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

Hot Topic ELECTIONS

close Breaking News

Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell has resigned.

Sun 15 Mar 2026 07:57:57pm

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Sun 15 Mar 2026 07:57:57pm

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Top Story

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

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

Miles Hurrell resigns as Fonterra boss

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

Primary Industries

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

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.

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

Infrastructure

Government to make money from port infrastructure for new ferries

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

Infrastructure

Government to make money from port infrastructure for new ferries

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

Brent Edwards Mon, 16 Mar 2026

Sun 15 Mar 2026 07:53:33pm

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Listen to NBR Podcast episodes

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

Economics

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

Market Outlook

Flurry of central banks mull rates amid uncertainty

Economy Matters

Why youth employment is New Zealand’s real economic test

Morning Brew

IEA to release oil reserves; Trump rallies allies for Iran war

Book Review

The brilliant career of Putin’s spin doctor

Shoeshine

An ugly solution to an age-old problem

Your Business

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

Law

Claimants in giant FNZ lawsuit complain of delaying tactics

Infrastructure

Government to make money from port infrastructure for new ferries

Primary Industries

Miles Hurrell resigns as Fonterra boss

Economics

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

General Business

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

Hunter’s Corner

Arria NLG launches ‘aggressive’ capital raise

Property

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

The Grind

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

Retail

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

National Party leadership, the Covid-19 inquiry, petrol fears

ANALYSIS: Winston Peters is now calling for a select committee inquiry into vaccine mandates.

Market Review

Long-time Adobe CEO to step down

Also this week: Microsoft backs Anthropic, Revolut secures UK banking license, Atlassian slashes staff.

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.

Professional Services

Technical glitch throws accounting exams into chaos

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

Featured

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.

Tech & Innovation

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.

Tech & Innovation

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.

Private Bin

FNZ evasion, Fonterra freak out, JLL downsize, Luxonality

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

Private Bin

FNZ evasion, Fonterra freak out, JLL downsize, Luxonality

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

Property

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.

Property

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.

0:00

Read full story

Analysis

Last Word

Pumping the brakes on AI

ANALYSIS: A recent Star Entertainment Group court ruling cautions boards’ use of common AI tools.

Hamish McNicol and Calida Stuart-Menteath Fri, 13 Mar 2026

Hunter’s Corner

No, this is not fine

ANALYSIS: Markets need to believe the Iran war will be short, because the alternative could be really bad.

Tim Hunter Fri, 13 Mar 2026

Edwards on Politics

The social and news media pressure for leadership change

ANALYSIS: Speculation is not going to die while the National Party’s polling is dismal.

Brent Edwards Thu, 12 Mar 2026

Underarm

Aussie radio’s A$200m partnership implodes on air – what next?

ANALYSIS: If the controversial Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O really are on the rocks, it is a bigger problem for broadcaster ARN and shareholders.

Lachlan Colquhoun Wed, 11 Mar 2026

Investment

Air NZ hits new lows, leading NZX50 to worst week since Sept 2024

The local benchmark was weighed down by trade-exposed firms on Friday.

Curious News Fri, 13 Mar 2026

NZX50 sinks as Iran jitters send oil back over US$100/bbl

There was some chunky trading among the property investment firms.

Curious News Thu, 12 Mar 2026

NZX50 rallies as blue chips buoyed by calmer oil markets

Briscoe’s shrinking margins didn’t spook investors.

Curious News Wed, 11 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

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

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

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

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

Tech & Innovation

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

NZGCP to trial a new pre-seed fund, Scout

Finance and Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says access to capital remains uneven for some startups.

Fiona Rotherham Wed, 11 Mar 2026

Anthropic to open offices in New Zealand and Australia

The AI company says Kiwis and Australians are heavy users of its Claude platform.

Lachlan Colquhoun Wed, 11 Mar 2026

Law

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

FMA renews calls for ‘virtual asset’ legislation

New Zealand risks falling behind Singapore, the US and Europe on tokenisation and virtual assets, regulator says.

Hamish McNicol 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

Iran keeps Strait of Hormuz closed; oil back above US$100

And Costco taken to court over possible tariff refunds to customers in the United States.

Jonathan Mitchell Fri, 13 Mar 2026

Quick Takes of the Week to March 13

In case you missed it: News bites for the week.

NBR Staff Fri, 13 Mar 2026

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

Three manufacturing facilities in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin, as well as Hastings packing line, impacted.

NBR Staff Wed, 11 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

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

Consent finally dawns for $3.2b Sunfield development

It’s taken five years, litigation and at least two iterations of ‘fast-tracking’ to get Auckland’s most ambitious housing project over the line.

Brent Melville Wed, 11 Mar 2026

Brookfield snaps up two Super Fund hotels for a quarter-billion

Queenstown purchase sets new per key record while global asset manager signals 'deployment of further global capital' into New Zealand.

Brent Melville Wed, 11 Mar 2026

Professional Services

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

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

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

An ugly solution to an age-old problem

An ugly solution to an age-old problem

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

Maat beats challenge from PMG for management contract

Free News Alerts

Miles Hurrell resigns as Fonterra boss

Miles Hurrell resigns as Fonterra boss

Claimants in giant FNZ lawsuit complain of delaying tactics

Claimants in giant FNZ lawsuit complain of delaying tactics

Government to make money from port infrastructure for new ferries

Government to make money from port infrastructure for new ferries

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

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

Flurry of central banks mull rates amid uncertainty

Why youth employment is New Zealand’s real economic test

IEA to release oil reserves; Trump rallies allies for Iran war

The brilliant career of Putin’s spin doctor

An ugly solution to an age-old problem

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

Claimants in giant FNZ lawsuit complain of delaying tactics

Government to make money from port infrastructure for new ferries

Miles Hurrell resigns as Fonterra boss

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

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

No, this is not fine

Arria NLG launches ‘aggressive’ capital raise

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

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

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

National Party leadership, the Covid-19 inquiry, petrol fears

Long-time Adobe CEO to step down

Pegasus Golf course tipped into liquidation, assets seized

Technical glitch throws accounting exams into chaos

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

The knife-edge between failure and success: Iannick Monfils

The knife-edge between failure and success: Iannick Monfils

FNZ evasion, Fonterra freak out, JLL downsize, Luxonality

FNZ evasion, Fonterra freak out, JLL downsize, Luxonality

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

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

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

Pumping the brakes on AI

No, this is not fine

The social and news media pressure for leadership change

Aussie radio’s A$200m partnership implodes on air – what next?

Investment

Air NZ hits new lows, leading NZX50 to worst week since Sept 2024

NZX50 sinks as Iran jitters send oil back over US$100/bbl

NZX50 rallies as blue chips buoyed by calmer oil markets

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

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

What’s next for Fonterra CEO?

Horticulture startup gets funding for lab-grown fruit and nuts

Fonterra announces another Mainland payout

Australia

Qantas profits hit by Iran conflict as Aussie motorists panic buy

Former chief executive Elliott drops legal action against ANZ

Australian Liberals dump leader, elect Angus Taylor

Tech & Innovation

Datagrid receives resource consent for ‘AI factory’