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Tue 17 Mar 2026 06:48:43pm

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Tue 17 Mar 2026 06:48:43pm

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Top Story

Property

No false alarm: Fenz levy premiums will jump ‘an average’ 71%

Fire and Emergency NZ's levy will ramp up significantly from July for commercial building owners, after a change to insured value, which strips out depreciation.

Brent Melville Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Property

No false alarm: Fenz levy premiums will jump ‘an average’ 71%

Fire and Emergency NZ's levy will ramp up significantly from July for commercial building owners, after a change to insured value, which strips out depreciation.

Brent Melville Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Total investor losses with McEwen unknown, says FMA

FMA says it halted investigation of financial adviser because he left the country and wouldn't co-operate.

Law

Total investor losses with McEwen unknown, says FMA

FMA says it halted investigation of financial adviser because he left the country and wouldn't co-operate.

Tim Hunter Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Tech & Innovation

Sharndré Kushor wants to reverse NZ’s brain drain

And the young female entrepreneur is putting her money where her mouth is with a new investment fund.

Tech & Innovation

Sharndré Kushor wants to reverse NZ’s brain drain

And the young female entrepreneur is putting her money where her mouth is with a new investment fund.

Karyn Scherer Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Underarm

New report puts ‘Robodebt’ scandal to bed, but smell lingers

ANALYSIS: Australia’s new National Anti-Corruption Commission releases long-awaited report on ‘Robodebt’ scandal that takes no action and raises questions about the Commission’s effectiveness.

Underarm

New report puts ‘Robodebt’ scandal to bed, but smell lingers

Lachlan Colquhoun Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Tue 17 Mar 2026 06:40:12pm

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Listen to NBR Podcast episodes

US official resigns over Iran; Trump says he doesn't need Nato

Market Close

Blue chips drag NZX50 higher as RBA hikes cash rate in close call

Energy

ComCom signals issues with Gull/NPD merger

Australia

RBA hikes rates for second time this year

Energy

Gas NZ report highlights biomethane potential

General Business

‘I’m going to have to leave NZ by 2028’: Sam Blackman

Property

No false alarm: Fenz levy premiums will jump ‘an average’ 71%

Tech & Innovation

Sharndré Kushor wants to reverse NZ’s brain drain

Law

Total investor losses with McEwen unknown, says FMA

Underarm

New report puts ‘Robodebt’ scandal to bed, but smell lingers

Primary Industries

Agri adviser launches $500m lending platform

Energy

ComCom signals issues with Gull/NPD merger

General Business

Up to 350 jobs to go as Heinz Wattie’s proposes mass closures

General Business

‘I’m going to have to leave NZ by 2028’: Sam Blackman

Hunter’s Corner

Centuria sets five-year investment term for $127m retail fund

Retail

The risks of extending the right to make a citizen’s arrest

Tech & Innovation

NZGCP to trial a new pre-seed fund, Scout

Manuka Doctor owner overturns UK costs order

The court found that despite Matthew Pringle’s ‘shameful and deceitful’ behaviour towards Liv Nervo, his legal conduct did not meet the threshold for a costs order.

Investment

Spark refutes speculation it considered ASX primary listing

The giant telco is in the NZX’s top dozen companies by market cap, so such a shift would be ‘not very popular’ for local investors, says one observer.

Politics

Willis outlines worst-case economic scenario of Iran conflict

Any government support package would be targeted and short-term.

Economics

Iran ‘bedlam’ to keep inflation elevated for longer: economists

The fragile economic recovery is now expected to take longer to mature as global conflict puts pressure on prices.

Featured

The NBR Podcast

Podcast #95: Fuel shock clips Air NZ’s wings

LISTEN: Airline suffers from the ‘crack spread’, so what can we do about fuel security?

Toil & Trouble

Getting technical over 90-day trial provisions

An Employment Relations Authority case argued whether an earlier cash job meant the employee was new or not in relation to a 90-day trial.

Toil & Trouble

Getting technical over 90-day trial provisions

An Employment Relations Authority case argued whether an earlier cash job meant the employee was new or not in relation to a 90-day trial.

Aviation News

Mark Stewart’s ‘flying man room’ touches down in New Zealand

The NBR Rich Lister and aviation enthusiast purchased the 84-year-old DC-3 in 2023.

