PODCAST · business
Live at the Nut Bar
by Squirrel Group
Squirrel Founder John Bolton and CEO David Cunningham's weekly podcast to discuss all things finance, economy, investing, mortgages and current events. Things like, 'what's going on with mortgage interest rates' and 'how the banks have got away with $2.3b of Kiwi money'. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at [email protected] or [email protected]. The opinions expressed in this podcast are not financial advice, or a recommendation of any financial product. Any commentary provided are personal views and are not necessarily representative of the opinions of Squirrel. As always, we recommend seeking professional investment or mortgage a
Episodes
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Housing market deep dive — Part 2: Is 2027 the year we get a broader house price recovery?
So, what comes next for New Zealand’s housing market? In part two of our housing market deep dive, DC and Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr turn their attention to 2027 and beyond. Jarrod shares his outlook for house prices, what could help — or derail — a broader recovery, and why different...
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Housing market deep dive — Part 1: Where we’re at, and how we got here
In part one of our housing market deep dive, DC is joined by Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr to look back at the extraordinary run in Kiwi house prices, what drove the boom and subsequent fall, and why different parts of the country are now heading in different directions. They cover the...
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OCR rises to 2.5% - but is the economy really recovering?
The Reserve Bank lifted the Official Cash Rate (OCR) to 2.5% on 8 July 2026 — but does that mean New Zealand's economy is finally turning a corner? In this episode, DC and JB discuss why the Reserve Bank made the call, whether more OCR hikes are likely, and why they're not convinced the recovery…
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Is first home ownership achievable in 4 years?
In this episode David Cunningham is joined by Squirrel Head of Advisory Callan Wayne-Bowles and Squirrel Adviser Kat McInnes to explore the reality of first home ownership in 2026, revisiting Callan’s headline-making claim that “anyone can buy a house in four years.” The team breaks down: how...
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Wealth-destroying habits (and the first home buyer blindspots you can’t ignore)
Why do we make financial decisions that feel right… but cost us in the long run? In this bonus episode of Live at the Nut Bar, Chief Squirrel David Cunningham is joined by Katie Wesney (enable.me) and Squirrel mortgage adviser Emma Wallace to unpack the behavioural habits quietly holding New...
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From survival mode to (finally) some stability
In the season finale, JB and DC pull up a stool at the Nut Bar to chat about the final OCR cut of 2025, why house prices haven’t boomed, what’s tugging the housing market in different directions, and why 2026 should feel better—though still a bit weird in an election year. Happy holidays…
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Cashbacks and curve balls - how to manage your home loan
This time DC is joined by Kat McInnes and Dave Tyrer to dive into better ways to manage your home loan. They talk cashbacks, clawbacks and what to watch out for. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at [email protected] or...
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How property developers can connect with buyers
Jessica James talks to JB and Sarah Hahn from TRA about exactly property how developers can use hard facts obtained in our research to connect with the hearts and minds of buyers. Particularly important in today's competitive market. If you're a property developer, there are actionable insights…
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Delving into the research: what buyers REALLY want
This week JB is joined by Sarah Hahn from TRA and Nathan Miglani from Squirrel's Christchurch office to talk all about the recent research that we undertook to find out all about what home buyers are really looking for in a new home. If you're a property developer, builder or architect you won't...
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Is the NZ housing market stuck in the mud?
The NZ housing market has been...sluggish at best. Let's dig into the dirt and discuss what's going on. DC and JB are joined by Mary Jo Vergara, Senior Economist at Kiwibank for this discussion. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at...
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The one for First Home Buyers
Calling all first home buyers - DC describes this moment as the "Goldilocks time" for getting into your first home. Conditions are JUST RIGHT. In this episode DC is joined by the fabulous Mortgage Adviser Emma Wallace, and Cotality's Nick Goodall to get their valuable insights into the property...
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Should we brace for impact?
How US tariffs affect NZ homeowners and savers - should we all be concerned? JB and DC weigh in to the ongoing debate and dig into how we might be affected here in New Zealand by events elsewhere. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at...
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Surviving not thriving
Is there light at the end of this loooong tunnel? We're all feeling it, the economic relief that's been promised just hasn't quite eventuated. JB and DC get philosophical and talk about how thing are coming right, but we're just not quite there yet. If you have any questions or things you’d like…
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Tariff and OCR chat with the OGs
Yes that's right, JB returns to the pod this week to chat with DC all about the OCR and the word on the tip of everyone's tongue right now...yep it's the dreaded tariffs! Plenty to discuss this week. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at...
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Simon Jensen's back again
Here's part two of our discussion with Simon Jensen, President of the Banking & Financial Services Law Association to the Nut Bar. If you missed part one last week, don't forget to go back and check it out. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us...
