The SME Stream

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 start of the budget bread crumbs are being laid, changes to our fuel response plan, and the Middle East conflict continues to put pressure on businesses … plus what’s behind our increasing brain drain? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Leaders Getting Coffee episode 62, our guest is Caroline Harvie-Teare, who is the CEO of Venues Otautahi in Christchurch, home of the new One New Zealand Stadium. She started life as a farm girl,but moved to the city as a youngster and became a heart and soul champion for the city of Christchurch. The farm girl lingered though as her passion for horses took her to eventing success. That start reflects a toughness that has been reflected in every challenge she has taken on.  When the earthquakes hit her city her job in the events industry was under threat. So she stepped up to join the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority, doing her bit to help her city repair itself. Her success there led her to Christchurch International Airport as the city tried to recover its lost sparkle and resultant loss of tourists. Her return to Venues Otautahi, the city’s main events hub, just a week before the first of the Covid 19 enforced lockdowns, provided another challenging chapter to a career that had already had it’s share. But she has thrived. Venues Otautahi is now New Zealand’s largest events and venue company, and the organisation owns or manages some of the country’s most sought after venues including the revitalised Christchurch Town Hall, Woolfbrook Arena, Hagley Oval, and New Zealand’s newest and already arguable best stadium, One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha. Caroline’s story encompasses many characteristics. Resilience and strength are obvious. But she is also someone who thinks very clearly about where her best skills lie and how she can apply those skills to make the best contribution. She is unashamedly a proud and passionate cheerleader for her chosen city and her story provides countless lessons for any aspiring leader. During the Leaders Getting Coffee podcast Caroline Harvie-Teare speaks to Bruce Cotterill about the tough days after the earthquakes and the memories that return as each step in the city’s recovery is taken. She’s very open about the tough decisions enforced as a result of Covid 19. But the main story here is about a stadium. One that is so much more than a venue for sports and music. It’s a venue that represents the recovery of a once broken city and provides the ‘icing on the cake’ as that long rebuilding process nears completion. Caroline Harvie-Teare has a great leadership story, and she tells it well. As is so often the case, the best leadership experiences occur when the circumstances are genuinely difficult. There are lessons aplenty from every step she has taken.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Opportunity Party is attracting growing support from young tech professionals, scientists, and startup founders, demanding bolder, more evidence‑based leadership. That’s according to Opportunity party leader Qiulae Wong, the businesswoman, climate leader and mother who will lead the party into the election in a bid to crest the 5% popular vote threshold needed to see the party in a position to support a coalition government. On this week’s episode of The Business of Tech, I sit down with Wong to discuss her party’s plan to lift New Zealand out of its low‑productivity rut by putting innovation at the centre of economic policy.  You’ll hear how the Opportunity Party wants to double R&D investment from around 1.5% of GDP to 3% – finally putting us in the same league as other advanced economies – and pair that with much stronger support for commercialisation so ideas don’t just die in the lab.  We also dig into how greater competition in highly concentrated sectors like supermarkets, banking and energy could free up capital and lower barriers for new, tech‑driven challengers. Gold standard AI rules A big focus of the episode is artificial intelligence and the weightless tech economy. Wong explains why New Zealand needs “gold standard” AI rules that are tight on outcomes but open for innovation, so founders can build globally competitive AI products here rather than in London or San Francisco. We talk skills, education, and the critical thinking needed to make sure AI boosts productivity instead of hollowing out jobs. We also unpack how the Opportunity Party plans to pay for its policy agenda. Its newly released tax policy includes a 1.75% land value tax, a universal citizens’ income and compulsory “KiwiSaver 2.0” savings. Qiulae argues this package is designed to shift money out of speculative property and into productive investment, while helping fund a serious uplift in R&D and a faster clean‑energy transition.  Rounding out the episode, we explore a 25‑year energy strategy, ways to bring Kiwi tech talent home, and how citizens’ assemblies and digital voting could revitalise our democracy for a generation that lives online. Has Opportunity got a chance? Recent polls have the party hovering around 3% of the popular vote, shy of the level needed to get its candidates into Parliament. But these are unprecedented times, with younger voters in particular looking for bold leadership. The momentum may be on this minor party’s side. Listen to the full conversation with Qiulae Wong on this week’s episode of The Business of Tech, streaming on iHeartRadio, Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is kiwifruit at the cutting edge? Michael Franks is the CEO of Seeka, New Zealand’s largest kiwifruit grower and a major post-harvest provider, operating 11 automated packhouses and a network of leased and managed orchards. We trace Seeka’s strong recovery after being "brought to our knees" by the Psa virus to become a $440m trans-Tasman operation. Michael explains Seeka’s embrace of renewable energy and emerging tech, with AI helping to reduce perishable fruit waste, automation to address labour shortages and reduce costs, solar energy to supplement their industrial power usage, and rain-tolerant rootstock to meet a changing climate.  