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

A carbon market jolted by policy changes is wiping value from Treaty settlement forests and forcing iwi to ask whether the Crown is undermining assets meant for future generations.

Te Ao Māori

Carbon price volatility hits Treaty forests

A carbon market jolted by policy changes is wiping value from Treaty settlement forests and forcing iwi to ask whether the Crown is undermining assets meant for future generations.

Property

Property developers pulling back plans due to council bureaucracy

Auckland Council survey shows development contributions and consenting delays as number one issue amongst brownfields developers.

Property

Property developers pulling back plans due to council bureaucracy

Auckland Council survey shows development contributions and consenting delays as number one issue amongst brownfields developers.

Analysis

Edwards on Politics

Real change needed for lobbying and campaign finance rules

ANALYSIS: If changes are not made, public disenchantment is likely to get worse.

Brent Edwards Thu, 12 Feb 2026

Underarm

How data centres and overseas holidays fuelled an RBA rate hike

ANALYSIS: Australia’s Reserve Bank responded to higher inflation with an interest rate rise, but there is an argument that the inflation spike was distorted and the RBA response premature.

Lachlan Colquhoun Wed, 11 Feb 2026

Margin Call

FPH and CSL: A tale of two healthcare heavyweights

ANALYSIS: While FPH’s premium may prove justified, CSL’s discount increasingly embeds a pessimism that may already account for more than the business ultimately delivers.

Jonty Nattrass Tue, 10 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

Investment

ANZ surge leads gains on both sides of the Tasman

Skellerup set a high benchmark for NZ’s earnings season.

Curious News Thu, 12 Feb 2026

ASX queries Manuka Resources’ disclosure of fast-track decision

Dual-listed company’s shares fell more than 20% a day before the draft decision was announced to ASX.

NBR Staff Thu, 12 Feb 2026

Skellerup expects lower hit from tariffs

After initially forecasting a $5m tariff hit for FY26, the company now expects it will be closer to $2.5m.

Nicholas Pointon Thu, 12 Feb 2026

Economics

Government tax revenue up slightly and spending down

But the deficit is still $1.7b higher than the same period a year earlier.

Brent Edwards Thu, 12 Feb 2026

Govt orders review of monetary policy during Covid pandemic

Report is due to be finalised in August and publicly released in September.

NBR Staff Wed, 11 Feb 2026

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

Politics

Willis to Edmonds: Are you in or out on Investment Boost?

Finance Minister lays down the challenge as she accuses Labour of not having a plan.

Simon Shepherd Thu, 12 Feb 2026

Banks praise select committee’s push for more banking competition

BNZ gives committee credit for helping more customers switch banks.

Brent Edwards Wed, 11 Feb 2026

NZ’s transparency and integrity slowly being chipped away: TINZ

Growing calls for a register of lobbyists and more transparency around political donations.

Brent Edwards Tue, 10 Feb 2026

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.

Mike McRoberts Fri, 06 Feb 2026

The scent of clean science

A Whangārei-raised co-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

Primary Industries

Erica Crawford: ‘We can’t keep putting juice into the system’

Wine industry insider says current conditions are the biggest challenge she’s faced in the sector in more than a decade.

Kate McVicar Wed, 11 Feb 2026

Rockit-backed syndicate owes $4.1m

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

NBR Staff Fri, 06 Feb 2026

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

Australia

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

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

Tech & Innovation

Medtech company Wellumio moves step closer to next clinical trial

It has made a first close of a pre-Series A funding round at $7.2 million.

Fiona Rotherham Wed, 11 Feb 2026

AI tech company Contented’s rapid growth attracts seed investors

The two female co-founders have raised $4.1m in their first seed round.

Fiona Rotherham Wed, 11 Feb 2026

Soul Machines in receivership

Buyers sought for creator of AI ‘digital workers’ co-founded by double Oscar winner Mark Sagar.

Tim Hunter Mon, 09 Feb 2026

Law

‘Air’ ok for Airbnb but not Williams Corp, Iponz says

US booking multinational wins its IP dispute against AirHome brand after lodging nine ‘repetitive’ grounds for opposition against the property developer.

Brent Melville Wed, 11 Feb 2026

Greg Olliver’s own legal firm takes him to court

The embattled Auckland developer owes about $70m and has failed to pay his lawyers, who hold a caveat on the Gulf Harbour golf club.

Brent Melville Tue, 10 Feb 2026

‘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.

Brent Melville Thu, 05 Feb 2026

Finance

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

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

The NBR Podcast

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

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

General Business

Struggling sectors showing positive signs: ForBar survey

The sixth ‘Pulse of NZ Business’ report shows a surprising level of optimism in the construction sector in particular.

Will Mace Wed, 11 Feb 2026

Child poverty deepens as housing and food pressure push families

The Salvation Army’s latest State of the Nation report shows hardship worsening for children as frontline workers warn the system is failing those with the least.