Aviation News

Mark Stewart’s ‘flying man room’ touches down in New Zealand

The NBR Rich Lister and aviation enthusiast purchased the 84-year-old DC-3 in 2023.

Infrastructure

Government to make money from port infrastructure for new ferries

Government will help fund the new infrastructure and be a part-owner.

Infrastructure

Government to make money from port infrastructure for new ferries

Government will help fund the new infrastructure and be a part-owner.

Margin Call

SaaSacre – buying opportunity or great value destroyer?

ANALYSIS: The risk is not near-term collapse; it’s long-run erosion in pricing power and premium economics.

James Cameron Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Shoeshine

An ugly solution to an age-old problem

ANALYSIS: A revamped offer from an unlisted property fund seeks to raise capital from new investors to help pay for the potential exits for older ones.

Nicholas Pointon Mon, 16 Mar 2026

Economy Matters

Why youth employment is New Zealand’s real economic test

ANALYSIS: Entry-level jobs are the foundation for building productivity, skills, and participation in the economy.

Hillmarè Schulze Mon, 16 Mar 2026

Book Review

The brilliant career of Putin’s spin doctor

A novel and a movie are based on the life of Vladislav Surkov.

Nevil Gibson Sun, 15 Mar 2026

Investment

KMD Brands sinks on recapitalisation fears; NZX50 slides

Fonterra chief Miles Hurrell will leave the cooperative later this year.

Curious News Mon, 16 Mar 2026

Tāiko retracts West Coast mine projections, trading halt to end

Trading in recently NZX-listed mining company’s shares were halted last week after it inappropriately published models that should not be relied on.

Will Mace Mon, 16 Mar 2026

Miles Hurrell resigns as Fonterra boss

NBR reported earlier this month speculation was emerging he could soon announce exit plans.

NBR Staff Mon, 16 Mar 2026

Economics

Middle East war puts ‘dated’ NZ GDP data in the rubbish bin

Economists reckon there was modest economic expansion at the end of 2025, as all eyes now turn to risks from the Iran war.

Jonathan Mitchell Mon, 16 Mar 2026

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

Politics

Minister hoping for bipartisan support of Holidays Act overhaul

Both employers and employees get ‘wins’ in the new payroll proposals, Brooke van Velden says.

Brent Edwards Thu, 12 Mar 2026

Covid-19 inquiry: mistakes made under time pressure

Macroeconomic forecasts found to be unreliable during the pandemic.

Brent Edwards Tue, 10 Mar 2026

Cabinet oversight group to monitor impact of Iran conflict

And Christopher Luxon reiterates he will be National’s leader come the election.

Brent Edwards Mon, 09 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

Agri adviser launches $500m lending platform

NZAB Capital went live today to support the capital requirements of farmers.

Kate McVicar Tue, 17 Mar 2026

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

Australia

Australia braces for another RBA rate hike

The RBA changed course in February and increased rates, and is likely to move again tomorrow in response to the Middle East crisis.

Lachlan Colquhoun Mon, 16 Mar 2026

Qantas profits hit by Iran conflict as Aussie motorists panic buy

Qantas has doubled fares on some international routes as fuel prices surge along with demand.

Lachlan Colquhoun Thu, 12 Mar 2026

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

Tech & Innovation

On a silver Plattar: Kiwi augmented reality firm sold to UK giant

Rupert Deans remains managing director of the business he founded, now under the umbrella of one-time British unicorn Blippar.

Will Mace Fri, 13 Mar 2026

The knife-edge between failure and success: Iannick Monfils

Last year’s sale of Quantifi Photonics to a US customer meant a big payback for its Kiwi backers, but the CEO says success wasn’t guaranteed.

Fiona Rotherham Fri, 13 Mar 2026

Datagrid receives resource consent for ‘AI factory’

Data centre campus near Invercargill will be the country’s second-largest electricity user after the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter.

Will Mace Thu, 12 Mar 2026

Law

Claimants in giant FNZ lawsuit complain of delaying tactics

Procedural shenanigans in the Cayman Islands threaten snarl-up in US$4.6b High Court proceedings.

Tim Hunter Mon, 16 Mar 2026

Private credit company founder facing shareholder revolt

John Collinson could be kicked out of his own company after losing a legal battle to stop a vote on his future.

