NBR | Independent business news, Finance, Investment, Tech, Law

Tue 13 Jan 2026 07:04:10pm

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Tue 13 Jan 2026 07:04:10pm

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Top Story

Te Ao Māori

New private credit fund backs Māori economy

Toroa wholesale fund promises Māori enterprises a different kind of lender and gives private capital investors direct access to the fast-growing Māori economy.

Mike McRoberts Wed, 14 Jan 2026

Te Ao Māori

New private credit fund backs Māori economy

Toroa wholesale fund promises Māori enterprises a different kind of lender and gives private capital investors direct access to the fast-growing Māori economy.

Mike McRoberts Wed, 14 Jan 2026

Trump’s Fed putsch unlikely to embolden copycats

Local experts weigh in on the Trump administration’s criminal investigation into Fed chair Jerome Powell.

Investment

Trump’s Fed putsch unlikely to embolden copycats

Local experts weigh in on the Trump administration’s criminal investigation into Fed chair Jerome Powell.

Nicholas Pointon Wed, 14 Jan 2026

Underarm

Australia fractures in aftermath of Bondi massacre

ANALYSIS: Rather than being united in national mourning, the Bondi massacre has unleashed a wave of partisanship that undermines opportunities for healing.

Underarm

Australia fractures in aftermath of Bondi massacre

ANALYSIS: Rather than being united in national mourning, the Bondi massacre has unleashed a wave of partisanship that undermines opportunities for healing.

Lachlan Colquhoun Wed, 14 Jan 2026

General Business

Construction costs edge up to ‘concerning’ levels: economist

Plumbing products led the way to a 2.3% increase in overall construction costs last year, tracking residential consents which have started climbing back up the ladder.

General Business

Construction costs edge up to ‘concerning’ levels: economist

Plumbing products led the way to a 2.3% increase in overall construction costs last year, tracking residential consents which have started climbing back up the ladder.

Brent Melville Wed, 14 Jan 2026

Tue 13 Jan 2026 07:01:32pm

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Listen to NBR Podcast episodes

Trump encourages Iranian protestors, Greenland choose Denmark

Professional Services

PwC sells business restructuring unit to global advisory Teneo

Market Close

Thin summer trading sees NZX50 dip

Infrastructure

Law change designed to strengthen electricity market competition

Economics

Economic recovery solidifies as business confidence surges

Investment

InfraKiwi fund gets cautious nod of approval from the Treasury

Te Ao Māori

New private credit fund backs Māori economy

Underarm

Australia fractures in aftermath of Bondi massacre

General Business

Construction costs edge up to ‘concerning’ levels: economist

Investment

Trump’s Fed putsch unlikely to embolden copycats

Morning Brew

Trump encourages Iranian protestors, Greenland choose Denmark

Professional Services

PwC sells business restructuring unit to global advisory Teneo

Politics

The Greens’ counting on ‘power of the people’

Infrastructure

Consent delays tug at Port of Tauranga’s purse strings

General Business

The growing share of private equity in charity portfolios

General Business

Behemoth Brewing taps shareholders for cash to pay off creditors

General Business

Clean car changes won't derail shift to electrified vehicles

General Business

Sacred Hill's $30m overstatement

Behemoth Brewing taps shareholders for cash to pay off creditors

NBR has a seen a snapshot of the Auckland craft brewer’s financials, which show it reported a $2.8m loss in FY25.

Law

US multinational’s claim against Montoux set for October

Wellington-founded firm went into liquidation in 2024 after Fidelity National Information Services accused it of stealing trade secrets.

Tech & Innovation

Surfactant startup Dot Ingredients seeks $3m in seed round

The money will go towards a pilot plant to scale its pioneering sustainable Celluspheres technology.

Investment

Rakon 7% investor Mike Daniel ready to cash in

Investor is set to receive just over $25 million if Bourns’ proposed takeover offer is successful.

Featured

General Business

Island Direct ramps up fleet, EV ferries await ‘weather window’

Private challenger ferry operator looks to muscle in on the local dominance of Fullers360 in the Waitematā Harbour, while the latter awaits better weather for EV/hybrid boat delivery.

