Podcasts about Westpac

What happens when a software company building AI tools for HR teams uses those same tools to transform itself? Josh McKenzie, Chief Technology Officer at ELMO Software Group, shares how his team rebuilt their entire software development lifecycle around AI agents and redrew the boundaries of every engineering role. He breaks down how to lead that shift without losing people's trust, why domain expertise is the real SaaS moat, and how the right analytics partner unlocks decisions HR teams have never been able to make before. Key Moments: The SaaS Moat: What AI Can't Erode (06:37): Josh argues SaaS value runs deeper than software. Accountability, compliance, and domain expertise keep purpose-built platforms irreplaceable. How ELMO's AI Journey Started (10:23): ELMO started by mapping every role against AI impact. Turning that lens on their own engineering team set the full transformation in motion. Why ELMO Chose ThoughtSpot Over Building Its Own Analytics (18:42): A homegrown tool requiring too much user expertise led ELMO to look elsewhere. ThoughtSpot Spotter and natural language capabilities closed the gap. Why HR Teams Are the Most Underserved (20:21): Payroll here, benchmarking data there, performance data somewhere else. HR teams have been drowning in spreadsheet hell for years. Josh explains how AI finally closes that gap. From Engineer to CTO: Build a Team of Complements (24:17): Josh reflects on the mindset shift that defined his path to the C-suite. Great leadership means building a team whose strengths cover your blind spots. Key Quotes: “ ThoughtSpot was particularly interesting for us… The big thing for us was the Spotter product. Allowing users to bridge that data analyst gap was really important. So, that product has yielded really, really great results for us.” - Josh McKenzie “I think it's really important that we instill a culture where it's okay to fail, and it's okay to make a mistake. You want to be vocal about your mistakes so others don't repeat the same mistake.” - Josh McKenzie “My belief is you want to focus on your secret sauce. So, what is the thing that makes your business super successful? And for us, that's where we came to look at ThoughtSpot. It has a really nice visual user interface and allows you to create some great dashboards.” - Josh McKenzie Mentions Hiring and Onboarding Taking Longer Despite Widespread AI Adoption, New Australian Research Finds The 5 Levels of AI Coding (Why Most of You Won't Make It Past Level 2) WireGuard: Next Generation Kernel Network Tunnel | Jason A. Donenfeld Guest Bio As the Chief Technology Officer, Josh McKenzie is responsible for both technical strategy and delivery (build, release and operation) of the ELMO product suite. Josh has a proven track record of successfully leading technology teams and implementing transformative strategies that enhance efficiency, drive growth, and elevate overall technological capabilities. Josh has 20 years of experience in technology, primarily in FinTech. Before joining ELMO in 2024, Josh held executive and senior positions at Lendi Group, OFX, ASX and Westpac. Josh holds a Bachelor of Computer Science from the University of Newcastle and an MBA from the University of Sydney. Hear more from Cindi Howson here. Sponsored by ThoughtSpot.

Confidence in the employment market is at an all-time low, with the Iran war still rippling through the economy. A Westpac-McDermott Miller survey for the June quarter reveals confidence fell for public and private sector employees. A net 60 percent of respondents believe it's hard to find a job, up from 46 percent last quarter. Westpac senior economist Michael Gordon says employment confidence has been weak over the past five years, and this data represents another step backwards. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Westpac bank chief executive Anthony Miller told Tom Elliott trying to regulate flexibility will undoubtedly lead to complication.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Data due out today is expected to show our economy was continuing to recover before the fuel crisis really began to bite. Stats NZ is releasing GDP figures for the March quarter at 10.45. It's expected to show the economy grew between 0.7 and 1% between January and March, but it's likely to have contracted again between April and June. Westpac Senior Economist Michael Gordon told Andrew Dickens normally this is a phase in which we'd be able to get some strong growth, but there are still some headwinds against the economy. He says we still had interest rate relief over the past few years, but it's more a case of the Reserve Bank taking its foot off the break, but not stomping on the accelerator to get the economy going again. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Το διοικητικό συμβούλιο της αποθεματικής τράπεζας, Reserve Bank of Australia, συνεδριάζει σήμερα και αύριο και οι Westpac, ANZ, Commonwealth Bank και NAB προβλέπουν ότι θα αποφασίσει να αφήσει αμετάβλητα τα επιτόκια στο 4.35%.

