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

ANALYSIS: Many Australians believe the gas industry is not paying its fair share of tax. An alternative view is that Australia would be bankrupt without its resources exports.

Lachlan Colquhoun Wed, 18 Feb 2026

Margin Call

China’s growth cooled late 2025; what NZ investors can expect

ANALYSIS: Keeping a watching brief on the Chinese economy is prudent.

Øyvinn Rimer Tue, 17 Feb 2026

Shoeshine

Fractional property scheme no stepladder to success

ANALYSIS: Plenty of property crowdfunders have tried and failed at democratising home ownership. A new venture hopes to buck the trend.

Nicholas Pointon Mon, 16 Feb 2026

Investment

Blue chips out in force as NZX50 surges for a second day

Auckland Airport gained momentum through the day.

Curious News Thu, 19 Feb 2026

Compliance hits SkyCity earnings

The introduction of mandatory carded play takes a bite out of the casino operator’s half-year results.

NBR Staff Thu, 19 Feb 2026

NZKS shareholders approve leasing New Zealand’s first wellboat

The fish transport vessel will cost about $72m over an eight-year lease, but could generate an extra $60m in annual revenue.

Kate McVicar Thu, 19 Feb 2026

Economics

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

Inflation tipped to fall as RBNZ holds OCR at 2.25%

RBNZ’s rate track implies one hike by the end of the year is a likelihood.

Jonathan Mitchell Wed, 18 Feb 2026

Politics

Government is considering tax changes for migrant investors

Simon Watts’ office has corrected its earlier statements that no further work was being done.

Brent Edwards Thu, 19 Feb 2026

Work stopped on lowering tax barriers for migrant investors

IRD wanted to look at tax rule change to attract highly skilled migrants; Simon Watts’ office has confirmed this is not a priority.

Brent Edwards Wed, 18 Feb 2026

Act to campaign on smaller government to lift productivity

Leader David Seymour suggests no more ‘vanity portfolios’ designed to appeal to a group of people.

Jonathan Mitchell Sun, 15 Feb 2026

Te Ao Māori

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

Carbon price volatility hits Treaty forests

A carbon market jolted by policy changes is wiping value from Treaty settlement forests and forcing iwi to ask whether the Crown is undermining assets meant for future generations.

Mike McRoberts Thu, 12 Feb 2026

Waitangi forum shifts to delivery

The Iwi Chairs Forum leaves Waitangi with a tighter focus on outcomes, climate recovery, and staying anchored in Te Tiriti.

Mike McRoberts Fri, 06 Feb 2026

Primary Industries

Reforms help destigmatise hemp’s use in NZ building industry

In the second of a two-part series on the industrial hemp reforms, we look at the sustainable building material’s use in the building industry.

Fiona Rotherham Tue, 17 Feb 2026

MPI mulls feeding hemp seeds to animals, not just humans

Beyond the planned regulatory reforms of industrial hemp, MPI is considering whether feeding it to animals would hurt our primary exports.

Fiona Rotherham Mon, 16 Feb 2026

What regulators are missing with indoor versus sungrown cannabis

A visiting Columbia University professor was behind a landmark study on how the growing process can impact medical cannabis.

Fiona Rotherham Fri, 13 Feb 2026

Australia

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

RBA turns from Dove to Hawk as ‘circumstances change’

Australia, along with Japan, are the only developed economies where the central bank is tightening policy. This has implications for the exchange rate, and for growth.

Lachlan Colquhoun Wed, 04 Feb 2026

Tech & Innovation

Captivate leaps from lab to real-world projects

The cleantech company’s technology efficiently captures carbon dioxide from industrial processes.

Fiona Rotherham Thu, 19 Feb 2026

Medtech company Wellumio moves step closer to next clinical trial

It has made a first close of a pre-Series A funding round at $7.2 million.

Fiona Rotherham Wed, 11 Feb 2026

AI tech company Contented’s rapid growth attracts seed investors

The two female co-founders have raised $4.1m in their first seed round.

Fiona Rotherham Wed, 11 Feb 2026

Law

Supreme Court blocks Spencer on Byron appeal

Appeal Court ruling in favour of law firm Grimshaw upheld.

NBR Staff Tue, 17 Feb 2026

Punakaiki Fund owed $600,000 from EverEdge in share sale dispute

EverEdge Global has also filed action against four directors involved in the deal.

Fiona Rotherham Mon, 16 Feb 2026

‘Air’ ok for Airbnb but not Williams Corp, Iponz says

US booking multinational wins its IP dispute against AirHome brand after lodging nine ‘repetitive’ grounds for opposition against the property developer.

