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
Jamie Mackay: The Country host ahead of tonight's GDT auction
Another key GDT auction is set to take place tonight, and experts have an optimistic outlook. This auction is off the back of two positive lifts in September…
- Best of Business
Tania Benyon: The Warehouse Chief Product Officer on Sanitarium u-turning and reinstating Weet-Bix supplies to The Warehouse
Weet-Bix will soon be back in trolleys at the Warehouse. Sanitarium has reversed a decision announced last week to withhold supply - although still stocking…
- Best of Business
Fran O'Sullivan: NZME business commentator on Luxon scoring higher than Hipkins in Mood of the Boardroom survey
Last week's Mood of the Boardroom survey ranked National's Chris Luxon over his Labour counterpart. The survey compiled responses from more than 100 chief…
- Best of Business
Lisa Dudson: The first and last things to do when trying to tighten your belt
Southern Cross health insurance premiums are set to rise as inflationary pressures bite. So what premiums can you afford to live without? Plus, what’s the…
- Best of Business
Vanessa Taylor: Real estate market expert discusses report finding national average asking price stayed flat the whole of September
The property market is experiencing some pre-Election jitters. It seems Kiwis are holding off on making big decisions until after D-Day - with the national…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: National deputy leader says their economic plan is solid despite widespread doubts
National's Deputy leader says its economic plan is solid despite widespread doubts. The party released its fiscal plan on Friday, Finance Minister Grant…
- Best of Business
Peter Lewis: Trading of shares of property developer China Evergrande suspended in Hong Kong
Trading in shares of heavily indebted Chinese property developer China Evergrande Group was suspended in Hong Kong on Thursday, according to a notice on the…
- Best of Business
Hayden Wilson: Dentons chair recaps this year's Mood of the Boardroom survey
No surprise at all, this year's Mood of the Boardroom survey has shown that businesses are extremely disappointed in the Labour government. But it also shows…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on Westpac hiking up their mortgage rates again
Westpac has hiked their mortgage rates up again, joining Kiwibank and BNZ. From tomorrow, Westpac is lifting its standard rates for its two-year and four-year…
- Best of Business
Tania Benyon: The Warehouse Chief Product Officer on Sanitarium pulling Weet-Bix products from the retailer
From Saturday, a Kiwi breakfast staple will be removed from The Warehouse's cereal aisle. Sanitarium is no longer providing Weet-Bix products to any Warehouse…
- Best of Business
Michael Dearth: Kiwi restaurateur on The Grove being named world's 11th best fine dining eatery by Tripadvisor
Auckland restaurant The Grove has been named the 11th best fine dining eatery in the world, according to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor's list measures traveller…
- Best of Business
Alan McDonald: EMA Head of Advocacy on employment confidence declining in new Westpac survey
Employment confidence is declining, with workers claiming it's gotten harder to find jobs. The Westpac McDermott Miller employment confidence index fell in the…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the property market heating up in August
The property market roared to life in August, according to new data. The Reserve Bank's latest mortgage lending data shows banks issued $5.8 billion worth of…
- Best of Business
Alistair Boyce: Owner of Wellington's Backbencher Gastropub on the police precautions for upcoming protest
A Wellington business owner is incredibly frustrated over police precautions ahead of a planned protest. Brian Tamaki's Freedoms and Rights Coalition plans…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on farmers expressing concern over banks setting targets to reduce emissions
Farmers have expressed alarm as some banks set targets to reduce emissions when their sector is under growing financial strain. BNZ has confirmed their dairy…
- Best of Business
Pattrick Smellie: BusinessDesk managing editor on Air New Zealand struggling with ongoing plane shortage
Air New Zealand is still figuring out how to deal with a shortage of planes after losing some of its fleet. The airline recently had to ground several planes…
- Best of Business
Edward Miller: First Union Policy Analyst calls for direct action as nation's biggest banks rake in record profits
First Union are publicly campaigning as the four big banks are raking in mega-profits. They say ANZ, ASB, BNZ and Westpac's profits have increased 80 percent…
- Best of Business
Grant Watson: Synlait chief executive on the company reporting a $4.3 million annual loss
Synlait Milk has reported an annual loss of $4.3 million, following a difficult few months for the industry. The Canterbury-based milk processor reportedly…
- Best of Business
Andy Baird: Z Energy Retail General Manager says consumer demand for petrol is declining as prices spike
Z Energy says demand for petrol is falling substantially, due to fuel price spikes and lifestyle changes among Kiwis. Brent crude oil prices are at a 10-month…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large says New Zealand still in for further economic downturn following GDP data release
New Zealand's economy is in the green and our technical recession is officially over. Stats NZ says the GDP rose 0.9 percent in the June quarter and 3.2…
