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PODCAST

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.

business business news

All Episodes

3:09

Mike Lee: UOA marketing professor on Jetstar looking...

Best of Business ·

2026/08/05

A marketing expert says Jetstar's deciding to charge for overhead carry-on luggage is is just business. From February, all passengers' under-seat luggage can weigh more - up to 10kg - but they'll have to fork out an extra $23 for overhead luggage. Auckland University marketing professor Mike Lee says it's an attempt to separate itself from other carriers. "This will rationalise some of that premium overhead space now - and then, of course, they'll be making a nice little profit on that, hopefully."

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2:13

Michael Gordon: Westpac Senior Economist on what the...

Best of Business ·

2026/08/05

An economist believes the number of unemployed Kiwis might be close to peaking. The rate reached an 11-year high in the June quarter, on 5.6 percent - up from 5.4. Many say uncertainty fuelled by the Iran war is discouraging employers from taking on staff. Westpac Senior Economist Michael Gordon says the labour market could be nearing its weakest point. "We were starting to see some momentum picking up in the economy late last year to early this year. Unfortunately, we've had this interruption from

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10:26

Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business Editor on the...

Best of Business ·

2026/08/04

Unemployment's reached the highest level in 11 years. Stats NZ data shows the rate reached 5.6% in the June quarter, up from 5.3% in the March quarter. Of the 166 thousand unemployed in this year's second quarter, almost a-fifth had been without work for more than a year. Herald Business Editor at Large Liam Dann told Kerre Woodham some economists think the rate won't fall again any time soon. He says some predict it'll increase to 5.7% and hang around at high levels into next year. LISTEN

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5:14

Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the red meat export...

Best of Business ·

2026/08/04

New Zealand red meat exports were worth $1.37 billion in June, 50 per cent higher than June last year and a record value for exports over that same period, according to new data. The June result was supported by higher sheep meat and beef export volumes, as well as stronger global prices, while the full 2025/26 year also recorded a lift in overall export value. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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7:22

Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on wages rising one...

Best of Business ·

2026/08/04

Wages in the retail sector have risen - with the average wage reaching $30.94 per hour, up 1 percent on last year. This comes amid difficult conditions impacting the sector, which faced shrinking margins and falling sales. It was also lower than the annual rate of inflation, which was 4.1 percent in the June quarter. Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young says many workers also make extra money off commissions - and the sector offers significant contributions to workers' KiwiSavers. LISTEN ABOVESee

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5:34

Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber CEO on the...

Best of Business ·

2026/08/04

The Auckland Business Chamber believes it's about time the big four energy gentailers are split up. It's released a two step policy alongside the Northern Infrastructure Forum - calling on political parties to break up the big four gentailers, and increase renewable generation. CEO Simon Bridges says if we want affordable, abundant energy, then changes need to be made. "What we've got at the moment is four gentailers... they control the market. And the incentives at play mean that if they allow

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3:44

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on...

Best of Business ·

2026/08/03

Donald Trump is claiming fresh talks with Iran will begin in coming hours, after calling off strikes against the country. The US President threatened over the weekend to carry out the biggest attack 'since World War Two'. Harbour Asset Management expert Shane Solly explained what this means for the markets. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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4:14

Lee Marshall: Motor Trade Association CEO on...

Best of Business ·

2026/08/03

Car sales are on the rise, according to a new report - but there's one key factor that's leading the charge. BYD, GWM, MG, Chery and Zeekr all appeared in the top 15 car makes for the month, with Chinese-made EVs helping grow overall car sale numbers. Motor Trade Association CEO Lee Marshall says this proves that the market dynamics are shifting. "I think it's a demand for EVs overall, but I think you've got a few different factors that are all playing into each other - and making something of a

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2:20

Darren Bevan: film critic on Hoyts looking to grow...

Best of Business ·

2026/08/03

IMAX has been seeing a big surge in popularity thanks to films like The Odyssey, and the head of Hoyts is looking to utilise this to meet demand. Event Cinemas currently operates the only two IMAX theatres in New Zealand, in Wellington and Auckland. Film critic Darren Bevan says it's likely Christchurch will get an IMAX theatre - and Hoyts has said there's plans to upgrade existing cinema complexes in Riccarton in Christchurch, Te Awa in Hamilton and Sylvia Park in Auckland. LISTEN ABOVESee

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11:13

Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister on Rotorua comments...

Best of Business ·

2026/08/02

Chris Luxon's standing by his comments telling struggling business owners to take more responsibility for themselves. The National party leader told a Rotorua business function on Friday to "be adult", responding to a question about the city's struggling economy. He says they had a "parent-child mentality" - and that he didn't wait for the Government when he was Air NZ's CEO. Luxon told Mike Hosking that his government's trying to empower businesses. He says they've partnered with businesses through

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41:31

Rupert Carlyon: What's the first step for wanna-be...

