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

ANALYSIS: It’s important to consider whether current profits are being boosted at expense of future growth or company is reducing current profitability for a healthier long-term outlook.

Nicholas Bagnall Tue, 03 Mar 2026

Shoeshine

Is the ‘SaaSpocalypse’ an extinction event for tech vendors?

ANALYSIS: About US$1 trillion was wiped off the value of technology companies offering software as a service in February. Is this a market over-reaction or a fundamental change in the business model?

Lachlan Colquhoun Mon, 02 Mar 2026

Economy Matters

OCR adjustment won’t repair structural inflation problem

ANALYSIS: Today’s inflation persistence is not a mystery, it is the predictable consequence of an economy that has struggled to expand its productive capacity.

Christoph Schumacher Mon, 02 Mar 2026

Investment

NZX50 sinks as war breaks out in Middle East; oil soars

Bremworth is finding there are still some believers in wool.

Curious News Mon, 02 Mar 2026

Michael Hill ‘laser focused’ on New Zealand profitability

The boss of the listed jeweller says the company has been ‘more homogenous’ than it needed to be in the past.

Kate McVicar Mon, 02 Mar 2026

Bremworth co-founder halves holding amid clearance concerns

The Commerce Commission is reviewing whether a deal to sell Bremworth to the owners of Godfrey Hirst will dampen competition in the New Zealand flooring market.

Nicholas Pointon Mon, 02 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

PM uncertain about the economic impact of the Iranian conflict

Reaction on world markets has been muted, he says.

NBR Staff Mon, 02 Mar 2026

Horticulture NZ worried RMA reforms may make things worse

Orchardists and vegetable growers concerned a tax or auction system for natural resources such as water could be introduced under controversial planning rule changes.

Brent Edwards Mon, 02 Mar 2026

Local government reform might overload mayors, says LGNZ

It suggests regional councillors be retained until the end of this term.

Brent Edwards Wed, 25 Feb 2026

Te Ao Māori

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

Whānau Ora’s proof point

With $179m under a reset commissioning model, one of Whānau Ora’s new commissioning chairs is promising stronger governance, clearer data, and measurable impact.

Mike McRoberts Mon, 23 Feb 2026

Primary Industries

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

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

Australia

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

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

Tech & Innovation

Script Sense: the minnow battling the whale

The Canterbury startup is signing up customers for its pharmacy management platform but faces an incumbent player with a market stranglehold.

Fiona Rotherham Sat, 28 Feb 2026

Syos drone deal with NZDF ‘strategically important’, CEO says

The contract comes as the company considers a sizeable funding round to accelerate its already rapid growth.

Fiona Rotherham Thu, 26 Feb 2026

Growth NZ wants to achieve 5% annual economic growth by 2035

The new lobby group has launched in election year, pushing a barrow of policies to change the country’s thinking on economic growth and innovation.

Fiona Rotherham Wed, 25 Feb 2026

Law

Court rules against claim on Simunovich loan guarantee

Lender foiled in long-running litigation linked to failed finance company FE Investments.

Tim Hunter Mon, 02 Mar 2026

Govt defends decisions on Siren Gold permits

Environmental group Save Our Springs has sought judicial review of permits in the Tākaka area.

Tim Hunter Thu, 26 Feb 2026

Manuka Doctor owner named in domestic abuse claims

Matthew Pringle, the son of Lynette Erceg, is now the subject of a legal campaign in the UK.

Nicholas Pointon and Hamish McNicol Tue, 24 Feb 2026

Finance

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

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

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

Podcast #91: Election economics

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

General Business

GrabOne resurrected under local ownership

The daily deals business was placed into liquidation last year.

Kate McVicar Tue, 03 Mar 2026

‘It’s almost like strap-in time; here we go’: Framecad

The Auckland software construction company is considering external capital for the first time as offsite manufacturing gained favour after Covid.

Fiona Rotherham Mon, 02 Mar 2026

Craig Stobo allegations first raised by fellow FMA board members

And a trip to Estonia was undertaken in private capacity, with no funding provided to either the chair or former FMA staffer there at the same time.

Hamish McNicol Mon, 02 Mar 2026

Deals

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

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

Tourism

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

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

Infrastructure

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

Port of Tauranga ups forecast on jump in HY earnings

The country’s busiest port hopes to have the all-clear for its long-awaited terminal extensions by about August or September.

Brent Melville Fri, 27 Feb 2026

Car imports help steer Port of Auckland to $26m HY dividend

People and car arrival numbers were up, coal was down on last year's record, and full-year guidance remains 'on track' for npat of $95m.

Brent Melville Thu, 26 Feb 2026

Property

Kiwi Property recommits to Vero, and a FY dividend

The listed property company will upgrade its key remaining office asset, after failing to offload the city tower less than two years ago.

Brent Melville Mon, 02 Mar 2026

Precinct adds $1.5b Downtown project to JV wish list

Commercial property developer and landlord says an institutional investor is already doing due diligence on its flagship PwC office tower.

