The NBR Podcast

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.

For the full uncut interviews and articles over on NBR.co.nz:RBNZ expected to cut interest rates again to boost economyFREE ARTICLE ON NBR ('til midnight 12 October): Should the RBNZ be independent?The Government’s electoral hopes of an economic recoveryCourts get more aggressive on redeployment of redundant workersPodcast #77: Sinead Boucher talks about StuffIndependent Traffic Control: keeping calm, carrying on

While the NZ public health system is struggling, more Kiwis are seeing the cost of private health insurance rise. Premiums are being hiked across the board. We sat down with Southern Cross's insurance CEO to find out what’s going on. How can New Zealanders continue to access affordable healthcare?Feedback, story ideas, comments, all welcome – email [email protected] to audio clips used here.

What was it like for Spark CEO Jolie Hodson when half-year profits dived wiping a billion dollars off the company's value? We discuss the telecommunications company’s new five-year strategy, staff cuts, asset sales, as well as leadership in technology and digital transformation.Feedback, story ideas, comments, all welcome – email [email protected] to audio clips used here.

For the full uncut interviews and articles:Rotorua seeks fresh spark and investment to thriveChill winds blast Colin Neal’s Polar CapitalOne in 10 women resign during menopause: legislation catches upAussie Liberals risk oblivion over net zero fight

What are the ethics of investing in technology that has civilian and military applications? Drones, AI, cloud services are all examples of civilian technology with a military application in the "grey zone" of investing. Should New Zealanders take sides or not invest at all? Feedback, story ideas, comments, all welcome – email [email protected] to audio clips used here.

For the full uncut interviews and articles:Trailblazer’s push to close the protection gapDamien Grant doesn’t do himself any favoursThere are still lessons for employers from the Covid eraMatos charts a new course at ANZ

At Xerocon, the 2025 Xero conference, we talk with Xero CEO Sukhinder Singh-Cassidy about Xero cloud accounting software. She is heading a major push into the US, so could the future of Xero possibly be a move to America? Feedback, story ideas, comments, all welcome – email [email protected]

For the full uncut interviews and articles:Special delivery for Auckland’s historic Chief Post OfficeChinese cars continue their conquest of AustraliaMove away from US dollar, assets necessary: Amova bossBNZ and whistleblower Melissa Bowen challenge $506,000 ERA award

Even before the foreign home buyer ban was lifted, the new ‘Golden Visa’ – the Active Investor Plus residency visa – had sparked a big uptick in applications and promised dollars from wealthy foreign investors seeking a New Zealand investor visa and planning migration to New Zealand. The Government has been pushing the growth option but what happens when investors get residency and want their money back? Feedback, story ideas, comments, all welcome – email [email protected]

For the full uncut interviews and articles:How digital identity could free us from big tech dependencyStark contrasts of NZ’s two-speed economyPodcast #72: Where are the Golden Visas at?Covert recording of staff working from home illegal in NZGeneration fault lines are Australia’s biggest danger

Is there an AI job apocalypse coming? A new survey shows almost half of organisations implementing AI say it is impacting on hiring new people. We talk to the AI Forum about AI job displacement, canvas the opinions of the latest AI startup Aether on Job automation, recruitment agency Robert Walters on impact of AI on hiring trends, and Supahuman – a company building AI solutions for businesses on job automation and AI productivity.Feedback, story ideas, comments, all welcome – email [email protected] to audio clips used here.

For the full uncut interviews and articles:PM concedes running a country is harder than running a businessMissed opportunity or wise decision? RBNZ could have cut by 50bpsEmployment law reform will create two-tier system: lawyerF&P Healthcare investors murmur not shout over pay incentive bumpWild ride on the ASX bull market

“Fake pass rates” – that’s how Crimson Education’s Jamie Beaton describes the NCEA. He argues our qualifications need “intensity, ambition, and goal orientation” if New Zealand’s going to compete on the world stage. In a fast-talking episode, we also cover Trump, geo-politics, and whether that $1b unicorn valuation is still valid.

For the full uncut interviews and articles:Beehive Banter weekly roundupReserve Bank cut the official cash rate by 25 basis pointsAustralia's high tax on cigarettesHow should employers deal with difficult employeesBattle over the boardroom at electronic parts manufacturer Rakon

The law touches all of us, but what do we really know about the people that practise it? In a brand new NBR Focus series, NBR Editor Hamish McNicol reveals how big the sector is, the issues it’s facing, and whether AI-generated legal advice might disrupt this opaque industry.Feedback, story ideas, comments, all welcome – email [email protected] to audio clips used here.

For the full uncut interviews and articles:Gaza debate, polls, pay equity, the Covid-19 inquiry no-showHouseholds, businesses and the Government wait for the recoveryVictoria’s WFH law unlikely to catch on in New ZealandGreen hydrogen dreams, hot air, Net ZeroKōrero with the Continent: the Māori-French trade roadmap

In this episode of The NBR Podcast with Simon Shepherd: The story of the collapse of the Du Val Property Group has fascinated listeners. Raided and placed into rare statutory management a year ago, it’s been revealed a whistleblower helped spark the FMA investigation into the group and its colourful founders Kenyon and Charlotte Clarke. So why haven’t they been charged? Feedback, story ideas, comments, all welcome – email [email protected] to audio clips used here.