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
Mike's Minute: Is Labour's cash bonanza economically smart? No. Is it Politically? Maybe
Quick question around the cash bonanza yesterday - is it so blatant that it might actually work? An extra $300 million we don't have, just splashed all over…
- Best of Business
Yoland Swasbrook: Zero Latency NZ manager ahead of world's first virtual reality gaming facility is hitting Auckland CBD
The world's first virtual reality gaming facility is hitting Auckland CBD this week. The 3rd generation version of VR tech is the first of it's kind where…
- Best of Business
Michael Reddell: Former RBNZ economist says permanently lifting real level of welfare benefits is costing another $300 million
A U-turn of sorts from the Government. About 1.4 million New Zealanders will be helped when increased main benefits, superannuation and student support…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: National says Govt fixing own mistake by increasing superannuation, main benefits in line with inflation
National says the Government is fixing its own mistake by increasing superannuation and main benefits in line with inflation. The change kicks in from next…
- Best of Business
Fran O'Sullivan: NZME business commentator on the speed limit reduction and clean car upgrade being scrapped
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has scrapped the nationwide speed limit reduction and clean car upgrade to support Kiwis. When paired with the scrapped TVNZ/RNZ…
- Best of Business
Glenn Milnes: ikeGPS CEO relived US Treasury stepping in after Silicon Valley Bank collapses
Today has been a roller-coaster for Kiwi businesses tied to Silicon Valley Bank. RocketLab, Comvita, Xero, and ikeGPS were among the businesses who were due to…
- Best of Business
Elise Kennedy: Jarden Director of Equity Research on Xero planning to cut up to 800 jobs
Kiwi software accounting firm Xero has announced plans to cut up to 800 jobs to improve profits. Xero stated that these mass layoffs were needed to enable…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor on retail spending remaining steady throughout February
Higher interest rates haven't stopped Kiwi shoppers from spending up a storm. Retail spending has remained steady at $6.6 billion in February 2023, when…
- Best of Business
Kerre Woodham: What do you define as a fair tax system?
Let's talk tax. It is an election year, which means a number of key policies are coming under the spotlight. All the usual suspects - health, law and order…
- Best of Business
Louise Delaney: University lecturer says our tax polices need to change to fix intergenerational inequalities
The author of the Newsroom piece, 'How to make New Zealand's Tax System Fairer?' says our tax policies need to change. This is especially if we want to do…
- Best of Business
Shelley Winkel: TEQ leader on Queensland trade roadshow coming to New Zealand
Are people about to jump across the ditch? Dozens of Queensland Tourism representatives are taking a trade roadshow to New Zealand. The aim of the trip is to…
- Best of Business
Charles Finny: Former trade negotiator says companies shouldn't rely completely on China
A former trade negotiator says companies shouldn't rely completely on China. New briefings seen by our newsroom reveal the government is worried foreign powers…
- Best of Business
Simon Petersen: QV communications manager on report finding house prices are down, but not to pre-pandemic levels
House prices are down, but still not to pre-pandemic levels, according to QV's latest report. It shows prices have fallen 12.6 percent in the last year, but on…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the number of jobs advertised on Seek increasing for second month in a row
The number of jobs being advertised online continues to grow for another month. New Seek data shows the amount of jobs being advertised nationwide is up by a…
- Best of Business
Sam Trethewey: Milford Asset Management Portfolio Manager predicts when the recession can be expected
The predicted recession may be biting consumers in a matter of months. Economists have been forecasting a recession to strike the New Zealand economy in 2023…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on National requesting an inquiry into banking profits
National's Nicola Willis is weighing in on the ongoing banking profit saga. The opposition's finance spokesperson is suggesting a select committee run a…
- Best of Business
Mike's Minute: We are shooting ourselves in the foot over the economy and inflation
There is a key line in the latest ANZ Business Outlook survey that may well mean some of our predictions around inflation sadly come true. The line is "in New…
- Best of Business
Grant Robertson: Finance Minister says a large number of countries are expected to end up in recession
The Government is confident it's on the right track to deliver, despite tough economic times ahead. Net debt is $3.5 billion less than expected, at $70.5…
- Best of Business
Terry Williams-Willcock: Tech expert says community hubs could be the answer to black-outs during emergencies
More technology hubs could help pave a way forward in addressing communication black-outs during large storms. Some New Zealanders were left in the lurch when…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Economist says Govt has to make a clear list of financial priorities and potentially scale back spending