- Best of Business
Miles Hurrell: Fonterra chief executive on the company reporting a 170 percent profit increase
Fonterra is reporting profit after tax of $1.6 billion dollars, up 170 percent on last year. It's reporting earnings of 95 cents per share- up from 36 cents…
- Best of Business
Chris Sakoufakis: Green Parrot co-owner on selling the historic Wellington diner
It's the end of an era, as a Wellington cultural icon is set to go up for sale. The Green Parrot café, which first opened in 1926, has hosted celebrities…
- Best of Business
Jarrod Kerr: Kiwibank Chief Economist predicts double-dip recession following positive GDP growth
Some good economic news, for now. Stats NZ figures show GDP increased 0.9 percent in the three months to June, and 3.2 percent in the year to June. The figure…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the uptick in people withdrawing money from their KiwiSavers due to financial hardship
An increasing number of people are dipping into their retirement savings to meet soaring living costs. KiwiSaver members made 18,291 withdrawals worth an…
- Best of Business
Dan Mitchinson: US correspondent on Elon Musk hinting that he wants to charge X/Twitter users a subscription fee
Elon Musk has hinted that Twitter, now X, could soon go behind a paywall. Currently, the platform only charges users for the service X Premium, which offers…
- Best of Business
Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist says New Zealand's economy is at the 'bottom edge' when compared to other developed countries
A leading economist believes New Zealand's economy is at the "bottom edge" when compared to other developed countries. This follows the Government laying out…
- Best of Business
Ray Chung: Wellington City Councillor thinks Tory Whanau's business delegation could have cost taxpayers less
One City Councillor reckons the Wellington mayor's business delegation could've been cheaper. Tory Whanau and several council officials are visiting China…
- Best of Business
Fran O'Sullivan: NZME business commentator on Chris Luxon potentially targeting Fraser Whineray and Andrew Grant as future administration members
It's been rumoured in business circles that Luxon is scoping top Kiwi figures as part of his potential administration. Fraser Whineray and Andrew Grant have…
- Best of Business
Stuart Davison: Dairy Insights Consultant on a2 Milk cancelling exclusive deal with Synlait
A2 Milk has cancelled the exclusive manufacturing supply arrangement it has with infant formula maker Synlait Milk, citing a decline in delivery standards…
- Best of Business
Mike Jones: BNZ chief economist reveals it is cheaper to rent a home than buy- in the short-term
It's now cheaper to rent a home in New Zealand than to buy - at least in the short-term. BNZ has revealed servicing a mortgage takes about 50 percent of the…
- Best of Business
Peter Lewis: Asia business correspondent on whether China's economy is bouncing back.
Asia business correspondent Peter Lewis spoke to Heather du Plessis-Allan on whether China's economy may slowly be turning around and if North Korea has…
- Best of Business
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the European Central Bank hiking interest rates
The European Central Bank has raised interest rates for the 10th meeting in a row to counter stubborn inflation but signalled it is likely done tightening…
- Best of Business
Heather du Plessis-Allan: Banks need to step up their online security
I don’t think that banks should have to refund people who've lost money in scams. But come on... they really need to step it up on the security stuff. The…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds senior portfolio manager on IPOs regaining popularity in 2023
Initial public offerings, or IPOs, have been regarded as a crucial, yet risky source of funding for companies around the world. After a weak 2022 for IPO…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large ahead of next week's GDP numbers
Economists are braced for a small bounce-back ahead of next week's GDP numbers. The last set of GDP figures released in June 2023 put New Zealand in a…
- Best of Business
Michael Reddell: Former Reserve Bank economist scrutinises aspects of National's proposed tax plan
Three economists have teamed up to scrutinise part of National's tax plan. The party's proposed ending the ban on foreign buyers - for homes worth more than $2…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist claims PREFU release came with warning about future Government spending
The economic outlook and Government books were in better shape than predicted, but Treasury has issued a warning following PREFU. According to one expert…
- Best of Business
Mark Riggall: Milford Asset Management portfolio manager on returns on low-risk managed funds underperforming in recent years
Returns on low-risk managed funds, including Kiwisaver's Conservative and Moderate funds have been underperforming in recent years. Kiwisaver's Conservative…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the impact increased migration rates will have on productivity
Higher-than-expected net migration is promised to prop up economic growth and fuel the property market- but Treasury has other ideas. Treasury doesn't believe…
- Best of Business
Nick McIntosh: Australian Transport Workers' Union spokesperson on Qantas illegally firing 1700 workers in new ruling
Former Qantas staff will be chasing compensation, after Australia's High Court has upheld a decision against the airline. It's agreed the airline illegally…
