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

Emails released under the OIA show Mbie staff were unsure of the status of chair-elect's financial interests the night before his appointment was announced.

General Business

Political comments, conflicts raised before Stobo got FMA gig

Emails released under the OIA show Mbie staff were unsure of the status of chair-elect's financial interests the night before his appointment was announced.

NBR Focus

Election 2026: The battle for Auckland

From red tide to blue wave – what will it be this time?

NBR Focus

Election 2026: The battle for Auckland

From red tide to blue wave – what will it be this time?

NBR Focus

Election 2026: Māori seats in the spotlight

A fractured Waitangi, a looming court ruling, a Labour reset, and a referendum threat have thrust the Māori electorates back to the centre of election year politics.

NBR Focus

Election 2026: Māori seats in the spotlight

A fractured Waitangi, a looming court ruling, a Labour reset, and a referendum threat have thrust the Māori electorates back to the centre of election year politics.

Analysis

Edwards on Politics

The uncertainty of American military intervention in Iran

ANALYSIS: The US has a chequered history in Iran, let alone the wider region, and offers little reassurance that its current military action is well-considered.

Brent Edwards Thu, 05 Mar 2026

Underarm

Iconic products undermined by shorter corporate cycle

ANALYSIS: Many Kiwi backyards feature a Hills Hoist, invented in Australia but now manufactured in China by a US company. How did we get here?

Lachlan Colquhoun Wed, 04 Mar 2026

Guest Analysis

What the Iran conflict means for New Zealand

ANALYSIS: Former head of the GCSB gives his take on US and Israel’s attack on Iran.

Ian Fletcher Tue, 03 Mar 2026

Margin Call

Pricing for growth or maximising profit?

ANALYSIS: It’s important to consider whether current profits are being boosted at expense of future growth or company is reducing current profitability for a healthier long-term outlook.

Nicholas Bagnall Tue, 03 Mar 2026

Investment

Tech stocks in favour as NZX50 joins rally on ebbing Iran fears

Tāiko Critical Minerals doubled on its NZX debut.

Curious News Thu, 05 Mar 2026

NZX50 dodges worst of market ructions over Iran conflict fears

Genesis Energy launched its rights offering as sentiment soured.

Curious News Wed, 04 Mar 2026

NZX50 falls for 2nd day as crude prices stoke inflation fears

Ryman slides as Forsyth Barr trims its price target.

Curious News Tue, 03 Mar 2026

Economics

RBNZ ‘focusing on the reality on the ground’: Breman

New Governor Anna Breman is getting out and speaking with businesses this month to gauge the health of the economy.

Jonathan Mitchell Fri, 20 Feb 2026

Most economists still picking a rise in the OCR this year

A December rate hike is likely, but an earlier move upwards can’t be ruled out, Forsyth Barr’s Zoe Wallis tells NBR.

Jonathan Mitchell Thu, 19 Feb 2026

Kiwibank says new capital requirement rules still unfair

It has to apply standardised approach to capital, while the big banks use internal models.

Brent Edwards Wed, 18 Feb 2026

Politics

Tweaks needed to improve Funding and Financing Amendment Bill

Property Council says key areas of complexity and uncertainty need to be addressed.

Brent Edwards Wed, 04 Mar 2026

PM uncertain about the economic impact of the Iranian conflict

Reaction on world markets has been muted, he says.

NBR Staff Mon, 02 Mar 2026

Horticulture NZ worried RMA reforms may make things worse

Orchardists and vegetable growers concerned a tax or auction system for natural resources such as water could be introduced under controversial planning rule changes.

Brent Edwards Mon, 02 Mar 2026

Te Ao Māori

Ruapuke wins customary marine title, again

A High Court ruling has confirmed Ruapuke Island Group whānau hold the title again, after law changes pushed the case back to court.

Mike McRoberts Thu, 05 Mar 2026

Māori call for change to traditional capitalist model

A new investment framework argues New Zealand must move from shareholder primacy to intergenerational thinking.

