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

Sun 08 Feb 2026 09:06:53pm

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Sun 08 Feb 2026 09:06:53pm

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Top Story

Shoeshine

Is New Zealand yet a place ‘where talent wants to live’?

ANALYSIS: Why a simple road trip could help shift New Zealand from ingenuity to innovation.

Fiona Rotherham Mon, 09 Feb 2026

Shoeshine

Is New Zealand yet a place ‘where talent wants to live’?

ANALYSIS: Why a simple road trip could help shift New Zealand from ingenuity to innovation.

Fiona Rotherham Mon, 09 Feb 2026

Former NBR Rich Lister given exemption after director ban

Danny Chan copped a three-year ban in January after his mismanagement was found to have contributed to the failure of MicroGem NZ.

General Business

Former NBR Rich Lister given exemption after director ban

Danny Chan copped a three-year ban in January after his mismanagement was found to have contributed to the failure of MicroGem NZ.

Nicholas Pointon Mon, 09 Feb 2026

Infrastructure

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.

Infrastructure

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

Your Business

Mike Pero: ‘Bugger, I’ll have to do it myself’

The ‘reluctant’ entrepreneur reflects on becoming the name and face of his companies.

Your Business

Mike Pero: ‘Bugger, I’ll have to do it myself’

The ‘reluctant’ entrepreneur reflects on becoming the name and face of his companies.

Kate McVicar Mon, 09 Feb 2026

Sun 08 Feb 2026 09:05:29pm

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Listen to NBR Podcast episodes

Fast-Track decision ‘difficult to accept’, says TTR chair

Market Outlook

Skellerup kicks off domestic reporting season

Tech & Innovation

Angel investor numbers on the rise, smaller cheques written

Morning Brew

Trump warning over Iran; Russia suspect detained in Dubai

On the Money

The opportunity cost of saving for retirement

Book Review

Behind the scenes at the Magic Kingdom

Shoeshine

Is New Zealand yet a place ‘where talent wants to live’?

General Business

Former NBR Rich Lister given exemption after director ban

Your Business

Mike Pero: ‘Bugger, I’ll have to do it myself’

Infrastructure

Push to use KiwiSaver funds for infrastructure projects

Market Outlook

Skellerup kicks off domestic reporting season

Investment

Fast-Track decision ‘difficult to accept’, says TTR chair

Toil & Trouble

‘It was worth it’: Siouxsie Wiles on her employment stoush

Law

‘Miscarriage of justice’: failed developers escape $4.8m judgment

Infrastructure

Proposed road user charge and tolling regime needs some tweaks

Hunter’s Corner

Fake accounts, maxed out credit cards – how HoneyLab fell apart

Finance

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

Rockit-backed syndicate owes $4.1m

Administrators' first report on Rockit Orchard Partnership 2 shows syndicate was loss-making for last four years.

Investment

Rio and Glencore walk away from A$374b merger

After four attempts, the companies have walked away from merger talks after failing to agree on price.

General Business

Oravida wants to tap into Chinese lux hotels

NBR Rich Lister’s company is splashing out on aluminium bottles and solar power, aiming to ‘get in the door’ of high-end Chinese hotels and fine dining.

Law

‘Miscarriage of justice’: failed developers escape $4.8m judgment

The High Court has set aside a judgment against Paul Bublitz and David Wigmore for the failed Huka Ridge deal.

Featured

Beehive Banter

Waitangi, Labour Party, unemployment, insurance and rare minerals

ANALYSIS: Inflation, interest rates, and now unemployment, are all up – three things no government wants in an election year.

Te Ao Māori

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.

Te Ao Māori

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.

Market Review

The week that AI came for tech stocks

Recent advances in AI spurred fears that it could disrupt the business models of established software companies.

Market Review

The week that AI came for tech stocks

Recent advances in AI spurred fears that it could disrupt the business models of established software companies.

Private Bin

Santana consent, Iggy Pops, Fonterra cheese, ComCom CBF

Our weekly collection of news bites, hot takes, and gossip around the town.

Private Bin

Santana consent, Iggy Pops, Fonterra cheese, ComCom CBF

Our weekly collection of news bites, hot takes, and gossip around the town.

Analysis

Executive Health

‘I’ll start on Monday’ – yeah, right

Many leaders set goals that are too lofty and unrealistic.

Peter Bristow Sun, 08 Feb 2026

Hunter’s Corner

Behold the toll tax

ANALYSIS: The hasty push for new revenue from road tolling risks unnecessary policy mistakes.

