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
Paul Stenhouse: Bing's AI chatbot, Tesla recall and US weather balloons
Bing's AI Chatbot is having some bizarre conversations In a two hour conversation with a NY Times columnist the Bing AI chatbot confessed its love for him, and…
- Best of Business
Professor Damon Salesa: AUT vice-chancellor on how AI bots are forcing universities to rethink traditional methods
As the university year begins, ideas on how to handle artificial intelligence programme ChatGPT is at the front of teachers' minds. Universities are having to…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds Senior Portfolio Manager on the disappointing results from America's fourth quarter earnings season
The fourth quarter earnings coming out of US markets leave a lot to be desired, according to experts. Credit Suisse estimates that the first and second quarter…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor on Grant Robertson's upcoming speech with Auckland Chamber of Commerce
Finance Minister Grant Robertson is due to speak tomorrow with the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. Grant Robertson has been saying that the Government's books…
- Best of Business
Christopher Luxon: National Party leader on how infrastructure repair from Gabrielle can be paid for while introducing tax cuts
After the damage the cyclone has caused, it's clear something needs to be done about our infrastructure. But despite the incoming repair bill of cyclone…
- Best of Business
Simon Hobbs: AA spokesperson says they have received more than 2,140 storm-related claims so far
Before insurance companies were able to get a grasp on the first crazy weather event of the year, we had another one knocking on the door. Cyclone Gabrielle…
- Best of Business
Andrew Hoggard: Federated Farmers vice president on the passing of the Zero Carbon Bill in Parliament
The Government's flagship climate change policy has passed into law almost unanimously. The Zero Carbon Bill was debated on for almost a year with the National…
- Best of Business
Jon Duffy: Consumer NZ CEO says Warehouse's introduction of fruit and veges is a game-changer
The Warehouse's introduction of fresh fruit and vegetables to some stores from today is being described as a game-changer. Consumer NZ Chief Executive Jon…
- Best of Business
Ernie Newman: Former Food and Grocery Council CEO on The Warehouse introducing fresh fruit and vegetables to stores
The Warehouse is stepping up its battle against supermarkets, introducing fresh fruit and vegetables to some stores from today. The produce sections are being…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist predicts Cyclone Gabrielle will cost the economy billions
Cyclone Gabrielle is predicted to cost the economy billions of dollars in repairs and replacements. When combined with January's burst of floods, experts are…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management equities analyst on the companies being affected by Cyclone Gabrielle
New NZX data suggests that several companies have been hit hard by Cyclone Gabrielle. Fletcher Building has claimed adverse weather conditions will likely…
- Best of Business
Ross Taylor: Fletcher Building CEO on the company reporting an $80m drop in half-year profits
Fletcher Building has reported an $80 million drop in half-year profits, and warns that its full year earnings will also be expected to take a hit. The company…
- Best of Business
Christoph Schumacher: Economist says Gabrielle damage repair, loss in productivity could cost tens of billions of dollars
An economist is warning that the repair of Cyclone Gabrielle could cost our economy tens of billions of dollars. The flow on effect of repairing damage, along…
- Best of Business
Justin Tighe-Umbers: National Road Carriers Assn tells people not to panic as suppliers have stocked up ahead of Gabrielle
Truckies say they're ready to start their engines to deliver supplies as soon as the roads begin to reopen. Certain areas have been cut off due to damage from…
- Best of Business
Russell Craig: Microsoft National Technology Officer on why public cloud services are expected to pick up in the next few years
By 2026 public cloud services could add $21 billion to the New Zealand economy, along with creating 134,000 jobs. Spending on public cloud services is expected…
- Best of Business
Jen Baird: REINZ CEO on 48% drop in house sales through Jan-December 2022, Auckland median down $80k
The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand recorded a 48 percent drop in house sales between January and December. Auckland's median selling price was also down…
- Best of Business
Rueben Davidson: Banks Peninsula Community Board member on Lyttleton residents' concerns over cruise ships
Lyttleton residents are complaining the amount of cruise ships coming in are overwhelming the area, with fears of a Starbucks or trinket shop opening in the…
- Best of Business
Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber CEO says Govt can't stop the storm but can provide info and support
Auckland businesses are wondering when they're going to get a break. Aucklanders are being advised to evacuate if necessary and to expect widespread power cuts…
- Best of Business
Steve Badger: Director of Avos to Go on some growers expecting less than 40% of produce to be able to be exported this year
Well it's a combination of the not so perfect storm for avocado growers. Between the fruit getting blown off trees in the wind and the fact that avocado trees…
- Best of Business
Mike Fuge: Contact Energy CEO on deal reportedly close with Rio Tinto over Tiwai Point
