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 BusinessBrad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the Reserve Bank cutting the OCR by 50 basis points
There's questions over what will come next for the OCR after today's 50 basis point cut. The Reserve Bank has hinted more cuts will come in the new year…
Best of BusinessBarry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on the OCR being cut by 50 basis points
Homeowners can expect some relief - as the Reserve Bank cuts the OCR down in its final update of the year. The central bank has slashed the rate 50 basis…
Best of BusinessLiam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on the Reserve Bank cutting the OCR down to 4.25 percent
Some positive news for mortgage holders. The Reserve Bank has cut the Official Cash Rate another 50 basis points to 4.25 percent. ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank and…
Best of BusinessJamie Mackay: The Country host on what Donald Trump's return to the White House means for trade
Donald Trump's return to the White House could lead to a more complex landscape for global food and agricultural trade, according to a new report by Rabobank…
Best of BusinessBrad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on Donald Trump's proposed tariffs for Mexico, Canada and China
President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to hit Mexico, Canada and China with new tariffs as soon as he takes office. In a post on social media, Trump…
Best of BusinessPaul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist outlines predictions for final OCR decision of the year
The Reserve Bank is set to make its final decision for the Official Cash Rate for the year tomorrow afternoon. The general consensus among experts is that the…
Best of BusinessSarah Trotman, ONZM: What failure teaches us
24 November 2024: Sarah Trotman, ONZM, business leader and elected member on Auckland Council’s Waitematā Local Board, talks to Hamish Williams and…
Best of BusinessShane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on Air New Zealand's projected first-half earnings
Air New Zealand isn't going into the 2025 financial year with rosy expectations. The airline expects its first-half pre-tax profit to be in a range of $120…
Best of BusinessSam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on Nvidia's third-quarter earnings surpassing expectations
Nvidia's reported third-quarter earnings have surpassed expectations - and left the chip maker feeling optimistic about its future. The company's earnings…
Best of BusinessLiam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large ahead of the Reserve Bank's final meeting of the year
The Reserve Bank is set to meet for the last time this year to review the Official Cash Rate. Economists predict a cut will come - but it's unclear if the Bank…
Best of BusinessCatherine McGrath: Westpac chief executive defends tough emissions targets for Kiwi farmers
Westpac has been accused of hypocrisy over punishing Kiwi farmers for their emissions while investing in fossil fuels. Westpac is among the major banks that…
Best of BusinessGanesh Nana: former Productivity Commission Chair on the open letter saying Government policies are dragging out recession
Experts are warning the Government's policies designed to reduce the deficit and bring down inflation are worsening the impact of the recession on households…
Best of BusinessDeborah Lambie: Milford Asset Management analyst on the rising popularity of robotic-assisted surgery
More and more surgical procedures around the world are being carried out by trained robots. The latest field to benefit from the use of robotic technology is…
Best of BusinessJenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the latest feud between the Reserve Bank and the banks
A senior Reserve Bank official has taken aim at the big banks and accused them of stifling innovation and competition by underinvesting in technology…
Best of BusinessJoe Gallagher: E tū negotiations specialist on Kinleith Mill halting paper production and putting jobs on the line
There's concern for hundreds of Kiwi workers as one of New Zealand's biggest pulp and paper mills looks to halt production. Tokoroa's Kinleith Mill plans to…
Best of BusinessEnda Brady: UK correspondent on Sir Keir Starmer's meeting with Xi Jinping
Sir Keir Starmer is hopeful the UK's relationship with China will be strengthened off the back of his meeting with Xi Jinping. The pair met at the G20 summit -…
Best of BusinessBrad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on job ads declining for the third consecutive month
The pressure on New Zealand's labour market continues to tighten, with job ads falling for the third consecutive month. Despite these grim figures, one expert…
Best of BusinessNeil Anderson: lawyer says it's 'unlikely' that Foodstuffs' Commerce Commission appeal will succeed
A competition lawyer says it'll be very unlikely Foodstuff's appeal will succeed. The Commerce Commission declined its merger of its North and South Island…
Best of BusinessShane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on the US Federal Reserve's plan for rates after the US election
Donald Trump's return to the White House continues to have implications on the US economy. The US Federal Reserve has indicated it won't be cutting rates again…
Best of BusinessChris Di Leva: Investment markets after the U.S. election
Investment markets have recovered significantly over the past two years following a weak 2022. And, Donald Trump winning the U.S. election is bound to have…
