The NBR Podcast

Is electric marine transport coming? We’re cruising above the waves aboard Vessev’s nine-metre EV hydro-foiling boat as the Kiwi company goes global in 2026. Chief executive and co-founder Eric Laakmann talks sustainable transport innovation and clean technology as the company ramps up production, preps for a capital raise, and sells into new countries. He believes it could be the next Kiwi startup to hit unicorn status.This episode is available as a video on Spotify, YouTube and NBR.co.nzLinks to audio clips used here.

Will the Coalition grasp another victory or be delivered an infamous single term defeat. Political Editor Brent Edwards looks at the state of the parties as we return from the summer break and realise that yes ... it is election year!

Tech saw some big, listed company deals and some impressive new players. Chief Reporter Will Mace covers the top end of tech town while Senior Journalist Fiona Rotherham has a taste for startups. Together they take us through the big events of 2025 and what to look out for 2026.

Around the office we call him The Goat. This year Tim Hunter was named NZSA Business Journalist of the Year for the fourth time. We finally coaxed him in front of the mic to talk about his scoops and why he's been tempted to go to bed with some spreadsheets.

It's time to don the budgie smugglers and head across the ditch to ask 'how's the serenity?' after a turbulent 2025. From landslide elections to some questionable business practices, we cover it all in this end of year 'View from Australia" with our correspondent Lachlan Colquhoun.

It’s the stories that gripped our member subscribers. From Du Val developments to banned winery directors, name suppression, the shock exit of Adrian Orr, and our latest NBR Rich Listers.  Co-editors Calida Stuart-Menteath and Hamish McNicol background what made the stories so popular.

Demand for charitable services in New Zealand is rising sharply but the level of funding is not matching it. Many charities are reducing services or shutting down as the nonprofit sector faces a nationwide funding crisis. With the upcoming great wealth transfer — an estimated $1.6 trillion is set to pass from baby boomers to their families. Could this historic shift in family wealth reshape charitable giving? supporting struggling social services and offer long-term sustainability options to NZ charities. Feedback, story ideas, comments, all welcome – email simon@nbr.co.nzLinks to audio clips used here.

A 46-year-old man and his wealthy family and its business were granted permanent name suppression over his jailing for possessing 11,775 files of objectionable material involving children. We explore how New Zealand’s name suppression laws are applied to high-profile criminal cases, potential unintended consequences for the public when social media and AI falsely identify innocent people as perpetrators, and the impacts of these crimes on victims.Feedback, story ideas, comments, all welcome – email simon@nbr.co.nzLinks to audio clips used here. 

Anita Rosenthalter, a union representative from Workers First, shares insights on the Supreme Court's decision affirming that Uber drivers are employees, paving the way for potential payouts including holiday pay. Alan MacDonald, head of advocacy at the Employers and Manufacturers Association, voices concerns over implications for gig economy costs. Employment lawyer Shelley Eden discusses the challenges of retroactive legislative changes and the need for protections against platform exploitation. The discussion highlights workers' rights and the evolving landscape of contractor regulations.

What's the impact on New Zealand businesses from the 2025 Trump tariffs? The uncertainty has created major NZ trade challenges and global supply chain disruption. We discuss the trade policy instability and export challenges with a major exporter, Skellerup, and a small shoe designer, Oya. Plus some advice from trade expert Stephen Jacobi and ASB’s chief investment officer Frank Jasper.  Feedback, story ideas, comments, all welcome – email simon@nbr.co.nzLinks to audio clips used here.