The NBR Podcast

Podcast Summer Series: Election year 2026

LISTEN: Political editor Brent Edwards on the shape of the Coalition and Opposition as we think about going to the polls later this year.

The NBR Podcast

Podcast Summer Series: Election year 2026

LISTEN: Political editor Brent Edwards on the shape of the Coalition and Opposition as we think about going to the polls later this year.

General Business

Sacred Hill's $30m overstatement

New documents released to NBR under the Official Information Act indicate the scale of the overstatements that occurred in the group's books prior to its collapse.

General Business

Sacred Hill's $30m overstatement

New documents released to NBR under the Official Information Act indicate the scale of the overstatements that occurred in the group's books prior to its collapse.

Your Business

Family tourism venture not just about making money

John Barrett has multi-generational links with Kapiti Island and the popular tour and glamping business he co-founded in 1999.

Your Business

Family tourism venture not just about making money

John Barrett has multi-generational links with Kapiti Island and the popular tour and glamping business he co-founded in 1999.

Analysis

Margin Call

A ponder on solar

ANALYSIS: Solar disruption is moving from niche adoption to a central role in New Zealand’s energy landscape.

Andrew Bascand Tue, 13 Jan 2026

Beehive Banter

Winners and losers of the 2025 political year

ANALYSIS: New Zealand First had a strong year while Te Pāti Māori imploded.

Brent Edwards Sat, 27 Dec 2025

Economy Matters

The New Zealand economy: review 2025

ANALYSIS: After a difficult year, New Zealand enters 2026 with the foundations for a slow, steady recovery, with cautious optimism.

Christoph Schumacher Mon, 22 Dec 2025

Guest Analysis

Three key considerations for successful RMA reform

ANALYSIS: Over coming weeks, developers, planners, architects, builders, and communities will be poring over the fine print before making submissions. The devil will be in the detail.

Mark Abbot Sun, 21 Dec 2025

Investment

Rakon fields $356m takeover notice from American suitor Bourns

Proposed takeover at $1.55 a share already has support from 41% of Rakon's shareholder register.

Will Mace Mon, 12 Jan 2026

NZ Steel owner rejects ‘highly opportunistic’ $15.2b takeover bid

Industrial conglomerate SGH Limited and US-based Steel Dynamics were offering A$30 a share for ASX-listed BlueScope.

NBR Staff Thu, 08 Jan 2026

A cracking year for listed property looms, housing uncertain

The residential market faltered last year, while the listed sector retraced prior year losses, with more expected into 2026, analysts say.

Brent Melville Thu, 08 Jan 2026

Economics

The long path to a neutral interest rate

With the benefit of foresight, Kiwibank chief economist Jarrod Kerr looks back at monetary policy over the past year.

Jonathan Mitchell Sun, 04 Jan 2026

Economy firing up as GDP rose 1.1% in September quarter

The data outpaced expectations and shows broad growth in a number of areas over the three-month period.

Jonathan Mitchell Thu, 18 Dec 2025

Capital requirement tweaks strike right balance, says RBNZ

The central bank has made changes to the capital requirements for retail banks, as expected, but it won't be immediate.

Jonathan Mitchell Wed, 17 Dec 2025

Politics

Winston Peters is promising an election like no other

Yet, while maintaing the world faces the most unstable environment since World War ll, he is coy about New Zealand First’s election strategy.

Brent Edwards Fri, 09 Jan 2026

The Greens’ counting on ‘power of the people’

The Government is banking on people switching off from politics, so they have to be switched back on, says Chlöe Swarbrick.

Brent Edwards Thu, 08 Jan 2026

New Zealand’s unlikely Deputy Prime Minister

Act is well placed to do better in the 2026 election, says David Seymour.

Brent Edwards Wed, 07 Jan 2026

Te Ao Māori

From Māori tech trenches to Huckleberry

Huckleberry founders bring Māori values to global work.

Mike McRoberts Sun, 11 Jan 2026

South Island iwi remain steady through the storm

Ngāi Tahu kaiwhakahaere Justin Tipa looks back on a year of pressure and purpose.