An economist says it won't be long until 91 petrol is consistently back down at $2.80. The US and Iran peace agreement to cease hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz is sending positive signals for the global oil industry. Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold says prices will stay low, once ships are moving normally. "We know that there's pretty low inventories out there around the world at the moment, so we need that supply chain to be working at full tilt for a while so that all of those things can get replenished." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of TechKnow, Bryan Ashenden unpacks the 2026–27 Federal Budget and explains why, despite limited direct changes, it may still be considered a ‘super Budget' for superannuation. Bryan explores how new tax measures – particularly changes to capital gains tax (CGT) and the introduction of Division 296 – compare favourably to investment structures outside super, reinforcing super's ongoing tax effectiveness. The episode also examines the newly introduced legislation, highlighting the complexity of upcoming CGT reforms and what they mean for advisers navigating client strategies. TechKnow Podcast disclaimer: Disclaimer: Information current as at 11 June 2026. This TechKnow podcast has been prepared by BT Portfolio Services Limited ABN 73 095 055 208 AFSL 233715 (BTPS), the operator of Panorama Investments; and BT Funds Management Limited ABN 63 002 916 458 AFSL 233724 (BTFM) the trustee of Panorama Super, which is part of Asgard Independence Plan Division Two ABN 90 194 410 365. Westpac Financial Services Ltd ABN 20 000 241 127 AFSL 233716 (WFSL) is the responsible entity and issuer of interests in BT Managed Portfolios. Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714 (Westpac) is the issuer of the BT Cash Management Account and the BT Cash Management Account Saver. Together, these products are referred to as the Panorama products. BTPS, BTFM and WFSL are subsidiaries of Westpac.  A Product Disclosure Statement or other disclosure document (PDS) and target market determination (TMD) for the Panorama products can be obtained by contacting BT on 1300 784 207 or by visiting bt.com.au. A person should obtain and consider the PDS and TMD before deciding whether to acquire, continue to hold or dispose of interests in the Panorama products. This TechKnow podcast has been prepared for use by advisers only.  It must not be made available to any client and any information in it must not be communicated to any client.   This TechKnow podcast provides an overview only and should not be considered a comprehensive statement on any matter or relied upon as such. This information does not take into account your clients' personal objectives, financial situation or needs and so you should consider its appropriateness, having regard to these factors before acting on it.  BTPS cannot give tax advice. Any tax considerations outlined in this document are general statements, based on an interpretation of current tax laws, and do not constitute tax advice. As such, you should not place reliance on any such taxation considerations as a basis for making your decision with respect to the product. As the tax implications of investing in this product can impact individual situations differently, you should seek specific tax advice from a registered tax agent or registered tax (financial) adviser about any liabilities, obligations or claim entitlements that arise, or could arise, under a taxation law. If you need more information to complete your tax return, please consult your accountant or tax adviser to obtain professional tax advice. Please keep your BT Tax Statement and this Guide for income tax purposes. The information in this commentary regarding legislative changes is intended as a guide only. It is not exhaustive and does not constitute legal advice. It is based on our interpretation of the law currently in force on the date of this document. BTPS does not undertake to provide any updates to the extent that any of the laws or regulations referred to change in the future. Consequently, it should not be relied upon as a complete statement of the relevant laws, the application of which may vary, depending on your clients' particular circumstances.

Welcome to The Adviser's What's Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week's biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights. Broker market share has finally crossed the historic 80 per cent threshold, but how much higher can the third-party channel actually go before artificial intelligence kicks in? Join host Annie Kane, senior journalist Charlie Tchetchenian, and commercial content writer Ben Squires as they dissect a monumental week of news for the mortgage industry. The team discusses National Australia Bank, major warnings from ANZ and Westpac predicting a substantial slowdown in mortgage lending, and a steep drop in investor activity off the back of proposed federal budget tax changes. This week, they discuss: The MFAA data revealing broker market share surged to a record 81 per cent in the March quarter. Why National Australia Bank completely reversed its rate forecast to predict the next cash rate move will be down. How major banks are forecasting a sharp slowdown in mortgage credit and property price growth for fiscal year 2027. And much more!

The global AI investment boom is gathering pace, with OpenAI signalling its intention to eventually join rivals Anthropic and SpaceX on the US sharemarket, potentially fuelling another wave of capital raising worth hundreds of billions of dollars across the industry. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Loftus Peak Chief Investment Officer Alex Pollak about what the AI listing race means for investors, while Adam Dawes from Shaw and Partners breaks down a softer day on the ASX after the long weekend. Plus, Matthew Hassan, Senior Economist at Westpac, explains why Australians are turning away from property as the wisest place for savings and what weakening consumer sentiment could mean for the economy.

