NBR | Independent business news, Finance, Investment, Tech, Law

Wed 07 Jan 2026 05:48:22am

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Wed 07 Jan 2026 05:48:22am

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Top Story

Market Close

Record close for NZX50 as F&P Healthcare buoys market

Softer than expected Australian inflation cooled bets on an RBA rate hike.

Wed, 07 Jan 2026

Market Close

Record close for NZX50 as F&P Healthcare buoys market

Softer than expected Australian inflation cooled bets on an RBA rate hike.

Curious News Wed, 07 Jan 2026

The man behind the masks: F&P Healthcare’s Lewis Gradon

After a decade as CEO, Gradon reveals the secret sauce behind the company’s extraordinary success.

Investment

The man behind the masks: F&P Healthcare’s Lewis Gradon

After a decade as CEO, Gradon reveals the secret sauce behind the company’s extraordinary success.

Fiona Rotherham Wed, 07 Jan 2026

Politics

New Zealand’s unlikely Deputy Prime Minister

Act is well placed to do better in the 2026 election, says David Seymour.

Politics

New Zealand’s unlikely Deputy Prime Minister

Act is well placed to do better in the 2026 election, says David Seymour.

Brent Edwards Wed, 07 Jan 2026

Law

Environment Court stays abatement notices on Northland plant

Whangārei businessman Warren Sinclair and Black2Green 2025 appealed notices shutting down a waste-to-energy project.

Law

Environment Court stays abatement notices on Northland plant

Whangārei businessman Warren Sinclair and Black2Green 2025 appealed notices shutting down a waste-to-energy project.

Fiona Rotherham Wed, 07 Jan 2026

Wed 07 Jan 2026 05:47:45am

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Listen to NBR Podcast episodes

Whip Around co-founder launches new venture Therappai

Primary Industries

Dairy prices move in positive direction

General Business

Out of Office Reply: Karl Gradon

Primary Industries

Alliance CEO resigns, Dawn Meats boss in charge

General Business

Hirepool sinks to $13.5m loss

Investment

The man behind the masks: F&P Healthcare’s Lewis Gradon

Politics

New Zealand’s unlikely Deputy Prime Minister

Law

Environment Court stays abatement notices on Northland plant

General Business

Out of Office Reply: Karl Gradon

Tech & Innovation

Whip Around co-founder launches new venture Therappai

Primary Industries

Dairy prices move in positive direction

Politics

New policies paying off for Labour as it faces an election year

Politics

New Zealand’s unlikely Deputy Prime Minister

Primary Industries

Is the Rockit mission running out of fuel?

Energy

The next wave in renewable energy

Law

Environment Court stays abatement notices on Northland plant

Te Ao Māori

Helmut Modlik’s big year and bigger hopes

Costco NZ reports maiden profit as it gears up for expansion

The international retailer reported a $9.6m profit in the year ended August 31 in New Zealand.

Tourism

Skyline cashes in Christchurch Casino stake, while chips are down

Sale to an Australian buyer follows write downs due to poor trading and anti-money laundering issues.

Energy

The next wave in renewable energy

Wave and tidal power, seen decades ago as a potential source of reliable electricity, has never lived up to its hype. But there are signs of progress.

Politics

The PM’s push to have people feel the economic recovery

Christopher Luxon says it is encouraging that the economy is growing again.

Featured

Law

Litigation outlook: High Court rules, class actions, AI washing

NBR speaks to more than a dozen litigation partners and industry players about what to expect in commercial litigation in 2026.

Politics

New policies paying off for Labour as it faces an election year

The party’s biggest spike in support has come after releasing policy, Chris Hipkins says.

Politics

New policies paying off for Labour as it faces an election year

The party’s biggest spike in support has come after releasing policy, Chris Hipkins says.

The NBR Podcast

Podcast Summer Series: Tech & startups 2025

LISTEN: Journalists Will Mace and Fiona Rotherham take us on the tech rollercoaster of 2025.

