping's phone call
How has China reacted to Donald Trump's threat to put a 10% tariff on China as early as February 1st? Is China warming up to allowing TikTok to be sold as part…
- Best of Business
Ryan Bridge: Our economy is still in the wilderness
So we have an inflation number, which is better than not knowing, but it doesn’t tell us much. 2.2 percent for the year to December, no change from the quarter…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on New Zealand Merino investigating alleged animal welfare violations
Two farms have been suspended from New Zealand Merino’s ZQ quality standard supply programme after undercover videos appeared to show animal welfare breaches…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on Prime Minister Chris Luxon's plan to grow NZ economy
Prime Minister Chris Luxon laid out his vision for growing the economy as part of today's State of the Nation address - and pointed the finger at the country…
- Best of Business
Peter Griffin: BusinessDesk tech columnist explains why more Facebook and Instagram accounts are auto-following Trump
Facebook and Instagram users have recently noticed their accounts have started following President Donald Trump, his wife Melania and Vice President JD Vance…
- Best of Business
Todd McClay: Trade Minister on the Government's new agency designed to bring in overseas funding
The Trade Minister says he wants deals through the door this year - with a Government goal of tempting overseas funding. A new agency called Invest New Zealand…
- Best of Business
Rebecca Ingram: Tourism Industry Aotearoa CEO on the Government's bid to draw in more tourists
Tourism Industry Aotearoa is excited about the Government's new growth agenda. Minister-in-charge Nicola Willis is considering visa changes, hoping to pull in…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management Equities Analyst on the market response to Trump returning to the White House
Donald Trump officially got the keys back to the White House earlier this week - and his return to power could have an impact on NZX-listed businesses. Fisher…
- Best of Business
Bharat Chawla: India NZ Business Council chair on India testing the waters on a trade agreement with New Zealand
New reports indicate the Indian Government is sounding out the nation's biggest businesses to determine how they feel about a trade agreement with New Zealand…
- Best of Business
Duncan Grieve: Spinoff founder expects more industry cuts to come following NZME restructure
A media commentator says cuts at NZME are just the latest in a troubled industry. NZ Herald and Newstalk ZB owner NZME is proposing a restructure, with a net…
- Best of Business
Gareth Kiernan: Infometrics Chief Forecaster hopeful the Reserve Bank will cut rates in February
Confidence another substantial Official Cash Rate cut's on the cards, with today's figures showing inflation is still under control. Stats NZ says the rate for…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business editor on the inflation rate holding steady at 2.2%
There’s a belief we're still yet to reap the benefits of having inflation under control. Latest Stats NZ figures show the inflation rate for the year to…
- Best of Business
Enda Brady: UK correspondent on Donald Trump's return to the White House impacting Davos discussions
Business executives, academics, Government officials and civic leaders are expected to gather in Switzerland for the World Economic forum - and there's one key…
- Best of Business
Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on Australia's unemployment rate reaching 4 percent
Over in Australia, the unemployment rate increased to 4 percent in December - raising questions ahead of a potential interest rate cut next month. Unemployment…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on what Donald Trump's return to the Oval Office means for Kiwi farmers
It's been a big week for the US, with Donald Trump returning to the Oval Office for his second term as US President. His plan for tariffs has sparked concern…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on retail spending being 'stronger than expected' for December
Economists have revealed retail spending numbers were better than expected for the month of December. The total value of electronic card spending, including in…
- Best of Business
Megan Alexander: Robert Half Managing Director offers tips for standing out in the job hunt
It's a tough market for people on the job hunt in today's climate. Seek data shows job ads fell 2 percent in December - and were down 22 percent compared to…
- Best of Business
Catherine McGrath: Westpac chief executive on the bank's plan to launch new 'basic' bank accounts
There's a growing push to make banking more accessible for the disabled - and one major bank aims to launch a solution. A new Westpac-commissioned found nearly…
- Best of Business
Margaret Cooney: Octopus Energy Chief Operating Officer hopes ministerial change will bring solutions to energy crisis
New Zealand's energy sector is hoping Prime Minister Luxon's Cabinet reshuffle will lead to potential solutions to the country's energy crisis. Yesterday's…
- Best of Business
Jarrod Kerr: Kiwibank Chief Economist previews inflation data from December quarter
This week's inflation data will set the economic tone for the new year, but experts are hoping the final months of 2024 brought positive results. The latest…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister outlines plans for 2025 as she takes on Economic Growth portfolio
Nicola Willis says her new role in Cabinet is all about driving New Zealand's growth. The Finance Minister has been given the Economic Growth portfolio…