The SME Stream

The average hourly wage is $42.57, the average annual salary is $88,500.  The average home is worth $912,904, the average mortgage is $318,151. The average KiwiSaver is $37,079, depending on your age.  But does it really matter if you stack up to the nations averages?  LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or...

Recently, the price of gold has been hovering near record highs at over NZ$5000 an ounce - that’s less than 30 grams for those of us only versed in the metric system! It’s commonly thought of as a ‘safe haven’ asset, but why is that? How does it help your investments when the world is an uncertain place? How do you make money out of it? How do you own it? And does your jewe...

US consumer confidence is feeling the economic and tariff uncertainty, as Lululemon shares fell 15%, and inflation expectations are picking up. It comes as Kiwi consumer confidence is still challenged according to a latest read.  Greg Smith of Devon Funds Management talks to Mike Hosking.  LISTEN ABOVE.  The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only,...

In this bonus episode of The SME Stream, brought to you by BNZ, host Wilhelmina Shrimpton sits down with Jason Ennor, the co-founder and co-CEO of MyHR to discuss HR and people management, offering expert insights on how structured HR helps SMEs stay compliant, minimise risks, and build strong teams. The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial&nbsp...

The Finance Minister says they've over-delivered on their promise to save money from public sector job cuts.  Latest Public Service Commission data shows the core workforce decreased 4% in the year to December 2024.  Public Service Minister Judith Collins says the Government's expecting to save $800 million by June – double the initial target.  Nicola Willis —the coaliti...

The Indian stock market is catching the attention of investors - and experts are claiming there's plenty of potential. The economy is also attracting positive attention - but one expert is warning there's a notable Achilles heel. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains further. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professi...

President Donald Trump has recently announced he will be putting 25 percent tariffs on auto imports into the US. Trump explained this move would foster domestic manufacturing - but economists are concerned about the wider implications of this move. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann unpacks the outcomes of this - and warns more changes could come as the Trump administration is set to ann...

A former associate finance minister believes public sector job cuts are needed to grow the economy.  Latest Public Service Commission data shows the core workforce reduced by four percent in the year to December 2024.   The Tertiary Education Commission, Archives New Zealand, and Department of Corrections yesterday earmarked further cuts.  But former Minister Sir Lockwood Smith told...

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, what will changes to the RMA will mean for building more efficiencies across our cities, did Winston Peter&...

The Government is busy pushing its growth agenda, but what’s the best way to pursue sustainable growth that produces higher-value jobs and more export earnings? A new report by Boston Consulting Group  says it involves taking a more strategic approach to New Zealand’s economic future, identifying five key ecosystems that could drive the nation's growth and global standing by 2050....

Revenue Minister Simon Watts this month unveiled plans to change the Foreign Investment Fund (FIF) regime to give some foreigners with illiquid investments offshore an additional, possibly more advantageous, way of paying tax. He said the Government would also consider exempting more Kiwis from the FIF rules, which incentivise domestic investment, but can be an administrative nightmare. NZ Herald...

New data shows a significant number of Kiwis are working past the retirement age. A new report from Stats NZ shows there are almost 200,000 New Zealanders aged 65 or older that are still in the workforce. This research also reveals at least 1200 Kiwis in their 90's are still working. Financial adviser Martin Hawes says many of these people will need the extra money - and plenty are just used to wo...

New research shows investors looking for the best returns might be better off putting money into whisky or Lego, as opposed to the share market.  University of Auckland finance lecturer Gertjan Verdickt has released new research into alternative investments, including Lego, instruments, classic cars, wine, whisky and baseball cards. Verdickt says there's value in adding an additional componen...

A leading Australian economist says more focus needs to be put on productivity to pull Australia out of a deficit.  The federal Budget announced yesterday included tax cuts and cost of living relief for households.  HSBC Chief Economist Paul Bloxham told Mike Hosking with big spending measures announced in the lead up to the election, deficits to the tens of billions are forecast for yea...

Export prices are sitting in a strong position - with cherries seeing a surge in overseas demand. New data shows cherry exports over the 2024/25 season reached 5.07m kg, up 33 percent from the prior season. Infometrics Principal Economist unpacked this data further. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advic...

A blow for Kiwi business confidence, which has slumped to its lowest level since the post-2020 Covid lockdown lows.  The Westpac-McDermott Miller index shows despite the weaker overall result, confidence has only fallen in four of 11 regions.  That includes the biggest job market -- Auckland -- which dominated the national average.  CV.co.nz Managing Director, Tom O'Neil told Andrew...

June 2026 is not far off.  In fact, it's next year and next year is election year.  By that time, it is being reported, the interest on our national debt will be $11b.  Do you see how this works?  Not long ago the warnings were issued that it might reach $10b and at the time, it was pointed out that that is multiple times more than the Police budget.  That's just in intere...

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY]  Swiss investment bank UBS’ trading floor in Sydney turns over A$3 billion a day, making for a high pressure environment. This is the first time anyone has been allowed to film it in action. The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in th...

A tax expert says achieving a fair tax system is hard, but not impossible.  A UN committee is calling on governments to check their tax policies are being applied proportionally to wealthier individuals.  It says regressive and ineffective policies could disproportionately affect low-income households, women, and disadvantaged groups.  Denton Tax Partner Bruce Bernacchi told Kerre W...

Is there any such thing as a completely fair tax system?   Surely the most you can hope for is a least unfair tax system. I ask this because a UN report is calling for countries to check taxes are being applied proportionally to the wealthiest individuals, and questioning the fairness of GST. The UN Committee for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights said a tax policy that maintains a low pers...

A tax expert says changes to the tax system must not stand in the way of economic growth.  A UN committee is calling on countries to ensure tax policies are being applied proportionally to the wealthier individuals.  It says regressive and ineffective policies can disproportionately affect already disadvantaged groups.  But PWC partner Sandy Lau told Andrew Dickens while fairness is...

The global economy has gone through an interesting few months - and it's got markets worried. Trade concerns are impacting markets all over the world, especially the US.  Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explains further. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the p...

While the economy is looking up, the forecasts from economists aren't sending a clear message.  Some are saying that even with a positive GDP result this week, we still have tough times ahead - while others say the state of global economics is an opportunity for growth in New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financ...

March 31st marks the end of the financial year, and while that doesn’t mean much for the average employee, it does mean that you are probably due for a pay review.   Salaries are a big topic of discussion right now – specifically, how salaries in New Zealand compare to those overseas, with so many Kiwis leaving the country.   So if you are booked in for a pay review...

Donald Trump is hinting that China’s President Xi Jingping might be visiting the United States soon. This comes as the two nations are deep into a trade war.  Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis talks to Ryan Bridge about the potential meeting, why there's good news for exporters, and Kiribati’s deep-sea mining deal with China.   LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the&nbsp...