Mike McRoberts Fri, 02 Jan 2026

Helmut Modlik’s big year and bigger hopes

Ngāti Toa chief executive Helmut Modlik looks back on 2025 ‘with tired eyes, but also with gratitude’ for the progress the iwi has made.

Mike McRoberts Thu, 01 Jan 2026

Primary Industries

Dairy prices move in positive direction

The overnight auction broke nine consecutive declines after a negative end to 2025.

Jonathan Mitchell Wed, 07 Jan 2026

Alliance CEO resigns, Dawn Meats boss in charge

Willie Wiese leaves Alliance after eight years, including almost three years as chief executive.

NBR Staff Tue, 06 Jan 2026

Is the Rockit mission running out of fuel?

Some growers also worry whether it’s on the right flight path.

Kate McVicar Sat, 03 Jan 2026

Australia

Under-siege ASX faces an end to its monopoly

After a year to forget in 2025, things could get even tougher for the ASX in 2026.

Lachlan Colquhoun Fri, 02 Jan 2026

The year Aussie conservatives hit rock bottom

A landslide victory for Labor at the May election has sent Australian conservatives into the political wilderness, uncertain of how they can bounce back.

Lachlan Colquhoun Sun, 28 Dec 2025

Former ANZ chief Shayne Elliott sues over A$13.5m cancelled bonus

Elliott says he took responsibility for reputational problems at the bank, but wants his contract honoured.

Lachlan Colquhoun Fri, 12 Dec 2025

Tech & Innovation

Wearable health platform Symply ramps up for 2026 launch

The startup is close to securing a strategic US investor that would allow the co-founders to sidestep local VC seed money.

Fiona Rotherham Mon, 12 Jan 2026

Whip Around co-founder launches new venture Therappai

Kiwi entrepreneur James Colley has started a mental health platform offering world-first AI video therapy with intelligent crisis alerts.

Fiona Rotherham Wed, 07 Jan 2026

Startups to watch in 2026

Venture capitalists name their picks of the startups most likely to make good progress this year.

Fiona Rotherham Thu, 01 Jan 2026

Law

Employment Hero drops legal action against investor Seek

The HR services provider had alleged anti-competitive conduct against its rival and investor last year.

NBR Staff Thu, 08 Jan 2026

Environment Court stays abatement notices on Northland plant

Whangārei businessman Warren Sinclair and Black2Green 2025 appealed notices shutting down a waste-to-energy project.

Fiona Rotherham Wed, 07 Jan 2026

Litigation outlook: High Court rules, class actions, AI washing

NBR speaks to more than a dozen litigation partners and industry players about what to expect in commercial litigation in 2026.

Hamish McNicol Tue, 06 Jan 2026

Finance

‘Game on’: Kiwibank’s goal to erode Aussie-owned bank profits

CEO Steve Jurkovich is bullish about the bank’s prospects as it gears up for another big year in 2026.

Jonathan Mitchell Sat, 27 Dec 2025

Kiwibank capital raise gets kicked to the sidelines

Parent company Kiwi Group Capital decides to hit pause after the RBNZ’s capital requirement changes.

Jonathan Mitchell Fri, 19 Dec 2025

Bank cashback deals create tsunami of mortgage switches

Lender processing times have blown out as cashback offers prompt widespread switching by borrowers between banks.

Brent Melville Fri, 19 Dec 2025

The NBR Podcast

Podcast Summer Series: Tech & startups 2025

LISTEN: Journalists Will Mace and Fiona Rotherham take us on the tech rollercoaster of 2025.

Simon Shepherd Tue, 06 Jan 2026

Podcast Summer Series: The Business Journalist of the Year

LISTEN: Multiple award-winning NBR senior journalist Tim Hunter unpacks how he finds the devil in the detail.

Simon Shepherd Tue, 30 Dec 2025

Podcast Summer Series: The view from Australia

LISTEN: NBR’s Australian correspondent Lachlan Colquhoun talks elections, fraud, and cricket as he looks back on 2025.

Simon Shepherd Tue, 23 Dec 2025

General Business

NZX50 dips as probe into Fed’s Powell sours US futures

Rakon soars on $354m takeover offer.

