The NBR Podcast
NBR - National Business Review
Each episode explores issues impacting business & the New Zealand economy. Listen to in-depth interviews with NZ CEOs.
NBR (National Business Review) publishes NZ's leading business and finance podcasts, artificial intelligence, covering market shifts, investment, economics, and corporate leadership.
Episodes feature analysis of New Zealand companies, global markets, government policy, and entrepreneurship.
The NBR Podcast with Simon Shepherd: in-depth interviews with business leaders.
Learn more on NBR.co.nz
NBR (National Business Review) publishes NZ's leading business and finance podcasts, artificial intelligence, covering market shifts, investment, economics, and corporate leadership.
Episodes feature analysis of New Zealand companies, global markets, government policy, and entrepreneurship.
The NBR Podcast with Simon Shepherd: in-depth interviews with business leaders.
Learn more on NBR.co.nz
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 6, 2026 • 17min
Halter's unicorn raise & the rise of farm tech
A New Zealand startup is reshaping the future of farming. Halter’s $3.4B rise, global expansion, and the future of farming-one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing agtech companies reshaping agriculture with technology, AI, and data-driven innovation. Links to audio clips used here
Mar 30, 2026 • 20min
Supercritical Energy – Shane Jones & Dr Isabelle Chambefort
Energy security is back in focus as global conflict drives fuel volatility and power prices higher. Could the answer lie beneath our feet?In this episode, we explore New Zealand’s geothermal potential — from doubling output by 2040 to the high-risk push into supercritical energy that could transform the grid. With insights from Energy Minister Shane Jones and leading scientists, we examine whether geothermal could deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable power for the future.Links to audio clips used here
Mar 23, 2026 • 21min
Jet Fuel Crisis: Headache for Air NZ
In this episode of The NBR Podcast with Simon Shepherd, we investigate how surging jet fuel prices are clipping Air NZ's wings to cut services and raise fares; and what that means for Kiwi travellers. We look at the real cost of NZ's jet fuel dependency, why supply shocks hit us harder than most, and the Marsden Point project aiming to change that, with a sustainable aviation fuel twist that could reshape New Zealand's energy future.Links to audio clips used here.
Mar 16, 2026 • 18min
Is AI the future of banking?
Is banking about to have its Netflix moment? In this episode of The NBR Podcast with Simon Shepherd: We take a dive into the AI revolution focusing on the global banking industry. We're talking AI agents that could one day manage financials, budgeting, investing, lending decisions... all without a human in the loop.Links to audio clips used here.
Mar 9, 2026 • 15min
2026 Election: The Battle for Auckland
In this episode of The NBR Podcast with Simon Shepherd: The red tide of 2020 was washed away by a blue suburban wave in 2023 as Auckland voters deserted Labour for National. Now the battle for our biggest city is on again, with both major parties choosing to deliver their State of the nation speeches in Auckland. This episode focuses on the flipped seats, what business wants, and how the mayor just doesn't care who gets in.
Mar 2, 2026 • 18min
Growing Swiss-Belhotel: global hotelier on success in hospitality and tourism
Gavin Faull, Swiss-Belhotel chairman, has successively built a global hospitality and tourism chain with 165 hotels across 20 countries.From humble NZ farm beginnings, Faull shares his journey on success in international hotel management, overcoming challenges and leading Swiss-Belhotel to reach an ambitious 530 hotels by the year 2035.Links to audio clips used here.
Feb 23, 2026 • 20min
Willis vs Edmonds - election economics
New Zealand’s 2026 election is being shaped by inflation, unemployment, OCR settings, mortgage rates, business confidence, and the cost-of-living crisis, as voters weigh whether the economy is truly recovering — driving sharp political divides between National's Nicola Willis and Labour's Barbara Edmonds.Links to audio clips used here
Feb 16, 2026 • 21min
Brianne West and her ‘Incrediballs’
Plastic pollution is one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges, with the drinks industry producing hundreds of billions of single-use bottles every year. Brianne West is taking aim at that problem with Incrediballs, a plastic-free drink concentrate designed to eliminate packaging altogether and prove that sustainable product design and ethical entrepreneurship can reshape global industries.Links to audio clips used here
Feb 9, 2026 • 18min
China – Is it time to pivot?
China’s birth rate has fallen to a record low and the markets have noticed. With just 7.9 million babies born last year, a shift has already begun rippling through global markets, from infant formula and A2 Milk to New Zealand’s broader export exposure and emerging growth in India.Links to audio clips used here.
Feb 2, 2026 • 22min
Nuclear fusion technology: how OpenStar is replicating the sun
Limitless clean energy from a nuclear fusion reactor. Early next decade, Kiwi startup OpenStar Technologies is hoping to be the first to create fusion in way that can supply reliable electricity. Founder Dr Ratu Mataira discusses sustainable power solutions, cleantech energy innovation and the future of energy as his company tries to replicate the power of the sun.Links to audio clips used here.