Tim Hunter Thu, 05 Feb 2026

Edwards on Politics

Can we afford to wait for consensus on coping with the climate?

ANALYSIS: Extreme weather events have already cost the Crown $50 billion over the past decade, says Simon Watts.

Brent Edwards Thu, 05 Feb 2026

Underarm

QMS deal sees Nine return to Kiwi media market

ANALYSIS: Australia’s Nine Entertainment sold out of New Zealand for $1 in 2020. Now the company is back, but the strategy is all about digital outdoor advertising and moving from the ‘sofa to the street’.

Lachlan Colquhoun Wed, 04 Feb 2026

Investment

Dual-listed NZ firms join ASX rout as miners, tech stocks slide

Heartland was one of the day’s rare gainers.

Curious News Fri, 06 Feb 2026

Serko leads NZX50 lower as tech fears remain

The benchmark edged higher in the shortened week ahead of the Waitangi Day holiday.

Curious News Thu, 05 Feb 2026

October decision date for Santana mine consent

Treaty settlement issues loom large in Fast Track panel process.

Tim Hunter Thu, 05 Feb 2026

Economics

Jobless rise unlikely to derail election year recovery: analysts

Despite the headline increase to 5.4%, market pundits reckon the labour market has solid prospects moving forward.

Jonathan Mitchell Wed, 04 Feb 2026

Higher inflation brings forward rate hike expectations

ANZ now expects a rate hike at the end of this year while market pricing indicates a chance of September move, after annual inflation came in at 3.1% today.

Jonathan Mitchell Fri, 23 Jan 2026

Retailers not out of the woods after disappointing December drop

Electronic card spending fails to find festive cheer at the end of 2025, with an uncertain road ahead in election year.

Jonathan Mitchell Thu, 22 Jan 2026

Politics

Bi-partisan agreement on Modern Slavery Bill

The legislation would bring New Zealand into line with the UK and the EU.

NBR Staff Thu, 29 Jan 2026

No by-election as Judith Collins quits politics

She will become the next president of the Law Commission.

NBR Staff Wed, 28 Jan 2026

‘Do more with less’: Willis sets Budget date for May 28

Finance Minister Nicola Willis sticks with the basics and promises no big spending plans in election year.

Jonathan Mitchell Wed, 28 Jan 2026

Te Ao Māori

The scent of clean science

A Whangārei-raised founder built a profitable fragrance business in London despite being told to give fragrance up, and is now weighing up what coming home could look like.

Mike McRoberts Wed, 04 Feb 2026

Treaty lawyer builds basics for boards

As Waitangi Day approaches, Treaty lawyer Roimata Smail says too many boards and executives are still making decisions without a basic understanding of Te Tiriti.

Mike McRoberts Tue, 03 Feb 2026

Shane Jones’ regional spend takes shape

With most of the $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund now committed, the focus is shifting from allocation to what regions are actually getting in resilience, confidence, and working infrastructure.

Mike McRoberts Fri, 30 Jan 2026

Primary Industries

MyFarm’s failed Rockit apple partnership owes $12m

The fund was tipped into voluntary administration last October, citing poor returns and a lack of shareholder interest.

Kate McVicar Tue, 03 Feb 2026

Akaroa King Salmon proudly wears ‘small farmer’ badge

New chief executive Stewart Hawthorn says it’s not about making a quick buck.

Kate McVicar Fri, 23 Jan 2026

Rockit-backed syndicate tips into administration

A director says the company sustained a ‘king hit’ in Cyclone Gabrielle and fought ‘tooth and nail’ but couldn’t withstand further downgrades to grower returns.

Kate McVicar Wed, 21 Jan 2026

Australia

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

Hot inflation prompts RBA to hike rates

The market is pricing in more rate increases as Australia's Reserve Bank seeks to cool the economy down.

Lachlan Colquhoun Tue, 03 Feb 2026

Airwallex audited in Australia over money laundering fears

The audit of the company – founded by NBR Rich Lister Lucy Liu – will look for fake ‘mule’ accounts, often used for criminal activity.

Lachlan Colquhoun Fri, 23 Jan 2026

Tech & Innovation

Kiwi recruitment startup using AI to matchmake the perfect pair

Empathix has an AI avatar that helps hirers get what they want, and ensures job seekers feel heard.

