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The government is shifting WorkSafe's priorities from enforcement, to giving more advice. Business New Zealand chief executive Katherine Rich spoke to Corin Dann.
A promise today's budget will deliver real growth for the economy. Finance Minister Nicola Willis is hours away from unveiling her 'No BS Budget', claiming there'll be no frills or excess. The Government's been slowly teasing figures, concentrating on balancing the books through cuts and reprioritisation in spending. Business NZ CEO Katherine Rich told Mike Hosking the government knows its role in business recovery. She says they're the first government in a long time that's methodically looked through what can be done to make things easier. It's also been teasing changes to the KiwiSaver scheme, with more to be revealed. It's expected to increase KiwiSaver's default contribution rate from the current 3% as well as means-testing its own annual contribution, up to $521 dollars. Rich told Hosking they'll be keeping a close eye on things. She says it depends on how it's phased in over time, so businesses can factor it into wage negotiations and salaries. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A promise today's budget will deliver real growth for the economy. Finance Minister Nicola Willis is hours away from unveiling her 'No BS Budget', claiming there'll be no frills or excess. The Government's been slowly teasing figures, concentrating on balancing the books through cuts and reprioritisation in spending. Business NZ CEO Katherine Rich told Mike Hosking the government knows its role in business recovery. She says they're the first government in a long time that's methodically looked through what can be done to make things easier. It's also been teasing changes to the KiwiSaver scheme, with more to be revealed. It's expected to increase KiwiSaver's default contribution rate from the current 3% as well as means-testing its own annual contribution, up to $521 dollars. Rich told Hosking they'll be keeping a close eye on things. She says it depends on how it's phased in over time, so businesses can factor it into wage negotiations and salaries. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At the time of preparing this show Craig Renney and the CTU have been banned by Treasury to attend the budget lock up for the first time ever. Along with other third party, non-media groups such as the TPU, Business NZ and the NZ Initiative have also been banned. The company that makes BHN applied for access to the lock up and we'll tell you the whole sordid story tonight after 9pmMarama Davidson joins us LIVE at 9pm to talk the Green Party Alternative Budget. The Green Party is proposing an "income guarantee" that would give everyone who is out of work at least $395 a week, and to completely overhaul the Working for Families scheme. It is one of the announcements in its alternative Budget revealed this morning.=================================Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of #BHN www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews=================================Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter.@patbrittenden @Chewie_NZFollow us on BlueskyPat @patbrittenden.bsky.socialChewie @chewienz.bsky.socialEmily @iamprettyawesome.bsky.socialMagenta @xkaosmagex.bsky.social
Joe Slater co-founded Six Barrel Soda, turning a small idea into one of New Zealand's most recognisable beverage brands. In this episode, we dive into the journey of building Six Barrel Soda from the ground up, the challenges of scaling a niche business, and how Joe handled a competitor blatantly copying their brand. We also talk about the process of selling Six Barrel Soda, the lessons Joe learned along the way, and his best marketing hacks for businesses operating in niche markets. As well as advice for young entrepreneurs out there, this was a really fun one! An episode packed with insights for entrepreneurs, brand builders, and anyone who loves a good business story. Joe Slater – https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-slater-nz/ Moana Road – https://moanaroad.co.nz/ Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/ Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/ Beyond the Surface YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthesurfacenz
An advocacy group for New Zealand business owners says planned changes to the Overseas Investment Act will send a positive signal to the rest of the world. BusinessNZ Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard spoke to Corin Dann.