Mike McRoberts Wed, 25 Feb 2026

Iwi returns lift but stay low

Ten major iwi investors posted a 3.9% return in 2025, marking a third straight difficult year as property valuations and carbon markets weighed on results.

Mike McRoberts Tue, 24 Feb 2026

Primary Industries

What’s next for Fonterra CEO?

Co-op silent on speculation over succession planning.

Tim Hunter Tue, 03 Mar 2026

Horticulture startup gets funding for lab-grown fruit and nuts

When seed funding is, literally, for nuts.

NBR Staff Tue, 24 Feb 2026

Fonterra announces another Mainland payout

On a good news day for farmers, the milk price forecast also gets a boost.

NBR Staff Fri, 20 Feb 2026

Australia

Former chief executive Elliott drops legal action against ANZ

The bank executive had sued over bonuses he said were part of his contract.

Lachlan Colquhoun Tue, 24 Feb 2026

Australian Liberals dump leader, elect Angus Taylor

With polls showing plummeting support, the party has elected a conservative as leader as it seeks to differentiate itself from the Labor Government.

Lachlan Colquhoun Fri, 13 Feb 2026

Profits are up but the ASX faces leadership uncertainty

Helen Lofthouse is stepping down as chief executive, with no replacement announced as the ASX goes on a global search.

Lachlan Colquhoun Thu, 12 Feb 2026

Tech & Innovation

Getting much bigger in Texas: Why NextWork is making the move

The Kiwi online education startup has raised $7.4m in a seed round backed by two Silicon Valley VC firms.

Fiona Rotherham Thu, 05 Mar 2026

Mint Innovation achieves industry-first recycled copper with HP

The American tech giant will reuse the recycled copper in its new flagship products.

Fiona Rotherham Wed, 04 Mar 2026

Local managed services company Securecom sold to Japan’s Sharp

Managing director Greg Mikkelsen remains at the helm of Auckland-based IT company.

Will Mace Tue, 03 Mar 2026

Law

Conviction, fine and ban for David McEwen

Court sanction follows guilty plea from the former financial adviser for breaching FMA stop order.

NBR Staff Wed, 04 Mar 2026

Midnight, the boss is calling again: Should you answer?

The unions want a New Zealand right to disconnect law, as Australia’s one faces a legal challenge for the first time.

Fiona Rotherham Tue, 03 Mar 2026

Court rules against claim on Simunovich loan guarantee

Lender foiled in long-running litigation linked to failed finance company FE Investments.

Tim Hunter Mon, 02 Mar 2026

Finance

Bank capital changes should lower rates, improve GDP: RBNZ

The central bank wants fair capital settings to support a ‘sustainable’ economy and manage the risk of failure.

Jonathan Mitchell Fri, 27 Feb 2026

Kiwibank targets untapped business potential

Profits up, margins tighter as Kiwibank focuses on business startups and entrepreneurs in need of a financial injection.

Jonathan Mitchell Thu, 26 Feb 2026

ASB maintains consistent profit; costs rise 21%

CEO Vittoria Shortt champions higher lending growth across small business, commercial, and the rural sector in New Zealand.

Jonathan Mitchell and Lachlan Colquhoun Wed, 11 Feb 2026

The NBR Podcast

Podcast #93: The battle for Auckland

LISTEN: Both National and Labour are focusing on the super city as a crucial path to power at this year’s general election.

Simon Shepherd Tue, 03 Mar 2026

Podcast #92: Hotelier Gavin Faull

LISTEN: He runs an international hotel chain ... and hails from a Taranaki dairy farm. Gavin Faull co-owns Swiss-Belhotel, a 165-hotel management company in 20 countries, a figure he wants to more than triple.

Simon Shepherd Tue, 24 Feb 2026

Podcast #91: Election economics

LISTEN: Green shoots, cost-of-living crisis, recovery, and slow lane. The economy is the issue for this election, so we ask National’s Nicola Willis, Labour’s Barbara Edmonds, and two economists for their take on the economic road to polling day.

