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
Bryan Wall: Product test journalist on the research into the worst cars to own
Consumer NZ says ongoing mechanical problems put Fords to the top of its list of the worst cars to own. The US brand produced the two least reliable cars - in…
- Best of Business
Richard Corney: Flight Coffee co-founder on the growing popularity of iced coffee
Flat whites are out and iced coffees are in - and there's a wide range of factors behind this change. Cafes across the nation have noticed an uptick in younger…
- Best of Business
Hannah McQueen: Age Brightly founder with her tips for downsizing
It's important to make the right choices where it counts - and downsizing for retirement is one of those key decisions. One expert says it's important to make…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on what the Middle East conflict could do to inflation
The Reserve Bank says it's still unclear what today's Iran ceasefire announcement - and resulting dramatic fall in oil prices - mean for New Zealand. The…
- Best of Business
Brendan Larsen: Milford Asset Management expert on the market reactions to the ceasefire deal
Both US President Donald Trump and Iran have portrayed the last minute ceasefire deal as a victory for their nations. The nations accepted Pakistan's proposal…
- Best of Business
Neil Webster: Employment Hero spokesperson on the growing use of AI in the employment process
AI is taking up a significant role in New Zealand's employment operations, and one Kiwi company has opened up about the process. Employment Hero, which…
- Best of Business
Carol Yarrow: Cooladdi resident on selling Australia's smallest town
The two residents of Australia's smallest town have decided to sell up and move on. Cooladdi is a nine-hour drive west of Brisbane, and the new owner will be…
- Best of Business
Anna Breman: Reserve Bank Governor on whether the Middle East conflict could drive up the OCR
The Reserve Bank says there are still plenty of unknowns, after today's Iran ceasefire announcement and resultant oil price drop. It's held the Official Cash…
- Best of Business
Katherine Rich: BusinessNZ CEO on the weakening dollar helping rise commodity prices
A weaker dollar's helping commodity prices. ANZ’s Commodity Price Index hit a record high in March, rising 6.4% as the dollar weakened 2.8%. Global prices rose…
- Best of Business
Nick Leggett: Infrastructure NZ chief executive on what Auckland needs to improve in terms of infrastructure
One expert says it's important Auckland makes the most of what it has in terms of infrastructure, rather than daydreaming about future mega-projects…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the sheep and beef profits forecast for 2025-26
The average sheep and beef farm is forecast to make double what they did last year - according to new projections. The Mid-Season Update by Beef + Lamb New…
- Best of Business
Billie Moore: Airports Association chief executive on the increase in airlines axing flights
There's no surprise regional flights are some of the first on the chopping block for Air New Zealand. The airline says rising jet fuel prices are making it cut…
- Best of Business
Rachel Tan: Waikato University Cyber Law lecturer on the best method to regulate social media
A push for policymakers to veer away from an outright social media ban for under-16s. A select committee inquiry's recommending tightening rules on content…
- Best of Business
Carl Taylor: Combined Building Supplies CEO says most builders feeling fuel price increases
A nationwide survey by the Combined Building Supplies Co-operative has found that 84% of members have felt moderate to significant impact from fuel price…
- Best of Business
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the ongoing economic costs of the Iran war
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has been taking place for five weeks, and it's started to impact financial results. Data shows business confidence has…
- Best of Business
Chris Quin: Foodstuffs North Island CEO on farmers raising questions over supermarket food prices
A farmer has revealed he gets paid 60 cents for 1kg of peas - which were selling for $5.79 at the local Pak’n’Save. This has prompted questions about where the…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on ASB facing a $6 million dollar fine for breaching anti-money laundering rules
ASB is facing a fine of around $6 million for breaching anti-money laundering rules. Banks are required to do their due diligence with their money, in order to…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on KMD Brands announcing an equity raise drive following multimillion-dollar loss
After multiple delays, Kathmandu’s parent KMD Brands filed its half-year results, revealing details of a discounted capital raise and news that chairman David…
- Best of Business
Chris Keall: NZ Herald senior business writer on the rise and fall of Allbirds
Allbirds, the eco-chic footwear brand co-founded by former All White Tim Brown, has agreed to sell its 'intellectual property and certain other assets' to…
- Best of Business
Kieran McAnulty: Labour MP on his member's bill designed to loosen liquor regulations on public holidays
Labour MP Kieran McAnulty says his member's bill to loosen liquor regulations on key public holidays will clear up confusion. It would allow hospitality venues…
- Best of Business
Bodo Lang: Massey University marketing professor on Allbirds selling its assets for $68 million
