The NBR Podcast

Is New Zealand saving enough for retirement — or are we overestimating the problem?In this episode of the NBR Podcast, Simon Shepherd explores the future of KiwiSaver, NZ Super, retirement savings and compulsory superannuation with retirement policy analyst Michael Littlewood, financial services sector perspectives, and new Retirement Commissioner David Boyle. The discussion also looks at whether New Zealand should follow Australia’s superannuation model and what that could mean for taxpayers and future retirees.Links to all social clips used here

In this episode of The NBR Podcast with Simon Shepherd: The second edition of NBR’s focus series, The Lawyers, has found that when times are tough, people need their lawyers. Which means the industry is thriving. NBR co-editor Hamish McNicol has surveyed the big and small firms about how busy they are, are they hiring, and whether AI is finally forcing change in the age-old profession.For early access to new episodes, head over to NBR's website.

The New Zealand Rugby (NZRU) boss, Steve Lancaster, talks about seeing his friend (and All Blacks coach) Scott Robertson, Razor - sacked, why AI investment is making it hard to chase sponsorship dollars, and where he sees future growth for rugby in New Zealand.Links to all video sources can be found here

Morrison chair Rob Morrison discusses the Kiwi infrastructure manager’s major global deals, New Zealand’s infrastructure failures and the booming data centre opportunity. He explains why AI, renewable energy and digital infrastructure could unlock billions in investment – and why New Zealand needs to act now.Links to all the video sources can be found here

In this episode of The NBR Podcast with Simon Shepherd: is our obsession with buying and selling houses over? There are some regional bright spots but the overall market remains down and it’s a hard slog for builders and investors. Our new love interest, it seems, is shares – but we’re investing in the hot foreigners not the locals.

Can Kiwi startups survive aggressive legal action from global competitors? Serge van Dam shares how a lawsuit from US fintech giant FIS pushed Kiwi startup Montoux into liquidation, while legal experts explain what founders need to know about "lawfare" when expanding into international markets.Links to media clips used here

Why are more Kiwi children living in hardship despite thousands of charities? Barnardos CEO Matt Reid explains why New Zealand's charity sector needs reform, discusses child poverty, housing, tax changes, and why the country needs a bipartisan generational plan to improve outcomes for children by 2050.Links to all social clips used here

Super El Niño has officially arrived, but what does it mean for New Zealand? Simon Shepherd speaks with weather experts, economists, farmers and business leaders about the economic impact of one of the strongest El Niño events on record. From drought and agriculture to food prices, inflation and climate risk, we unpack what it could mean for New Zealand's economy in the months ahead.Links to media clips used here

In this episode of The NBR Podcast with Simon Shepherd: Commerce Minister Cameron Brewer discusses the future of New Zealand's financial regulation, capital markets, supermarket competition, and the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). With the FMA losing its Chair and the CEO set to leave next year, Brewer says it's time for a reset. As the third Commerce Minister this political term, he sits down for his first extended interview on the regulator, supermarket competition, the future of New Zealand's capital markets, financial market reform, and the direction of economic policy.

Once dependent on property to power its economic engine, China is pivoting to AI and robotics. The country is now producing more robots than babies. We took the podcast to the annual China Business Summit to explore what's happening under the hood of China's economy, New Zealand's biggest trading partner, and what these shifts mean for New Zealand businesses, trade, and the future of the NZ-China economic relationship.

In this episode of The NBR Podcast with Simon Shepherd: The stock popped 40% and, at one stage, SpaceX was worth more than Amazon. Yet it doesn’t make money.  A week on, we ask whether the valuation was justified and where will it go from here? Plus, could there be an investor windfall for NZ’s space industry?Links to audio clips used here.For early access to new NBR Podcast episodes, subscribe at nbr.co.nz

As the NBR Rich List celebrates 40 years, Hamish McNicol reflects on the evolution of wealth in New Zealand, from property and industry to technology, entrepreneurship and global success stories.Links to all media clips use here

