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 BusinessPeter Reidie: Sanford CEO on government funding boost for the aquaculture sector
The tide is high for the aquaculture industry as it gets a $210,000 government boost. The funding will be used for a strategy to boost the sector's workforce…
Best of BusinessJose George: Cantstar NZ GM on survey finding many small business owners feel positive about their futures
Canstar have released a survey of 700 small business owners, which shows many small business owners feel positive about their futures, having survived the…
Best of BusinessMichael Gordon: Westpac economist previews an expected fifth consecutive hike to the OCR
The Reserve Bank is widely expected to deliver another 50 basis point hike to the Official Cash Rate today, as it moves to try to head off inflation in the…
Best of BusinessBrad Olsen: Economist says we can't take our foot off the brake when it comes to inflation
New Zealand isn't expected to follow Australia, when it comes to interest rates. Economists expect the Reserve Bank to lift the OCR by another 50 basis points…
Best of BusinessNick Goodall: CoreLogic Head of Research on property prices falling 4.1% on average across the country
The property market is continuing to cool after steep growth. Property prices across the country fell an average of 4.1 percent in the last quarter. CoreLogic…
Best of BusinessKeith McLaughlin: Centrix Director on figures showing a rise in arrears due to cost of living crisis
People are prioritising some debt, over other debt, as the cost of living crisis continues to bite. New figures from credit company Centrix shows a rise in…
Best of BusinessJeremy Nicoll: Arvida CEO on aged care sector having to turn away new residents amid 1200 nursing shortage
The aged care sector is having to turn away new residents amid a 1200 nursing shortage. It means some older people are staying in hospitals or at home. Aged…
Best of BusinessMary Holm: Financial author says those who are braver with Kiwisaver will retire with more money
Kiwisaver investors are still feeling brave when contributing to their managed funds. The Financial Markets Authority says Kiwisaver funds have seen a 10…
Best of BusinessSam Stubbs: Simplicity Director says Kiwisaver fund growth shows the industry is still growing, people are saving
Kiwisaver funds seem to be doing well, despite increasingly nervous times. According to the Financial Markets Authority, managed Kiwisaver funds have grown by…
Best of BusinessFrances Sweetman: Milford Asset Management on Warehouse Group's financial results
We got the Warehouse Group's financial results today. Frances Sweetman from Milford Asset Management joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVE See…
Best of BusinessContributions to Govt's proposed social unemployment insurance scheme likely subject to 15% GST
A tax specialist says the likely GST on contributions to the Government's proposed unemployment scheme, is just a matter of consistency. The scheme will pay…
Best of Business'We're perceived very positively' - David Downs on New Zealand brand's strong ranking in annual Nation Brands Report
New Zealand’s brand value shot up 13% from 2021, according to global rankings released overnight. Brand Finance Nation brands valued New Zealand’s national…
Best of BusinessHannah McQueen: Managing your finances in retirement
Massey University recently re-did its survey of what people of different lifestyles spend in retirement with the numbers shocking some - and yet we still put…
Best of BusinessGerald Hope: Marlborough Research Centre boss hopes it will help our successful wine industry to the next level
We officially have a national wine centre. It was opened yesterday in Blenheim by the Government after funding for the Marlborough Research Centre was…
Best of BusinessScott Tasker: Auckland Airport expecting more than 600,000 passengers these school holidays
More than 600,000 passengers are expected to go through Auckland Airport these schools holidays; it's busiest in three years. Two airline powerhouses, United…
Best of BusinessBridget Snelling: Xero NZ Country Manager on figures showing initial signs of recovery in small business sector
Some are suggesting we may be seeing some initial signs of recovery in the small business sector. Xero's Small Business Index for August shows sales were up…
Best of BusinessBrad Olsen: Infometrics principal economist on businesses using younger and older workers to fill workforce gaps
Our latest monthly job numbers are out today. Infometrics say businesses are starting to turn to youth and older workers to fill the gaps in the workforce…
Best of BusinessPhilip Gregan: Wine Growers CEO says RSE scheme increase won't solve labour issues, but will make a big difference
A wine grower says more seasonal workers shows the Government is listening to the industry's concerns. It's increased the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme…
Best of BusinessMichael Wood: Immigration Minister says the Government is responding to horticulture industry needs
The Immigration Minister says the Government is responding to horticulture industry needs. The Government's increased the Regional Seasonal Employer scheme cap…
Best of BusinessPatrick Noone: Costco NZ Managing Director says there is potential for branches in Christchurch, Wellington