Allbirds, the sustainable footwear maker co-founded by ex-All White Tim Brown, says it has sold its 'intellectual property and certain other assets' for $68…
- Best of Business
Greig Wilson: Epic Hospitality CEO on Good Friday and Easter Sunday alcohol restrictions getting reduced
Some restrictions on Good Friday and Easter Sunday alcohol sales could be gone as soon as this long weekend. A member’s bill from Labour MP Kieran McAnulty…
- Best of Business
Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber Chief Executive on business confidence slumping amid oil shock
All signs are pointing towards inflation going up as the Middle East conflict causes business confidence to plummet. ANZ's latest Business Outlook survey shows…
- Best of Business
Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on what the oil price increases mean for both sides of the Tasman
The Middle East conflict continues on for another week, and it's led to economic forecasters revising their predictions for recovery. Significant cuts to…
- Best of Business
Paul Fuge: Consumer NZ spokesperson on the planned increase in power prices
Power bills are set to go up from tomorrow, from as high as 5 to 10 percent. Electricity lines charges are set to go up, following an earlier Commerce…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host recaps the 2026 Federated Farmers High Country Field Day
The Federated Farmers High Country Field Day recently took place at Glenaray station in the Waikaia Valley. Over 280 visitors visited various sites across the…
- Best of Business
Nick Tuffley: ASB Senior Economist on the revised economic outcome forecasts, impact of Middle East conflict
With so much uncertainty in the Middle East, people should focus on preparing for different scenarios that could affect their businesses, ASB chief economist…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on oil prices surging as Iran war continues
The Brent crude oil price is on track for a record surge as the conflict in the Middle East continues. Oil prices have been climbing all month as a result of…
- Best of Business
Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister comments on progress of proposed LNG terminal in Tauranga
Chris Luxon says the Government's proposed LNG important terminal in Taranaki will only proceed if it makes commercial sense. A procurement process was…
- Best of Business
Dane Ambler: Buy NZ Made executive director calls for policies to prioritise NZ suppliers amid closures
There's growing calls for Kiwis to buy New-Zealand made products as pressures mount on our manufacturing sector and local producers. This follows the recent…
- Best of Business
Mark Stirton: Warehouse Group CEO is 'pleased' with first half results
The Warehouse Group has reported a first half net profit after tax of nearly $16 million. CEO Mark Stirton told Heather du Plessis-Allan he is 'pleased' with…
- Best of Business
Dr Samantha Marsh: senior public health researcher at UOA on Meta and Google losing court case over social media harm
A Los Angeles jury recently found Meta and Google guilty of designing harmful social media platforms that encourage addictive behaviour in users. The jury…
- Best of Business
Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on ACT confirming the Government's hit pause on the surcharge ban
Labour may still hand a lifeline to the Government's much-touted surcharge ban. The policy was announced with much fanfare last year - with Minister Scott…
- Best of Business
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the Government refurbishing Channel Infrastructure’s empty Marsden Point fuel storage tanks
The Government is looking at potentially helping Channel Infrastructure increase its fuel storage capacity at Marsden Point. Channel - New Zealand’s largest…
- Best of Business
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on the NZX dropping 1.53 percent amid Iran conflict
The New Zealand sharemarket turned downwards, finishing with a fall of over 1.53 percent. The conflict in the Middle East has continued on, and oil prices have…
- Best of Business
Catherine Beard: BusinessNZ Advocacy Director on the Reserve Bank Governor's speech about fuel prices and the impact on inflation
It’s believed businesses will hold off on hiking prices for as long as possible as rising fuel prices risk pushing inflation up. Reserve Bank Governor Anna…
- Best of Business
Cath O'Brien: Board of Airline Representatives NZ executive director on the warnings that airlines will have to cut NZ flights in fuel shortage
International airlines could be forced to cut flights in and out of New Zealand if fuel shortages lead to a rationing of supply. Concerns have been raised…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the groups vying to take over Molesworth Station
The fight is on to run New Zealand's largest farm. Five contenders have put up their hand to commercially farm in Marlborough's Molesworth Recreation Reserve…
- Best of Business
Jason Delamore: Lotto NZ chief executive on the new changes coming to Lotto
Lotto's ramping up its prizes and number of winners and lifting the biggest win from $50 million to $60 million. It's adding another four Powerballs - which…
- Best of Business
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on Australia establishing a new trade deal with the EU
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen have unveiled the details of a new trade deal today. This deal has…
- Best of Business
