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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

3:57

Michael Luke: Milford Asset Management expert on the...

Best of Business ·

2026/03/18

The conflict in the Middle East is continuing on for another week, and it's got experts concerned about the economic impacts. Iran's blocking shipping in retaliation for the US and Israel bombardment - sending oil prices spiking. Milford Asset Management expert Michael Luke explained how markets have continued to drop. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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6:03

Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on the RBA...

Best of Business ·

2026/03/17

Over in Australia, the Reserve Bank bumped the OCR up to 4.1 percent, up by 0.25 percentage points. This is the second significant hike it two months, and it's got experts speculating about what this means for the economy on the whole. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham wondered what this could mean for other global markets. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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6:04

Shane Jones: Resources Minister explains why Crown...

Best of Business ·

2026/03/17

The Resources Minister is insistent Crown funds should help heat the geothermal sector. A Government strategy has been released on its plan to double the use of geothermal energy by 2040. It's also ring fenced $50 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for the development of geothermal energy projects. Resources Minister Shane Jones says it's a worthy investment. "The Crown stepped up to the plate in the 1950s, did an enormous amount of drilling - not always successful, but a number of those

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3:29

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on data...

Best of Business ·

2026/03/17

There's fears there'll be no slowdown any time soon to the rapid rise in food prices. Stats NZ figures show they rose 4.5 percent in the year to February. Steak, mince and chocolate all shot up more than 20 percent. Infometrics head, Brad Olsen, says the spike in oil prices because of the war in Iran will do nothing to help. "We know that not only oil prices are key to transport costs, but also just the production. Now if you're a farmer, you've got to use diesel to move stuff around to run the

en-US

5:57

Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on the RBA...

Best of Business ·

2026/03/17

The Australian Reserve Bank has increased interest rates by 0.25 percentage points, up to 4.1 percent. This is the second month the RBA has lifted rates, with the bank hiking up to 3.85 percent in February. Australian correspondet Murray Olds says the vote to increase rates was divided, but there's concerns about inflation brought on by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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7:54

Sam MacKinnon: Hospitality NZ Head of Communications...

Best of Business ·

2026/03/17

There's praise for Government's aims to smooth the process for venues to serve alcohol during major televised events like the Rugby World Cup. The bill proposes a raft of changes, includes a permanent mechanism to let pubs operate outside licensed hours during major events. Sam MacKinnon from Hospitality NZ explained how these changes will give Kiwi businesses more flexibility. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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5:09

Kerre Woodham: New Zealand's conflict of interest...

Best of Business ·

2026/03/17

What I found more outrageous on the internet yesterday was yet another example of this country's propensity for doling out jobs for the boys and indeed the girls. Every political party does it, every government does it, rewards the party faithful and their generous donors and backers with cushy sinecures. Grafter-in-chief would have to be Trevor Mallard's posting to Dublin – although would it? Because there are plenty of other opportunities to point the finger. Look at Simon Bridges, the ex-National

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5:53

Mark Troughear: Freightways CEO on the impacts of the...

Best of Business ·

2026/03/16

The Government is considering its options if petrol prices keep rising, but the head of Freightways is warning people not to panic. The conflict in the Middle East has entered its third week, but the Finance Minister has ruled out measures like reducing the fuel excise. Freightways CEO Mark Troughear says there's plenty of fuel in the country and more on the way - and there's plenty of supply to keep things going. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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2:58

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on the...

Best of Business ·

2026/03/16

The conflict in the Middle East has entered its third week and there's concerns about what it could do to the markets. Iran's still restricting movement through the shipping strategic choke-point as part of its retaliation for the relentless bombing by the US and Israel. Harbour Asset Management expert Shane Solly explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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5:32

Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on retail spending...

Best of Business ·

2026/03/16

There's hopes the war in Iran doesn't reverse gains in our retail sector by making shipping more expensive. Stats NZ data shows back-to-back increases in electronic card spending for January and February. Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young says it's not happened in a long time. She says it would be a shame if the conflict dampens the upward trend. "Let's hope it's a short, sharp thing and we can get back to business as usual." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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5:15

Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political...

Best of Business ·

2026/03/16

The Government's yet to make a call on whether New Zealand would ease sanctions on Russian oil, as the Iran war affects shipments. The US has eased some of its sanctions, as its barrage on Iran continues - alongside Israel. Crude oil prices have skyrocketed since Iran stopped ships traversing the Strait of Hormuz. Finance Minister Nicola Wills is urging Kiwis not to panic, as there's plans in place to keep households supported. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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3:24

Philip Gregan: New Zealand Winegrowers CEO on the...

