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
Greg Foran: Air New Zealand CEO on Air New Zealand's decreased half-year earnings
Air New Zealand's half-year earnings have taken a dive, according to today's report. The airline has announced earnings before taxation of $185 million for the…
- Best of Business
Deborah Lambie: Milford Asset Management analyst on robotic assisted surgery experiencing a boost
More operations could be done by robotic surgeons in the not-so-distant future. California-based company Intuitive Surgical has been leading the charge in…
- Best of Business
Michael Boggs: NZME chief executive on the company reporting a 46 percent drop in profit
Media giant NZME has reported a drop in net after-tax profit of $12.2 million dollars. The company behind the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB has blamed…
- Best of Business
Carrie Hurihanganui: Auckland Airport CEO hits back at Air New Zealand's concerns surrounding redevelopment spending
Auckland Airport is disputing Air New Zealand's concerns the redevelopment will push fares up. Air New Zealand has requested Commerce Minister Andrew Bayly…
- Best of Business
Vittoria Shortt: ASB CEO on the bank's multi-layered scam awareness program
This week, ASB launched the first steps of a multi-layered campaign designed to protect consumers from scammers. The bank hopes to raise awareness around the…
- Best of Business
Greg Foran: Air New Zealand Chief Executive warns Auckland Airport's development costs will be passed onto consumers
There's turbulence in Air New Zealand's relationship with Auckland Airport. The airline is asking Commerce Minister Andrew Bayly to look into the Airport's…
- Best of Business
Paul Bloxham: HSBC Chief Economist on the divided predictions about next week's OCR hike
Several leading economists are at odds over next week's OCR call from the Reserve Bank. ANZ has claimed the Bank will hike rates up twice before April, BNZ…
- Best of Business
Pattrick Smellie: BusinessDesk managing editor on A2's improved profit and sales in China
Infant formula maker A2 Milk has lifted its first-half net profit by 15.6 percent. That's despite a double-digit decline in China’s infant formula market…
- Best of Business
Mike Fuge: Contact Energy CEO on the company's reported increase in half-year net profit
Contact Energy has reported an increase in net profit and says it expects to finalise a more generous electricity deal with Tiwai Point aluminium smelter. It's…
- Best of Business
Fran O'Sullivan: NZME business commentator on the Government's 'tough love' strategy to get people off benefits
One expert has noticed a subset of voters hasn't reacted positively to the Government's plan to reduce the number of beneficiaries. Prime Minister Chris Luxon…
- Best of Business
Nicolas Reid: MRCagney Principal Public Transport Planner on the feasibility of a fixed link between New Zealand's two islands
One transport planner is looking into the feasibility of a fixed link between New Zealand's two islands. KiwiRail are officially cancelling an overseas…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds senior portfolio manager on the state of the US markets
The key interest rate market in the US is pricing several rates cuts later this year. Meanwhile, economic growth is getting stronger and equity markets are at…
- Best of Business
Robert MacCulloch: Auckland University economics professor says the entire Fletcher Building company needs to be broken up
One business expert says a change in leadership isn't enough to save Fletcher Building. Yesterday, Chief Executive Ross Taylor and Chair Bruce Hassall both…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on New Zealand's agricultural sector facing challenges from Red Sea trade disruption
New Zealand's agricultural sector could be impacted by escalating tensions in the Red Sea. Experts warn the ongoing attacks could cause further shipping…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on the latest migration data for New Zealand
New Zealand's population has continued to expand in 2023- but the influx has slowed somewhat. New data from Stats NZ shows annual net migration reached just…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management Equities Analyst on Fletcher Building's management changes
Fletcher Building has had an eventful few days, culminating in the loss of chief executive Ross Taylor and chair Bruce Hassall. The company has also reported a…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on ASB's warning for mortgage holders
ASB has warned mortgage holders to be prepared for 'any eventuality' when it comes to interest rates. Chief executive Vittoria Shortt says borrowers shouldn't…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the economic impact of Valentine's Day
Economists are predicting a boost in consumer spending this February 14th. As demand for flowers and chocolates and fancy dinners skyrockets, people are…
- Best of Business
Vittoria Short: ASB CEO on the company's half-year profit dropping by 11 percent
ASB's CEO isn't surprised by today's reduced half-year profit. The bank has reported a 11 percent fall, due to slower lending, reduced margins and higher…
- Best of Business
Ross Taylor: former Fletcher Building Chief Executive on resigning following significant financial losses
Resignations by Fletcher Construction's two top players can be traced back to a single project. The company has reported a $120 million half-year loss after…
- Best of Business
Heather du Plessis-Allan: Mice and rats aren't Countdown's problem
