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The Government is more than halving the number of entities that need to make climate-related disclosures. It has proposed to only require listed issuers with market capitalisations of more than $1 billion to make disclosures. Currently, the threshold is $60 million. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains the changes further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I think it's fair to say, don't you think, that Labour's first policy has been a flop? It's been panned by pretty much everybody worth listening to or worth reading. I mean, I see Maiki Sherman over at TVNZ liked it last night. She called it a 'solid first hit' on telly, but I think everyone else seems to have seen through what Chippy's trying to do here. Let me quote you some. Tom Pullar-Strecker at The Post: Labour's Future Fund hits the buzzwords, but the rationale is hard to follow. Pattrick Smellie at BusinessDesk: This suggests either that Labour is economically illiterate or that its target audience is presumed to be. Radio New Zealand: The distinct lack of detail has left Labour somewhat exposed, evoking echoes of other ambitious projects that fizzled like KiwiBuild or the Green Investment Fund. Jenée Tibshraeny at the Herald says this is actually less about making New Zealand wealthy and really more about having a crack at National and possible asset sales at the next election. Henry Cooke at The Post: Labour's Future Fund promises everything and nothing. It's hard to know what to really make of this. And then from Patrick Smellie again, because his piece is just so eviscerating: Labour will have to do a whole lot better than this. Now, basically, what you could take from that is that no one serious is convinced by it - because Labour has taken a great idea, which is Singapore's Temasek, and then taken away all the things that make Temasek successful. Temasek sells assets, this lot is not allowed. Temasek invests overseas, this lot is not allowed. That's just a couple of the problems here. Honestly, the list of problems in this policy announcement is so long, we could do an entire show about it. I suspect Labour knows and I think they know it's a bad idea. They just think we're too stupid to realize how bad an idea it is. They think that we're going to be hoodwinked by all of the feel-good slogans about investing in New Zealand's future and cutting out the foreign investors and stuff like that. But I'm happy to report that judging by the media roundup I just read you, we're not at all as stupid as Labour thinks we are. We can see a dog policy when we're presented with one, and this is one. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Reserve Bank recently disputed the idea that Covid-era money printing programme caused sky-high inflation, which cost the Government billions. Staff at the bank have published new research that concludes the bank's $55 billion Large-Scale Asset Purchase (LSAP) programme didn't 'meaningfully' contribute to above-target inflation following the pandemic. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government is looking to move forward with plans to change who is liable for defective building work, and it's raised questions about what this could mean going forward. For decades, all parties involved in a build have been jointly liable for problems, with local councils mostly picking up the tab. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Copies of text messages just released by Treasury confirm Adrian Orr was likely to be sacked if he didn't resign as Reserve Bank Governor. The process was so advanced, Secretary to the Treasury Iain Rennie warned Finance Minister Nicola Willis she might receive a recommendation from the Reserve Bank board to advise the Governor-General to remove Orr. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further, LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are fears the Government's proposal to change who is liable for shonky buildings risks leaving homeowners in the lurch. The Government is proposing to prevent local councils from being lumped with big bills if they consent buildings that turn out to be leaky or defective. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny reveals why homeowners have voiced concerns. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are fears the Government's proposal to change who is liable for shonky buildings risks leaving homeowners in the lurch. The Government is proposing to prevent local councils from being lumped with big bills if they consent buildings that turn out to be leaky or defective. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny reveals why homeowners have voiced concerns. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's been revealed the Reserve Bank chairman sent a warning letter to Treasury in the wake of Adrian Orr's resignation. Neil Quigley warned that it would 'immediately destroy the goodwill' between the two entities if it publicly released details of the fateful meeting. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's been revealed the Reserve Bank chairman sent a warning letter to Treasury in the wake of Adrian Orr's resignation. Neil Quigley warned that it would 'immediately destroy the goodwill' between the two entities if it publicly released details of the fateful meeting. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Reserve Bank is moving to cut 20 percent of its staff in a bid to unwind the hiring spree by former Governor Adrian Orr. The restructure will see the net reduction on 142 roles, including 35 vacant positions. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Building Nations conference kicked off today, with the nation's major political parties seemingly aligned on future infrastructure. National's Chris Bishop and Labour's Kieran McAnulty spoke this afternoon, and they appeared to be united about future partnerships. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government has given the green light to a partial privatisation for KiwiBank. The bank now has the opportunity to raise up to $500 million from investors. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains the deal further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Treasury has confirmed concerns were raised about former Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr's conduct. Its comment comes as it responds to an allegation there was more to Orr's departure than the public has been led to believe. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny speculates further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Treasury has confirmed concerns were raised about former Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr's conduct. Its comment comes as it responds to an allegation there was more to Orr's departure than the public has been led to believe. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny speculates further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
ANZ has declined a proposed settlement by lawyers leading a massive class action against the bank for giving customers the wrong information about their loans. The lawyers asked ANZ to agree to pay a penalty of up to $300 million, on top of the $35 million it has already paid more than 100,000 customers to compensate them for the error. ASB, which is also subject to the class action, is yet to respond to the proposal for it to also make a payment of up to $300 million. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