Gallagher Group CEO Kahl Betham reveals how the iconic New Zealand agritech and security company is achieving record growth, expanding towards $1 billion in revenue, and becoming a global technology exporter. From electric fences and virtual fencing to high-security infrastructure, Five Eyes-certified security systems, innovation, manufacturing, and agritech leadership, this episode explores the future of New Zealand technology, export growth, and family-owned business success.Links to media clips used here

In this episode of The NBR Podcast with Simon Shepherd: Would you trust a humanoid? Former Prime Minister Dame Jenny Shipley tells us her answer after a robot asked the question during a conference in China. There’s plenty of humanoid hype around but their development needs a new ‘physical AI’, which means humans training robots on how to do their jobs. Links to audio clips used here.For early access to new episodes subscribe at nbr.co.nz

Businessman Grant Baker opens up on billion-dollar deals, building iconic Kiwi brands like 42 Below Vodka and Turners, backing Liam Lawson’s Formula One career, battling bowel cancer, and the high-risk mindset behind going all in.Links to all social clips used here

New Zealand’s stock market, capital markets, KiwiSaver growth and the future of NZX come into focus as outgoing chief executive Mark Peterson reflects on nearly a decade at the exchange, the case for regulatory reform, and what it will take to unlock more investment and economic growth.Link to social clips used here

In this episode of The NBR Podcast with Simon Shepherd, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon discusses the key issues shaping the road to Election 2026, including the Government’s Budget, coalition management with Winston Peters, fuel security, economic pressure, and the challenges facing the National-led Government ahead of November 7. With less than six months until election day, Luxon explains how he plans to keep the coalition together.Links to audio clips used here.

New Zealand’s frozen vegetable industry is under pressure after the planned closures of Watties and McCain processing plants. This episode looks at what it means for Kiwi growers, food security, supermarket margins, processed vegetable supply, and the future of local horticulture.Links to all social media used here

Artificial intelligence is powering a huge market rally, but is the boom starting to look a little too frothy? This week the NBR Podcast examines whether soaring tech valuations are backed by real returns or driven by hype, fear of missing out and the race to avoid being left behind.Links to all social media used here

In this 100th episode of The NBR Podcast, host Simon Shepherd is put on the spot as the show marks its centenary milestone. To mark the occasion, NBR’s editors decided it was time to turn the tables and ask some proper questions.Topics were sourced from Simon Shepherd’s colleagues at the NBR, with Te Ao Māori Editor, Mike McRoberts stepping in as a guest interviewer to grill the host and put him firmly in the hot seat.After 100 episodes... did we learn anything? Highly unlikely!

NBR's Accountants series is back!With flat growth, fewer jobs, and rising AI adoption, New Zealand’s accounting sector is at a turning point. New data from the country’s largest firms highlights declining headcount, subdued revenue growth, and shifting demand for consulting, revealing what it means for business confidence, employment, and the wider NZ economy. The full series asks CEOs and managing directors of the big four (Deloitte, PwC, KPMG and EY), and the smaller firms, how they performed for FY26. For comprehensive analysis of New Zealand's $2billion accounting sector, check out NBR's investigation - https://tinyurl.com/36tyw7ct Links to the social clips used here

New Zealand’s small businesses power the economy, but are they losing ambition? New data on growth, productivity, and tech adoption, reveals what it means for the country’s economic future, from global rankings to the real challenges facing Kiwi business owners.Links to audio clips used here

A New Zealand startup is reshaping the future of farming. Halter’s $3.4B rise, global expansion, and the future of farming-one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing agtech companies reshaping agriculture with technology, AI, and data-driven innovation. Links to audio clips used here

Energy security is back in focus as global conflict drives fuel volatility and power prices higher. Could the answer lie beneath our feet?In this episode, we explore New Zealand’s geothermal potential — from doubling output by 2040 to the high-risk push into supercritical energy that could transform the grid. With insights from Energy Minister Shane Jones and leading scientists, we examine whether geothermal could deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable power for the future.Links to audio clips used here

In this episode of The NBR Podcast with Simon Shepherd, we investigate how surging jet fuel prices are clipping Air NZ's wings to cut services and raise fares; and what that means for Kiwi travellers. We look at the real cost of NZ's jet fuel dependency, why supply shocks hit us harder than most, and the Marsden Point project aiming to change that, with a sustainable aviation fuel twist that could reshape New Zealand's energy future.Links to audio clips used here.