The global AI investment boom is gathering pace, with OpenAI signalling its intention to eventually join rivals Anthropic and SpaceX on the US sharemarket, potentially fuelling another wave of capital raising worth hundreds of billions of dollars across the industry. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Loftus Peak Chief Investment Officer Alex Pollak about what the AI listing race means for investors, while Adam Dawes from Shaw and Partners breaks down a softer day on the ASX after the long weekend. Plus, Matthew Hassan, Senior Economist at Westpac, explains why Australians are turning away from property as the wisest place for savings and what weakening consumer sentiment could mean for the economy.

The chief economist of one of the largest banks across the Tasman is quashing talk of New Zealand becoming Australia's tax haven. A recent Australian newspaper declared the country's recent capital gains tax changes had lifted our appeal to local property investors due to our lack of capital gains, stamp duty, or land tax. Westpac Group's Luci Ellis told Heather du Plessis-Allan there won't be as many concessions for new purchases of existing homes for rent, but negative gearing is still an option on new builds. She says while some Aussies might find a New Zealand property attractive, if what they're motivated by is the tax concessions, they can still buy a new build in Australia. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil prices fell significantly throughout last week as discussions regarding an Iran deal continued to take place. Prices are down around 8 percent for the week with Brent crude around $91 a barrel. Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold says rumours regarding an imminent Hormuz opening agreement caused prices to drop on Friday, but things aren't fully stable. "Mediators had sent a proposal to Trump for an agreement and then noted on his Truth Social account that he was going to make what he called a 'final determination' on the Iran issue. He was in this meeting, but we weren't that lucky." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil prices fell significantly throughout last week as discussions regarding an Iran deal continued to take place. Prices are down around 8 percent for the week with Brent crude around $91 a barrel. Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold says rumours regarding an imminent Hormuz opening agreement caused prices to drop on Friday, but things aren't fully stable. "Mediators had sent a proposal to Trump for an agreement and then noted on his Truth Social account that he was going to make what he called a 'final determination' on the Iran issue. He was in this meeting, but we weren't that lucky." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former broker was charged this week with alleged involvement in the Penthouse Syndicate's mortgage fraud ring. The Adviser senior journalist Charlie Tchetchenian and commercial content writer Ben Squires uncover the latest in the mortgage fraud investigation and the ongoing work being done to stamp out criminal activity. The duo also review the fallout from the incoming negative gearing and CGT changes, looking at which lenders are moving quickly to strip negative gearing benefits from their serviceability calculators, and new dramatic projections warning of a sharp drop in investor activity. This week, they discuss: The major NSW Police update on the "Penthouse Syndicate" mortgage fraud investigation, which has seen a Sydney broker and bank manager arrested over tens of millions of dollars in fraudulent loans. How major lenders – including NAB, ANZ, Macquarie, and Suncorp – are rapidly updating their serviceability calculators to eliminate negative gearing benefits for established properties following the federal budget announcements. The federal court ordering Westpac to pay a $26 million penalty for repeatedly failing to properly process borrower hardship requests over a six-year period. And much more!

Andrew and Matt are joined by Sian Fenner, Senior Economist at Westpac, for a wide-ranging discussion on the Australian economic outlook. Topics covered: CPI & Inflation: April's CPI came in at 4.2%, below expectations, but underlying pressures are building across building costs, freight, and hospitality Strait of Hormuz: How ongoing shipping disruptions are flowing through to energy and fertilizer prices, and why full normalization isn't expected until mid-next year Fuel & Trade: Australia's fuel import positioning, government contingency funding, and the fragmented global trade environment US-China-Australia Trade Tensions: Agricultural deals, tariff exposure, and what the Trump administration's agreements mean for Australian commodity exporters RBA Rate Outlook: Westpac's forecast for two further hikes in August and September, taking the cash rate to 4.85%, with GDP growth expected to slow to 1.1% by year-end Commodity Markets: Outlook for wheat, canola, and beef, including El Niño risks Federal Budget: A detailed breakdown of the Labor government's tax reforms, including the permanent $20K instant asset write-off, carry-back loss provisions, and changes to capital gains tax and discretionary trusts

Boletín 27/05/26: Westpac recibe una multa de 26 millones de dólares por conducta negligente al no responder adecuadamente a clientes con dificultades económicas.