On the Early Edition Full Show Podcast for Monday the 24th of February 2025, The Government's announced an overhaul of the Overseas Investment Act, Business NZ's Catherine Beard shares reaction from businesses. The Prime Minister is heading to Vietnam this week for bilateral talks, Chief Executive of the NZ Asia Foundation Suzannah Jessep tells Andrew Dickens what she'd like to see from the meeting. Andrew shares his thoughts around the Chinese Navy planting ships around the Tasman Sea. The Vatican announces the Pope's condition has worsened and continues to be "critical" after suffering a "prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis" Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey shares the latest. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The government is making it easier for wealthy foreign investors to get residency in New Zealand. Business New Zealand chief executive Katherine Rich spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
New Zealand remains in the dark about Donald Trump's tariff plan, as new data shows the US has overtaken Australia as our second largest destination for exported goods. Business NZ Advocacy Director Catherine Beard told Andrew Dickens blanket tariffs wouldn't have the same impact as targeted tariffs. She says it would mean the cost will be passed on to the US consumer rather than having to be absorbed by exporters, and we would still be competitive against other markets. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand remains in the dark about Donald Trump's tariff plan, as new data shows the US has overtaken Australia as our second largest destination for exported goods. Business NZ Advocacy Director Catherine Beard told Andrew Dickens blanket tariffs wouldn't have the same impact as targeted tariffs. She says it would mean the cost will be passed on to the US consumer rather than having to be absorbed by exporters, and we would still be competitive against other markets. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Small businesses want the Government to rethink regulations it describes as a burden. A new report from Business NZ claims small Kiwi businesses are bogged down by compliance hurdles and complicated regulations, which it says cost time and money. Business NZ CEO Katherine Rich told Mike Hosking politicians need to ease the burden, and not politicise it. She says too often the debate around small business involves politicians promising to cut red tape, but she says they need to be more specific about what will actually change. Rich says they've provided a practical shopping list of possible regulation changes that would help businesses almost immediately. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Small businesses want the Government to rethink regulations it describes as a burden. A new report from Business NZ claims small Kiwi businesses are bogged down by compliance hurdles and complicated regulations, which it says cost time and money. Business NZ CEO Katherine Rich told Mike Hosking politicians need to ease the burden, and not politicise it. She says too often the debate around small business involves politicians promising to cut red tape, but she says they need to be more specific about what will actually change. Rich says they've provided a practical shopping list of possible regulation changes that would help businesses almost immediately. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 29th of October, Treasury has put three options on the table to raise Kiwibank's capital and make it a stronger competitor against the big banks. Massey University Banking Expert David Tripe talks through the options with Ryan. They're a Kiwi staple, but the number of dairies across the country could be on the decline. Business NZ's Ann-Marie Johnson has the reasons why. It's been another busy weekend of sport - Liam Lawson raises eyebrows at the Grand Prix and the Black Caps beat India in India for the first time. Andrew Alderson has your weekend sport wrap. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Acceptance that reviewing the way fees are charged for PayWave and online card transactions in New Zealand is a positive for all. The Commerce Commission is consulting on regulation it says could save Kiwis $250 million. People spend $1 billion each year on fees in-store and online. Small Business New Zealand founder and BSP advisory group director Phil Wicks is questioning whether some retailers are taking advantage. “There is quite a variation in fees. I mean at the end of the day, the retailers shouldn't really be making profits from their EFTPOS. They should be making their profits from the goods and services that they sell.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Service sector activity has plummeted to its lowest level outside the Covid lockdowns. The BNZ-Business New Zealand Performance of Services Index (PSI) fell 3.6 points in May to 43.0. Business NZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope told Heather du Plessis-Allan “It's consistent with other data – like profit margins being below pre-Covid rates.” Hope said “Corporate insolvencies are around the same level as during the GFC – it's a pretty tough time.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Business NZ is welcoming a rise in spending on infrastructure, saying it has the potential to improve economic growth. Business NZ chief executive Kirk Hope spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Unemployment is continuing to rise. New figures from Stats NZ show the unemployment rate was 4.3% in the March quarter, up 0.3 percentage points from 4% in the December quarter. The unemployment rate has been steadily rising since reaching a record low of 3.2% in the December 2021 quarter. Business NZ Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard told Mike Hosking that the biggest problems businesses are seeing is a slowdown in demand from consumers as opposed to unemployment. It's a bit of a crunchy time we're going through, she said. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oliver and Michael talk about Germany's dual education system with Rachel Simpson, Manager for Education, Skills and Immigration at Business NZ. Recently, Michael and Rachel were on a business delegation to Germany to find out about their dual education system first-hand. In this episode, they discuss what this system looks like in Germany, what makes it successful and what might be stopping us from doing it here in NZ.