Is banking about to have its Netflix moment? In this episode of The NBR Podcast with Simon Shepherd: We take a dive into the AI revolution focusing on the global banking industry. We're talking AI agents that could one day manage financials, budgeting, investing, lending decisions... all without a human in the loop.Links to audio clips used here.

In this episode of The NBR Podcast with Simon Shepherd: The red tide of 2020 was washed away by a blue suburban wave in 2023 as Auckland voters deserted Labour for National. Now the battle for our biggest city is on again, with both major parties choosing to deliver their State of the nation speeches in Auckland. This episode focuses on the flipped seats, what business wants, and how the mayor just doesn't care who gets in. 

Gavin Faull, Swiss-Belhotel chairman, has successively built a global hospitality and tourism chain with 165 hotels across 20 countries.From humble NZ farm beginnings, Faull shares his journey on success in international hotel management, overcoming challenges and leading Swiss-Belhotel to reach an ambitious 530 hotels by the year 2035.Links to audio clips used here.

New Zealand’s 2026 election is being shaped by inflation, unemployment, OCR settings, mortgage rates, business confidence, and the cost-of-living crisis, as voters weigh whether the economy is truly recovering — driving sharp political divides between National's Nicola Willis and Labour's Barbara Edmonds.Links to audio clips used here

Plastic pollution is one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges, with the drinks industry producing hundreds of billions of single-use bottles every year. Brianne West is taking aim at that problem with Incrediballs, a plastic-free drink concentrate designed to eliminate packaging altogether and prove that sustainable product design and ethical entrepreneurship can reshape global industries.Links to audio clips used here

China’s birth rate has fallen to a record low and the markets have noticed. With just 7.9 million babies born last year, a shift has already begun rippling through global markets, from infant formula and A2 Milk to New Zealand’s broader export exposure and emerging growth in India.Links to audio clips used here.

Limitless clean energy from a nuclear fusion reactor. Early next decade, Kiwi startup OpenStar Technologies is hoping to be the first to create fusion in way that can supply reliable electricity. Founder Dr Ratu Mataira discusses sustainable power solutions, cleantech energy innovation and the future of energy as his company tries to replicate the power of the sun.Links to audio clips used here.

Is electric marine transport coming? We’re cruising above the waves aboard Vessev’s nine-metre EV hydro-foiling boat as the Kiwi company goes global in 2026. Chief executive and co-founder Eric Laakmann talks sustainable transport innovation and clean technology as the company ramps up production, preps for a capital raise, and sells into new countries. He believes it could be the next Kiwi startup to hit unicorn status.This episode is available as a video on Spotify, YouTube and NBR.co.nzLinks to audio clips used here.

Will the Coalition grasp another victory or be delivered an infamous single term defeat. Political Editor Brent Edwards looks at the state of the parties as we return from the summer break and realise that yes ... it is election year!

Tech saw some big, listed company deals and some impressive new players. Chief Reporter Will Mace covers the top end of tech town while Senior Journalist Fiona Rotherham has a taste for startups. Together they take us through the big events of 2025 and what to look out for 2026.

Around the office we call him The Goat. This year Tim Hunter was named NZSA Business Journalist of the Year for the fourth time. We finally coaxed him in front of the mic to talk about his scoops and why he's been tempted to go to bed with some spreadsheets.

It's time to don the budgie smugglers and head across the ditch to ask 'how's the serenity?' after a turbulent 2025. From landslide elections to some questionable business practices, we cover it all in this end of year 'View from Australia" with our correspondent Lachlan Colquhoun.

It’s the stories that gripped our member subscribers. From Du Val developments to banned winery directors, name suppression, the shock exit of Adrian Orr, and our latest NBR Rich Listers.  Co-editors Calida Stuart-Menteath and Hamish McNicol background what made the stories so popular.