The NBR Podcast

Podcast Summer Series: Tech & startups 2025

LISTEN: Journalists Will Mace and Fiona Rotherham take us on the tech rollercoaster of 2025.

General Business

Out of Office Reply: Susan Jones

In our daily series of Q&As, we profile EY New Zealand country managing partner Susan Jones.

General Business

Out of Office Reply: Susan Jones

In our daily series of Q&As, we profile EY New Zealand country managing partner Susan Jones.

Analysis

Beehive Banter

Winners and losers of the 2025 political year

ANALYSIS: New Zealand First had a strong year while Te Pāti Māori imploded.

Brent Edwards Sat, 27 Dec 2025

Economy Matters

The New Zealand economy: review 2025

ANALYSIS: : After a difficult year, New Zealand enters 2026 with the foundations for a slow, steady recovery, with cautious optimism.

Christoph Schumacher Mon, 22 Dec 2025

Guest Analysis

Three key considerations for successful RMA reform

ANALYSIS: Over coming weeks, developers, planners, architects, builders, and communities will be poring over the fine print before making submissions. The devil will be in the detail.

Mark Abbot Sun, 21 Dec 2025

Book Review

Pinker’s common knowledge unlocks world’s mysteries and much else

A roundup of 2025’s best books about business; looking forward to 2026.

Nevil Gibson Sun, 21 Dec 2025

Investment

BlueScope Steel weighs up $15.2b takeover bid

It's the fourth offer for New Zealand Steel's owner led by Steel Dynamics, but the first involving the Kerry Stokes-controlled SGH Limited conglomerate.

Brent Melville Tue, 06 Jan 2026

Hot stocks to watch – and avoid – in 2026

Investment analysts and portfolio managers look into their crystal balls to predict the best-performing stocks for the year ahead.

Nicholas Pointon Wed, 24 Dec 2025

The top local stocks of 2025

Despite tough local conditions, some companies still managed to thrive this year, while others struggled.

Nicholas Pointon Tue, 23 Dec 2025

Economics

The long path to a neutral interest rate

With the benefit of foresight, Kiwibank chief economist Jarrod Kerr looks back at monetary policy over the past year.

Jonathan Mitchell Sun, 04 Jan 2026

Economy firing up as GDP rose 1.1% in September quarter

The data outpaced expectations and shows broad growth in a number of areas over the three-month period.

Jonathan Mitchell Thu, 18 Dec 2025

Capital requirement tweaks strike right balance, says RBNZ

The central bank has made changes to the capital requirements for retail banks, as expected, but it won't be immediate.

Jonathan Mitchell Wed, 17 Dec 2025

Politics

The MPs who aim to put some ‘common sense back in the room’

The Primary Production Select Committee sees its role as being the voice of rural New Zealand, says chair Mark Cameron.

Brent Edwards Thu, 25 Dec 2025

Collaborative committee culture working for infrastructure

No filibustering, no petty politics: Even when they disagree on transport priorities, MPs work towards good outcomes, Andy Foster says.

Brent Edwards Wed, 24 Dec 2025

The committee influencing banks and government performance

A priority for 2026 is its inquiry into performance reporting in the public sector.

Brent Edwards Tue, 23 Dec 2025

Te Ao Māori

South Island iwi remain steady through the storm

Ngāi Tahu kaiwhakahaere Justin Tipa looks back on a year of pressure and purpose.

Mike McRoberts Fri, 02 Jan 2026

Helmut Modlik’s big year and bigger hopes

Ngāti Toa chief executive Helmut Modlik looks back on 2025 ‘with tired eyes, but also with gratitude’ for the progress the iwi has made.

Mike McRoberts Thu, 01 Jan 2026

Government settles Nelson Tenths for $420m plus land

The Crown and Nelson Tenths descendants have signed a settlement ending New Zealand’s longest-running private property case.

Mike McRoberts and Brent Edwards Wed, 17 Dec 2025

Primary Industries

Is the Rockit mission running out of fuel?

Some growers also worry whether it’s on the right flight path.

