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
Jazz Thornton: Influencer and mental health advocate reveals how online celebrities address TikTok uncertainty
Online stars are scrambling to change platforms amid uncertainty about TikTok. The Chinese social media platform 'went dark' yesterday because of a US ban that…
- Best of Business
Bruce Weir: urban planner and strategic development expert on the rise in overheated terraced houses
An industry expert says lack of windows and poor ventilation in newly built homes is putting Kiwis at risk. Concerns have been raised as more terraced houses…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principle Economist on the increased optimism from businesses
Businesses are feeling optimistic they could be in for a better 2025. The latest Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion from the Institute of Economic Research…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the US jobs report, the Prime Ministers trip to the UAE and oil prices rising 3% over the weekend.
The strong US jobs report is out and raising questions about further interest rate cuts. A quarter of a million jobs were added to the market in December…
- Best of Business
Best of 2024: Greens caught asking to use private carparks after their cycleway impacted parking
Several Greens members have been caught asking to use the private carparks belonging to Wellington retailers for a party event. These retailers were impacted…
- Best of Business
Best of 2024: Transport planner details the feasibility of new Cook Strait links
One transport planner is looking into the feasibility of a fixed link between New Zealand's two islands. KiwiRail are officially cancelling an overseas…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the US Federal Reserve adopting a hawkish outlook for 2025
Over in the US, share prices have slumped after the US Federal Reserve hinted at a slower than expected pace for rate cuts in the new year. The Federal Reserve…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host hints towards his ag person of the year for 2024
The Country's Jamie Mackay has been catching up with politicians and farming experts to discuss their picks for Ag Person of the Year. There's been a diverse…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on GDP dropping 1 percent in the September quarter
This was a dire week for the economy - but experts say things can only go up from here. Stats NZ revealed that GDP was down 1 percent in the September quarter…
- Best of Business
Ruth Riviere: Mastercard New Zealand Country Manager responds to Commerce Commission moving to cap credit card fees
Mastercard is pushing back against the Commerce Commission's plan to put a cap on credit card fees. The Commission says regulation for credit and contactless…
- Best of Business
Steven Joyce: former Finance Minister on New Zealand's GDP crashing harder than expected during September quarter
People will have questions, after one of the country's worst quarterly GDP dips in decades. Stats NZ figures show New Zealand's gross domestic product crashed…
- Best of Business
Stephanie Batchelor: Milford Asset Management analyst explains 'Santa Rallies'
We're less than a week out from Christmas - and some key stocks could be well-placed for a Christmas charge-up. The 'Santa Rally' phenomenon refers to a strong…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor warns debt uptick will come with additional costs
The surprisingly large uptick in the amount of debt the Treasury is expected to issue in coming years will come at a cost, S&P Global Ratings warns. On…
- Best of Business
Chris Bishop: Infrastructure Minister on the Fast Track Approvals Bill passing final reading
There's expectations fast-tracked projects will kick in next year. The controversial Fast Track Approvals Bill passed its final reading in the House last night…
- Best of Business
Carolyn Young: Retail NZ chief executive voices disappointment with struck-down Easter trading bill
There's disappointment that a bill has been voted down to remove trading restrictions on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. The MP conscience vote landed on 74 to…
- Best of Business
Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on the Easter Trading Bill being voted down
The ACT Party won't keep pushing to remove trading restrictions from Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Politicians have toppled a bill today in a conscience vote…
- Best of Business
Katherine Rich: BusinessNZ CEO on the changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa
Businesses hope to employ more migrants after changes to work visas. The Government's updating the Accredited Employer Work Visa in March, removing the median…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the Government books revealing a slower-than-expected path for economic growth
The Government's half-year fiscal update paints a bleak economic picture for the years ahead. It revealed the Government's debt path is steeper than previously…
- Best of Business
Alan McDonald: Employers and Manufacturers Association Head of Advocacy on minimum wage going up by 35 cents from April
Business advocates believe the latest minimum wage increase strikes the right balance during an economic downturn. The minimum wage will rise 1.5 percent - or…
- Best of Business
Erica Stanford: Immigration Minister on the new changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa
