The SME Stream

Instagram's CEO just confirmed what most creators have been feeling for months: the algorithm doesn't care about your likes anymore. In this episode, I'm breaking down the real ranking factors Instagram is using right now, the six metrics that determine whether your content gets buried or pushed to 100K people, and the exact formula to fix your strategy before your reach tanks any further. If you'...

It’s a battle of the islands to become New Zealand’s economic engine room. All eight South Island Chambers of Commerce have launched a joint election manifesto highlighting their $100 billion contribution to the economy. They’re calling for more investment and productivity with the goal of lifting South Island GDP per capita to $130,000 by 2035. Representing around 7000 businesse...

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, Unemployment is up but is the picture as bad as it sounds? Insurance premiums are in the spotlight as the gov...

It's been a big week for the tech sector, with Meta and Microsoft moving to post their earnings. But it's sparked concerns about the future of AI, and whether or not another sector bubble is set to burst. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Island business leaders want to be recognised as the engine room of New Zealand's economy.  The eight chambers of commerce have launched a joint manifesto, representing around seven thousand businesses.  It calls for policies to lift productivity, with a goal of increasing South Island GDP per capita to at least $130 thousand by 2035.  Business Canterbury CEO Leeann Watson tol...

Australian fintech pioneer and serial entrepreneur Dom Pym knows a thing or two about starting companies and scaling them into market-leading players. This week’s episode of The Business of Tech dives into Pym’s extraordinary journey, from bootstrapping niche financial platforms to building one of Australia’s most popular digital banks – Up – and then reinventing hims...

What does it take to build a workplace where people genuinely belong and can do their best work? In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Evan Bateup, Partner and Chief People & Inclusion Officer at KPMG New Zealand. Drawing on a non-traditional career journey that spans operations, change, sales, marketing, and people leadership, Evan shares practical insights into leadershi...

New Zealand’s superannuation problem is something that constantly rears its head.  Whether it’s abolishing MPs’ gold-plated super scheme, if we should introduce means testing, or heighten the retirement age – one thing’s always clear... our status quo is untenable.  The annual cost of NZ Super has already risen from less th...

Conversations about reintroducing maximum sustainable employment to the Reserve Bank's monetary policy mandate and inflation targeting could be back on the table, following recent comments from Winston Peters. Peters had to let this issue go during the last round of coalition negotiations, but speculation indicates he's like to bring the issue up again the next time round.  Infometrics Princi...

91 petrol is set to stay below $3 a litre for the fourth week in a row, and that means the $50 weekly fuel payment for working families should be coming to an end.  The Government has always said any support would be timely, temporary and targeted — but with so much volatility in the Middle East, should it be extended?  Finance...

Employers with a good track records on seasonal workers could soon get useful stamps of approval. The Government's planning changes to the RSE Scheme. It includes an accreditation system and clarifying employers' rules on claiming for costs like transport. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says trusted businesses will be treated with a lighter regulatory touch. "You provide good accommodation, w...

Erica Lloyd on what this year's CEO Index finalists say about leadership, ambition and innovation. BusinessDesk CEO Index is sponsored by Range Rover. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

High-profile Mergers and Acquisitions on the NZX, reminder of deal activity. Mohandeep Singh from Craigs Investment Partners. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ANZ economist Dhiraj Nim on the strategic importance of the NZ-India FTA and how businesses can benefit from India's scale, growth and expanding economy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An easier pathway for seasonal workers to move between jobs as the Government plans changes to the RSE Scheme.  Its tweaks will focus on accommodation standards, clarifying rules, and strengthening pastoral care.  It also includes an accreditation system, meaning less paperwork for businesses with a proven track record.  Immigration Minister Erica Stanford told Mike Hosking this wil...

An economist says New Zealand is no longer in a cost of living crisis.   New Stats NZ data shows the cost of living for the average New Zealand household increased 3.2% in the year to June 2026 quarter.   It's the largest jump in more than four years, with higher petrol prices accounting for almost one-third of the annual increase  Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Mike Hos...

The rising cost of living is down to more than global uncertainty, according to one expert. Stats NZ data shows costs for the average household jumped 3.2 percent annually to June, a more than four-year-high. Petrol was the biggest contributor - skyrocketing more than 27 percent. Independent economist Cameron Bagrie says shocks like US tariffs and its war with Iran play a role, but core inflation...

Nicola Willis will like the inflation number that's come out. More importantly, she'll like the story that number is telling. Remember, her target audience is the squeezed middle. This is the battleground. This is the fight for the soft centre at the election: Labour versus National. These are the voters both parties are targeting. The Stats NZ figure for the year to the June quarter is 3.2 percen...

How do organisations build talent when the skills they need take years to develop? In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Kim Milne, Chief People Officer at Elf Group, including AB Equipment and Speirs Finance Group, to explore apprenticeships, leadership, workforce development, and the future of skilled trades in New Zealand. Drawing on her experience across operations, people...

The Government says escalation in the Iran war may move out the trigger-point for stopping temporary fuel-support payments. The $50 weekly payments for lower-income working families was meant to last a year from April, or until 91-octane stays cheaper than three-dollars a litre for a month.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis expects we'll reach the four-week threshold this week - but the latest...

Fed Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh is expected to hold rates at the central banks' next meeting. Forsyth Barr's Zoe Wallis joins Herald NOW. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rabobank’s GM RaboResearch comments on Trump’s latest increased tariff rates imposed by the US on NZ and 60 other countries. However, there’s good news for beef and a cautionary message for sheep meat. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The big macro-economic news this week is US Federal Reserve rate Decision on Wednesday. Shane Solly Harbour Asset Management. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TikTok's proving to be a powerful tool for New Zealand businesses.  A new Infometrics report shows the social media platform helped boost the local economy by an estimated $1.2 billion last year.  It found more than 670 thousand New Zealanders are visiting restaurants and cafes or making other purchases after discovering them on TikTok.  Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen to...

Imax has about 1% of the world's screens but made up 20% of the box office at opening weekend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.