Best of Business
Best of Business is the home of all things business at Newstalk ZB, from morning market updates right through to incisive interviews with New Zealand’s top business leaders and decision makers. Whether you’re a small business owner or interested in what’s going on in the Big End of Town, this podcast encompasses the sharpest voices and minds in the world of business.
Episodes
The Finance Minister has adamantly denied any suggestions of the Government trying to interfere in the Reserve Bank.
Critics have raised concerns that the Reserve Bank's temporary Governor and Chair are acting to appeal to Nicola Willis' interests.
NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further.
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Despite the negative press and volatile climate, some financial markets have managed to hold up solidly throughout 2025.
The consumer staples industry - food, beverages, household products - and all the brands tied to that sector have managed to stay strong throughout the year.
Milford Asset Management's Stephanie Batchelor explains further.
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Chicken exports are returning to normal after a bird flu outbreak in Otago last year.
Last December, New Zealand experienced its first confirmed case of avian influenza on an Otago egg farm and thousands of chickens were culled.
While the outbreak was contained to the Hillgrove farm, measures were taken to prevent further spread, including surveillance and temporary suspension of chicken exports.
The Country's Rowena Duncum explain...
There's been some positive trade news.
Stats NZ data shows goods exports rose 19 percent to $7.6 billion in March - compared to the same time a year ago.
Milk powder, butter and cheese rose 35 percent to $2.3 billion.
Goods imports rose 12 percent to $6.6 billion.
Infometrics principal economist Nick Brunsdon unpacked the factors.
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There's less than a month to go until the 2025 Budget is unveiled - and the Finance Minister has been clear about the goals she aims to tackle.
Nicola Willis says New Zealand has been in a significant deficit since 2019, and she's determined to get back into surplus by 2027/2028.
She explained getting the country back into surplus will help to pay down debt.
"We're borrowing every day right now to keep our hospitals, schools and po...
Limited Easter trading hours are bringing extra financial burdens for businesses according to retailers.
The Retail Radar survey shows almost 70 percent of retailers are concerned about the cost of living - with merchant fees also top of mind.
The law says local council have the final say on when businesses are allowed to open.
Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young says these restrictions are 'outdated' and don't refl...
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With China and the US promising trade war escalations, economists are speculating about the future of the tariffs and how they'll impact global economies.
Some have have drawn parallels with the Great Depression - and warned the world should be prepared for a downturn.
Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explains further.
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New data shows inflation's gone up again - and there's concerns about what it could mean going forward.
The latest Stats NZ figures put the rate at 2.5 percent, up from 2.2 percent three months ago.
It's the first time it's risen in almost three years.
NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains what this could mean for the state of the economy.
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Genesis Energy has confirmed it plans to shift its focus over to coal, as gas production declines and no other suitable sources have been found.
Genesis has made clear it sees a declining role for gas in electricity generation - despite the Government's attempts to get offshore oil and gas exploration going properly.
Energy Resources Aotearoa CEO John Carnegie isn't surprised by this - given the associated challenges.
L...
US tariffs are expected to impact our next inflation figures, according to new reports.
The rate increased in the three months to March to 2.5 percent - up from 2.2 percent to December.
Petrol, milk, cheese, eggs have all gone up, alongside a dip in prices for international flights and games.
Infometrics Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan says the new tariffs could push inflation down because of weaker demand.
"And we know there will ...
Labour is staying tight-lipped, as Te Pāti Māori says Māori should receive New Zealand Superannuation seven to 10 years before everyone else.
Meanwhile, the Green Party supports lowering the age of eligibility for Super for some groups in society.
NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny says this has prompted a divided response.
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ANZ is speculating interest rates will drop lower than previously expected - as the economy is predicted to need extra help to recover.
The bank believes the OCR will bottom out at 2.5 percent, down from the 3 percent low that was previously predicted.
ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner says it's likely the Reserve Bank will give the economy an additional 'push in the back' to help boost a recovery.
"It's too soon to make any concr...
The Finance Minister is confident in the operational funding she's giving the Reserve Bank.
Nicola Willis has signed the bank up to a new five-year agreement - 25 percent under the billion dollars sought by the central bank.
Willis says she's peeled back the $200 million a year the Reserve Bank had budgeted for - to $150 million.
"Not just - are we taking it back to that figure? But we're saying, we want you to stop this patt...
The Finance Minister has unveiled a major reduction to the Central Bank's planned spending.
The Government and the Reserve Bank have agreed to reduce operating expenses by a quarter in the coming year.
They've signed a five-year funding agreement, allowing $750 million of operating expenses, well below the $1 billion the Bank was asking for.
NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan unpacks the announcement further.
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Over in Australia, the RBA says its upcoming May meeting would be an 'opportune time' to reconsider the OCR.
Experts believe that the global uncertainty over U.S. tariffs could have significant impact on markets all over the world.
HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham says a lot has changed within the economy - and inflation has dropped down.
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All eyes will be on tonight's Global Dairy Trade Auction to see if the tariffs will leave an impact on dairy prices.
It's been two weeks since President Donald Trump imposed a set of tariffs impacting multiple countries - and financial markets have been sent into turmoil.
The Country's Rowena Duncum explains further.
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Reserve Bank economist Paul Conway believes there's one upside to the tariff turmoil for Kiwis.
Conway suspects the tariffs will likely lead to lower inflation in New Zealand, which will also lead to lower interest rates.
Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen unpacked the announcement - and explained the ins and outs of the Reserve Bank's new Kiwi-GDP tool.
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Working from the office could set people up better for a promotion than working from home.
Recruitment agency Robert Half says 58 percent of workers believe opportunities to advance correlate with office attendance.
It says 54 percent would turn up more if it was needed to get promoted.
Managing director Megan Alexander says there is a mentality of out of sight, out of mind.
She explained that relationship buildin...
Concerns have been raised over the punishments NZ-based companies could face for greenwashing - and whether or not it's a suitable deterrent.
An Australian court has ordered Glad owner Clorox Australia to pay A$8.25 million ($8.87m) for false or misleading representations about bags partly made of recycled 'ocean plastic'.
Consumer NZ Investigative Team Lead Rebecca Styles joined the Afternoons team to explain how greenwashing viol...
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