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67episodes
Episodes
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Can NZ grow without more immigration?
2w ago00:25:54Tap to summarizeCould more babies be the answer to New Zealand’s economic problems? Liam Dann and Tamsyn Parker unpack Winston Peters’ proposed $45,000 Kiwi Kids Grant, ask whether cash can really lift the birth rate, and look at why migration may still be the more realistic path to growth. Plus, why Christchurch and the regions are outperforming Auckland—and whether rising building consents offer a glimmer of hope. The Economy of Everything is brought to you by CMC MarketsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Can Luxon repair the damage with small business before the election?
2w ago00:15:15Tap to summarizeThe Prime Minister is in damage control mode after telling struggling business owners in Rotorua to “be adult”. Christopher Luxon made the remarks at a business event, and they’ve sparked a fierce backlash. He’s since had to apologise after being labelled out of touch and patronising. So, is this a gaffe that’ll keep haunting him, or just a bad week in a challenging political environment? And what does it say about how the Government sees its role in supporting or stepping back from struggling businesses? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald Chief Political Reporter Jamie Ensor joins us to break down how National’s caucus is reacting, and what next. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Luxon's small business misstep the 'most serious' mistake so far - Tue 4 Aug
2w ago00:07:48Tap to summarizePolitical panelists Trish Sherson and Russel Norman on Christopher Luxon offending and then apologisng to small business owners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on wages rising one percent amid economic downturn
2w ago00:07:04Tap to summarizeWages 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 omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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First NZ woman to build and sell a start-up for more than $1b - Tue 4 Aug
2w ago00:06:26Tap to summarizeThe New Zealand Business Hall of Fame will induct its 2026 Laureates on Thursday, Partners life founder Naomi Ballantyne is one of them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber CEO on the group calling for the big four gentailers to be broken up
2w ago00:05:16Tap to summarizeThe 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 additional supply, that brings down prices and reduces their income from their existing, long paid for assets. In short, what's good for them... isn't good for the wider economy." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Central banks hold rates, but markets stay on edge - Tue 4 Aug
2w ago00:03:49Tap to summarizeAndrew Ede from Craigs Investment Partners explains why central banks remain cautious and what higher-for-longer rates mean for NZ investors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Denise Garland: Retail NZ Advocacy Manager on Shoplifting rising to its highest level in 15 years
2w ago00:03:19Tap to summarizeScepticism from retailers that Police will turn up to a theft - as shoplifting rises to its highest level in 15 years. Police laid the highest number of charges in 15 years, across 2024/25. This resulted in the highest number of convictions being dished out in the country’s courts. Retail NZ Advocacy Manager Denise Garland told Ryan Bridge Police are stretched - and says it's the lower levels of retail crime they sometimes miss. She says they'll attend when there's harm and threatening behaviour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Cameron Bagrie: Independent Economist on consumer arrears falling to the lowest level since 2021
2w ago00:03:09Tap to summarizeSigns of life in the economy as overall debt improves. Centrix data for June shows consumers' credit performance is continuing to improve, with arrears plunging to the lowest level since 2021. However, the results still show 84 thousand people with payments 90 or more days overdue. Independent economist Cameron Bagrie told Ryan Bridge there seems to be a bit less stress on our economy. He acknowledges there's still a lot of personal stress due to the high cost of living, but says this shows the economy itself isn't in too bad a shape. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Sharon Zollner: ANZ Chief Economist on the expectation the unemployment rate will increase to 5.5%
2w ago00:02:53Tap to summarizeUnemployment's expected to increase, but it might not be all bad news for the economy. Many economists are expecting unemployment to increase from 5.3% to 5.5%. ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner feels volatility due to things like the war in Iran is starting to fade. She told Mike Hosking businesses seem to be getting used to uncertainty – they’re realising they can't wait for normal conditions and have to get on with it. Zollner says the recovery is happening, but it's a bit more stop-start than most would like. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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