The Government says changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa should make hiring migrants easier, and protect Kiwis in low-skilled jobs. Amendments from…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the Government's financial update revealing surplus won't return until 2030
The Government's devised a new measure for counting its coins, which gives it a more positive look. Treasury reports the Government now won't hit surplus…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist unpacks the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update
The grim outlook for the economy in the coming years doesn't come as a surprise to experts. Treasury's opened its books for the Half Year Economic and Fiscal…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on the Government's plan to shake up Kiwisaver rules
The finance industry is approving a shake up to KiwiSaver. The Government is looking at loosening the rules about where people can put their savings - as part…
- Best of Business
Sam Hoyle: Assistant Police Commissioner defends police trip to China
The Assistant Police Commissioner says a trip police officers took to China is no different to any Kiwi going on holiday. More than 30 police staffers visited…
- Best of Business
Kurt Rodgers: Chorus network strategy manager on Kiwi households using more than Australian counterparts
The average New Zealand home chews twice as much data each month, as its Australian counterpart. Chorus recorded its busiest day for ultrafast broadband fibre…
- Best of Business
Peter Clark: aviation commentator on domestic flight prices soaring in November
Domestic travel prices are rising as the year draws to a close. Stats NZ says fares rose nearly 11 percent in November on the month before - the biggest lift…
- Best of Business
Politics Central: Unpacking the Government's action plan for hydrogen energy
This week on Politics Central, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts opens up about the Government's new action plan set to increase the use of hydrogen energy…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on New Zealand's primary sector being expected to jump by 7 percent in 2025
New Zealand’s primary sector export revenue is expected to jump by 7 percent to $56.9 billion in the June 2025 year after contracting in 2024, the Ministry for…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large ahead of Nicola Willis' half yearly economic and fiscal update
The Finance Minister's set to update the country on the state of the books next week, and experts aren't feeling too optimistic. Nicola Willis will reveal…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management Equities Analyst on the NZX winners and losers for 2024
2024 is nearly over - so which companies did the best on the New Zealand stock exchange for the year? Tower Insurance leads the pack, off the back of a series…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the Court of Appeal allowing BNZ to close Gloriavale's bank accounts
A significant decision from the Court of Appeal could see Gloriavale shut down its' operations for good. The court has thrown out an injunction that prevented…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on card spending dropping in November
The latest card spending data from November indicates Kiwis are keeping their expenses down for another month. Kiwibank reports claim the value of spending…
- Best of Business
Anonymous petrol station owner: Concerned spokesperson speaks out on BNZ signalling end to fossil fuel lending
There's concern among petrol station owners, following BNZ signalling its lending period for fossil fuels is ending. BNZ has informed one business lending to…
- Best of Business
Paul Bloxham: HSBC Chief Economist on the Australian Reserve Bank leaving rates on hold for 2024
Australia's central bank has opted to keep rates on hold in its final meeting of 2024 - the same position it's held all year. The RBA did soften its language a…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on farmer confidence reaching highest level since 2017
Following a significant lift in September, farmer confidence has surged again to the highest level since 2017. According to Rabobank's final Rural Confidence…
- Best of Business
Ian Woolford: Reserve Bank Director of Money and Cash on Kiwis staying keen on physical money
Most New Zealanders are still keen on using physical cash, a new Reserve Bank consultation has found. Their online survey drew in over 18,000 respondents, with…
- Best of Business
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on the Reserve Bank of Australia leaving rates on hold
There's no Christmas gift for Australian mortgage holders - as the central bank has left rates unchanged again. The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept the OCR…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on the Government giving Kiwibank a cash injection to boost up banking competiton
The Government is taking action and giving Kiwibank a financial boost in order to bolster banking competition. A new Commerce Commission report on banking has…
- Best of Business
Malcolm Fleming: New Zealand Certified Builders Association CEO on the Government's proposed changes to insulation standards
The Government is looking to shake up how builders can meet insulation standards for new homes in a bid to reduce building costs. Building and Construction…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister says boosting the banking competition top of mind following recent announcement
The Finance Minister is determined to ensure New Zealanders get access to more competitive banking services. A Commerce Commission report on banking has found…
