The SME Stream

Big changes to consenting processes could be on the way. Currently, 67 building consent authorities receive and approve consents – with each one taking a slightly different approach to the rules. Building and construction minister Chris Penk has proposed creating larger regional authorities to help standardise the process and reduce costs for builders. New Zealand Certified Builders Chief Executiv...

The Government announces a significant shake up to building and construction with reform of the building consent system.  They have proposed a number of potential changes; including establishing consenting authorities to replace the 67 BCAs New Zealand currently has, allowing councils to team up on building consents, and creating a single point of contact for building plans.  Minister for Building...

Working from Home has been a topic of debate this week with the Government’s new directive on the subject.  Kevin Milne is a bit split on the issue, but there is one thing he’s clear on: surely propping up other businesses isn’t a valid reason to force people back into the office?  LISTEN ABOVE  The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice....

Fonterra is paying its second-largest dividend in its history. How the dairy co-operative's finances have changed and why its future may too. 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 cont...

Kiwi dairy farmers can breathe a sigh of relief following Fonterra's successful results. The dairy giant posted a $1.1 billion dollar net profit and confirmed a 55 cent total dividend for the past financial year. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains what this news means for the wider dairy sector. LISTEN ABOVE   The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or profe...

For the love of all that is holy - can we just introduce a capital gains tax and be done with it?  I am so sick of it dominating the headlines. The issue is never ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever going to go away, despite two Labour Prime Ministers ruling it out, despite Christopher Luxon ruling it out - it comes up. It's like a nagging child, “I want a capital gains tax. I want a capital gains...

The Warehouse Group says this year's unacceptable earnings have two parts. It's posting a $54.2 million net loss after tax. Last year it made a $29.9 million profit. Sales at The Warehouse and Noel Leeming are down 5.3 percent and Warehouse Stationery is down 6.7 percent. Interim CEO, John Journee says they get it right most of the time, but it needs to be all the time. "Part of it is strategy and...

Leading Kiwi retailer The Warehouse Group has posted a significant net loss off the back of a tough trading environment. The company today posted it announced a net loss of $54.2 million - a contract to last year's $29.8 million net profit. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann says it's unclear if the Warehouse can recover from this. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain gene...

The Trade Minister has revealed how he managed to get the trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates over the line so quickly. Todd McClay and counterpart Minister Al Zeyoudi signed the deal this morning to remove 98.5 percent of export duties on goods. McClay says he'd been working negotiators hard for four months following an exchange earlier in the year. "We made a commitment together then t...

A lucrative free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates could be signed into action today.  Trade Minister Todd McClay is meeting with his Emirati counterpart as part of his three-day visit to Wellington.  Negotiations for the FTA began in May, meaning it would be less than 100 days to get it over the line.  Former trade negotiator Charles Finny told Mike Hosking there's huge potential for...

Chris Hipkins is doubling down on the idea of a shake-up to the tax system.  ANZ boss Antonia Watson says the "time has arrived" for a capital gains tax.  Both Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis rejected the call, joking that the boss of a big Australian bank just wants to take more money off Kiwis.  The Labour leader told Ryan Bridge New Zealand's tax system's loaded against wor...

A PWC tax partner says discussions around a Capital Gains Tax will continue, as the country grapples with raising enough revenue. ANZ head Antonia Watson has told RNZ the time has come for a Capital Gains Tax. Sandy Lau says it'll likely be in the mix of options officials consider in long-term planning for New Zealand's tax system. "I don't think having a Capital Gains Tax is going to be the silve...

Musician and Shihad frontman Jon Toogood shares his best and worst money stories with Liam Dann.  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 content of the podcasts.  See omnystudio.com/lis...

Labour still isn't ruling a capital gains tax in or out, following comments from the boss of our biggest bank.  ANZ CEO Antonia Watson says while she isn't jumping for joy about the prospect of a capital gains tax, the time has come to for a tax on realised gains.  Labour's Carmel Sepuloni told John MacDonald that Watson is just another example, of a prominent figure who's now open to the idea.  S...

Tonight on The Huddle, Kiwiblog writer and Curia pollster David Farrar and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Do we really need a Capital Gains Tax? ANZ CEO Antonia Watson has joined the growing calls for one but Heather's not on board - what do we think? Another review into the Northland power pylon inciden...

I don’t know where Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis get this idea from that you can only do a hard day’s work if you’re physically in the office or on the premises, as opposed to working remotely from home.  Because, from my experience, there is a hell of a lot of time wasted in a lot of workplaces.  Nevertheless, the Prime Minister and the Public Service Minister are giving government workers...

The popularity of working remotely has continued to surge among Kiwi employees - prompting some new directions from the Government. Prime Minister Chris Luxon has ordered Wellington-based Government departments to call their staff back into the office to boost performance and keep local businesses going. Infometrics economist Gareth Kiernan unpacks the latest stats - and wonders if the Government'...

KiwiSaver investments have broken the $100 billion mark. The Financial Markets Authority's report for the year to March 31st reveals funds reached $111.8 billion - jumping 19 percent from the previous year. Member contributions have risen to $11.2 billion and returns are strong at $13.1 billion. Financial Markets Authority director John Horner says this shows numbers are bouncing back following a...

It’s in the name. Sam Levi is as luxe as they come when it comes to running a business. Sam started up his first-of-its-kind beauty brand  Luxe Sticks in lockdown and has since become a force to be reckoned with in the business world.  On launch day, Luxe sticks sold out within 48-hours on launch day, fast-forward to now, Sam hosts an entrepreneurial TV show: Take Your Shot with Sam Levi .  Find o...

An aging workforce is resulting in shortages in sectors vital to New Zealand’s economic development.  New Zealand’s Manufacturing, Engineering and Logistics sectors need an extra 40,000 workers by 2028.  The Workforce Development Council is launching a campaign to get boots on the ground.   Workforce Development Council CEO Phil Alexander-Crawford tells Mike Hosking New Zealand has a unique opport...

RMA Minister Chris Bishop's revealed two laws will replace the old system -- one to manage environmental effects arising from activities, and another to enable urban development and infrastructure. Under-Secretary to the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Simon Court, joined Tim Beveridge on The Weekend Collective to discuss.  LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general informati...

Most people have an automatic contribution sent into their KiwiSaver at the end of their pay period - but experts say everyone should do an annual check on their accounts.  It's recommended that contributors check if they should change their plan or provider before or after a big life event.  Ben Brinkerhoff is the Head of Advice at Consilium and he joins Tim Beveridge on The Weekend Collective to...

Our sovereign wealth fund is set to double in the next decade. How will its new CEO meet its growth demands? 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 content of the podcasts.  See omnystu...

Many people who own large assets or investments have one question at the front of their minds - where are interest rates headed?  Shane Solly from Harbour Asset Management joins Tim Beveridge on The Weekend Collective to discuss this and more.  LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts...

Two electricity companies could join forces to become the second largest player. Contact Energy’s CEO & Chairman explain why they’ve been trying to takeover Manawa in secret. 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 f...