Plus, Michael explains why a new free trade agreement with India could provide a strong safety net for New Zealand growers. For more or to watch on YouTube—check out http://linktr.ee/sharedlunch Shared Lunch is brought to you by Sharesies Australia Limited (ABN 94 648 811 830; AFSL 529893) in Australia and Sharesies Limited (NZ) in New Zealand. It is not financial advice. Information provided is general only and current at the time it’s provided, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. We do not provide recommendations and you should always read the disclosure documents available from the product issuer before making a financial decision. Our disclosure documents and terms and conditions—including a Target Market Determination and IDPS Guide for Sharesies Australian customers—can be found on our relevant Australian or NZ website. Investing involves risk. You might lose the money you start with. If you require financial advice, you should consider speaking with a qualified financial advisor. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance. Appearance on Shared Lunch is not an endorsement by Sharesies of the views of the presenters, guests, or the entities they represent. Their views are their own.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On paper, New Zealand Super is one of the simplest parts of our welfare system.  Most people become eligible at 65, it’s not means tested, and for decades it’s been treated as a kind of social contract: work hard, reach retirement, and the state will be there. But that contract is under growing pressure. As our population ages and governments look for ways to contain long-term costs, the debate keeps returning. Should we raise the age of eligibility, and if we do, who pays the price? Today on The Front Page, Auckland University Business School associate professor Susan St John is with us to talk about the future of superannuation, the arguments for and against raising the retirement age, and why this debate never stays settled for long. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Westpac's Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold discusses the latest economic data and what the Australian Budget means.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ First leader Winston Peters says NZ's retirement age is not a problem that needs to be fixed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister ponders further lamb tariffs in the US, whether climate polluters are being let off the hook, whether Labour can win without TPM, Judith Collins' valedictory, and the fuel price crisis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shoppers are still turning up and backing local where they can, while retailers juggle rising costs. But how long can they absorb the pain?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forsyth Barr's Mark Richardson gives a crash course on how currency exchange rates impact returns on your investments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jarden's Mike McIntyre discusses the a strong dairy season as uncertainty over costs looms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon has warned less cash would be thrown around in this year's upcoming Budget amid ongoing economic turmoil. Luxon told the audience at the pre-Budget BusinessNZ event that it's important for the Government to stay on track with their fiscal strategy as the election looms. NZ Herald senior correspondent Katie Bradford says Luxon's speech is meant to signal to voters that his Government values stability and social cohesion. "This is a very clear message he's trying to get out there - about how National is the party of sensible, stable planned approach going in here."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says it won't punish genuine mistakes with its planned new crackdown on misleading pricing.  A bill's been introduced to Parliament that would increase the maximum penalty for misleading prices from $600 thousand to $5 million.  The Commerce Commission estimates such prices are costing New Zealanders tens-of-millions-of-dollars a year.   Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer told Mike Hosking there's always room for error.  But he says there's also some businesses who treat the current penalty for misleading pricing as the cost of doing business.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Bradford talks to Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey about a workplace mental health toolkit as economic pressures mount on businesses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ComCom has one headscratcher - Market concentration measured by the share of the top five firms in any sector, has dropped over the past two decades. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It might feel weird telling the young people in your life to pack up and head across the ditch for better prospects, but right now it may actually be the best advice.   Youth unemployment is sitting at worrying levels in New Zealand, the cost of living crisis is dragging on and somehow our mates in Australia seem to have jobs to spare and money to burn.   Join Liam Dann and Tamsyn Parker as they unpack why so many young Kiwis are eyeing Australia, what’s driving the latest brain drain fears and whether New Zealand’s economy is about to get even tougher.   The Economy of Everything is brought to you by NZ Herald in partnership with CMC Markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rabobank’s Senior Ag Analyst reviews the bank’s May Agribusiness Monthly Report as we look at the prospects for dairy, beef, sheep, fuel, fertiliser, plus interest and exchange rates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis explains what it would take to reach phase four.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unleashed's Jarrod Adam discusses the latest data showing mounting strain on kiwi manufacturersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Milford Report - US tech companies are on track to spend more than a trillion US dollars on AI next yearSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'Big oil' warns of mid-June supply crunch if Strait stays shut; BusinessDesk reports Cabinet still considering LNG terminal; Bunnings targets Repco & SuperCheapSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A changing property market could start shifting landlord trends.  