ANZ has declined a proposed settlement by lawyers leading a massive class action against the bank for giving customers the wrong information about their loans. The lawyers asked ANZ to agree to pay a penalty of up to $300 million, on top of the $35 million it has already paid more than 100,000 customers to compensate them for the error. ASB, which is also subject to the class action, is yet to respond to the proposal for it to also make a payment of up to $300 million. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Unions are urging Uber to consider New Zealanders needs - after drivers protested outside the Supreme Court today. It's over an Uber appeal of a 2022 ruling that deemed four drivers employees, allowed things like sick leave and holiday pay. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Unions are urging Uber to consider New Zealanders needs - after drivers protested outside the Supreme Court today. It's over an Uber appeal of a 2022 ruling that deemed four drivers employees, allowed things like sick leave and holiday pay. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Reports reveal ACC is planning to be more scrupulous when paying claims, as the Government pressures it to run a tighter ship. The state insurer has committed to “highly ambitious” targets around getting injured people rehabilitated and back to work quicker. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New reports reveal the Government did get lobbied by the Banking Association over a proposed law change to prevent costly class action lawsuits. Minister Scott Simpson claimed this wasn't the case earlier - and claimed the banks hadn't called for it. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Finance Minister's revealed top-level legal advice was sought over the Reserve Bank's battle with Treasury for funding. The bank received less money than it anticipated in the latest funding round - which prompted Adrian Orr to quit as Governor. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny unpacks the issue further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Finance Minister's revealed top-level legal advice was sought over the Reserve Bank's battle with Treasury for funding. The bank received less money than it anticipated in the latest funding round - which prompted Adrian Orr to quit as Governor. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny unpacks the issue further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are fears Finance Minister Nicola Willis is opening a can of worms by potentially allowing young farmers to dip into their KiwiSavers to buy farms. She explained she was seeking advice from the IRD on the matter, which is yet to be considered by Cabinet. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny weighed in on the debate. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are fears Finance Minister Nicola Willis is opening a can of worms by potentially allowing young farmers to dip into their KiwiSavers to buy farms. She explained she was seeking advice from the IRD on the matter, which is yet to be considered by Cabinet. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny weighed in on the debate. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Homeowners need to brace for another cost increase, this time to help fund the state disaster insurer, the Natural Hazards Commission. The minister responsible for the commission, David Seymour, says levies will 'almost certainly' need to rise, with Cabinet set to decide the changes in the coming months. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Homeowners need to brace for another cost increase, this time to help fund the state disaster insurer, the Natural Hazards Commission. The minister responsible for the commission, David Seymour, says levies will 'almost certainly' need to rise, with Cabinet set to decide the changes in the coming months. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Reserve Bank delivered their quarterly update on the OCR - but there was a hawkish undertone this time round, according to experts. The central bank cut the Official Cash Rate by 25 basis points to 3.25 percent, in line with expectations from economists. Despite this, NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny noted there were some concerns about the economic future. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Reserve Bank delivered their quarterly update on the OCR - but there was a hawkish undertone this time round, according to experts. The central bank cut the Official Cash Rate by 25 basis points to 3.25 percent, in line with expectations from economists. Despite this, NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny noted there were some concerns about the economic future. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Budget 2025 is set to be revealed to the nation tomorrow - and Finance Minister Nicola Willis has promised it will be a “No BS Budget” with “some surprises”. Willis will take a step towards unwinding the expansion of Government that accompanied (and followed) the pandemic - while growing the economy. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny outlines some questions she hopes to see resolved. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has talked up how changes to KiwiSaver, due to be announced at the Budget, will boost members' balances. She's offered up some hints - but it's unlikely the Government will help by opening up its wallet. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny speculates further ahead of Budget day. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is continuing to buy foreign currency assets to give it more firepower, should it need to intervene in the market during a crisis. The central bank sold a whopping $259 million of New Zealand dollars in March to buy assets, such as government bonds, linked to other currencies. The sale marked the second-largest foreign exchange-related transaction (or series of transactions) the Reserve Bank (RBNZ) has engaged in during a month in just over a decade. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Finance Minister has adamantly denied any suggestions of the Government trying to interfere in the Reserve Bank. Critics have raised concerns that the Reserve Bank's temporary Governor and Chair are acting to appeal to Nicola Willis' interests. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Labour is staying tight-lipped, as Te Pāti Māori says Māori should receive New Zealand Superannuation seven to 10 years before everyone else. Meanwhile, the Green Party supports lowering the age of eligibility for Super for some groups in society. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny says this has prompted a divided response. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government has introduced legislation that could see more than 150,000 mortgage holders miss out on hundreds of millions in compensation for mistakes made by ANZ and ASB. The Government wants to ensure lenders are not disproportionately punished if they fail to disclose all the right information about a product to their customers. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains what this could mean for the banks - and homeowners. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Reserve Bank wasn't planning to announce former governor Adrian Orr's resignation until after it had hosted a big international conference. But the unexplained resignation was brought forward by five days to March 5 - the day before the conference, new documents reveal. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Revenue Minister Simon Watts this month unveiled plans to change the Foreign Investment Fund (FIF) regime to give some foreigners with illiquid investments offshore an additional, possibly more advantageous, way of paying tax. He said the Government would also consider exempting more Kiwis from the FIF rules, which incentivise domestic investment, but can be an administrative nightmare. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny unpacked the current concerns - and explained why people are calling on the Government to go further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
