The SME Stream

The biggest upshot of the latest OCR cut is likely to be the boost to consumer confidence.  The Reserve Bank's slashed the cash rate by 50-basis-points to 2.5%.  Major banks are responding by lowering floating and flexible rates after already lowering their fixed-term rates in recent days.  ABC Business Sales Chief Executive Chris Small told Mike Hosking businesses will benefit more...

The Reserve Bank has cut the OCR by 50 basis points to 2.5 percent, despite acknowledging inflation is still above where they'd like it. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says they've factored in broader economic conditions. She says the central bank clearly thinks any fluctuation in inflation will be constrained by spare capacity in the economy. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper...

The Reserve Bank today slashed the OCR by 50 basis points to 2.5 percent, prompting markets to make readjustments. This recent cut wasn't full priced in, and it's got some experts re-thinking their OCR outlooks ahead of the end of the year. Milford Asset Management's Remy Morgan explains further. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial ...

Good news - the Reserve Bank has finally done the thing many of us thought was necessary, and they've gone for a double cut in the OCR of 50 basis points. That's the good news. The bad news is that they've been forced to do it because they didn't do it earlier, as in, they haven't cut as quickly as they should have. I mean, think back to July when they actually chose not to cut at all, which...

Ever wonder why some entrepreneurs stay stuck making $2-3K/month for YEARS while others replace their salary in 6-12 months? It's not luck or a better idea - it's strategy. In this episode, I break down the exact roadmap for transitioning from side hustle to full-time business, including: ✨ The mindset shifts that separate side hustlers from business owners ✨ Why most people plateau at $3K/month...

The Reserve Bank is expected to cut the Official Cash Rate today, but how deeply it will cut remains to be seen. Markets are pricing in the cut as a certainty, but the debate is now on how big it will be. So, what could a cut mean for mortgage holders and the average Kiwi? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor at large, Liam Dann is with us to dive into the Reserve Bank’s upcomi...

Trade Minister Todd McClay has confirmed trade negotiations with India are progressing - but there's still a ways to go. New Zealand and Indian trade negotiators met in Queenstown last month for a third round of formal negotiations for a free trade agreement. The Country's Hamish McKay explained further. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financi...

Former All Black Mils Muliaina is set to trade rugby fields for the boardroom as he steps into his new role. He recently joined the Auckland Business Chamber board, becoming its first Pasifika director in the organisation's history. Mils Muliaina says this new role came to him as a surprise, but he's welcoming the new opportunity.  "I'm supposed to provide a voice for the communities, especia...

The Auckland Business Chamber’s bracing for the new incentive to encourage more teens to join its youth employment programme. It uses its business network to connect them with jobs. Chief Operating Officer Leah Gates says it's tough right now for teens. "And in a tight labour market, they're disproportionately affected and they're competing against more experienced workers." LISTEN ABOVE The...

The best way to get the most out of your credit card? Cut it up. That’s the advice from Luke Kemeys, accountant and host of the ‘Keep the Change’ podcast. Luke joins Nadine to share the reasoning behind his controversial opinion.  The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the pod...

Auckland city centre store owners believe homelessness, anti-social behaviour and not enough police is crippling their trade. Heart of the City surveyed 102 business owners - with 91 percent saying rough sleeping and begging was affecting their business. Seventy-two percent weren't satisfied with the standard of Queen Street's cleanliness. Chief Executive Viv Beck says enough is enough - and it's...

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. This week, The government moves to supercharge the energy sector, but is it enough to bring down prices? Property prices in...

Asset-rich but cash-poor? You’re not alone. Cam Bagrie, founder of Equity Release NZ,  joins Nadine to talk about the growing range of ways retirees can unlock money tied up in their homes. Covering reverse mortgages and home reversion schemes, Cam explains how each option works, the financial trade-offs, and why family arrangements should also be part of the conversation. Join us for a...

How is AI reshaping recruitment in New Zealand, and what must candidates do to stand out in a crowded digital job market?  This week’s episode of The Business of Tech answers those questions with insights from Kara Smith, New Zealand country manager for global recruitment agency Talent, and Jack Jorgensen, head of data and AI at Talent’s sister company Avec.  Stiff economic h...

In May, we launched this season of Money Talks with Nigel Latta - clinical psychologist, author, broadcaster, and friend of host Liam Dann. With the sad news of Nigel’s passing, we’re reissuing that conversation to honour his voice and perspective. The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in...

The state of central cities is a big issue as local body elections loom.  Both Wellington and Auckland’s CBDs are suffering, with the percentage of empty retail spaces jumping.   In Auckland, major retailers such as DFS Galleria and Smith & Caughey have left or closed their doors.  So how do you rejuvenate a city?   Leeann Watson, CEO of Business Canterbury, and Viv B...

The Government's opted against a significant energy shake-up - rejecting calls to re-nationalise or split up the big gentailers.  Instead, it'll offer the Crown-controlled companies more capital to invest in generation projects. Energy Minister Simon Watts explained the changes further here today. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial...

The Government's opted against a significant energy shake-up -- rejecting calls to re-nationalise or split up the big gentailers.   Instead, it'll offer the Crown-controlled companies more capital to invest in generation projects.  It will also establish a Liquified Natural Gas import facility, give the Electricity Authority greater power, and speed up consenting renewable energy project...

The Government finally unveiled its plan to address issues impacting the energy sector, and it's prompted a mixed response. The country's largest power companies have responded positively, and their shares have jumped on the NZX as a result. Meanwhile, consumers and other businesses have voiced concerns this doesn't address the status quo. Consumer NZ CEO Jon Duffy has criticised this announcement...

The Government recently unveiled its highly-anticipated energy sector announcement and it's prompted good news for the energy companies. The share price for New Zealand's major gentailers raised on the NZX, with Meridian seeing a 5 percent increase. Milford Asset Management's Michael Luke explained further. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not fina...

Disappointment the Government's energy reforms haven't prioritised keeping electricity prices down. Changes include allowing Crown-controlled gentailers more government capital for projects, plans for a new gas import terminal and giving the Electricity Authority more power. Electric Kiwi CEO Huia Burt told Ryan Bridge this could result in wholesale prices reducing by about 2% per annum. She says...

Much has happened this week, so National’s Hamish Campbell and Labour’s Tracey McLellan joined John MacDonald to delve into the biggest issues.  They discussed whether the Government should underwrite power prices to reduce bills, the viability of Treasury’s solutions to the financial crunch, and the results of the Herald’s annual Mood of the Boardroom survey.  Pl...

The Reserve Bank has been learning lessons from its handling of the Covid pandemic.  Chief Economist Paul Conway says they now have a deeper understanding of supply shocks and the structural drivers of inflation and are better equipped for future shocks.  He says in hindsight, going earlier or harder to OCR hikes would have reduced inflation sooner.  New Zealand Initiative Chief Eco...

The CTU's head says excessive dividends for shareholders are stopping power companies investing more in generation.  The union says the partially Government-owned gentailers should re-nationalise.  Energy Minister Simon Watts will make an announcement tomorrow on sector reform.  Richard Wagstaff says gentailers have their priorities wrong.  "Between 2016 and 2020, there's 1.2 b...

There's hopes that investment will flow into the energy sector once Government reforms are announced.  Energy Minister Simon Watts will unveil the changes this morning, targeting issues the market hasn’t been able to resolve on its own.  The Government ordered the review last year after gas supply issues and soaring wholesale prices.  Contact Energy CEO Mike Fuge told Mike Hos...