Government debt is lower than forecast, but financial pressures loom on the horizon. The Government's interim financial statement shows net debt is at $70.5…
- Best of Business
Paul Bloxham: HSBC Chief Economist on Australia hiking their OCR up by a further 25 basis points
The Australian Reserve Bank has increased the OCR by a further 25 basis points to 3.6 percent. This has been the 10th rate rise in a row, putting the OCR at…
- Best of Business
Paul Watson: Parrotdog Brewery managing director on potentially expanding into Auckland
Wellington brewery Parrotdog is looking to expand into Auckland. The brewery is seeking up $4 million in capital raise to fund this brand expansion, and have…
- Best of Business
Jamie Farmer: Buy Kiwi director says they are New Zealand's answer to Amazon
A new online company is calling itself New Zealand's answer to Amazon Launching today, Buy Kiwi will allow New Zealanders to buy from businesses between 80 and…
- Best of Business
Sharon Cullwick: Property expert on survey finding 26% of landlords upped rent in the past six months
A survey commissioned by the Government reveals that 26 percent of landlords upped the rent in the past six months. But it wasn't because they're greedy…
- Best of Business
Anne Casey: Marketing expert says tourists are now reprioritising after Covid
The first Chinese tour group in three years, is about to touch down in Auckland. It will be the first to arrive since New Zealand was added to China's Approved…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: National Finance Spokesperson says they will reverse proposed 'app tax'
National is pledging to reverse the Government's proposed "app tax", saying it's a major deviation from current tax rules. The Government says the rule change…
- Best of Business
Claire Matthews: Banking professor says inquiry into bank profits may not be a job for the Commerce Commission
Calls for a banking sector market study are ramping up, after the Reserve Bank asked for one earlier this week. Bank profits have never been higher than those…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds senior portfolio manager on the state of the US housing market
Over in the US, the housing market looks like it's back on the rise. There's been a slight market slump, but new home sales have risen to a one year high and…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor on the return of Chinese consumers to New Zealand
China is set to return to its economic powerhouse state after years of restrictions. Chinese consumers are out of lockdown and ready to spend, and this has…
- Best of Business
Anthony Walker: S&P Global Ratings director on the economic costs of repairing Three Waters
S&P Global Ratings warns that Kiwis are blind to the 'astronomical' costs of fixing Three Waters. A new report from the credit agency suggests that local…
- Best of Business
Graeme Wright: Bluff oyster operator as 2023 season opens after a poor harvest last year
The 2023 oyster season is upon us and boaties in Bluff couldn't be more excited. Last year the harvest levels weren't up to expectations, but this year is…
- Best of Business
Genevieve Stevens: Agricultural analyst says there are big opportunities for the beef sector as China reopens
Big opportunities for the beef sector as the reopening of China allows for more beef exports. Beef intake in China is expected to make a strong rebound in the…
- Best of Business
Rebecca Ingram: Tourism Industry Aotearoa CEO on Better Work Action Plan aimed to boost tourism sector
There are hopes the Government's new tourism action plan will help attract and retain a stable workforce. About 60 percent of tourism workers want to quit or…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on bank profitability reaching eight year high
Bank profitability hit an eight-year high in the December quarter when measured by net interest margin. According to Reserve Bank data, banks’ net interest…
- Best of Business
Kelvin Davidson: CoreLogic economist on largest monthly decline in house prices since October 2022
Few are surprised to learn that house values have fallen again. This time, it's by one percent for February, the largest monthly decline since October last…
- Best of Business
Owen Vaughan: OneRoof editor on house prices dropping 11.5% since February last year
New Zealand house prices have taken another heavy hit, down 11.5 per cent since February last year. The average property price is down $120,000 in the same…
- Best of Business
Pattrick Smellie: BusinessDesk editor on former MediaWorks CEO Cam Wallace joining Qantas
Former MediaWorks CEO Cam Wallace will join Qantas as group chief executive of Qantas international and freight. His new job will pit him against former…
- Best of Business
Michael Gordon: Westpac economist on borrowing costs being highest in a decade while sales now lowest since GFC
Westpac's economic overview shows we are still weathering the storm. With high levels of inflation and consumer prices rising by 7.2 percent, households are…
- Best of Business
Stuart Crosby: LGNZ President wants less centralisation in allocation of public spending
A call for the local to be put back into local government. Local Government New Zealand President Stuart Crosby wants less centralisation in the allocation of…
- Best of Business
Chris Wilkinson: Retail director on sales down 4% in December of 2022 compared to previous years
Retail sales were down 4 percent in the December quarter of 2022 compared to the previous year. Hardware, building and garden supplies were hit the hardest…
