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
Keith McLaughlin: Centrix Managing Director on the easing number of arrears but increasing number of businesses liquidating
Consumers finances look to be recovering, but the relief has yet to pass on to businesses. The Centrix July Credit Indicator says arrears are easing slightly…
- Best of Business
Mike Blackburn: construction sector advisor on new home consents dropping to lowest level since 2019
New home consents have fallen to the lowest point in five years. Stats NZ figures show fewer than 34,000 new homes were consented in the year to June - a 24…
- Best of Business
Stephanie Batchelor: Milford Asset Management Analyst on Lamb Weston's profits dropping
US-based frozen potato giant Lamb Weston's profits have been dropping, off the back of a rocky financial period for the company. This is off the back of the…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the Government's new reforms to lending laws
One expert has claimed there are upsides and downsides to the Government's changes to finance laws. From today, the Government is dropping prescriptive…
- Best of Business
Josh Tan: Export NZ executive director on Red Sea tensions driving up costs for Kiwi exporters
The costs of sending Kiwi exports overseas has risen significantly amid escalating tensions in the Red Sea. A report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and…
- Best of Business
Sam Dean: NIWA climate scientist on Air New Zealand ditching their 2030 climate targets
Air New Zealand is ditching its carbon intensity reduction targets and will withdraw from the Science Based Targets initiative. It planned to cut carbon…
- Best of Business
Alex Cassels: property developer launches bid to repurpose Auckland commercial buildings into housing
One Wellington property developer is calling on the Reserve Bank to make it easier to repurpose vacant commercial buildings. Alex Cassels has set up several…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on whether the US Federal Reserve will cut rates
New inflation data out of the US has experts speculating potential rate cuts in the coming months. The Federal Reserve is set to meet on Thursday - and it's…
- Best of Business
Cathie Cottle: Kind Café owner says cost of living pressures forced plant-based café to start selling meat
An Auckland plant-based café is beefing up its menu, hoping to increase customers and reduce production costs. Kind Café says the cost of living has forced the…
- Best of Business
Dr Kioumars Ghamkhar: AgResearch expert on the new Map and Zap technology that kills weeds with AI
New technology using AI and lasers is helping growers to safely tackle weeds without resorting to harmful chemicals. Map and Zap detects weeds and kills them…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on the NZX 50 going up 6 percent in the past month
New Zealand's share market is taking a turn for the better. New data indicates the NZX 50 has gone up by almost 6 percent in the past month - and economists…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the Government's plan to inject more capital into Kiwibank
The Government has dropped further hints it isn’t opposed to diluting its 100% ownership of Kiwibank to enable it to grow. While Kiwibank is expanding, it…
- Best of Business
Kelvin Davidson: CoreLogic chief property economist on rental prices decreasing for the first time in two years
New data indicates the financial pressures are easing on renters. Rental prices have decreased for the first time since 2022, according to Trade Me’s Rental…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Waikato-based Spring Sheep gaining brand registration for infant milk formula in China
A Waikato-based sheep milk company has managed to gain brand registration for its infant milk formula in China. Spring Sheep will be able to directly import…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the Commerce Commission's plan to cap PayWave and online credit card fees
One expert has voiced approval with the Commerce Commission's plan to regulate PayWave and online credit card fees. The watchdog says capped fees could save…
- Best of Business
Greg Smith: Devon Funds Management expert unpacks the Warehouse takeover offer deal
Details surrounding the Warehouse takeover offer have been revealed. Australian private equity firm Adamantem Capital Management has offered to buy the…
- Best of Business
John Small: Commerce Commission chair on the company's plan to regulate PayWave and online card payments
The Commerce Commission is looking into regulating fees for PayWave and online card payments. The market watchdog says adding regulation could save Kiwis $250…
- Best of Business
Charlotte Ward: Kiwibank Chief People Officer addresses 'parent penalty' impacting Kiwi households
Many Kiwis are concerned the costs of being a parent have reached an unreasonable level. According to new research from Kiwibank, 70 percent of people believe…
- Best of Business
Andrew Hoggard: Minister for Food Safety on the potential changes coming for infant formula laws
New Zealand's Minister for Food Safety doesn't approve of some proposed changes impacting the distribution of infant formula. Food Standards Australia New…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on the economic impact of Joe Biden dropping re-election bid
The US dollar and Treasuries are likely to see a knee-jerk bid higher after Joe Biden dropped his re-election bid. Investors will see this development as…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister voices disapproval with proposed changes to infant formula laws
