The SME Stream

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...

Economist Oliver Hartwich 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/listener for priva...

We may be two years away from our next general election, but the possibility of more tax is already being debated.  Labour is starting to warm the public up to the idea of a wealth or capital gains tax being part of their 2026 manifesto - with leader Chris Hipkins saying its necessary to deal with our ageing population.   The possibility of introducing either tax has been debated by the left, and...

It might happen. It might not. What I’m talking about, is the way some people seem to think they have to jump to the defence of the super rich whenever anyone mentions the idea of a wealth tax. Which one of our country’s wealthiest people is actually advocating for today. This is Bruce Plested, who was a co-founder of the Mainfreight transport business and who’s done very well out of it. And, whil...

Economic pain has forced the Reserve Bank to cut interest rates. The Deputy Governor explains its assessment of the economy and why it's making changes.  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 f...

Max Whitehead joins Tim Beveridge on The Weekend Collective to help you clean up your CV.  LISTEN ABOVE 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.c...

The third-largest retirement village operator has transformed in secret since it was bought by private equity in 2020. Will the better business find its way back the public market?  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 liabl...

Businesswoman, TV star and informercial icon Suzanne Paul shares her best and worst money stories with Liam Dann. Suzanne returns to Celebrity Treasure Island, airing on TVNZ2 from Monday September 9th. 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 entit...

We dive deep into the world of venture capital with Robbie Paul, managing director of Icehouse Ventures. Paul looks back at the last 14 years to reflect on startup successes and failures and how NZ's VC landscape has evolved. He also shares some killer lessons for entrepreneurs and investors, such as the value of people and the dangers of chasing trends. Plus, Beam's scooter scandal, what Elon Mus...

A common misconception is that only the very wealthy need trusts, but many people may be putting their assets at risk without one.  Author Janet Xuccoa joins Tim Beveridge on The Weekend Collective to give you all the basics of trusts.  LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not...

There's growing market interest in humanoids - robots and robotic technology designed to mimic humans. New improvements in technology have opened up room for more developments in the world of robotics, and it's caught the eyes of investors. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains further. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advi...

Darren Shand, who spent 20 years as manager of the All Blacks before launching his own company, Winning Teams, shares his and best 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 res...

Some power companies are warning profits will be impacted by the supply shortage, while industrial users consider ditching the country due to high energy costs. Are renewables the answer? 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...

New Zealand has seen several iconic and well-known businesses close in recent months, especially those in hospitality.  Is the economy to blame, or are people choosing the wrong business?  Financial author Martin Hawes joins Tim Beveridge on The Weekend Collective to discuss.  LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any op...

Interest rates have been a hot topic recently, following the first OCR cut in years.  The question now at the front of everyone's minds is whether it's time for a long-term fixed rate to avoid any more uncertainty, or to hold off in the hope for more cuts to come.  Economist Ed McKnight joins Tim Beveridge on The Weekend Collective to discuss how you can haggle with your bank to get a better deal....

Private equity funds buy out businesses worth billions and can double their profits before selling them again. What’s their game?  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...

EnableMe founder and author of Kill Your Mortgage & Sort Your Retirement, Hannah McQueen, shares her 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...