The SME Stream

The GDP for Q1 is set to drop next week - and experts are feeling confident about the state of the economy. Predictions from economists claim figures will pick up this time round. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann speculates further. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expres...

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, Auckland homeowners are in despair over new CVs but are they really THAT important? The $13.5 million marketing...

As chief data officer for Australia and New Zealand at Publicis Groupe, Maurice Riley stands at the intersection of data, technology, and advertising strategy. On this week’s episode of The Business of Tech, Riley outlined the trends reshaping the advertising industry, highlighted the growing importance of the "middleverse" in customer journeys, especially during sluggish economic times, and...

This week, multi-talented entertainer Chris Parker shares his best and worst money stories with Liam Dann, from his first childhood job starring in a milk ad, to being unable to buy a drink on his first date with his future husband, and how he maintains his increasingly varied workload.  The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or prof...

There’s been plenty of buzz around AI in the last few years.  The most recent headlines have been highlighting its evils, such as the creation and lack of regulation around deepfake technology and fake pornography.  However, there are many positive applications for AI technology, particularly in business.  Justin Flitter, founder of NewZealand. AI, joined Kerre Woodham to disc...

As more people take the leap to owning their own businesses, many seem to be buying into already established brands.  Data suggests the business of franchising and owning established brands is booming, with around 30,000 franchise unites currently existing nationwide.  Association CEO Katrina King told Kerre Woodham they see franchising as being in business for yourself, but not by yours...

There are fears Finance Minister Nicola Willis is opening a can of worms by potentially allowing young farmers to dip into their KiwiSavers to buy farms. She explained she was seeking advice from the IRD on the matter, which is yet to be considered by Cabinet. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny weighed in on the debate. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream conta...

If you turned up to work yesterday, first day of a new week, with a bad case of Mondayitis, feeling like you're getting nowhere working for the man, thinking now is the time in your life when you should be the master of your own destiny, making your own decisions, getting the true reward for your labours, well join the queue.   Buyer demand for New Zealand businesses is on the up with large b...

Acting Reserve Bank Governor Christian Hawkesby left experts speculating about the future of interest rates following the recent OCR cut. More banks have slashed their rates after the recent announcement, but questions have been raised over future cuts. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham speculates further. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only,...

Now is the time to sell your business.  According to ABC Business Sales, the number of buyers enquiring about purchases is up 30%.  Demand is currently outstripping supply, as new listings are down 10% on last year.  CEO Chris Small told Mike Hosking much of the interest is led by migrants, and hospitality, services, and construction are the three sectors people are primarily lookin...

Federated Farmers has launched a petition calling for KiwiSaver rules to be changed to help young farmers get their foot on the ladder. The petition’s launch has been timed to coincide with Fieldays, where thousands of farmers, industry leaders and politicians will gather at Mystery Creek. Federated Farmers' banking spokesperson Richard McIntyre says farming is very capital intensive and you...

Wellington City Council is being called on to review its rating system over fears increased rates are driving businesses out of the capital. Newly released figures show Wellington’s average commercial rates bill is $47,881. That compares to $20,716 in Auckland, $18,059 in Christchurch, $24,768 in Hamilton, and $25,670 in Tauranga. Director of The Wellington Company, Ian Cassels, says there's...

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY] Zuru CEO Nick Mowbray takes us inside its empire in Los Angeles, where thousands of toys are on display. Could tariffs destroy the Chinese-based manufacturer? 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 BN...

Tim Beveridge is joined by Koura Wealth founder, Rupert Carlyon, to discuss the inner workings of a KiwiSaver fund and how to best use KiwiSaver. 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 f...

Sharemarkets have been like the wild west this year. We’re told to ‘buy the dip’ because that’s when shares are on a big briscoes-esque sale, but before you know you’ve blinked, and the dip is done So if you’re just getting started dabbling in investing and have been thrown by the year's events so far, what do you need to know about the mechanics of it? How do y...

Wellington, once a vibrant hub for New Zealand’s tech innovation, has faced stagnation in recent years.  Last week, a packed audience at a Vision for Wellington event on Wellington’s waterfront heard from the city’s tech luminaries about how the city can embrace its strengths, particularly in technology, and foster a more supportive, connected ecosystem. Sitting in the audie...

Inland Revenue's cracking down on unpaid tax bills.  It's been allocated an extra $35 million in Budget 25 to boost its tax compliance and collection activities.  The tax department expects to return an additional $4 for every dollar in the first year, and $8 in year two.  IRD Commissioner Peter Mersi told Mike Hosking it's hard to estimate how much tax is owed across the board.&nbs...

Labour has slammed the Government for not getting a better trade deal out of the current Trump administration. New Zealand currently has to pay a 10 percent tariff on all imports on New Zealand products out of the US. But the opposition has claimed the Government is failing Kiwis by 'being comfortable' with a 10 percent tariff. Former trade negotiator Stephen Jacobi says the Government is watching...

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 economy is slowly emerging from the doldrums but company liquidations are still up, there’s more touri...

A panel discussion hosted by Vision for Wellington on the future of the city and how tech and innovation can help reinvigorate the city's fortunes - featuring Rod Drury, Brooke Roberts, Serge van Dam, and Stephen Cummings. The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessa...

This week, the chief executive of 2degrees, Mark Callendar, shares his best and worst money stories with Liam Dann, including his unusual path to running a major company, and the current state of the telco industry.  The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessar...

A new study suggests that another Pike River mine disaster is likely. The Victoria University of Wellington researchers say the failures that lead to the disaster that killed 29 men could happen again at any other organisation. One of their "potentially disturbing observations" is that health & safety training, auditors, and well-qualified staff were not enough to prevent failure – and m...

Business leaders across New Zealand have voiced concerns that Donald Trump's tariffs could have a more severe global impact than the Covid-19 pandemic and the Global Financial Crisis.  The months since Trump’s 'Liberation Day' announcement have seen sustained market volatility, tit-for-tat trade wars and fears of a resurgence in inflation. New Zealand Initiative executive director Olive...

Homeowners need to brace for another cost increase, this time to help fund the state disaster insurer, the Natural Hazards Commission. The minister responsible for the commission, David Seymour, says levies will 'almost certainly' need to rise, with Cabinet set to decide the changes in the coming months. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVE The podca...

Leeann Watson, CEO of Business Canterbury, joined John MacDonald to give a quarterly update.  Are we seeing signs of recovery in Canterbury? What would a commuter train mean for the city business scene?  And will the Government’s new approach to WorkSafe make a difference for local businesses and how they operate?  LISTEN ABOVE  The podcasts in the SME Stream co...