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
Matt Johns: Pōkeno Whisky co-founder on the company being chosen for world-first climate study
Waikato distillery The Pōkeno Whisky Company has been selected for an international study into how different climates shape the maturation, chemistry and taste…
Best of BusinessSpecial Series: Common Grounds with Tax Traders
In this special series of The SME Stream Podcast, Wilhelmina O’Keeffe steps inside some of Aotearoa’s most loved small and medium businesses -…
Best of BusinessSpecial Series: Common Grounds with Blunt
In this special series of The SME Stream Podcast, Wilhelmina O’Keeffe steps inside some of Aotearoa’s most loved small and medium businesses -…
Best of BusinessSpecial Series: Common Grounds with Sills + Co
In this special series of The SME Stream Podcast, Wilhelmina O’Keeffe steps inside some of Aotearoa’s most loved small and medium businesses -…
- Best of Business
Kelvin Davidson: Cotality Chief Property Economist on the number of first home buyers who owe more than what their home is worth
New data shows there's a subset of Kiwis who are being hit harder than most by rising interest rates. At least 3600 first home buyers owe more than what their…
- Best of Business
Steve Jurkovich: Kiwibank CEO on the bank urging politicians to investigate Australian rivals over 'bonus saver' accounts
Kiwibank is looking to take on its Australian rivals - and they're looking to reveal how many of their savers are missing out on interest on their 'bonus…
- Best of Business
Mike's Minute: Look further than the headline
Here's the headline: "3000 hospitality businesses close in a year". That’s what the media not only does, but loves. They would perceive it as bad news and they…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the new idea proposed for the future of superannuation
An industry group for chartered accountants is putting a novel idea on the table to lower the cost of New Zealand Superannuation to the Crown, while keeping it…
- Best of Business
Remy Wisenberg: Milford Asset Management expert on the market's reaction to the OCR going up by 25 basis points
The Reserve Bank has raised the OCR by 25 basis points to 2.75 percent, in line with economists' expectations. Markets expected the cash rate would go up, but…
- Best of Business
Bruce Aitken: former CEO of Methanex on the company halting production in New Zealand
Methanex is shutting down its Taranaki plant after 40 years of operation, and there's growing discussion about what this means for the energy sector and wider…
- Best of Business
Anna Breman: Reserve Bank Governor on whether we can expect more OCR hikes after recent increase
More Official Cash Rate hikes are possible, but far from guaranteed. The Reserve Bank has raised the cash rate 25-basis-points this afternoon to 2.75 percent…
- Best of Business
Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on the Government hiking the OCR to 2.75 percent
The Reserve Bank has raised the Official Cash Rate 25 basis points, from 2.5 percent to 2.75. The Monetary Policy Committee agreed unanimously to the rise…
- Best of Business
Rudd Hughes: Workers First deputy secretary on Woolworths moving 130 jobs to Australia
About 130 jobs could be on the chopping block at Woolworths. Workers First Union says Woolworths is proposing to cut about 130 customer care roles in New…
- Best of Business
Kristina Harazim: Australian correspondent on the concerns raised over facial recognition technology
More Australian retailers are rolling out facial recognition technology, and it's prompted concerns from experts. Industry groups say the move is about safety…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on what a drop in business confidence could mean for the OCR
New Zealand business confidence fell 2 points in August to 54 from 56 last month - and it's sparked discussion about what this could mean for the OCR. There's…
- Best of Business
Jonathan Waecker: Michael Hill CEO on the company's profit jumping 376 percent to A$10m
Jewellery chain Michael Hill is reporting a 376 percent increase in annual statutory net profit from its global business. New Zealand retail revenue is up 3.1…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the Government delaying increases to the fuel excise tax
The Finance Minister says the Government has made the right move in delaying increase to the fuel tax at this stage. The excise was due to rise 12-cents a…
- Best of Business
Oliver Mander: NZ Shareholders Association spokesperson on Winton Land's shares being suspended after board resignations
Residential and retirement property developer Winton Land has been suspended from the NZX after a board exodus. Three directors have resigned after founder…
- Best of Business
James Smith: Road Carriers Association Advocacy Head on the Government delaying fuel excise hike
The Road Carriers Association says the Government delaying a fuel excise hike reflects election year political realities. The Government's today cancelled the…
- Best of Business
Ethan Griffiths: Newstalk ZB political reporter on how the teen social media ban could see Facebook blocked in NZ
The Government has unveiled a proposed bill designed to ban under-16s from social media - and it could stop all Kiwis from accessing certain platforms if the…