Costco Auckland has just begun its grand opening. Hundreds of bargain-hunters in Westgate, with some flying across the country to be the among first to…
Best of BusinessRenee Lee: Everblue COO on being only NZ-made haircare brand stocked at Costco
One Kiwi company has secured exclusive shelf space. Everblue is the only New Zealand-made haircare brand to be stocked, despite launching just over a year ago…
Best of BusinessDavid Morgan: Air NZ Chief Flight Operations officer on issues with direct flight to New York
Air New Zealand’s marathon direct flight to New York is struggling to take off. On Sunday, returning passengers were asked to volunteer to miss their…
Best of BusinessMichele Passarello: Restauranteur offers free accommodation and shared profit scheme to entice workers
Employers are getting creative as they fight to attract workers in our tight job market. Flexi-work, work-from-home, sign-on bonuses, extra weeks holidays are…
Best of BusinessMark Lister: Financial expert says NZ won't be immune from what's happening in global markets
New Zealand won't be completely sheltered from the latest volatility in international markets. World sharemarkets have been taking a tumble over the weekend…
Best of BusinessMike Hosking: Corporate New Zealand finally speaks out against the Govt
The Mood of the Boardroom, which is out in the Herald today, is in some respects, the Government's day of reckoning. You might recall a few years back when the…
Best of BusinessStuart Smith: National’s viticulture spokesperson on sample sale member's bill pulled
Hopefully some good news is on the way for our viticulture industry. A member’s bill was pulled out of the biscuit tin yesterday that would help streamline the…
Best of BusinessKylie Freeland: McDonald’s NZ Managing Director as they put 2000 jobs up for grabs
For those looking for a job, McDonald’s might just have the answer for you. Tomorrow the fast-food chain is holding walk in interviews at its restaurants with…
Best of BusinessSophie Maloney: Sky Television CEO after announcement of new $200 box
There are some new changes coming in the streaming world, with Sky revealing they're set to launch their new box before Christmas at the cost of $200. The new…
Best of BusinessBrett O'Riley: Employers and Manufacturers Assn CEO as pressure mounts on Govt following Mood of the Boardroom survey
Pressure is mounting on the Government, to come up with a better plan for the tough economic times. In the latest annual Herald Mood of the Boardroom Survey…
Best of BusinessKirk Hope: Business NZ CEO on survey finding confidence in Govt's leadership is falling
Business leaders feel the Government isn't listening. The NZ Herald's annual Mood of the Boardroom survey has found chief executives and senior directors'…
Best of BusinessMark Riggall: Milford Asset Management portfolio manager on whether inflation will be an issue for longer than expected
Some are suggesting there is a likelihood that inflation is going to be a problem for longer than we expect. Mark Riggall from Milford Asset Management joined…
Best of BusinessKay Armstrong: Immigration consultant says re-opening of Pacific visa registrations is a big deal
Thousands of much-needed Pacific labourers can now return to New Zealand, to work. Immigration Minister Michael Wood has announced the re-opening of visa…
Best of BusinessDr Michael Rehm: Housing expert says banks are aiding and abetting housing speculation, contributing to crisis
A property expert says banks are aiding and abetting housing speculation and thereby contributing to the housing crisis. Auckland University's Dr Michael Rehm…
Best of BusinessLeeann Watson: Canterbury Employers' Chamber CEO says disclosure regime isn't top of mind for businesses
Exactly how long big businesses are taking to pay their bills could soon become public. Small Business Minister Stuart Nash wants to introduce legislation to…
Best of BusinessGrant Robertson: Finance Minister defends Govt's multi-million dollar spend up on Three Water consultants
Grant Robertson is defending the Government's multi-million dollar spend-up on Three Waters consultants. Newstalk ZB can reveal in the last financial year, $16…
Best of BusinessLiam Dann: NZ Herald Business Editor at Large on latest GDP figure as NZ avoids recession
New Zealand has dodged recession after the economy 1.7 grew per cent in the June quarter. To discuss, NZ Herald Business Editor at Large, Liam Dann, joined…
Best of BusinessVanessa Horne: Fair Trading Manager says businesses need to be able to back up claims made to online shoppers
Online shoppers are being misled through online sales. The Commerce Commission has issued a formal warning to online retailer, Occasion Box, for making false…
Best of BusinessMichael Gordon: Westpac acting Chief economist says there's good reason to feel bullish about GDP figure
Confidence our GDP will grow, but disagreement about by how much. Economists from multiple banks are predicting around a 1 percent growth for the second…
Best of BusinessToni Truslove: Kea NZ CEO has potential solution to labour shortage, but Kiwi businesses are reluctant
A potential solution has been raised for some of our labour shortage problems - but NZ businesses are reluctant. We know that 20 percent of all roles can now…
Best of BusinessNick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist says it is hard to predict GDP growth but best guess is a 1.2 percent rise