**Westpac fined $26 million over financial hardship cases** National Reconciliation Week marked around the country... - **ウェストパック銀行は、経済的に困窮している顧客に対して適切な対応をとらなかったとして、重大な過失行為により2,600万ドルの罰金を科されました。**オーストラリア統計局の最新データによると、オーストラリアのインフレ率は3年ぶりの高水準を記録した後、鈍化していることが示されました。SBSの日本語放送は火木金の午後１時からSBS3で生放送！火木土の夜10時からはおやすみ前にSBS1で再放送が聞けます。SBS日本語放送ポッドキャストから過去のストーリーを聞くこともできます。無料でダウンロードできるSBS Audio Appもどうぞ。SBS 日本語放送のFacebookとInstagramもお忘れなく。

Headlines: Inflation drops to 4.2% in year to April Biggest shake up in the employment system in decades Westpac hit with 26-million-dollar penalty Europe swelters in record summer heatwave NASA reveals plans to settle on the Moon Deep Dive: What caused the top boss of the National Anti-Corruption Commission to resign? We unpack Paul Brereton’s controversial tenure at NAC and who may be next to take on the top job... In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by UNSW Law Faculty Prof. Gabrielle Appleby. Read her article here: We need a new anti‑corruption commissioner. Here’s how to pick the right one Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IS tej nkauj nyab rov qab los rau Australia, kho Australia cov kev pab nrhiav hauj lwm rau neeg Australia ua, NSW cov tshuaj flu vaccine, Westpac cov kev raug nplua, ASIO thiab Akram, tej lus hais rau lub limtiam Reconciliation Week, Ukraine tej cuab yeej tsov rog, Pope Leo 14 tej lus tawm tswv yim txog Aritificial Intelligence (AI), Cob Tsib yog ib lub ntawm kaum lub teb chaws tsim hlau muag, Cob Tsib cov kev tawm tsam nrog cov intellectual property copyright, lus lwm hau zos Xaysomboun cov kev thov txim, Thaib lub Supreme Court tsab cai Bad-Faith Criminal Litigation 2026.

Listen to the Top News of 27/05/2026 from Australia in Hindi.Find our podcasts here at SBS Hindi Podcast Collection. You can also tune in to SBS Hindi at 5 pm on SBS South Asian on digital radio, on channel 305 on your television, via the SBS Audio app or stream from our website.Sorry is not enough: Calls grow for action on Stolen Generations justice and healingNSW's first Migrant Workers Centre opens in Sydney to support temporary visa holders

Major changes announced to employment services for jobless Australians; Westpac fined $26 million over financial hardship cases; And in sport, more than $12 million announced to fund this year's Rugby League World Cup.

Kia ora. Welcome to Thursday's Economy Watch where we follow the economic events and trends that affect Aotearoa/New Zealand. I'm David Chaston and this is the international edition from Interest.co.nz. Today we lead with news commodity markets are betting all-in that a deal between the US and Iran will unlock the Strait of Hormuz soon. An Iranian State TV report has triggered the optimism. (And even though the US has denied it.) More ships are transiting, but it is still only a fraction of 'normal'. However it is enough to drive the price of crude oil lower. But despite all that, financial markets seem to remain unconvinced, or at least they have turned defensive due to what lies ahead of a resolution. How well any deal will stick between the two parties who have become quite transactional remains to be seen. Certainly the US is unlikely to be trusted to maintain the deal by both Iran, and even its own traditional allies. Iran will be Iran, agreeing but preparing for another attack/fight. The one thing the US/Israeli thing has done is solidify the Iranian regime's position at home. It no longer has internal dissent or street challenges, and it will thank Trump for that. In the US, mortgage applications fell sharply last week, as US 30 year mortgage rates rose. Most of the fall is from the outsized retreat in refinance activity (-18%), although new purchase activity did dip as well. Those mortgage rates rose to their highest level since August 2025. Meanwhile, the ADP tracking of private payrolls showed the good levels continued last week, even if there was a small dip posted. And that is supported by factory survey data out from the Richmond Fed for the mid-Atlantic states area. New order levels rose notable. And firms expected growth in prices paid to moderate slightly over the next 12 months. But there was no improvement in the forward expectations, despite these improvements. Meanwhile the Dallas Fed services sector survey remained quite negative, even if less so in May than in April. But their uncertainty metric is notably less. There was a US Treasury 5yr Note auction overnight and that delivered a yield of 4.13% (4.18% high), up sharply from the 3.90% yield at the prior equivalent event a month ago. In Australia, consumer price inflation came in lower than most analysts were expecting for Aril. It rose 4.2% from a year ago, lower than the March 4.6%, and lower than the expected 4.4%. From March, CPI prices rose +0.4%, also lower in the same way. A key reason is that fuel prices fell -7.0% from March to April, after rising 33% in the previous month. The fall this month includes the halving of the fuel excise on 1 April. Fuel prices are still +23.5% higher than in February and before the impact of the Middle East conflict. Apart from fuel, outsized rises were recorded for 'housing' (+6.3%) and 'clothing' (+5.9%). The main contributors to the annual housing rise were Electricity (+22.5%), New dwellings (+4.7%) and Rents (+3.5%). And staying in Australia, Westpac has been hit with a AU$26 mln civil penalty for not dealing with clients who were struggling financially in a proper way. Remediation of all costs to those clients was AU$1.7 mln. The UST 10yr yield is now just on 4.48%, down -1 bp from this time yesterday. The price of gold will start today down another -US$49 at US$4450/oz. Silver is down -US$1.50 at just under US$74.50/oz. Oil prices have fallen -US$4.50 to just on US$89.50/bbl in the US, while the international Brent price is now at US$95/bbl. The Kiwi dollar is up +60 bps from yesterday at this time at 58.9 USc. Against the Aussie we are up +110 bps at 82.6 AUc. Against the euro we are up +50 bps at just under 50.7 euro cents. That all means our TWI-5 starts today at just under 62.4 which is up +60 bps from yesterday. The bitcoin price starts today at US$74,765 and down -1.5% from this time yesterday. Volatility over the past 24 hours has been modest at just on +/- 1.0%. Join us later today for full coverage of the 2026 Budget release, an election budget of course. You can get more news affecting the economy in New Zealand from interest.co.nz. Kia ora. I'm David Chaston and we'll do this again tomorrow.