Fresh March quarter data from property information firm Cotality shows almost nine in ten residential properties are being sold for a profit - but it remains below the peak of more than 99-percent in late 2021. Property Investor Federation Manager, Matt Ball told Ryan Bridge there's likely to be a rise in corporate style landlords  - as rules and regulation changes don't favour the mum and dad type investor.  He says it wont be the causal investor trying to get in the market - it will be ones with purpose who know how to make money out of it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trade Minister says he'll be making the case against further US tariffs on New Zealand lamb.  Todd McClay says he expects the US Government to launch an investigation into our lamb exports in the coming weeks.  It could result in extra tariffs being imposed to protect the US sheep meat sector.  McClay told Mike Hosking he and his officials will be reminding their US counterparts of the mutual benefits of the trade.  He says lamb consumption and lamb prices in the US have gone up as a result of New Zealand's marketing efforts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has backed the decision to scrap the fees-free scheme for good. Last week, Winston Peters revealed to Newstalk ZB on Friday the Government's doing away with the free final year of tertiary education. Nicola Willis says it's important for the Government to invest in things that Kiwis really need and want - not a failed policy that didn't achieve any of the goals it aimed to accomplish. "New Zealand has been in deficit since 2019, we're carrying a heck of a lot of debt, we've got some real priorities for our budget in terms of the health system, the education we want to give our young kids, the defence system we want to build up, the infrastructure we want to build - all of those things have a better call on money."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aaron Ibbotson from Forsyth Barr joins the showSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“We still see 10–15 deceased estates a week.” That was one of the more confronting moments from this conversation about wills, investing, and what happens when your wishes aren’t documented. In this quick bite we cover off some of the big points from our previous episode 'Are you leaving your wealth in limbo?'  For more or to watch on YouTube—check out http://linktr.ee/sharedlunch For more places to follow Shared Lunch—check out http://linktr.ee/sharedlunchShared Lunch is brought to you by Sharesies Limited (NZ) in New Zealand. It is not financial advice. Information provided is general only and current at the time it’s provided, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. We do not provide recommendations and you should always read the disclosure documents available from the product issuer before making a financial decision. Our disclosure documents and terms and conditions can be found on our website. Investing involves risk. You might lose the money you start with. If you require financial advice, you should consider speaking with a qualified financial advisor. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance. Appearance on Shared Lunch is not an endorsement by Sharesies of the views of the presenters, guests, or the entities they represent. Their views are their own.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil prices have jumped more than three percent on the back of another snag in negotiations between the US and Iran.  Donald Trump has taken to social media to call Iran's response to a US 14-point memorandum 'totally unacceptable'.  Brent crude is now trading at more than 104 US dollars a barrel.  Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane Jones says while Kiwis may be concerned about fuel prices, they don't need to worry about fuel supply.  The Government's updated its fuel response plan, so fuel is only restricted under phase four.  At that phase, emergency services, health services, schools and courts would get uncapped priority access, while others would need to limit their fuel use.  The Associate Energy Minster told Mike Hosking that at this stage, there is bugger all to worry about beyond price.  However, he says the Government wanted to show businesses and other stakeholders that it was being proactive.  “In the event we do strike a dangerous patch, then we've got additional fuel [at Marsden Point] that can be made available on a staggered managed basis. So it gives the confidence to the lifeline of the economy, the users of diesel, that it's actually here.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The age of retirement is back in the forefront of news this week after a report from the OECD recommended means testing the age of eligibility for NZ Super or risk an unsustainable rise in public debt.  The agency says New Zealand's ageing population will continue to become a prevalent issue as the government tries to pull the economy out of the red.  But some finance experts say we shouldn't be relying on the government to fund our retirements, and super should be treated as a bonus rather than a survivable income.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interest rates are rising again, fuel prices are climbing and many homeowners are wondering what to do next. But according to Squirrel mortgage adviser Adam Clark, too many Kiwis are focusing on the wrong things. In this episode of The Prosperity Project, Adam joins Nadine Higgins to unpack the psychology of mortgages, why obsessing over tiny rate differences can backfire, and the financial habits that quietly cost borrowers hundreds of thousands over the life of a loan. They also dive into refinancing, cashback offers, fixing strategies, mortgage structures, EV lending and the dangerous temptation of “cheap debt”. Plus: Why banks hike rates before the Reserve Bank moves The truth about cashback “free money” Why fixing for the shortest term isn’t always smartest See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined Mike Hosking in studio to discuss two major policy changes announced last week - abolishing fees free study, and raising the age of superannuation.  