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
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the new data revealing house prices need to drop by 16 percent to become affordable
House prices need to fall at least another 16 percent to become anything like affordable, one forecaster says. According to the Real Estate Institute, prices…
- Best of Business
Andrew Holden: News Publishers' Association Public Affairs Director explains the impact of tech companies backing away from New Zealand media
One expert says Paul Goldsmith's proposed new media bill could jump-start conversations about the future of news content in New Zealand. The Broadcasting…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on Fletcher Building handing over Convention Centre project to SkyCity
Fletcher Building's shares have bounced back up after the business completed and handed over part of their NZ International Convention Centre project. The…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister unveils steps to ease cost of living as Government outlines third quarterly priorities
The Finance Minister is determined to grow the economy and ease the cost of living for struggling Kiwis as the Government outlines its next points of focus…
- Best of Business
Rob Fyfe: Former Air NZ CEO appoints CEO for new Recorp venture
Former Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe is set to launch his biggest - and most sustainable - business venture yet. Recorp, an aluminium canning company, is set to…
- Best of Business
Simon Moutter: Kāinga Ora Chair says it was the right time for CEO Andrew McKenzie to step down
Kāinga Ora's Chief Executive Andrew McKenzie will be stepping down at the end of October, with a $365,000 payout. A review has found the state housing provider…
- Best of Business
Damian Spring: Santana Minerals Chief Executive on the discovery of a significant gold mine in Otago
There's high hopes from Santana Minerals following the revelation of unearthed gold in Central Otago. The company's discovery on the privately owned Bendigo…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Denmark's plan to introduce a carbon tax on agriculture
Denmark is moving ahead on plans to introduce a carbon tax on agriculture, with cattle farmers facing additional charges as a result. The bill suggests that…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on New Zealand's economic outlook being downgraded by experts
International research group BMI has lowered its GDP growth forecast for New Zealand for 2024 - and warned of economic challenges to come. BMI predicted the…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management Equities Analyst on Meridian Energy's Investor Day data
Meridian Energy's Investor Day data indicates more power companies are looking to embrace growth in a changing market. New Zealand's electricity demand is…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on BNZ challenging Gloriavale over use of banking services
Gloriavale has taken a knock in its battle to maintain access to banking services. BNZ has been trying to close Gloriavale's accounts for the last two years…
- Best of Business
Andrew Fairgray: 2degrees Chief Business Officer on business optimism shooting up in new Shaping Business Study (1)
New Zealand's business sector seems to be taking a turn for the optimistic, according to new data from 2degrees. The latest Shaping Business Study says 18…
- Best of Business
Andrew Fairgray: 2degrees Chief Business Officer on business optimism shooting up in new Shaping Business Study
New Zealand's business sector seems to be taking a turn for the optimistic, according to new data from 2degrees. The latest Shaping Business Study says 18…
- Best of Business
Oliver Mander: Shareholders' Association Chief Executive on the Warehouse's CEO's pay-out eclipsing falling shares
There's concerns that the Warehouse's top level salaries don't match the company's declining performance. The Warehouse Group's shares fell to a record low of…
- Best of Business
Rowena Duncum: The Country producer on Synlait asking shareholders for multi-million dollar lifeline
Struggling dairy manufacturer Synlait has asked shareholders to vote in favour of a $130 million lifeline from Chinese shareholder Bright Dairy. The company…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics principal economist on employment confidence dropping in latest report
Kiwis’ confidence in the job market took a dive over the past three months, according to a survey conducted for Westpac. The bank reported its confidence…
- Best of Business
Mark Robinson: NZ Rugby CEO on the company posting an $8.9 million loss for 2023
New Zealand Rugby has posted an $8.9 million dollar net loss for 2023 - the second deficit in a row. Although spending was reduced from the year prior, a drop…
- Best of Business
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the EU and China gearing up for further talks about EV tariffs
Top officials from both the EU and China have spoken about controversial EV tariffs over the weekend - and agreed to further talks. The call marks the first…
- Best of Business
Fran O'Sullivan: NZME business commentator on the problems impacting New Zealand's infrastructure
It's been a bad week for infrastructure incidents, with increased pressure on the Government to find a solution. Between a Defence Force plane breaking down, a…
- Best of Business
Darryn Fisher: NorthChamber Chief Executive says several Northland businesses unsure if they're insured for recent power outage
