The SME Stream

Kiwi brewers have voiced frustration with Australia's excise tax break for their brewers - and claimed it gives them benefits that New Zealand companies can't get.

This means New Zealand-produced beer is taxed more than its Australian counterpart, and this dispute between the trans-Tasman partners has been a point of contention for over a decade.

Garage Project co-founder Jos Ruffell says their brewery has had to pay $2.5 million worth of tax in Australia because of this, and this should have been resolved earlier.

"MFAT's looked into this, it's a clear breach of CER and we've had some really encouraging news in the last week where Minister McClay has actually now raised this openly with his Australian counterpart, and he's acknowledged that there is a precedent with wine." 

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Forsyth Barr's Brad Gordon joins Herald NOW.

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Zoe Wallis from Forsyth Barr on rising oil prices.

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ASB senior economist Mark Smith says house prices won't recover to the 2021 peak for three more years, and that doesn't even take inflation into account.

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Is it a tax? Is it a charge? Is it a levy? Is it a fee? This election is turning into the Great Tax Debate.

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...trying to figure out if the greater risk is from the inflationary whirlpool created by oil prices... or the debt monster growing on the starboard side. Video/Herald NOW Business

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Business growth in Christchurch has been pulling ahead of the national trend line since 2023 - Garth Bray 2degrees Business wrap.

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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, National’s bed-tax alternative, the lag in our unemployment rate,and the surge in KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals. Plus we unpack what the latest election promises mean for your finances.

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How can leaders embrace AI and rapid change without losing the human connection that drives great workplaces?

In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Margo Thomas, Chief People Officer at Sime Motors, to explore leadership, trust, organisational culture, and the evolving role of HR in today's workplace.

Drawing on more than two decades of experience across education, banking, technology, manufacturing, distribution, and automotive, Margo shares practical insights into leading with authenticity, building high-trust teams, and helping organisations balance commercial performance with genuine care for people.

From leadership vulnerability and relationship building to AI, commercial acumen, career development, and the future of HR, this conversation explores why people professionals need to spend less time behind their desks and more time understanding the people and businesses they support.

The discussion also explores the importance of intuition in leadership, coaching future HR professionals, navigating difficult conversations with empathy, and why curiosity, courage, and connection remain some of the most valuable capabilities for the future of work.

What You'll Learn

• Why human connection remains HR's greatest strength

• How AI should enhance, not replace, leadership

• The importance of building high-trust relationships

• Why HR professionals need to spend time in the business, not just behind a screen

• How commercial understanding strengthens People & Culture leadership

• The value of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership

• Why curiosity and saying "yes" create career opportunities

• How to coach leaders through difficult conversations with empathy

• The importance of balancing policy with sound judgement

• Practical advice for building a successful HR career

Key Takeaways

• Great leadership starts with trust, authenticity, and genuine relationships.

• Technology should strengthen human connection, not replace it.

• HR creates the greatest value when it understands the commercial realities of the business.

• Strong leaders balance empathy with sound judgement.

• Curiosity and continuous learning accelerate career growth.

• High-performing HR professionals spend time where the work happens.

• Leadership becomes stronger when people feel trusted, supported, and challenged.

• Organisations succeed when people and business outcomes are considered together.

About Margo Thomas

Margo Thomas is Chief People Officer at Sime Motors, where she leads the organisation's People & Culture strategy across leadership, organisational capability, employee experience, and workforce development.

With more than 20 years of HR leadership experience spanning education, banking, telecommunications, technology, manufacturing, distribution, and automotive, Margo is passionate about building high-performing teams, developing leaders, and creating workplaces where people feel connected, trusted, and empowered to succeed.

Why This Episode Matters

As organisations embrace AI, flexible work, and increasing workplace complexity, leaders face the challenge of maintaining meaningful human connection while delivering commercial outcomes.

This episode provides practical insights into how People & Culture leaders can build trust, strengthen leadership capability, and create workplaces where technology supports, rather than replaces, authentic relationships. Whether you're an HR professional, executive, business owner, or people leader, Margo offers practical advice for leading with empathy, commercial awareness, and purpose.

Resources & Links

• Sime Motors: https://www.simemotors.co.nz/
• Connect with Margo Thomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margo-thomas-567ba04/

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New Zealand investment in women-only founding teams has more than tripled in a year, but a huge gender gap remains. 

Gender Investment Gap University of Auckland Business School data shows these teams are still receiving less than six cents in every investment dollar, while male teams get 70 cents. 

And while there's been more investment in women-led businesses, it starts falling away at later funding stages. 

So, why does it all matter?  

Today on The Front Page, founder of tech startup Dispute Buddy, Jenny Rudd is with us to discuss.

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

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