Slight GDP growth is expected in the second quarter. It follows a 0.2 percent fall for the first three months of the year. ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley…
Best of BusinessSophie Gray: Destitute Gourmet author calls in to offer advice on how to manage grocery spending
Sophie Gray, author of Destitute Gourmet, called in to Kerre Woodham with ways to manage the grocery spend through tough financial times. Gray has lots of free…
Best of BusinessBarry O'Neill: Tomatoes NZ Chair says rising supplier costs are to blame for high food prices
Rising supplier costs are being blamed for food prices. Annual food prices have shot up to the highest rate in 13 years. Stats New Zealand data shows food cost…
Best of BusinessTony Simons: Resident's association chair on win to reject housing density plans in Christchurch
A win for residents who've been fighting for Christchurch City Council to reject housing density plans for the city, but it's not over yet. Ten councillors…
Best of BusinessJohn Murphy: Vegetables NZ Chair says severe weather can be blamed for soaring food prices
Severe weather is being blamed by some for soaring food prices. Annual food prices have shot up to the highest rate in 13 years. Stats New Zealand says it cost…
Best of BusinessJohn MacDonald: The vax rules are going, so should the punishments
The traffic light system is gone, most of the mask requirements are gone and the vaccine mandates will be gone by September 26 - although employers will still…
Best of BusinessKerre Woodham: Axing Covid restrictions is a restoration of common sense
Well, it was as expected. Yesterday we heard that 927 days since the Covid pandemic triggered extraordinary defensive measures here and around the world, the…
Best of BusinessDavid Willis: Nurses' Society Director on dropping of vaccine mandates and whether it will boost industry
Nurses' Society Director David Willis joined Mike Hosking to discuss the dropping of vaccine mandates for health workers and how it will affect the industry…
Best of BusinessTim Beveridge: Businesses shouldn't have to pick up the tab for another public holiday
I've just been watching the news coverage of the cortege as the Queens coffin has been making its way from Balmoral Castle on its way to Edinburgh. It has been…
Best of BusinessKate Hawkesby: Another public holiday is a bridge too far for some small businesses
What a relief and not before time that we’re waving goodbye to the traffic light system. Big raps to the Government for getting their heads around that. We’ve…
Best of BusinessKenneth Leong: Meo co-founder on initiative to ensure masks don't end up in landfill
The masks are gone for all but a few sectors, but where do they all go? A new free recycling initiative is being launched by our biggest mask manufacturer to…
Best of BusinessJulie White: Hospitality NZ CEO says businesses will carry the cost of public holiday to honour Queen Elizabeth
Mixed feelings about a one off public holiday to mark Queen Elizabeth II's death. Monday, September 26 will be a public holiday, with a state memorial service…
Best of BusinessMark O'Donnell: Rockit CEO as Air NZ comes to rescue solving supply chain issues
Due to global supply chain issues, some shipping companies are leaving New Zealand off their schedule entirely. This is of course causing massive headaches for…
Best of BusinessStuart Nash: Tourism Minister says any remaining Covid-19 restrictions won't keep people from visiting
The Tourism Minister says any remaining restrictions won't keep people from visiting. Vaccine requirements for international travellers and the need to wear a…
Best of BusinessMatt Whineray: Super Fund CEO as superannuation value tumbles by $3.3 billion
New Zealand's superannuation value has tumbled by $3.3 billion. The value has dropped by nearly seven percent in the year to June, as sharemarkets around the…
Best of BusinessGreg Harford: Retail NZ CEO says easing of Covid-19 restrictions takes away a lot of tension and confusion
Praise for an easing of restrictions from our retail sector. Covid-19 restrictions have been scrapped almost completely, with only aged care facilities and…
Best of BusinessKatrina Shanks: Financial Advice NZ CEO on pay-later schemes struggling as many fall behind on payments
Questions have been asked as to whether we are seeing the running down of buy now pay later lenders and some are saying they have they done it to themselves…
Best of BusinessGrant Robertson: Deputy PM promises transparency around Covid-19 protocol
The Deputy Prime Minister is promising transparency around Covid-19 protocol. The decision about whether to do away with our traffic light system will be…
Best of BusinessBrad Olsen: Economist on data showing 8.7 percent increase in costs from grocery suppliers to supermarkets
Cost increases from grocery suppliers to supermarkets continue to accelerate. The Infometrics-Foodstuffs Grocery Supplier Cost Index shows an 8.7 percent rise…
Best of BusinessHannah McQueen: The situations in which you should consider switching banks
The stats suggest not many of us do it, but there are compelling reasons why you would – and also circumstances when you wouldn’t. Most people think only of…
Best of BusinessEve Lawrence: Haka Tourism GM says we should reconsider Sir John Key's idea of making trans-Tasman travel domestic
A tourism boss says we should reconsider Sir John Key's 2009 idea of making trans-Tasman travel domestic. In 2009, the then Prime Minister floated the idea of…