The SME Stream

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 trade war tensions continue, but is Trump about to back-down? New measures to combat the risk of scams, and the n...

As global trade becomes increasingly protectionist, New Zealand’s tech sector faces a welcome anomaly for now: digital exports are tariff-free.  Unlike goods, software and digital services still move relatively freely across borders, and nowhere is this opportunity greater than in India—a vast, fast-growing market hungry for innovation.  The story of Valocity Global, founded...

Despite the negative press and volatile climate, some financial markets have managed to hold up solidly throughout 2025. The consumer staples industry - food, beverages, household products - and all the brands tied to that sector have managed to stay strong throughout the year. Milford Asset Management's Stephanie Batchelor explains further. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream co...

The Finance Minister has adamantly denied any suggestions of the Government trying to interfere in the Reserve Bank. Critics have raised concerns that the Reserve Bank's temporary Governor and Chair are acting to appeal to Nicola Willis' interests. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general info...

There's less than a month to go until the 2025 Budget is unveiled - and the Finance Minister has been clear about the goals she aims to tackle. Nicola Willis says New Zealand has been in a significant deficit since 2019, and she's determined to get back into surplus by 2027/2028. She explained getting the country back into surplus will help to pay down debt. "We're borrowing every day right now to...

  The International Monetary Fund is slashing its global growth forecasts due to impact of Donald Trump's tariffs, and expects the US to be hit particularly hard.  US markets have been rallying, with the White House confirming it has 18 trade deal proposals on paper, is talking with 34 countries this week, and has a China deal in the works.  But China's warning it will hit back at c...

There's been some positive trade news. Stats NZ data shows goods exports rose 19 percent to $7.6 billion in March - compared to the same time a year ago. Milk powder, butter and cheese rose 35 percent to $2.3 billion. Goods imports rose 12 percent to $6.6 billion. Infometrics principal economist Nick Brunsdon unpacked the factors. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain ...

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY]  In one season the AFC has grown from an idea into an entertainment empire. This episode takes you inside the organisation that took fandom to another level. 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 b...

The path to becoming a social media influencer or content creator is one a lot of people aspire to these days - in fact, one survey suggested 57 percent for Gen Zers want that career path.  But how easy it is to get into this path, and make it pay?  Julian Sewell is a Kiwi who’s made it big on Instagram and TikTok, although you may know him as his silver haired alter ego, Paloma Di...

This episode of 'Bored to Boss' will put you in a good mood! Grab your Suntory Boss Coffee - It's brewed hot, chilled fast and perfect for an on-the-go podcast listen. In Episode 4, Georgia is stoked to have Kate, the mastermind fronting Moodi Blends . The two dive into what it takes to build a business from the ground up. Find out how much of Kate's success has been calculated and how much of it...

Investing can be an intimidating area and yet it may be one of the best ways to get ahead financially.  But with a lot of us emotionally invested in our finances, we're reluctant to take the leap and instead don't even try.  How do we feel the fear and do it anyway? Or is that fear telling us something?  Financial Adviser and Coach Katie Wesney's joins Tim Beveridge for Smart Money....

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has met with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace in London, just hours after the death of Pope Francis. Luxon confirmed he spoke to the King about the death of the Pope during his meeting, but would not divulge further details. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said Luxon “enjoyed discussing New Zealand issues with the King”. Luxon said discussion...

With China and the US promising trade war escalations, economists are speculating about the future of the tariffs and how they'll impact global economies. Some have have drawn parallels with the Great Depression - and warned the world should be prepared for a downturn.  Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explains further. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general...

Inflation is officially on the rise again.  The latest Stats NZ figures show the Consumers Price Index rose 2.5% in the year to March – up from a 2.2% rise in the year to December.  The numbers cover the 12 months to March 31, and don't reflect the impact of Donald Trump's new tariffs and other new trade barriers.  NZ Herald Business Editor Liam Dann told John MacDonald that d...

New data shows inflation's gone up again - and there's concerns about what it could mean going forward. The latest Stats NZ figures put the rate at 2.5 percent, up from 2.2 percent three months ago. It's the first time it's risen in almost three years. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains what this could mean for the state of the economy. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME&...

US tariffs are expected to impact our next inflation figures, according to new reports. The rate increased in the three months to March to 2.5 percent - up from 2.2 percent to December. Petrol, milk, cheese, eggs have all gone up, alongside a dip in prices for international flights and games. Infometrics Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan says the new tariffs could push inflation down because of weak...

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, Inflation is up, so will the Official Cash Rate still come down? Business confidence is on the rise, but consumer con...

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative has sparked global debate about balancing disruptive reform with sustainable public sector innovation.  In a panel discussion on this week's episode of The Business of Tech, former Te Whatu Ora chair Rob Campbell, futurist Ben Reid, and crypto expert Paul Quickenden critique Musk’s approach while proposing alternati...

Donald Trump's tariffs are having ripple effects here and everywhere.  Infometrics is drastically reducing its GDP growth forecast from 2.6% to just 1%.  Many economists now expect the Reserve Bank to go further with OCR cuts than previously forecast, in spite of a likely rise in inflation.  Fonterra Chief Executive Miles Hurrell told Mike Hosking there will be some kind of global s...

The Finance Minister has unveiled a major reduction to the Central Bank's planned spending. The Government and the Reserve Bank have agreed to reduce operating expenses by a quarter in the coming year. They've signed a five-year funding agreement, allowing $750 million of operating expenses, well below the $1 billion the Bank was asking for. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan unpacks the a...

The Finance Minister is confident in the operational funding she's giving the Reserve Bank.  Nicola Willis has signed the bank up to a new five-year agreement - 25 percent under the billion dollars sought by the central bank. Willis says she's peeled back the $200 million a year the Reserve Bank had budgeted for - to $150 million. "Not just - are we taking it back to that figure? But we're sa...

Over in Australia, the RBA says its upcoming May meeting would be an 'opportune time' to reconsider the OCR. Experts believe that the global uncertainty over U.S. tariffs could have significant impact on markets all over the world. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham says a lot has changed within the economy - and inflation has dropped down. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream cont...

Reserve Bank economist Paul Conway believes there's one upside to the tariff turmoil for Kiwis. Conway suspects the tariffs will likely lead to lower inflation in New Zealand, which will also lead to lower interest rates. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen unpacked the announcement - and explained the ins and outs of the Reserve Bank's new Kiwi-GDP tool. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the&nb...

Make way for the first duo on 'Bored to Boss'! Grab your Suntory Boss Coffee - It's brewed hot, chilled fast and perfect for an on-the-go podcast listen. In Episode 3, Georgia chats to hosts Bex and Carena, the sisters behind Clique Fitness. Get the tea on how to build a strong, sustainable business while maintaining a personal connection with their community. They discuss the challenges of balanc...

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY]   The GFC hit just one year into Invivo's wine venture. Now it’s earning millions in exports, with the help of celebrities. 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 e...