The SME Stream

In this special series of The SME Stream Podcast, Wilhelmina O’Keeffe steps inside some of Aotearoa’s most loved small and medium businesses - exploring their culture, their stories, and how coffee helps bring people and ideas together. In this episode, Wilhelmina catches up with Dan Mclaughlin; the co-founder and managing director of Scapegrace to explore Scapegrace’s journey of growth and expansion that took them to being one of New Zealand's most recognisable premium spirits brands, and how coffee can strengthen workplace culture and connection, acting as an icebreaker, and the role it has in building success in a business.  Served by Nespresso Professional.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the property market we often focus on who's winning between the buyer and the seller, but an economist from Simplicity has calculated that renters could be the top dogs at the moment.  But, Ed McKnight from Opes Partners questions the reliability of this claim.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The RBNZ recently hiked the OCR from 2.25% to 2.5%, and experts are expecting around another 1% of hikes over the next year, as managing inflation risks take priority over the weaker economy. But when will our economy start turning around? Hamish Pepper from Harbour Asset Management joins Tim Beveridge to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when you simply can’t afford to pay your debts? FinCap financial mentor Charlotte Whitakker joins The Prosperity Project to explain the options available when debt becomes overwhelming — from negotiating with lenders and hardship applications to KiwiSaver withdrawals, debt repayment orders and bankruptcy. Plus, why buy now, pay later can fuel a debt spiral, when you should seek help, and why getting support earlier can make all the difference.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina O'Keeffe each week as she gives you a rundown of the biggest stories that could impact your business, so you can make informed decisions with expert advice.  This week, The leadership rumble that’s created more uncertainty for SMEs, election policy season gains momentum, so which ones stand to benefit your business? Plus why listing salary details could make or break your recruitment process. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CMC Markets managing director Chris Smith joins Liam Dann to talk about the investing bug that started when he was 16, why New Zealand has historically favoured property over shares, and the mistakes that taught him the most. He also discusses market crashes, AI investment, KiwiSaver, our appetite for risk and why he believes simply earning a salary may not be enough to build the wealth needed for retirement.Money Talks is brought to you by CMC MarketsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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The appetite for New Zealand’s golden visa continues to grow.  Since the rules were relaxed last April, $4.845 billion has either been committed or added to the investment pipeline – from more than 700 applications.   InvestNZ is also changing tack – refining its overseas roadshow to create a more targeted approach.  CEO Robert Wall told Mike Hosking the Active Investor Plus programme is simply about getting investment into growing Kiwi businesses to the benefit of Kiwis.  He says their focus is on getting the best out of those applicants, and making sure their investments are going into productive parts of New Zealand.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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A new report finds the funding of aged residential care is not keeping up with the cost of providing it.   The Westpac NZ report investigates what challenges and opportunities service providers could face in the future.   It finds, with an aging population, people will require more complex and costly care.    Westpac economist Paul Clark told Mike Hosking the biggest cost is labour, which made up around 70% of operating costs.  He says that highly specialised labour is needed, and as more older people move into aged care facilities, they need higher and higher quality care, which requires better and better labour.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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What is it that high performing CEOs, sports stars, and leaders all have in common? James Laughlin knows. James is a leadership speaker, executive coach, and author of the best selling book 'Habits of High Performers' and believes anyone can become a high performer with the right attitude and belief system.  In the episode, James tells Toni about the habits that the most successful people in society all share, how anyone can become a high performer no matter their background, and why he believes success all comes down to the 'top two inches'. Want more We Need To Talk? Find us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the podcast, I speak with Zoë Williams, co-founder of Zoe & Morgan, a consciously created jewellery brand she runs alongside her siblings, Ruth and Morgan. For 20 years, Zoe & Morgan have been crafting jewellery that celebrates connections and stories,  showcasing a vibrant and fully-fledged expression of craftsmanship, individuality, and connection We talk about: 🤍  The foundations and values that guide every decision👪  What it takes to build a family-led business with your siblings🌿  Honouring craftsmanship and connection🏠  Balancing motherhood and growth✨  What success really means to her I adored talking with Zoë. This was such a thoughtful and gentle conversation, Zoe is so genuine and so generous with her time and her story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The engineer who helped make GitHub Copilot a global force is building its open alternative from Christchurch For millions of software developers, GitHub Copilot was the moment artificial intelligence stopped being an abstract promise and became a practical colleague. Suddenly, AI could sit in the coding environment, suggest the next line, explain unfamiliar code and help turn an idea into working software. It changed expectations of what a developer tool could do, and opened the door to a new generation of AI coding agents. Igor Costa was there as that shift gathered pace. The Brazilian-born, Christchurch-based founder of Autohand held senior engineering roles across Microsoft, GitHub and AWS, and played a pivotal role in the development and deployment of GitHub Copilot.  