The SME Stream

AI is getting a lot of attention, but for many businesses the real challenge isn't the technology - it’s knowing what to trust in order to achieve their ambitions. In this episode of The SME Stream Podcast, Wilhelmina O'Keeffe talks with Nicky Preston about the findings from the latest One NZ AI Trust Report. They explore why trust is becoming critical to successful AI adoption, where AI is...

Why are burnout rates still so high years after COVID, and what can leaders actually do about it? In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Professor Jarrod Haar, one of New Zealand’s leading workplace researchers, to explore burnout, workplace loneliness, leadership, wellbeing, and the future of work. Drawing on decades of research and data collected across New Zealand work...

Queenstown has long been associated with jet boats, ski fields and postcard-perfect mountains.  But if veteran entrepreneur and online travel heavyweight Roger Sharp has his way, the resort town’s next big export won’t be adrenaline, it will be software. Sharp, who has spent decades at the cutting edge of online travel with companies like Webjet, Lastminute.com.au and WebBeds, is...

The Official Cash Rate has risen for the first time in three years — but does that mean mortgage rates are about to climb too? Tamsyn Parker is joined by NZ Herald Wellington Business Editor Jenée Tibshraeny to unpack the OCR hike, the risk of inflation becoming embedded and why fixed-term borrowers may not feel the impact immediately. They also examine an OECD report suggesting New Z...

The Minister of Agriculture and Trade is sitting in for the Prime Minister this week, and again, he has to defend the Indian Free Trade Agreement from Winston Peters’ criticism. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RBNZ's Chief Economist tells Herald NOW Business how inflation expectations will shape path of interest rates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brad Gordon from Forsyth Barr joins the show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot of the companies we talk to are having to cut their cloth to fit instead of simply lifting prices. Matthew Goodson from Salt Funds Management. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 the predicted growth has since turned flat and negative. Milford Asset Management expert Jeremy Hutton explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Home owners are being warned their insurance claims could be declined if their local councils deem their properties to be at risk of natural hazards. According to Land Information New Zealand, 25,614 properties have natural hazard risks flagged on their titles. That means 25,614 properties may be at least partially uninsurable. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained furthe...

RBNZ data shows price hikes smaller and more frequent now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 percent higher year on year. Spending on clothes fell most - at 4.2-percent - its fourth straight decrease. First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson told Ryan Bridge retailers have to be hungry in the market, with strong retail disciplines - bu...

The central bank says when firms see inflation above 3%, they respond by adding more fuel to that fire, leading to further OCR hikes to rein it in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The OCR has risen, but does that automatically mean your mortgage rate will rise with it? Economist and commentator Bernard Hickey explains what really drives fixed mortgage rates, why New Zealand’s banks remain exceptionally profitable, and whether the Reserve Bank has moved too soon while the economy remains weak. He also decodes the jargon surrounding monetary policy — including haw...

Rabobank’s Sydney-based senior strategist, global economics and markets, on the Reserve Bank’s OCR hike and its implications for inflation, interest rates and economic growth. Picton also discusses renewed Middle East tensions, rising oil prices and the outlook for further rate increases. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Xbox gaming division. It's the latest in a string of mass layoffs by the tech giant alongside major investment in AI. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explained the implications of this move. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...

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Trade Minister Todd McClay's praising the success of the Indian Prime Minister's weekend visit.  Narendra Modi swept through Auckland on Saturday off the back of our Free Trade Agreement, mapping out a path to 2030 with Prime Minister Chris Luxon. Todd McClay told Mike Hosking that the meetings were positive, and the Government's fulfilled its promise of making a growth in Indian relations, a...

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Narendra Modi's visit has added further impetus to the excitement surrounding the Indian market.  India's Prime Minister attended a series of business, political and community events in Auckland on Saturday. He's agreed to a roadmap with Chris Luxon - aiming to double two-way trade by 2030.  India Business Council Chair Edwin Paul told Ryan Bridge why he isn't concerned about the $20-bil...

The Employers and Manufacturers Association is pushing for a bipartisan approach to business policy ahead of the election. The EMA wants greater certainty for businesses. Including plans for manufacturing, a clear energy future and stable settings.  Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald told Mike Hosking that as long as everyone can agree on the major settings, it shouldn't matter which government g...

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As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina O'Keeffe each week as she gives you a rundown of the biggest stories that could impact your business, so you can make informed decisions with expert advice.   This week,  Was our economy ready for an OCR hike? The seven countries National is eyeing up for trade agreements, and c...