Kate McVicar Sat, 03 Jan 2026

Forest managers PF Olsen and Forest360 to merge

Private equity firm Adamantem Capital to invest in merged entity.

NBR Staff Fri, 12 Dec 2025

Government announces long fought-for industrial hemp reform

The New Zealand Hemp Industries Association says it’s a landmark decision for the industry.

Fiona Rotherham Thu, 11 Dec 2025

Australia

Under-siege ASX faces an end to its monopoly

After a year to forget in 2025, things could get even tougher for the ASX in 2026.

Lachlan Colquhoun Fri, 02 Jan 2026

The year Aussie conservatives hit rock bottom

A landslide victory for Labor at the May election has sent Australian conservatives into the political wilderness, uncertain of how they can bounce back.

Lachlan Colquhoun Sun, 28 Dec 2025

Former ANZ chief Shayne Elliott sues over A$13.5m cancelled bonus

Elliott says he took responsibility for reputational problems at the bank, but wants his contract honoured.

Lachlan Colquhoun Fri, 12 Dec 2025

Tech & Innovation

Startups to watch in 2026

Venture capitalists name their picks of the startups most likely to make good progress this year.

Fiona Rotherham Thu, 01 Jan 2026

Tech trends for the barbecue season

From AI to social media, humanoid robots, and data sovereignty, tech in 2026 is set to explode.

Will Mace Mon, 29 Dec 2025

Sibling-run school payments company Kindo raises $15m from Movac

Sandra Maclean started the business to automate school lunches, and now serves more than 560 schools around the country.

Will Mace Fri, 19 Dec 2025

Law

New twist in Iplex leaky pipes litigation

Defending a lawsuit in Western Australia, Fletcher Building subsidiary says someone else made some of its Pro-fit pipes.

Tim Hunter Fri, 19 Dec 2025

Court rules against Talley’s in defamation case

Although a TVNZ broadcast did damage the food processor’s reputation, defamation proceedings failed because it could not prove financial loss.

NBR Staff Wed, 17 Dec 2025

Superyacht interior designer sentenced over $1m in unpaid tax

Charles Stuart Robinson will spend the next 11 months at his $7m luxury property on home detention.

NBR Staff Wed, 17 Dec 2025

Finance

‘Game on’: Kiwibank’s goal to erode Aussie-owned bank profits

CEO Steve Jurkovich is bullish about the bank’s prospects as it gears up for another big year in 2026.

Jonathan Mitchell Sat, 27 Dec 2025

Kiwibank capital raise gets kicked to the sidelines

Parent company Kiwi Group Capital decides to hit pause after the RBNZ’s capital requirement changes.

Jonathan Mitchell Fri, 19 Dec 2025

Bank cashback deals create tsunami of mortgage switches

Lender processing times have blown out as cashback offers prompt widespread switching by borrowers between banks.

Brent Melville Fri, 19 Dec 2025

The NBR Podcast

Podcast Summer Series: The Business Journalist of the Year

LISTEN: Multiple award-winning NBR senior journalist Tim Hunter unpacks how he finds the devil in the detail.

Simon Shepherd Tue, 30 Dec 2025

Podcast Summer Series: The view from Australia

LISTEN: NBR’s Australian correspondent Lachlan Colquhoun talks elections, fraud, and cricket as he looks back on 2025.

Simon Shepherd Tue, 23 Dec 2025

Podcast Summer Series: NBR’s top 10 for 2025

LISTEN: Co-editors Calida Stuart-Menteath and Hamish McNicol break down the top 10 most-read stories for the year.

Simon Shepherd Tue, 16 Dec 2025

General Business

BlueScope bid spurs gains for Vulcan, Fletcher as NZX50 rises

Infratil advanced after another valuation uplift for its CDC business.

Curious News Tue, 06 Jan 2026

NZX50 gains on first trading day, shrugging off Venezuela ouster

Tower hit a 19-year high.

Curious News Mon, 05 Jan 2026

Out of Office Reply: Andrew Bascand

In our daily series of Q&As, we profile Harbour Asset Management co-CEO and chief investment officer Andrew Bascand.