Simon Shepherd Thu, 12 Mar 2026

ComCom investigating potential pyramid scheme

The consumer watchdog is investigating a scheme involving the health supplements company LiveGood, first reported on by NBR last year.

Nicholas Pointon Thu, 12 Mar 2026

Finance

RBNZ rejected expert advice about capital requirements for banks

Three independent experts were ‘lukewarm’ about changes, but the central bank proceeded with relaxing the requirements.

Jonathan Mitchell Fri, 06 Mar 2026

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

The NBR Podcast

Podcast #94: The future of banking

LISTEN: Would you trust an AI agent with your money?

Simon Shepherd Tue, 10 Mar 2026

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

General Business

Trump targets Nato over Strait of Hormuz; oil prices move higher

And Meta dismisses speculation of renewed job cuts to balance AI spend.

Jonathan Mitchell Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Flurry of central banks mull rates amid uncertainty

The US Federal Reserve, Reserve Bank of Australia, and Bank of England are just some of the central banks making decisions this week.

Kate McVicar Mon, 16 Mar 2026

‘Worse than the GFC’: Hirepool banks on gains in 2026

The equipment rental operator has cut staff and consolidated branches to make it match fit for the economic recovery.

Jonathan Mitchell Mon, 16 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

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

Fletcher Building subsidiary wants to increase production at its Hunua quarry to about 5.4 million tonnes of aggregate a year.

Hamish McNicol Thu, 05 Mar 2026

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

Property

Pegasus Golf course tipped into liquidation, assets seized

The golf resort, part of the sprawling Pegasus Town development near Woodend, was shuttered this week after a planned $90m sale fell through.

Brent Melville Fri, 13 Mar 2026

The Chow bros and the art of a ‘perfectly timed’ hotel opening

Radisson Red threw open its doors last month, and its timing couldn’t have been better.

Brent Melville Fri, 13 Mar 2026

Centuria sets five-year investment term for $127m retail fund

The fund manager is buying back a shopping centre from another fund, underwriting the deal and committing to a 5% stake from ‘day one’.

Brent Melville Thu, 12 Mar 2026

Professional Services

Technical glitch throws accounting exams into chaos

The exam provider has also won a major contract with the Ministry of Education.

Lachlan Colquhoun Fri, 13 Mar 2026

Legal industry scrambling on AI, Law Association president says

But international conferences tells Tony Herring it might not change the profession as much as first thought.

Hamish McNicol Mon, 09 Mar 2026

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

NBR Focus

Election 2026: The battle for Auckland

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

Simon Shepherd Thu, 05 Mar 2026

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.

Mike McRoberts Thu, 05 Mar 2026

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

Retail

The risks of extending the right to make a citizen’s arrest

The proposal could lead to unintended consequences, says BusinessNZ.

Brent Edwards Thu, 12 Mar 2026

The man who helped build Kathmandu and Macpac – then walked away

Alchemy Equipment founder Campbell Junor on working in other people’s operations before building his own.

Kate McVicar Wed, 11 Mar 2026

Proven entrepreneur hopes to repeat success with skincare venture

Teen-focused skincare brand Evre is expanding its North American presence and looks to raise at least US$2m.

Kate McVicar Mon, 09 Mar 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

Middle East turmoil benefits US carriers to NZ, Australia

Carry On: China Eastern’s Australian moves, Wizz Air and Fifa, new routes.

Nevil Gibson Sat, 14 Mar 2026

Bell Helicopter agency to restore competition in local market

Core Aviation says it will end the monopoly of Airbus in rotocraft.

Nevil Gibson Fri, 13 Mar 2026

Air NZ suspends guidance on oil price rise, ‘adjusts’ fares

Airline says it may need to take ‘further pricing action and adjust its network and schedule’ as Middle East conflict pumps up fuel costs.

Will Mace Tue, 10 Mar 2026

Energy

Govt tapping industry data daily as Hormuz Strait stays shut

Industry pragmatic as Government mulls response to potential fuel shock.

Tim Hunter Thu, 12 Mar 2026

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

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

TVNZ’s interim profit falls as one-off costs bite

The state broadcaster will pay an interim dividend of $1.3m to the Crown.