Brent Melville Wed, 11 Feb 2026

Finance

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

KiwiSaver will be ‘talking point of this election’: Kernel boss

The investment platform reported a 104% jump in assets last year, driven by $1.3b in net applications.

Hamish McNicol Thu, 05 Feb 2026

‘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

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

Podcast #90: Brianne West and her ‘Incrediballs’

LISTEN: They’re soft drinks that contain no water and don’t come in a bottle. It’s West’s next startup after successfully exiting beauty company Ethique.

Simon Shepherd Tue, 10 Feb 2026

Podcast #89: China – Is it time to pivot?

LISTEN: China’s population is getting smaller and older, so what should Kiwi exporters do?

Simon Shepherd Tue, 03 Feb 2026

General Business

‘Stellar’ year for OceanaGold

Increased production and high prices drive record result.

NBR Staff Thu, 19 Feb 2026

NZ distillers push for tax break to get ‘liquid on lips’

Kiwi distillers say the industry risks becoming ‘cute and irrelevant’ without a tax rebate scheme, but an Australian producer warns the model they’re chasing has a darker side.

Kate McVicar Wed, 18 Feb 2026

‘Survival of the fittest’: Gisborne businesses seek lifeline

WATCH: The North Island region has been through the wringer after Covid-19 and ongoing extreme weather events that test resilience and economic survival.

Jonathan Mitchell Wed, 18 Feb 2026

Deals

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

Kiwi tech firm Assurity achieves aspirations with sale to Aspire

Co-founders of quality assurance business will stick around for the transition, as will more than 150 consultants across five offices.

Will Mace Wed, 04 Feb 2026

Tend partners with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei takes a strategic stake in Tend Health as the group prepares to expand to 25 clinics.

Mike McRoberts Thu, 22 Jan 2026

Tourism

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

Wairoa River ramps it up with boat races back in action

Powerboat and water ski racing returns to the Wairoa River, giving the flood-weary Hawke’s Bay town a reason to gather, remember, and enjoy itself for a weekend.

Mike McRoberts Sun, 18 Jan 2026

Hollyford, Ngāi Tahu’s taonga walk

Ngāi Tahu Tourism’s premium Hollyford Wilderness Experience mixes comfort, cultural responsibility, and conservation work in a valley where Fiordland still feels like itself.

Mike McRoberts Sat, 17 Jan 2026

Infrastructure

Next 30 years: NZ’s infrastructure priorities laid out

Infrastructure Commission says it is time to do new projects right, rather than dreaming big.

Brent Edwards Tue, 17 Feb 2026

Qube agrees to Macquarie’s $13.7b offer

The deal also gives a Macquarie-headed consortium ownership of Port of Auckland’s logistics business, Nexus.

Brent Melville Tue, 17 Feb 2026

Push to use KiwiSaver funds for infrastructure projects

Infrastructure investment provides the reliable cash flow the retirement savings scheme funds are looking for, Brad Tiller says.

Brent Edwards Mon, 09 Feb 2026

Property

Hotel deals hit $200m-plus as Brookfield, Pandey loom

Queenstown hotel deals are leading the stakes, as the sector returns to life and the resort town's average summer rate hits $429 a night.

Brent Melville Thu, 19 Feb 2026

Winton considers sale of Northbrook Wynyard Quarter site: source

Commercial developers Mansons TCLM is understood to be doing due diligence on the half-hectare site, earmarked for Winton Land’s marque retirement development.

Brent Melville Tue, 17 Feb 2026

Queenstown house prices up $455k, breach $1.8 million

A perfect storm of bigger deals but fewer overall sales saw the January median price come in at an all-time record for the resort town, up a third on the prior month alone.

Brent Melville Mon, 16 Feb 2026

Professional Services

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

Global legal tech boss talks up NZ market after local launch

Local law firms among ‘the most technologically advanced and forward-thinking law firms’ in the world, Jack Newton argues.

Hamish McNicol Mon, 02 Feb 2026

New Deloitte chair reckons business sentiment is improving

Bruce Wallace says the country’s largest accounting firm had a softer FY25 than FY24.

Hamish McNicol Mon, 02 Feb 2026

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

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

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

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

Aviation News

Hamilton Airport predicts first operational profit since 2019

New trans-Tasman routes and domestic jet services boosted passengers by 39%.

Nevil Gibson Thu, 19 Feb 2026

Air NZ completes battery-powered trial with no future commitment

The demonstrator from Beta Technologies covered 13,000km in more than 100 flights.

Nevil Gibson Thu, 19 Feb 2026

RNZAF finds many tasks for new drone system

The Skydio X10 is primarily used by defence forces in the US, the Philippines and Spain.