Will Mace Fri, 06 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

OpenStar lands $35m govt loan aimed at NZ fusion hub

A loan through the Regional Infrastructure Fund is backing OpenStar’s next fusion facility, as ministers bet infrastructure can anchor a new deep tech cluster in New Zealand.

Mike McRoberts Wed, 04 Feb 2026

Law

First criminal cartel case ends with company’s liquidation

Official information request reveals company was paid more than $3.5m by Auckland Transport.

Hamish McNicol Wed, 04 Feb 2026

High Court dismisses lawyer’s appeal against suspension

Gautam Jindal was found guilty of misconduct over a campaign of harassment against another lawyer.

Tim Hunter Fri, 23 Jan 2026

US multinational’s claim against Montoux set for October

Wellington-founded firm went into liquidation in 2024 after Fidelity National Information Services accused it of stealing trade secrets.

Hamish McNicol Tue, 13 Jan 2026

Finance

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

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

The NBR Podcast

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

Podcast #88: How OpenStar is replicating the sun

LISTEN: OpenStar's Kiwi physicist Dr Ratu Mataira and the race to create fusion by the early 2030s.

Simon Shepherd Tue, 27 Jan 2026

Podcast #87: Vessev – Flying into 2026

LISTEN: The electric hydro-foiling Kiwi startup is planning to take its flying boats to the world.

Simon Shepherd Tue, 20 Jan 2026

General Business

Cannasouth asset sale insufficient to repay secured noteholders

Liquidators of another part of the group are disputing asset sales and related party loans.

Fiona Rotherham Thu, 05 Feb 2026

ComCom takes first unconscionable conduct cases

The TV Shop faces exploitative and misleading conduct allegations, when selling high value products to consumers.

NBR Staff Wed, 04 Feb 2026

NZX50 joins Asia rally as it edges higher

Briscoe led the benchmark higher on summer sales growth.

Curious News Tue, 03 Feb 2026

Deals

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

Legal tech startup Ivo raises US$55m in Series B round

Founder Min-Kyu Jung says Blackbird Ventures approached him wanting to invest more money.

Fiona Rotherham Wed, 21 Jan 2026

Tourism

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

Tourism bordering on an events-driven recovery in 2026

The industry has yet to get back to pre-pandemic levels, but NZICC opening is a good start.

Brent Melville Thu, 08 Jan 2026

Infrastructure

Proposed road user charge and tolling regime needs some tweaks

New road user charge regime is not a competitive market, says Adam Johnston.

Brent Edwards Mon, 02 Feb 2026

AT boss Kimpton steps off bus as council rings changes

Kimpton, who was on a salary of about $640,000, took on the full-time role just over a year ago.

Brent Melville Mon, 02 Feb 2026

Truckies say proposed changes to tolling roads are unworkable

Too many tolls will undermine industry and public support for the practice, says Transporting NZ.

Brent Edwards Mon, 02 Feb 2026

Property

Ikea parent group shells out more than $134m on new forestry

A decision from December marks Ingka Group’s largest single purchase in New Zealand to date.

Kate McVicar Thu, 29 Jan 2026

Gulf Harbour rescue ‘in the works’, Olliver debt at $70m

Community group wants ownership of the former golf course, although main lender 1543 Capital will take some convincing.

Brent Melville Thu, 29 Jan 2026

Kiwi Property to sell ASB waterfront offices for $205m

Agreement to sell North Wharf office block to Precinct Pacific comes after locking the Australian bank into a lease agreement until 2040.

Brent Melville Tue, 27 Jan 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

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

Retail 2025: Some thrived, others just survived

Retail experts take stock of a challenging year.

Kate McVicar Fri, 26 Dec 2025

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

Airbus mulls ‘stretched’ A220 as Qantas introduces type to NZ

Carry On: Trump’s aircraft threat, Ryanair’s new fleet, Thai to return to Auckland.

Nevil Gibson Sat, 07 Feb 2026

Singapore Airshow boasts big MRO investment boom

Services sector will create 600 high-value jobs over five years.

Nevil Gibson Thu, 05 Feb 2026

Air India, Singapore Airlines to move closer together

Carry On: Air India loss, Dubai gets busier.

Nevil Gibson Sat, 31 Jan 2026

Energy

Far North Solar joint venture ends

Aquila Capital takes 100% interest in six solar developments.

Tim Hunter Tue, 03 Feb 2026

Taiko Critical Minerals touts ‘world class’ West Coast deposits

Geological consultants' report shows one in four tonnes of mined material made up of heavy minerals, Australian-owned company says.

