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
Dr Kerry McInerny: Auckland University AI expert on OpenAI's artificial intelligence hacking into another company
ChatGPT maker OpenAI said its artificial intelligence system hacked into another AI company on its own - and they're launching a full investigation. AI startup…
- Best of Business
Gary Mortimer: Queensland University of Technology Marketing Professor on the rise of free 'dopamine apps'
A new trend has emerged, where people are ordering fake takeaways and filling online shopping carts knowing they'll never receive a thing. This viral trend is…
- Best of Business
Dan Mitchinson: US correspondent on US President Donald Trump imposing 50 percent tariffs on Canada
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday imposed 50 percent tariffs on most Canadian goods, and concerns have been raised about the economic implications. The new…
- Best of Business
Michael Reddell: Former Reserve Bank senior economist discusses the latest inflation numbers
The Consumers Price Index (CPI) has increased 4.1% in the 12 months to the June 2026 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. As expected, the…
- Best of Business
Kerre Woodham: A one-off payment is not going to fix the problem
I have so many questions around the Government bailout of Golden Bay Cement, which is not in fact manufactured in Golden Bay, but in Northland. Fletcher owns…
- Best of Business
Mike's Minute: So many questions around the Govt's cement bailout
Nicola Willis told us she did not take the decision lightly, and well, she might have said that. She's lucky it's only cost $60 million. We still don’t know…
- Best of Business
Andrew Bascand & Sue Walker: Harbour Asset Management Co-CEO and Harbour Asset Management Senior Manager discuss energy payments
Electricity and money go hand-in-hand. Every house needs power, and everything costs money. So how do you balance the two in the midst of a Cost of Living…
- Best of Business
Todd McClay: Trade Minister on being one step closer to signing a trade agreement with Switzerland
Trade Minister Todd McClay addressed media with his Swiss counterpart Helene Budliger Artieda at the Future of Investment and Trade (FIT) Partnership…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the US launching safeguard investigation into NZ lamb imports
Meat industry leaders are disappointed with the United States’ move to initiate a safeguard investigation into lamb imports from New Zealand and Australia. The…
- Best of Business
Paul Fuge: Consumer NZ spokesperson on the number of Kiwis switching power companies
Kiwis are often told to look for the best deals on power, and they're not afraid to swap providers for a better price. So who's winning and who's losing the…
- Best of Business
Chris Wilkinson: First Retail Group Managing Director on sluggish retail spending
There's a belief sluggish retail spending is a reminder retailers need to stick to the basics. Stats NZ says core retail spending last month was only 0.4%…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on the listed retirement sector struggling in 2026
Recent reports indicate the listed retirement sector in New Zealand has continued to struggle in 2026. Share market expectations were high in the new year, but…
- Best of Business
Karl Puschmann: entertainment journalist on Netflix looking into buying Letterboxd for $423m
Netflix is in talks to buy the New Zealand-founded Letterboxd for $423 million, according to new reports. Letterboxd was created by Auckland designers Matthew…
- Best of Business
Paul Spain: Gorilla Technology CEO on Australia establishing Government AI office
Australia's moving to protect local content, as it pushes through on mandatory AI standards. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised to pass legislation…
- Best of Business
Graham Leaming: Skellerup CEO on the company lifting its full-year profit outlook based on strong US demand
Another positive sign for the economy. Kiwi manufacturer Skellerup —who makes everything from gumboots to industrial rubber products— has lifted its annual…
- Best of Business
Cathy Hendry: Strategic Pay managing director on the non-executive director gender pay gap closing
Strategic Pay’s latest Directors’ Fees Survey shows the non-executive director pay gap has narrowed to just 0.5 percent. The findings highlight a significant…
- Best of Business
Michael Gordon: Westpac senior economist on business confidence picking up for the June quarter
New data shows that business confidence has picked up for in the June quarter, but Middle East tensions and higher fuel prices remain a concern. The latest…
- Best of Business
Tim Robinson: Delivereasy founder on New Zealand's growing appetite for takeaways
New data shows that Kiwis spent a collective $1.1 billion on takeaways in the first quarter of 2026, as delivery services see more popularity. Delivereasy…
- Best of Business
Rohan Metrani: SolarZero customer on being locked into a contract with the liquidated solar-panel subscription service
Customers of a liquidated solar-panel subscription service are complaining they're stuck in expensive contracts. SolarZero went into liquidation in 2024, with…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on what the renewed Middle East conflict means for the markets
Reports indicate the ceasefire in the Middle East has been scrapped and the conflict is starting back up again. The US claims it's struck 140 Iranian military…
