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

Wed 29 Apr 2026 06:46:46pm

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Wed 29 Apr 2026 06:46:46pm

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Top Story

Politics

Simeon Brown pressures Transpower over its chief executive’s pay

Chair Michele Embling says the remuneration package has been ‘reset’ with the appointment of a new chief executive.

Brent Edwards Thu, 30 Apr 2026

Politics

Simeon Brown pressures Transpower over its chief executive’s pay

Chair Michele Embling says the remuneration package has been ‘reset’ with the appointment of a new chief executive.

Brent Edwards Thu, 30 Apr 2026

Wikeley jailed for contempt in QLD

Australian court imposes prison sentence for the Kiwi businessman's attempts to subvert orders restraining his pursuit of a fraudulent claim against Sir Owen Glenn.

Law

Wikeley jailed for contempt in QLD

Australian court imposes prison sentence for the Kiwi businessman's attempts to subvert orders restraining his pursuit of a fraudulent claim against Sir Owen Glenn.

Tim Hunter Thu, 30 Apr 2026

Property

Nook contracts ‘extremely unusual’, quantity surveyor claims

With more than four decades of construction industry experience, Stuart Roberts believes Nook Homes breached its own contract conditions.

Property

Nook contracts ‘extremely unusual’, quantity surveyor claims

With more than four decades of construction industry experience, Stuart Roberts believes Nook Homes breached its own contract conditions.

Kate McVicar Thu, 30 Apr 2026

Edwards on Politics

ETS needs fixing to help cut greenhouse gas emissions

ANALYSIS: The Climate Change Commission warns the Emissions Trading Scheme is failing.

Edwards on Politics

ETS needs fixing to help cut greenhouse gas emissions

ANALYSIS: The Climate Change Commission warns the Emissions Trading Scheme is failing.

Brent Edwards Thu, 30 Apr 2026

Wed 29 Apr 2026 06:40:10pm

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Listen to NBR Podcast episodes

Art Fair expands as Māori voices lead

Tech & Innovation

Westie gamers attract US$2.1m for AI-enabled customs assistant

Aviation News

Govt changes civil aviation rules to help farmers use drones

General Business

New Barnardos Aotearoa chair on measuring its impact

Market Close

F&P Healthcare buoys NZX50 ahead of Mag7 earnings, Fed decision

Politics

Simeon Brown pressures Transpower over its chief executive’s pay

Property

Nook contracts ‘extremely unusual’, quantity surveyor claims

Law

Wikeley jailed for contempt in QLD

Edwards on Politics

ETS needs fixing to help cut greenhouse gas emissions

General Business

New Barnardos Aotearoa chair on measuring its impact

Tech & Innovation

Westie gamers attract US$2.1m for AI-enabled customs assistant

Hunter’s Corner

A solution for wholesale investors

Politics

Think tank wants to boost vocational training at schools

Politically Speaking

National and the Coalition’s messy week

Private Bin

NZGIF spin, NZME conspiracies, fantasy finfluencers, Whimp

Guest Analysis

How NZ’s tax regime compares with our peers

Politics

Workers can bargain over pay cuts in new Bill, Minister says

Airwallex ‘engaged’ with NZ regulator over compliance issues

Scrutiny by the Department of Internal Affairs follows the Australian regulator ordering an external audit over concerns about money laundering.

Australia

US private equity firm buys Grant Thornton Australia

The deal will see the Australian firm link with Grant Thornton franchises in the US and Europe.

Investment

Black Bull presents to institutional investors

‘Strongly performing’ derivatives provider has aspiration for index inclusion.

Property

Redwood in conditional deal for dud Senior Trust project

Developer Tony Gapes to seek consent for residential development at Wānaka site.

Featured

Politics

Workers can bargain over pay cuts in new Bill, Minister says

Brooke van Velden expects changes to individual and collective contracts during the transition to the new Employment Leave Bill.