Curious News Mon, 12 Jan 2026

Jucy extends net losses to $7.8m as finance costs bite

The first reported set of results for budget campervan company since Australian private equity company Next took controlling stake in August 2022.

Brent Melville Mon, 12 Jan 2026

Moola director accused of insolvent trading

But Edward Recordon has pushed back against the allegations.

Nicholas Pointon Mon, 12 Jan 2026

Deals

Fuel providers NPD, Gull to merge

Merger would create a network of 240 sites across the country and is subject to Commerce Commission approval.

Hamish McNicol Thu, 25 Dec 2025

AS Colour pulls in Quadrant investor, reveals $500m annual sales

Blank clothing brand, which was founded by Lawrence Railton in 2005, now has 27 retail sites around the world.

Will Mace Wed, 10 Dec 2025

Movac takes a seat with Hnry after $30m Series C raise

Long-time backer Icehouse Ventures also increases its stake in the Wellington accounting fintech.

Jonathan Mitchell Wed, 10 Dec 2025

Tourism

Tourism bordering on an events-driven recovery in 2026

The industry has yet to get back to pre-pandemic levels, but NZICC opening is a good start.

Brent Melville Thu, 08 Jan 2026

Skyline cashes in Christchurch Casino stake, while chips are down

Sale to an Australian buyer follows write downs due to poor trading and anti-money laundering issues.

Brent Melville Mon, 05 Jan 2026

Viaduct’s QT goes as Super Fund looks to offload $600m portfolio

Australian entertainment and hotels company EVT has picked up the first of the New Zealand Hotel Holdings eight-hotel portfolio.

Brent Melville Mon, 05 Jan 2026

Infrastructure

Consent delays tug at Port of Tauranga’s purse strings

The country's dominant export terminal has pushed back capex due to extended delays to its expansion plans.

Brent Melville Fri, 09 Jan 2026

Chorus sale proceeds will be invested in infrastructure

It is important to note the Government does not have an equity stake in Chorus, Chris Bishop says.

NBR Staff Wed, 17 Dec 2025

End of the road for road cone hotline

The pilot, which ended earlier than planned, had done its job by collecting valuable data, Brooke van Velden said.

NBR Staff Wed, 17 Dec 2025

Property

Who are the property sector’s ‘bad Santas’?

Between them, these ‘Infamous Five’ have managed to destroy almost half a billion dollars from investors and lenders this year.

Brent Melville Mon, 22 Dec 2025

Singaporean fund manager pays $55m for Wynyard hotel, retail site

Sale is part of Infratil’s ‘legacy portfolio’ divestment strategy, with funds to be reallocated into its data centre developments.

Brent Melville Wed, 17 Dec 2025

Creditors owed more than $2.4m by Nook Homes

Nook’s directors blame unpaid client bills for cashflow issues, while 160 creditors have been recorded.

Kate McVicar Mon, 15 Dec 2025

Professional Services

James Gardner-Hopkins regains practising certificate

New Zealand Law Society says application was carefully considered and is subject to a structured mentoring arrangement.

Hamish McNicol Tue, 16 Dec 2025

BDO NZ appoints new chief executive

Chief operating officer Jordan Cole has been promoted to the newly created role, effective January 1.

Hamish McNicol Thu, 11 Dec 2025

Professional body bans and fines former PwC Australia chief

CA ANZ moved against Tom Seymour after he was banned by Australia’s Tax Practitioners Board in September.

Lachlan Colquhoun Tue, 02 Dec 2025

NBR Focus

Dealmakers 2025: Distress, restructuring, and when to say ‘when’

Corporate asset sales, insolvency processes, and equity raise recapitalisations have contributed heartily to M&A advisers’ work this year.

Will Mace Fri, 17 Oct 2025

Dealmakers 2025: Adviser focus – BDO

Accounting firm had a hand in 25 closed deals during the year ended June 30, 2025, collectively worth just over $1 billion.

Hamish McNicol Fri, 17 Oct 2025

Dealmakers 2025: Adviser focus – Duncan Cotterill

The firm is optimistic for the period ahead, particularly as interest rates continue to fall and the macro environment improves.

