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
David Cunningham: Squirrel CEO makes a case for cutting the Official Cash Rate
Ahead of tomorrow's OCR update, one expert is challenging the Reserve Bank to start cutting rates ASAP. The Official Cash Rate is widely expected to stay at…
- Best of Business
Richard Philp: Inland Revenue spokesperson warns the construction sector to fulfil their tax obligations
Inland Revenue is sending the construction sector a final warning to get on top of business tax obligations. 40,000 businesses with outstanding debt and…
- Best of Business
Bodo Lang: Massey University marketing professor on plant-based meat producer Sunfed being shut down
Kiwi plant-based meat replacement company Sunfed is shutting down as inventory runs out and investors leave. The company made chicken, beef and bacon…
- Best of Business
Michael Wood: E Tu negotiations specialist on TVNZ axing Fair Go program but moving the brand to digital
There's a bright spot among major cuts at TVNZ. The state broadcaster has confirmed it's axing news and current affairs shows, Midday, Tonight and Fair Go. But…
- Best of Business
Fran O'Sullivan: NZME business commentator ahead of Luxon's planned business delegation to Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines
Prime Minister Luxon will travel to Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines from April 14 - 20. This trip is expected to signal the Government's commitment to…
- Best of Business
Ben Oakley: Commerce Commission spokesperson on high speed internet being impacted by router performance and devices
There's a good chance consumers might be wasting their money if they pay for high-speed internet without the right equipment. The Commerce Commission's…
- Best of Business
Business Panel: Wellington business leaders Simon Arcus and Paul Retimanu on the state of Wellington's economy
Covid-19, worker shortages, the growth in working from home and now public service cuts: Wellington's economy has had a tough few years, and it's still…
- Best of Business
Peter Dunne: former United Future leader weighs in on proposed public sector job cuts
More public sector roles face the chopping block, following recent announcements. The Ministry of Health is the latest to propose slashing jobs in order to…
- Best of Business
Wrapping the Week with Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson: ACC, sleep methods, and new business ventures
Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson have once again joined Mike Hosking to wrap the week. On this docket today is ACC, sleep methods, and the new business venture…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds senior portfolio manager recaps the first financial quarter of 2024
The first quarter of 2024 is in the books for global investors- what can that tell them going forward? Asset prices were strong all over the world, house…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the benefits of selling Pāmu to boost Government finances
Economists and farming experts believe there are economic benefits to selling off Pāmu. The state-owned farming company runs runs 110 farms around the country-…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on ASB data claiming $1 trillion will be needed for infrastructure
New Zealand faces a $1 trillion bill over the next three decades to improve infrastructure, ASB warns. This involves bringing existing infrastructure up to…
- Best of Business
Malcolm Fleming: NZ Construction Industry Council chair on the Government changing the Building Act to address supply shortage and wait times
The Government is changing the Building Act to address a shortage of supplies and long wait times for new products to be approved. This will include…
- Best of Business
Leo Molloy: Auckland bar owner on the two accused kidnappers being arrested at Headquarters Bar
The owner of one of Auckland's most prominent waterfront bars has described the moment armed police stormed in to arrest a pair accused of violently kidnapping…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management Equities Analyst on Synlait Milk's shares slumping following half-year net loss
More bad news for Synlait Milk following their recent half-year net loss. The company's shares are down almost 70 percent in the last year. Milford Asset…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the banks pushing back against sharing their data with financial technology firms
The country's biggest banks are pushing back against measures to share their data and increase competition through open banking. The Commerce Commission wants…
- Best of Business
Patrick Reynolds: Auckland Council's City Centre Advisory Panel deputy chair on Auckland's GDP and employment thriving
Auckland's city centre has outpaced New Zealand in both GDP and employment growth for the second year in a row. According to an Infometrics report, GDP in the…
- Best of Business
Dr Michelle Reyers: Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission policy lead on women contributing less per year to their KiwiSaver than men
According to new research, there's a significant gap between the KiwiSaver contributions of men and women. Te Ara Ahunga Ora The Retirement Commission has…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Synlait looking to sell their Pōkeno plant to clear debt
It's a challenging time for cash-strapped dairy giant Synlait. The company is reporting a $96.2 million loss for the six months to January, compared to a $4.8…
- Best of Business
Pattrick Smellie: BusinessDesk managing editor on the price of gold soaring to an all-time high
The price of gold has soared to an all-time high- and some Kiwi companies are hoping to take advantage. Gold is currently trading at $2269 USD ($3817 NZD) an…
- Best of Business
Grant Nelson: Integrity Institute spokesperson urges Prime Minister Luxon to 'do the right thing' and investigate businesses over Covid wage subsidies
A pair of millionaire philanthropists are urging the Prime Minister to honour a commitment and chase businesses up for Covid wage subsidy money. Grant and…
- Best of Business
Brooke van Velden: Workplace Relations Minister labels Easter trading laws 'outdated' amid Wānaka New World controversy
The Workplace Relations Minister says Easter trading laws are outdated. Two Wānaka New World supermarkets are likely to be fined after remaining open on Good…
- Best of Business
Kelly Eckhold: Westpac chief economist on the Reserve Bank replacing two outgoing MPC members in staff shake-up
Big changes for the Reserve Bank, as it appoints new members to its Monetary Policy Committee. University of Auckland macroeconomics professor Prasanna Gai and…
- Best of Business
Marilyn Storey: Argosy Property Head of Development on the new industrial development designed for sustainable distribution being built in Auckland
There's hope a $100 million industrial complex under construction in Auckland will create a new standard for sustainable goods distribution. Argosy Property's…
- Best of Business
Roman Travers: What does it say about us if we can't handle the shops being closed?