Infrastructure

Plug in or unplug; it still costs us, developers say

Auckland lines company Vector has pushed up its network connection cost three-fold over the past four years to more than $25,000 – outstripping the industry average by some margin.

Infrastructure

Plug in or unplug; it still costs us, developers say

Auckland lines company Vector has pushed up its network connection cost three-fold over the past four years to more than $25,000 – outstripping the industry average by some margin.

Law

Waterstone Insolvency’s use of in-house lawyers gets green light

The High Court in Auckland dismissed a claim that the firm’s use of in-house counsel in litigation is unlawful.

Law

Waterstone Insolvency’s use of in-house lawyers gets green light

The High Court in Auckland dismissed a claim that the firm’s use of in-house counsel in litigation is unlawful.

Luxury Property

Flying the White Heron, Royal Yacht sale, golden visas ramp up

Luxury market picks up, partially on the back of surging international sales, with 15 applications received by international buyers under the so-called ‘golden visa’.

Luxury Property

Flying the White Heron, Royal Yacht sale, golden visas ramp up

Analysis

Underarm

Fraudsters drawn to Australia’s property lending honeypot

ANALYSIS: Australian banks could have been scammed for more than A$3b in an industry-wide fraud by criminals using AI to fake documents.

Lachlan Colquhoun Wed, 29 Apr 2026

Shoeshine

How Canva learned to love AI, and also delay its IPO

ANALYSIS: With its embrace of AI, the Canva which eventually goes public is likely to be a different company from the 2026 version.

Lachlan Colquhoun Tue, 28 Apr 2026

Margin Call

Full steam ahead: How the world is responding to the oil shock

ANALYSIS: The conflict in the Middle East is reinforcing electrification and energy security trends already underway, not resetting the system.

Sue Walker Tue, 28 Apr 2026

Economy Matters

The era of cheap money is over

ANALYSIS: It’s time we all braced ourselves for rate hikes.

Christoph Schumacher Mon, 27 Apr 2026

Investment

NZX50 sinks on return from long weekend

Channel Infrastructure among the day’s gainers after Ampol-owned Z Energy won the tender to supply 90 million litres of diesel at Marsden Point.

Curious News Tue, 28 Apr 2026

My Food Bag enlists Cameron Partners to conduct review

Listed food delivery company says performance not reflected in its share price.

Hamish McNicol Tue, 28 Apr 2026

Rakon back in black as Bourns offer nears 90% uptake

NZX-listed tech company’s suitor says French regulatory clearance for its acquisition is ‘highly likely to be granted’.

Will Mace Tue, 28 Apr 2026

Economics

Volatile diesel prices put confidence on backburner

NZ Certified Builders chief executive Malcolm Fleming says OCR hikes this year would be a further blow to a struggling economy.

Jonathan Mitchell Fri, 24 Apr 2026

Nelson struggles on with flight uncertainty on the radar

WATCH: Local Edge heads to Nelson/Tasman to assess the health of the South Island economy.

Jonathan Mitchell Wed, 22 Apr 2026

Annual inflation remains above target as business blues bite

The Iran conflict is sending inflation higher and firms’ confidence lower.

Jonathan Mitchell Tue, 21 Apr 2026

Politics

Crown’s exposure is limited in Z Energy deal

Nicola Willis said it was a tough negotiation.

Brent Edwards Tue, 28 Apr 2026

Think tank wants to boost vocational training at schools

New report says industry-led subjects at schools will have to be funded properly, and the money could come from universities.

Brent Edwards Tue, 28 Apr 2026

National and the Coalition’s messy week

ANALYSIS: Christopher Luxon put his leadership to the vote and had a spat with Winston Peters.

Brent Edwards Sat, 25 Apr 2026

Te Ao Māori

Auditor-General concerned over monitoring of Māori initiatives

Weak reporting by the public sector means it can’t clearly demonstrate what progress it is making in improving outcomes for Māori, his office says.