Luxon said that although the changes may not be 'politically popular' they are important, and other party's aren't brave enough to agree.  "I think they're being quite dishonest in terms of not facing up to the challenge that we've got and I think just chucking it down the road to the kids and grandkids isn't the right way," he said.  "So, I get it's not politically popular, but actually we should have a bigger conversation and a debate about it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon plans to start lifting the pension age if National get back into government after the coming election. Bipartisan support will most likely be needed to make this happen as parties, like NZ First, are staunchly against the reform. "Please do not attack grandmother and grandmother's savings to try and disguise for a brief time your economic incompetence," Winston Peters said to Heather du Plessis-Allan LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Independent Economist and Property Commentator Tony Alexander regularly surveys real estate agents.  His latest survey found that 44% feel prices are falling in the area, 51% see fewer people that open homes, and 50% are seeing fewer investors. Alexander contributes this to a number of reasons including global conflict and job instability, but first-home buyers are remaining strong.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The Government has confirmed it plans to investigate the City Rail Link project, after reports revealed it could have cost $2 billion less. Do we think this review is needed? Is it time to lift the Super age from 65? Another economist has warned we can't keep kicking the can down the road. What do we think?  LISTEN ABOVESee 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, the unexpected surprise in the unemployment rate, the overseas agreement hoping to stabilise our fuel stocks, plus the oil crisis hammers the retail industry and our smaller businesses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says the Government's going to have to do something about Superannuation.   An OECD report warns if current policy settings continue, we could be spending 5% more of our GDP on health, long-term care, and pensions by 2060.  Minister Nicola Willis says the cost for superannuation is going up billions of dollars, while there are fewer workers for every pensioner.   She told Mike Hosking the cost is also rising as a proportion of taxes.   Willis says it will soon account for 20%, and every dollar spent isn't available for education, health, and infrastructure.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cost of computer components has shot up, and there's concerns about what it could mean for the tech sector. The shortage of memory chips has prompted tech investors to worry about what this could mean for the market. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's treading water, with a warning our increasingly overloaded pension system isn't sustainable. The latest OECD snapshot of our economy suggests unless we adjust systems, including the costs of health, long-term care and pension will increase by about five percent of GDP by 2060. It says it could be countered by changes including upping Superannuation contributions.  Economist Cameron Bagrie says we can't keep kicking the can down the road - and that we need to address entitlements, through lifting the retirement age or means testing.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rise in AI has seen demand for professionally written CVs in a bid to stand out against algorithms. Experts say while AI can be useful to screen hundreds of applicants faster, it's created a transparency gap between employers and jobseekers. CVs by Sarah director Sarah Wrightson says the screening software rules out applicants before a human gets a chance to look at their CVs, and it results in qualified applicants getting filtered out. "I've had clients come to me saying that they've applied for 80 jobs and heard nothing back - and often, they've actually got really solid experience. The software's looking for alignment and clarity, humans read context, the software doesn't."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Market research has long been a privilege of the big end of town. Got $50,000 and six weeks to spare? Great, you can know what your customers think. Everyone else? Good luck. That model is being dismantled, and a New Zealand startup is doing some of the dismantling. In the latest episode of The Business of Tech, I sat down with James Donald, CEO of Auckland-based Ideally, fresh from closing a $16 million Series A that values the company at $100 million.  Ideally is one of three AI-centric New Zealand startups to hit that psychological valuation milestone in the past month – a sign that our fledgling AI start-up ecosystem is gaining momentum. James is a former Shell engineer turned serial founder whose previous company, Yonder, was acquired by a US travel tech firm. Now he's turned his sights on a $40 billion slice of the global market research industry – one where 90% of spend still flows to people-heavy agencies like Kantar and Nielsen.  His pitch: AI can do what took those agencies weeks to do, in hours, at a fraction of the cost, and with results in the hands of the people inside a company who actually know what questions to ask. The pros and cons of synthetic data In our chat, we get into the heart of what Ideally is doing differently. One of the most interesting debates in AI right now is the rise of synthetic data – building artificial personas to simulate how real people would respond. James makes a pointed argument: when the stakes are high, and you need genuine nuance, synthetic just isn't good enough.  We also dig into what James calls "living data" – the idea that consumer insight shouldn't die in a PDF buried in SharePoint, but should be a continuously growing, queryable understanding of your customer base.  