Uncertainty about the future of the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter looks likely to be resolved, with the owner ready to make a deal on its long-term contract…
- Best of Business
Kirk Hope: BusinessNZ chief executive on figures showing we may be seeing the end of the record labour demand
There are hopes things could be looking up for the services sector after a difficult few years, that's according to the latest BNZ performance index. The…
- Best of Business
Fran O'Sullivan: NZME business commentator on Chris Hipkins' appearance at the Apec Business Advisory Council meeting
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins made an appearance at the Apec Business Advisory Council meeting last Sunday evening. Hipkins acknowledged that Auckland was…
- Best of Business
Grant Robertson: Finance Minister says it was the right idea to hike the minimum wage
The minimum wage is set to rise by $1.50 to $22.70 in April, and businesses have voiced their disapproval. New data from Retail NZ has stated that 88 percent…
- Best of Business
Nick Lane: QOROX business development manager on 3D printed ramraid protection
A technology innovation company are taking ram raid protection into their own hands by 3D printing concrete planter boxes, outdoor furniture and seating. The…
- Best of Business
Julie White: Hospitality NZ CEO says 2023 is shaping up to be a bumper year for the industry
A win for tourism as our local hotel industry thrives, with the sector the most optimistic since the pandemic began. The Tourism Export Council forecasts…
- Best of Business
Jon Duffy: Consumer NZ CEO on customers' rights after claims Ed Sheeran seats changed without holders' permission
Some Ed Sheeran fans are up in arms, claiming their seats for this weekend's concerts at Auckland's Eden Park have been changed without their permission…
- Best of Business
Fraser Whineray: Fonterra COO on new five-storey heat pumps designed to reduce carbon production in steam generation
Heat pumps the size of a five-storey building could be on the way from Fonterra. It's partnered with German company Man Energy Solutions to tackle its carbon…
- Best of Business
Sirma Karapeeva: Meat Industry Association CEO on NZ exporting $11.4 billion worth of red meat in 2022
Once again the farmers are saving us. In 2022, New Zealand exported $11.4 billion worth of red meat but the meat industry’s global markets started easing from…
- Best of Business
Dean Humphries: Colliers director on forecast of international visitors to rebound to around 2.1 million by the end of May
It's onwards and upwards for New Zealand's hotel sector. 2023 is off to a good start, with strong-forward bookings and high demand for the rest of the year…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor on oil companies reporting record profits in 2022
BP, Chevron, Shell, ExxonMobil, and Total Energies all earned $219 billion in 2022. All these major oil companies benefited from the surge in oil and gas…
- Best of Business
Kerre Woodham: Minimum wage increase - sensible or cynical?
Sensible or cynical? Yesterday, the Prime Minister announced the first of the Government's policies it will be scrapping in a bid to win back the support of…
- Best of Business
John MacDonald: Wage war - what about teachers, nurses and firefighters?
Money will not buy you happiness. We’ve probably all said that at some point. Mostly to try and convince ourselves that the fact we didn’t win Lotto is no…
- Best of Business
David Seymour: Act leader discusses Govt announcement of an increase to the minimum wage
The Government has announced the minimum wage will increase by $1.50 to $22.70 an hour from April. According to the ACT Party, the Government has now made it…
- Best of Business
Brent Mountford: BoP Federated Farmers president on worst maize harvest in decades, 60 percent of crops wiped out
Farmers can't catch a break in Bay of Plenty. It's the region's worst maize harvest in decades with around 60 percent of crops wiped out due to the weather…
- Best of Business
Kirk Hope: Business NZ CEO says the ability for businesses to pass minimum wage hike cost on is very low
There are concerns the hike to minimum wage could be devastating for businesses. The Government has announced the minimum wage will rise by $1.50 to $22.70…
- Best of Business
Mark Riggall: Milford Asset Management portfolio manager on global inflation peaking
Global inflation appears to have peaked and may start heading down in the coming months. Central banks across the world are also predicted to slow down their…
- Best of Business
Keith Schembri: Nesteek co-founder and CEO launches Airbnb competitor aimed at young renters
Four University of Technology Sydney (UTS) students have created a house rental platform aimed at young renters. Nesteek is an Airbnb-style website that allows…
- Best of Business
The Huddle: Chris Hipkins' policy bonfire
In this edition of The Huddle, Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute and Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners joined in on a discussion about the following issues…
- Best of Business
Brett O'Riley: Employers and Manufacturers Association head on minimum wage going up by April 1
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has raised the minimum wage by $1.50 to $22.70 per hour by April 1. Hipkins has conceded that small businesses will find the…
- Best of Business
Dr Tim Mackle: DairyNZ CEO on his decision to step down from the role in June
DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle will be departing the role on June 30, 2023. Dr Mackle has been in the role for 15 years and led DairyNZ through…