NBR Staff Mon, 05 Jan 2026

Deals

Fuel providers NPD, Gull to merge

Merger would create a network of 240 sites across the country and is subject to Commerce Commission approval.

Hamish McNicol Thu, 25 Dec 2025

AS Colour pulls in Quadrant investor, reveals $500m annual sales

Blank clothing brand, which was founded by Lawrence Railton in 2005, now has 27 retail sites around the world.

Will Mace Wed, 10 Dec 2025

Movac takes a seat with Hnry after $30m Series C raise

Long-time backer Icehouse Ventures also increases its stake in the Wellington accounting fintech.

Jonathan Mitchell Wed, 10 Dec 2025

Tourism

Viaduct’s QT goes as Super Fund looks to offload $600m portfolio

Australian entertainment and hotels company EVT has picked up the first of the New Zealand Hotel Holdings eight-hotel portfolio.

Brent Melville Mon, 05 Jan 2026

‘No vacancy’ signs up, as arrivals hit 94% of pre-pandemic levels

A jump in international arrivals and the drawcard of concerts and major events helped boost national hotel occupancy levels and daily rates to pre-pandemic levels.

Brent Melville Thu, 11 Dec 2025

LyLo rolls out an RV option from $250 a day

Jucy co-founder Tim Alpe can’t keep away from roadtrips, popping a campervan option into the mix for budget-conscious travellers.

Brent Melville Thu, 04 Dec 2025

Infrastructure

Chorus sale proceeds will be invested in infrastructure

It is important to note the Government does not have an equity stake in Chorus, Chris Bishop says.

NBR Staff Wed, 17 Dec 2025

End of the road for road cone hotline

The pilot, which ended earlier than planned, had done its job by collecting valuable data, Brooke van Velden said.

NBR Staff Wed, 17 Dec 2025

More infrastructure projects added to priority list

But endorsement by the Infrastructure Commission does not guarantee government funding.

Brent Edwards Wed, 03 Dec 2025

Property

Who are the property sector’s ‘bad Santas’?

Between them, these ‘Infamous Five’ have managed to destroy almost half a billion dollars from investors and lenders this year.

Brent Melville Mon, 22 Dec 2025

Singaporean fund manager pays $55m for Wynyard hotel, retail site

Sale is part of Infratil’s ‘legacy portfolio’ divestment strategy, with funds to be reallocated into its data centre developments.

Brent Melville Wed, 17 Dec 2025

Creditors owed more than $2.4m by Nook Homes

Nook’s directors blame unpaid client bills for cashflow issues, while 160 creditors have been recorded.

Kate McVicar Mon, 15 Dec 2025

Professional Services

James Gardner-Hopkins regains practising certificate

New Zealand Law Society says application was carefully considered and is subject to a structured mentoring arrangement.

Hamish McNicol Tue, 16 Dec 2025

BDO NZ appoints new chief executive

Chief operating officer Jordan Cole has been promoted to the newly created role, effective January 1.

Hamish McNicol Thu, 11 Dec 2025

Professional body bans and fines former PwC Australia chief

CA ANZ moved against Tom Seymour after he was banned by Australia’s Tax Practitioners Board in September.

Lachlan Colquhoun Tue, 02 Dec 2025

NBR Focus

Dealmakers 2025: Distress, restructuring, and when to say ‘when’

Corporate asset sales, insolvency processes, and equity raise recapitalisations have contributed heartily to M&A advisers’ work this year.

Will Mace Fri, 17 Oct 2025

Dealmakers 2025: Adviser focus – BDO

Accounting firm had a hand in 25 closed deals during the year ended June 30, 2025, collectively worth just over $1 billion.

Hamish McNicol Fri, 17 Oct 2025

Dealmakers 2025: Adviser focus – Duncan Cotterill

The firm is optimistic for the period ahead, particularly as interest rates continue to fall and the macro environment improves.