Thursday 28 May 2026 Lower than expected inflation figures means no interest rate hikes until August at the earliest, according to market economists. Banks, miners and tech companies argue against changes to the capital gains tax Endeavour Group to offload most of its wineries Westpac fined $26m for not adequately looking after its customers NASA outlines details of what it’s going to do on the moon Heading to the Mumbrella Finance Marketing Summit on August 12? Enter code FINANCEFEAR26 when you buy your ticket to get 20% off. Hit follow on the podcast so you don’t miss the latest news, and join our free daily newsletter here And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - what are you actually working for? Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday 28 May 2026 The top five business stories in five minutes, with Sean Aylmer and Michael Thompson. Low inflation means rates on hold CGT debate heats up Endeavour Group to offload wineries Westpac fined $26m for not looking after customers NASA’s plans for the moon Hit follow on the podcast so you don’t miss the latest news Join our free daily newsletter here And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - what are you actually working for? Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Support the show: http://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everything starts in the mind – and in this episode of The Coaching Podcast, I sit down with Jaquie Scammell to explore what that really means for leaders navigating a fast-moving, AI-driven world. This is a conversation about perspective, presence, and performance – from how we manage our thoughts and energy in the micro-moments, to how we show up for others through feedback, coaching, and everyday service. We dive into the difference between being interested versus committed, why feedback is one of the greatest gifts you can give, and how leadership is ultimately about creating the conditions for people to thrive. About Jaquie Scammell Jaquie Scammell is the CEO and Founder of ServiceQ and one of the leading voices in service leadership today, known for helping organisations strengthen human connection in a world that is moving faster, becoming more automated, and asking more of its people. Her work sits at the intersection of leadership, culture and customer experience, where she partners with senior leaders to turn service from something people perform into something people live – embedded in behaviour, decision-making and the everyday moments that shape reputation. As the architect behind Service Habits™ and 5D Service Leadership™, Jaquie has developed practical operating systems that help organisations build cultures of consistency, ownership and care – not as concepts, but as capabilities that drive performance. She has worked across industries including aviation, banking, infrastructure and resources, with organisations such as BHP, Westpac, Melbourne Airport and Virgin Australia. A published, award-winning author, Jaquie is known for her ability to translate complex human dynamics into clear, actionable leadership. In the room, she brings both edge and empathy, creating environments where leaders are challenged to think differently, take ownership, and step forward with clarity. Connect with Jaquie Website: https://serviceq.co/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jaquiescammell Company: https://au.linkedin.com/company/serviceq Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaquiescammellofficial/

