The SME Stream

On Saturday Donald Trump announced a 10% levy on all goods coming into the US in response to the Supreme Court ruling his other tariffs unconstitutional.

The new global tariffs were updated to 15% on Sunday.

Economist Cameron Bagrie joined Tim Beveridge to talk about the implications for kiwi businesses. 

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The Minister of Trade tries to clear up some of the confusion surrounding the latest on the Trump tariffs and the Indian FTA.

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Trade Minister Todd McClay on what the latest twist in the tariffs story means for businesses in NZ.

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Is 3% giving Kiwis a false sense of retirement security?

We unpack the growing debate around lifting KiwiSaver contribution rates and comparisons being drawn to Australia’s 12% super system. Would higher compulsory contributions better prepare us for retirement, or risk widening inequality by pushing more people to opt out?

This bite explores whether we’re really ready to contribute more — and what it would take to make it fair.

This bite is from our episode ‘The KiwiSaver wake-up call’.

For more or to watch on YouTube—check out http://linktr.ee/sharedlunch

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Business appears to be booming in most parts of the country.

ABC's quarterly market report shows business sales are up 28 percent on this time last year, with average prices up three percent.

It finds 507 completed sales over a 12 month period - a new historical high.

ABS Business Managing Director Chris Small told Mike Hosking that there's a link between sales and the current state of the economy across the country.

He says in line with the economy, the South Island is up 70 percent year on year in business sales, while Wellington is down 10 percent. 

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Donald Trump remains steadfast in his pursuit of sweeping global tariffs - slamming a US Supreme Court decision outlawing them as anti-American. 

The President's now taking advantage of a never-used trade law to enact 15 percent temporary levies, under the guise of a balance of payments deficit.

Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly unpacked the market reactions.

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Genesis Energy says fresh Crown investment into the power generator will go towards building infrastructure. 

The Government's confirmed it will put up to $200 million dollars - letting it retain its 51 percent shareholding, as Genesis launches a capital raise.

Chief executive Malcolm Johns says the money will speed up its ability to build.

"We're gonna build some solar farms, some grid-scale batteries and some wind, and extend the life of Huntly Rankines."

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Signs of a turnaround in the retail sector as sales rise. 

Stats NZ data shows sales jumped by $239 million in December, compared to the September quarter – up nearly one percent. 

The growth was driven by pharmaceuticals and other store-based retailers, as well as electronic goods and hardware supplies. 

First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson told Mike Hosking some of this is discretionary spending which is a great sign. 

He says potential interest rate rises could have an impact in future, but they're hoping the momentum will continue. 

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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, The OCR holds steady so will retail interest rates do the same? Another roadblock for the India free trade deal, and there’s positive signs for the retail sector, so can the industry finally breathe again? Plus … the new AI that’s less chatbot and more co-worker. 

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The Government will today reveal its back down on controversial Auckland housing intensification plans amid fierce public criticism.  

New planning rules would currently allow another 2 million homes in Auckland. 

But last month the Government announced it'll water down the rules with an announcement expected this afternoon.  

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told Kerre Woodham a balance needs to be struck.  

He says Auckland has to grow with affordable housing, but quite rightly some Aucklanders have said they don't want big buildings next to their homes. 

He’s also allaying concerns about a proposal for a $9 toll on Auckland's Harbour Bridge. 

The Infrastructure Commission recommended tolling the existing bridge, and second new crossing, to reduce construction costs on the Crown.  

But Luxon told Woodham it's only an idea.  

He says the Government hasn't decided whether it'll be a new bridge or a tunnel yet, and decisions on how to fund it will come later. 

He says tolls are the only way to pull forward the development of new roads, faster. 

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