Nevil Gibson Wed, 18 Feb 2026

Energy

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

Govt confirms LNG facility for Taranaki

Liquified natural gas import terminal to be funded by electricity levy and operational in 2027/28.

NBR Staff Mon, 09 Feb 2026

Far North Solar joint venture ends

Aquila Capital takes 100% interest in six solar developments.

Tim Hunter Tue, 03 Feb 2026

Rich List

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

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

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

RSM Audit appoints Jade Kennedy as audit partner

Jade Kennedy has more than 25 years of professional services experience, including more than 20 years in Big 4 audit.

Fri, 20 Feb 2026

New partners and principals for RSM New Zealand

Local branch of the professional services firm promotes five new leaders.

Thu, 19 Feb 2026

Craigs appoints new chief digital officer

Ange Nash is currently chief information officer for AA Insurance.

Wed, 18 Feb 2026

Trump vows 10% global tariff after Supreme Court ruling

Trump vows 10% global tariff after Supreme Court ruling

Tech sector sell-off continues but Skellerup boosts confidence

The week that AI came for tech stocks

Free News Alerts

Reserve Bank, employment law, infrastructure, Winston Peters

Reserve Bank, employment law, infrastructure, Winston Peters

Asian airlines provide 80% of world’s fastest-growing regions

Asian airlines provide 80% of world’s fastest-growing regions

Featured Video: Interview with the Governor

Featured Video: Interview with the Governor

US-Iran tensions dent strong week for NZX50

Patchiness prevails but blue skies in sight

The underbelly of an underwrite

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

Wealthy family man’s name suppression appeal pushed out to June

Fonterra announces another Mainland payout

Trump vows 10% global tariff after Supreme Court ruling

Reserve Bank, employment law, infrastructure, Winston Peters

Asian airlines provide 80% of world’s fastest-growing regions

Featured Video: Interview with the Governor

Wealthy family man’s name suppression appeal pushed out to June

Patchiness prevails but blue skies in sight

Fractional property scheme no stepladder to success

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

Wellington Water Board chair quits over Moa Point mess

Act to campaign on smaller government to lift productivity

Work stopped on lowering tax barriers for migrant investors

Winton considers sale of Northbrook Wynyard Quarter site: source

Winton HY revenue slashed 60% as settlements hit the wall

Soft iron ore prices weigh on Rio profits

Auckland Airport narrows FY26 guidance on positive demand trend

Goodman doubles down on data centres

Alvarium conundrum, SFO fraud, AI mishaps, pronouncing Fuge

EA won’t say whether plan to build an LNG facility is a good one

EA won’t say whether plan to build an LNG facility is a good one

Government dials back Auckland housing capacity by 20%

Government dials back Auckland housing capacity by 20%

Energy company fails after NBR Rich List family exits for $1

Energy company fails after NBR Rich List family exits for $1

National infrastructure plan poses challenge to political parties

Drink more beer and tax gas exports – the solution for Australia

China’s growth cooled late 2025; what NZ investors can expect

Fractional property scheme no stepladder to success

Investment

Blue chips out in force as NZX50 surges for a second day

Compliance hits SkyCity earnings

NZKS shareholders approve leasing New Zealand’s first wellboat

Economics

Most economists still picking a rise in the OCR this year

Kiwibank says new capital requirement rules still unfair

Inflation tipped to fall as RBNZ holds OCR at 2.25%

Politics

Government is considering tax changes for migrant investors

Work stopped on lowering tax barriers for migrant investors

Act to campaign on smaller government to lift productivity

Te Ao Māori

Ngāti Toa snaps up majority of Wellington infrastructure firm

Carbon price volatility hits Treaty forests

Waitangi forum shifts to delivery

Primary Industries

Reforms help destigmatise hemp’s use in NZ building industry

MPI mulls feeding hemp seeds to animals, not just humans

What regulators are missing with indoor versus sungrown cannabis

Australia

Australian Liberals dump leader, elect Angus Taylor

Profits are up but the ASX faces leadership uncertainty

RBA turns from Dove to Hawk as ‘circumstances change’

Tech & Innovation

Captivate leaps from lab to real-world projects

Medtech company Wellumio moves step closer to next clinical trial

AI tech company Contented’s rapid growth attracts seed investors

Law

Supreme Court blocks Spencer on Byron appeal

Punakaiki Fund owed $600,000 from EverEdge in share sale dispute

‘Air’ ok for Airbnb but not Williams Corp, Iponz says

Finance

ASB maintains consistent profit; costs rise 21%

KiwiSaver will be ‘talking point of this election’: Kernel boss

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