An economist believes the Reserve Bank should raise the Official Cash Rate today to control inflation. The bank will release its first Monetary Policy Statement since war broke out in the Middle East, with most expecting it to hold at 2.25% and not rise until September. But Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Mike Hosking inflation was already at 3.1% before the war, and we'll likely spend time above 4% this year. He says six years of this decade will have seen inflation over 3%. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changes flowing from the federal budget are already making their way into lending policy, with Macquarie Bank becoming the first lender to remove most negative gearing add-backs from its serviceability calculators for investment loans. The move follows the federal government's decision to restrict negative gearing to new builds, and brokers are now weighing up what it means for investor clients. On this episode of What's Making Headlines, The Adviser's editor Annie Kane, senior journalist Charlie Tchetchenian, and commercial content writer Ben Squires unpack the early fallout from the federal budget and what it signals for the market ahead. They also unpack the latest RBA minutes and what new unemployment data means for the rate outlook, with one major bank already adjusting its near-term forecast. This week, they discuss: A new note to brokers from major lender Westpac. New figures revealing a sharp lift in first home buyer inquiries from younger cohorts. What brokers can expect from New Broker Academy 2026. And much more!

Send us a question/idea/opinion direct via text message!The Cotality-Westpac First Home Buyer Report May 2026In this special guest episode Kelvin Davidson is joined by Satish Ranchhod from the Westpac Economics team to discuss the latest co-branded First Home Buyer Report.They cover off the Iran conflict, the implications for NZ's economy, inflation, and interest rates, then what it might all mean for first home buyers.Lately FHBs have remained a dominant force in the property market, accounting for high shares of transactions, and also getting 'more house for their money' - supported by a soft market, plenty of listings, and low deposit lending allowances at the banks.Indeed, Westpac's own data shows that the average LVR has recently gone above 80%, while the average FHB age has dipped a little.Ultimately, it's a continued good news story - and FHBs still have reason for optimism in the coming months too.Sign up for news and insights or contact on LinkedIn, X @NickGoodall_CL or @KDavidson_CL and email ngoodall@cotality.com or kdavidson@cotality.comThis podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. The hosts are not licensed Financial Advice Providers in New Zealand. All information is of a general nature and does not take into account your personal situation or goals. Please consult a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.

Peter Merel: When a Hub-and-Spoke Executive Hijacks Your Agile Transformation — And What to Do About It Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.   "Either you're going to do what you know works, or you're going to step away. Either way, you're not going to do damage to your client." - Peter Merel   After a successful transformation at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Peter Merel moved to Westpac, another major Australian bank, expecting to replicate the same approach. He found an executive who appeared eager to support an agile transformation — but this executive saw agile as the ideal form of micromanagement. Everything and everyone revolved around this one individual, and as Peter began facilitating conversations that didn't hub on the executive, the executive felt disempowered. Peter was blind to this dynamic — he had never encountered it before. The situation deteriorated because Peter had been hired to run a push-based transformation, when he knew from experience that only pull-based transformation works. At Commonwealth Bank, he had built a thin steel thread from business through to DevOps with a small group, proved it worked, and then grown it organically. At Westpac, he let himself be persuaded to push change into the organization, and it compromised everything. The lesson Peter shares is stark: if you can't do what you know works, and you can't step away, then you are the problem. He also warns that when coaches fail this way, they make life harder for whoever comes next — a responsibility that's easy to overlook in the moment.   In this segment, we talk about pull-based transformation and why push-based change programs consistently fail in large organizations.   Self-reflection Question: Are you currently in a situation where you've compromised on your approach to change — and if so, are you doing more damage by staying than you would by stepping away? Featured Book of the Week: The Agile Way by Peter Merel Peter's own book, The Agile Way, is his modern translation of the Tao Te Ching — a 3,000-year-old text he argues was originally about how to achieve agile development in organizations large and small. Peter first started translating this text in 1989, and after decades of iteration, the book draws connections between ancient wisdom and modern agile practices — XP, Lean, Theory of Constraints, throughput accounting, and permaculture. As Peter explains, "The sage in Lao Tzu is Shang Ren — agile people. This is a book about agile people, agility, and it always was." The book is available at agile.way.pm, and Kent Beck, who wrote the foreword, calls it "a dangerous little book" — dangerous in the same sense as the word extreme.   [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Westpac's CEO says they have noticed changing customer habits in the backdrop of a tougher economy. The bank's half-year profit is up four percent, with its net profit rising to $545 million dollars. It's down 19 percent on the previous six months. CEO Catherine McGrath says businesses are getting good at controlling what they can. "There's a little bit less money being spent on things like hospitality and retail spend - with businesses, some of them are pausing a bit on whether they want to do their expansion plans." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The local market slid by 0.2% today as investors juggled a hawkish Reserve Bank and a dangerous escalation in the Middle East. Overnight, oil prices jumped 5% following missile exchanges in the Strait of Hormuz, including reports of Iranian strikes on a UAE port and the US sinking Iranian boats. This "oil shock" pushed the RBA to raise interest rates to 4.35%—a third consecutive hike that effectively undoes all of 2025’s rate cuts. Westpac fell 2.3% after missing half-year profit expectations, while Flight Centre defied the gloom, surging 4% despite a $10 million hit from war-related disruptions. Energy stocks rose 1% as crude prices climbed. Steve Daghlian and Laura Besarati are Market Analysts at CommSec. Each episode, they break down the day's market movements and explain what the numbers really mean. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a question/idea/opinion direct via text message!The April Home Value Index (HVI) results are in, and while the national median technically rose by a modest 0.1%, the broader picture is one of a flattening market. This week, Nick Goodall and Kelvin Davidson peel back the layers on the regional divide - why are Auckland and Wellington softening while Christchurch and Invercargill continue to climb?We also dive into a surprising dose of 'hopium' from the March economic data. With filled jobs up 0.3% and the NZ Activity Index (NZAC) hitting its fastest growth in over three years, we ask if the economy is showing more resilience than expected, or if these are simply lagging indicators of a pre-conflict world.This week, we discuss:April HVI results: The national median is up 0.1%, but regional variability is the real story.The regional divide: Why Auckland's supply pipeline and Wellington's 'vibe' shift are weighing on values compared to the farming-backed strength of the south.March economic resilience: Filled jobs grew by 0.3%, and the NZAC rose 3.2% - could Q1 GDP be stronger than the RBNZ expects?Labour market preview: Why we expect the unemployment rate to hold steady at 5.4% this week.RBNZ watch: A preview of Wednesday's Financial Stability Review (FSR) and the ongoing quest for transparency.First home buyer report: A teaser for our upcoming release with Westpac, including surprising data on buyer ages.Sign up for news and insights or contact on LinkedIn, X @NickGoodall_CL or @KDavidson_CL and email ngoodall@cotality.com or kdavidson@cotality.comThis podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. The hosts are not licensed Financial Advice Providers in New Zealand. All information is of a general nature and does not take into account your personal situation or goals. Please consult a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.

