The SME Stream

There's concerns about what the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could do for oil prices and inflation. Iran's sent retaliation strikes across the Middle East after US and Israeli attacks killed their Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamene. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen unpacked the short and long term concerns. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Debate suggests a change is needed See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent conflict in the Middle East has sparked concerns about the wide-reaching implications for the global economy. The US and Israel launched strikes at Iran over the weekend, killing Ayatollah Khamenei - and Iran has since launched strikes from Tehran. Harbour Asset Management expert Shane Solly explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Promising signs when it comes to consumer arrears.  The latest Centrix data shows the number of people behind on their payments in January was 491 thousand.  That was up 20 thousand from December, largely expected due to seasonal trends.  But Chief Operating Officer Monika Lacey told Mike Hosking that despite the seasonal increase, arrears are still down on last year by almost 1%.&n...

Ethical investing seems to be a hot topic when it comes to choosing an investment fund or KiwiSaver provider.  I've often heard providers boast that their fund is ethical - they avoid weapons manufacturers, focus on renewable and sustainable energy - you won't feel a possible sense of guilt around where your money is going.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio...

In this episode, I break down why saturated markets aren’t something to avoid - they’re actually the smartest and most profitable places to start a business in 2026. I share real examples from my own shapewear brand, my students, and the businesses I’ve built, and walk you through how to find your unique angle in any crowded industry. 👉🏼 https://www.makeithappen.org.nz/ 📲 Soci...

The Government has highlighted issues within the KiwiSaver Act that have prevented a number of Kiwis from using their accounts to buy a home.  Many workers in rural areas, like farm workers, rural police and teachers, are often required to live in housing provided by their employer - which stops them from being able to withdraw their KiwiSaver for a first home as they're unable to live in it....

A barrier stopping rural workers from using KiwiSaver is being lifted. Farm workers, rural teachers, police and defence staff have been unable to make first-home withdrawals, because they’re required to live in employer housing. The Government’s now allowing them to use their savings, including towards buying a farm. Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Ryan Bridge that these workers ha...

Premium apple demand is at the core of a strong financial result for T&G Global. Its revenue has increased by 14% to $1.6 billion and its net profit after tax is $16 million, up from a loss of $9.9m. Global Chief Executive Gareth Edgecombe told Heather du Plessis-Allan that the Chinese and US markets in particular have been buying more of the premium Jazz, Jolie and Envy apples. LISTEN ABOVE S...

The latest in business news with Garth Bray. Thanks to Forsyth Barr. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers say new KiwiSaver rules are a win for rural staff looking to buy property. Farm workers, rural teachers, police and defence personnel can now use KiwiSaver to buy their first home, or even a farm, due to the Government lifting a long-standing restriction. Previously, these workers were blocked because their jobs required living in employer-provided housing. Federated Farmers' Dairy Chair K...

Garth Bray joins Ryan Bridge Today to talk the day's biggest business stories. Thanks to Forsyth Barr. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An economist says benefit sanctions aren't working.  The traffic light system was introduced last year and beneficiaries who failed obligations like taking part in Work and Income assessments.  Infometrics principal consultant Rob Heyes says the number of beneficiaries has continued to rise after they were introduced.  He told Heather du Plessis-Allan that it's goal of getting peopl...

"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,  Tariff news is back on the agenda, so will it bring more economic wobbles? People are slowly opening up the...

Air New Zealand is fighting with one hand tied behind its back facing local costs its international competitors avoid.  The national airline's announced a $40 million half-year loss.  The new Chief Executive says airlines are a cyclical business, and New Zealand is disproportionately exposed to local inflation.   Nikhil Ravishankar told Mike Hosking some of the other airlines making...

Garth Bray joins Ryan to talk business with thanks to Forsyth Barr. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More New Zealanders are putting their faith back into the housing market.   ASB's latest survey shows confidence has lifted sharply this quarter, with respondents who expect house prices to rise over the next year jumping from 17% to 30%.  Chief Economist Nick Tuffley says it's a buyer's market and advises caution when it comes to banking on strengthening house prices.  But he told...

With dairy farming for the 24/25 season at record production and income export levels, a well-known rural finance commentator comments on the multiplier effect of Fonterra’s $3.2 billion capital repayment to its farmer shareholders in the 25/26 season.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Leaders Getting Coffee episode 57, our guest is The Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand. A typical Kiwi upbringing was a hallmark of young Christopher Luxon’s life. The oldest of three brothers, he grew up in Christchurch and later Auckland, with working parents and a work ethic that was obvious early. He was a sports mad kid, but it didn’t stop there....

A half-tonne metal “donut” silently floating in a vacuum chamber in Wellington might sound like science fiction. But as you’ll hear in the latest episode of The Business of Tech, it’s very real – and it could reshape New Zealand’s role in the global race for nuclear fusion. This week, I sit down with BusinessDesk journalist Greg Hurrell to unpack OpenStar &rsquo...

The PM ponders Trump’s tariffs and the potential of selling Pāmu. He also discusses the industry kickback against the RMA rural reforms and falling electricity prices. Plus, the fall of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (the artist formerly known as Prince). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A positive financial result has gentailer Meridian thinking about infrastructure upgrades.  It recorded a half year profit after tax of $227 million. Chief executive Mike Roan says they're considering increasing capacity at the Pukaki dam in the Mackenzie basin.  He says it's still early days though.  "The question that I've asked the team is - is it economic to do it? Does it actua...

NZ Property Investors Federation's Matt Ball joins Ryan to discuss the concerns See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PGG Wrightson’s chief executive is naturally upbeat about his company’s good half-year result, a barometer of the positivity in the rural New Zealand economy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI firm Anthropic has made upgrades to their Claude model and it's sparked concerns about what this could mean for markets and jobs. Claude specialises in coding and technology, and IBM's stock recently took a hit - with experts citing the model as a reason. Milford Asset Management expert Andrew Curtayne explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.