It is an experience that gave him a close-up view of the potential of AI-assisted software development and of the trade-offs that come with putting powerful capabilities in the hands of a small number of global technology platforms. Now Costa is building an alternative from New Zealand. His startup, Autohand, is developing AI agents designed to take on more of the repetitive, time-consuming work involved in building and maintaining software. It also treats software as constantly evolving code that refactors itself automatically, avoiding going out of date and becoming a security risk. But the company’s proposition is not simply that AI should write more code, or work faster. It is that businesses should retain control over the technology doing that work. That is why Autohand has embraced open source, releasing its code and building around open-source models. For Costa, the issue is one of sovereignty as much as capability. A company using AI to understand its systems, access its codebase and act across its engineering workflow needs to know where its data is going, how its tools behave and what degree of control it can retain. The market for AI coding tools is becoming crowded, well-funded and increasingly dominated by proprietary platforms. Costa’s bet is that a different model can succeed: powerful AI agents that are transparent, adaptable and deployable in ways that suit the organisations using them. In this episode of The Business of Tech, Costa talks about the formative years of GitHub Copilot, why he chose to build a company from Christchurch, and why he believes the next phase of software development will be shaped not only by what AI can do, but by who owns and controls it. It is a conversation about code, autonomy and the possibility that New Zealand can play a meaningful role in building the AI tools of the future. Listen to the latest episode of The Business of Tech with Igor Costa, founder of Autohand, streaming on iHeartRadio, Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  How do organisations create workplaces where people can thrive while still delivering strong business outcomes? In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Danielle Scott, Manager People & Sustainability at AoFrio, to explore leadership, resilience, employee wellbeing, and the changing role of People & Culture. Drawing on her experience across operations, customer experience, and people leadership, Danielle shares practical insights into building authentic workplace cultures, supporting leaders through change, developing capability, and helping employees bring their whole selves to work. From psychological safety and financial wellbeing to AI, sustainability, and leadership development, this conversation explores what modern organisations need to do to create resilient, high-performing teams. What You'll Learn Why empathy and trust are essential leadership capabilities How authentic workplaces improve engagement and performance The importance of resilience and wellbeing for People & Culture leaders Why capability building matters more than ever in an AI-enabled workplace How to support technical experts as they transition into leadership The connection between sustainability, purpose, and employee engagement Why organisations are increasingly hiring for potential rather than experience Key Takeaways Great leadership starts with self-awareness, empathy, and trust Employee wellbeing and business performance go hand in hand Capability and learning agility are becoming more valuable than technical expertise alone Strong cultures are built by creating space for people to learn, grow, and bring their authentic selves to work AI will change how we work, but human leadership remains essential About Danielle Scott Danielle Scott is Manager People & Sustainability at AoFrio, where she leads people strategy, sustainability initiatives, leadership development, and organisational capability. Passionate about creating authentic, people-first workplaces, Danielle focuses on building resilient teams and helping organisations navigate change with empathy and purpose. Why This Episode Matters As organisations navigate AI, changing workforce expectations, and increasing pressure on leaders, creating workplaces where people feel supported, connected, and able to grow has never been more important. This episode offers practical insights for leaders, HR professionals, and business owners looking to build resilient cultures that balance people, performance, and purpose. Connect Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellescottnz/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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ASB's settlement over alleged historic breaches of credit disclosure rules has affected its bottom line. The bank reached a $135.6-million-dollar settlement in October last year. In annual results released today, ASB's reporting a six-percent rise in operating income, but a 16 percent rise in operating expenses. CEO Vittoria Short says inflation and new investments in technology also added to the profit drop.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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ExportNZ is sounding the alarm about the costly obstacles faced by exporters.  Its report says at least 83% of our exports are affected by non-tariff barriers, resulting in more than $9 billion a year in costs.  It finds on average, Kiwi products face nine separate non-tariff barriers across the markets they enter.  Executive Director Joshua Tan told Mike Hosking it's also about having the right settings at home.  He says it's not just about Free Trade Agreements or non-tariff barriers; there's a lot which can be fixed in this country.