The Government is being advised to invest in immigration data gathering as record levels of arrivals and departures continue. In February more than 253,000 migrants arrived and about 122,000 left, putting net migration at almost 131,000. Business NZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope told Mike Hosking that where they come from isn't a problem as long as skills meet labour market needs. He says this is one the of the big data gaps the Government needs to look at, to find out exactly which people and skills are coming in versus who is leaving. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tariffs across the ditch are getting scrapped to lower living costs and some are asking if New Zealand should follow suit. Australia will remove import taxes on a wide range of goods from July to bring cost-of-living relief. It will streamline $9 nine billion worth of annual trade and save businesses over $30 million yearly. Business NZ's Catherine Beard told Mike Hosking that we got rid of most tariffs in the 1980s, there's just a few left. She says it's a legacy of the past —as most of them left are between 5-10%— and aren't doing much. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand's latest unemployment figure didn't quite land where many expected. Stats NZ figures show it's risen to 4% in the three months to December. Business NZ Advocacy Director, Catherine Beard told Mike Hosking that the numbers feel wonky. She says they expected the figure to be higher after the Employment and Manufacturers Association highlighted the rise in enquiries about restructures and redundancies. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The former boss of Business NZ says it's past time for a proper government strategy regarding immigration. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says current immigration settings are unsustainable, and position echoed by the Labour Party. New Zealand had a net gain of nearly 120,000 migrants over the year to September, putting serious pressure on housing and infrastructure. Iron Duke Partners managing director Phil O'Reilly says immigration settings are now too loose, and he's encouraged by the Prime Minister's comments that an immigration strategy was needed. O'Reilly spoke to Corin Dann.
The Workplace Relations Minister says she's disappointed unions are mis-characterising plans on Fair Pay Agreements. Elements of the Government's moves to repeal the policy were leaked to media last night. CTU President Richard Wagstaff subsequently told press he was upset unions had not been consulted about the plans. But Brooke Van Velden says his comments are not true. "Look, I was sworn into Government on Monday, and on Wednesday I sat down with both Business NZ and the Council of Trade Unions." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Business leaders want to see quick changes from the new National-led government, scrapping fair pay agreements and reintroducing 90-day trials. Unions say that's nothing but bad news for workers. Business NZ chief executive Kirk Hope, and Council of Trade Unions president Richard Wagstaff spoke to Corin Dann.
Sick leave is becoming an increasing issue for employers. Business Desk reports bosses are noticing that people are not shy about using up all their sick leave entitlements. Data shows that on average people take 5.5 sick days a year, a big jump from where it was at 4.5 pre-pandemic. Business NZ's Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard told Mike Hosking that everyone's position on illnesses has changed. She puts it down to a shift in attitudes towards sickness following the pandemic, as well as a more progressive view of mental health. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National could have its work cut out for itself following its latest trade promises. The party is vowing to double the value of exports in the next decade, pursue Free Trade Agreements, increase trade missions, and make India a focus. Business NZ Advocacy Director Catherine Beard told Mike Hosking that it's a heroic goal. She says it would be great to get the gulf, the UAE, and particularly India under our belt, but they're not easy. Beard says geopolitics, particularly what is being seen in the Middle East, makes these areas challenging. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National outplays Labour according to this year's rankings from business leaders. More than 100 CEOs and business leaders have ranked MPs in the Herald's Mood of the Boardroom survey. Luxon comes out on top with 3.24 out of five, compared to Chris Hipkins' 2.95. Business NZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope told Mike Hosking that National still has to do more, with one boss saying he's too corporate and has no real connection. He says Nicola Willis is favoured from a finance perspective, and Luxon still has a bit of work to do with the business community. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The primary industry has outperformed expectations as annual exports reach a new record high of more than 56-billion-dollars. The December forecast expected 55-billion in exports, but led by a growth in dairy, seafood and processed food exports, the result is 1-point-2-billion-dollars higher than thought. The government thinks primary industry exports could rise to 62-billion-dollars by 2027, and are praising new Free Trade Agreements as opening the door for more sales. Business NZ chief executive Kirk Hope represents Export NZ and is with us now
Cabinet is seeking advice on whether a Covid "test to work" scheme would work. Business NZ CEO Kirk Hope says that could allow some workers back sooner than seven days. "Of course, you know your employer's going to say- only come in if you're capable of working, we don't want you here if you're still, in fact feeling quite sick." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Prime Minister says there are numerous moving parts to consider when Cabinet debates later today whether to remove all remaining Covid-19 restrictions. Most of the outstanding rules were scrapped in September last year, but a mandatory seven-day isolation period remains for those who test positive. Chris Hipkins told Morning Report the Government needs to consider not only the health implications but also how any decision affects schools, businesses and communities. Epidemiologist Michael Baker says the restrictions should remain in place, while Business NZ is urging the government to follow other countries and dump them.