David Hadfield: Process Vegetables NZ chairman on McCain closing its Hastings processing plant
There's shock from vegetable growers at news frozen food company McCain is shutting its Hastings processing plant next year. McCain says it reflects a shift in…
- Best of Business
Richard Wyeth: Synlait CEO on the $80.6 million half-year loss, future of the company
Synlait's boss says the company's facing its toughest period in 20 years, but hopes a turnaround is near. The Canterbury milk processor's posted a half year…
- Best of Business
Kay Oliver: UK correspondent on Prime Minister Starmer calling an emergency meeting on economy
Over in the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to chair an emergency meeting on the economic fallout from the ongoing Iran war. The conflict has entered…
- Best of Business
Lynda Keene: Tourism Export Council CEO on the rise in overseas visitors cancelling New Zealand trips
Reports indicate more overseas visitors are cancelling trips to New Zealand, generating more concerns about the nation's economic recovery. A new survey shows…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on oil prices rising as a result of the Middle East conflict
Oil prices have risen as the fall out continues from the ongoing Middle East crisis. Brent Crude oil rose about US$1 to be just above US$113 a barrel in early…
- Best of Business
Sagarika Chandra: Fitch analyst reveals why the agency changed New Zealand's rating
Major credit rating agency Fitch needs more confidence our Government will lower debt before it will change our rating. It reduced New Zealand's AA+ rating…
- Best of Business
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the Government's planned cost relief measures for households impacted by fuel crisis
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has revealed plans are in place to unveil a package to help households with the cost of fuel. She says more details will be…
- Best of Business
Karl Dean: Federated Farmers Dairy Chair on Fonterra reporting a 2.8 percent lift in first-half net profit to $750 million
There's a view Fonterra's strong result today is unlikely to climb much more. The dairy giant's reported a 2.8 percent rise in first-half net profit to $750…
- Best of Business
Dr Michelle Dickinson: nanotechnologist on the latest AI developments at NVIDIA GTC
NVIDIA GTC took place last week in San Jose, where thousands of developers and industry experts gathered to discuss the latest AI breakthroughs. The sessions…
- Best of Business
Jamie Mackay: The Country host explains the impact the Wattie’s closure could have on farmers
The Wattie's restructure is likely to have a significant economic impact, where more people could be affected by the shutdown. Heinz Wattie's has proposed…
- Best of Business
Michael Reddell: former Reserve Bank economist on the state of the economy following recent GDP figures
Former Reserve Bank economist Michael Reddell says it's getting harder to know how much the economy's growing or shrinking. Stats NZ estimates GDP rose 0.2…
- Best of Business
Michael Luke: Milford Asset Management expert on the impacts of the ongoing conflict in Iran
The conflict in the Middle East is continuing on for another week, and it's got experts concerned about the economic impacts. Iran's blocking shipping in…
- Best of Business
Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on the RBA increasing the OCR for the second month in a row
Over in Australia, the Reserve Bank bumped the OCR up to 4.1 percent, up by 0.25 percentage points. This is the second significant hike it two months, and it's…
- Best of Business
Shane Jones: Resources Minister explains why Crown funds should be directed towards geothermal sector
The Resources Minister is insistent Crown funds should help heat the geothermal sector. A Government strategy has been released on its plan to double the use…
- Best of Business
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on data showing food prices rose 4.5 percent in the year to February
There's fears there'll be no slowdown any time soon to the rapid rise in food prices. Stats NZ figures show they rose 4.5 percent in the year to February…
- Best of Business
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on the RBA hiking the OCR up again amid inflation concerns
The Australian Reserve Bank has increased interest rates by 0.25 percentage points, up to 4.1 percent. This is the second month the RBA has lifted rates, with…
- Best of Business
Sam MacKinnon: Hospitality NZ Head of Communications and Advocacy on the Government's changes to alcohol laws
There's praise for Government's aims to smooth the process for venues to serve alcohol during major televised events like the Rugby World Cup. The bill…
- Best of Business
Kerre Woodham: New Zealand's conflict of interest problem
What I found more outrageous on the internet yesterday was yet another example of this country's propensity for doling out jobs for the boys and indeed the…
- Best of Business
Mark Troughear: Freightways CEO on the impacts of the Middle East crisis and fuel prices
The Government is considering its options if petrol prices keep rising, but the head of Freightways is warning people not to panic. The conflict in the Middle…
- Best of Business
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on the market reactions to the third week of the Iran conflict
The conflict in the Middle East has entered its third week and there's concerns about what it could do to the markets. Iran's still restricting movement…