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everything in this election's just been turned on its head in 24 hours for three reasons.  And it's not because of National.  Firstly, yesterday, Chris Hipkins was asked if he'd tell us how he would deal with TOP, what the caveats would be.  He said:  Secondly, TOP is looking more and more likely to get into Parliament and council hold the balance of power.  Thirdly, Luxon, while wounded, will not face another coup now the detractors wouldn't organise themselves into a single ticket and topple the boss. No more than they would organise a piss up in a brewery.  In this case the old saying it tipped on its head. Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice, shame you. There are no third chances for a coup pre-election. Which brings us the state of play. This election is going to be fought, won and lost, on one issue. TAX! For Hipkins to woo the Greens, Te Pati Māori and Opportunity, they will need to move on the tax.  Chloe, Qiulae Wong and Debbie are loading the gun, cocking it and wanting to fire on kiwi households.  So which taxes?  I went on TOP's calculator this morning for the land tax.  If you're a single divorced mum with a house from your settlement worth $2m, which is not much in Auckland or the deep south, you'll be paying an extra $456 a week.  That includes $35k a year in land taxes. If you're a couple with kids living in Beachlands, you'll be paying an extra $30 a week in taxes, including $24k in property taxes. That's before you've factored in taxes on farmland, an effective inheritance tax, a capital gains tax on an extra house (say a retirement rental investment, or a kid you saved to buy your kids), an inheritance tax/ gift tax when you die on pass on big assets.  When you add to this the fact we don't know how these four left bloc parties will spend your money, and how effective they'll be at doing so, this gets messier than a botched Tory coup. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The uncertain economic environment could be the reason for climbing unemployment and declining job ads. The latest Seek data shows job ads fell 0.8 percent last month, the third consecutive month of decline. It suggests conditions remain strongest in the South Island, while centres like Auckland, Wellington, and Waikato face greater headwinds.  Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold says the labour market has not emerged unscathed from the Iran war.  "Perhaps at the start of the year, they were looking forward to a much better year, but business confidence really got buffeted around the last three or four months."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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New Zealand businesses have spent much of the past year waiting for the recovery, but what if the economy they’re dealing with now is the new normal? Join Liam Dann and Tamsyn Parker as they ponder whether Christopher Luxon had actually had a point when he shared his controversial thoughts with the Rotorua business community. They also unpack the latest unemployment figures, and look ahead to reporting season. The Economy of Everything is made in partnership with CMC MarketsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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More Kiwis than ever are in debt to the IRD, and one expert has a theory about why it's gotten so bad.  As of March this year, more than half-a-million people had debt to Inland Revenue, and overall tax debt sat at $9.4 billion, of which Inland Revenue said 62 percent, or $5.9 billion, was collectable. Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand lead, John Cuthbertson, says there's been a significant build-up of debt, largely as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. "As debt ages, it becomes harder to collect - and we know that about 43 percent of it is over 2 years old. So once you get into that territory, it gets harder and harder to collect."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, the Reserve Bank has moved to keep the official cash rate in place at 4.35 percent. The result was widely expected by economists and money markets, despite inflation remaining above the RBA’s 2-3 percent target range in the June quarter. HSBC Chief Economist Paul Bloxham says there's evidence that the Australian economy is slowing down, which is helping put downward pressure on inflation.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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More people are starting businesses, despite tough economic conditions.  Data shows there's been more than 62 thousand companies incorporated in the year to July, the highest number since 2021.  That's despite latest Companies Office data finds liquidations have surged – rising more than 70% in the past three years.  First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson told Mike Hosking the current gig economy is reducing a lot of barriers.  He says inflation is bringing the GST threshold closer and people want to regain control in life.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour says small businesses are our economy's engine room, as the party launches a new election policy in Rotorua. It's campaigning on a $2 million annual fund to help smaller businesses adopt AI tools. It would also go into topping up an advisory group to help with AI use, and boosting mentoring and support. Leader Chris Hipkins says small businesses want to adapt to this new technology, and they want additional support to make this happen.  "So that they can weigh up how AI could help them, what the risks of using AI could be - it's just levelling the playing field."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EPISODE 112: Vanya Insull started VJ Cooks in 2016 with a Facebook page sharing videos of what she was cooking for her own family. Ten years later, it's a website with 800+ recipes, a meal planning app (CookPlan), three cookbooks (with a fourth on the way), and a social media following approaching a million people. 