Hamish McNicol Thu, 16 Oct 2025

Retail

Costco NZ reports maiden profit as it gears up for expansion

The international retailer reported a $9.6m profit in the year ended August 31 in New Zealand.

Jonathan Mitchell Mon, 05 Jan 2026

Retail 2025: Some thrived, others just survived

Retail experts take stock of a challenging year.

Kate McVicar Fri, 26 Dec 2025

AS Colour founder’s journey from garage bands to global brand

Lawrence Railton’s apparel retailer and wholesaler sells $500m worth of product a year, and is still expanding.

Will Mace Thu, 11 Dec 2025

Luxury Property

Matakana’s Matisse, Pyes Pa’s grand dame, and Bendigo wining

For the NBR Rich Listers and other high-net-worths who have everything, comes 800 pieces of art, a high-class restaurant – and pink snails.

Brent Melville Wed, 17 Dec 2025

Waiheke billionaire bolthole, Castor Bay views, Erskine chapel

The luxury property market is heating up, as New Zealand opens its doors to ‘golden visa’ holders and diamonds emerge in the rough.

Brent Melville Wed, 26 Nov 2025

Omaha’s ‘I feel good’ factor, Ayrs and graces, and Grand Designs

Two next-door properties on Omaha’s beachfront, while Meehan sells off luxury residence packages for record prices at Ayrburn.

Brent Melville Wed, 29 Oct 2025

Aviation News

Air India said to be replacing Campbell Wilson as CEO

Carry On: Chinese airlines' A320 splurge, Airbus vs Boeing in 2025.

Nevil Gibson Sat, 10 Jan 2026

China Airlines adds to big Airbus A350-1000 order

Carry On: Malaysia upgrades Auckland route, Canadian member for Oneworld.

Nevil Gibson Sat, 27 Dec 2025

Canadian entrepreneur gets keys to first Global 8000

Carry On: Comac’s business jet, air taxi developments, peak summer traffic.

Nevil Gibson Sat, 20 Dec 2025

Energy

The next wave in renewable energy

Wave and tidal power, seen decades ago as a potential source of reliable electricity, has never lived up to its hype. But there are signs of progress.

Tim Hunter Mon, 05 Jan 2026

ComCom to look at ‘counterproductive’ clauses in energy contracts

The Major Electricity Users’ Group says punitive commercial terms are ‘disappointing’.

Brent Melville Thu, 18 Dec 2025

Class action against Transpower, Omexom over Northland outage

Litigation funder Omni Bridgeway is backing a claim on behalf of Northland businesses seeking tens of millions of dollars in damages.

Hamish McNicol Thu, 27 Nov 2025

Rich List 2025

Featured Rich Listers: Wi Pere Trust

It’s estimated the Wi Pere Trust will need another three years to repair hill country fences affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and rebuild soil structure and fertility on its 7000ha of hill country.

Owen Poland Wed, 19 Nov 2025

Featured Rich Lister: Glenn Hawkins

In late 2024, there was a minor reshuffle of Avanti Finance’s share register that saw Hawkins increase his majority stake in the business by 3.5% to almost 63%.

Owen Poland Tue, 18 Nov 2025

Featured Rich Lister: Don Braid

Apart from navigating US President Trumps tariff announcements, also on Braid’s Mainfreight plate in 2025 is the vexed question of what will be done about the Cook Strait ferry debacle.

Owen Poland Mon, 17 Nov 2025

Marketing & Media

Andrew Barclay appointed chair of TVNZ

The former Goldman Sachs NZ deal maker will join the board in November.

NBR Staff Tue, 30 Sep 2025

MediaWorks separates business into two

The radio arm will now be a standalone operation.

NBR Staff Wed, 10 Sep 2025

News Corp crown goes to Lachlan

Rupert Murdoch’s eldest son will take control of his media empire in a settlement of the family’s feud.

NBR Staff Tue, 09 Sep 2025

Comings & Goings

Craigs appoints new head of Investment Strategy Group

Alice Mew joins Craigs from the NZ Superannuation Fund, where she most recently served as director, external investments and partnerships.