One of the country's biggest banks is calling on social media giant, Meta, to do more to protect New Zealanders from fraud and scams on its platforms. Westpac New Zealand CEO Catherine McGrath spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Westpac's chief economist says the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz will have very serious consequences for the economy. Kelly Eckhold spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The ASX edges higher despite fresh warnings from corporate Australia, with Qantas and Westpac flagging the financial impact of the Middle East conflict as cost pressures build. Ricardo Gonçalves unpacks the latest market moves and what they mean for inflation and interest rates, speaking with NAB Chief Economist Sally Auld and LGT Wealth Management CIO Scott Haslem, while new data reveals rental stress has hit record levels. Cotality's Head of Research Gerard Burg joins to explain why Australians are now spending more than ever on housing and what's driving the shortage.

Another bank is predicting an upcoming OCR raise. ANZ has already picked three consecutive Official Cash Rate hikes in July, September, and October. Now Westpac says it's becoming more of a possibility next month - but is more likely in September. Chief economist Kelly Eckhold says the Reserve Bank will work from specific indicators. "They're looking for indications that the peak in inflation will be even higher than they currently expect." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wondered what comes next… when the life you've built no longer feels like the life you want? In this episode of It's a Mindset, I'm joined by Robyn Greaves - a highly regarded career change specialist and coach who has worked across some of the world's most recognised organisations including BHP, Apple, Woolworths and Westpac. Robyn brings a thoughtful, practical and deeply human approach to navigating career and life transitions, particularly in what she calls our “third chapter.” Together, we explore what it really means to step into this next phase of life - not as an ending, but as an opportunity to create something meaningful, fulfilling and entirely your own. This conversation resonated with me on such a deep level. The idea of a “third chapter” feels incredibly aligned with where so many of us find ourselves in midlife - reflecting, recalibrating, and asking bigger questions about who we are and how we want to spend our time. It's also why I'm so passionate about the work I do and why I'm about to launch The Next Chapter Collective - a space designed to help you reconnect with who you are, what you want, and how to move forward with intention. If you've ever felt that quiet nudge that there's more available to you… this episode will speak to you. Key Episode Takeaways: Why your “third chapter” (your 50s and 60s) can be one of the most powerful and fulfilling stages of life The importance of creativity and curiosity for healthy ageing and ongoing growth How this phase is less about achievement and more about contribution and meaning Why time isn't as guaranteed as we think - and the importance of choosing how you want to spend it About the Guest: Robyn Greaves is a highly regarded career change specialist and coach with a background in senior leadership development and organisational change across BHP, Apple, Woolworths and Westpac. She is recognised for her thoughtful, practical and deeply human approach to late-career transition, helping experienced professionals create an epic third chapter. Show Resources: Connect with Robyn on LinkedIn - HERE Check Out Robyn's Website - HERE Learn More About Robyn's New Book, Your Third Chapter - HERE Follow Emma, the Podcast Host - HERE Join The Next Chapter Collective Waitlist - HERE If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share it on your Instagram stories and tag us @emmalagerlow. Yours in Your Next Chapter, Emma. X.