- Best of Business
Jodi O'Donnell: TVNZ CEO on full year results
State broadcaster TVNZ posted a paper loss of nearly $24 million today, but an operating profit of $3.9 million. CEO Jodi O'Donnell told Heather du…
- Best of Business
Hayley Horan: Wellington Chamber of Commerce CEO on their election priorities to foster growth and investment
Political parties are being urged to help make Wellington the country's leading city for private sector growth. The Wellington Chamber of Commerce has…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on what Nvidia's earnings say about the tech sector
Nvidia has reported its better-than-expected earnings for this quarter. It's earned $100 billion of revenue in three months - more than double a year ago…
- Best of Business
Dr Rob Nicholls: Sydney University Associate Professor on Meta reaching settlement over social media case
There's faith Meta will keep their promise, on a landmark $18 billion US dollar settlement. It cuts short a trial in a federal court in California brought by…
- Best of Business
David Walsh: NZ Post CEO on NZ Post reporting first net profit since 2023
The Government's welcoming NZ Post's return to profit - with a dividend returned to the Crown. The mail service has reported a net $17-million net profit in…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on what the latest NZX results mean for the economy
The NZX reporting season is underway and results have improved, but some concerns have been raised. The numbers are moving in the right direction, but there's…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on Kiwibank trying to by TSB
Kiwi Group Capital is making an eleventh hour push for TSB’s owner to consider its 'superior' offer to buy the bank, before selling it to Heartland Group…
- Best of Business
Mike Roan: Meridian Energy CEO on the company returning to profit
Meridian Energy has made a comeback after last year's downturn. The electricity gentailer has reported net profit after tax of $13 million dollars, compared to…
- Best of Business
Justin Watson: Christchurch Airport chief executive on the airport posting its strongest ever financial result
Christchurch Airport has announced its strongest ever result, off the back of a big rise in international tourism. Underlying operating profit is up 30.6…
- Best of Business
Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on the state of Australia's housing slump
The Australian housing market is seeing a significant downturn, and experts are warning this trend isn't likely to change. Data shows that this drop is…
- Best of Business
Michael Boggs: NZME CEO on NZME returning to profit and what it means for the market
The head of NZME says the company has delivered a positive half year result, returning to profit. The media firm, owner of outlets including Newstalk ZB and…
- Best of Business
Claire Matthews: Massey University Head of Accounting and Finance on Kiwibank pushing to stop TSB-Heartland merger
The holding company behind Kiwibank is making an eleventh hour push for TSB before it's sold to Heartland. Toi Foundation trustees are due to vote tomorrow on…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on the SkyCity share price going up amid takeover rumour
Speculation about SkyCity's future has seen the company's share price end the day up 9.9 percent to $0.67. SkyCity management have talked about a strategic…
- Best of Business
Mike's Minute: The only thing deciding this election is the economy
Right, a poll the Government should be worried about - whose fault is the economy? The importance of this is based on the simple premise that this election is…
- Best of Business
Barbara Edmonds: Labour finance spokesperson on the party outlining their new fiscal plan
Labour's staying tight-lipped on whether it would make more cuts to the public service if elected, but assures it's focused on protecting it. The party's…
- Best of Business
Laura Marquez-Garrett: Counsel of Record for successful Meta lawsuit on what current Meta trial could mean for social media
There's hopes an unprecedented lawsuit against Meta will change social media as we know it. The Facebook and Instagram owner is on trial in California over…
- Best of Business
Graham Leaming: Skellerup CEO on the company reporting record profits
A record year for industrial and agricultural manufacturer Skellerup. Revenue is up 10% to $390.1 million, and their normalised profit has risen 18% to a…
- Best of Business
Carrie Hurihanganui: Auckland Airport CEO on profits dropping slightly, expectations of strong growth in summer
Auckland Airport's Chief Executive is feeling optimistic heading into 2027. Its latest financial results saw net profits drop 20%, however revenue is up 3%…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on Anthropic potentially becoming one of the biggest IPOs on record
SpaceX's record as the largest IPO in history is about to be broken by one of the emerging AI giants. Anthropic's business is expanding and it's projecting a…
- Best of Business
Hamish McKay: The Country spokesperson on the outlook for farmgate beef and lamb prices
New-season red meat prices are expected to ease slightly from current extremes, but will likely still be comfortably ahead of previous seasons. New reports…
- Best of Business