Simon Shepherd Tue, 17 Feb 2026

General Business

Sporting orgs quiet on abuse claims against Manuka Doctor owner

Manuka Doctor is a major sponsor of the New Zealand Tennis Classic, the NZ Olympic Team, and the NZ Golf Open.

Nicholas Pointon Tue, 03 Mar 2026

GrabOne resurrected under local ownership

The daily deals business was placed into liquidation last year.

Kate McVicar Tue, 03 Mar 2026

‘It’s almost like strap-in time; here we go’: Framecad

The Auckland software construction company is considering external capital for the first time as offsite manufacturing gained favour after Covid.

Fiona Rotherham Mon, 02 Mar 2026

Deals

Whip Around secures majority investment from PE firm Accel-KKR

One of its early investors, CEO Noah Hickey, will continue to run the company from the US.

Fiona Rotherham Wed, 04 Mar 2026

Magellan to transform with A$1.6b Barrenjoey deal

The deal goes against the industry trend, and integrates investment banking and funds management.

Lachlan Colquhoun Mon, 02 Mar 2026

Ngāti Toa snaps up majority of Wellington infrastructure firm

From co-governance to control: after the debate over iwi influence in Three Waters governance, Ngāti Toa is not just looking for a seat at the table.

Mike McRoberts Wed, 18 Feb 2026

Tourism

THL shares retrace losses, as Trouchet departs

Share price recovery follows initial hit in the wake of travel and oil price fears on the US/Israel-Iran conflict.

Brent Melville Tue, 03 Mar 2026

Tourism Holdings profits up 17%, opens door to new offer

Company chair signals the motorhome company is open to a revised bid from the Apollo RV founder consortium or ‘other potential bidders’ at above $663m level.

Brent Melville Mon, 23 Feb 2026

Easing restrictions on Eden Park paves the way for more events

The new rules should be in place by April.

NBR Staff Mon, 16 Feb 2026

Infrastructure

Advocacy group pushes case for ‘natural infrastructure’

Investing in natural assets can reduce insurance risk and improve investment returns, says Aotearoa Circle.

NBR Staff Wed, 04 Mar 2026

Winston Peters takes credit for KiwiRail’s improved performance

‘We are seeing the benefit of the taxpayers’ investment,’ Peters says.

Brent Edwards Fri, 27 Feb 2026

Port of Tauranga ups forecast on jump in HY earnings

The country’s busiest port hopes to have the all-clear for its long-awaited terminal extensions by about August or September.

Brent Melville Fri, 27 Feb 2026

Property

Developer of $300m Seascape tower tipped into receivership

Shundi Customs, developer of the country’s tallest residential tower, is a subsidiary of Shanghai-based Shundi Group.

Brent Melville Wed, 04 Mar 2026

Another one bites the dust, Teak Construction hits the wall

Seven out of 10 liquidation applications now initiated by Inland Revenue, Centrix says.

Brent Melville Tue, 03 Mar 2026

Kiwi Property recommits to Vero, and a FY dividend

The listed property company will upgrade its key remaining office asset, after failing to offload the city tower less than two years ago.

Brent Melville Mon, 02 Mar 2026

Professional Services

First of its kind: litigation boutique launches in Christchurch

Shane Campbell and Thomas Westaway have teamed up to offer a new kind of disputes practice in the South Island.

Hamish McNicol Wed, 04 Mar 2026

Tech, telco and AI set to drive renewed levels of M&A activity

The annual M&A Forecast Report thinks buyers and sellers will have an easier meeting of minds this year.

Will Mace Fri, 13 Feb 2026

Accountancy tribunal censures ex CBL exec

Carden Mulholland ordered to pay costs of $6300 after pleading guilty to ethics breach.

Tim Hunter Thu, 05 Feb 2026

NBR Focus

Election 2026: Will voters care about the deficit?

Forty years ago, former Prime Minister Robert Muldoon said people wouldn’t know a deficit if they tripped over it.

