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
Paul Bloxham: HSBC Chief Economist on Australia holding their OCR in place at 4.35 percent
Over in Australia, the Reserve Bank has moved to keep the official cash rate in place at 4.35 percent. The result was widely expected by economists and money…
- Best of Business
John Cuthbertson: Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand lead on the number of Kiwis in debt to the IRD
More Kiwis than ever are in debt to the IRD, and one expert has a theory about why it's gotten so bad. As of March this year, more than half-a-million people…
- Best of Business
Chris Hipkins: Labour leader on the party's bid to help small businesses make use of AI
Labour says small businesses are our economy's engine room, as the party launches a new election policy in Rotorua. It's campaigning on a $2 million annual…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on the market reactions to Contact Energy's results
Contact Energy has reported a record net profit of $423 million, driven by the acquisition of Manawa Energy and higher renewable generation. The result was…
- Best of Business
Liam Whittaker: Heirest founder on what the new online jewellery retailer can offer consumers
New online jewellery startup Heirest aims to reset the market by offering consumers a unique experience. Customers can customise every detail, from metal and…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on National looking to introduce three new taxes
Nicola Willis says the National's new proposed increase to the fuel tax, the new bed tax and the possible bank levy aren't new information. A Taxpayers' Union…
- Best of Business
Andrew Harvey-Green: Forsyth Barr equity analyst on Contact Energy reporting record earnings
Contact Energy is putting serious thought into data centres, after reporting record earnings. The gentailer's made a $423 million annual profit - up nearly 28…
- Best of Business
Amanda Morrall: Does AI play a role in personal finance?
The Cost of Living Crisis has driven a lot of Kiwis to look for financial advice, and many turn to AI over a financial advisor. But is AI really that reliable…
- Best of Business
Leeann Watson: Business Canterbury CEO on Labour's proposal to scrap the Investment Boost, back small businesses
There’s a view Labour's small business policy would give owners more room to grow. The party wants to up the GST threshold, lift the asset write-off, and…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on SpaceX's first results as a listed company
Revenue's soaring for Elon Musk's spacecraft company SpaceX - but so is spending. It's published its first earnings report as a public company. SpaceX says its…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Rabobank's latest agribusiness report for August
Rabobank has unveiled their latest agribusiness report for August - and claimed there's plenty to watch going forward. Dairy, beef and sheepmeat are seeing…
- Best of Business
Chris Hipkins: Labour leader on the party's new scheme designed to help out small businesses
Labour says its new election policy aimed at small businesses is about making life a little easier. If it gets into power, the Labour will raise the GST…
- Best of Business
Delaney Myers: Bus and Coach Association CEO on why Kiwi bus drivers who moved to Sydney are walking away
There's concerns Kiwi bus drivers lured to Sydney for better opportunities are regretting the move. The job has a high turnover, with nine out of ten new…
- Best of Business
Chris Small: ABC Business Sales CEO on the unemployment rate rising to 5.6%, impact of AI
AI might be contributing to our rising unemployment rate. Stats NZ data shows unemployment jumped to 5.6% in the June quarter, up from 5.3% in March. It's the…
- Best of Business
Alan McDonald: Employers and Manufacturers Association Head of Advocacy on the unemployment rate rising to 5.6%
The Employers and Manufacturers Association says businesses are forging ahead despite a sluggish economy. The unemployment rate rose to 5.6% in June – the…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the review taking place into the Financial Markets Authority
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has commissioned an investigation into workplace conduct and culture at the Financial Markets Authority…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on US equity markets going up after 'tough' July
After a difficult period last month, US equity markets appear to be on the up. The prospect of a new Iran deal appears to have inspired some hope as well, with…
- Best of Business
Mike Lee: UOA marketing professor on Jetstar looking to charge people extra for overhead carry-on luggage
A marketing expert says Jetstar's deciding to charge for overhead carry-on luggage is is just business. From February, all passengers' under-seat luggage can…
- Best of Business
Michael Gordon: Westpac Senior Economist on what the latest unemployment stats say about the economy
An economist believes the number of unemployed Kiwis might be close to peaking. The rate reached an 11-year high in the June quarter, on 5.6 percent - up from…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business Editor on the unemployment rate rising to 5.6% in June