Northland businesses are unsure whether they'll be insured for last week's power outage. A pylon tipped over on Thursday after too many nuts were removed from…
- Best of Business
Darryn Fisher: North Chamber CEO on the impact of the Northland power outage on businesses
A Northland business leader says the large power outage will significantly impact business. Widespread power outages began yesterday morning when a…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert explains the investing environment six months into 2024
One expert says investors have had to pay more attention to their long-term goals this year. Ongoing inflation and changing economies have led investors to…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Minister Shane Jones wanting to bring back live animal exports
Minister Shane Jones is still keen to bring back live animal exports sooner rather than later. In an interview on The Country, Jones made it clear in no…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on New Zealand's GDP going up by 0.2 percent
New Zealand's GDP grew 0.2 percent in March, according to new data. This officially takes the country out of a technical recession, but on a per-capita basis…
- Best of Business
Chris Penk: Minister for Building and Construction on the Government's planned review into earthquake-prone buildings
The Government has launched a new review designed to ensure earthquake-prone buildings are up to standard. The current NBS system has run into controversy…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business Editor on the 0.2% rise in the GDP
The news New Zealand is out of a technical recession isn't necessarily cause for celebration. Stats NZ figures show GDP rose 0.2% in the three months to March…
- Best of Business
Lisa Hopkins: Business Events Industry Aotearoa on overseas investors visiting for the Business Events trade show 'Meetings'
Yesterday saw the beginning of New Zealand’s largest business events trade show. ‘Meetings’ connects overseas investors to domestic industries, highlighting…
- Best of Business
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on UK inflation hitting 2 percent for the first time in almost 3 years
Over in the UK, inflation has hit the Reserve Bank's target for the first time in nearly three years. Prices rose by 2 percent in the year to May, down from…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the Prime Minister's business dealings in Japan
Prime Minister Luxon's managed to find himself in hot water after some off-colour comments about previous business delegations. Ahead of his trip to Japan, the…
- Best of Business
Susan Kilsby: ANZ agricultural economist on the latest carbon auction failing
The second carbon auction of the year failed with no bids made. 4,075,700 New Zealand Units were on offer at the June auction - prompting zero interest from…
- Best of Business
Stephanie Batchelor: Milford Asset Management spokesperson on Lululemon shares plummeting 40 percent
Former market darling Lululemon's been having a rough year, with shares plummeting 40 percent in 2024. The famed athleisure brand is experiencing a drop in…
- Best of Business
Urmila Bhana: Independent Business and Residential Group chairwoman on the Greens getting 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
Leighton Roberts: Sharesies co-founder on Nvidia surpassing Apple and Microsoft to become world's most valuable company
Computer chip producer Nvidia is now the world's most valuable company - overtaking Apple and Microsoft. Shares climbed 3.5 percent on Tuesday, making it worth…
- Best of Business
Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent on Prime Minister Chris Luxon justifying the 'C-list' comments about past business delegations
The Prime Minister concedes he could have used better words to describe past business delegations. Before setting off to Japan, Chris Luxon told Newstalk ZB…
- Best of Business
Dan Mitchinson: US correspondent on the CEO of Boeing being grilled in court
Boeing's chief executive Dave Calhoun was questioned by members of the US Senate over the various safety issues and incidents impacting the company. Calhoun…
- Best of Business
Paul Bloxham: HSBC CEO on Australia's Reserve Bank keeping the OCR on hold at 4.35 percent
Australia's Reserve Bank has left the OCR unchanged at 4.35 percent after a lengthy deliberation process. The Bank has been waging a long-term battle against…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Zespri launching a campaign to encourage people to eat better
Leading kiwifruit producer Zespri has launched a global campaign encouraging people to eat better in order to tackle health challenges around the world. The…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics principal economist on Air New Zealand boosting travel capacity into Japan
Air New Zealand has made moves to boost their travel capacity into Japan and added an additional 30,000 seats to its Tokyo route between November and March…
- Best of Business
Carolyn Young: Retail NZ Chief Executive on buy now, pay later provider Laybuy entering receivership
The end of buy now, pay later provider Laybuy is being described as sad by experts. The company has been put into receivership and services have been…
- Best of Business
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on the Reserve Bank of Australia leaving interest rates on hold at 4.35 percent
There's no reprieve for Australian borrowers just yet, as the Reserve Bank decided to leave rates on hold. Australia's Official Cash Rate was held steady at…
- Best of Business