Hamish McNicol Thu, 16 Oct 2025

Retail

Retail 2025: Some thrived, others just survived

Retail experts take stock of a challenging year.

Kate McVicar Fri, 26 Dec 2025

AS Colour founder’s journey from garage bands to global brand

Lawrence Railton’s apparel retailer and wholesaler sells $500m worth of product a year, and is still expanding.

Will Mace Thu, 11 Dec 2025

Kmart outperforming The Warehouse ‘across the board’, Forbar says

The Wesfarmers subsidiary on Tuesday revealed its Kmart NZ revenue had cracked $1 billion for the first time.

NBR Staff Fri, 05 Dec 2025

Luxury Property

Matakana’s Matisse, Pyes Pa’s grand dame, and Bendigo wining

For the NBR Rich Listers and other high-net-worths who have everything, comes 800 pieces of art, a high-class restaurant – and pink snails.

Brent Melville Wed, 17 Dec 2025

Waiheke billionaire bolthole, Castor Bay views, Erskine chapel

The luxury property market is heating up, as New Zealand opens its doors to ‘golden visa’ holders and diamonds emerge in the rough.

Brent Melville Wed, 26 Nov 2025

Omaha’s ‘I feel good’ factor, Ayrs and graces, and Grand Designs

Two next-door properties on Omaha’s beachfront, while Meehan sells off luxury residence packages for record prices at Ayrburn.

Brent Melville Wed, 29 Oct 2025

Aviation News

China Airlines adds to big Airbus A350-1000 order

Carry On: Malaysia upgrades Auckland route, Canadian member for Oneworld.

Nevil Gibson Sat, 27 Dec 2025

Canadian entrepreneur gets keys to first Global 8000

Carry On: Comac’s business jet, air taxi developments, peak summer traffic.

Nevil Gibson Sat, 20 Dec 2025

Auckland Mayor Brown sees extension of Southern Link

China Eastern service restores direct air service to Argentina.

Nevil Gibson Fri, 19 Dec 2025

Energy

ComCom to look at ‘counterproductive’ clauses in energy contracts

The Major Electricity Users’ Group says punitive commercial terms are ‘disappointing’.

Brent Melville Thu, 18 Dec 2025

Class action against Transpower, Omexom over Northland outage

Litigation funder Omni Bridgeway is backing a claim on behalf of Northland businesses seeking tens of millions of dollars in damages.

Hamish McNicol Thu, 27 Nov 2025

Former SolarZero COO seeks to raise $5m for new solar venture

Yogesh Chand and his wife Sangita are raising funds for Solar Hub on the Catalist exchange.

Fiona Rotherham Fri, 21 Nov 2025

Rich List 2025

Featured Rich Listers: Wi Pere Trust

It’s estimated the Wi Pere Trust will need another three years to repair hill country fences affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and rebuild soil structure and fertility on its 7000ha of hill country.

Owen Poland Wed, 19 Nov 2025

Featured Rich Lister: Glenn Hawkins

In late 2024, there was a minor reshuffle of Avanti Finance’s share register that saw Hawkins increase his majority stake in the business by 3.5% to almost 63%.

Owen Poland Tue, 18 Nov 2025

Featured Rich Lister: Don Braid

Apart from navigating US President Trumps tariff announcements, also on Braid’s Mainfreight plate in 2025 is the vexed question of what will be done about the Cook Strait ferry debacle.

Owen Poland Mon, 17 Nov 2025

Marketing & Media

Andrew Barclay appointed chair of TVNZ

The former Goldman Sachs NZ deal maker will join the board in November.

NBR Staff Tue, 30 Sep 2025

MediaWorks separates business into two

The radio arm will now be a standalone operation.

NBR Staff Wed, 10 Sep 2025

News Corp crown goes to Lachlan

Rupert Murdoch’s eldest son will take control of his media empire in a settlement of the family’s feud.