Unemployment's reached the highest level in 11 years. Stats NZ data shows the rate reached 5.6% in the June quarter, up from 5.3% in the March quarter. Of the…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the red meat export sector seeing a boost
New Zealand red meat exports were worth $1.37 billion in June, 50 per cent higher than June last year and a record value for exports over that same period…
- Best of Business
Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on wages rising one percent amid economic downturn
Wages in the retail sector have risen - with the average wage reaching $30.94 per hour, up 1 percent on last year. This comes amid difficult conditions…
- Best of Business
Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber CEO on the group calling for the big four gentailers to be broken up
The Auckland Business Chamber believes it's about time the big four energy gentailers are split up. It's released a two step policy alongside the Northern…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on Donald Trump calling off Iran strikes
Donald Trump is claiming fresh talks with Iran will begin in coming hours, after calling off strikes against the country. The US President threatened over the…
- Best of Business
Lee Marshall: Motor Trade Association CEO on affordable EVs driving up car sales
Car sales are on the rise, according to a new report - but there's one key factor that's leading the charge. BYD, GWM, MG, Chery and Zeekr all appeared in the…
- Best of Business
Darren Bevan: film critic on Hoyts looking to grow IMAX presence in New Zealand
IMAX has been seeing a big surge in popularity thanks to films like The Odyssey, and the head of Hoyts is looking to utilise this to meet demand. Event Cinemas…
- Best of Business
Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister on Rotorua comments and NZ First's baby policy
Chris Luxon's standing by his comments telling struggling business owners to take more responsibility for themselves. The National party leader told a Rotorua…
- Best of Business
Rupert Carlyon: What's the first step for wanna-be investors?
When the cost of living crisis is driving your day-to-day costs up, putting money in to a Kiwisaver might not seem appealing. But is it still important to keep…
- Best of Business
Ethan Griffiths: Newstalk ZB political reporter on Luxon's comments to Rotorua business group
A Rotorua business leader told Prime Minister Christopher Luxon about the city’s struggling economy at a function, prompting the PM to tell business owners to…
- Best of Business
Kim Mundy: ASB Acting Chief Economist on the construction and manufacturing sectors showing signs of recovery in latest survey
Manufacturing and construction are showing signs of recovery. ANZ's latest Business Outlook survey finds confidence rose 19 points over the last month, to 56%…
- Best of Business
Leeann Watson: Business Canterbury CEO on business leaders' call to back the South Island as a driver of New Zealand's growth
South Island business leaders want to be recognised as the engine room of New Zealand's economy. The eight chambers of commerce have launched a joint…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on whether we should be worried about the AI bubble
It's been a big week for the tech sector, with Meta and Microsoft moving to post their earnings. But it's sparked concerns about the future of AI, and whether…
- Best of Business
Jamie Sinclair: Watercare CEO on the utility unveiling $15.2 billion infrastructure investment programme
Auckland's Watercare is taking a mixed approach to funding a $15.2 billion capital investment. This includes $4.3 billion for renewals, upgrades to prevent…
- Best of Business
Bridget Snelling: Xero Country Manager on small business sales growing 8.6% year on year, led by agriculture
Farming is powering strong small business sales growth. A Xero Small Business Insights report reveals an 8.6% year on year increase in sales in the June…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on ACC chief executive Megan Main defending her record
ACC’s outgoing chief executive Megan Main has defended her record at the helm of the troubled Government insurer and insisted that a new progress report shows…
- Best of Business
Brendan Larsen: Milford Asset Management expert ahead of the next US Federal Reserve meeting
The US Federal Reserve is set to meet soon, and it's unclear what investors and experts can expect this time round. It's looking likely that rates will stay on…
- Best of Business
Fred de Jong: former All White on the proposed $20 billion FIFA World Cup commercial rights sale plan
FIFA has announced plans to sell the commercial rights to its tournaments, including the World Cup, to private investors. This proposal has been dubbed…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on Winston Peters looking to restore Reserve Bank's dual mandate
Conversations about reintroducing maximum sustainable employment to the Reserve Bank's monetary policy mandate and inflation targeting could be back on the…
- Best of Business
Perspective with Ryan Bridge: Why are the oil and gas companies scared to invest in us?
