Empowering Retail

Empowering Retail

Championing the New Zealand Retail Sector

Episodes

October 14, 2026 • 10 mins

What happens when a weather event meets an uncertain economy?

El Niño is expected to bring hotter, drier conditions to parts of New Zealand this summer, with potential impacts on agriculture, regional economies, and household costs. But that's only part of the story. Retailers are also navigating ongoing inflation pressures, fuel costs, interest rates, and shifting consumer spending habits.

In this episode of Empowering Retail, Westp...

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Mental health is an important issue for every workplace, and in this episode we're joined by Hon Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health and Associate Minister of Health, to discuss the new Business Mental Health Toolkit. Minister Doocey shares why it was created, what's included, and how retailers and business owners can build confidence in supporting team members who may be struggling.

Download the Toolkit here

Retail NZ is the pea...

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New citizen's arrest laws have sparked plenty of questions for retailers. In this episode, Carolyn Young talks with New Zealand Police about what the legislation means in practice – including what retailers and staff can and can't do, the policies and procedures businesses should have in place, and how to respond if a member of the public arrests someone in store. Whether you're reviewing your loss prevention processes or sim...

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Managing an employee with health issues can be one of the toughest challenges for retail employers. Knowing what to do early can make all the difference. In this episode, our HR partner People and Culture share practical steps to support your team, manage risk, and follow the right process before issues escalate to medical incapacity.

People and Culture website

Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re here to...

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Discounting might drive short-term sales, but is it costing you long-term profit? In this episode John Norrie from Tranxactor unpacks why loyalty members spend more, return more often, and how smarter loyalty strategies can deliver sustainable growth without racing to the bottom on price.

Tranxactor website

Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re here to make sure the voice of retailers is heard and help mak...

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Gen Z is reshaping the retail workplace – but many employers are not sure how best to engage and motivate this next generation. In this episode, our HR partner People and Culture shares practical tips on what Gen Z really values at work, how to keep them motivated, and what retailers can do to build stronger, more connected teams.

People & Culture website

Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re her...

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AI is evolving fast - but what’s the difference between tools that create content and those that can actually take action? In this episode, Annexa and Oracle NetSuite break down both generative AI and agentic AI in simple terms, and how retailers can use these tools to save time, automate tasks, and run smarter, more connected businesses.

Oracle NetSuite + Annexa website

Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retail...

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Loyalty doesn’t have to be complicated. In this episode, we’re joined by Tranxactor to unpack how Kiwi retailers can deliver seamless loyalty, gift cards, and POS integrations without the overwhelm. Whether you’re a single store or scaling fast, discover simple, practical ways to build stronger customer connections.

Tranxactor website 

Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re here to ma...

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After a threatening or violent incident at work, your team’s wellbeing needs immediate attention - and the right support can make all the difference. In this episode with Retail NZ partner Workplace Support, we cover what steps to take after a critical incident, plus how to support staff compassionately when you’re delivering tough news like a store closure.

Workplace Support website

Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zea...

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Dealing with a personal grievance can feel overwhelming – especially when you’re trying to do the right thing for your team and your business. In this episode, our HR partner People & Culture shares practical advice on what to do when a complaint lands, how to follow a fair process, and how to avoid common mistakes.

People & Culture website

Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re here to ...

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Running a retail business shouldn’t mean juggling multiple systems and spreadsheets. In this episode, Annexa and Oracle NetSuite share how connected technology can bring your finance, inventory, and operations into one place - giving you clearer insights, saving time, and helping you scale with confidence.

Oracle NetSuite + Annexa website

Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re here to ...

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Looking after people is one of the biggest challenges – and responsibilities – in retail. In this episode of Empowering Retail, we’re joined by Retail NZ partner Workplace Support to unpack the wellbeing and mental health services Retail NZ members can access, and how the right support can make a real difference for both teams and business owners.

Workplace Support 

Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand re...

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In this episode, we’re joined by Marcus Hecht Henriksen from Lobyco to unpack why being dynamic, real‑time, and personal is no longer optional for retailers. Drawing on insights from The Great Retail Reckoning, we explore what true personalisation really looks like - and where retailers can realistically start without overcomplicating things.

Lobyco website

Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re here ...

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In this episode, we explore how restorative justice can give retailers a voice, support recovery after retail crime, and create meaningful accountability when the harm goes beyond lost stock. A powerful conversation for any retailer navigating the aftermath of shoplifting or violent incidents.


Restorative Justice website

Want more retail industry insights? Learn more about Retail NZ membership https://bit.ly/retailnz

Retail NZ is ...

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Great benefits don’t have to be complicated or costly. In this episode we are joined by Liza Cox-Hancy from Kora to explore how retailers can support staff wellbeing by sponsoring access to everyday fuel savings.

Learn more about Kora here. 

Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re here to make sure the voice of retailers is heard and help make running a business easier. As a member, you’ll h...

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In this episode of Empowering Retail, we’re joined by Marcus Hecht Henriksen from Lobyco to explore how retailers can turn everyday customer interactions into stronger, longer‑lasting relationships. We dive into the real retail challenges Lobyco helps solve, what using the platform looks like in practice, and how retailers can tell whether Lobyco is the right fit.

Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’...

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Running a retail business is tough enough without tax issues adding extra pressure. In this episode of Empowering Retail, Inland Revenue joins us to unpack the most common compliance pitfalls retailers face, how to manage tax debt early, and why using IRD as a cashflow solution can quickly backfire.

IRD website

Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re here to make sure the voice of retailers is heard and help...

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Oil prices have eased, the Government is talking resilience – but the fuel story isn’t over. As global uncertainty continues, what really matters next for prices and supply in New Zealand? Simon Parham, CEO of Waitomo, joins us for this latest update.

Kora fuel card

Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re here to make sure the voice of retailers is heard and help make running a business easier. A...

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Fuel remains front‑of‑mind for Kiwi businesses as global tensions continue to disrupt energy markets. In this follow‑up sector update, Liza Cox-Hancy, CEO of Kora, joins Retail NZ to unpack what the ongoing conflict in the Middle East means for fuel supply, pricing, and planning here in Aotearoa.

Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re here to make sure the voice of retailers is heard and help make running ...

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Power costs are one of the biggest expenses for business—and many are paying more than they need to. In this episode, we speak with Reliance Utilities about what is happening in the power sector and how they help businesses find better energy deals, audit bills, and remove the hassle from managing power. If you want practical ways to reduce costs and protect your margins, this is a conversation worth listening to.

Reliance Uti...

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