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
Malcolm Fleming: Certified Builders Assn CEO says homeowners are favouring doing up their own houses instead of building new
Building consents are coming back to earth after record highs last year. Stats NZ says consents fell 11 percent in the year to May. Certified Builders…
- Best of Business
Alan McDonald: EMA Head of Advocacy and Strategy labels frequent Harbour Bridge closures 'disruptive'
Auckland business representatives have slammed the uptick on closures and restrictions on the Harbour Bridge as 'disruptive'. Strong wind gusts have shut…
- Best of Business
Nadine Higgins: Enable.me financial adviser says ASB and Kiwibank unjustified in lifting fixed-term mortgage rates
ASB customers faced unpleasant news when the bank lifted six-month and one-year mortgage rates to 7.25 percent. Kiwibank has also increased rates- their…
- Best of Business
Tony Alexander: Is buying as lucrative as it's made out to be?
Economist Tony Alexander joins the Weekend Collective to discuss whether buying is as lucrative as it’s made out to be- or does it just create more stress?…
- Best of Business
Mike's Minute: The gig is up on assisted petrol prices
It's all over. Today our petrol goes up 29c per litre. It's at this point you will realise, if you haven't already, what a madly, false world of cocked-up…
- Best of Business
Owen Vaughan: OneRoof Editor on house price report showing quarterly value growth in 107 metro suburbs
After over a year of decline, some house prices are on the road to recovery. The latest OneRoof report shows quarterly value growth in 107 metro suburbs - with…
- Best of Business
Debra Goulding: Foodstuffs Sustainable Packaging Manager single-use plastic items will be officially banned from shelves
Single-use plastic items will be officially banned from shelves from tomorrow. It's the second step in the Government's plan to reduce plastic waste. Plastic…
- Best of Business
Dave Bodger: Gull NZ General Manager says sales have been up, rather than manic before fuel tax returns
Time is ticking to fill up, before the fuel tax returns. The Government's relief package ends tomorrow, meaning petrol prices will rise around 29 cents a litre…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Economist on how life will change following fuel price rise and end of half-price public transport for most
A raft of cost-of-living subsidies and temporary tax cuts are set to end tomorrow, with economists and budgeting services warning it will hurt those already…
- Best of Business
Sharon Zollner: ANZ Chief Economist on business confidence rising by 13 points in June
The tide is starting to turn for business confidence, according to new ANZ data. The bank’s latest business confidence survey shows confidence increased by 13…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor on petrol taxes rising by 29c a litre as 18-month tax break ends
Kiwis are bracing themselves for the end of the Government's fuel tax subsidy this weekend. Petrol prices are expected to rise by around 29c a litre, but…
- Best of Business
Dean Kimpton: Auckland Transport Chief Executive warns uncertain revenue model could negatively affect agency
AT's Chief Executive is sounding the alarm over the agency's uncertain revenue model. Speaking to the agency's board meeting on Tuesday, CEO Dean Kimpton…
- Best of Business
Paul Spain: Tech commentator on Meta adding new child protection safeguards to Messenger and Instagram
Is Meta finally doing better at protecting kids online? The tech giant is adding new safeguards across Messenger and Instagram. It's the first time parental…
- Best of Business
Barry Coates: Mindful Money CEO says we have far more oil and gas in reserve than what's needed to produce in future
The fossil fuel industry's move to keep expanding has been deemed as a recipe for huge financial loss. The oil and gas industry has said they're working…
- Best of Business
Diane Calvert: Wellington councillor ahead of D-Day vote of no confidence for Let's Get Wellington Moving
It's D-Day for Let's Get Wellington Moving. The council will vote on a motion of no confidence today as seven councillors push for the programme to be…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on filled jobs increasing by 0.2 percent in May
Filled jobs have lifted by 0.2 percent in May, well below the 0.6 monthly average from the first third of 2023. Healthcare, accommodation and food services…
- Best of Business
Deborah Lambie: Milford Asset Management analyst on China's new dominance in electric vehicles
China is reporting a rising dominance in electric vehicles, having overtaken Japan last quarter. More than a decade of Government subsidies and increased…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on first home buyers making significant percentage of new mortgages
First-home buyers accounted for a record-high portion of banks’ new mortgage lending last month. In May, first-home buyers 24.3 per cent of the $5.9 billion of…
- Best of Business
Julie Moore: Moore Wilson managing director among Wellington business owners opposed to Let's Get Wellington Moving proposal
A popular Wellington retailer is among the businesses and organisations slamming proposals for the city's Golden Mile. The council will vote tomorrow on a key…
- Best of Business
Mike's Minute: The Government don't understand basic economics
If you want a good example of simple economics, we are living through a doozy. It's only Wednesday but already this week we have millions promised by people…
- Best of Business
Leanne Geraghty: Air NZ Chief Customer and Sales Officer on 500,000 travellers expected this school holidays
As we approach the July school holidays, Air New Zealand are expecting half a million Kiwis onboard this year. 45,000 seats have been added on domestic flights…
- Best of Business
Grant Robertson: Finance Minister says universities need to take a look at how they deal with their finances and do better
The Finance Minister is telling universities to take a look at how they deal with their finances and do better. Institutions will get a piece of the $128…
- Best of Business
John Tookey: Professor of Construction says it will be impossible to have increased community say, and faster consenting in RMA
Mixed feelings about RMA reforms. The Environmental Select Committee has suggested amendments including faster consenting and enabling local voices. AUT…