🍴 In this episode, Vanya takes us through the whole journey, from those first Facebook videos through to the systems, the team, and the decisions that turned a passion project into a genuine business. We talk about: 🧾  The workflow and checklists that keep it all running 📅  Planning around the school term 📱  Content planning and social media - sooooo much insight! 🤝  Outsourcing early, even before you feel ready 🍰  Choosing collaboration over competition with other creators Vanya is warm, funny and an open book. I got so much out of this episode and I know you will too.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when organisations genuinely listen to their people and act on what they hear? In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Maria Coupland, General Manager People & Culture at Finance Now, to explore employee experience, leadership, culture, and the commercial realities of building high-performing workplaces. Drawing on experience across multiple industries and countries, Maria shares practical insights into creating meaningful employee experiences, building trust through action, and partnering with leaders to drive business outcomes through people. From leadership development and culture champions to employee engagement, recognition, and commercial HR, this conversation explores how organisations can create workplaces where people feel heard, valued, and motivated to contribute. What You'll Learn How employee experience drives engagement and retention Why listening to employees is only valuable if you act on the feedback How Culture Champions can strengthen workplace culture The role recognition plays in engagement and performance Why leadership development should be continuous, not event-based How HR can build credibility through commercial thinking What it means to be a true business partner Key Takeaways Great employee experiences start with listening and follow-through Trust is built through consistency and action Leadership development works best when leaders learn together HR creates the most value when it's connected to business outcomes Small changes can have a significant impact on engagement and culture About Maria Coupland Maria Coupland is General Manager People & Culture at Finance Now. With experience across multiple sectors and countries, she is passionate about creating workplaces where people can thrive while delivering strong business outcomes through practical, people-focused leadership. Why This Episode Matters As organisations compete for talent and navigate ongoing change, employee experience has become a critical driver of performance, retention, and culture. This episode provides practical insights for leaders, HR professionals, and business owners looking to create workplaces where people genuinely want to stay and contribute. Resources Maria Coupland | LinkedIn See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicola Willis says the National's new proposed increase to the fuel tax, the new bed tax and the possible bank levy aren't new information. A Taxpayers' Union Curia Issue poll shows 76 percent of National supporters want the party to promise no new taxes or tax increases. The party yesterday outlined a promise for fiscal responsibility - including a commitment to lower the debt to GDP ratio and to get the books back into surplus. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says these proposals have been documented and National's simply being straight with voters. "Three issues we've already been very open and upfront about, and I can be very clear with you that there is nothing that we are considering that you haven't heard about."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Property markets always favour either the buyer or the seller - someone's gonna get more out of it.  It's hard to know what move to make in the property market, and even harder to know when. Harcourts Managing Director Martin Cooper joins Tim Beveridge to answer your questions about the property market, and how to know when to buy, sell or hold. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cost of Living Crisis has driven a lot of Kiwis to look for financial advice, and many turn to AI over a financial advisor. But is AI really that reliable as a source of financial advice? And investing in AI seems to be the thing to do at the moment, is it somethng you should be getting in to or watching with caution? Money Coach Amanda Morrall joins Tim Beveridge on Smart Money to discuss.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You are intelligent. You know what to do… so why can’t you make yourself do it? In this episode I explore why weight loss and business burnout have far less to do with motivation than most people believe. I sat down with Brittany McNabb from Mind, Body, Britt - who lost over 40kg, built a successful personal training business and now helps thousands of women transform not only their bodies but the way they think. With a background in psychotherapy, she explains why willpower isn't the problem - and what actually is. We unpack the surprising role your nervous system plays in weight loss, the mindset successful entrepreneurs and athletes have in common and the psychology behind why you keep failing (even when you know better).  If your goal is improving your health, building confidence or creating a business you love, this conversation is packed with practical insights that apply far beyond fitness. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, experts and high performers helping you build a business and a life that feels aligned Ready to start building? Join our #1 Business Training today ⬇️ 🔗 Book a strategy call: https://www.makeithappen.org.nz/ 🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos on business, mindset, and building your dream life 🌐 Learn more: http://makeithappen.org.nz/ 🌐 Instagram: @makeithappen   📣 Share this video with someone who needs the push to finally startSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buying or selling a house is a complicated and often confusing process that real estate agents are smack in the middle of, and stand to benefit from.  