The SME Stream

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...

The Finance Minister says the Government is still looking to alleviate the impact of the US' tariffs on New Zealand. New Zealand's current rate is at 10 percent - in line with a majority of other countries. Nicola Willis says officials are determined to engage with their American counterparts to work out a solution. "We're pointing out that our tariff regime is very limited towards the US...we hav...

Kiwi toy entrepreneur Nick Mowbray says businesses in the US are pressing pause on major purchasing decisions.  There's ongoing uncertainty about Donald Trump's tariff plan.  The US President says he might temporarily lower tariffs on the auto industry following temporary reductions for Chinese electronics and goods from most other countries.  Zuru Toys co-founder Nick Mowbray told...

The Trump administration's tariff announcements have left a notable impact on financial markets - and experts fear we may not be out of the woods yet. Smartphones, computers and some other electronics from China will face 20 percent tariffs, rather than the 145 percent imposed on other Chinese goods. The White House says the exemption is not permanent. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explai...

Demand is outpacing supply in the small business market, as sellers wait out tough trading conditions while buyer interest is at record levels. Recent data shows new business listings fell 10 percent in the year ended March, compared to a 10 percent increase in completed sales. ABC Business Sales managing director Chris Small says there's been an uptick in migrants gravitating to smaller businesse...

Just when they should be at their peak, older generations are being discriminated against for their age.  Do we no longer value experience?  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 lia...

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY]  Volatility in stock and bond markets following President Donald Trump’s tariff announcement has refreshed investor memories of the global financial crisis and dot-com crash, but a top strategist says this is not the same - it's deliberate, but poorly executed. The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only,...

When the US President Donald Trump announced a pause on reciprocal tariffs last week, prompting a massive rally on the markets - he admitted he did so after watching the bond market.  So, why is the bond market so significant, and what do you need to know about how it works - especially given you likely own some in your KiwiSaver fund! Today, Nadine is joined by Matt Logan from Fisher Funds t...

China appears to beattempting to form a united front against Washington, by drawing on support from other nations. President Donald Trump has temporarily backed down on his initial tariffs on most nations except for China. Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis talks to Ryan Bridge about the latest out of China, China’s President Xi Jinping heading to Southeast Asia, and why Japan might be...

The Trump administration has announced it will exclude electronics like smartphones and laptops from his 125 percent reciprocal tariffs on China  It means American's may be spared a price hike on electronics that aren't usually made in the United States.  Processors and chips are included in the exemption.  Devon Funds Management's Greg Smith joins the show to discuss the decision.&...

Trump’s tariffs have been wreaking havoc on share markets around the world.  As a result, investment funds and KiwiSavers have been taking a hit, with Ed McKnight’s own account going down by $6.5k over the last month.  He joined Jack Tame to discuss the impacts on Kiwis, and whether people are actually in the right type of fund for their needs.  LISTEN ABOVE  The po...

Keir Starmer is fast becoming a new political hero.  For a bloke who stumbled into office not on his brilliance or a nationwide passion for the Labour Party, but more because the Tories had spent 14 years slowly messing the place up, he turns out to be quite the operator.  He is reforming public health because it's fat and useless. He is trimming welfare because there are too many layabo...

In this bonus episode of The SME Stream, brought to you by BNZ, host Wilhelmina Shrimpton sits down with BNZ’s Head of PayTech and Emerging Payments, Joe Rastrick, and MIKA co-founder, John Mika, as they explore emerging payment tech - covering mobile donations, frictionless payments, and the future of open banking and biometric payments.   The podcasts in the SME Stream conta...

A week after announcing his Liberation Day tariffs and causing global market chaos, US President Donald Trump has done a 180. He has announced on social media that he has paused tariffs against 75 countries for 90 days – but has doubled down on a trade war with China, announcing a 125% tariffs on goods from the country. US stocks rocketed higher after the declaration – the S&P 500...

A US markets analyst suspects Donald Trump is trying to buy time by lowering tariffs on most countries to a blanket 10 percent for 90 days. But the US President's hiked them for China - to 125 percent. Scott Shellady says 75 countries are reportedly seeking an audience with the President.  "The 90 day pause is so he can get through the backlog of countries that said they want to do a deal." L...