The Government is strongly opposing proposed changes to infant formula laws. Minister from Australia and New Zealand will meet this week to discuss a 400-page…
- Best of Business
Oliver Mander: Shareholders' Association CEO unsure about the Warehouse Group's plan for shares
It's unclear what the Warehouse Group's next steps will be. Founder Sir Stephen Tindall, who remains a majority shareholder, has shown potential interest in…
- Best of Business
Megan Singleton: BloggerAtLarge writer with her tips on dining out affordably
Kiwi businessman Mat Weir's First Table allows Kiwis to get a taste of affordable fine dining. Founded in 2014, the platform connects diners with venues - with…
- Best of Business
Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on the impact of Friday's global IT CrowdStrike outage
New Zealand's retail sector is still reeling from shock after Friday's unexpected outage. Businesses all over the world were impacted after a CrowdStrike…
- Best of Business
Paul Spain: tech commentator on the wider consquences of the global CrowdStrike digital outage
Many companies are still recovering after Friday's global IT outage impacted retailers, banks - and even airlines. Friday's update by cyber security firm…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the hype around AI
The AI boom is continuing to hype up investors, as new developments keep occurring. The rise of AI in art, literature, media and even medicine has experts…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on SPQR owing over $2 million to IRD, other creditors
The first liquidators' report on Auckland's SPQR shows it owes creditors $2.24 million. The Ponsonby eatery was placed into liquidation last Thursday by…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Shane Jones visiting 15 provincial centres to promote his $1.2 billion fund
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones is set to begin a 15-stop tour next month to promote the Government's $1.2 billion fund for regional infrastructure…
- Best of Business
Callum Mallett: SkyCity Chief Operating Officer apologises as casino closes for five days
SkyCity is apologising for failing to intervene with a repeat player in Auckland. A customer complained to Internal Affairs after gambling went continuously…
- Best of Business
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on UK inflation figures holding steady at 2 percent
Over in the UK, inflation has held steady at 2 percent - prompting calls for interest rate cuts. Prices across all sectors have taken a dive, with hotel stays…
- Best of Business
Sharon Zollner: ANZ Chief Economist on the bank forecasting rate cuts for November 2024
ANZ is the latest major bank to bring their interest rate cut predictions forward as the mood towards the economy changes. The bank has forecasted a 25 basis…
- Best of Business
Sam Trethewey: Milford Asset Management Portfolio Manager on the positive response to CPI data
Today's CPI data report prompted positive responses from experts - as it signalled a decline in inflation. CPI increased 3.3 percent in the year to June, down…
- Best of Business
Billie Moore: Air New Zealand Airports Association CEO on the Commerce Commission saying Auckland Airport charges are too high
The Commerce Commission says Auckland Airport’s proposed charge increases to fund infrastructure are 'too high'. In a statement released this morning, the…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister unveils plan to tackle inflation issues following CPI update
The Finance Minister says the Government has a plan to tackle non-tradeable inflation. CPI increased 3.3 percent in the year to June, a fall from the 4 percent…
- Best of Business
John Tookey: AUT construction professor on the Government's plan to roll back insulation standards
The Government has confirmed it plans to roll back insulation standards amid concern about cost blowouts for new builds. The current standards, introduced in…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist ahead of the CPI announcement
Tomorrow's CPI announcement is set to reveal whether or not New Zealand is making headway with its war on inflation. Stats NZ will publish the Q2 consumers…
- Best of Business
Paul Robinson: Thorndon Quay Collective chairman on the judicial review over Wellington City Council replacing car parks with a cycleway
Wellington City Council has been found to be in the wrong in a battle involving a cycleway and parking space. A group of businesses on Thorndon Quay opposed…
- Best of Business
Marisa Bidois: Restaurant Association CEO explains why the hospitality sector is struggling
Rising business costs and cash-strapped consumers have forced a number of Kiwi hospitality businesses to close their doors. Auckland's SPQR recently closed its…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on what Mastercard's performance says about the economy
One expert explains how Mastercard's market performance is impacted by the concerns global investors have raised. Recently, investors have been focused on…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on food prices dropping for the first time in six years
Economists say falling food prices are a certain sign inflation's going down - but we may have to wait to get the full picture. Annual food prices have…
- Best of Business