So what should we share when dealing with an agent, and what should we keep close to our chest? Barfoot & Thompson real estate agent Ryan Harding joins Nadine Higgins to explain what you need to consider as a vendor or a buyer, the things agents are obligated to disclose, whether commissions are negotiable, how to spot an inflated appraisal and which sales method could get the best result. He also reveals why conditional buyers may need to pay more, what really happens when an auction passes in, and which buyers won't reap the rewards of a 'buyer's market.'See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talking about money and finances can be incredibly difficult, and often boring, especially for women. It's hard to get the conversation started even among friends, which can lead you to feeling lost and hopeless.  That's where Victoria Harris comes in. Victoria co-founded the financial education platform The Curve, with the goal of using her experience from working in the finance world to educate women on finding their path to financial freedom.  In the episode Toni and Victoria chat about how The Curve came to be, why it's so important for women to gain a better understanding of their finances, and why the so called 'motherhood penalty' can so easily put women behind their male peers. Plus the new fund The Curve is launching specifically designed to help women start climbing the financial ladder.  Want more We Need To Talk? Find us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's promising to stick to three spending guardrails if it returns to Government, and is calling on other parties to follow suit.  The party's promising a return to surplus in 2028/29  - and bending debt below 40 percent of GDP.  It's also promising to reduce the size of Government, bringing spending to 30 percent of GDP.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis joined the Weekend Collective to explain further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's brushing off concerns it has a reputational problem over debt - as it lays out new fiscal responsibility rules. The party's promising a surplus by 2028/29 and Government spending below 30% of GDP - while ruling out new taxes on working people and small businesses. Leader Chris Luxon told Mike Hosking that there's a choice between austerity and stimulation, but he believes it's years of government stimulus that has the country in its current mess. He says they've plotted a third way, prioritising discipline around spending. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour says there's nothing new in National's budget responsibility rules. National's Nicola Willis unveiled the details today - promising a surplus by 2028/29 and reducing Government spending to 30 percent of GDP.  Labour's finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds says this is part of their current fiscal strategy. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets fluctuate, which can make investment a tricky business.  Property may seem like a guaranteed investment, but according to Ed McKnight, the number one mistake people make is assuming past returns guarantee future performance.  He joined Jack Tame to dig into the details to try keep listeners from making this mistake.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's under pressure to come clean on what new taxes it could be considering. The party's unveiled its budget responsibility rules, promising to deliver a surplus and rein in spending. But finance spokeswoman Nicola Willis has only ruled out higher taxes on working people, leaving the door open to other tax increases. Former Finance Minister Steve Joyce told Mike Hosking that bed and fuel taxes are the most likely options. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's push for tighter control of the books is being welcomed - but questions are being raised over what's actually new. Finance spokesperson Nicola Willis yesterday unveiled National's fiscal strategy - promising a surplus by 2028/29 and Government spending below 30 percent of GDP.  But independent tax expert Geof Nightingale told Ryan Bridge National has made these same commitments before. He says the three 'budget responsibility' rules are already in the fiscal strategy report, which the Government has to release for each budget.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina O'Keeffe each week as she gives you a rundown of the biggest stories that could impact your business, so you can make informed decisions with expert advice.  This week, Unemployment reaches new heights but is it downhill from here? Kiwi debt levels are finally decreasing and the mismatch between salary and AI skills. Plus what’s in the secret sauce of Christchurch's economic recovery?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon says he supports having another referendum on the MMP voting system if he’s re-elected as he encourages greater support for National so the party can avoid working with “some yahoo and numpty” in Cabinet. Act leader David Seymour says he’s not opposed to another referendum but suggests Luxon “may not have thought through what he’s saying” regarding ministers from other parties, noting the number of National ministers who had been dismissed this term. Speaking on Newstalk ZB this morning, Luxon made the statement in response to a listener who had texted in asking whether the PM would address the power held by minor parties in governing arrangements. Luxon initially pointed to the Government working towards a referendum on whether to extend government terms from three years to four, before saying he was “open” to asking voters whether they were “still supportive of MMP”. Asked if he would do so if he were Prime Minister next year, Luxon replied: “Yeah, I think I would.” He added: “I think I would because I actually think, you know, that it is quite right to check in constitutionally and say, is this the system, New Zealand, you still want? “You know, you voted for this in the 90s, we’ve had a check-in in the [20]10s, 20 years down the road or whatever it has been, is it still where you want to be?” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.