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

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

Beehive Banter

Silly season, GDP growth, super ministry, Nelson Tenths Trust

ANALYSIS: The economy grew more than expected in the three months to the end of September.

Brent Edwards Sat, 20 Dec 2025

Investment

ANZ’s climate commitments tested at AGM

Several climate resolutions failed to get enough support as the bank questioned over lending to high polluters.

Jonathan Mitchell Thu, 18 Dec 2025

Comvita chair vows to resign if turnaround fails

Frustrated shareholders at the company’s AGM demanded a full board refresh.

Kate McVicar Thu, 18 Dec 2025

Freightways takes another bite of Australia

The transport firm has entered an agreement to buy VT Freight Express for A$71m.

Jonathan Mitchell Wed, 17 Dec 2025

Economics

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

Lingering risks to the economic outlook in 2026

The Treasury notes ‘prolonged’ caution by businesses and households as a risk to the economic recovery next year.

Jonathan Mitchell Tue, 16 Dec 2025

Politics

The parliamentary select committee where consensus is the norm

The first of a series talking to the chairs of Parliament’s select committees.

Brent Edwards Mon, 22 Dec 2025

Stronger economy will help the Government’s books: Minister

If the economy grows faster the Government gets more revenue, says Nicola Willis.

Brent Edwards Fri, 19 Dec 2025

David Cunliffe to chair aged care advisory group

The Ministerial Advisory Group will produce a report recommending changes to the aged care funding model by the middle of next year.

NBR Staff Wed, 17 Dec 2025

Te Ao Māori

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

Ngāi Tahu joins Milford operator

Ngāi Tahu takes a seat at the table of one of New Zealand’s most important tourism companies, shifting long-term stewardship of Milford Sound’s core infrastructure.

Mike McRoberts Fri, 12 Dec 2025

Nature credits drive NZ restoration

An iwi-led project in the Kaimai Mamaku ranges is helping test how a future nature credit market could work as regulators design the national framework.

Mike McRoberts Mon, 08 Dec 2025

Primary Industries

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

Zespri commercialises new red kiwifruit

Growers will be able to buy hectare licenses from next year.

Kate McVicar Thu, 11 Dec 2025

Australia

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

ASX rival Cboe exchange attracts more global interest

Acquiring Cboe would be a challenge to the dominance of the ASX, which could soon lose its monopoly on IPOs.

Lachlan Colquhoun Fri, 05 Dec 2025

Helloworld makes A$353m bid for Webjet

Webjet turned down a private equity offer earlier this year, but is allowing Helloworld to conduct due diligence.

Lachlan Colquhoun Wed, 19 Nov 2025

Tech & Innovation

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

Five AI concepts shortlisted for new national platform

Board members also announced for new NZ Institute for Advanced Technology.

NBR Staff Thu, 18 Dec 2025

Online payments boost sales and save time, says Stripe survey

Global payments provider is on the charm offensive in New Zealand, releasing a report calling on industry and Government to work together.

Will Mace Thu, 18 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

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

FMA’s Whimp investigation appears warranted, says legal expert

Dentons partner David Ireland says Whimp’s own words show Chance Voight ‘quacks like a duck’, although some information is still lacking.

Will Mace Thu, 18 Dec 2025

The NBR Podcast

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

Podcast #86: Permanent name suppression: who gets it and why?

LISTEN: Name suppression granted to a member of a wealthy family over child sexual abuse material has sparked questions about why its given, how it led to the wrongful naming of two NBR Rich Listers, and exposed a flaw in new laws.

Simon Shepherd Tue, 09 Dec 2025

Podcast #85: The $1.6 trillion charity lifeline

LISTEN: Ageing baby boomers could be an answer to increasingly cash-strapped New Zealand charities.

Simon Shepherd Tue, 02 Dec 2025

General Business

Out of Office Reply: Judith Collins

In our daily series of Q&As, we profile the Member of Parliament for Papakura.

NBR Staff Tue, 23 Dec 2025

New Zealand secures long-sought FTA with India

The landmark trade agreement gives Kiwis access to 1.4 billion Indian consumers.

NBR Staff Mon, 22 Dec 2025

Out of Office Reply: George Adams

In our daily series of Q&As, we profile experienced company director and chair of Synlait Milk.