Every year, Easter pops up with the ubiquitous confusion around which shops are open and when over the Easter period. There are two reasons for this- one being…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds senior portfolio manager on the decline of electric vehicle sales
Demand for electric vehicles has ground to a halt in recent months. Growth rates are down in the United States, Europe, and China, according to new data. Sam…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on DairyNZ's Econ Tracker data
DairyNZ's Econ Tracker predicts an increase in profitability for farmers- but warns interest costs could bite. Their latest data shows he national breakeven…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on business confidence and consumer confidence declining
After a more hopeful period, business confidence and consumer confidence has slumped again. New data for March indicates businesses and consumers are back to…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics principal economist on the optimism from ASB economists
A 'slow grind' lies ahead for households over the next few months, but the end is within sight for the tough fight with inflation. ASB's latest Quarterly…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management Equities Analyst on the New Zealand market's performance in the first 2024 quarter
The first trading quarter of 2024 has come to an end, giving investors an opportunity to take stock of what's to come. The market has struggled under the…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the 'sobering reality check' of the Government's Budget Policy Statement
One expert has labelled the Government's Budget Policy Statement a 'sobering reality check' with no surprises. The Finance Minister says a surplus is unlikely…
- Best of Business
Carolyn Young: Retail NZ Chief Executive on the growing support to roll back Easter trading restrictions
A struggling retail sector is urging the Government to roll back the Easter trading restrictions. Under current laws, shops all over New Zealand are required…
- Best of Business
John Maynard: Postal Workers Union spokesperson on New Zealand Post's plan to cut jobs
Posties will be no more in four to six years, as NZ Post announces significant change to their delivery service. It's confirmed both mail and parcels will…
- Best of Business
Fran O'Sullivan: NZME business commentator on whether or not the Government can afford promised tax cuts this year
The Government is still committed to delivering on their tax cuts, despite last week's announcement that New Zealand is in recession. Finance Minister Nicola…
- Best of Business
Michael Fox: Zespri Head of Global Public Affairs on the benefits of the EU-New Zealand free trade agreement
The ratification of the free trade agreement with the EU is now complete after it gained Royal Assent. Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says it was…
- Best of Business
Oliver Peterson: Australian correspondent on the tradie shortage impacting planned construction projects
Australia is short 90,000 tradies to meet new housing targets. The Government plans to build 1.2 million new homes over the next five years. Australia…
- Best of Business
Michael Goldwater: Stop Stealing Our Harbour spokesperson on the prominent Aucklanders signing an open letter against the Port's long-term lease
A group of prominent Aucklanders have voiced disapproval with the planned long-term lease of the council-owned Port of Auckland. Over 30 high-profile figures…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds senior portfolio manager on the US economy surging faster than expected
The US economy is stunning experts as it goes from strength to strength. The US Federal Reserve is predicting GDP will grow by 2.1 percent in 2024- an upgrade…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on farmer confidence rising slightly in latest Rabobank survey
The first Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey for 2024 shows farmer confidence has risen from a record slump- but remains low overall. This latest survey found…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on today's Stats NZ data confirming New Zealand is in recession
One economic expert believes there are 'bright pockets' to be found in today's newly-released GDP figures. Data from Stats NZ shows the economy contracted 0.1…
- Best of Business
Miles Hurrell: Fonterra CEO on the company's 23 percent increase in half-year profit
The boss of Fonterra is playing down concerns about the Chinese market. Fonterra's half year profit is up 23 percent, and its interim dividend is up 50…
- Best of Business
Tom Rutledge: HelloFresh Australasia CEO on the new research revealing over half of Kiwis throw food away after the best-before date
Meal kit delivery service HelloFresh are calling for a new food labelling system, in order to minimise waste. New research has found over half of Kiwis throw…
- Best of Business
John Small: Commerce Commission chair says lack of competition between banks is hurting Kiwi consumers
Banking customers are losing out, according to a draft report that finds a lack of competition. The Commerce Commission's found ANZ, ASB, BNZ and Westpac also…
- Best of Business
David Seymour: Associate Finance Minister on GDP growth contracting and putting New Zealand into a technical recession
Tough economic choices are on the horizon for the Government. GDP slipped 0.1 percent in 2023's last quarter, the second of negative growth in a row. Associate…
- Best of Business
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on Australia's unemployment rate dropping to 3.7 percent
Australia's unemployment rate dropped to 3.7 percent in February, down from 4.1 percent. This decrease comes off the back of an ongoing economic slowdown, as…
- Best of Business
Heather du Plessis-Allan: How is this recession making us feel?