Brent Melville Thu, 26 Feb 2026

Kāinga Ora could lose $30m on Ferncliffe u-turn, developers say

Housing agency paid a ‘retail’ price for the 95ha site, of which about a third is considered developable.

Brent Melville Thu, 26 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

Election 2026: The crystal ball is still cloudy

Peter Dunne thinks this is a peculiar election, with the National Party set to lose support whether it is in government or not.

Brent Edwards Mon, 02 Mar 2026

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

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

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

Longest Emirates flight, Auckland-Dubai, clocks up 10th year

Carry On: Dreamliners for Vietnam and Kazakhstan, record year for business jets.

Nevil Gibson Sat, 28 Feb 2026

Christchurch Airport’s Spitfire removed for refurbishment

The statue is a replica of the original warplane at the Air Force Museum at Wigram.

Nevil Gibson Fri, 27 Feb 2026

Ohakea to be upgraded as alternative international airport

Airways New Zealand to provide round-the-clock air traffic control.

Nevil Gibson Thu, 26 Feb 2026

Energy

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

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

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

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

Milford appoints Bowen Pan to board of directors

After 13 years in Silicon Valley, Bowen Pan returned to New Zealand in 2025.

Tue, 03 Mar 2026

MinterEllisonRuddWatts appoints property partner

Ed Smithies joins the real estate team.

Mon, 02 Mar 2026

Meat Industry Association CEO resigns

Sirma Karapeeva has been in the role for six years.

Fri, 27 Feb 2026

Whip Around secures majority investment from PE firm Accel-KKR

Whip Around secures majority investment from PE firm Accel-KKR

Whip Around co-founder launches new venture Therappai

Kevin Roberts, Ricky Sevta appointed to Whip Around board

Free News Alerts

Election 2026: Will voters care about the deficit?

Election 2026: Will voters care about the deficit?

Iconic products undermined by shorter corporate cycle

Iconic products undermined by shorter corporate cycle

First of its kind: litigation boutique launches in Christchurch

First of its kind: litigation boutique launches in Christchurch

Mint Innovation achieves industry-first recycled copper with HP

THL shares retrace losses, as Trouchet departs

NZX50 falls for 2nd day as crude prices stoke inflation fears

Local managed services company Securecom sold to Japan’s Sharp

PharmaZen in critical negotiations with foreign investor

Whip Around secures majority investment from PE firm Accel-KKR

Mint Innovation achieves industry-first recycled copper with HP

First of its kind: litigation boutique launches in Christchurch

Iconic products undermined by shorter corporate cycle

Election 2026: Will voters care about the deficit?

Trump promises more Iran attacks; oil surges and stocks stabilise

Air NZ CEO promises ‘fulsome’ strategy review, bemoans costs

Don’t sell Air NZ – split it up

Is the ‘SaaSpocalypse’ an extinction event for tech vendors?

Another one bites the dust, Teak Construction hits the wall

Election 2026: The crystal ball is still cloudy

The political debate over race, culture and identity

Another one bites the dust, Teak Construction hits the wall

What’s next for Fonterra CEO?

Midnight, the boss is calling again: Should you answer?

Trump promises more Iran attacks; oil surges and stocks stabilise

Election 2026: Please don’t derail the recovery, say businesses

Sporting orgs quiet on abuse claims against Manuka Doctor owner

Sporting orgs quiet on abuse claims against Manuka Doctor owner

Podcast #93: The battle for Auckland

Podcast #93: The battle for Auckland

‘Green shoots’ turn to ‘green shrubs’ in election year economy

‘Green shoots’ turn to ‘green shrubs’ in election year economy

What the Iran conflict means for New Zealand

Pricing for growth or maximising profit?

Is the ‘SaaSpocalypse’ an extinction event for tech vendors?

OCR adjustment won’t repair structural inflation problem

Investment

NZX50 sinks as war breaks out in Middle East; oil soars

Michael Hill ‘laser focused’ on New Zealand profitability

Bremworth co-founder halves holding amid clearance concerns

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

PM uncertain about the economic impact of the Iranian conflict

Horticulture NZ worried RMA reforms may make things worse

Local government reform might overload mayors, says LGNZ

Te Ao Māori

Māori call for change to traditional capitalist model

Iwi returns lift but stay low

Whānau Ora’s proof point

Primary Industries

Horticulture startup gets funding for lab-grown fruit and nuts

Fonterra announces another Mainland payout

Reforms help destigmatise hemp’s use in NZ building industry

Australia

Former chief executive Elliott drops legal action against ANZ

Australian Liberals dump leader, elect Angus Taylor

Profits are up but the ASX faces leadership uncertainty

Tech & Innovation

Script Sense: the minnow battling the whale

Syos drone deal with NZDF ‘strategically important’, CEO says

Growth NZ wants to achieve 5% annual economic growth by 2035

Law

Court rules against claim on Simunovich loan guarantee

Govt defends decisions on Siren Gold permits

Manuka Doctor owner named in domestic abuse claims

Finance

Bank capital changes should lower rates, improve GDP: RBNZ

Kiwibank targets untapped business potential

ASB maintains consistent profit; costs rise 21%

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