NBR Staff Mon, 22 Dec 2025

Deals

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

Agritech startup Ruminant BioTech raises $17m in Series A round

The company’s planning a commercial launch of its methane-inhibiting bolus for ruminant animals early next year in New Zealand and Australia.

Fiona Rotherham Wed, 26 Nov 2025

Tourism

‘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

Hoteliers plead for ‘level playing field’ with Airbnb

The sector says it’s high time for NZ to implement a national register of all short-term rental accommodation.

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

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

ComCom won’t investigate Nook Homes complaints

The regulatory watchdog has received six concerns about the failed housing company but says it falls outside its scope.

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

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

Kmart NZ cracks $1 billion revenue

But net profit after tax has dipped at the retailer.

NBR Staff Tue, 02 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

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

Airbus adjusts deliveries, Boeing bullish on 2026

Carry On: American Airlines and World Cup, new Qantas lounge for Auckland.

Nevil Gibson Sat, 13 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

Transpower appoints Greg Smith as CFO

He starts in the role in February.

Thu, 18 Dec 2025

Bruce Wallace appointed Deloitte NZ chair

He succeeds Thomas Pippos, who has served as chair since 2021.

Thu, 18 Dec 2025

Banking scheme chair departs after 12 years

Miriam Dean will retire this month.

Thu, 18 Dec 2025

Retail 2025: Some thrived, others just survived

Retail 2025: Some thrived, others just survived

Von Dadelszen, Francis, Dan Carter kick $30m into CBD retail

Warehouse ‘reshapes’ product offering to compete with Ikea

Free News Alerts

Out of Office Reply: Gary Holden

Out of Office Reply: Gary Holden

Rewind 2025: All Blacks Experience finds its stride

Rewind 2025: All Blacks Experience finds its stride

Fuel providers NPD, Gull to merge

Fuel providers NPD, Gull to merge

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

Out of Office Reply: Katrina King

Rewind 2025: Special delivery for historic Chief Post Office

Hot stocks to watch – and avoid – in 2026

ComCom gives initial thumbs down to proposed Bremworth sale

Collaborative committee culture working for infrastructure

Retail 2025: Some thrived, others just survived

Out of Office Reply: Gary Holden

Rewind 2025: All Blacks Experience finds its stride

New Zealand secures long-sought FTA with India

FMA warns investors to be ‘fully informed’ on Whimp’s offers

Fourth firm pays damages for NBR copyright breaches

Labour disappointed by lack of dairy gains in India FTA

ComCom gives initial thumbs down to proposed Bremworth sale

After a nightmare year, construction firms will continue to fail

Out of Office Reply: Frances Shoemack

The committee influencing banks and government performance

Labour disappointed by lack of dairy gains in India FTA

FMA warns investors to be ‘fully informed’ on Whimp’s offers

Rewind 2025: The future of farming in New Zealand

The top local stocks of 2025

The top local stocks of 2025

Podcast Summer Series: The view from Australia

Podcast Summer Series: The view from Australia

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

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

The New Zealand economy: review 2025

Three key considerations for successful RMA reform

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

Silly season, GDP growth, super ministry, Nelson Tenths Trust

Investment

ANZ’s climate commitments tested at AGM

Comvita chair vows to resign if turnaround fails

Freightways takes another bite of Australia

Economics

Economy firing up as GDP rose 1.1% in September quarter

Capital requirement tweaks strike right balance, says RBNZ

Lingering risks to the economic outlook in 2026

Politics

The parliamentary select committee where consensus is the norm

Stronger economy will help the Government’s books: Minister

David Cunliffe to chair aged care advisory group

Te Ao Māori

Government settles Nelson Tenths for $420m plus land

Ngāi Tahu joins Milford operator

Nature credits drive NZ restoration

Primary Industries

Forest managers PF Olsen and Forest360 to merge

Government announces long fought-for industrial hemp reform

Zespri commercialises new red kiwifruit

Australia

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

ASX rival Cboe exchange attracts more global interest

Helloworld makes A$353m bid for Webjet

Tech & Innovation

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

Five AI concepts shortlisted for new national platform

Online payments boost sales and save time, says Stripe survey

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

Kiwibank capital raise gets kicked to the sidelines

Bank cashback deals create tsunami of mortgage switches

FMA’s Whimp investigation appears warranted, says legal expert

The NBR Podcast

Podcast Summer Series: NBR’s top 10 for 2025

Podcast #86: Permanent name suppression: who gets it and why?