NBR Staff Tue, 09 Sep 2025

Comings & Goings

Todd Grave takes up chief executive role at Mt Cook Alpine Salmon

Appointment comes as the company reports a record first quarter, following its strongest financial year to date, with revenue up 37% to $53.5m

Tue, 06 Jan 2026

Dave Clark steps back after 25 years at eponymous brand agency

Dave Clark says: ‘It’s been over 50 years since I began working in design, and it’s been one heck of a blast.’

Mon, 29 Dec 2025

Sky appoints new chief business officer

Juliet Peterson will take up the role from September 1.

Mon, 29 Dec 2025

Record close for NZX50 as F&P Healthcare buoys market

Record close for NZX50 as F&P Healthcare buoys market

NZX50 falls 0.6% this week, knocked by rising mortgage rates

Hallenstein Glasson leads NZX50 higher amid Fed rate cut hangover

Free News Alerts

The man behind the masks: F&P Healthcare’s Lewis Gradon

The man behind the masks: F&P Healthcare’s Lewis Gradon

New Zealand’s unlikely Deputy Prime Minister

New Zealand’s unlikely Deputy Prime Minister

Environment Court stays abatement notices on Northland plant

Environment Court stays abatement notices on Northland plant

Whip Around co-founder launches new venture Therappai

Dairy prices move in positive direction

Out of Office Reply: Karl Gradon

Alliance CEO resigns, Dawn Meats boss in charge

Hirepool sinks to $13.5m loss

The man behind the masks: F&P Healthcare’s Lewis Gradon

New Zealand’s unlikely Deputy Prime Minister

Environment Court stays abatement notices on Northland plant

Out of Office Reply: Karl Gradon

Whip Around co-founder launches new venture Therappai

Dairy prices move in positive direction

New policies paying off for Labour as it faces an election year

New Zealand’s unlikely Deputy Prime Minister

Is the Rockit mission running out of fuel?

The next wave in renewable energy

Environment Court stays abatement notices on Northland plant

Helmut Modlik’s big year and bigger hopes

Costco NZ reports maiden profit as it gears up for expansion

Skyline cashes in Christchurch Casino stake, while chips are down

The next wave in renewable energy

The PM’s push to have people feel the economic recovery

Litigation outlook: High Court rules, class actions, AI washing

New policies paying off for Labour as it faces an election year

New policies paying off for Labour as it faces an election year

Podcast Summer Series: Tech & startups 2025

Podcast Summer Series: Tech & startups 2025

Out of Office Reply: Susan Jones

Out of Office Reply: Susan Jones

Winners and losers of the 2025 political year

The New Zealand economy: review 2025

Three key considerations for successful RMA reform

Pinker’s common knowledge unlocks world’s mysteries and much else

Investment

BlueScope Steel weighs up $15.2b takeover bid

Hot stocks to watch – and avoid – in 2026

The top local stocks of 2025

Economics

The long path to a neutral interest rate

Economy firing up as GDP rose 1.1% in September quarter

Capital requirement tweaks strike right balance, says RBNZ

Politics

The MPs who aim to put some ‘common sense back in the room’

Collaborative committee culture working for infrastructure

The committee influencing banks and government performance

Te Ao Māori

South Island iwi remain steady through the storm

Helmut Modlik’s big year and bigger hopes

Government settles Nelson Tenths for $420m plus land

Primary Industries

Is the Rockit mission running out of fuel?

Forest managers PF Olsen and Forest360 to merge

Government announces long fought-for industrial hemp reform

Australia

Under-siege ASX faces an end to its monopoly

The year Aussie conservatives hit rock bottom

Former ANZ chief Shayne Elliott sues over A$13.5m cancelled bonus

Tech & Innovation

Startups to watch in 2026

Tech trends for the barbecue season

Sibling-run school payments company Kindo raises $15m from Movac

Law

New twist in Iplex leaky pipes litigation

Court rules against Talley’s in defamation case

Superyacht interior designer sentenced over $1m in unpaid tax

Finance

‘Game on’: Kiwibank’s goal to erode Aussie-owned bank profits

Kiwibank capital raise gets kicked to the sidelines

Bank cashback deals create tsunami of mortgage switches

The NBR Podcast