Mike McRoberts Thu, 23 Apr 2026

Kā Rūnaka oppose Santana mine in Central Otago

A collective of four Ngāi Tahu rūnaka has told the fast-track panel the proposal fails to adequately protect the land and environment.

Mike McRoberts Thu, 16 Apr 2026

Iwi-owned company wins $1 billion Defence Force contract

PAE New Zealand has been reappointed, alongside Citycare, to deliver facilities maintenance across the NZDF estate.

Mike McRoberts Tue, 14 Apr 2026

Primary Industries

Weather emerges as Seeka’s ‘key factor’ for harvest

Coming off a strong season led by kiwifruit, the horticulture and fruit logistics company has shifted into damage limitation mode.

Brent Melville Wed, 15 Apr 2026

Willis told to ask Lactalis about NZ’s investment rules

A paper obtained by NBR shows the Treasury also suggested the French multinational might develop its own milk supply.

Brent Edwards Wed, 08 Apr 2026

BNZ to come up short following Rockit entities' asset sales

BDO has entered agreements to sell assets, but doesn’t expect the bank to recoup the full amount owing to it.

Kate McVicar Mon, 30 Mar 2026

Australia

Canadian exchange buys ASX rival Cboe

The NZX was reportedly interested in Cboe, and was urged by the NZ Shareholders Association to consider the deal.

Lachlan Colquhoun Thu, 23 Apr 2026

Wealthy Sydney suburb recruits Kiwi bus drivers

Recruits can expect a salary of up to A$120,000 per year, but they could be paying around A$70,000 per year in rent.

Lachlan Colquhoun Mon, 20 Apr 2026

Storypark acquires Australian software vendor

Now funded by private equity investor Potentia, NZ-founded Storypark is continuing its roll-up of providers in the childcare sector.

Lachlan Colquhoun Thu, 16 Apr 2026

Tech & Innovation

Cleantech startups ‘could have same impact as all NZ’s forests’

The sector’s latest impact report shows that demand for capital is continuing to outstrip supply. NBR talks to Kwetta, Nilo and Shower Canary on their fundraising efforts.

Fiona Rotherham Wed, 22 Apr 2026

Microsoft CEO warns AI frontier carries business sovereignty risk

Global tech company adds AI training access for another 200,000 Kiwis as part of AI Tour event in Auckland.

Will Mace Wed, 22 Apr 2026

Avoiding cognitive decline in an AI-obsessed era

Portland-based tech innovator and Edmund Hillary fellow Mohan Nair suggests humans concentrate on creating the kind of insight that machines cannot.

Will Mace Tue, 21 Apr 2026

Law

When things go wrong for high-income earners

BE Employment Law senior associate Tanya Preston on where employers could still be tripped up by new employment laws which came into effect in February.

Fiona Rotherham Tue, 28 Apr 2026

Former QEX Logistics director banned and ordered to pay a penalty

Jingji (Ronnie) Xue and the formerly NZX-listed dairy trader have been ordered to pay penalties of $875,000 and $175,000, respectively.

NBR Staff Thu, 23 Apr 2026

Chance Voight investors face ‘substantial shortfall’, says Teneo

The interim liquidators have found the group made a consolidated interim loss of $5.5m at the end of September last year, and at the time had negative net assets of $11.8m.

Hamish McNicol Wed, 22 Apr 2026

Finance

Green Investment Finance wind-down ‘returns’ over $500m so far

‘We are a required seller, so there will be a discount naturally,’ says Sarah Minhinnick.

Brent Edwards Wed, 22 Apr 2026

Specialist lenders’ book boosted by jump in business loans

Loan applications and approvals are up, says a new report, but impairments are also at their highest levels in five years.

Brent Melville Tue, 31 Mar 2026

BlackBull Markets sounding out investor interest

The Auckland-based trading platform is said to be seeking a dual listing in Australia and New Zealand.