- Best of Business
Fran O'Sullivan: NZME business commentator on NZ Superannuation Fund CEO slamming $10 billion tax bill
The outgoing New Zealand Superannuation Fund CEO has slammed the near-$10 billion tax bill as 'nonsensical'. Matt Whineray believes the Superannuation Fund…
- Best of Business
Anne Douglas: Fonterra farm source group director on several Waikato farmers ditching Fonterra for OFI
A new international player is determined to snap up Fonterra dairy farmers, as competition intensifies. Fonterra farmers have put up signs featuring the slogan…
- Best of Business
David Cunningham: Squirrel CEO urges banks to reduce mortgage rates as they bring in record profits
Calls for banks to drop mortgage rates- while they bring in record profits. They are scraping off an extra $2.2-billion dollars annually, from a 17 percent…
- Best of Business
Dr Colin Hutchinson: Fettle CEO on a new approach to paying for private healthcare
A new approach to paying for private healthcare has started in New Zealand. Local business Fettle gives people the ability to contribute to an investment fund…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics principal economist on residential building work declining for third quarter
Residential building work has dropped for the third consecutive quarter in a row, according to new data. The Wellington region led the annual decline, with a…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the latest carbon credit auction failing and depriving Treasury of $900 million
More trouble for the carbon credit scheme that Labour wants to use to fund climate initiatives. The Government has tried - and failed - a third time to auction…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large says customers can expect more pain at the pump
One expert warns that Kiwis will soon feel more pain at the pump. Crude oil prices have climbed to new heights, after Saudi Arabia and Russia committed to…
- Best of Business
Danusia Wypych: ChargeNet CEO welcomes National's plan to install 10,000 more electric vehicle chargers
EV charging network provider ChargeNet welcomes the latest announcement from National. The party pledges it will roll out 10,000 more EV chargers up and down…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management Equities Analyst on SkyCity's stock dropping following potential license suspension
A drop in share prices for Sky City - over the possibility its casino license could be suspended for up to 10 days. The Department of Internal Affairs has…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on ANZ economists predicting taxpayers will have to cover interest on Government debt
ANZ economists are warning that taxpayers may have to cover the extra interest accumulated on Government debt. If the Treasury has to issue more bonds than the…
- Best of Business
John Small: Commerce Commission chair asks fuel companies to explain differences in fuel prices based on region
The Commerce Commission is keeping a close eye on petrol prices. It's asked fuel companies to 'please explain' the differences in prices between and within…
- Best of Business
Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on the Australian Reserve Bank leaving the OCR unchanged for the moment
The Reserve Bank of Australia kept the cash rate unchanged at 4.1 percent, but the door is open for future hikes. Outgoing governor Philip Lowe said Australian…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on June quarter figures showing New Zealand's trading power is holding strong
New Zealand's trading power has proved more resilient than expected, but one economist warns the worst is yet to come. Stats NZ data shows the June quarter…
- Best of Business
Pattrick Smellie: BusinessDesk managing editor recaps pre-election BusinessNZ conference
A fiery start to the campaign season, as political leaders addressed prospective voters at a BusinessNZ-hosted conference. Luxon assured business leaders he…
- Best of Business
Oliver Peterson: Australian correspondent on Qantas CEO Alan Joyce resigning two months earlier than planned
Controversial Qantas boss Alan Joyce resigned today- retiring two months earlier than planned. This comes as the airline faces allegations of misleading…
- Best of Business
Vaughn Davis: Social media expert warns against relying on Facebook Marketplace for your business
Experts are warning against relying on Facebook Marketplace for your livelihood. A New Plymouth couple has been locked out of their business account without…
- Best of Business
Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber CEO ahead of planned business delegation to China
Fresh off the back of a successful business delegation to India, Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges is set to take 30 businesses to China. Despite the…
- Best of Business
Greg Foran: Air New Zealand CEO answers questions and takes calls around Covid-19 credits
Questions remain over whether Air New Zealand will match its competitor and remove the expiration on Covid flight credits. Qantas is ditching the expiration…
- Best of Business
Kate Hawkesby: Fruit and veges aren't exactly garden to table
I am on what seems a never-ending quest to find a good fruit and vege supplier - and it’s not the supermarket. I’m so sick of soft old apples and wilted…
- Best of Business
Jon Duffy: Consumer NZ CEO says Air NZ has no reason not to offer similar Covid credit scheme to Qantas
Questions over whether Air New Zealand will match its competitor and remove the expiration on Covid flight credits. Qantas is ditching the expiration dates for…