George Adams: Synlait chairperson on the company's shareholders voting in favour of $130 million loan
Synlait Milk will live to see another day after winning shareholder approval for a last-minute loan. The shareholders have approved the company taking out a…
- Best of Business
Leanne Geraghty: Air New Zealand Chief Sales Officer adds 41,000 extra seats to the Pacific in response to proposed G-string ban
Air New Zealand entered the G-string debate and added 41,000 more seats to the Pacific this summer. The move comes after a New Plymouth swimming pool…
- Best of Business
Katlyn Parker: Milford Asset Management expert on the economic impact of years of high interest rates
The Reserve Bank's decision to leave the OCR in place was in line with expectations - but their tone caught markets by surprise. The Bank indicated inflation…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the mood among mortgage holders following the OCR update
The light at the end of the tunnel could be in sight for mortgage holders after today's OCR update. The Reserve Bank left rates unchanged at 5.5 percent - but…
- Best of Business
Mark Hopper: Federated Farmers national board member on Minister Shane Jones calling for more investment in aquaculture sector
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has agreed New Zealand's dairy sector is 'capped out' - and investing in aquaculture is the way to go. In an…
- Best of Business
Jarrod Kerr: Kiwibank economist predicts OCR will be reduced come November
There's some potential light at the end of the tunnel for mortgage holders after today's Reserve Bank update. The OCR's been held in place at 5.5 percent - the…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host ahead of the crucial vote impacting Synlait Milk
The future of South Island dairy company Synlait Milk is up in the air ahead of a crucial vote to ensure its survival. A special shareholders meeting will be…
- Best of Business
Gareth Kiernan: Infometrics chief economist speculates ahead of tomorrow's OCR update
The Reserve Bank is set to release their latest update regarding the OCR tomorrow afternoon. New Zealand's Official Cash Rate has been held at 5.5 percent for…
- Best of Business
Shane Marsh: Dosh co-founder on the company's bid to become New Zealand's first digital-only bank
Award-winning finance app Dosh has launched a bid to become New Zealand's first locally-owned digital-only bank. The company has initiated an application to…
- Best of Business
Geof Nightingale: independent tax expert weighs up benefits and drawbacks of an inheritance tax
There's speculation that Labour is examining the possible benefits of an inheritance tax ahead of its next party conference. The party has reportedly taken…
- Best of Business
George Adams: Synlait chairperson ahead of Thursday's vote to approve $130 million loan from Bright Dairy
Synlait Milk's future is hanging in the balance ahead of an upcoming vote impacting the company. On Thursday, a shareholders meeting will take place to…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson ahead of the Reserve Bank's upcoming Monetary Policy Statement
The Reserve Bank is set to deliver its next Monetary Policy Statement regarding the OCR on Wednesday. It's expected the Bank will keep rates on hold for…
- Best of Business
Paul Fuge: Consumer NZ spokesperson calls for reprieve as thousands of Kiwis suffer from 'power poverty'
There's growing calls for power companies to go easier on customers who can't pay their bills. Each year, around 40,000 New Zealanders are disconnected from…
- Best of Business
Michal Garvey: Foodprint founder unveils 'Mystery Bags' designed to help consumers and hospitality sector
As the hospitality sector struggles and consumers feel the pinch from rising living costs, one entrepreneur has devised a solution. Food waste is still a…
- Best of Business
Dr Elizabeth Aitken Rose: UOA senior lecturer of Architecture and Planning on the Government's plan to 'flood' the housing market
Experts fear that the Government's plan to 'flood' the housing market comes with too many risks. Housing Minister Chris Bishop has promised to fill urban areas…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the state of equity markets around the world
Equity markets around the world are experiencing lifetime highs - but one expert has warned of the possible risks involved. The US, Japan, Europe and Australia…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the Deputy Secretary of Trade calling for New Zealand to diversify trading partners
The golden era of trade is over and New Zealand needs to push hard to diversify its trading partners, according to a warning from the Deputy Secretary of…
- Best of Business
David Whitburn: property developer and investor warns recent housing changes come with an infrastructure bill
A property expert says housing changes announced today will increase supply - with a massive infrastructure bill attached. Housing Minister Chris Bishop says…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on Nicola Willis' refusal to establish an independent unit to check on Government spending
Finance Minister Nicola Willis isn’t receptive to calls for the establishment of an independent unit to check Treasury’s forecasts and ensure Government…
- Best of Business
Tim Groser: Former US ambassador on the significance of Luxon appearing at next week's NATO summit
There's increased efforts to position New Zealand on the world stage and make connections with the US. Prime Minister Chris Luxon is jetting off to the NATO…