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Simon Jensen spills all
This week we welcome Simon Jensen, President of the Banking & Financial Services Law Association to the Nut Bar. Him and DC chat about Adrian Orr, the Reserve Bank and...loan sharks. Tune in next week for part two with Simon! If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about…
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The importance of insuring yourself
When you get a mortgage, the bank requires you to have home insurance. But what about YOU? This week, DC delves into the importance of “insurance for humans” with Willie Moala from AdviceFirst. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at...
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Addressing breaking news - resignation of the Reserve Bank Governor
This week we just had to dive right in and discuss the breaking news which was the shock resignation of the Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr. Why did he go, what is his legacy and what characterised his time as Governor. David Cunningham discusses all of this and more with Dave Tyrer. If you have...
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Welcome to Season 3 of Live at the Nut Bar!
Welcome to season 3! DC introduces our first guest, Jessica James and they have a brief chat about this and that. So much to come this year - as well as the usual interest rate and economy commentary, we'll be doing some deep dives on popular topics like property development, property investing,...
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Talking productivity with Bevan Graham
This week it's the season finale with Bevan Graham, Chief Economist at Salt Asset Management. JB and Bevan discuss NZ's productivity problem - are we unproductive as a nation or simply incompetent? We get loose-lipped about the politicians and generally have a bit of a rant about the state of...
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A meaty one all about OCR
This week David Cunningham and Dave Tyrer discuss allll the things OCR! Like, how the latest 0.5% cut is likely to affect people. We all know that the OCR means interest rates go down, which is great for mortgage borrowers - but what about the flip side, savings accounts and term deposit rates…
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Why brokers will beat the banks on service every time
We're back after a brief hiatus! This week JB and DC are debating the differences between mortgage brokers and banks (you know which camp we're in) - and the hot topic in the press around slow mortgage approval times at the banks. What's going on there? If you have any questions or things you’d...
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Why floating is not the answer when home loan rates are falling
David Cunningham and Dave Tyrer yarn about how to manage your mortgage in a falling interest rate environment. Surely the answer is to go on a floating rate and wait for the rates to drop? Think again...listen to find out what the best strategy is and why. If you have any questions or things…
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David Grubb from Valocity talks property prices
This week we welcome David Grubb from Valocity onto the pod. He and DC talk our national obsession, property prices. Will we see a rapid recovery in prices? If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at [email protected] or [email protected].…
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Managing your home loan and savings during interest rate cycles
This week it's the two Daves: David Cunningham and Dave Tyrer, discussing home loans and deposit interest rates. They talk through how to manage your mortgage and your savings through the interest rate fluctuations we're currently undergoing, and unpick what the 2.2% consumer price index (CPI)…
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A home loan rate under 5 percent by Christmas?!
This week our duo discuss why, with this week’s 0.5% cut to the Official Cash Rate, we could be seeing some interesting (lol) changes in home loan interest rates over the coming weeks. And guess what? A 4.95%p.a. rate could well be on the cards. If you have any questions or things you’d like to...
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How to build wealth and be happy
Let's talk about the ultimate kiwi dream - how you can build your wealth whilst also maintaining a work life balance. DC and JB discuss the role of your home, KiwiSaver, bank savings, small businesses, holiday houses, investment property and other assets in building wealth without sacrificing...
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How to navigate the flood waters as a home buyer or seller
This week we've got special guest Craig Hobbs from Auckland Council Recovery Office giving us the lowdown on what home buyers and sellers need to know about flooding and natural disasters, he tells JB and DC what to do and what NOT to do! If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us...
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House prices might not be heading the way you think
NZ house prices have fallen by 2% over the last three months. Is that about to change with the recent interest rate cuts, or are there other forces at play to counter this? DC and JB think there are. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at...
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Let the price wars begin
This week DC and Dave Tyrer tackle the challenges non-bank lenders have in competing with the big banks, and what might actually make a difference to increasing home loan and deposit competition. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at...
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The market study into Competition in Personal Banking
JB and DC provide a no-holds-barred assessment of each of the 14 recommendations made in the Commerce Commission Market Study into Competition in Personal Banking Services. Will any of it actually make any meaningful difference? If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk…
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The OCR has been cut FINALLY
This week, it's the news we've all been waiting for (what seems like forever). JB and DC discuss what it all means and what we might expect in the coming months for the housing market and mortgage interest rates. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch...
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Fox in the Henhouse
This week we have a timely chat about property developers Du Val Property Group and what's been happening in the news of late. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at [email protected] or [email protected]. The opinions expressed in this...
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Much ado about economics
This week DC and JB are together again and reflect on the dramatic about-turn that the majority of economic forecasts have taken of late. It seems that change is afoot and we're here to interpret what that might mean for house prices and interest rates. If you have any questions or things you’d...
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The forever question: is NOW the time to buy?
This week we welcome Nick Goodall, Head of Research at Core Logic, to the pod. He talks through house price trends through the ages and what the folk at Core Logic are seeing right now. We then go into that ever burning question: is now the time to buy? If you have any questions or things you’d...