Brent Edwards Wed, 04 Mar 2026

Election 2026: Please don’t derail the recovery, say businesses

The economic recovery is still fragile, so firms are hoping it won’t be a messy campaign.

Jonathan Mitchell Tue, 03 Mar 2026

Election 2026: The crystal ball is still cloudy

Peter Dunne thinks this is a peculiar election, with the National Party set to lose support whether it is in government or not.

Brent Edwards Mon, 02 Mar 2026

Retail

Former Rich Listers inject $5m into Queens Arcade

The ground floor retail space will be anchored by a luxury New Zealand-owned retailer, which has yet to be named.

Kate McVicar and Brent Melville Tue, 17 Feb 2026

Allbirds to shutter all full-price US stores

The Kiwi-founded footwear retailer will focus on e-commerce in an attempt to boost profitability.

Kate McVicar Fri, 30 Jan 2026

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.

Jonathan Mitchell Mon, 05 Jan 2026

Luxury Property

First Light’s Hickey sells in Ongaonga, Seselj buys in Herne Bay

‘You wouldn’t want to leave your cell phone at one end of this home’, realtor says.

Brent Melville Wed, 25 Feb 2026

Coatesville club, Tuscan in Waimauku, $10m Albert St views

International buyers ramp up interest for homes above $5m; Aussie developer sells down Albert St tower, digs into Queenstown.

Brent Melville Wed, 28 Jan 2026

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

Aviation News

Longest Emirates flight, Auckland-Dubai, clocks up 10th year

Carry On: Dreamliners for Vietnam and Kazakhstan, record year for business jets.

Nevil Gibson Sat, 28 Feb 2026

Christchurch Airport’s Spitfire removed for refurbishment

The statue is a replica of the original warplane at the Air Force Museum at Wigram.

Nevil Gibson Fri, 27 Feb 2026

Ohakea to be upgraded as alternative international airport

Airways New Zealand to provide round-the-clock air traffic control.

Nevil Gibson Thu, 26 Feb 2026

Energy

IEA reserves a factor as Iran war pushes fuel prices

World fuel stocks are in good shape, says an analyst, but there are risks if Strait of Hormuz stays closed for long.

Tim Hunter Mon, 02 Mar 2026

LNG ‘a pathway to extend life’ of Huntly Unit 5

Genesis cites contracts for coal stockpile as potential model for its main gas-fired generator at Huntly.

Tim Hunter Tue, 24 Feb 2026

Smart energy could save $3b, why aren’t we doing it?

EECA says energy savings of $1.5b for each gigawatt of peak demand reduction could be realised by taking up energy management systems ‘at scale’.

Brent Melville Wed, 18 Feb 2026

Rich List

40 years of the Rich List: Graeme Hart named first billionaire

In the lead-up to the 40th edition of the Rich List in June, NBR is opening the archives to reproduce some of the best content from the past four decades.

NBR Staff Fri, 27 Feb 2026

40 years of the Rich List: a look back to 1990

In the lead-up to the 40th edition of the Rich List in June, NBR is opening the archives to reproduce some of the best content from the past four decades.

NBR Staff Fri, 30 Jan 2026

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

Marketing & Media

Leaked emails reveal SkyCity breached NBR copyright

The listed casino operator had been distributing PDF copies of NBR articles to staff using just one subscription.

NBR Staff Wed, 21 Jan 2026

NBR bans banking giant Macquarie for alleged copyright breaches

Investigations suggest the A$79b market cap firm shared one subscription among dozens of staff.

NBR Staff Fri, 16 Jan 2026

Fourth firm pays damages for NBR copyright breaches

The investment firm used one subscription for multiple staff over several years.

NBR Staff Mon, 22 Dec 2025

Comings & Goings

New role for Brendon Jones at NZ Super Fund

Jones, who has been with the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation since 2014, is now head of real assets.

Thu, 05 Mar 2026

New chief executive for Northport Group

Rhys Jones was previously general manager of strategy and growth for Darwin Port.