- Best of Business
Jevon McSkimming: Police Assistant Commissioner on 10,000 reports of retail crime in month of October last year
Police are standing by their approach to retail crime in the wake of surging incident reports. They received a record 10,000 reports of retail crime in the…
- Best of Business
Dean Williams: Norton Cyber Safety report reveals one in four Kiwis have fallen victim to 'catfish' scams
Concern over the latest data on online dating and romance scams. The Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report surveyed just over 1,000 New Zealand adults, and found…
- Best of Business
Kapish Gobindlal: Environmental Decontamination project lead on new development to grind mussel shells into calcium carbonate
A cutting edge development in the fight for sustainability in the food and fibre sector. New Zealand based company Environmental Decontamination has cracked a…
- Best of Business
Paul Bloxham: HSBC Chief Economist on the RBA pushing up the cash rate by 25 basis points
The Reserve Bank of Australia has raised the cash rate up by 25 basis points to 3.35 percent. This is the ninth rate hike in a row, raising Australia's OCR to…
- Best of Business
Pattrick Smellie: BusinessDesk managing editor on Jarden predicting a full year dividend for Air New Zealand in August
Jarden is predicting Air New Zealand will announce a full-year dividend in August. This will be the first full dividend for Air New Zealand since pre-Covid…
- Best of Business
Rebecca Ingram: Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief on data showing tourism industry may be short as many as 80,000 workers
Latest data shows the tourism sector could be short 80,000 staff, an increase of 13,000 more than last year, with some concerned we may be going backwards…
- Best of Business
Eve Lawrence: Tourism operator on figures showing the sector could be short as many as 80,000 staff
Thousands of tourism businesses remain desperately short of staff, with the latest figures showing the sector could be short as many as 80,000 staff - around…
- Best of Business
Paul Stenhouse: Microsoft Teams is going premium, Beyoncé tickets to go the way of Tay-Tay?
Microsoft Teams won't be all-free anymore, they're putting up a paywall They're going to offer a "Premium" tier, costing $7 per user per month. Some of the…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: National Finance Spokesperson says Grant Robertson is being naïve in saying NZ will avoid recession
National is accusing the Government of having its head in the sand, about the prospect of a recession. Finance Minister Grant Robertson has told Newstalk ZB…
- Best of Business
Gareth Kiernan: Infometrics Chief Forecaster expects unemployment rate to hit 4.3 percent by the end of the year
An economic consultancy group says a recession is inevitable. That's despite Finance Minister Grant Robertson saying it isn't a foregone conclusion…
- Best of Business
Rick Herd: Naylor Love CEO on Westpac report showing tough times ahead for the building industry
A new report from Westpac shows tough times ahead for the building industry. The figures show construction demand will fall due to cheaper house prices and…
- Best of Business
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor on the Auckland floods being bad for the economy
The recent Auckland floods may be bad news for the economy. Hundreds of houses will need to be repaired, businesses are grappling with ruined stock, and the…
- Best of Business
Dr. Claire Matthews: Associate professor on mortgage holder's ability to deal with increased interest rates
The first of stats are in regarding mortgage holders' ability to deal with the new and ugly increased mortgage interest rates, and so far so good. Those with…
- Best of Business
Mike's Minute: Govt are in a fuel subsidy precedent they can't get out of
The proof in the pudding that if you hand out free stuff people become addicted, is to be found in the already alarming concerns being expressed as to how life…
- Best of Business
John Carran: Economist on record low unemployment, rising salaries and wages
Unemployment remains at a record low of 3.4 percent and wages are continuing to rise. In the December quarter all salary and wage rates increased 4.1 percent…
- Best of Business
Grant Robertson: Finance Minister defends decision to extend the fuel tax subsidy until March
Finance Minister Grant Robertson is defending the decision to extend the fuel tax subsidy. Chris Hipkins has announced the 25 cent fuel tax cuts, and…
- Best of Business
Warrick Dent: Wellington NZ General Manager says Ed Sheeran's show will give businesses a real boost
Wellington's local economy looks to be the big winners from Ed Sheeran's concert tonight. The pop superstar is playing to a crowd of 48,000 at Sky Stadium, the…
- Best of Business
Dave Bodger: Gull GM says fuel tax subsidy extension has alleviated fears from the trucking sector
The fuel tax subsidy extension has alleviated fears from the trucking sector. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins yesterday announced the fuel price subsidy, and…
- Best of Business
David Seymour: Act leader says Labour's spending on tax cuts needs to be reined in
A vote of no confidence in Chris Hipkins from Act after the extension of the fuel tax cuts. The new Prime Minister yesterday announced the 25 cent tax cuts and…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald business editor on the rising unemployment rate and what it means for the next OCR hike
There are suggestions the next Official Cash Rate increase will be 50 basis points. Latest figures from the December quarter show the unemployment rate has…