Brent Melville Wed, 28 Jan 2026

‘Chasing the sun’ as Lodestone mulls IPO

Solar firm has about 15 projects on the go, and its pipeline could get to between $1.5b and $2b within the next five years.

Brent Melville Fri, 16 Jan 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

Provoke Solutions appoints new CEO for Asia Pacific

Ankit Gupta, who only joined the firm six months ago, will lead the region from New Zealand.

Thu, 05 Feb 2026

Saatchi & Saatchi GM to join rival agency

Susie Darling has worked on some of New Zealand’s best-known advertising campaigns.

Thu, 05 Feb 2026

Bell Gully appoints new partner

Hannah Turton is experienced in handling large, complex transactions in both New Zealand and the UK.

Wed, 04 Feb 2026

Is New Zealand yet a place ‘where talent wants to live’?

Is New Zealand yet a place ‘where talent wants to live’?

Invest NZ to target foreign deals worth up to $1 billion

NZGCP wants to see $5 billion invested in the next five years

Free News Alerts

Former NBR Rich Lister given exemption after director ban

Former NBR Rich Lister given exemption after director ban

Push to use KiwiSaver funds for infrastructure projects

Push to use KiwiSaver funds for infrastructure projects

Mike Pero: ‘Bugger, I’ll have to do it myself’

Mike Pero: ‘Bugger, I’ll have to do it myself’

Fast-Track decision ‘difficult to accept’, says TTR chair

Skellerup kicks off domestic reporting season

Angel investor numbers on the rise, smaller cheques written

Trump warning over Iran; Russia suspect detained in Dubai

The opportunity cost of saving for retirement

Behind the scenes at the Magic Kingdom

Is New Zealand yet a place ‘where talent wants to live’?

Former NBR Rich Lister given exemption after director ban

Mike Pero: ‘Bugger, I’ll have to do it myself’

Push to use KiwiSaver funds for infrastructure projects

Skellerup kicks off domestic reporting season

Fast-Track decision ‘difficult to accept’, says TTR chair

‘It was worth it’: Siouxsie Wiles on her employment stoush

‘Miscarriage of justice’: failed developers escape $4.8m judgment

Proposed road user charge and tolling regime needs some tweaks

Behold the toll tax

Fake accounts, maxed out credit cards – how HoneyLab fell apart

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

Rockit-backed syndicate owes $4.1m

Rio and Glencore walk away from A$374b merger

Oravida wants to tap into Chinese lux hotels

‘Miscarriage of justice’: failed developers escape $4.8m judgment

Waitangi, Labour Party, unemployment, insurance and rare minerals

Waitangi forum shifts to delivery

Waitangi forum shifts to delivery

The week that AI came for tech stocks

The week that AI came for tech stocks

Santana consent, Iggy Pops, Fonterra cheese, ComCom CBF

Santana consent, Iggy Pops, Fonterra cheese, ComCom CBF

‘I’ll start on Monday’ – yeah, right

Behold the toll tax

Can we afford to wait for consensus on coping with the climate?

QMS deal sees Nine return to Kiwi media market

Investment

Dual-listed NZ firms join ASX rout as miners, tech stocks slide

Serko leads NZX50 lower as tech fears remain

October decision date for Santana mine consent

Economics

Jobless rise unlikely to derail election year recovery: analysts

Higher inflation brings forward rate hike expectations

Retailers not out of the woods after disappointing December drop

Politics

Bi-partisan agreement on Modern Slavery Bill

No by-election as Judith Collins quits politics

‘Do more with less’: Willis sets Budget date for May 28

Te Ao Māori

The scent of clean science

Treaty lawyer builds basics for boards

Shane Jones’ regional spend takes shape

Primary Industries

MyFarm’s failed Rockit apple partnership owes $12m

Akaroa King Salmon proudly wears ‘small farmer’ badge

Rockit-backed syndicate tips into administration

Australia

RBA turns from Dove to Hawk as ‘circumstances change’

Hot inflation prompts RBA to hike rates

Airwallex audited in Australia over money laundering fears

Tech & Innovation

Kiwi recruitment startup using AI to matchmake the perfect pair

Kiwi tech firm Assurity achieves aspirations with sale to Aspire

OpenStar lands $35m govt loan aimed at NZ fusion hub

Law

First criminal cartel case ends with company’s liquidation

High Court dismisses lawyer’s appeal against suspension

US multinational’s claim against Montoux set for October

Finance

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

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

Kiwibank capital raise gets kicked to the sidelines