18 councils and three council-controlled organisations have recently had their credit ratings downgraded by S&P Global Ratings. The credit rating agency has expressed concern that councils aren't receiving enough revenue to cover rising costs, including investment in infrastructure. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The International Monetary Fund is cautioning the Government against bending over backwards, deregulating banks in a bid to spur more competition in the sector. Finance Minister Nicola Willis is getting advice on whether she should make the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) loosen the way it regulates banks. The Commerce Commission has also suggested the rules could be changed to make it easier for small banks to compete with big ones. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains why the IMF is issuing words of caution as these discussions take place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Major question marks over the shock-resignation of Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr. Orr's laid out areas of his work he's proud of, but gave no reason for quitting almost half-way through his second, five-year term. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny unpacked the reactions to this announcement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New reports indicate over 9000 clubs, societies, trade associations and industry councils could be looking at a significant tax bill. Inland Revenue has changed the way it interprets a law - and they're keen to crack down on businesses they believe are 'masquerading' as charities to reduce their taxes. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains what this law change could mean going forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Banks have begun slashing shorter-term mortgage rates following today's cuts to the OCR, but experts have issued a warning to homeowners. Reserve Bank policymakers are again warning borrowers not to hold their breaths for substantive cuts to longer-term mortgage rates. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains the factors behind today's cuts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government is running the ruler over the way the Accident Compensation Corporation manages its $50 billion investment portfolio. The newly appointed minister responsible for the state injury insurer, Andrew Bayly, has commissioned consultants at Willis Towers Watson to review the performance of the Accident Compensation Corporation's investments, its governance, and the approach it takes to managing its investments. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government is talking up the fact it's exploring ways of making the tax system more business-friendly, with details of potential changes to be unveiled at the May 22 Budget. Finance Minister Nicola Willis is wary that at 28 percent, New Zealand's corporate tax rate is above the OECD average of 24 percent. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny speculates what the Government might be planning ahead of this year's Budget. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bank switching surged in December, as those with mortgages appear to have shopped around for cheaper debt at a record rate. Just over $2 billion of mortgage debt changed hands between banks and non-banks during the month - a record amount since at least 2017 when Reserve Bank records began. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Auditor-General is upping the ante, urging the Government to change the law to require departments to better report on what their spending achieves. John Ryan is worried it can be difficult to track what comes of Government policies or programmes, and wants the issue investigated by the Parliament's Finance and Expenditure Committee. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The surprisingly large uptick in the amount of debt the Treasury is expected to issue in coming years will come at a cost, S&P Global Ratings warns. On Tuesday, Treasury increased its forecast bond issuance programme by a whopping 16 percent. It now believes it'll have to issue $146 billion of New Zealand Government Bonds (debt) in the four years to 2027/28 - $20b more than forecast at the Budget in May. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A significant decision from the Court of Appeal could see Gloriavale shut down its' operations for good. The court has thrown out an injunction that prevented BNZ from closing the West Coast Christian community's accounts. BNZ attempted to stop doing business with Gloriavale in 2022, after the community's child labour usage breached its human rights policy. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny unpacks the wider implications of this verdict. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government has unveiled plans to reduce the amount aggrieved employees can be compensated by their employers – to zero in some cases. Minister Brooke van Velden has detailed proposed changes to the Employment Relations Act, which are aimed at giving egregious employers more power in disputes with employees, who have behaved badly themselves. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains how these changes could impact businesses and workers alike. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many mortgage holders will be relieved to hear that the OCR has been brought down by an addition 50 basis points. Despite this, one expert is warning that borrowers might need to keep their enthusiasm about the interest rates in check. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained that there were other factors impacting interest rates. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A senior Reserve Bank official has taken aim at the big banks and accused them of stifling innovation and competition by underinvesting in technology. Addressing delegates at a Payments NZ conference on Tuesday, the banking regulator's director of money and cash, Ian Woolford, claimed there was a role for better regulation to push banks to keep up with their peers overseas. But the banks have pushed back - with Westpac head Catherine McGrath saying regulations were holding the banks back. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny unpacks the regulations impacting the banks. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