Best of Business ·

2026/03/16

New Zealand Winegrowers are on Cloud Wine over proposed Government changes to alcohol laws. They include allowing licensed premises to meet legal obligations by stocking zero-alcohol drinks. Currently, licence holders must stock 'low alcohol' products containing no more than 2.5 percent alcohol. Chief executive Phillip Gregan says it's a common sense change. "Frankly, I'm not sure that there are any wines less than 2.5 percent, they tend to be slightly higher than that, or just zero." LISTEN

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16:11

Nathan Surendran: Wise Response Society chair on what...

Best of Business ·

2026/03/14

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has sparked concerns about global oil shortages, domestic rising petrol and diesel costs, and it's got experts speculating. The Government is working to find a solution, with Energy Minister Simon Watts meeting with his counterparts in Tokyo for the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Forum to discuss the issue. Nathan Surendran is the chair of the Wise Response Society, and he says the conflict is causing oil refineries all over the world to slow down production

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2:41

Cath O'Brien: Board of Airline Representatives NZ...

Best of Business ·

2026/03/12

One expert has suggested Jetstar won't follow Air New Zealand in cutting upcoming domestic flights. The airline plans to cancel about 1100 flights over the next six to eight weeks because of fuel price hikes - impacting about 44,000 passengers. It's already raised fares to help cover costs. Board of Airline Representatives NZ executive director Cath O'Brien, says Jetstar's unlikely to do the same because Air New Zealand's domestic network has a wider spread. "They have a wholly different problem

en-US

3:39

Brendan Larsen: Milford Asset Management expert on...

Best of Business ·

2026/03/11

The US President's social media posts suggest he's worried about the price of oil, as the US and Israel bombard Iran into an 11th day. More than 1700 have been killed in the Middle East - most in Iran, and hundreds in Lebanon. Despite this, markets appear to have calmed down following the initial shock, and Milford Asset Management's Brendan Larsen explained why. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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4:21

Rod Duke: Briscoe Group managing director on the...

Best of Business ·

2026/03/11

The balance sheet is looking strong for Briscoe Group, which managed to score a few goals late in the game. The retailer's posted record annual sales of close to $800 million, for the year ending January 25th. Its homeware brand Briscoes saw 1.42 percent sales growth - while Rebel Sport trailed with growth of 0.13 percent. Managing director Rod Duke says the business just changed its promotions approach slightly. "Generally, the market from about Black Friday just eased up a bit. People just got a

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2:59

Paula O'Kane: Otago University associate professor...

Best of Business ·

2026/03/11

Public health experts have noticed this latest Covid wave is worsening as fewer Kiwis are getting vaccination boosters and tests, and it's renewed debate about sick leave. Wastewater analysis from PHF Science shows that the number of cases is at the highest rate it's been for over six months, and Health NZ says there's been 50 hospitalisations and 19 deaths from the virus this week. Otago University associate professor Paula O'Kane says it's important to let sick leave accrue every year - and stay

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2:59

Alan McDonald: EMA Head of Advocacy on Heinz Wattie's...

Best of Business ·

2026/03/11

There's predictions Heinz Wattie's won't be the last to shutter operations this year. It's proposing closing three manufacturing facilities in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin, and packing operations in Hastings - with 350 jobs at risk. It also plans to phase out sales of products including frozen vegetables, impacting growers. The Employers and Manufacturers Association's Alan McDonald says others will go. "We keep hearing rumblings of others getting ready to exit, significant-sized manufacturers

en-US

6:15

Maree Tassell: iFindProperty founder on the growing...

Best of Business ·

2026/03/10

There's been a significant increase in property flippers and it's prompted concerns from experts. One of the country's most prominent buyers' agencies has complained to the Real Estate Authority about the increase - following a sharp drop in 2023. iFindProperty founder Maree Tassell says there's a lot of deception that comes with flipping properties, and vendors often don't find out until it's too late. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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4:37

Matt Goodson: Salt Funds Management managing director...

Best of Business ·

2026/03/10

Stock markets have rebounded and oil prices have dropped below yesterday's forecast, following recent comments from US President Donald Trump. Trump indicated the war in the Middle East could be over 'very soon', and it's led to ripple effects across sharemarkets all over the world. Matt Goodson from Salt Funds Management says it's unclear if the US can walk away from this conflict or if the Strait of Hormuz will reopen in time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

3,595 results

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