Demand for charitable services in New Zealand is rising sharply but the level of funding is not matching it. Many charities are reducing services or shutting down as the nonprofit sector faces a nationwide funding crisis. With the upcoming great wealth transfer — an estimated $1.6 trillion is set to pass from baby boomers to their families. Could this historic shift in family wealth reshape charitable giving? supporting struggling social services and offer long-term sustainability options to NZ charities. Feedback, story ideas, comments, all welcome – email [email protected] to audio clips used here.

A 46-year-old man and his wealthy family and its business were granted permanent name suppression over his jailing for possessing 11,775 files of objectionable material involving children. We explore how New Zealand’s name suppression laws are applied to high-profile criminal cases, potential unintended consequences for the public when social media and AI falsely identify innocent people as perpetrators, and the impacts of these crimes on victims.Feedback, story ideas, comments, all welcome – email [email protected] to audio clips used here. 

Four Uber drivers have been deemed employees not contractors by the Supreme Court, and a thousand other drivers also have claims pending. Uber warns the entire contractor model is under threat while unions argue this is about workers rights. Now all eyes are on the Government’s impending contractor legislation.Feedback, story ideas, comments, all welcome – email [email protected] to audio clips used here.

What's the impact on New Zealand businesses from the 2025 Trump tariffs? The uncertainty has created major NZ trade challenges and global supply chain disruption. We discuss the trade policy instability and export challenges with a major exporter, Skellerup, and a small shoe designer, Oya. Plus some advice from trade expert Stephen Jacobi and ASB’s chief investment officer Frank Jasper.  Feedback, story ideas, comments, all welcome – email [email protected] to audio clips used here.

A retreat from net-zero goals is happening. We talk to two business sustainability consultants about business climate strategy, corporate responsibility trends and environmental leadership in business. Has the sector has overreached and undersold its message? Are companies still doing the work – or are they just not talking about it?Feedback, story ideas, comments, all welcome – email [email protected] to audio clips used here.

The Labour party has announced a new capital gains tax policy. Labour leader Chris Hipkins the tax policy debate, whether it will win over business, and what could change if the Greens and Te Pāti Māori win big at the election?Feedback, story ideas, comments, all welcome – email [email protected] to audio clips used here.

Thousands of Americans hand back their US passports every year. This episode, we look at exit tax, FATCA and expat tax obligations to find out why US citizens are giving up on ‘the land of the free’.Feedback, story ideas, comments, all welcome – email [email protected] to audio clips used here.

Are AI investments overvalued? Are we headed for a stock market crash? How exposed are NZ’s Kiwisavers? Artificial intelligence companies have made deals with each other worth more than a trillion dollars. We get market trend insights from BlackRock and some input from the founder of Salt Funds, who warns about the investment risks in AI.Feedback, story ideas, comments, all welcome – email [email protected] to audio clips used here.

For the full uncut interviews and articles on NBR:Auckland: Wayne Brown goes to town on ‘idiotic’ WellingtonWellington: Wellington’s new mayor Andrew Little aims to rein in costsQueenstown: John Glover on solving Queenstown’s infrastructure challenges as tourism growsDunedin: New Dunedin mayor Sophie Barker aims to roll out red carpet for business

What are the big deals and who is behind them? We talk to Jarden’s Silvana Schenone, who has been named as one of the most powerful Australasian dealmakers. Plus M&A lawyer from DLA Piper Reuben Woods explains why he is bullish about the coming year.

For the full uncut interviews and articles:Dealmakers 2025: From arm wrestles to handshakesWhen it comes to local elections, the smaller the betterPolitical will required to stimulate NZ’s capital marketsAI in the workplace causes confidentiality concerns

The New Zealand media landscape has changed dramatically but Stuff NZ has survived since CEO Sinead Boucher's $1 buyout. The business leader talks bringing in TradeMe, splitting the company in two, gifting 10% to staff , and whether there was a secret backer.Feedback, story ideas, comments, all welcome – email [email protected] to audio clips used here.