Hamish McNicol Wed, 25 Mar 2026

The NBR Podcast

Podcast #101: Why the $50b ACC fund is sceptical of AI

LISTEN: Chief investment officer David Iverson on lessons learnt from previous AI booms and why he’s a contrarian investor.

Simon Shepherd Tue, 28 Apr 2026

Podcast #100: Simon gets grilled

LISTEN: We celebrate a milestone – making it to 100 episodes! So it's only fair that someone else asks the questions

Simon Shepherd Tue, 21 Apr 2026

Podcast #99: The Accountants – Job losses & AI

LISTEN: The fifth series of NBR's The Accountants series reveals a $2b industry that's finding it tough. So, why are students showing renewed interest in studying the art of numbers?

Simon Shepherd Tue, 14 Apr 2026

General Business

UAE quits Opec; Musk and Altman appear in court

And King Charles is in the United States for a state visit.

Nicholas Pointon Wed, 29 Apr 2026

Mbie confirms Stobo investigation is about conflicts of interest

The outcome of an investigation into ‘matters that had been raised’ about the FMA chair will be released ‘shortly’.

Hamish McNicol Tue, 28 Apr 2026

Trump shooting suspect charged; US considers Iran proposal

And British oil giant Shell to buy Canada’s ARC Resources for US$16.4b.

Jonathan Mitchell Tue, 28 Apr 2026

Deals

‘The time is right’: Why Rangatira offloaded transport firm

Rangatira CEO Mark Dossor says Stuart Drummond Transport has navigated challenging economic conditions with a solid platform to expand.

Jonathan Mitchell Fri, 10 Apr 2026

What newbie non-bank lender Runway plans to do with Lock Finance

The specialist in invoice and receivables finance has been acquired by a company backed by Marko Bogoievski and Jonathan Reid.

Fiona Rotherham Thu, 09 Apr 2026

Making millionaires: PartsTrader deal struck at $650m

Founders of the auto parts marketplace would have had a $73.5 million return after the sale of the company was concluded in February.

Brent Melville Thu, 02 Apr 2026

Tourism

Billionaire Kwek Leng Beng picks The Mayfair

After a failed bid for NZ’s only listed hotel group, the Singaporean hotelier has selected the five-star hotel as the first in the southern hemisphere to join his elite collection.

Brent Melville Mon, 30 Mar 2026

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

Infrastructure

Wayne Brown: we don’t need ‘world class’, we need ‘affordable’

Mayor says Auckland needs to get away from ‘gold plating’ rail, highways and bridges while Infrastructure Commission reveals 35% of all projects go over budget.

Brent Melville Thu, 23 Apr 2026

Govt wants ‘yes or no’ advice on infrastructure projects

Cabinet has agreed to changes to the investment management system to develop project fitness assessments and stop wasting ‘tens of millions’ in phantom projects.

Brent Melville Wed, 22 Apr 2026

Television and film studio near Queenstown gets the green light

Fast-track expert panel believes the Ayrburn Screen Hub will have significant regional economic benefits.

Brent Edwards Tue, 14 Apr 2026

Property

McLean’s Mansion’s unexplained valuation increase

Farhad Moinfar’s Citadel Capital is hoping to develop the Christchurch heritage building, with $4.9m being raised via a wholesale credit offer.

Nicholas Pointon Wed, 22 Apr 2026

Clarke Group touts billion-dollar portfolio after $100m deal

Auckland developer expands into Queenstown market with purchase of 13 hectares outside Lake Hayes.

Brent Melville Thu, 16 Apr 2026

‘Complex’ St James Theatre makeover pegged at $50m

The restoration project, which dates back 11 years, will add a new ‘black box’ underground venue to the mix.

Brent Melville Wed, 15 Apr 2026

Professional Services

FMA’s ongoing ‘going concern’ concerns

Latest Financial Statements Monitoring Insights report highlights several areas of reporting concerns for the market regulator.

