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
Irene King: Aviation commentator says Air NZ copying Qantas over Covid travel credits expiry makes sense
Air New Zealand is expected to follow suit and ditch expiry dates on Covid travel credits. Qantas is removing the expiration dates for the credits that were…
- Best of Business
Sharon Zollner: ANZ Chief Economist breaks down latest business confidence survey
Some could take a glass half full view of ANZ's latest business confidence survey. It shows a nine point lift in August, to -4. Inflationary expectations are…
- Best of Business
Leeann Watson: Canterbury Business Chamber CEO says 59 percent of businesses are pessimistic about the economy
Conflicting reports have emerged of how business owners are feeling about the state of the economy. ANZ's latest business outlook survey shows business…
- Best of Business
Dr Duncan Webb: Consumer Affairs Minister talks new grocery code of conduct following CommComm report
Supermarkets could cop multi-million dollar fines for unfair treatment of smaller, local suppliers. The Government's new grocery code of conduct has been…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds senior portfolio manager explains why US interest rates are going up again after global inflation peaked
Following global inflation peaking at the end of 2022, US interest rates had descended by November of that year. However, these interest rates have been…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on business confidence lifting to highest level in two years
The latest ANZ Business Outlook survey shows there's a change of heart throughout the sector. According to the data, business confidence lifted nine points in…
- Best of Business
Luke Blincoe: Electric Kiwi chief executive says the market for power is broken, recommends structural reform for industry
An independent power company says the industry needs structural reform. Consumer NZ has raised concern about historically high profits made last year by our…
- Best of Business
John MacDonald: A guarantee from a politician? Read the fine print
What’s that old line? If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true. And that’s how I’m feeling about the National Party’s new…
- Best of Business
Graeme Wright: Bluff oyster operator on dip in quality of this year's season
The Bluff oyster season ends today. But thanks to dry weather conditions quality hasn't been quite as good this year - one operator says it's the worst he's…
- Best of Business
Mike’s Minute: National’s tax plan shows the battle of ideologies
What makes the National Party's tax plan a winner is severalfold. 1) It's substantive. It's not pocket change. For many it is a material boost to their income…
- Best of Business
David Letele: Community leader National's tax plan does a lot for middle income earners, but not much for those struggling
A foodbank owner says National's tax plan does a lot for middle income earners, but not much for those really struggling. It's promising a $14.6 billion…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: National finance spokesperson says legal advice tells them a tax on foreigners buying houses will work
National says independent legal advice tells them a tax on foreigners buying houses will work. The party's unveiled its $14.6 billion tax policy, which…
- Best of Business
Barry Coates: Mindful Money CEO says investments by KiwiSaver into fossil fuels is at a record high
KiwiSaver investments in companies that cause social and environmental harm have reached a record high. Charity Mindful Money has found 8.9 percent of…
- Best of Business
Grant Robertson: Finance Minister believes Chris Luxon is confused about National's tax plan, foreign buyer revenue
Grant Robertson believes Chris Luxon is confused about his own tax plan. National's policy would lift income tax brackets to compensate for inflation and…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics principal economist says there's enough evidence that National's foreign buyers tax could work
Labour is casting doubt over National's newly unveiled tax policy that promises to end the foreign buyers ban. National claims that their proposed 15 percent…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management Equities Analyst on the New Zealand share market taking a dive
It's been a choppy month for stock markets globally, with the NZX underperforming throughout August. The NZX is currently down by 5 percent for the month, with…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on BlackRock warning that central banks won't start cutting interest rates anytime soon
Global investment giant BlackRock warns central banks won't start cutting interest rates anytime soon. Their strategists believe western central banks are…
- Best of Business
Michael Singleton: Chch Airport Chief Strategy and Stakeholder Officer on proposed Tarras airport hosting 3.5m passengers a year
The controversial Central Otago airport near Tarras could host over 3.5 million passengers a year. This is according to documents released by Christchurch…
- Best of Business
Mike Egan: NZ Restaurant Assn President says 90-day trial policy is good news for businesses
90-day trials are back in the campaign conversation. National is promising to reintroduce the scheme, which allows employers to dismiss workers - without cause…
- Best of Business
Christopher Luxon: National leader confirms the party will make changes to the tax brackets if it wins the election
Christopher Luxon has confirmed National will make changes to the tax brackets if it wins the election. It'll unveil its tax policy later this morning, with…
- Best of Business
Paul Spain: Tech Commentator says new Digital Services Tax may lead to overseas companies hiking their NZ prices
Fears have come that new legalisation aimed at taxing multinational companies that provide digital services might not be as effective as hoped. The Government…
- Best of Business
Craig Elliffe: Tax expert says changing tax brackets is a good idea for middle New Zealand
National is expected to make tax bracket changes to keep up with inflation. It'll unveil its policy in a few hours, with Finance Spokesperson Nicola Willis…
- Best of Business
Grant Webster: Tourism Holdings Chief Executive on their revenue nearly doubling after years of Covid-19 restrictions
Tourism Holdings appears to be on the road to recovery, post-pandemic. It's reported a near $50-million dollar profit in the year to June's end, a change…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics chief economist on the new IMF report predicting our economy will only grow 1 percent next year and inflation won't return to target
A stark warning over our economy. A new International Monetary Fund report says our economy will grow about one percent next year, and inflation won't return…
- Best of Business
Oliver Peterson: Australian correspondent on Qantas CEO Alan Joyce getting grilled by Senate over misconduct allegations
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has found himself in front of Australia's Senate to defend accusations of profiteering and 'misleading the Australian public'. The…
- Best of Business
John MacDonald: As John McEnroe would say...
