The SME Stream

A lot of the companies we talk to are having to cut their cloth to fit instead of simply lifting prices. Matthew Goodson from Salt Funds Management. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent reports indicate the listed retirement sector in New Zealand has continued to struggle in 2026. Share market expectations were high in the new year, but the predicted growth has since turned flat and negative. Milford Asset Management expert Jeremy Hutton explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Home owners are being warned their insurance claims could be declined if their local councils deem their properties to be at risk of natural hazards. According to Land Information New Zealand, 25,614 properties have natural hazard risks flagged on their titles. That means 25,614 properties may be at least partially uninsurable. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained furthe...

RBNZ data shows price hikes smaller and more frequent now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Belief sluggish retail spending is a reminder retailers need to stick to the basics. Stats NZ says core retail spending last month was only 0.4 percent higher year on year. Spending on clothes fell most - at 4.2-percent - its fourth straight decrease. First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson told Ryan Bridge retailers have to be hungry in the market, with strong retail disciplines - bu...

The central bank says when firms see inflation above 3%, they respond by adding more fuel to that fire, leading to further OCR hikes to rein it in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The OCR has risen, but does that automatically mean your mortgage rate will rise with it? Economist and commentator Bernard Hickey explains what really drives fixed mortgage rates, why New Zealand’s banks remain exceptionally profitable, and whether the Reserve Bank has moved too soon while the economy remains weak. He also decodes the jargon surrounding monetary policy — including haw...

Rabobank’s Sydney-based senior strategist, global economics and markets, on the Reserve Bank’s OCR hike and its implications for inflation, interest rates and economic growth. Picton also discusses renewed Middle East tensions, rising oil prices and the outlook for further rate increases. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Microsoft is cutting 4800 jobs - about two percent of its global workforce - in a sweeping restructure. Most cuts are part of a restructure of its struggling Xbox gaming division. It's the latest in a string of mass layoffs by the tech giant alongside major investment in AI. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explained the implications of this move. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Minister Todd McClay's praising the success of the Indian Prime Minister's weekend visit.  Narendra Modi swept through Auckland on Saturday off the back of our Free Trade Agreement, mapping out a path to 2030 with Prime Minister Chris Luxon. Todd McClay told Mike Hosking that the meetings were positive, and the Government's fulfilled its promise of making a growth in Indian relations, a...

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Narendra Modi's visit has added further impetus to the excitement surrounding the Indian market.  India's Prime Minister attended a series of business, political and community events in Auckland on Saturday. He's agreed to a roadmap with Chris Luxon - aiming to double two-way trade by 2030.  India Business Council Chair Edwin Paul told Ryan Bridge why he isn't concerned about the $20-bil...

The Employers and Manufacturers Association is pushing for a bipartisan approach to business policy ahead of the election. The EMA wants greater certainty for businesses. Including plans for manufacturing, a clear energy future and stable settings.  Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald told Mike Hosking that as long as everyone can agree on the major settings, it shouldn't matter which government g...

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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...