The SME Stream

Latest confidence survey shows 70% of farms are turning a profit. Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford joins the show to discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Business of Tech, I talk to Neara co‑founder Jack Curtis about how a “physics-based digital twin” of electricity grids is changing the way we plan, build and protect electricity infrastructure – from Taranaki to Texas.  Neara has just raised A$90 million in a Series D round led by US investment firm Technology Crossover Ventures (TCV), which also invested in...

In this episode, I dive into the uncomfortable truth about why successful women are still getting paid less - even when we’re outperforming everyone around us. I break down the real numbers, the invisible systems working against women, and the subtle biases that show up in workplaces, negotiations, and even expert speaking opportunities. I want you to understand exactly what’s happenin...

New Zealand’s export boom is accelerating. New international trade figures show exports climbed to 29.2 billion dollars in the December quarter - up 2.2 billion on a year earlier. Two-way trade also jumped to just over 61 billion. Trade Minister Todd McClay told Ryan Bridge dairy is performing strongly, with meat exports up a remarkable 21 percent. He says growth has soared with countries we...

A record portion of new bank lending to first-home buyers is going to those with small deposits. More than half of the $1.1 billion lent to first-home buyers in January went to borrowers with deposits of less than 20 percent, according to the latest Reserve Bank figures. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...

New Zealand’s exports are booming, driven by rising global demand for food.  New trade figures show exports surged to $29.2 billion dollars in the December quarter – up $2.2 billion on a year earlier.  Two-way trade also leapt to just over $61 billion.  Business NZ CEO Katherine Rich told Mike Hosking the country produces enough food to feed around 50 million people.&nbs...

Independent economist comments on the state of the world economy as war breaks out in the Middle East. We talk trade implications, interest and exchange rates, inflation, oil prices, equity markets, consumer demand and time frames for the conflict. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

The Labour leader joins Ryan to discuss some of the day's most pressing concerns See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Propopoly is a startup that aims to give everyday New Zealanders a chance to enjoy the benefits of being a property developer. The business allows people to buy shares in a property development and get a payout when those properties are sold. Founder Dehardt van der Merwe explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Market expert Greg Boland with an update on the markets, following escalating conflict in the Middle East. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tourism continues to be a major force in the economy.  Stats NZ says it shows tourism spending in New Zealand has hit $46.6 billion, up 3.3% on last year.  International visitors spent $18.1 billion – a 7% jump.  Tourism Industry Aotearoa CEO Rebecca Ingram told Mike Hosking this set of data runs until March 2025, and there’s been a tremendous amount of effort invested s...

The Electricity Authority is being accused of tinkering around the edges instead of solving the real issues with the electricity market.    The authority will introduce a set of new rules from October 30th which will force power companies to tell customers if they're on the best plan they provide.   Power company Electric Kiwi's Chief Executive Huia Burt told Mike Hosking that won't...

Business leader Fraser Whineray reveals his idea for KiwiSaver 2.0 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conflict has seen oil prices jump, and could mean higher costs at the pump. But Finance Minister Nicola Willis says it doesn't mean we need to re-think the Marsden Point oil refinery. It ceased refining operations in 2022 and has been converted to an import-only fuel terminal. Willis says it would still have needed to import the oil - but adds there's some resilience in the system. "Last year,...

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.