The ASX snapped a two-day slide today, lifting 0.5% on renewed hopes for a US-Iran peace deal. While gains halved from morning peaks following the start of a US Navy blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, the market remained resilient. BHP surged 3.2% after reports that China is reopening doors to its iron ore, but the corporate "war toll" weighed elsewhere. Qantas flagged an $800 million fuel hit, Westpac fell 2.6%, and Cleanaway cut profit guidance. Meanwhile, consumer confidence plunged 12.5% to near-record lows. Steve Daghlian and Laura Besarati are Market Analysts at CommSec. Each episode, they break down the day's market movements and explain what the numbers really mean. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank is expected to take a long-term view on inflation when it sets interest rates today. Economists expect the central bank to play it safe and keep the Official Cash Rate at 2.25% until later in the year. It's the first Monetary Policy Statement since the Iran war began. Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Mike Hosking the bank will be focused on where inflation is heading, not just where it is now. He says it'll forecast what inflation looks like in 12 months rather than three. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Houthi armed group has entered the conflict in the Middle East, raising fears another key route for oil supply could be choked off. Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold spoke to Corin Dann

Christopher Luxon's weekly interview; An update on how the Middle East conflict is hitting the New Zealand economy from Westpac's Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold; analysis from a maritime expert about how many oil tankers are in their way to New Zealand; Illegal cigarettes being sold at much cheaper price

A new survey shows people are starting to take action to reduce their fuel costs. Westpac's survey asked 400 people how they felt about the war, and nearly half said they'd thought about driving less. Westpac's , who manages institutional and business banking spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Australian Property Market SpecialWhat do rising interest rates actually mean for your borrowing power, property strategy, and investment decisions in 2026?In this episode, Candice Bourke and Felicity Thomas sit down with leading mortgage broker Mitchell Lobb from Distinctive Finance to break down what's really happening in the Australian property market and where the smartest opportunities may lie.Whether you're a first home buyer, seasoned investor, or business owner, this episode unpacks the real-world lending strategies most people don't understand but absolutely should.

Oil prices rose more than 5% as Iran threatened to target oil and gas facilities in the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold spoke to Corin Dann.

In the past few days, BNZ, ANZ and Westpac have all announced adjustments to their interest rates. So where does that leave home loan borrowers? Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The government is expecting the war in Iran and the ongoing fuel crisis could curtail the economy's growth by 0.5%. Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold spoke to Corin Dann.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Josh Gilbert from eToro to as NAB, Westpac and Citi predict two RBA interest rate rises in a row as oil prices remain high threatening inflation; and Stephanie Youssef speaks with Blair Davies from the Australian Taxi Industry Association to find out, if like some airlines, taxis will need to increase fares to cover the spike in petrol prices.

The death toll in Iran has reportedly exceeded 1000, conflict continues in the Middle East. The strikes have pushed up the price of brent crude oil but more than 18 percent in the past week as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Westpac suggests that if the conflict continues for a month, prices will shoot up much further. It also warned that our inflation rate could be pushed up by one percent. Finance Minister Nicola Willis spoke to Lisa Owen.

Australia's big four banks will pass on yesterday's rate rise in full, with ANZ, NAB, Westpac and the Commonwealth Bank set to raise rates by 25 basis points mid-way through this month. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher is defending the government's examination of the capital gains tax. - 国内の４大銀行が今月中旬に利上げを行う方針であることがわかりました。オーストラリア・フィナンシャル・レビュー紙は連邦政府がキャピタルゲイン税の50パーセント控除の縮小を検討していると報じました。