Hamish McNicol Thu, 09 Apr 2026

Lane Neave managing partner retires

He will be replaced by litigation partner Ben Russell.

Hamish McNicol Wed, 01 Apr 2026

New MinterEllisonRuddWatts boss talks up Australian opportunity

Former Vital Healthcare Property Trust CEO Aaron Hockly became the law firm’s head this month.

Hamish McNicol Tue, 31 Mar 2026

NBR Focus

The Accountants 2026: AI could replace people who don’t adopt it

RSM Auckland managing partner Lisa Murphy on struggling sectors, Government investment, the talent market, and a recent merger.

Kate McVicar Fri, 17 Apr 2026

The Accountants 2026: ‘New Zealand needs more Bob Joneses’

McCulloch & Partners partner Greg Munro on the agri sector, competing with AI, and why New Zealand could do with more people like the late Sir Bob.

Kate McVicar Fri, 17 Apr 2026

The Accountants 2026: Acclime searching for acquisitions

Australasia regional director Randolph van der Burgh on the changing role of accountants, and managing the ups and downs.

Hamish McNicol Thu, 16 Apr 2026

Retail

How crashing Pandora’s party helped launch an eight-figure brand

After jewellery retailer Silvermoon went into liquidation, its founder Simon Thwaites came out of ‘semi-retirement’ to rebuild the company he started more than 20 years ago.

Kate McVicar Wed, 29 Apr 2026

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

Luxury Property

Glendowie golden visa, Bayswater watch, what £20k bought in 1967

Offshore buying proves a bright spot in otherwise slow recovery for high-end properties – and as Middle Eastern buyers start looking.

Brent Melville Wed, 25 Mar 2026

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

Aviation News

Delta to upgrade business suites on new A350-1000s

Carry On: Dropped routes, Etihad’s China plans, Boeing’s deliveries.

Nevil Gibson Sat, 25 Apr 2026

Air Chathams and Sounds Air to get millions in govt loans

Island Air also receives support from the $30 million allocated to connectivity in the Regional Infrastructure Fund.

Will Mace Fri, 24 Apr 2026

Project Sunrise enters final stage with first completed aircraft

Carry On: KLM’s A350 fleet, Jetstar’s refurbished Dreamliners, new routes.

Nevil Gibson Sat, 18 Apr 2026

Energy

Too early to say when Iran ceasefire will lower fuel prices

New Zealand still has adequate supply levels as Easter fuel demand fell due to high prices.

Jonathan Mitchell Thu, 09 Apr 2026

UK oil and gas company makes Taranaki play

The Sunda Energy deal points to renewed offshore interest in New Zealand’s petroleum sector, says the Government.

Mike McRoberts Thu, 09 Apr 2026

Monopoly Watch backs Gull/NPD merger

Submission to Commerce Commission says fuel companies need bulk to compete with Z Energy and BP.

NBR Staff Thu, 09 Apr 2026

Rich List

40 years of the Rich List: 2006 Trade Me sale’s 17 millionaires

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 Mar 2026

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

Marketing & Media

MediaWorks said to be up for sale as it gets back in the black

A report from across the Tasman says the radio broadcaster’s private equity owner is soliciting bids for the business.

NBR Staff Tue, 21 Apr 2026

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

Comings & Goings

New chair for MTF Finance

Sturrock Saunders has extensive experience across New Zealand’s automotive and training sectors.

Thu, 23 Apr 2026

Warren and Mahoney establishes new role to lead AI

Brad Sara will lead the development and application of AI across the practice.

Mon, 20 Apr 2026

Sarah Sinclair to join Harmos Horton Lusk

The former MinterEllisonRuddWatts chair joins as a director on July 6.

