The SME Stream

An urge for Kiwis to not worry about market impacts from Donald Trump's tariffs on their KiwiSaver.  The US President's slapped import levies on Canada, China, and Mexico, and has signalled more for other countries.  Trump says he's spoken with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over easing tariffs on the auto sector.  But Milford Asset Management head of KiwiSaver Murray Harris...

As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina Shrimpton each week as she gives you a rundown of the biggest stories that could impact on your business, so you can make informed decisions with expert advice. In this weekly wrap, a shock resignation from our Reserve Bank Governor, the trade war continues to escalate in the US, so what...

New Zealand is not stranger to tectonic shifts, perched as it is on a volcanic belt, but the current geopolitical quakes may prove an entirely different matter. The University of Waikato's Dr Reuben Steff joins the podcast to argue that without joining the high tech-focused pillar two of the Australia, UK and US (AUKUS) agreement, NZ may find themselves at a major disadvantage in the new worl...

The Trade Minister says he's taking potential disruption to trade very seriously.   US President Donald Trump has sent stocks tumbling across the world after lumping tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico, who are promising retaliation. Todd McClay says it'll directly affect New Zealand companies in those countries - such as Fisher and Paykel in Mexico. He says it could move us even closer to Ch...

It's a big week for the New Zealand stock market, and one expert is taking a look at the highest performers. As results reporting continues, some companies are bringing in more for investors than others. Milford Asset Management's Sam Trethewey explains further. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. A...

One expert has delivered a grim outlook for share markets around the world.  Stocks have tumbled after US President Donald Trump slapped tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico.  Infometrics Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan says markets surged after the election with thoughts that Trump might promote growth.  He says there might not be a quick fix for the issue.  "I suspect it's goi...

In the first of their regular catch ups, Business Canterbury’s Leeann Watson joined John MacDonald in studio to dig into what’s happening on the business front.  They discussed how business owners are feeling, and what can be done to help them continue to gain confidence and grow in the region.  LISTEN ABOVE  The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general...

The coalition Government wants more homes to be built cheaper and faster, yet official data shows an annual 7.2 percent drop in the sector. New data from Stats NZ shows that in the year ended January 2025, there were 33,812 new homes consented, down 7.2 percent compared with the year ended January 2024. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen explains further. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the&n...

Economists are outlining their predictions as Australia prepares to release a GDP update tomorrow. The Australian economy is predicted to have grown faster over the December quarter, but the effect of inflation still linger. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham explains further. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professi...

[VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE]  US tech behemoth Microsoft is the first hyperscaler to open a data centre in New Zealand and has acquired more land to expand. Its head of NZ explains if its bet is paying off, and how she got Satya Nadella on side. [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE ]  US tech behemoth Microsoft is the first hyperscaler to open a data centre in New Zealand and has acquired more land t...

A recent report found that women lag behind men in investment property ownership, despite a fairly even result for owner-occupied homes.  Nichole Lewis joins to discuss why the numbers are so off, and how you can start from zero.  LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed...

Today’s episode is for anyone who’s looked at the price of houses in this country and felt a bit depressed - for many, it seems like that particular dream out of reach, so why bother trying? While housing is expensive, there are other ways to get onto the housing ladder – but there’s a fair bit you need to know to ensure it doesn’t go pear-shaped.  To help everyo...

[VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE ] Some of our largest companies are cutting costs to survive as investors shatter their stock. Equities analyst Aaron Ibbotson assesses the earnings season damage. The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its relate...

Home ownership rates among women have gone up, but there's concern financial barriers are holding them back from investment properties. The latest edition of CoreLogic’s Women & Property Report shows that 23 percent of women had sole ownership of a property compared to 20.9 percent for men, with mixed-gender ownership accounting for 56 percent. CoreLogic Chief Property Economist Kelvin D...

As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina Shrimpton each week as she gives you a rundown of the biggest stories that could impact on your business, so you can make informed decisions with expert advice. In this weekly wrap, some big news for the retail sector with confidence and sales up, and more powers to apprehend thieves, tou...

Bitcoin advocate Cody Ellingham joins the podcast to explain why we he is advocating for everyone, everywhere to get Ellingham explains his vision for how Bitcoin could put people's financial power back into their hands, rather than under the control of financial institutions and governments. Plus, we talk AI language Gibberlink and Apple's $500 billion promise to Trump. Subscribe on   iHeart...

'Special Economic Zones' or energy precincts could be established to strengthen New Zealand's fuel and energy security, according to the Government. Cabinet will consider a range of options in the first half of this year. Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones says special economic zones - areas with less regulations - are already used widely overseas. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen unp...

If you've ever lent money to a friend or family member and never seen that cash again - a new app could turn that situation around. A former banker turned Hawke’s Bay farmer has created a peer-to-peer lending app designed to simplify and formalise loan agreements between peers or friends, and it's believed to be the first of its kind in New Zealand. Amico creator Tom Aitken says this service...

Rate relief has arrived, ending two years of economic arrest. But banks may not pass on the cuts - Sean Keane explains why. The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the co...

Business owners are being encouraged to work with neighbours to keep small towns 'alive'. Napier City Business general manager Pip Thompson says Napier and Hastings CBDs become ghost towns after 5pm, when stores close. She says 'to stay alive in 2025', trading hours need to no longer be confined to 9-to-5. But Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young says a single store can't make the change alone....

Retailers are hoping a sales rebound means an industry uptick has begun. Stats NZ data shows total retail sales increased 0.9 percent in the three months ending December - against the quarter before. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly says this is a good sign for the economy - but warns companies not to get ahead of themselves. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain&nbsp...

Companies are raising hundreds of billions of dollars to achieve AI supremacy. PrimerAI founder Sean Gourley says it’s not just a tech trend – it’s the only way to deter war. The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its rel...

if you have a mortgage, you’re likely weighing up your next move after the Reserve Bank cut the Official Cash Rate from 4.25% to 3.75%.  More than 80% of mortgages are due to refix this year, because most people have been opting for floating rates or short terms,  waiting for the right time to pounce as interest rates fell.  So is that time now or should you continue to wait?&...

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand cut the OCR by another 50 basis points this week.  Homeowners and hopeful buyers alike have been eagerly watching recent OCR announcements as interest rates continue to fall.  But why aren't the banks following suit?  LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice....

The Government today has announced plans to overhaul the Overseas Investment Act.  Among the reforms announced, it will fast track overseas investment for decisions to be made within 15 days, and empower the Government to intervene if a transaction is not in the country's best interest.  The overhaul would make it easier for New Zealand businesses to get new investment from overseas, as...