Live at the Nut Bar

So, what comes next for New Zealand’s housing market? In part two of our housing market deep dive, DC and Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr turn their attention to 2027 and beyond. Jarrod shares his outlook for house prices, what could help — or derail — a broader recovery, and why different regions could continue to tell very different stories. They also zoom out to the next 10 to 20 years, co...

In part one of our housing market deep dive, DC is joined by Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr to look back at the extraordinary run in Kiwi house prices, what drove the boom and subsequent fall, and why different parts of the country are now heading in different directions. They cover the impact of ultra-low interest rates, migration and housing supply, why Christchurch and the South Island ha...

The Reserve Bank lifted the Official Cash Rate (OCR) to 2.5% on 8 July 2026 — but does that mean New Zealand's economy is finally turning a corner? In this episode, DC and JB discuss why the Reserve Bank made the call, whether more OCR hikes are likely, and why they're not convinced the recovery is as strong as policymakers expect. They also discuss: Why mortgage rates may not rise much further Wh...

In this episode David Cunningham is joined by Squirrel Head of Advisory Callan Wayne-Bowles and Squirrel Adviser Kat McInnes to explore the reality of first home ownership in 2026, revisiting Callan’s headline-making claim that “anyone can buy a house in four years.” The team breaks down: how KiwiSaver can accelerate your deposit what banks are really looking for the impact of credit cards and Buy...

Why do we make financial decisions that feel right… but cost us in the long run? In this bonus episode of Live at the Nut Bar, Chief Squirrel David Cunningham is joined by Katie Wesney (enable.me) and Squirrel mortgage adviser Emma Wallace to unpack the behavioural habits quietly holding New Zealanders back from building wealth. From “well-intentioned waiting” to first home buyer blindspots, they...

In the season finale, JB and DC pull up a stool at the Nut Bar to chat about the final OCR cut of 2025, why house prices haven’t boomed, what’s tugging the housing market in different directions, and why 2026 should feel better—though still a bit weird in an election year. Happy holidays everyone! If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at david@s...

This time DC is joined by Kat McInnes and Dave Tyrer to dive into better ways to manage your home loan. They talk cashbacks, clawbacks and what to watch out for. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at david@squirrel.co.nz or John@squirrel.co.nz .   The opinions expressed in this podcast are not financial advice, or a recommendation of any...

Jessica James talks to JB and Sarah Hahn from TRA about exactly property how developers can use hard facts obtained in our research to connect with the hearts and minds of buyers. Particularly important in today's competitive market. If you're a property developer, there are actionable insights in this ep so it's a must listen! If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about,...

This week JB is joined by Sarah Hahn from TRA and Nathan Miglani from Squirrel's Christchurch office to talk all about the recent research that we undertook to find out all about what home buyers are really looking for in a new home. If you're a property developer, builder or architect you won't want to miss this! If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch w...

The NZ housing market has been...sluggish at best. Let's dig into the dirt and discuss what's going on. DC and JB are joined by Mary Jo Vergara , Senior Economist at Kiwibank for this discussion. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at david@squirrel.co.nz or John@squirrel.co.nz .   The opinions expressed in this podcast are not financial...

Calling all first home buyers - DC describes this moment as the "Goldilocks time" for getting into your first home. Conditions are JUST RIGHT. In this episode DC is joined by the fabulous Mortgage Adviser Emma Wallace , and Cotality's Nick Goodall to get their valuable insights into the property market. Listen for the state of the market, insights from other buyers and not-to-be-missed tips to hel...

How US tariffs affect NZ homeowners and savers - should we all be concerned? JB and DC weigh in to the ongoing debate and dig into how we might be affected here in New Zealand by events elsewhere. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at david@squirrel.co.nz or John@squirrel.co.nz .   The opinions expressed in this podcast are not fina...

Is there light at the end of this loooong tunnel? We're all feeling it, the economic relief that's been promised just hasn't quite eventuated. JB and DC get philosophical and talk about how thing are coming right, but we're just not quite there yet. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at david@squirrel.co.nz or John@squirrel.co.nz .   The...

Yes that's right, JB returns to the pod this week to chat with DC all about the OCR and the word on the tip of everyone's tongue right now...yep it's the dreaded tariffs! Plenty to discuss this week. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at david@squirrel.co.nz or John@squirrel.co.nz .   The opinions expressed in this podcast are not financ...

Here's part two of our discussion with Simon Jensen , President of the Banking & Financial Services Law Association to the Nut Bar. If you missed part one last week, don't forget to go back and check it out. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at david@squirrel.co.nz or John@squirrel.co.nz .   The opinions expressed in this podcast ar...

This week we welcome Simon Jensen , President of the Banking & Financial Services Law Association to the Nut Bar. Him and DC chat about Adrian Orr, the Reserve Bank and...loan sharks. Tune in next week for part two with Simon! If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at david@squirrel.co.nz or John@squirrel.co.nz .   The opinions expressed...

When you get a mortgage, the bank requires you to have home insurance. But what about YOU? This week, DC delves into the importance of “insurance for humans” with Willie Moala from AdviceFirst. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at david@squirrel.co.nz or John@squirrel.co.nz .   The opinions expressed in this podcast are not fi...

This week we just had to dive right in and discuss the breaking news which was the shock resignation of the Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr. Why did he go, what is his legacy and what characterised his time as Governor. David Cunningham discusses all of this and more with Dave Tyrer. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at david@squirrel.co.nz...

Welcome to season 3! DC introduces our first guest, Jessica James and they have a brief chat about this and that. So much to come this year - as well as the usual interest rate and economy commentary, we'll be doing some deep dives on popular topics like property development, property investing, buying your first home and more. Look out for upcoming season 3 eps. If you have any questions or thing...

This week it's the season finale with Bevan Graham , Chief Economist at Salt Asset Management. JB and Bevan discuss NZ's productivity problem - are we unproductive as a nation or simply incompetent? We get loose-lipped about the politicians and generally have a bit of a rant about the state of things. Happy holidays everyone! If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, ge...

This week David Cunningham and Dave Tyrer discuss allll the things OCR! Like, how the latest 0.5% cut is likely to affect people. We all know that the OCR means interest rates go down, which is great for mortgage borrowers - but what about the flip side, savings accounts and term deposit rates will fall too. We dissect how both sides of the market will be affected and what's likely to happen from...

We're back after a brief hiatus! This week JB and DC are debating the differences between mortgage brokers and banks (you know which camp we're in) - and the hot topic in the press around slow mortgage approval times at the banks. What's going on there? If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at david@squirrel.co.nz or John@squirrel.co.nz .  ...

David Cunningham and Dave Tyrer yarn about how to manage your mortgage in a falling interest rate environment. Surely the answer is to go on a floating rate and wait for the rates to drop? Think again...listen to find out what the best strategy is and why. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at david@squirrel.co.nz or John@squirrel.co.nz . &nb...

This week we welcome David Grubb from Valocity onto the pod. He and DC talk our national obsession, property prices. Will we see a rapid recovery in prices? If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at david@squirrel.co.nz or John@squirrel.co.nz .   The opinions expressed in this podcast are not financial advice, or a recommendation of any fina...

This week it's the two Daves: David Cunningham and Dave Tyrer, discussing home loans and deposit interest rates. They talk through how to manage your mortgage and your savings through the interest rate fluctuations we're currently undergoing, and unpick what the 2.2% consumer price index (CPI) rate means. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at...