- Best of Business
Kerre Woodham: This one's for small business owners
The editorial this morning goes out to all the small and medium business people. Those of you who are starting the work week looking to earn your own keep…
- Best of Business
Alan McDonald: EMA Advocate wants greater security for manufacturing businesses, election outcome irrelevant
The Employers and Manufacturers Association is pushing for a bipartisan approach to business policy ahead of the election. The EMA wants greater certainty for…
- Best of Business
Jenny Joblin: Federation founder on the brand celebrating its 25th anniversary
A new era is on the way for one of the nation's most iconic fashion labels. Urban streetwear brand Federation is celebrating 25 years in business this year. To…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on Microsoft cutting over 4,000 jobs as a result of AI
Microsoft is cutting 4800 jobs - about two percent of its global workforce - in a sweeping restructure. Most cuts are part of a restructure of its struggling…
- Best of Business
John Ambler and Duane Emeny: NZ Jet owner and Air Chathams CEO on the calls to reform the Civil Aviation Authority
A private jet company boss has voiced concerns about what could happen if there's not reform at the Civil Aviation Authority - and he's taken these worries to…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the concerns raised over NZ employment contracts
People are not moving between jobs as seamlessly as they should in a productive economy, thanks to overly restrictive employment contracts. This is the…
- Best of Business
Remy Wisenberg: Milford Asset Management expert on whether the markets price in the OCR increase
The OCR has been increased for the first time in three years, and it's prompted a divided response among experts. The Monetary Policy Committee's unanimously…
- Best of Business
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Anna Breman delivered a refreshingly boring OCR update
The Official Cash Rate has gone up by 25 basis points. This is the first rise we've seen in three years. It was unanimous around the committee table that it…
- Best of Business
Anna Breman: Reserve Bank Governor explains why OCR increase was necessary
The Reserve Bank Governor says Kiwis will ultimately benefit from today's OCR hike - the first in more than three years. The cash rate has been raised to 2.5…
- Best of Business
Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on the Reserve Bank moving to increase the OCR for the first time in three years
The Reserve Bank moved to increase the OCR, prompting concern from some over what it could mean for the economy. The central bank raised the cash rate to 2.5…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the Reserve Bank increasing the OCR by 25 basis points
The Reserve Bank has lifted the Official Cash Rate for the first time in more than three years. It's raised the OCR 25 basis points to 2.5 percent. The…
- Best of Business
Mike Casey: Rewiring Aotearoa CEO on the Government looking to changes laws on plug-in solar panels
Plugging a a solar panel into your own wall is currently illegal in New Zealand, but the Government's looking into changing that. In a post on Facebook, Energy…
- Best of Business
Sophie Moloney: Sky TV chief executive on Sky winning NRL and Warriors rights in new broadcast deal
Has a second NRL team in New Zealand edged closer to a reality after the NRL's new multi-billion dollar broadcast deal? The Australian Rugby League Commission…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on the 'volatile' state of AI-based investments
It's been a turbulent time for AI-based investments. The AI capital expenditure-leveraged Korean and Japanese share markets have recovered from last week's…
- Best of Business
Louise Tanguay: Sleep Store co-founder and director on the company turning 20
The Sleep Store is celebrating 20 years of helping families find the right products for their kids. The brand has gone from a kitchen table start-up to filling…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the Government's goal to double exports by the 2030s
The Finance Minister is hopeful that New Zealand's exports will grow significantly over the next ten years. If reelected, National says it will pursue trade…
- Best of Business
Tim Groser: former Trade Minister 'encouraged' by Government outlining future trade plan
A former Trade Minister says he's very encouraged by National's election promise that it'll pursue trade talks with seven economies. It says it would…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business Editor at Large calls for bipartisan effort to reform KiwiSaver
There's hopes compulsory KiwiSaver can help New Zealand catch up to Australia's economy. The National Party is campaigning on making KiwiSaver mandatory for…
- Best of Business
Jack Crosti: Auckland chef explains why he was disappointed with this week's Michelin ceremony
A Michelin-trained chef has criticised the Michelin Guide after Tuesday night’s inaugural awards ceremony in a post on social media. Jack Crosti, who has…
- Best of Business
Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on the increase in delivery fees in online shopping