It is amazing, isn't it? How the story of one rat in a Dunedin supermarket has just blown up for Countdown. First, it was a photo of a couple of rats in the…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Fonterra lifting their 2024 milk price forecast
Fonterra has lifted their 2023-24 season forecast farmgate milk price to $7.80 per kilogram of milk solids. Chief executive Miles Hurrell claims the 30 cent…
- Best of Business
Pattrick Smellie: BusinessDesk managing editor on Fletcher Building CEO Ross Taylor's uncertain future with the company
There are growing calls for Fletcher Building to make some leadership changes ahead of tomorrow's half-year result. The company has been placed in a trading…
- Best of Business
Oliver Mander: New Zealand Shareholders Association Chief Executive says Fletcher Building needs more than a new CEO
There's a push for a shake up of the Fletcher Building board. The construction company is in a trading halt ahead of the release of its half-year results…
- Best of Business
Heather du Plessis-Allan: I'm expecting at least one resignation from Fletcher Building
It looks almost certain that the CEO of Fletcher Building is gone. The company put the shares in a trading halt yesterday, and announced that Ross Taylor would…
- Best of Business
Fran O'Sullivan: NZME business commentator on Nicola Willis and Chris Luxon making changes to public sector leadership
Prime Minister Chris Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis are planning to make some changes to public sector agencies. Speculation indicates they could…
- Best of Business
Kelvin Davidson: CoreLogic economist on what the Reserve Bank's new debt-to-income lending rules mean for first home buyers
Kiwis out to buy their first home may soon find that process a lot harder. Under the Reserve Bank's proposed new debt-to-income lending rules, it has been…
- Best of Business
Kelvin Davidson: CoreLogic economist on what the Reserve Bank's new debt-to-income lending rules mean for first home buyers (2)
Kiwis out to buy their first home may soon find that process a lot harder. Under the Reserve Bank's proposed new debt-to-income lending rules, it has been…
- Best of Business
Kelvin Davidson: CoreLogic economist on what the Reserve Bank's new debt-to-income lending rules mean for first home buyers (1)
Kiwis out to buy their first home may soon find that process a lot harder. Under the Reserve Bank's proposed new debt-to-income lending rules, it has been…
- Best of Business
Anne Gibson: property editor on SkyCity being taken to court by the Department of Internal Affairs
SkyCity could be forced to cough up millions for alleged breaches of legislation on money laundering. The Department of Internal Affairs is accusing SkyCity of…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister says trustee tax rate will increase to 39 percent from April 1
The Finance Minister plans to implement a 39 percent trustee tax rate by April 1. This increase follows on from Labour's proposed plan for trustee tax rates…
- Best of Business
Dr Ayalla Ruvio: Michigan State University researcher on the impact of Super Bowl advertising and the Taylor Swift effect
Super Bowl LVIII is expected to start at 12:30 NZT, and advertisers have been ready for kickoff all year. Brands will be bringing in high-profile celebrities…
- Best of Business
Melissa Davies: Christchurch entrepreneur launches 'Holdmine' app designed to make death easier on loved ones
One Christchurch-based entrepreneur hopes her platform will hold information to make death easier on loved ones. 'Holdmine' allows users to store personal…
- Best of Business
Dr Dougal Sutherland: Giving the mental health and safety of your business a warrant of fitness
The start of a new year is often a good time to check in on how your business is going. Just like we’d take our car in for a WOF, it’s just as important to get…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds senior portfolio manager recaps US quarterly results season
The US quarterly results season is well underway, with 60 percent of companies reporting their results. The marker has been bullish overall- but there are some…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the strong results from the last Global Dairy Trade auction
There's speculation higher farmgate milk prices are on the way following a strong GDT auction result. All of Fonterra’s main reference products rallied…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on the state of China's economy
Could the incoming Year of the Dragon bring more luck for China's struggling economy? Ahead of Chinese New Year, the nation's economy is still feeling the…
- Best of Business
Julian Benefield: Foodstuffs North Island general counsel says human element will play key role in facial recognition technology trial
A human element will be key factor during Foodstuffs North Island's facial recognition technology trial. Up to 25 New World and Pak'nSave stores will have the…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on unemployment growing to 4 percent in the December quarter
Increased unemployment figures are a sign of a stronger overall economy, claims one expert. Stats NZ figures show unemployment has crept up to 4 percent- the…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management Equities Analyst on Fletcher Building's multi-million dollar loss and projected outlook
Fletcher Building can expect a significant financial hit, after revealing they put another $180 million aside for repairs. Costs have blown out on two big…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the Reserve Bank requesting more money to refurbish their cash vaults