- Best of Business
Jon Ives: OneStaff Chief Executive on median wages for migrant workers increasing
The median wage for migrant workers has increased further, sparking concerns. The Accredited Employer Work Visa kicked in today and sees workers paid nearly…
- Best of Business
Naomi James: Channel Infrastructure CEO on New Zealand reaching peak petrol within the next two years
New Zealand is likely to reach 'peak petrol' within the next two years, according to data from Channel Infrastructure. Diesel use is also set to remain strong…
- Best of Business
Greg Foran: Air NZ CEO admits the airline isn't popular with all of its customers
Air New Zealand boss Greg Foran admits the airline isn't popular with all of its customers. The national carrier has been under fire in recent months, with…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor on Kiwibank's strong half year profits and predicted second half
Kiwibank's half-year profits rose by 53 percent to $98 million dollars with the help of strong lending growth. Kiwibank's CEO says these results will prepare…
- Best of Business
Sophie Maloney: Sky chief executive on half year profits offsetting gains from more subscribers
Television operator Sky is reporting decreasing half-year profits, as extra costs offset the gains from increased subscribers. The delayed releases of the new…
- Best of Business
Greg Foran: Air New Zealand CEO on the company making $299m in half year profits
Air New Zealand is recovering with a strong half-year profit of $299 million. The airline confirms that this growth was boosted by sustained demand and high…
- Best of Business
Heather du Plessis-Allan: We should be pleased Air NZ is profitable
I'm gonna come to Air NZ’s defence. As expected, the airline just reported a decent profit of $213 million dollars, which is a whopper when you consider the…
- Best of Business
Sue Tierney: Financial advisor explains how Official Cash Rate hike is going to impact your mortgage
Questions have been asked as to what the impact of the Official Cash Rate hike is going to be on mortgages. The Reserve Bank lifted it by 50 basis points to…
- Best of Business
Sally Feinson: TradeMe's marketing director on report showing $300 million in unused clothes nationwide
New Zealanders could be hiding hundreds of dollars in their wardrobes. That's according to TradeMe's annual Circular Economy report, which shows Kiwis are…
- Best of Business
Adrian Orr: RBNZ Governor says there's no reason Cyclone Gabrielle should cause widespread national inflation
Signs inflation is starting to ease, despite the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle. The Reserve Bank has opted to raise the Official Cash Rate by 50 basis points, to…
- Best of Business
Tony Alexander: Economist says short-term interest rates should be able to ease next year
There could be light at the end of the tunnel for those hoping for a reduction in interest rates. The Reserve Bank has raised the Official Cash Rate by 50…
- Best of Business
Bridget Snelling: Xero country manager on figures showing small business sales flat compared to last Jan, agriculture worst hit
The ongoing economic pressure Kiwis are facing is reflected in Xero's latest Small Business Index. Sales were flat last month compared to January 2022 across…
- Best of Business
Toby Williams: Federated Farmers spokesperson says we've needed solutions for forestry slash for a long time
Pressure on the Government to get an upcoming probe into forestry slash wrapped up as early as possible. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is expected to announce…
- Best of Business
Kelvin Davidson: CoreLogic chief economist on report finding properties are now valued 7.8 times average household income
Wellington City has overtaken Christchurch, as the country’s most affordable main centre to buy a house. But home ownership is still out of reach for many…
- Best of Business
Gary Diack: Ravensdown CEO on committing to a Hawke's Bay rebuild despite flood damage to their plant
Ravensdown is staying committed to Hawke's Bay and remaining a major employer in the region, despite flood damage to its plant. It's joining forestry company…
- Best of Business
Sharon Zollner: ANZ economist says the market is pricing a 50-basis point rise to OCR
Opinion is divided over whether the Reserve Bank is likely to hike the Official Cash Rate this afternoon. ANZ's Sharon Zollner told Mike Hosking the market is…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist ahead of 50 point increase to OCR, up to 4.75 percent
The latest Official Cash Rate announcement is coming later today and it's expected to lift 50 basis points to 4.75 per cent. That's much lower than the…
- Best of Business
Chris Small: ABC Business Sales Managing Director on the sale price for an SME going up by 30 percent
Small to medium business owners thinking of selling may be in luck. The average sale price for an SME business has increased by 30 percent over the last three…
- Best of Business
Fran O'Sullivan: NZME business commentator on the $300 million emergency package
The Government has announced a $300 million emergency package to help the nation recover after Cyclone Gabrielle. $250 million will be spent on roads and…
- Best of Business
Hannah McQueen: Settling on property in the current economic enviornment
What lots of people have been worrying about at the moment – settling on property in the current economic environment. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener…