The SME Stream

OpenClaw is the moment AI stops feeling like a clever chatbot and starts behaving like something closer to a digital co-worker. In the latest episode of The Business of Tech, you’ll hear exactly why. Veteran software developer and AI entrepreneurMike Hall joins me to break down what OpenClaw actually is in plain language. It’s not another prompt-and-response assistant, but a particular...

Our new Reserve Bank Governor says she has full confidence in the people making OCR decisions.  The Monetary Policy Committee, chaired by Anna Breman, has decided to keep the OCR unchanged at 2.25% for now.  It says while inflation is above the target band, the economy still needs some time to recover.  Breman told Mike Hosking the committee will make the best decisions it can, base...

The new Reserve Bank Governor is standing by the first OCR decision she's overseen - keeping the cash rate at 2.25 percent. Anna Breman said the Bank isn't happy with inflation being at 3.1 percent, but it's likely it will drop later in the year. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Signs the job market is on the up.   New Seek data shows job ads have grown by 1.5% since October and are now 11.7% higher year on year.   Gisborne's led monthly growth with an almost 4% increase, while Marlborough's the only region with a record annual decline in ads, at -6%.   However Seek Country Manager Rob Clark says the fact growth stretches across regions and industries is a...

We’ve had the first monetary policy decision from the new Reserve Bank Governor, and it’s not until you get a new captain at the helm that you realise just how little confidence you had left in the previous one. Now, to be fair, it’s early days for Anna Breman. We’ll judge her by what she does from here on in. But she does start with a clean slate - without us reading too m...

The new Reserve Bank Governor will deliver her first Monetary Policy Statement today.  The central bank's expected to keep the OCR unchanged at 2.25%.  It's likely to show when inflation should start easing, and when the economy should recover from last year's downturn.  BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones told Mike Hosking today’s announcement will likely see them swap out the mil...

The Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong says the party wants to replace super with a new support system See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Freightways Chief Executive, Mark Troughear, says the new border tax is unfairly applied and talks about the company's efforts to address this issue with the government. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We'll learn today, where the new Reserve Bank Governor sees the OCR heading. The central bank's expected to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 2.25 percent. Governor Anna Breman will be releasing her first Monetary Policy Statement since taking charge 11 weeks ago. It's likely to show when inflation should start easing, and when the economy should recover from last year's downturn. Econ...

The business events sector's working to bump up our international multi-day conferences, which are currently lagging behind domestic bookings.  A Business Events Industry Aotearoa report shows events contributed $925 million to the economy last year.   Multi-day conferences generated approximately 1.5-million visitor nights for accommodation, nationwide.  BusinessNZ Advocacy Directo...

Labour has raised some concerns over the FTA with India, but Finance Minister Nicola Willis is pushing back. The opposition says they want the un-redacted advice about the deal and greater protection for migrant workers.  Nicola Willis says there's strong aspirations in the agreement to promote investment. "What it's saying is - let's both agree to promote significant levels of investment in...

Labour’s trade spokesman comments on the Indian FTA, whether Labour will support it, and ponders who the candidates for the West Coast Tasman electorate could be. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Garth Bray joins Ryan for an update on today's markets news, thanks to Forsyth Barr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are hopes Auckland's new International Convention Centre will be a huge drawcard for international delegates.  A Business Events Industry Aotearoa report reveals the sector delivered $925 million for the economy last year.   It shows international delegates here for conferences spent $645 daily on average – higher than holiday visitors.  CEO Lisa Hopkins told Mike Hoskin...

Labour's issued a list of demands for the Government before it will sign up to the Free Trade Agreement with India. Chris Hipkins says the FTA needs stronger safeguards against exploiting migrants. He wants the full official advice on the deal released to Labour. He says the Party's particularly concerned around the expectation Kiwi businesses will invest $33 billion in India over 15 years. "I thi...

New housing data shows the market hasn't quite matched the mood of the economy as of yet. The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand says housing sales are down 5.4 percent from January last year. Prices were also softer, with REINZ's House Price Index dropping 0.6 percent compared to December.  Property Investors Federation expert Matt Ball says it looks like the housing market will stay flat...

Small wins for the retail sector, as confidence reaches a two-year high.  A report by Retail NZ shows almost 77% of retailers surveyed in the fourth quarter of last year are confident their business will survive the next 12 months.  The proportion of retailers with low confidence has almost halved since the third quarter of last year to just 6.6%.  Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young told M...

Westpac's economists are picking 6 consecutive OCR hikes from December - they're forecasting that it will hit 4% by the end of next year.  The OCR dropped to 2.25% just before Christmas, which is where it stands now, but there have been rumblings for some time that we'd start seeing hikes soon, as all major banks lifted long-term loan rates.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for...

We've started to see spots of what looks to be recovery in our economy over recent months.  It's not consistent, but it's frequent enough to give us some hope for the year to come.  Westpac is picking a whole lot of OCR hikes from the end of this year, and other forecasts seem to set a similar scene - a better economy is coming, and rates will have to reflect that when the time comes.&nb...

The Prime Minister says Labour's concerns with the India Free Trade Agreement is "politicking", and Chris Hipkins wanting attention.  Labour's saying they want the un-redacted advice about the deal and greater protection for migrant workers.  In a letter to Chris Luxon, Chris Hipkins wants more clarity about the clause which requires New Zealand business to invest $33billion into India.&...

Herald Now Business host Garth Bray joins Ryan to talk the latest news in business, thanks to Forsyth Barr. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour is hesitant to put their support behind an India FTA without the government meeting certain conditions.  It says free trade is a net positive, but agreements shouldn't cause harm to New Zealand - which is what we risk with this FTA.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The prime minister celebrates great results for New Zealand’s red meat sector, discusses RMA reforms, and rules out a water tax. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An investment company boss predicts New Zealanders will have to work into their 70’s for the country to afford superannuation. Milford's Blair Turnbull says it's inevitable the age for super will rise - and be means tested. Koura Wealth Managing Director Rupert Carlyon joins Heather to discuss whether it should be government or personal responsibility to make sure you have enough for retirem...

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, Hallelujah - Westpac’s latest data says the economy is looking up but will it lead to a boom? …t...