I don't think many of us are surprised to hear that we’re back in a technical recession for the second time in a year, it's pretty rough out there. Personally…
- Best of Business
Sam Trethewey: Milford Asset Management Portfolio Manager on local retailers reporting losses this earning season
Many local retailers, including Kathmandu and The Warehouse, have reported less-than-stellar earnings this week. KMD Brands has posted a $10 million loss, and…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the groups who will lose out on extra tax cuts
Everybody's looking forward to extra tax cuts- but some people will have to take a hit to pay for them. The Government has confirmed new changes to the income…
- Best of Business
Tania Benyon: The Warehouse Chief Product Officer on the company's recent $23.7 million net loss and closures
The Warehouse Group has revealed it plans to sell or close its online shopping website TheMarket.com by the end of the financial year. It comes just weeks…
- Best of Business
Ernie Newman: Grocery Action Group spokesperson on the Commerce Commission's decision to dismiss complaint against Sanitarium
A supermarket action group is questioning the Commerce Commission's decision making. The Commission's decided not to investigate Sanitarium's move to pause the…
- Best of Business
Dan Mitchinson: US correspondent on the increase in rich Americans gearing up to move overseas
According to new reports, a record-shattering number of wealthy Americans are looking to make the move overseas. The political turmoil and social instability…
- Best of Business
Paul Bloxham: HSBC Chief Economist on the Reserve Bank of Australia holding interest rates in place
The Reserve Bank of Australia has held interest rates steady at 4.35 percent. Australia's OCR has stayed in place since November 2023 off the back of 13 rate…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on low tomato prices hurting Kiwi growers
Lower tomato prices might be great news for consumers- less so for the country's growers. Farmers still can't export their product over to Australia, due to a…
- Best of Business
Pattrick Smellie: BusinessDesk managing editor on the ongoing saga of Du Val Group's legal shenanigans
Property developers Du Val Group have found themselves in another patch of controversy. The company has reportedly taken hundreds of millions from investors-…
- Best of Business
Oliver Peterson: Australian correspondent on Uber being forced to pay over $270 million in compensation to taxi operators and drivers
Over in Australia, rideshare giant Uber has been forced to pay over $270 million to compensate taxi drivers and operators. Taxi companies across the nation…
- Best of Business
Anita Rosentreter: First Union strategic project coordinator on Uber drivers continuing their legal battle with the rideshare giant
Uber drivers have continued their employment fight, now at the Court of Appeal. Two years ago, the court ruled four Wellington Uber drivers should be…
- Best of Business
Gary Froggatt: Tramways Union National President on Wellington bus drivers tampering with extra-loud onboard speakers
Complaints from Wellington bus drivers who've been resorting to tampering with excessively loud on-board speakers. One city bus company is threatening to turn…
- Best of Business
Dr Alexandra Muthu: RACP spokesperson among experts calling for complete ban on engineered stone
There's calls for a complete ban on the deadly engineered stone, primarily used in bench tops. The Australasian College of Physicians is urging the New Zealand…
- Best of Business
Gemma Rasmussen: Consumer NZ Head of Advocacy and Research on the company's mission to tackle 'greenwashing'
A call to action from Consumer NZ to help get on top of false environmentally-friendly claims on our products. It says issues of 'greenwashing' are rising, and…
- Best of Business
Satish Ranchhod: Westpac Senior Economist on the bank confirming 125,000 extra houses will be needed to keep up with migration
Westpac Bank says New Zealand will need to ramp up house-building prowess to keep up with increased migration. The bank estimates 125,000 homes will need to be…