Mike McRoberts Wed, 11 Feb 2026

SFO says public service is under-reporting fraud and corruption

Anti-Corruption Taskforce pilot survey identified 446 alleged incidents over a 15-month period.

NBR Staff Tue, 10 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

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

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

Property

Homework: Builderscrack reno pipeline grows 21%

The home improvement marketplace site expects to crack its millionth job this year, although profitability remains an issue.

Brent Melville Tue, 10 Feb 2026

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

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

Govt confirms LNG facility for Taranaki

Liquified natural gas import terminal to be funded by electricity levy and operational in 2027/28.

NBR Staff Mon, 09 Feb 2026

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

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

MinterEllisonRuddWatts promotes, appoints 13

The promotions took effect on January 1, 2026.

Fri, 13 Feb 2026

NZ Super Fund creates head of portfolio strategy & research role

Qing Ding rejoins the Guardians from ANZ Investments, where she was head of asset allocation.

Fri, 13 Feb 2026

New CFO for digital-first healthcare company Tend

Alex Fala will also oversee acquisitions, as the company continues to expand.

Thu, 12 Feb 2026

Wellington Water Board chair quits over Moa Point mess

Wellington Water Board chair quits over Moa Point mess

Wellington Water's problems reinforce need for water reform

Financing and funding New Zealand’s infrastructure gap

Free News Alerts

How the first bitcoin heist helped its success

How the first bitcoin heist helped its success

Weekly Wrap: Modern slavery, KiwiSaver, making NZ favourable

Weekly Wrap: Modern slavery, KiwiSaver, making NZ favourable

Tax or levy, RMA reform, India FTA, monetary policy

Tax or levy, RMA reform, India FTA, monetary policy

Tech sector sell-off continues but Skellerup boosts confidence

Airbus aims to overtake Boeing’s widebodied lead

Featured video: Your Business – Tourism overview

Yes, a levy is a tax, even if it’s for LNG

NZX50 sinks to 4-month low as AI fears accelerate

Tech, telco and AI set to drive renewed levels of M&A activity

Wellington Water Board chair quits over Moa Point mess

How the first bitcoin heist helped its success

Weekly Wrap: Modern slavery, KiwiSaver, making NZ favourable

New anti-money laundering strategy removes costly ‘box-ticking’

Economy in ‘early stages of recovery’: Treasury

Australian Liberals dump leader, elect Angus Taylor

Yes, a levy is a tax, even if it’s for LNG

Govt confirms LNG facility for Taranaki

Carbon price volatility hits Treaty forests

Child poverty deepens as housing and food pressure push families

Erica Crawford: ‘We can’t keep putting juice into the system’

How Kiwi businesses will close the gap on modern slavery

New anti-money laundering strategy removes costly ‘box-ticking’

Economy in ‘early stages of recovery’: Treasury

Australian Liberals dump leader, elect Angus Taylor

Rich List tax relief, Forbar no Jarden, Davos with jandals

What regulators are missing with indoor versus sungrown cannabis

NBR Rich Lister inks confidential settlement with liquidators

NBR Rich Lister inks confidential settlement with liquidators

Carbon price volatility hits Treaty forests

Carbon price volatility hits Treaty forests

Property developers pulling back plans due to council bureaucracy

Property developers pulling back plans due to council bureaucracy

Real change needed for lobbying and campaign finance rules

How data centres and overseas holidays fuelled an RBA rate hike

FPH and CSL: A tale of two healthcare heavyweights

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

Investment

ANZ surge leads gains on both sides of the Tasman

ASX queries Manuka Resources’ disclosure of fast-track decision

Skellerup expects lower hit from tariffs

Economics

Government tax revenue up slightly and spending down

Govt orders review of monetary policy during Covid pandemic

Jobless rise unlikely to derail election year recovery: analysts

Politics

Willis to Edmonds: Are you in or out on Investment Boost?

Banks praise select committee’s push for more banking competition

NZ’s transparency and integrity slowly being chipped away: TINZ

Te Ao Māori

Waitangi forum shifts to delivery

The scent of clean science

Treaty lawyer builds basics for boards

Primary Industries

Erica Crawford: ‘We can’t keep putting juice into the system’

Rockit-backed syndicate owes $4.1m

MyFarm’s failed Rockit apple partnership owes $12m

Australia

Profits are up but the ASX faces leadership uncertainty

RBA turns from Dove to Hawk as ‘circumstances change’

Hot inflation prompts RBA to hike rates

Tech & Innovation

Medtech company Wellumio moves step closer to next clinical trial

AI tech company Contented’s rapid growth attracts seed investors

Soul Machines in receivership

Law

‘Air’ ok for Airbnb but not Williams Corp, Iponz says

Greg Olliver’s own legal firm takes him to court

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

Finance

ASB maintains consistent profit; costs rise 21%

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

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