Best of Business

The latest ANZ Business Outlook survey indicates confidence is up - but not all companies are feeling optimistic about their recovery. Business confidence rose four points to +58 in February, while expected own activity eased one point to +45. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann says these figures paint a 'mixed' picture of the future.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for pr...

A new deal will put New Zealand at the top of Vietnam's diplomatic relationships list.  Prime Minister Chris Luxon has signed the comprehensive strategic partnership in Ha Noi. Just 10 other countries have signed such a deal with Vietnam.  Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says the details of the arrangement are still coming to light, but it could potentially mean extra security f...

Despite growing fears about Deepseek's growing presence, tech giant Nvidia is reporting an impressive sales result. Nvidia reported a surge in fourth-quarter profit and sales as demand for its specialized Blackwell chips, which power artificial intelligence systems, continued to grow. This has also boosted the company's stock. Greg Smith from Devon Funds Management says Nvidia has pulled ahead of...

New Zealand's KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut stores have helped drive millions in profits for global owner Restaurant Brands.  The multi-national company has reported a 5.4 percent sales growth in the year ending December - reaching $1.39 billion. The Kiwi division's recorded the highest net profit - at $41.7 million - and the Australia and California markets had losses.  Restaurant Associ...

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 Davidso...

Around 9000 clubs, societies, trade associations, professional and regulatory bodies and industry councils are in line to possibly be slapped with a tax bill. Inland Revenue has changed its interpretation of the law, and now believes the subscriptions and levies members pay to some not-for-profit organisations should be taxed. Independent tax expert Geof Nightingale joined the Afternoons team to e...

Ryman Healthcare has entered a trading halt as it proposes to raise $1 billion of new capital to reduce debt and reset the balance sheet. The retirement village operator was forced to offer shares at a significant discount to get investors on board.  Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New reports indicate over 9000 clubs, societies, trade associations and industry councils could be looking at a significant tax bill. Inland Revenue has changed the way it interprets a law - and they're keen to crack down on businesses they believe are 'masquerading' as charities to reduce their taxes. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains what this law change could mean g...

Media company NZME is considering separating its property brand OneRoof into an entirely new business. The company - which also owns Newstalk ZB and the New Zealand Herald - is reporting a full-year net loss of $16 million. Operating revenue is up 2 percent, but earnings are down by 3.6 percent. Chief Executive Michael Boggs says they're doing a strategic review of OneRoof. "How is it structured,...

Beer is reclaiming its popularity - in large part due to options with lower carbs and alcohol levels. Stats NZ has revealed the volume of beer for consumption has risen 5.4 percent to 296 million litres, after successive years of declines.  Volumes of wine and spirits have fallen. Brewers Association Executive Director, Dylan Firth, says low-carb beer makes up about 20 percent of the market a...

'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...

It's a good start to the year for wool farmers, as prices leap up to a historic high. Following a Covid-induced downturn, growth has returned to the sector - allowing farmers to do more than scrape by. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 is le...

Campervan company Tourism Holdings is being hit hard by a tough economic climate, according to new reports. The company's net profit for the six months ended December was $25.3 million compared to $39.7 million in the previous period - a 36 percent decline. CEO Grant Webster says there's an upside - as New Zealand rentals and sales have gone from 'strength to strength'. "New Zealand's been our sta...

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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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....

The Government is welcoming more foreign investment to New Zealand businesses by amending the Overseas Investment Act. The Associate Finance Minister David Seymour talks to Mike Hosking about the announcement, why it took as long as it did, how much money is coming into the country, and the sectors excluded from the reform.  LISTEN ABOVE.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat...

David Seymour has announced the Government will make it easier for Kiwi businesses to receive international investment.  The Associate Finance Minister said a reform will be made to the Overseas Investment Act.  How is the business world reacting?  Business New Zealand Director of Agency talks to Andrew Dickens.  LISTEN ABOVE.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor...

Christopher Luxon is heading to Vietnam this week for bilateral talks. This visit comes as the Asia New Zealand foundation put out a report which explores potential ways that we can improve our bilateral relationship with Vietnam. The report included strengthening trade in fashion and food, and collaborating on defence and security matters.  Chief Executive of the Asia New Zealand Foundation...

Xi Jinping had a meeting with prominent entrepreneurs this week... what was his message to them?   India is looking to cut import taxes in response to trump's reciprocal tariffs.  And Singapore has announced vouchers and tax breaks to help with rising costs.  Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis joins the show.  LISTEN ABOVE.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...

Farmer confidence has risen to its highest level in over a decade, rebounding from record lows in recent years, Federated Farmers says. The advocacy group has released its latest farm confidence survey, which shows falling interest rates, rising incomes and more favourable farming rules have led to the improved outlook.  The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio...

The Reserve Bank is urging the Government to take a hard look at Stats NZ, with a view to improving the timeliness and accuracy of key economic data. The department has been put under the microscope, with the central bank highlighting dramatic revisions to GDP (gross domestic product) as one of the reasons for a controversial reversal in its rate track in 2024. NZ Herald business editor at large L...

Air New Zealand is brushing off criticism from Aotearoa's largest airport. Auckland Airport CEO Carrie Hurihanganui has suggested the national carrier's too dominant in the domestic market, holding an 84 percent market share. She stated Air New Zealand wasn't meeting the needs of consumers or the regions. Its Chief Executive, Greg Foran says there've been adjustments in recent months - particularl...

The Child Poverty Reduction Minister attributes stagnant progress to tough economic conditions.  Annual figures to June show no real change since 2018, despite a cross-party commitment to halve the rate by 2028. More than 143,000 children are estimated to be living in material hardship.  But Minister Louise Upston says a growing economy will start to help.  "For some families, the c...

Australia's unemployment rate rose to 4.1 percent in January from 4 percent in December, in line with expectations from economists. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, employment increased by 44,000 last month, with full time positions increasing and part time roles dropping. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the Reserve Bank is largely hoping the unemployment rate keeps grow...