There are concerns the hike to minimum wage could be devastating for businesses. The Government has announced the minimum wage will rise by $1.50 to $22.70 from April. Business New Zealand CEO Kirk Hope told Mike Hosking the ability for businesses to pass this cost on is very low. He says if a business has no capital left effectively to pay this, and can't increase prices because then they'll face a decrease in demand, they're in a difficult position. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Businesses are hoping that the new Prime Minister will change the Government's agenda. Former Business NZ Chief Executive Phil O'Reilly told Tim Dower that he wants to see the new PM focus on the policy changes businesses have been asking for. On the other hand, the Council of Trade Unions is hoping for a smooth transition of power. President Richard Wagstaff says that he wants the Government to continue building on its momentum it has when it comes to reforming New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner is investigating the ransomware attack on information technology company Mercury IT. It's potentially compromising sensitive data for clients including Business NZ, the Nurses Organisation and the Ministry of Justice. AUT computer expert Kenneth Johnson told Mike Hosking data is being compiled throughout the world about the motivation of these attacks, who is doing them and why. He says they hope this provides more information about how these attackers behave, which will aid people in defending against them. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A business leader doubts the Royal Commission of Inquiry into our Covid response has the right scope. It kicks off February and will look at vaccine mandates, border closures, quarantine and community care. A report is due mid-2024. Australian-based epidemiologist Tony Blakely will chair it, alongside former National party minister Hekia Parata and former Treasury secretary John Whitehead. Business NZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope told Mike Hosking no one from business was talked to about the scope. He says the exclusion of operations into the private sector from the scope of inquiry is disappointing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on The Huddle: Cas Carter from Cas Carter Communications and Phil O'Reilly, former CEO of Business NZ and current Managing Director at Iron Duke Partners joined in on a discussion about the following topics- and more! The New Zealand Aged Care Association has launched some billboards today to raise awareness of the crisis facing the aged care sector. What do we think of these? And why doesn't Labour seem to want to address the staff shortage directly? The Reserve Bank has recently put out a financial review praising themselves for how they handled their Covid-19 response. Would an independent review have played better for Adrian Orr? Are the days of Donald Trump behind us? His chosen candidates were unexpectedly weakened in the midterm elections. Do we think he'll make it to the 2024 elections? Clothing company Moochi allegedly threatened to call the police on an Auckland charity store owner for taking stock that the label had dumped in a rubbish skip. Was this justified? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Legislation setting up a legal framework for collective bargaining across industries is set to become law. The Fair Pay Agreements Bill has passed its third reading in Parliament, with the support of Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori. The bill provides a framework for collective bargaining across occupations - like cleaners, supermarket workers and security guards - rather than just between unions and employers. National and Act oppose the measures, which they say will hurt small businesses, and vow to repeal the law if elected next year. Business NZ chief executive Kirk Hope and New Zealand Council of Trade Unions president Richard Wagstaff spoke to Corin Dann.
Business New Zealand is poking holes in the proposed Fair Pay Agreements legalisation. The rules mean if a thousand employees, or 10 percent of a workforce, agree to start the collective bargaining process, that process is automatically triggered. The Fair Pay Agreements legislation is expected to pass its third reading in Parliament later today. Business New Zealand Chief Executive Kirk Hope told Mike Hosking driving wage rates up to boost productivity up won't work. He says the threshold to trigger the agreement is too low. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Reserve Bank's dual mandate has received a frosty reception, after it completed the first stage of public consultation on its monetary policy remit. Most submitters believed inflation should have a bigger focus over the maximum sustainable employment, or the objective should be removed altogether. Business NZ was one of the submitters and CEO Kirk Hope joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The chief executive of Business New Zealand doesn't support a public holiday to mourn the Queen. Both the UK and Australia will hold public holidays next week, and Cabinet is considering the point today. Kirk Hope told Morning Report a holiday would impose extra costs on businesses already struggling. "Even if it's only a one off, it's going to impose more costs on businesses at a time when they've sustained some some pretty heavy costs and losses as a result of the pandemic." One public holiday has already been added to New Zealand's calendar this year, with Matariki celebrated in June.
