The SME Stream

The Government admits its walking a fine line between being prepared and causing panic. 

It's considering a raft of possible measures like car-less days, limits on petrol sales, and the introduction of fuel coupons if oil prices continue to rise. 

Iran's threatening to keep the critical Strait of Hormuz closed for the foreseeable future. 

Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking New Zealand's still in a good place right now, with a secure 50-day fuel supply. 

She says they're proactive in case the situation changes, further down the track. 

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As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina O'Keeffe each week as she gives you a rundown of the biggest stories that could impact your business, so you can make informed decisions with expert advice.  

This week, Pressure is on the global economy as the Middle East conflict continues, so can we continue to weather the storm? Tens of thousands of Air New Zealand customers have their travel plans disrupted as fuel prices soar and how to make your brand unforgettable.

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Finance Minister Nicola Willis talks to Ryan Bridge to share the government's position. 

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Former finance minister, Steven Joyce, joins Ryan to talk through the implications of the war in the Middle east on NZ's economic recovery

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Arable farmer, David Birkett says the industry is already suffering skyrocketing prices.

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Housing affordability in New Zealand has improved to its best level in almost a decade, according to new data from Cotality. 

Lower property values, rising wages and easing mortgage rates have helped reduce pressure on buyers. 

Cotality NZ’s Housing Affordability report, covering Q4 in 2025, shows the national value-to-income ratio fell to 7.2 – the lowest level since a brief period in 2019 and before that 2016. 

Mortgage servicing costs have improved, with repayments accounting for 42% of gross median household income, down from a peak of 56% in late 2023. 

Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson told Mike Hosking that the housing market isn’t cheap and getting into it is not easy, but it’s easier than it’s been for quite some time.  

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Stock markets have rebounded and oil prices have dropped below yesterday's forecast, following recent comments from US President Donald Trump.

Trump indicated the war in the Middle East could be over 'very soon', and it's led to ripple effects across sharemarkets all over the world.

Matt Goodson from Salt Funds Management says it's unclear if the US can walk away from this conflict or if the Strait of Hormuz will reopen in time.

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The Government is actively monitoring the impact international fuel prices are having on the price we're being asked to pay at the pump. 

Crude oil prices have topped US$100 a barrel for the first time in three years, and our petrol prices surged another 14 cents in the weekend. 

Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking that they’re conscious that the price at the pump impacts not only most New Zealanders, but also freight costs and other costs across the economy. 

But she says they need to understand what the bigger picture looks like before they overreact, as any money they throw at the problem is money they will need to borrow.  

“We need to be prudent about New Zealand’s fiscal position.” 

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Garth Bray joins Ryan with today's business update thanks to Forsyth Barr.

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Some positive signs from international markets overnight. 

American and European markets tumbled on Friday due to ongoing concerns about the Middle East conflict. 

Asia-Pacific markets followed suit yesterday, with the NZX 50 dropping 3.1%. 

Craigs Investment Partners Investment Director Mark Lister told Mike Hosking trading overnight has been more subdued. 

He says oil prices got up to about $120 a barrel and are now back in the 90s, and the US, UK, and Europe markets are down again, but only slightly. 

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