Mark Leslie: Pāmu CEO on the company hitting operating profit goal four years early
Pāmu has cracked its goal of $100 million net operating profit four years early as it continues to benefit from strong commodity prices and improved on-farm…
- Best of Business
Jolie Hodson: Spark NZ CEO defends bonus and pay bump amid job cuts
Spark's full year financial report reveals a 91 percent jump in net profit to $499 million. The telco's also cut 627 staff due to a mix of falling demand and…
- Best of Business
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on Australia's unemployment rate continuing to climb for July
Australia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment reached 4.5 percent in July, according to new reports. This is an increase from June's figure of 4.4 percent - and…
- Best of Business
Matt James: Pegasus Residents' Group president on the rejection of proposal to fast-track the rezoning of the town's golf course
A fast-track bid for up to a thousand homes at Pegasus Golf Course has been knocked back - but questions remain over why, and what happens next. Infrastructure…
- Best of Business
Brendan Larsen: Milford Asset Management expert on what the demand for shares and bonds means for investors
The big US companies used to buy back more shares than they issued, but that's changed in recent months. The latest bank estimates claim 2026 could be the…
- Best of Business
Andrew Reding: Fletcher Building CEO on the company returning to profit after downturn
The boss of Fletcher Building says the company's in a much better position now than it was this time last year. It's reported a full year net profit of $228…
- Best of Business
Kate Boyer: Air NZ Ground and In-Flight Chief Operations Officer on the airline revealing a new rebooking system to international flights
Air New Zealand is rolling out automatic re-booking technology to international flight cancellations after rolling it out for domestic flights mid-last year…
- Best of Business
Hamish McKay: The Country spokesperson on whether the recent beef boom could continue
A global boom for beef is driving up cattle numbers - but how likely can it keep up the momentum? Data shows the 2025-2026 season was generally favourable for…
- Best of Business
Ben Crozier: Forsyth Barr Associate Analyst on Kiwibank looking to merge with TSB
The chair of Kiwibank's holding company is floating the idea of a Kiwibank-TSB merger. It comes as a group of Taranaki locals is seeking an interim injunction…
- Best of Business
Stew Hamilton: Mercury Energy CEO on the company posting an improved increase in earnings
Mercury Energy has recorded a huge surge in profit, thanks to favourable hydro conditions and renewable power generation. The energy gentailer has announced…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on the US share markets dropping last week
The US share market took a significant drop last Friday, and experts are unpacking the possible factors behind this. Softer US retail sales, weaker consumer…
- Best of Business
Graeme Sumner: Lyttelton Port CEO on the port's planned $821m expansion
Lyttelton Port says growing trade and ageing infrastructure have made its $821-million-dollar expansion necessary. The project includes a new wharf and…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on what the 'SaaSpocalypse' means for software stocks
The looming 'SaaSpocalypse' is doing the rounds and prompting concern among investors, but what does it actually mean? After a significant downturn for…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on what the whey protein boom means for dairy companies
New Zealand dairy companies are cashing in on a surge in global demand for bioactive proteins found in cow's milk, namely whey, off the back of the surge in…
- Best of Business
Roger Gray: Port of Auckland CEO on the plan to boost New Zealand’s sinking cruise industry
New Zealand's cruise industry is in decline, with nationwide visits down 40 percent - and no hope of improvement forecast for the 2026/27 season. Auckland’s…
- Best of Business
Zion Armstrong: Jamie Kay CEO on the company expanding across Asia and the US
Kiwi children’s clothing brand Jamie Kay has seen some noticeable growth, and it's going global. Jamie Kay opened a flagship store in Christchurch last year…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on investors' hopes for A2 Milk
Earnings season is well under way in New Zealand, with investors outlining their expectations and predictions. A2 Milk is due to report their results soon…
- Best of Business
Vittoria Short: ASB CEO on the bank reporting profit drop to $1.3 billion for the year
ASB's settlement over alleged historic breaches of credit disclosure rules has affected its bottom line. The bank reached a $135.6-million-dollar settlement in…
- Best of Business
Kelly Eckhold: Westpac Chief Economist on job ads falling for the third month in a row
The uncertain economic environment could be the reason for climbing unemployment and declining job ads. The latest Seek data shows job ads fell 0.8 percent…
- Best of Business
Chris Wilkinson: First Retail Group Managing Director on 62 thousand companies being incorporated in the year to July
More people are starting businesses, despite tough economic conditions. Data shows there's been more than 62 thousand companies incorporated in the year to…