And we talk about the SaaSpocalypse – that February moment when hundreds of billions were wiped off the value of software companies worldwide. Ideally sits squarely in that story: an AI-native challenger gunning for the market share of legacy research platforms and expensive agencies alike, with a usage-based pricing model designed to turn in-house marketers into researchers, rather than leave it to outside consultants. This is a great example of how AI is being used to shake up long-established industries. The Business of Tech is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the first episode of The Economy of Everything, with thanks to CMC Markets. To kick things off, our hosts Tamsyn Parker and Liam Dann tackle the cost of living crisis, what's happening with markets as the Middle East war kicks back into gear, and the significance of today's unemployment data release.    The Economy of Everything is brought to you by NZ Herald in partnership with CMC Markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens to your house, your shares, and even your dog if you don’t document your wishes with a will? With the launch of Sharesies Wills, we’re talking to Tammy McLeod from Davenports Law and Naomi Garry from Sharesies to cover an often-overlooked part of wealth: protecting it for the next generation. Find out what it means if your estate gets caught up in complex legal probate, and how easy it can be to protect your assets from being split in ways you never intended. Tammy and Naomi explain the avoidance and myths that keep 50% of Kiwis from creating a will, and what the Property Relationships Act means for de facto, separated, and divorced couples. Learn about common mistakes when choosing an executor, and the rules and pitfalls around life insurance payments and your KiwiSaver balance.  Plus, why offers of a ‘free’ will might be too good to be true. For more or to watch on YouTube—check out http://linktr.ee/sharedlunch Shared Lunch is brought to you by Sharesies Limited (NZ) in New Zealand. It is not financial advice. Information provided is general only and current at the time it’s provided, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. We do not provide recommendations and you should always read the disclosure documents available from the product issuer before making a financial decision. Our disclosure documents and terms and conditions—can be found on our website. Sharesies Wills are a simple online will product that has been co-designed with legal experts to meet New Zealand legal requirements. However, Sharesies is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This service is a "do-it-yourself" tool for straightforward estates. See our website for full terms and conditions. Appearance on Shared Lunch is not an endorsement by Sharesies of the views of the presenters, guests, or the entities they represent. Their views are their own.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Icehouse is celebrating 25 years of powering Kiwi business growth.  They’re a non-profit dedicated to training and mentoring the small to medium enterprises that make up 97% of New Zealand’s economy.  And today is their Ignite Growth Summit, in which they bring together legendary founders who have gone from the garage to the global stage to inspire the next wave of business talent.   CEO Olivia Blaylock told Kerre Woodham there are so many great businesses around New Zealand, and while some, like Pic’s, are well known, there are plenty that we don’t hear about.  She says we need to tell more of their stories and create a culture where it’s okay to put your hand up and say you’re doing well.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The PM, hot off signing the ‘Fuel for Food’ deal with Singapore, also ponders local body reform and the prospect of a Grand Coalition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new test case for the standards of political neutrality expected in the public service. Craig Stobo has resigned as chair of the Financial Markets Authority, after an investigation found he'd voiced too many political views for someone in an apolitical public sector role. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fonterra’s Chief Operating Officer reviews last night’s 1.5% lift in the GDT auction, a steady performance and largely in line with expectations. The welcomed improvements in SMP and WMP may have been expected an auction or two earlier, but better late than never. WMP 2.2%, SMP 3%, AMF 1.1%, Butter -2.6%, BMP 9% and Cheese -3.6%.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hopes the Iran war won't bring a big bump in unemployment. Stats NZ data shows the rate reached 5.3 percent in the March quarter, down from 5.4 percent in the three months to December. Infometrics expect it'll rise again throughout 2026. Principal Economist, Brad Olsen, says they're not expecting any mass firings. "It's more that those hiring intentions are likely to be more subdued - i.e., businesses probably won't be as keen to hire into the future just because of how uncertain things are."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major bank believes unemployment will remain fairly flat this year, rather than anything catastrophic. The national rate dipped slightly to 5.3 percent in the first three months of this year. ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley told Ryan Bridge says he's not overly pessimistic about the next couple of quarters. But he cautions the next few months are really the danger zone as businesses hunker down and defer some decisions. Youth unemployment is up from 13.3 to 14.4 percent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand businesses are running on fumes, with cash reserves dwindling amid surging fuel prices and KiwiSaver costs... all while the full shockwave hasn't fully hit yet. Economist and publisher of The Kākā, Bernard Hickey, joins us to explain why the fuel crisis reality is only dawning, the supply chain pain ahead, and what it means for New Zealand's economy.  He also answers the question we've all been asking ... what does Wylie Coyote have to do with any of this?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Simpson Grierson's Coporate Partner Anastasiya Gamble on how the Modern Slavery Bill will impact businessesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.