Finding a deal online is getting harder and harder, according to new reports. Delivery software firm Shippit has found standard New Zealand delivery fees have…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the IMF warning the Government will need to hike taxes and cut spending
The International Monetary Fund is broadly happy with how the Government and Reserve Bank are steering the economy - but it's warned some changes need to take…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on the state of the markets at the mid-point of 2026
2026 is halfway over, and experts have noticed which trends are leading investor conversations. The chips and computer hardware sector has seen some growth…
- Best of Business
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Here's why I'm so stoked about the NZ Michelin launch
I totally run the risk of being way too much of a fangirl about the Michelin stars handed out, but I am so excited about this. Mainly, I'm excited for the…
- Best of Business
Andrew Little: Wellington mayor on the new team chosen to help boost the capital
Wellington council has unveiled their new team aiming to help the capital get its mojo back. The council has brought together a lineup of business, property…
- Best of Business
Henry Onesemo: Tala restaurant founder on the business being awarded a Michelin star
There's been a surge in bookings for the world's first Michelin star Samoan restaurant. Auckland's Tala was awarded a single star at last night's New Zealand…
- Best of Business
Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on the Kiwi restaurants recognised by the Michelin Guide
World-class honours have been dished out to select New Zealand restaurants, with hopes they'll lead to a much-needed boost for the industry. Queenstown's…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Kirksmith: Planet Fun CEO on the changing safety standards for children's toys
New Zealand is aligning its toy safety standards with Australia. The Ministry for Regulation says the change will save a net $6.8 million dollars over the next…
- Best of Business
Peter Griffin: BusinessDesk tech columnist on Rocket Lab buying Iridium for $14 billion to challenge Starlink
Rocket Lab is buying satellite network operator Iridium for $14 billion, causing the company's shares to jump 18 percent, according to new reports. This would…
- Best of Business
Hamish McKay: The Country spokesperson on red meat exports setting new highs
New Zealand red meat exports reached a second consecutive monthly record in May, rising to $1.6 billion, according to the Meat Industry Association. The May…
- Best of Business
John Weekes: NZ Herald aviation journalist on Air New Zealand's bid to focus on the 'premium flyer'
Air New Zealand has outlined some future goals and areas of focus as part of their big investor presentation. The airline says it will focus more on profitable…
- Best of Business
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on the decline in property auction rates
Recent data out of the Australian property market shows auction rates have hit a historic low point. New figures from property research firm Cotality show a…
- Best of Business
Carl Taylor: Combined Building Supplies CEO on the impacts of the new home warranty rules
The Government is making changes to the Building Act, including bringing in a new liability scheme that means councils won't have to handle building defects on…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on the market reactions to the latest events in the Middle East
It was another big weekend for the conflict between Iran and the US, but the lack of new escalation could be good news for the markets. Reports that the US and…
- Best of Business
Bill Bennett: tech commentator on the growing popularity of Starlink
Starlink’s number of New Zealand customers jumped 46 percent last year as it passed Spark to become the country’s largest rural internet provider. The…
- Best of Business
Nick Tuffley: ASB chief economist on the increase in public sector jobs amid proposed Government cuts
Public sector jobs keep on rising, even as the Government promises to slash numbers. Seasonally-adjusted Stats NZ data shows filled jobs rose 0.3 percent…
- Best of Business
Terry Collins: AA Principal Policy Advisor on the price of 91 petrol dropping below $3 a litre
The average price for 91 petrol has quietly sunk below $3 per litre, and there's hope it could go lower still. The Middle East conflict has seen prices reach…
- Best of Business
Francesca Rudkin: Why is the Government dragging its feet on regulating big tech?
Yesterday, an article with Stuff owner and CEO Sinead Boucher was released on their website. It was a wide ranging interview that included discussion about the…
- Best of Business
Ed McKnight: Are house prices really falling flat?
Despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and resulting economic downturn, there's still sections of the property market on the up. Data shows there are…
- Best of Business
Mark Smith: ASB Senior Economist on next month's OCR forecast
ASB has joined Westpac in predicting the Reserve Bank will keep the Official Cash Rate on hold next month. The outlook has been revised after they previously…
- Best of Business
Edwin Paul: Boss of India New Zealand Business Council rejects Winston Peters' claims of discrimination
The boss of the India New Zealand Business Council says he doesn't believe claims by Winston Peters that the Government plans to discriminate against Indian…