There are two ways to look at this oil and gas announcement today. Aussie outfit EnZed Energy's been given the nod to go have a sniff around off the coast of…
- Best of Business
Fiona MacMillan: Poultry Association head on the Government implementing harsher rules to help farmers manage bird flu
The Government is introducing new regulations to help poultry farmers navigate bird flu, and industry experts are welcoming the changes. Operators with more…
- Best of Business
Cameron Bagrie: independent economist on what's really behind the increased cost of living
The rising cost of living is down to more than global uncertainty, according to one expert. Stats NZ data shows costs for the average household jumped 3.2…
- Best of Business
Perspective with Ryan Bridge: What do the latest inflation numbers really mean for the 'squeezed middle'?
Nicola Willis will like the inflation number that's come out. More importantly, she'll like the story that number is telling. Remember, her target audience is…
- Best of Business
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on the number of customers impacted by Origin Energy data breach
Origin Energy has confirmed the full extent of how many Australians were impacted by the recent hacking scandal. In an update to customers, the energy giant…
- Best of Business
Rojie Aguilar: Snowplanet general manager on the company teaming up with Sunergise to power the slopes
Auckland's Snowplanet has partnered with one of NZ’s leading commercial solar companies, Sunergise, to produce more snow for less energy. The new system…
- Best of Business
Laurence Carey: Squid Group Founder on TikTok reportedly boosting local economies by $1.2 billion
A digital marketing agency says more New Zealanders are turning to TikTok to decide where to eat and shop. A new Infometrics report shows the app supported…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the impact of TikTok on New Zealand's economy
TikTok's proving to be a powerful tool for New Zealand businesses. A new Infometrics report shows the social media platform helped boost the local economy by…
- Best of Business
Geoff McDonald: Skyline Enterprises CEO on the company's net profits more than doubling in the year to March
Queenstown's famous gondola and luge operator continues to reach new heights. Skyline Enterprises has reported revenue of $239.3 million, up 15%, while net…
- Best of Business
Catherine Williamson: Mocka chief executive on the business launching a physical store in Christchurch
Kiwi furniture brand Mocka is preparing to open its first standalone physical store in New Zealand, nearly 20 years after it began operating. Originally…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on Spark announcing strategic review of digital services
Telecommunications company Spark has reorganised its operations into two divisions to reflect an increasing focus on core services. The core telco and IT…
- Best of Business
Jon Duffy: Consumer NZ CEO on the owner of Frontrunner telling customers not to use in-store sizing and buy things online
Laurie Blyth, owner of the Frontrunner store, has told customers not to use the in-store sizing service, and then buy cheaper online. Blyth has put up a sign…
- Best of Business
Nick Leggett: Chief Executive on Infrastructure NZ on Greens' anti-data centre policy
An infrastructure advocate says the introduction of new AI data centres requires careful consideration. The Green Party wants a one-year pause on new centres…
- Best of Business
Chris Small: ABC Business Sales Managing Director says businesses are selling like hot-cakes
New Zealand businesses are selling like hot-cakes. ABC Business Sales' latest report shows there were 503 completed sales over the last 12 months, up 19…
- Best of Business
Leeann Watson: Business Canterbury CEO supports National's paid parental leave policy
Support for National's paid parental leave policy, from at least one business leader. The party's promising to extend paid parental leave from the current 26…
- Best of Business
Paul Stenhouse: Should we be worried about AI breaking containment?
The AI is now breaking out of its containment. Should we be afraid? Boy, it's almost like Hollywood predicted this! Our worst fears about AI have come true…
- Best of Business
Jack Tame: AI is breaking out
It’s been yet another week of yet more unsettling news. The conflict in the Middle East appears to be escalating again. As of this morning, we face even higher…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the impacts of the current El Niño weather pattern
New Zealand’s agriculture sector should be able to withstand the current El Niño weather pattern, although it may lead to increased farm costs, an agricultural…
- Best of Business
Stew Hamilton: Mercury Energy CEO on the company taking a 12.7 percent stake in Datagrid NZ
One of New Zealand's big power companies is throwing their support behind a firm planning to build a large data centre in Southland. Mercury has invested $53…
- Best of Business
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on Australia's unemployment rate remaining at 4.4 percent in June
Australia's unemployment rate stayed at 4.4 percent in June, according to the latest Labour Force data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The rise in…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on rents rising at their slowest rate in 25 years
Recent data has unveiled a silver lining in the latest June-quarter inflation figures. Rents rose at their slowest rate, annually, in 25 years, according to…
- Best of Business
Andrew Curtayne: Milford Asset Management expert on the factors impacting the tech stocks
It's been an interesting time for the tech sector, with many big companies reporting their results. Tech stocks recently reversed some of the recent selloff…