Thu, 05 Mar 2026

Visa appoints new manager for NZ and the Pacific

David Peacock previously led Visa Consulting & Analytics across Oceania.

Wed, 04 Mar 2026

A fish hook in the competition Bill

A fish hook in the competition Bill

Competition law reforms a ‘mixed bag’

Predatory pricing, merger laws highlighted in Commerce Act review

Free News Alerts

Election 2026: what impact will leaders have on the campaign?

Election 2026: what impact will leaders have on the campaign?

SkyCity discloses online casino class action claim

SkyCity discloses online casino class action claim

RBNZ rejected expert advice about capital requirements for banks

RBNZ rejected expert advice about capital requirements for banks

$250m of new commercial offers, as unlisted funds pick up pace

Move fast, or be eaten by piranhas, says software boss

Simplicity’s build-to-rent portfolio goes past $1b

BDO billboards, FMA conflicts, Bayly bails, Daily Mail fail

Trump calls for ‘peace’ in Iran; Wall Street falls as oil jumps

Quick Takes of the Week to March 6

BDO billboards, FMA conflicts, Bayly bails, Daily Mail fail

A fish hook in the competition Bill

$250m of new commercial offers, as unlisted funds pick up pace

Simplicity’s build-to-rent portfolio goes past $1b

RBNZ rejected expert advice about capital requirements for banks

Move fast, or be eaten by piranhas, says software boss

Another one bites the dust, Teak Construction hits the wall

Is the ‘SaaSpocalypse’ an extinction event for tech vendors?

Don’t sell Air NZ – split it up

Election 2026: Māori seats in the spotlight

What the Iran conflict means for New Zealand

Election 2026: The crystal ball is still cloudy

IAG warns RMA reform could lead to properties not being insured

Winstone Aggregates eyes $650m-plus expansion with fast-track bid

New owners still possible at New Zealand Steel

ASB pinged $2.1m for fair dealing breaches

Kiwi investor scammed out of $1.7 million meant for Nyriad

Political comments, conflicts raised before Stobo got FMA gig

Political comments, conflicts raised before Stobo got FMA gig

Election 2026: The battle for Auckland

Election 2026: The battle for Auckland

Election 2026: Māori seats in the spotlight

Election 2026: Māori seats in the spotlight

The uncertainty of American military intervention in Iran

Iconic products undermined by shorter corporate cycle

What the Iran conflict means for New Zealand

Pricing for growth or maximising profit?

Investment

Tech stocks in favour as NZX50 joins rally on ebbing Iran fears

NZX50 dodges worst of market ructions over Iran conflict fears

NZX50 falls for 2nd day as crude prices stoke inflation fears

Economics

RBNZ ‘focusing on the reality on the ground’: Breman

Most economists still picking a rise in the OCR this year

Kiwibank says new capital requirement rules still unfair

Politics

Tweaks needed to improve Funding and Financing Amendment Bill

PM uncertain about the economic impact of the Iranian conflict

Horticulture NZ worried RMA reforms may make things worse

Te Ao Māori

Ruapuke wins customary marine title, again

Māori call for change to traditional capitalist model

Iwi returns lift but stay low

Primary Industries

What’s next for Fonterra CEO?

Horticulture startup gets funding for lab-grown fruit and nuts

Fonterra announces another Mainland payout

Australia

Former chief executive Elliott drops legal action against ANZ

Australian Liberals dump leader, elect Angus Taylor

Profits are up but the ASX faces leadership uncertainty

Tech & Innovation

Getting much bigger in Texas: Why NextWork is making the move

Mint Innovation achieves industry-first recycled copper with HP

Local managed services company Securecom sold to Japan’s Sharp

Law

Conviction, fine and ban for David McEwen

Midnight, the boss is calling again: Should you answer?

Court rules against claim on Simunovich loan guarantee

Finance

Bank capital changes should lower rates, improve GDP: RBNZ

Kiwibank targets untapped business potential

ASB maintains consistent profit; costs rise 21%