The SME Stream

The Prime Minister ponders meat and massages, a recovering economy, and whether peace in the Middle East is a pipedream or in the pipeline. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a difficult period last month, US equity markets appear to be on the up. The prospect of a new Iran deal appears to have inspired some hope as well, with fuel prices dropping down again. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has commissioned an investigation into workplace conduct and culture at the Financial Markets Authority. The ministry, which is tasked with monitoring the financial market regulator, has appointed Kirsty McDonald KC to lead the investigation. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/...

An economist believes the number of unemployed Kiwis might be close to peaking. The rate reached an 11-year high in the June quarter, on 5.6 percent - up from 5.4. Many say uncertainty fuelled by the Iran war is discouraging employers from taking on staff. Westpac Senior Economist Michael Gordon says the labour market could be nearing its weakest point. "We were starting to see some momentum picki...

Could more babies be the answer to New Zealand’s economic problems? Liam Dann and Tamsyn Parker unpack Winston Peters’ proposed $45,000 Kiwi Kids Grant, ask whether cash can really lift the birth rate, and look at why migration may still be the more realistic path to growth. Plus, why Christchurch and the regions are outperforming Auckland—and whether rising building consents off...

The Prime Minister is in damage control mode after telling struggling business owners in Rotorua to “be adult”.  Christopher Luxon made the remarks at a business event, and they’ve sparked a fierce backlash.  He’s since had to apologise after being labelled out of touch and patronising.  So, is this a gaffe&nb...

Political panelists Trish Sherson and Russel Norman on Christopher Luxon offending and then apologisng to small business owners. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wages in the retail sector have risen - with the average wage reaching $30.94 per hour, up 1 percent on last year. This comes amid difficult conditions impacting the sector, which faced shrinking margins and falling sales. It was also lower than the annual rate of inflation, which was 4.1 percent in the June quarter. Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young says many workers also make extra money off commissio...

The New Zealand Business Hall of Fame will induct its 2026 Laureates on Thursday, Partners life founder Naomi Ballantyne is one of them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Auckland Business Chamber believes it's about time the big four energy gentailers are split up. It's released a two step policy alongside the Northern Infrastructure Forum - calling on political parties to break up the big four gentailers, and increase renewable generation. CEO Simon Bridges says if we want affordable, abundant energy, then changes need to be made.  "What we've got at the...

Andrew Ede from Craigs Investment Partners explains why central banks remain cautious and what higher-for-longer rates mean for NZ investors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scepticism from retailers that Police will turn up to a theft - as shoplifting rises to its highest level in 15 years. Police laid the highest number of charges in 15 years, across 2024/25. This resulted in the highest number of convictions being dished out in the country’s courts. Retail NZ Advocacy Manager Denise Garland told Ryan Bridge Police are stretched - and says it's the lower level...

Signs of life in the economy as overall debt improves.   Centrix data for June shows consumers' credit performance is continuing to improve, with arrears plunging to the lowest level since 2021.   However, the results still show 84 thousand people with payments 90 or more days overdue.  Independent economist Cameron Bagrie told Ryan Bridge there seems to be a bit less stress on our...

Unemployment's expected to increase, but it might not be all bad news for the economy.  Many economists are expecting unemployment to increase from 5.3% to 5.5%.   ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner feels volatility due to things like the war in Iran is starting to fade.   She told Mike Hosking businesses seem to be getting used to uncertainty – they’re realising they ca...

Farms are doing well, farmers are spending and what they need is there when they need it.' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when workplaces stop avoiding difficult conversations and start leaning into them? In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with HR consultant, facilitator, workplace investigator, and founder of HR Butter, Kate Bacchus. Drawing on decades of experience across operational industries, leadership development, workplace investigations, and conflict resolution, Kate shares pr...

New Zealand’s unemployment rate is already at an uncomfortable level, and may be heading higher again. Young people and jobseekers in Auckland, Wellington and the Bay of Plenty are facing an especially tough market, leaving many wondering why the recovery is taking. Tamsyn Parker and Liam Dann discuss the latest unemployment figures and whether AI is squeezing the juice out of entry-level ro...

The Finance Minister says fuel support will stay in place until the Government is confident prices won't spike again.  It's extending the in-work tax credit, higher mileage rates for health workers and eligible patients, and reimbursements for relievers.  That's despite average pump prices sitting below $3 for four weeks.  Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking the measures will return to...

Airwallex’s Lowry Gladwell says Kiwi finance leaders are moving faster on AI, using new tools to boost productivity and transform global business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steelworx director Chris Barrett on Luxon's comments to business leaders, saying he won't be voting National after 30 years supporting them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PMG’s Rory Diver on a $700m commercial property fund iopening access to more Kiwis, with investments from $1,000 and strong demand for quality property See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forsyth Barr Investment Strategist Zoe Wallis with your Monday Market outlook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boss of the French family firm that paid $4 billion for Fonterra's brands gives rare interview with Aussie Financial Review. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the cost of living crisis is driving your day-to-day costs up, putting money in to a Kiwisaver might not seem appealing.  But is it still important to keep the flow of money in to Kiwisaver going? And what do you do when you want to get started investing in an index fund? Founder and Managing director of Koura wealth Rupert Carlyon joins Tim Beveridge for Smart Money to discuss.  LI...

Moving into a retirement village can offer community, convenience and freedom from maintaining a family home — but the financial arrangement is very different from buying property. Anthony Harper law firm partner Jenny Baldwin explains occupation right agreements, ongoing fees, capital gains, deferred management fees, exit delays and the potential cost of moving into aged care. Plus, what re...