Consumer confidence has gone back up - but new data indicates people are also worried about inflation.

The latest ANZ-Roy Morgan survey shows consumer confidence rose 5 points to 98.3 in April - but inflation expectations soared 0.5pts to 4.7 percent, the highest reading since July 2023.

NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann unpacked the factors contributing to this data.

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The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the content of the podcasts.

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

This week, the trade war tensions continue, but is Trump about to back-down? New measures to combat the risk of scams, and the number of company liquidations continue to rise … plus how digital exports can dodge the tariffs, and an inspiring chat with the co-owner of supplement company Moodi Blends.

The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the content of the podcasts.

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As global trade becomes increasingly protectionist, New Zealand’s tech sector faces a welcome anomaly for now: digital exports are tariff-free. 

Unlike goods, software and digital services still move relatively freely across borders, and nowhere is this opportunity greater than in India—a vast, fast-growing market hungry for innovation. 

The story of Valocity Global, founded by Auckland-based serial entrepreneur Carmen Vicelich, is a masterclass in how Kiwi tech companies can thrive in India which with its 1.4 billion people, youthful demographics (over 50% under 28), and ambitious “housing for all” and financial inclusion policies, is digitising at speed. 

Valocity Global now offers services to 20 banks in India, streamlining the process of valuing property with an app-based system that replaces manual and time-consuming valuation processes. Carmen joins me on episode 94 of The Business of Tech to explain how Valocity cracked the indian market, and how other Kiwi digital exporters can do the same.

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Despite the negative press and volatile climate, some financial markets have managed to hold up solidly throughout 2025.

The consumer staples industry - food, beverages, household products - and all the brands tied to that sector have managed to stay strong throughout the year.

Milford Asset Management's Stephanie Batchelor explains further.

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The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the content of the podcasts.

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The Finance Minister has adamantly denied any suggestions of the Government trying to interfere in the Reserve Bank.

Critics have raised concerns that the Reserve Bank's temporary Governor and Chair are acting to appeal to Nicola Willis' interests.

NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further.

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The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the content of the podcasts.

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There's less than a month to go until the 2025 Budget is unveiled - and the Finance Minister has been clear about the goals she aims to tackle.

Nicola Willis says New Zealand has been in a significant deficit since 2019, and she's determined to get back into surplus by 2027/2028.

She explained getting the country back into surplus will help to pay down debt.

"We're borrowing every day right now to keep our hospitals, schools and police going - but we can't do that forever as a country, we need to get the books back in balance."

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The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the content of the podcasts.

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The International Monetary Fund is slashing its global growth forecasts due to impact of Donald Trump's tariffs, and expects the US to be hit particularly hard. 

US markets have been rallying, with the White House confirming it has 18 trade deal proposals on paper, is talking with 34 countries this week, and has a China deal in the works. 

But China's warning it will hit back at countries that make deals that go against its interests. 

Export NZ Executive Director Josh Tan told Mike Hosking it's still unclear how New Zealand and its exporters will be affected. 

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The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the content of the podcasts.

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There's been some positive trade news.

Stats NZ data shows goods exports rose 19 percent to $7.6 billion in March - compared to the same time a year ago.

Milk powder, butter and cheese rose 35 percent to $2.3 billion.

Goods imports rose 12 percent to $6.6 billion.

Infometrics principal economist Nick Brunsdon unpacked the factors.

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The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the content of the podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY]  In one season the AFC has grown from an idea into an entertainment empire. This episode takes you inside the organisation that took fandom to another level.

The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the content of the podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The path to becoming a social media influencer or content creator is one a lot of people aspire to these days - in fact, one survey suggested 57 percent for Gen Zers want that career path. 

But how easy it is to get into this path, and make it pay? 

Julian Sewell is a Kiwi who’s made it big on Instagram and TikTok, although you may know him as his silver haired alter ego, Paloma Diamond.  

His first video parodying the Hollywood awards season in 2023 now has over 23 million views on TikTok, and he has 3 million followers across that platform and Instagram. He joins Nadine this week to discuss how his career blew up, and how one actually makes money from social media.

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at [email protected] 

The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the content of the podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.