I’m channelling my inner John McEnroe today. If there is such a thing. This $4 billion cut to public service spending over the next four years that the…
- Best of Business
Chris Hipkins: Prime Minister defends level of spending over the past few years, says much of it was out of its control
The Government is defending its level of spending over the past few years, saying much of it was out of its control. It's cutting spending on public…
- Best of Business
Rob Clark: Seek Country Manager as Job ads listed have fallen for a fourth consecutive month
Job ads listed on Seek have fallen for a fourth consecutive month. Its July report shows ad numbers fell four percent month-on-month and are just one percent…
- Best of Business
Kelly Eckhold: Westpac Chief Economist says the Govt are spending $137b a year, Robertson's cuts will help at the margins
The Government is trying to cut spending as economists predict it'll need to borrow billions more. Finance Minister Grant Robertson is cracking down on public…
- Best of Business
Feroz Ali: NZFW owner ahead of refreshed edition of the event after three years away from the catwalk
New Zealand Fashion Week is being refreshed after three years away from the catwalk. Starting today Kiwi designers will have their talent showcased across more…
- Best of Business
Alan McDonald: EMA Head of Strategy says many businesses are looking to cut costs rather than take on more people
There are fears unemployment could rise as many businesses look to restructure. Seek's latest report for July shows job ad volumes dropped four percent…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: National Finance spokesperson says Grant Robertson can't deliver on the savings he's announced
National says Grant Robertson can't deliver on the savings he's announced by slashing public contractors and consultants' spending. The Finance Minister says…
- Best of Business
Fran O'Sullivan: NZME business commentator on the unexpected consequences of a potential Donald Trump comeback
One expert is warning about the dangers of a Trump comeback following his recent arrest. The former president was lined up for a mugshot in Georgia after he…
- Best of Business
Craig Renney: Council of Trade Unions economist on rising corporate profits contributing to over half of domestic inflation
New research has found rising corporate profits have contributed to over half of current domestic inflation. This information conflicts with earlier reports…
- Best of Business
Alec Renehan and Bryce Leske: Equity Mates co-founders on their new book Don’t Stress, Just Invest
The duo behind one of Australia's most well-known investment podcasts are back with a new guide to securing your financial future. Alec Renehan and Bryce Leske…
- Best of Business
Sue Moroney: Community Law Centres Aotearoa says people are concerned about the impacts of alcohol in their neighbourhoods
New alcohol legislation is being dubbed a move in the right direction. Communities will now have more of a say on whether liquor licences should be issued in…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on young property owners being hit hardest by high interest rates
How much financial pain is too much to inflict on young families struggling to pay off their first homes? History indicates it's a rite of passage- baby…
- Best of Business
Oliver Peterson: Australian correspondent on Qantas revealing record $2.47 billion profit bounce-back
Qantas has posted an underlying profit of nearly $2.5 billion- their first since Covid-19. The flying kangaroo has bounced back from a $1.9 billion loss last…
- Best of Business
Carrie Hurihanganui: Auckland Airport CEO promises company will press ahead with upgrades following post-pandemic profit increase
Auckland International Airport has managed to bounce back following the return of international travel. A sharp increase in both domestic and international…
- Best of Business
Sophie Moloney: Sky TV CEO assures customers issues with Sky Box have been resolved following results report
Sky TV has reported results in line with expectations and seeks to double their dividend payout to 30 sends in the next three years. Full-year profit fell 18…
- Best of Business
Greg Foran: Air New Zealand CEO on the company reporting a full-year underlying profit of $585 million
Air New Zealand's chief executive warns that their fares are unlikely to go back to pre-pandemic levels. The company today reported a full-year underlying…
- Best of Business
Oliver Bryan: Taxpayers' Union reveals $5m of taxpayer dollars spent on private schooling for diplomats' children overseas
Criticism has come of the millions of dollars being spent to educate the children of our diplomats serving overseas. The Taxpayers' Union says the children's…
- Best of Business
Claire Amos: Albany Senior High School Principal comes to the defence of using artificial intelligence in schoolwork