Business Panel: Porirua mayor Anita Baker and The Woolstore boss Paul Robinson on Thorndon Quay works and local councils
How is the economy holding up, what on earth is happening on Thorndon Quay, and how do councils properly engage with local businesses? Those were the questions…
- Best of Business
Greg Smith: Devon Funds Management Head of Retail on food inflation easing to lowest level in five years
Food inflation has eased to the lowest level since September 2018, according to new data. A report by Stats NZ says food prices fell 0.2 percent in May on the…
- Best of Business
Robert Patman: Otago University international relations professor on the significance of Prime Minister Chris Luxon's trip to Japan
Prime Minister Chris Luxon aims to spend the next few days in Japan, boosting international business opportunities. Japan is the world's fourth largest…
- Best of Business
Jason Walls: ZB political editor on Prime Minister Luxon's trip to Japan being impacted by plane breakdown
Christopher Luxon is on the ground in Japan, but his business delegation won't be touching down for another day. The Prime Minister's plane has broken down yet…
- Best of Business
Claire Trevett: NZ Herald political editor on Prime Minister Chris Luxon's business delegation to Japan
There's hope the PM's trip to Japan could bring more investment opportunities to New Zealand. Chris Luxon, a high-ranking business delegation, and travelling…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on Apple's bid to enter the AI arms race
Apple has made a plunge into the AI universe through its new offering: Apple Intelligence. The tech giant revealed how it planned to pair up with OpenAI in…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business editor-at-large on the Fitch ratings agency casting doubt on NZ's economy
The Fitch ratings agency is casting doubts on New Zealand's economic future. The agency is considering bringing down the nation's rating, amid concerns…
- Best of Business
Louise Upston: Acting Minister for Women on the Government's new scheme to reduce the gender pay gap
The Government aims to reduce the nation's gender pay gap through the development of a voluntary calculation tool. Current figures show the gap currently sits…
- Best of Business
Michelle Rayer: Retirement Commission policy lead on the Commission calling for higher KiwiSaver default contribution rates
The Retirement Commissioner has released a list of proposed changes to improve the KiwiSaver scheme. The list suggested the default rate for KiwiSaver…
- Best of Business
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the UK economy flatlining in April
New figures showed the UK economy experienced no growth in April. The region's GDP was flat for an entire month, off the back of a 0.4 percent bump in March…
- Best of Business
Michael Luke: Milford Asset Management expert on Tower Insurance increasing their profit expectations
An optimistic update from Tower Insurance, as the company increased its profit expectations. This is the third projected profit upgrade for the company - a…
- Best of Business
Richard McIntyre: Federated Farmers spokesperson on the Finance Minister's planned joint inquiry into rural banking
Rural communities are elated to see their repeated concerns being heard. The Finance Minister has asked the Finance and Expenditure and Primary Production…
- Best of Business
James Fuller: Hnry CEO on the six policies sole traders would prefer over a $20 tax credit
Sole trader confidence in the government's slipped after the announcement of the fortnightly $20 tax credit. Accountancy service Hnry's most recent report…
- Best of Business
Hamish McNicol: NBR co-editor on the Mowbray family taking the top spot in NBR's 2024 Rich List
The owners of toy company Zuru have been named New Zealand's wealthiest people, the first change to the top spot in 20 years. This year's NBR Rich List saw Mat…
- Best of Business
Fran O'Sullivan: NZME business commentator on Chinese Premier Li Qiang visiting New Zealand for the first time in seven years
Prime Minister Chris Luxon has revealed Chinese Premier Li Qiang will visit New Zealand later this week. This will be the first significant visit by one of the…
- Best of Business
Brent Thomas: House of Travel chief operating officer on Air New Zealand pausing flights between Auckland and New Caledonia
Air New Zealand has stopped flights between Auckland and New Caledonia's Nouméa for the next few months. The airline will look to resume flights at the end of…
- Best of Business
Martin Bosley: Kiwi restaurateur on the acceptable timeframe to stay at a café following Napier incident
A debate about the unwritten rules of café etiquette has surfaced after an incident in Napier. Reporter Mark Story was asked to leave Napier café Smiths, after…
- Best of Business
Heather du Plessis-Allan: Our gas is running out faster than we ever thought it would
I'm starting to get a little bit nervous about whether we are ever going to be able to attract overseas investors back into our oil and gas industry. I mean…
- Best of Business
Todd McClay: Trade Minister on Chinese Premier Li Qiang visiting New Zealand this week
The Trade Minister says it's important for the nation to strengthen its economic relationship with China. Earlier today, Prime Minister Luxon announced Chinese…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management Equities Analyst on Tiwai Point locking in a 20-year deal
A 20-year deal with Southland's Tiwai Aluminium Smelter could be good news for everyday New Zealanders. The agreement signed by Meridian, Mercury, Contact…