- Best of Business
Paul Bloxham: HSBC Chief Economist says there's a 50-50 chance Australia enters recession
There are growing fears Australia will follow New Zealand into a recession next. Commonwealth Bank and AMP suggest there's a 50-50 chance the Australian…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on H and J Smith Invercargill closing and gutting 220 jobs
After a month-long consultation period, H and J Smith Invercargill will close on November 18. This decision will affect 220 employees of the flagship Southland…
- Best of Business
Pattrick Smellie: BusinessDesk manging editor says RMA at risk of becoming next Three Waters
Bills to reform the Resource Management Act have come back from a select committee- full of recommended amendments. These recommendations include more local…
- Best of Business
Weston Kirton: Ruapehu Mayor says skifield liquidation a complex situation, but the financial backing helps jobs
Hopes a multi-million dollar government loan to Ruapehu Alpine Lifts liquidators gets the skifields off thin ice. The Government is chipping in up to $5…
- Best of Business
Geoff Cooper: NZ Infrastructure Commission on 16 percent of Kiwis' after-tax income spent on infrastructure services
An average of around 16 percent of Kiwis' after-tax income is spent on infrastructure services - including drinking water, transport, broadband and home…
- Best of Business
John Fisk: Liquidator says $5m loan for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts allows consultation to continue before a sale
A lifeline comes as the Government offers a $5 million helping hand towards the liquidators of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts. The loan is being touted as the silver…
- Best of Business
Jason Walls: ZB Political Editor says Hipkins needs to keep Xi Jinping onside, China is huge economic partner
It's expected Chris Hipkins will be walking a tight rope during his meeting with Chinese president Xi Jinping in Beijing today. Newstalk ZB Political Editor…
- Best of Business
Alistair Crozier: NZ China Council director says Hipkins needs to sell NZ to Xi Jinping as open and accessible
Hopes Prime Minister Chris Hipkins can shine in his first meeting with Xi Jinping. The pair will meet to discuss topics like trade and the war in Ukraine…
- Best of Business
Fran O'Sullivan: NZME business commentator says situation in Russia will impact Prime Minister's trip to China
The situation in Russia is expected to colour the background of the Prime Minister's trip to China. Chris Hipkins is currently leading a delegation there and…
- Best of Business
Oliver Peterson: Australian correspondent on PwC selling Government consultancy practice for $1
PwC agreed to sell their Government consultancy practice for $1 following a scandal over the misuse of confidential tax plans. The accounting company has also…
- Best of Business
Grant Robertson: Finance Minister says upgrading Air Force Boeing 757s part of Defence Force program
The Government says it is under no illusions Defence Force aircraft need upgrading. It has been revealed two Air Force Boeing 757s were on the runway during a…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: National finance spokesperson says Govt's handling of PGF is spraying around a money hose full of taxpayer cash
National's finance spokesperson says she's shocked by Government's inability to confirm if the Provincial Growth Fund is getting bang for buck. Parliament has…
- Best of Business
Bryce Wilkinson: NZ Initiative report questions why the outcomes in govt-dominated sectors aren't performing better
With numbers of those employed in the public sector increasing by 28 percent, along with more top heavy well-paid managers and communication teams, and an…
- Best of Business
Sir John Key: Former Prime Minister says China's economy has enormous upsides and plenty of opportunities for NZ exporters
The Prime Minister has a tight rope to navigate as he prepares for his trip to China next week. Chris Hipkins is set to leave on Sunday with a large business…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds senior portfolio manager on the unwinding of Covid-19's impact on the business sector
The unwinding of Covid-19 is still having an impact on the business sector. Investors have noticed companies have benefitted from the impacts of lockdowns and…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the Government generating lower-than-expected tax revenue
Lower-than-expected tax revenue is causing the Crown accounts to dip further down. The IRD reportedly received $69 million in the previous tax year, sparking…
- Best of Business
Richard Burke: Horticulture expert on Kiwis wasting a reported 282 tonnes of broccoli each year
Don't throw out your broccoli stems if you want an an extra source of nutrition. More than 280 tonnes of stems are being thrown out every year - the equivalent…
- Best of Business
Ross Taylor: Fletcher Building CEO insists they're in good shape, despite lower profit
Fletcher Building insists it's in good shape, despite lower profit. It's dropped its forecast to about $800 million down from its February prediction of up to…
- Best of Business
Colin Bond: Kiwifruit Growers CEO says only about half of kiwifruit growers expect to break even this year
Only about half of kiwifruit growers expect to break even this year, amid a particularly bad harvest. Production this year is down about 35 million trays on…
- Best of Business
Frances Sweetman: Milford Asset Management Portfolio Manager on Fletcher Building downgrading sales expectations
Fletcher Building have downgraded their profit forecast, citing a slowing market and extreme weather. The building and construction company lowered their…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the Government not planning a cash injection for Kiwibank
The Government confirmed they have no plans to inject capital into Kiwibank to make it more competitive with the bigger banks. The Commerce Commission is set…
- Best of Business
Dave Mazey: Whakapapa Holdings Chief Executive hoping equity partners can stitch up deal post-Ruapehu liquidation
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts is officially in liquidation, after creditors wouldn't agree to let other ski operators take over operations on the mountain. The company…
- Best of Business
Kerre Woodham: Is there any real reason to beat up on the banks?