Best of Business ·

2026/08/02

When the cost of living crisis is driving your day-to-day costs up, putting money in to a Kiwisaver might not seem appealing. But is it still important to keep the flow of money in to Kiwisaver going? And what do you do when you want to get started investing in an index fund? Founder and Managing director of Koura wealth Rupert Carlyon joins Tim Beveridge for Smart Money to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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4:04

Ethan Griffiths: Newstalk ZB political reporter on...

Best of Business ·

2026/08/01

A Rotorua business leader told Prime Minister Christopher Luxon about the city’s struggling economy at a function, prompting the PM to tell business owners to 'be adult'. Luxon was in Rotorua last week with appointments including the recent Business Chamber Westpac Smarts Breakfast. Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths says Luxon's comments have prompted outrage, with Labour condemning him for 'lecturing' business owners about the state of the economy. LISTEN ABOVESee

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3:14

Kim Mundy: ASB Acting Chief Economist on the...

Best of Business ·

2026/07/30

Manufacturing and construction are showing signs of recovery. ANZ's latest Business Outlook survey finds confidence rose 19 points over the last month, to 56%. In terms of past activity, manufacturing was highest, while agriculture saw a marked fall and construction lifted. ASB acting chief economist Kim Mundy told Andrew Dickens the construction sector has been struggling for some time, so this is welcome news. She says it's good to see the rise in residential consents transfer into activity.

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3:06

Leeann Watson: Business Canterbury CEO on business...

Best of Business ·

2026/07/30

South Island business leaders want to be recognised as the engine room of New Zealand's economy. The eight chambers of commerce have launched a joint manifesto, representing around seven thousand businesses. It calls for policies to lift productivity, with a goal of increasing South Island GDP per capita to at least $130 thousand by 2035. Business Canterbury CEO Leeann Watson told Mike Hosking it shows there's great alignment across the South Island. She says if New Zealand wants stronger

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5:26

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on whether we should...

Best of Business ·

2026/07/30

It's been a big week for the tech sector, with Meta and Microsoft moving to post their earnings. But it's sparked concerns about the future of AI, and whether or not another sector bubble is set to burst. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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6:09

Jamie Sinclair: Watercare CEO on the utility...

Best of Business ·

2026/07/30

Auckland's Watercare is taking a mixed approach to funding a $15.2 billion capital investment. This includes $4.3 billion for renewals, upgrades to prevent wastewater spills, and lifting the daily flow of drinking water from Waikato River to $300 million by 2033. Watercare CEO Jamie Sinclair says separating from Auckland Council means the utility will need to explore new funding streams to get this through. "We've got to go find our own debt funding, which we've been pretty successful at, I'd have

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3:02

Bridget Snelling: Xero Country Manager on small...

Best of Business ·

2026/07/29

Farming is powering strong small business sales growth. A Xero Small Business Insights report reveals an 8.6% year on year increase in sales in the June quarter. Agriculture saw a 16.3% increase, construction climbed 11%, and manufacturing rose 8.6% during the same time period. Country Manager Bridget Snelling told Mike Hosking it is a bit of a two-speed recovery, with retail only growing by 6.4%. She says there’s some ongoing uncertainty around fuel costs and geopolitical events which will

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5:08

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business...

Best of Business ·

2026/07/29

ACC’s outgoing chief executive Megan Main has defended her record at the helm of the troubled Government insurer and insisted that a new progress report shows the agency is effecting a turnaround. Main’s last day at the helm is Friday, and her five-year contract runs to November. NZ Herald Wellington business editor explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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3:01

Brendan Larsen: Milford Asset Management expert ahead...

Best of Business ·

2026/07/29

The US Federal Reserve is set to meet soon, and it's unclear what investors and experts can expect this time round. It's looking likely that rates will stay on hold, but the ongoing Middle East conflict has made the market cast doubts. Milford Asset Management's Brendan Larsen explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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4:10

Fred de Jong: former All White on the proposed $20...

Best of Business ·

2026/07/29

FIFA has announced plans to sell the commercial rights to its tournaments, including the World Cup, to private investors. This proposal has been dubbed controversial and sparked backlash from Uefa and some leading European clubs. Former All White Fred de Jong says this isn't a good idea, and there's some 'worrying' aspects that could come from this. "You give it to a third party who would have a non-controlling stake in that separate company - but still, they would have a lot of influence, and they

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