Tue, 13 Jan 2026

Todd Grave takes up chief executive role at Mt Cook Alpine Salmon

Appointment comes as the company reports a record first quarter, following its strongest financial year to date, with revenue up 37% to $53.5m

Tue, 06 Jan 2026

Dave Clark steps back after 25 years at eponymous brand agency

Dave Clark says: ‘It’s been over 50 years since I began working in design, and it’s been one heck of a blast.’

Mon, 29 Dec 2025

New private credit fund backs Māori economy

New private credit fund backs Māori economy

Global capital meets Māori ambition

Māori business confidence holds firm

Free News Alerts

Trump’s Fed putsch unlikely to embolden copycats

Trump’s Fed putsch unlikely to embolden copycats

Australia fractures in aftermath of Bondi massacre

Australia fractures in aftermath of Bondi massacre

Construction costs edge up to ‘concerning’ levels: economist

Construction costs edge up to ‘concerning’ levels: economist

Trump encourages Iranian protestors, Greenland choose Denmark

PwC sells business restructuring unit to global advisory Teneo

Thin summer trading sees NZX50 dip

Law change designed to strengthen electricity market competition

Economic recovery solidifies as business confidence surges

InfraKiwi fund gets cautious nod of approval from the Treasury

New private credit fund backs Māori economy

Australia fractures in aftermath of Bondi massacre

Construction costs edge up to ‘concerning’ levels: economist

Trump’s Fed putsch unlikely to embolden copycats

Trump encourages Iranian protestors, Greenland choose Denmark

PwC sells business restructuring unit to global advisory Teneo

The Greens’ counting on ‘power of the people’

Consent delays tug at Port of Tauranga’s purse strings

The growing share of private equity in charity portfolios

Behemoth Brewing taps shareholders for cash to pay off creditors

Clean car changes won't derail shift to electrified vehicles

Sacred Hill's $30m overstatement

Behemoth Brewing taps shareholders for cash to pay off creditors

US multinational’s claim against Montoux set for October

Surfactant startup Dot Ingredients seeks $3m in seed round

Rakon 7% investor Mike Daniel ready to cash in

Island Direct ramps up fleet, EV ferries await ‘weather window’

Podcast Summer Series: Election year 2026

Podcast Summer Series: Election year 2026

Sacred Hill's $30m overstatement

Sacred Hill's $30m overstatement

Family tourism venture not just about making money

Family tourism venture not just about making money

A ponder on solar

Winners and losers of the 2025 political year

The New Zealand economy: review 2025

Three key considerations for successful RMA reform

Investment

Rakon fields $356m takeover notice from American suitor Bourns

NZ Steel owner rejects ‘highly opportunistic’ $15.2b takeover bid

A cracking year for listed property looms, housing uncertain

Economics

The long path to a neutral interest rate

Economy firing up as GDP rose 1.1% in September quarter

Capital requirement tweaks strike right balance, says RBNZ

Politics

Winston Peters is promising an election like no other

The Greens’ counting on ‘power of the people’

New Zealand’s unlikely Deputy Prime Minister

Te Ao Māori

From Māori tech trenches to Huckleberry

South Island iwi remain steady through the storm

Helmut Modlik’s big year and bigger hopes

Primary Industries

Dairy prices move in positive direction

Alliance CEO resigns, Dawn Meats boss in charge

Is the Rockit mission running out of fuel?

Australia

Under-siege ASX faces an end to its monopoly

The year Aussie conservatives hit rock bottom

Former ANZ chief Shayne Elliott sues over A$13.5m cancelled bonus

Tech & Innovation

Wearable health platform Symply ramps up for 2026 launch

Whip Around co-founder launches new venture Therappai

Startups to watch in 2026

Law

Employment Hero drops legal action against investor Seek

Environment Court stays abatement notices on Northland plant

Litigation outlook: High Court rules, class actions, AI washing

Finance

‘Game on’: Kiwibank’s goal to erode Aussie-owned bank profits

Kiwibank capital raise gets kicked to the sidelines

Bank cashback deals create tsunami of mortgage switches