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Solving problems for retirees with Lifetime Retirement Income
This week DC chats to guests Ralph Stewart and Chelsea Devlin from Lifetime Retirement Income about their innovative new product, Lifetime Home. They talk through why they've created this product and who it's for. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch...
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It's a cost of credit crisis
Confronting mortgage rates that are doubling payments makes for more than a cost of living crisis - it's the cost of credit that's really the killer. Let's talk about it. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at [email protected] or...
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Does Granny need a flat?
This week we discuss the changes in legislation for granny flats among other things. DC and JB also examine those March GDP numbers and talk economics, making predictions for the rest of the year and beyond. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with…
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Is the Reserve Bank overstepping?
This week it's a meaty discussion all about our feelings on the RBNZ and what they've been up to lately. Plenty to say here! If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at [email protected] or [email protected]. The opinions expressed in this...
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It's always darkest before the dawn
Recent economic forecasts suggest that the rest of the industry are finally catching up with JB and DC's view of how bleak the economy is. So, this week the pair discuss what this dark period means, and based on new data, when we can expect the sun to rise again. If you have any questions or…
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Commercial property with Ollie Mellsop
This week we're joined by Ollie Mellsop, experienced commercial property expert. We discuss how investing in commercial property measures up vs residential property investment, and the benefits of businesses owning their own premises. A truly meaty one! Apologies for the sound quality in this…
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What in the first home buyers grant removal IS this
JB and DC reflect on the RBNZ monetary policy statement and give their thoughts about the decision to remove the first home buyers grant. Might not be what you expect... If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at [email protected] or...
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The only way is up...
As we all know, when you've reached the bottom the only way is up! There might be a bit of bouncing along but enough doom and gloom, we're looking for those silver linings this week. And you might be surprised to hear that there are a few. Listen to JB and DC getting inspired. If you have any...
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Paying the cost of bureaucratic incompetence
This week we keep on the rampage about how Kiwi are paying the price for the incompetence of the decision makers that be. Evidenced by unemployment, the decimation of the construction sector and eggs. The data doesn't lie. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get…
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JB's crusade finally pays off
Well well well, we made it. From JB's journey all the way to parliament back in 2021 to today, the government has finally made the decision to take back those pesky CCCFA rules that they brought in to make getting a mortgage that much harder for everyone. JB and DC take a look back at the journey...
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Reading the inflation tea leaves
Our dynamic duo is back together and this week JB and DC discuss the latest inflation numbers and the different ways they could be interpreted. Whilst the headline number is 4%, the last six months has seen inflation running at 2.2% annualised. What does all this mean for interest rates and...
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Property development with Dan Bell and Matt Evans
This week JB is still living it up overseas and DC has a great chat about property development with our two resident experts on the ground, Dan Bell and Matt Evans. It wouldn't be an episode of Live at the Nut Bar without giving the Reserve Bank a bit of a grilling about the OCR either. If you…
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Getting the lowdown from two mortgage advisers
Today DC gets perspectives from two of Squirrel's top mortgage advisers, Emma Wallace from Auckland and Nick Virtue from Wellington. What's really happening on the ground at the moment, what are home buyers talking about and how are they feeling about the current state of the country. A great…
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Ye olde banking enquiry and it's findings
There's been an enquiry into retail banking and we discuss what's been unearthed. But will it actually have any impact in reality? We then chit chat about the economy and where it's at compared with a year ago. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch…
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Ever heard of deposit insurance?
This week Dave Tyrer (DT) steps in for JB who is swanning around, and we discuss the latest introduction to the insurance suite - enter deposit insurance! Is it a good thing? Who benefits? If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Squirrel Founder John Bolton and CEO David Cunningham's weekly podcast to discuss all things finance, economy, investing, mortgages and current events. Things like, 'what's going on with mortgage interest rates' and 'how the banks have got away with $2.3b of Kiwi money'.
If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at [email protected] or [email protected].
The opinions expressed in this podcast are not financial advice, or a recommendation of any financial product.
Any commentary provided are personal views and are not necessarily representative of the opinions of Squirrel.
As always, we recommend seeking professional investment or mortgage a
HOSTED BY
Squirrel Group
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Live at the Nut Bar have?
Live at the Nut Bar currently has 88 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Live at the Nut Bar about?
Squirrel Founder John Bolton and CEO David Cunningham's weekly podcast to discuss all things finance, economy, investing, mortgages and current events. Things like, 'what's going on with mortgage interest rates' and 'how the banks have got away with $2.3b of Kiwi money'. If you have any questions...
How often does Live at the Nut Bar release new episodes?
Live at the Nut Bar has 88 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Live at the Nut Bar?
You can listen to Live at the Nut Bar on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Live at the Nut Bar?
Live at the Nut Bar is created and hosted by Squirrel Group.
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