The SME Stream

The Government is set to cut billions of dollars from spending at the upcoming budget as a cost-saving measure in these tight financial conditions.

But what if there was a way to raise more revenue from existing industries?

Analysis from the Herald has looked at the ‘black market’ or the informal economy – the industries dominated by cash in hand methods of payment that pass by the tax system.

NZ Herald Head of Ne...

Developments are being made in the US and China trade talks. 

A top Trump economic adviser says about two dozen trade deals are in the works with the country. 

Talks took place in Switzerland over the weekend. 

Greg Smith of Devon Funds Management talks to Mike Hosking about the negotiations, British Airways buying billions of dollars worth of planes and why BP's in the crosshairs of a takeover suiter. 

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New Zealand banks are being asked to pay up in the next few months. 

Kiwibank, BNZ, Westpac, ANZ and ASB will need to repay around $9.2 billion in cheap Covid-era loans to the Reserve Bank. 

Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Mike Hosking that they have variety of options they can use to repay the money. 

He says the banks knew when taking out these loans they’d have to pay them back eventually.&nb...

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY] This episode takes you behind every aspect of Port of Auckland's 24/7 trade operation, including containers, coal, cruises and cars. Plus the CEO Roger Gray explains how price hikes are funding its expansion.

The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessari...

We're two weeks away from Budget 2025, and the Government has been dropping hints about what we can expect.

Prime Minister Luxon recently confirmed the Government will increase total capital expenditure allocated in the upcoming Budget by $400 million.

NZ Herald business editor Liam Dann explains further.

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The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional ...

Encouraging investment is a top priority in this month's upcoming Budget, according to new reports.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon says it'll come from a small number of measures, including more funding for a R&D tax credit.

BusinessNZ Advocacy Director Catherine Beard says New Zealand is currently one of the hardest OECD countries to invest in.

She says the new agency, Invest New Zealand, is one positive measure.

"Much more like a...

As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina Shrimpton each week as she gives you a rundown of the biggest stories that could impact on your business, so you can make informed decisions with expert advice. 

This week, the unemployment rate stayed static, but is it actually good news? Talks are underway for a free trade agreement with India, and the Reserve Bank ...

Reuben Davidson, Labour’s new spokesperson for science, innovation, technology, broadcasting and the creative economy, isn’t shy about the scale of the challenges facing New Zealand’s high-value sectors, or the damage he says the current government is doing. 

In this week’s episode of The Business of Tech, the former TV producer, who won the Christchurch East seat in the 2023 general election, is scathi...

The unemployment rate has stayed static for another quarter. 

Stats NZ figures just out show the rate remained at 5.1% in the March quarter. 

The number of full-time workers fell by 45 thousand over the year and part-time employment grew by 25 thousand. 

Herald Business Editor at Large Liam Dann told Kerre Woodham today's figures are a surprise. 

He says this is good news but it hasn't felt like it, and economis...

The Finance Minister admits many Kiwis aren't getting as much work as they'd like to be. 

Unemployment has remained unchanged at 5.1% in the March quarter, despite most economists predicting a rise. 

However, 21% of employed people are now working part time. 

Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking the ongoing rise in the under-utilisation rate is a concern. 

She says it's clear that some people are going into part time...

Kristine Bartlett was, to many, a hero. 

She was a very likeable woman. She was a caregiver who argued her work was undervalued and she deserved more. 

The Labour Party who love “feels” and are not exactly unfamiliar with the unions leapt all over it and the Equal Pay Act 2022 was born. 

The downside was how to compare this so-called "underpaid work" like in nursing homes, where women dominate and a compa...

A Government delegation has landed in the Indian capital to kick-start Free Trade Agreement talks.  

The Prime Minister, along with several other ministers, visited India earlier this year to improve diplomatic ties.  

India New Zealand Business Council Chair Bharat Chawla told Ryan Bridge India will hope to make movement in New Zealand easier for its people.  

He says it will also be looking to make use of New Zeala...

The Government is urgently pushing through new legislation - lifting the threshold for pay-equity claims based on gender discrimination. 

The Bill has already passed its first reading supported by all coalition parties and Parliament's moved swiftly onto the second. 

These changes have prompted plenty of backlash, but Workplace Minister Brooke van Velden says there was an appetite for these changes.

"It became clear to me...

The Government says its new tough rules for pay equity claims will result in major taxpayer savings.  

The proposed law, which would lift the threshold of pay equity claims of gender-discrimination, is expected to have its third reading this morning.  

It's caused an uproar, with many women and union groups opposed to the idea.  

Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden told Mike Hosking she can't yet disclose ...

You know them, you love them, you drink them and now you can get the inside scoop... with Holly McGrath the co-founder of Clean Collective! Grab your Suntory Boss Coffee - It's brewed hot, chilled fast and perfect for an on-the-go podcast listen.

In Episode 6, Georgia Patten sits down with Holly McGrath, the branding boss behind Clean Collective Drinks. They dive deep into the journey of building ...

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY] The Coleman family has been melting down precious metals for more than 40 years. This is the first time they've shown inside their multi-million dollar gold and silver operation.

The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its ...

The state of foreign affairs across the globe could play into New Zealand's hands as it enters free trade negotiations.  

A Government delegation has landed in the Indian capital to begin the process of securing an FTA.  

Former Trade Minister Tim Groser told Mike Hosking he's never loved our chances, but the odds have changed.  

He says the landscape has changed because of Donald Trump's approach to trade - which co...

New Zealand's financial markets have taken a positive turn - following months of financial uncertainty. 

Greg Smith from Devon Funds unpacked the factors behind these changes.

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The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable f...

Standalone homes, townhouses, and apartments - which is the most profitable? 

CEO of Real Estate at Valocity joins Tim Beveridge to discuss property types and values. 

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The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by ...