The SME Stream

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...

In this episode, I break down the seven hidden reasons your business isn’t growing - the ones no one talks about but almost every entrepreneur struggles with. From undercharging and trying to serve everyone, to fear of success, lack of systems, and thinking like an employee instead of a CEO, I walk you through the real issues silently holding your business back. You’ll hear practical e...

The Government's announced an independent review of the fiscal response to the Covid pandemic.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis says it will look at any lessons the country could learn to improve its monetary policy response to future events.  It will probe decisions by the Reserve Bank's Monetary Policy Committee and advice it received – including the decision to print $55 billion...

Garth Bray joins Ryan for the day's business update, with thanks to Forsyth Barr. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Garth Bray joins Ryan Bridge to chat the latest moves and news in markets, with thanks to Forsyth Barr. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Signs of fatigue with another review of the country's Covid-19 response now in the works.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis new inquiry looks at the Reserve Bank's monetary policy decisions, including printing $55 billion.  Findings are to be released just weeks before Election Day.  Massey University business professor Claire Matthews says there's potentially some value in it, but th...

A shared ambition for the Canterbury region - is expected to secure the region's long term success.  Business Canterbury, The Canterbury Mayoral Forum and the private sector have come together to form shared goals for the region. Business Canterbury Chief Executive Leeann Watson told Mike Hosking that everyone agrees they need to invest in what makes the region unique - which is better infras...

In Leaders Getting Coffee episode 56, our guest is the founder and CEO of Resonate Health, James Whittaker.  James started life in the UK and began his career in one of that country’s most iconic companies, British Airways. The story of how he became an entrepreneur on the other side of the world is both entertaining and inspiring. He came to New Zealand with his young family as tourist...

The Prime Minister reminisces about his t-shirt faux pas from last year’s barbecue, before discussing the free trade agreement with India. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand loves to boast about its clean, green energy story. With around 80 to 90% of grid electricity coming from renewable sources like hydro, wind and geothermal, we look like one of the world’s quiet success cases on decarbonisation. But beneath that headline number lies a much more precarious reality. When lake levels fall and gas supplies tighten, our energy system starts to look ve...

Consumer NZ expects power prices to increase by about 5% this year.  It’s after households were already hit with a 12% increase to power bills last year.  But what does that all mean? Will it make winter that much colder? Will we have to cut back on groceries? Will people be able to afford the increase?  Today on The Front Page, Consumer NZ’s Powerswitch&n...