There's a perception that a generation of New Zealand homebuyers are greedy, acquisitive and are locking young Kiwis out of the property market. Why buy…
- Best of Business
Mike's Minute: We need a report into why we do so many reports
If you are really interested - and that in part is the problem - are we really interested? We all moan about banks. Banks are big and they are successful, but…
- Best of Business
Peter McIntyre: NZ Berryfruit Propagators chair fears there may be a shortage of strawberry plants when season begins
A strawberry shortage is looming. Due to damage from the extreme weather and continued labour shortages, it looks like there will be a lack of strawberry…
- Best of Business
Roger Beaumont: Banking Association CEO says sector welcomes CommComm study and stands by its practises
Banks are standing by their right to make a profit ahead of a new Commerce Commission inquiry. The Government has ordered the commission to conduct a "market…
- Best of Business
Dave Mazley: Whakapapa Holdings Chief Executive expects Ruapehu Alpine Lifts to be liquidated after court today
A last minute saving-grace has come as the Ruapehu skifields are on thin ice. A government and council-backed option for Whakapapa Holdings and Pure Turoa to…
- Best of Business
Weston Kirton: Ruapehu Mayor says everyone is waiting with bated breath to see if companies step in to purchase skifields
Uncertainty is plaguing Ruapehu. A bid to liquidate Ruapehu Alpine Lifts is being heard in the High Court in Auckland this morning, dubbed a 'worst case…
- Best of Business
Pattrick Smellie: BusinessDesk managing editor on the Government confirming Commerce Commission probe into banking sector
New Zealand's major banks are set to go under the microscope. The Government has confirmed a Commerce Commission probe into banking sector competition and…
- Best of Business
Jason Platt: Ruapehu Stakeholders Association chairman on the company behind operations entering liquidation
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts is heading towards liquidation weeks out from the 2023 ski season. Creditors didn't come to an agreement on the company's future today…
- Best of Business
Duncan Webb: Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister says quick fix won't solve structural issues in the banking sector
The Government says there's no quick fix for the banking sector. It's ordered the Commerce Commission to probe bank profits and competition. A preliminary…
- Best of Business
Sam Stubbs: Simplicity director discusses announcement of Commerce Commission enquiry into banking sector
A high-powered microscope will be trained on New Zealand's banks. The Government has just confirmed a Commerce Commission probe into banking sector…
- Best of Business
Andrew Cushen: Climate Forestry Association CEO discusses proposed changes to Emissions Trading Scheme
Four new adjustments to the Emissions Trading Scheme have been proposed for consultation - all of which aim to make it less attractive for businesses to offset…
- Best of Business
Claire Matthews: Business professor ahead of Govt announcement of CommComm inquiry into bank profits, fees
Today the Government are set to announce a Commerce Commission inquiry into banks - with the focus expected to be on profits and fees. In 2022, retail banks…
- Best of Business
Grant Dodson: Forest Owners' Assn president says amendments to the ETS removing forestry is a bad idea
The forestry industry is sick of being made into the villain on reducing emissions. The Government is proposing to amend the Emissions Trading Scheme and…
- Best of Business
Fran O'Sullivan: NZME business commentator on Prime Minister Chris Hipkins locking in meeting with Xi Jinping
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has locked in a coveted confab with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Hipkins heads to China on Sunday, alongside a large delegation…
- Best of Business
Grant Robertson: Finance Minister adamant the fundamentals of the economy are still strong
The Government says the fundamentals of our economy are really strong. When asked how he rates the chances of a credit rating downgrade, Finance Minister Grant…