The SME Stream

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...

The National Party is aiming to introduce legislation for its proposed social media ban for under‑16s before November’s election. The move, replicating a ban already in place across the Tasman, might look like a neat political fix – but it is far more likely to fail, backfire and leave our kids and critical infrastructure less safe. That’s the stark warning from veteran tech cons...

In this special series of The SME Stream Podcast, Wilhelmina O’Keeffe steps inside some of Aotearoa’s most loved small and medium businesses - exploring their culture, their stories, and how coffee helps bring people and ideas together. In this episode, Wilhelmina catches up with Greig Brebner & Todd Graydon to explore the journey behind their globally recognised brand, Blunt. From...

What does it take to lead people, strategy, and transformation in an environment of constant change? In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Cath Lomax , Chief People & Strategy Officer at Southern Cross, to explore the intersection of strategy, leadership, workforce capability, and organisational transformation. With responsibility spanning people and culture, strategy, and...

The Prime Minister discusses Marsden Point fuel security, South Island flood recovery and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit. He also rejects calls to phase out synthetic fertiliser and backs televising the Young Farmer of the Year contest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank Governor doesn't want to hinder New Zealand's economic recovery any more than she needs to.  Anna Breman has confirmed the first OCR hike in more than three years – lifting it from 2.25% to 2.5%.  Former Governor Adrian Orr was open about trying to "engineer" a recession during the last cycle of OCR hikes.  Breman told Mike Hosking that's not what she's trying...

Tonight on The Huddle, Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners and NZ Herald senior correspondent Katie Bradford joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Reserve Bank increased the OCR, for the first time in 3 years. Do we think this was the right call? Do we think this is good news for the state of the economy? Both Labour and National have announced new solar...

The Finance Minister's again reiterating the volatility of oil prices as fighting resumes between the US and Iran.  US President Donald Trump's declared the ceasefire is over as both sides accuse the other of breaching the terms of the ceasefire agreement.   American forces have hit dozens of Iranian targets, while Iran's fired drones at US bases in response.   Finance Minister Nico...

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The Reserve Bank Governor says Kiwis will ultimately benefit from today's OCR hike - the first in more than three years. The cash rate has been raised to 2.5 percent. Governor Anna Breman says inflation's been eating up household budgets. She says getting inflation back down helps everyone. "It will actually make sure that households get their purchasing power back, they can spend more, they can g...

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People are not moving between jobs as seamlessly as they should in a productive economy, thanks to overly restrictive employment contracts. This is the conclusion reached by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), after a major new study spanning 15 countries including New Zealand. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See...

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There are signs of optimism in the New Zealand economy, but are we ready to believe in the recovery? Liam Dann and Tamsyn Parker look at the latest economic signals, from falling petrol prices and a stronger sharemarket to the lingering pressure on households. They also discuss new research showing young New Zealanders are more worried about the cost of living than their global peers, the impact o...

All eyes are on the Reserve Bank this week, as it prepares to make its latest call on the Official Cash Rate.  Just weeks ago, a hike looked likely.  But as Wednesday’s announcement approaches, that once-simple story has become a lot more complicated.  Fuel prices have fallen, inflation fears have softened, and economists are now sharply divided on whether the Bank s...

In an exclusive interview from Rome, Guy Haddleton tells Ryan Bridge about his plan for NZ properity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s special agricultural trade envoy says efforts to expand the country’s trade links are good news for exporters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Westpac report says removing barriers for women-led businesses could add up to $10 billion a year to NZ’s GDP. Cat Feaunati, Westpac NZ Head of Business.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With second quarter earnings season getting underway, what’s top of mind for investors right now? Roger Garrett from Craigs Investment Partners.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ANZ card spending data flat for June, lifting over 12 months; ComCom putting more resources into enforcing rules and penalties for grocery supply deals.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's thought another split vote could be on the cards for today's OCR decision.   The Reserve Bank will announce its decision at 2pm.   BNZ Head of Research Stephen Toplis expects a 25 basis point increase, taking it from 2.25% to 2.5%.   He told Mike Hosking the war in Iran has increased uncertainty about the economy's future.   Toplis says banks have already priced in three r...

There's concern around restraint of trades being cut and pasted across all levels of the workforce.  A new OECD study reveals 43% of the country's employees are covered by them – more than the 14 other countries surveyed.   The study notes it's fair for companies to require employees to wait some time before starting work for competitors, but notes some could be going overboard wit...

There's division over whether the Official Cash Rate will be hiked or hold steady at 2.25 percent.  ANZ and BNZ are both picking it will be raised by 25 points.  NZIER is expecting the Reserve Bank's board to be split and for Governor Anna Breman to make the captain's call on it.  NZIER Senior Economist Ting Huang told Ryan Bridge her own group had mixed views but one prevailed.&nbs...

Perhaps the greatest, fairest and most sustainable option is helping roughly half the population do better in business.' Garth Bray 2degrees Business.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when a serious workplace issue lands on your desk and everyone is looking to you for answers? In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with employment lawyer Matthew Dearing to unpack what effective leadership, decision-making, and risk management actually look like when organisations are navigating high-pressure employment relations situations. With experience spanning s...