The SME Stream

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has outlined her goals for the new year, as the Government prepares for the upcoming 2026 election.

Willis is hoping Kiwi voters will see the benefits of re-electing a National-led Government so that they can feel rewarded for their hard work.

She says the economy grew as a whole last year, and voters can hope to see more in 2026.

"So we see more job creation, more opportunities for Kiwis to get ahead - that is what we want to see." 

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Chocolate products could be in for a shake-up, as manufacturers race to develop cocoa alternatives.

A Rabobank report shows food companies are looking into new technologies to substitute traditional beans.

Climate-related pressures are driving up global cocoa prices, and disrupting supply chains.

RaboResearch analyst Paul Joules says companies will look into fermenting plants like oats and seeds for an alternative - to use in products like chocolate fillings.

"The taste can be a little bit different, it can be a bit more sour if they don't quite get the fermentation right - and it's not necessarily a direct replacement for a typical chocolate bar."

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Jamie Mackay talks to David Seymour, Grant McCallum, Mark de Lautour, Graeme Williams, and Phil Duncan.

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The business sector will want to know how the Government will support them - as the Prime Minister prepares for his State of the Nation speech. 

Chris Luxon will give the address at the International Convention Centre in Auckland this afternoon - the first event to be held at the new centre. 

Newstalk ZB understands he will try to draw attention away from turbulent affairs overseas - and to the Government's successes back home. 

Auckland Business Chamber Chief Executive Simon Bridges told Andrew Dickens that he will question if economic relief is set to continue. 

He wants to know what fresh Government ideas are coming through which will keep business confidence up. 

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The no-consent granny flat law changes came in this week. 

That means you can build an up-to-70sqm dwelling in your backyard without having to ask the council if you're allowed to. 

Getting one set up on your property would set you back at least $200,000, but the question on minds of anyone with enough space for something like this is - how much value will it add? 

They can be rented out for a bit of passive income - but it may not be worth the trouble of getting it fit to rent. 

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Don Brash says everyone should be concerned about political interference regarding matters at America's central bank. 

US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell says he's now embroiled in a criminal investigation because he didn't cut interest rates as much as Donald Trump wanted. 

Trump denies involvement but is standing by calls for Powell to be replaced. 

RBNZ Governor Anna Breman signed a joint statement in support of Powell, saying he's highly respected, with an unwavering commitment to the public interest. 

But Winston Peters rebuked her for it, saying she needs to stay in her New Zealand lane and stick to domestic monetary policy. 

But Brash, a former New Zealand Reserve Bank Governor, strongly backs Breman, saying that Peters is in the wrong in this situation.  

He told Andrew Dickens it's in everyone's interests for the Federal Reserve to be able to make its own independent decisions, free from interference. 

Brash says the US dollar is the backbone of the world economy and the world monetary policy system, and anything that jeopardises that affects everyone. 

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Do we all really need a budget? And if we do… why does it feel so intimidating (and kind of boring)?
In this episode, we’re reframing budgeting as something a little less restrictive—and a lot more useful. You’ll hear why budgets aren’t about rules, and how a good budget can actually help you say yes to more of the awesome stuff in life.

We chat to Reagan White from Where’s My Money about how getting real with the numbers helped him avoid financial panic, and we ask Ruth Henderson (aka The Happy Saver) whow your personality can shape the kind of budget that actually sticks—especially when you’re budgeting with someone else.

Plus, we’ve got a simple activity to help you plan for those sneaky annual expenses (hello birthdays and Christmas) before they sneak up on you again.

This is the third episode of the Wealth Kick, a limited series to change your perspective on money for the new year. Until the end of January, we’re serving up a little financial soul-searching, easy exercises you can use anywhere, and a few wacky stories.

This is the third episode of the Wealth Kick, a limited series to change your perspective on money for the new year. Until the end of January, we’re serving up a little financial soul-searching, easy exercises you can use anywhere, and a few wacky stories.

Disclaimer: Shared Lunch is brought to you by Sharesies Limited (NZ) in New Zealand. It is not financial advice. Information provided is general only and current at the time it’s provided, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. We do not provide recommendations and you should always read the disclosure documents available from the product issuer before making a financial decision. Our disclosure documents and terms and conditions can be found on our NZ website.

Investing involves risk. You might lose the money you start with. If you require financial advice, you should consider speaking with a qualified financial advisor. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.

Appearance on Shared Lunch is not an endorsement by Sharesies of the views of the presenters, guests, or the entities they represent. Their views are their own.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why is it so tough to confront important things head-on—including our money? Why does the first step feel so daunting, even when it’s a simple one? In this episode of the Wealth Kick, we go to battle with procrastination.

Find out why so many of us avoid looking at our spending, and get the nudge you need to take stock of your financial situation. Hear from the experts on how to stop stalling and look your accounts in the eye.

This is the second episode of the Wealth Kick, a limited series to change your perspective on money for the new year. Until the end of January, we’re serving up a little financial soul-searching, easy exercises you can use anywhere, and a few wacky stories.

Disclaimer: Shared Lunch is brought to you by Sharesies Limited (NZ) in New Zealand. It is not financial advice. Information provided is general only and current at the time it’s provided, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. We do not provide recommendations and you should always read the disclosure documents available from the product issuer before making a financial decision. Our disclosure documents and terms and conditions can be found on our NZ website.

Investing involves risk. You might lose the money you start with. If you require financial advice, you should consider speaking with a qualified financial advisor. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.

Appearance on Shared Lunch is not an endorsement by Sharesies of the views of the presenters, guests, or the entities they represent. Their views are their own.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ready to change your fortune in 2026? Welcome to the Wealth Kick.

How do you work out what you really want? Lots of smart people have tried to crack that one, from Aristotle to Oprah. In this episode, we set out to help you pin down your goals and priorities—because before you get moving on your money, you need to know where you’re trying to go and why. 

This is the first episode of the Wealth Kick, a limited series to change your perspective on money for the new year. Until the end of January, we’re serving up a little financial soul-searching, easy exercises you can use anywhere, and a few wacky stories.

Disclaimer: Shared Lunch is brought to you by Sharesies Limited (NZ) in New Zealand. It is not financial advice. Information provided is general only and current at the time it’s provided, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. We do not provide recommendations and you should always read the disclosure documents available from the product issuer before making a financial decision. Our disclosure documents and terms and conditions can be found on our NZ website.

Investing involves risk. You might lose the money you start with. If you require financial advice, you should consider speaking with a qualified financial advisor. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.

Appearance on Shared Lunch is not an endorsement by Sharesies of the views of the presenters, guests, or the entities they represent. Their views are their own.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retail New Zealand's Chief Executive says the closure of Australian retailer EB Games would have a wide-reaching impact.  

The Australian video-game retailer's proposing shutting its 38 New Zealand stores and its Distribution Centre. 

Staff reportedly have until Monday to feed back on the plan. 

Retail NZ's Carolyn Young told Andrew Dickens the retail climate's been really challenging over the past few years.  

She says losing EB is not a small thing. 

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