An Auckland secondary principal's coming to the defence of using artificial intelligence in schoolwork. But parents are split almost 50-50 on whether it's a…
- Best of Business
Owen Vaughan: One Roof Editor says house price figures not a large increase, but still significant
One roof figures show the house price slump is over in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. The quarterly rises show a 0.3 percent increase in the value of…
- Best of Business
Kirk Hope: Business NZ CEO says food and fibre export numbers are good, but there are underlying factors
Food and fibre export revenue has hit new heights. It's drawn $57.4 billion for the year to June 30, bringing $1.2 billion more into the economy than was…
- Best of Business
Damien O'Connor: Trade Minister hits back at DHL's export report saying everyone knows prices have gone up, blames inflation
This year's DHL export NZ barometer shows nine out of ten Kiwi exporters report seeing an increase in total costs in the past year. Minister for Trade and…
- Best of Business
Chitra Shinde: DHL Operations VP on export barometer showing nine out of ten Kiwi exporters see increase in total costs
Kiwi exporters say high costs are a major barrier to doing business here. This year's DHL export NZ barometer shows nine out of ten Kiwi exporters report…
- Best of Business
Roger Gray: Ports of Auckland CEO says their success is dependant on a strong economy, things look promising
Auckland's port company has come back strongly after navigating some choppy financial waters. It's confirmed this year's net profit after tax increased by more…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics principal economist on retail sales dropping for the third consecutive quarter
Retail spending is continuing to decline as people opt to spend less money, according to new Stats NZ data. The total volume of retail sales fell 1 percent in…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on ANZ lifting a number of their interest rates
ANZ has followed in ASB's footsteps in lifting mortgage and term deposit rates. Most of the increases target mortgages with two or more years, raising most of…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on ANZ lifting a number of their interest rates (1)
ANZ has followed in ASB's footsteps in lifting mortgage and term deposit rates. Most of the increases target mortgages with two or more years, raising most of…
- Best of Business
Mark Riggall: Milford Asset Management portfolio manager on the difficulties impacting several Kiwi businesses
Several Kiwi businesses are feeling the impacts of a tougher economic climate as they report their earnings. Significant cost inflation and rising interest…
- Best of Business
Kate Hawkesby: The dining experience has changed - not always for the better
So our post-pandemic dining behaviours, according to this Herald article I read, talked about how much more expensive dining out is these days - $50 mains it…
- Best of Business
Paul Osborne: CARJAM CEO on Waka Kotahi wanting to charge them 19c per search on their website
There are fears a plan to charge for stolen vehicle records will make one car ownership record provider's business unaffordable. Waka Kotahi plans to charge 19…
- Best of Business
Alex Cowdell,: Canterbury Bulk Freight MD says there are trucks parked up on both sides of Cook Strait after ferry cancellations
Cancelled ferry sailings are causing a headache for freight. Interislander's Kaitaki sailings were cancelled Wednesday through to this Thursday afternoon as a…
- Best of Business
Stephen Jacobi: International business expert says Indian business delegation could be beneficial for both nations
One of the largest business delegations from this country to India could strengthen economic ties. The 50 business people will travel to the nation this week…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on US sheep farmers calling for tariffs on New Zealand sheep meat imports
US sheep farmers are calling for further tariffs to be imposed on New Zealand sheep meat imports in order to save their industry. Trade and Export Growth…
- Best of Business
Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist predicts Australian interest rates will increase by the end of the year
On the other side of the Tasman, Australians are wondering how much further interest rates can rise. Australia's current OCR is sitting at 4.10 percent, and…
- Best of Business
Anna Mowbray: Kiwi entrepreneur launches new app ZEIL to 'disrupt' the recruitment market
Kiwi entrepreneur and Zuru co-founder Anna Mowbray has launched a new app designed for the younger wave of job-seekers. Dubbed as 'Tinder for jobs', ZEIL…
- Best of Business
Kirk Hope: CEO of BusinessNZ on data showing sick days cost NZ economy $2.86 billion per year, could increase
Numbers have been released around how expensive sick days are for businesses. On average, each worker is taking five and a half sick days a year, which all up…