Best of BusinessLiam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on food prices falling in October
Monthly food prices fell 0.9 percent in October compared with September, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. The largest contributor to the fall…
Best of BusinessSam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on what investors can take away from Donald Trump's win one week on
US investors are still riding high one week after Donald Trump won the US presidency - but what can they expect long-term? Dow, and S&P, among others are…
Best of BusinessJamie Mackay: The Country host on farmers probing Fonterra's decisions at AGM
Farmers at this morning's Fonterra AGM took the opportunity to probe the company around their reasons to sell off the company's consumer brands. Fonterra is…
Best of BusinessGreg Foran: Air New Zealand CEO defends splashing out for the airline's safety video
Air New Zealand's head is defending splashing out on a new safety video, as airfares rise. Kiwi NBA player Steven Adams features in the airline's first safety…
Best of BusinessStephanie Batchelor: Milford Asset Management analyst on Trump's impact on the markets one week on
It's been a week since Donald Trump won the US election - and the markets underwent a shift once the results became clear. Small to medium-sized businesses…
Best of BusinessJenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on apartment owners bearing the brunt of increased insurance premiums
Insurance has been a hot topic of late, as premiums are continuing to shoot up while general inflation abates. Findings of a Treasury survey show owners of…
Best of BusinessNicola Grigg: Minister for Women on the Government's new online tool designed to drive down the gender pay gap
The Government has launched a new online tool designed to help businesses address their gender pay gaps. The online calculator is now live on Ministry for…
Best of BusinessGail Downey: UK correspondent on the UK hospitality sector warning jobs will be cut following UK budget
Over in the UK, top restaurant and pub bosses have warned businesses will close and jobs will be cut following last month's Budget. The sector is facing higher…
Best of BusinessMark Lister: Craigs Investment Partners expert on the response from the market following Donald Trump's victory
The markets have reacted strongly to Donald Trump returning for his second term in the White House. The US dollar, stocks and bitcoin all surged after his win…
Best of BusinessPete Chrisp: A multi-million dollar boost for Kiwi exporters
A business delegation travelled with the trade minister to Shanghai last week, and they're heading home with a projection $340 million worth of deals for the…
Best of BusinessMartin Hawes: The impact of Trump's win on NZ markets
Martin Hawes joins Tim Beveridge to discuss the impact of Donald Trump's election win on New Zealand markets. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for…
Best of BusinessSam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the reaction from global markets after Donald Trump won
The US dollar surged and bitcoin hit a record high after Donald Trump swept through the battleground states and won the presidency. Despite the race starting…
Best of BusinessJamie Mackay: The Country host on Federated Farmers firing back at Westpac over emissions targets
Federated Farmers have voiced their disapproval with Westpac over their emissions targets for New Zealand producers. The bank's new climate targets will…
Best of BusinessLiam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on the economic impacts of Donald Trump's presidency
Donald Trump is set to return to the White House - leaving economists everywhere to wonder what comes next. Trump won't take office until next January, but his…
Best of BusinessRob Fyfe: Recorp chair on the start-up opening its new aluminium facility
Kiwi start-up Recorp, backed up by some of New Zealand's biggest names in business, has opened up its new aluminium facility. The company is promising to be…
Best of BusinessBrad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on unemployment figures being expected to grow
The Reserve Bank has warned the economic downturn is expected to get worse before it gets better, with unemployment being expected to worsen. The bank's…
Best of BusinessKate Ross: Swivel Careers founder on students struggling to find summer jobs amid increased competition
Students looking for summer work are struggling to land roles, as there's enormous competition for entry-level roles. Retail NZ says businesses are seeing a…
Best of BusinessMurray Olds: Australian correspondent on the Australian Reserve Bank holding rates at 4.35 percent
There's still no relief for Australian homeowners as the RBA leaves rates unchanged at 4.35 percent. This decision falls in line with expectations from…
Best of BusinessShane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on financial markets factoring in Trump winning the presidency
48 hours ahead of the US presidential election, financial markets are gearing up for a Trump victory. Polls indicate the election result will be close, and…
Best of BusinessNicola Willis: Finance Minister defends Prime Minister Chris Luxon describing voters as 'customers' in sit-down interview
The Finance Minister says Chris Luxon's description of voters in a recent sit-down interview was a 'slip of the tongue' as part of his corporate background. In…
Best of BusinessJamie Mackay: The Country host on red meat prices improving after economic downturn