- Best of Business
Sam Stubbs: Simplicity co-founder on the Government's new moves to boost competition in the banking sector
The Government's beefing up Kiwibank - at the request of the Commerce Commission. Its report on banking has found the sector isn't competitive enough, and…
- Best of Business
Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent on the Government bolstering Kiwibank in a bid to increase banking competition
The Government's helping boost competition in banking by bolstering Kiwibank. The Commerce Commission recently painted the banking landscape as an oligopoly in…
- Best of Business
Muy Chhour: Karangahape Road Business Association chair voices disapproval with AT's new 'bus to the mall' campaign
Auckland Transport has been forced to scale back its 'bus to the mall' campaign after facing pushback from local business owners. The campaign included a…
- Best of Business
Business Panel: Retail NZ CEO Carlolyn Young and Backhouse Interiors' Michelle Backhouse on how business fared in 2024
It's been one of the toughest years in memory for many businesses around Wellington with a sluggish economy, public-sector job cuts, high inflation, and…
- Best of Business
Peter Lewis: Asia Business Correspondent on the move to impeach President Yoon
South Korean Lawmakers Move To Impeach President Yoon South Korean MPs have begun impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk Yeol hours after thwarting…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the shortage of lambs for spring 2024
New reports show there's been a significant decrease in lambs for spring 2024, compared with this time last year. The B+LNZ 2024 Lamb Crop Report indicated 1.1…
- Best of Business
Andrew Murray: Fonterra Chief Financial Officer on the company lifting its forecast Farmgate Milk Price to $10
Dairy giant Fonterra has raised its forecast milk price payout to a midpoint of $10 - the second rise in less than a month. The company says this new forecast…
- Best of Business
Andrew Bayly: Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister on the Government's planned crackdown on mergers
The Government is looking to crack down on merger rules. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is reviewing the Commerce Act - which could lead…
- Best of Business
Lesley Harris: First Home Buyers Club director on the Bank of Mum and Dad helping 1 in 3 Kiwis into first homes
One in three first home buyers in New Zealand have received financial help from the Bank of Mum and Dad, new reports claim. A Kiwibank study has found high…
- Best of Business
Sam Trethewey: Milford Asset Management Portfolio Manager on the NZX potentially improving in 2025
It hasn't been a great year for the NZX, but one expert believes things are in place for a better 2025. The reduced interest rates could lead to a better…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the Government reducing the compensation aggrieved employees can get from employers
The Government has unveiled plans to reduce the amount aggrieved employees can be compensated by their employers – to zero in some cases. Minister Brooke van…
- Best of Business
Mark Patterson: Associate Agriculture Minister 'disappointed' Kāinga Ora isn't using wool carpets for state houses
Kāinga Ora has copped some backlash for scrapping wool carpets in favour of nylon synthetics in state houses. The agency has released a request for proposal…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the bird flu case that was discovered in Otago
The Ministry for Primary Industries says it's possible there'll be more cases of bird flu at an Otago egg farm. The culling of 80,000 chickens at the Mainland…
- Best of Business
John Harman: Lightforce Solar owner reveals why the solar power business is hard in New Zealand
One expert has offered a theory about why SolarZero met the end that it did. The Kiwi-founded solar and battery firm was placed into liquidation - costing over…
- Best of Business
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on economists criticising the Reserve Bank of Australia's approach to rates
Over in Australia, economists have accused the Reserve Bank of mishandling the OCR. Experts claim the central bank has been too focused on keeping unemployment…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson explains how Trump's policy announcements are impacting capital markets
President-elect Donald Trump's latest policy announcements continue to have an impact on capital markets. Trump's pick of Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary…
- Best of Business
Mike's Minute: Who is breaking up the industry stopping us from doing business?
The National Public Health Service is exactly what's wrong with this country. The Health Minister, who shouldn't have had to, intervened in their submission to…
- Best of Business
Mike: former SolarZero employee reveals what went wrong for the company
More details have emerged in the wake of SolarZero’s shock liquidation, which affected 160 employees. The company revealed on Tuesday that the business was…
- Best of Business
Katlyn Parker: Milford Asset Management Portfolio Manager on the market response to end-of-year OCR cut
The OCR was slashed by 50 basis points today - but some markets believe it could have gone lower. Some experts believed a chunkier 75 point cut was on the way…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on what today's OCR cut means for mortgages
Many mortgage holders will be relieved to hear that the OCR has been brought down by an addition 50 basis points. Despite this, one expert is warning that…