NBR Staff Fri, 06 Mar 2026

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

Comings & Goings

Govt reappoints chair of Guardians of NZ Super board

The reappointment will maintain stability and continuity during the pre-election period and beyond, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis.

Thu, 12 Mar 2026

New CEO for Reefton Distilling Co

Lachlan Boyle will swap peanuts for whisky from the middle of May.

Thu, 12 Mar 2026

New hire for comms agency One Plus One

Esther Robinson

Wed, 11 Mar 2026

No false alarm: Fenz levy premiums will jump ‘an average’ 71%

No false alarm: Fenz levy premiums will jump ‘an average’ 71%

Centuria sets five-year investment term for $127m retail fund

Law doesn’t save lives, people do: health and safety lawyer

Free News Alerts

Total investor losses with McEwen unknown, says FMA

Total investor losses with McEwen unknown, says FMA

Sharndré Kushor wants to reverse NZ’s brain drain

Sharndré Kushor wants to reverse NZ’s brain drain

New report puts ‘Robodebt’ scandal to bed, but smell lingers

New report puts ‘Robodebt’ scandal to bed, but smell lingers

US official resigns over Iran; Trump says he doesn't need Nato

Blue chips drag NZX50 higher as RBA hikes cash rate in close call

ComCom signals issues with Gull/NPD merger

RBA hikes rates for second time this year

Gas NZ report highlights biomethane potential

‘I’m going to have to leave NZ by 2028’: Sam Blackman

No false alarm: Fenz levy premiums will jump ‘an average’ 71%

Sharndré Kushor wants to reverse NZ’s brain drain

Total investor losses with McEwen unknown, says FMA

New report puts ‘Robodebt’ scandal to bed, but smell lingers

Agri adviser launches $500m lending platform

ComCom signals issues with Gull/NPD merger

Up to 350 jobs to go as Heinz Wattie’s proposes mass closures

‘I’m going to have to leave NZ by 2028’: Sam Blackman

No, this is not fine

Centuria sets five-year investment term for $127m retail fund

The risks of extending the right to make a citizen’s arrest

NZGCP to trial a new pre-seed fund, Scout

Manuka Doctor owner overturns UK costs order

Spark refutes speculation it considered ASX primary listing

Willis outlines worst-case economic scenario of Iran conflict

Iran ‘bedlam’ to keep inflation elevated for longer: economists

Podcast #95: Fuel shock clips Air NZ’s wings

Getting technical over 90-day trial provisions

Getting technical over 90-day trial provisions

Mark Stewart’s ‘flying man room’ touches down in New Zealand

Mark Stewart’s ‘flying man room’ touches down in New Zealand

Government to make money from port infrastructure for new ferries

Government to make money from port infrastructure for new ferries

Is AI the future of banking?

Media questioned Luxon’s leadership

Covid-19 inquiry just fuel for election year?

Hoping for bipartisan support of Holidays Act overhaul

Law doesn’t save lives, people do: health and safety lawyer

Luxon’s confusion over Iran

Brown’s message on AKL housing

Auckland Boat Show: Late Rich Lister’s superyacht sold

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

Andrew Bayly moving on

Goldsmith gives ‘move on’ orders

Limiting pay equity access is “yet another attack on women”

Air New Zealand announced a $59m loss

SaaSacre – buying opportunity or great value destroyer?

An ugly solution to an age-old problem

Why youth employment is New Zealand’s real economic test

The brilliant career of Putin’s spin doctor

Investment

KMD Brands sinks on recapitalisation fears; NZX50 slides

Tāiko retracts West Coast mine projections, trading halt to end

Miles Hurrell resigns as Fonterra boss

Economics

Middle East war puts ‘dated’ NZ GDP data in the rubbish bin

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

Most economists still picking a rise in the OCR this year

Politics

Minister hoping for bipartisan support of Holidays Act overhaul

Covid-19 inquiry: mistakes made under time pressure

Cabinet oversight group to monitor impact of Iran conflict

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

Agri adviser launches $500m lending platform

What’s next for Fonterra CEO?

Horticulture startup gets funding for lab-grown fruit and nuts

Australia

Australia braces for another RBA rate hike

Qantas profits hit by Iran conflict as Aussie motorists panic buy