There's green shoots emerging for New Zealand's struggling red meat sector, according to new reports. The Meat Industry Association claims exports to China in…
Best of BusinessJonathan Milne: Newsroom Pro managing editor on AG1's founder resigning following criminal history investigation
Plenty of celebrities have expressed their support for supplement giant AG1 - but an investigation has dug up some questionable details about the company's…
Best of BusinessLiam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on the economic impact of the US election
It's less than a week until voters in the US will cast their ballots and determine a new president - and experts are wondering about the economic impacts. No…
Best of BusinessChris Nixon: NZIER Principal Economist on mayor Wayne Brown's push for direct flights to Sao Paulo
Auckland mayor Wayne Brown has launched a bid to establish a direct flight from Auckland Airport to Brazil's Sao Paulo. He believes this could boost trade…
Best of BusinessSharon Zollner: ANZ Chief Economist on construction leading the return of optimism to the business sector
Optimism is rising among businesses - largely driven by construction. ANZ's October business outlook has business confidence up five points on 66, in a 10-year…
Best of BusinessJeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management Equities Analyst on Spark reducing their profit outlook and dividend payout
Spark has reduced its earnings and dividend guidance for the 2025 year, saying its financial performance 'falls short of what is acceptable'. The company said…
Best of BusinessJenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on BNZ's bid to close Gloriavale accounts
BNZ is set to head back to court tomorrow as part of their ongoing legal dispute with Gloriavale. If the hearing goes well, the bank could get approval to…
Best of BusinessKatherine Rich: Business NZ CEO says the Government needs to ease the burden on small businesses, not politicise it
Small businesses want the Government to rethink regulations it describes as a burden. A new report from Business NZ claims small Kiwi businesses are bogged…
Best of BusinessBrad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the latest employment numbers for September 2024
The latest employment numbers for September 2024 show the job market is still in a tough spot. Annual filled jobs were down 0.9 percent compared to this time…
Best of BusinessNicola Willis: Finance Minister on her plan to boost up Kiwibank so it can compete with the bigger banks
The Finance Minister has received early advice on how to better capitalise Kiwibank so it might compete better with the large Australian-owned banks. The…
Best of BusinessJames Hartley: MBIE Communications Infrastructure and Trade General Manager on the proposed changes to NZ Post's services
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is asking for feedback on Kiwi postal services. It's proposing changes to NZ Post - including fewer weekly…
Best of BusinessClaire Matthews: Massey University Business School associate professor on the advice to boost Kiwibank's capital
Treasury's advised the Government of three options to boost Kiwibank's capital to better compete with the Australian-owned banks. They include borrowing money…
Best of BusinessAngus Brown: Co-Founder of Arepa aims to conquer tough market with unique brain drink formula
This time last year Arepa found themselves in hot water after the government officials decided that made unsubstantial health claims of cognitive and physical…
Best of BusinessSam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on Netflix and similar streaming giants rolling out ads
Plenty of Kiwi customers are still enjoying Netflix's output - and the company's doing well among investors. But as times get tough, the streaming giant has…
Best of BusinessRowena Duncum: The Country host on Todd McClay talking trade ideas in Brazil
The Minister for Trade and Agriculture is in Brazil on a New Zealand Trade Mission to São Paulo. Todd McClay is expected to meet with experts and business…
Best of BusinessBridget Abernethy: ERANZ chief executive on the market options available to companies amid power price surge
The Electricity Authority said market options were available to big power users during the winter price spike that some blamed for their closure. The closures…
Best of BusinessJames Calver: Ecoware co-founder on David Seymour's new school lunches using 'wasteful' packaging
David Seymour's new school lunch programme has opened up more concerns - this time from environmentalists. The new lunches are expected to come in aluminium…
Best of BusinessStephanie Batchelor: Milford Asset Management analyst on LVMH's shares dropping
As the latest US earnings season picks up, one famed luxury good company has caught attention for all the wrong reasons. LVMH's earnings report left investors…
Best of BusinessBrad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on New Zealand and Australia meeting with South East Asian nations to boost business and security
Experts from Australia and New Zealand are meeting with leaders in Malaysia to discuss how to improve business and security. The three groups are expected to…
Best of BusinessOliver Mander: NZ Shareholders Association CEO on Fletcher Building disappointing shareholders at recent AGM
Fletcher Building's chief executive and board faced up to some very disappointed shareholders at today's annual general meeting. Company chief executive Andrew…