Mon, 20 Apr 2026

Simeon Brown pressures Transpower over its chief executive’s pay

Simeon Brown pressures Transpower over its chief executive’s pay

Minister badgers under-performing Crown assets to be profitable

A clearer rationale for ownership might help struggling SOEs

Free News Alerts

Wikeley jailed for contempt in QLD

Wikeley jailed for contempt in QLD

Nook contracts ‘extremely unusual’, quantity surveyor claims

Nook contracts ‘extremely unusual’, quantity surveyor claims

ETS needs fixing to help cut greenhouse gas emissions

ETS needs fixing to help cut greenhouse gas emissions

Art Fair expands as Māori voices lead

Westie gamers attract US$2.1m for AI-enabled customs assistant

Govt changes civil aviation rules to help farmers use drones

New Barnardos Aotearoa chair on measuring its impact

F&P Healthcare buoys NZX50 ahead of Mag7 earnings, Fed decision

Simeon Brown pressures Transpower over its chief executive’s pay

Nook contracts ‘extremely unusual’, quantity surveyor claims

Wikeley jailed for contempt in QLD

ETS needs fixing to help cut greenhouse gas emissions

New Barnardos Aotearoa chair on measuring its impact

Westie gamers attract US$2.1m for AI-enabled customs assistant

A solution for wholesale investors

Think tank wants to boost vocational training at schools

National and the Coalition’s messy week

NZGIF spin, NZME conspiracies, fantasy finfluencers, Whimp

How NZ’s tax regime compares with our peers

Workers can bargain over pay cuts in new Bill, Minister says

Airwallex ‘engaged’ with NZ regulator over compliance issues

US private equity firm buys Grant Thornton Australia

Black Bull presents to institutional investors

Redwood in conditional deal for dud Senior Trust project

Workers can bargain over pay cuts in new Bill, Minister says

Plug in or unplug; it still costs us, developers say

Plug in or unplug; it still costs us, developers say

Waterstone Insolvency’s use of in-house lawyers gets green light

Waterstone Insolvency’s use of in-house lawyers gets green light

Flying the White Heron, Royal Yacht sale, golden visas ramp up

Flying the White Heron, Royal Yacht sale, golden visas ramp up

Michael Hill CEO: ‘I’m not a patient person’

The Accountants: Full Investigation

The Accountants: Some KPMG staff already using AI agents

The Accountants: Turning EY into a one-stop-shop

The Accountants: PwC and the end of human-only workforces

The Accountants: Deloitte sees AI freeing up 25% of capacity

Conflict: RBNZ discusses impact on inflation

Responding to Trump’s rhetoric – Winston in Washington

Sydney's new airport, Western Sydney International (WSI)

Debate: Economic fallout from the Iran war

Cabinet reshuffle sees Chris Bishop replaced

Dealing with the fuel crisis

Podcast: ‘Unicorn’ Halter rounds up a big raise

A $22b opportunity: businesses push for climate policy stability

Fuel: Willis, not Luxon, is leading the way

No “senseless virtue signalling” signals Peters

Shane Jones on geothermal energy

Inflation pressures and NZ’s fragile economic recovery

RBNZ risks repeating Covid-era mistakes on Iran

When a kill chain refusal becomes a supply chain risk

Fraudsters drawn to Australia’s property lending honeypot

How Canva learned to love AI, and also delay its IPO

Full steam ahead: How the world is responding to the oil shock

The era of cheap money is over

Investment

NZX50 sinks on return from long weekend

My Food Bag enlists Cameron Partners to conduct review

Rakon back in black as Bourns offer nears 90% uptake

Economics

Volatile diesel prices put confidence on backburner

Nelson struggles on with flight uncertainty on the radar

Annual inflation remains above target as business blues bite

Politics

Crown’s exposure is limited in Z Energy deal

Think tank wants to boost vocational training at schools

National and the Coalition’s messy week

Te Ao Māori

Auditor-General concerned over monitoring of Māori initiatives

Kā Rūnaka oppose Santana mine in Central Otago

Iwi-owned company wins $1 billion Defence Force contract

Primary Industries