The debate on Fair Pay Agreements is rife again, with it currently in select committee stage.It's expected to become law by the end of the year, but the likes of Business NZ and Retail NZ remain extremely opposed to it.Retail NZ's Greg Harford who spoke today at select committee joined Heather du Plessis-Allan.LISTEN ABOVE
The ILO have dismissed Business NZ on FPAs. The He Waka Eke Noa plan has been released and is far too weak. The National Party are polling better & better under Luxon.https://www.patreon.com/1of200
How have businesses coped with Covid? Have there been success stories? Who has struggled the most? What can we learn from this experience? In this interview we talk to Kirk Hope, the CEO of Business NZ to get his inside perspective on how businesses in New Zealand have been coping with the pandemic. We also talk about why some businesses achieve far greater success than others in competitive industries.0;37 Kirk Hope's role at Business NZ4:00 Is it as simple as just pivoting to navigate through Covid?10:44 Mental Health concerns for business owners going forward.12:55 To what extent does the government listen to Business NZ?17:00 Examples of businesses responding to the challenges and thriving.20:00 To what extent are members expecting changes to buyer behaviour to become permanent?24:58 Working from home versus an office.31:54 How does New Zealand (NZ) rate in supporting entrepreneurs particularly when they fail?40:15 With Small to Medium Enterprises (SME's) where do we need to fill the gaps in NZ?43:30 To what extent are small business owners guilty of not spending enough time working on their business rather than in them?45:44 Offering free digital training - is it a good thing that it is free?51:55 Why do some businesses excel above all others in an industry?56:50 To what extent are NZ businesses being held back by staff shortages?For more great content, go to:https://www.isintosuccess.comhttps://www.instagram.com/insightsintosuccess/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVRkDL7gZSP98vnVyZ5445ghttps://www.tiktok.com/@insightsintosuccessEmail us at: paul.d@msofmarketing.comThanks for supporting us in our journey to find the secrets to success!
Business NZ says New Zealand's on a shortlist of countries breaching international law due to the Government's fair pay agreement bill. An International Labour Organisation committee will look at the policy next week in Geneva. This follows a complaint made by Business NZ, which believes the agreements will remove rights and freedoms from workplaces. Chief executive Kirk Hope spoke to Corin Dann.
Business NZ says New Zealand's on a shortlist of countries breaching international law due to the Government's fair pay agreement bill. An International Labour Organisation committee will look at the policy next week in Geneva. Workplace Relations Minister Michael Wood spoke to Susie Ferguson.
Christopher Luxon is against welfare -- corporate welfare, that is. The National Party leader came out swinging this week against taxpayers having to underwrite the cost of profitable businesses reducing their emissions. He says the government is sending business the wrong message. Business New Zealand chief executive Kirk Hope spoke to Corin Dann.
The Government is expected to announced soon that our border will reopen in July - as opposed to October.The Prime Minister and the Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi will address a Business NZ lunch in Auckland this afternoon. RNZ immigration reporter Gill Bonnett explains.
The labour shortage is not just tight - it's critical - that's according to new data out today. The report by Sense Partners for Business NZ shows in most parts of the country, including the entire South Island, there is only one able worker for every two jobs advertised. It also signals once the border reopens New Zealand will be playing catch-up in a global warfare for talent. Financial Analyst at Sense Partners Shamubeel Eaqub talks to Lisa Owen.
Advocacy group Business NZ says ending Covid-19 mandates is a step in the right direction. From April 5 businesses will no longer be required to check vaccine passes and mandates will only be compulsory in certain sectors. Chief executive Kirk Hope says the government needs to provide more clarity on some aspects of the Covid-19 roadmap. He spoke to Corin Dann.
The business advocacy group that helped design the income insurance scheme is kicking National Party criticism of it to the kerb. Business New Zealand boss Kirk Hope told Lisa Owen the scheme is needed to insulate industry and workers against future shocks. People can have their say on the proposal on the MBIE website.
How will critical businesses like food production and freight keep the wheels turning when the full force of omicron hits? One modeller predicts it could infect up to half the population and depending on who's considered a close contact that could mean many people off work and self isolating. Business NZ boss Kirk Hope talks to Lisa Owen.