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has requested more money from the Government to cover the cost of their vault refurbishments. NZ Herald Wellington business…
- Best of Business
Sam Stubbs: Simplicity managing director calls for Fletcher Building's board and management to be scrutinised following cost blowout
Simplicity are calling for Fletcher Building's board and management to be scrutinised further. Fletcher's stock has dropped following a multi-million dollar…
- Best of Business
Alan McDonald: Employers and Manufacturers Association Head of Advocacy says unemployment rate likely to rise more
There's concerns the unemployment rate will rise more. Stats NZ released its labour market update for the December quarter today, with unemployment up to four…
- Best of Business
Grant Swanepoel: Jarden Analyst on Fletcher Building's $180 million financial hit to two products
Fletcher Building has delivered grim news of a $180 million dollar hit to accounts on two big projects. Costs for Auckland's International Convention Centre…
- Best of Business
Barry Coates: Mindful Money founder and CEO on KiwiSaver providers turning towards ethical companies
KiwiSaver providers are turning away from controversial companies, instead gravitating towards ethical ones. Data from Mindful Money shows several of the…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds senior portfolio manager on sports becoming a factor in the streaming wars
The streaming wars have kicked up a notch, as sports have become the newest area for companies to stake their claims. Disney has struck an exclusive deal with…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large weighs in on the minimum wage increase
The minimum wage is set to go up by 45 cents to $23.15, starting April 1. This two percent increase will affect between 80,000 and 140,000 Kiwi workers. NZ…
- Best of Business
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on the growing public pressure for the RBA to cut interest rates
There's growing hope across the ditch that the RBA will cut interest rates soon. Australia's Official Cash Rate is currently at 4.35 percent, with reduced…
- Best of Business
Brooke van Velden: Workplace Relations Minister defends minimum wage increase and claims it strikes the right balance
The Minister-in-charge says the Government is striking the right balance on lifting the minimum wage. It's rising two percent from April to $23.15 an hour from…
- Best of Business
Mark Wolfenden: Woolworths Director of Digital and Loyalty defends latest Everyday Rewards scheme
Woolworths have recently launched their Everyday Rewards scheme set to replace Onecards. This development comes as consumer advocates have voiced concerns…
- Best of Business
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on post-Brexit controls on key imports from the EU kicking in
Post-Brexit controls on food, plant and animal imports to Britain from the EU have recently come into force. Health certificates will now be required on goods…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the results from the latest ANZ Business Confidence survey
ANZ has released their latest Business Confidence survey, creating a complicated picture for the economy. Business confidence rose 4 points to +37 in January…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on National deciding not to scrap regime designed to protect customers
The Government has decided against scrapping a new regime aimed at preventing banks, insurers and non-bank deposit takers from mistreating customers. This Code…
- Best of Business
Katlyn Parker: Milford Asset Management analyst on whether rate cuts are on the cards for 2024
The holidays have wound down and central banks are back in action- what can people expect for the new year? 2023 was dominated by rate hikes to curb rampant…
- Best of Business
Mat Bolland: Air New Zealand Chief Corporate Affairs Officer on the company's report highlighting its significance to the country
Air New Zealand has recently released a report designed to prove the company's economic significance to Aotearoa. The company claims it directly contributed…
- Best of Business
Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on the Reserve Bank shutting down hope for an early rates cut
The Reserve Bank has poured cold water over growing speculation for an early rates cut this year. In a webinar delivered to the public, RBNZ chief economist…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the current state of agri-business
One leading accountant and agri-business advisor fears the current downturn in the rural sector may be the worst recorded in recent memory. Pita Alexander says…
- Best of Business
Pattrick Smellie: BusinessDesk managing editor predicts James Shaw could take over the Climate Change Commission
One expert is predicting James Shaw's next career move following his departure from the Greens. Shaw announced he'll step back as party co-leader- but stay on…
- Best of Business
Tex Edwards: MonopolyWatch spokesperson on Woolworths slashing 70 percent of value from NZ supermarkets
Woolworths is slashing the value of its New Zealand supermarkets by $2.3 billion to $700 million in a 70 percent decrease. The company blames a 'weaker…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds senior portfolio manager on equity markets rising again
Equity markets are enjoying a significant spike in the new year. International markets are soaring at an all-time high not seen since 2021- while the New…