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

Wed 08 Apr 2026 11:15:58pm

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Wed 08 Apr 2026 11:15:58pm

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Top Story

Deals

What newbie non-bank lender Runway plans to do with Lock Finance

The specialist in invoice and receivables finance has been acquired by a company backed by Marko Bogoievski and Jonathan Reid.

Fiona Rotherham Thu, 09 Apr 2026

Deals

What newbie non-bank lender Runway plans to do with Lock Finance

The specialist in invoice and receivables finance has been acquired by a company backed by Marko Bogoievski and Jonathan Reid.

Fiona Rotherham Thu, 09 Apr 2026

The fishhooks in National’s coalition agreement with NZ First

ANALYSIS: National MPs have warned they might vote against the Fisheries Amendment Bill.

Edwards on Politics

The fishhooks in National’s coalition agreement with NZ First

ANALYSIS: National MPs have warned they might vote against the Fisheries Amendment Bill.

Brent Edwards Thu, 09 Apr 2026

Economics

NZ economic recovery will slow but recession unlikely: Rabobank

WATCH: The timing around rate hikes is still uncertain as the Iran war keeps inflation higher for longer.

Economics

NZ economic recovery will slow but recession unlikely: Rabobank

WATCH: The timing around rate hikes is still uncertain as the Iran war keeps inflation higher for longer.

Jonathan Mitchell Thu, 09 Apr 2026

Energy

Monopoly Watch backs Gull/NPD merger

Submission to Commerce Commission says fuel companies need bulk to compete with Z Energy and BP.

Energy

Monopoly Watch backs Gull/NPD merger

Submission to Commerce Commission says fuel companies need bulk to compete with Z Energy and BP.

NBR Staff Thu, 09 Apr 2026

Wed 08 Apr 2026 11:12:52pm

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Listen to NBR Podcast episodes

FMA’s ongoing ‘going concern’ concerns

Morning Brew

Middle East truce under threat; oil falls below $100

Market Close

NZX50, kiwi soar on US-Iran circuit breaker

Property

‘Biggest southern deal’ as Tait campus hits market at $70m

Investment

DroneShield CEO and chair to stand down

Politics

US and Iran agree two-week ceasefire before escalation deadline

Deals

What newbie non-bank lender Runway plans to do with Lock Finance

Edwards on Politics

The fishhooks in National’s coalition agreement with NZ First

Morning Brew

Middle East truce under threat; oil falls below $100

Energy

Monopoly Watch backs Gull/NPD merger

Economics

NZ economic recovery will slow but recession unlikely: Rabobank

Professional Services

FMA’s ongoing ‘going concern’ concerns

Politics

‘Poor policy’: Retirement Commissioner slams KiwiSaver farm tweak

Politically Speaking

Dealing with the fuel crisis and reshuffling the Cabinet

Edwards on Politics

The fishhooks in National’s coalition agreement with NZ First

Book Review

Employers and the fuel crisis: don’t panic, plan

Energy

Govt to fund more diesel storage at Marsden Pt

Rural Land Co wins costs in lease dispute

Indemnity costs order capped by judge as amount sought ‘does not appear to bear a proportionate relationship to the nature and extent of the litigation’.

Tech & Innovation

More cancer patients likely to benefit from new BioOra deal

The deal will help patients in new markets to receive Car T-cell therapy.

Investment

A2 Milk to pay $75m in class action settlement

Agreement ends Australian claims alleging misleading and deceptive conduct in company disclosures in 2020 and 2021.

Investment

Ebos’ freight fuel costs could surge by $2.5m a month

Healthcare heavyweight’s ‘meaningful’ exposure to higher fuel costs could merit an earnings downgrade, analysts say.

Featured

Economics

OCR on hold as Middle East war turns to ceasefire

RBNZ governor warned the central bank would act ‘decisively and timely’ to raise the OCR if medium term inflation pressures were baked in and wages were rising.

Primary Industries

Willis told to ask Lactalis about NZ’s investment rules

A paper obtained by NBR shows the Treasury also suggested the French multinational might develop its own milk supply.

Primary Industries

Willis told to ask Lactalis about NZ’s investment rules

A paper obtained by NBR shows the Treasury also suggested the French multinational might develop its own milk supply.

Energy

Construction to serve as bellwether for fuel price reaction

The sector, pulling itself up out of several years of constrained spending, is facing another significant threat.

Energy

Construction to serve as bellwether for fuel price reaction

The sector, pulling itself up out of several years of constrained spending, is facing another significant threat.

The NBR Podcast

Podcast #98: NZ small businesses ‘lack ambition’

LISTEN: The engine room of New Zealand ranks poorly on growth and technology compared to our Asia Pacific neighbours.

The NBR Podcast

Podcast #98: NZ small businesses ‘lack ambition’

Analysis

Underarm

Air NZ to fly where no one has flown before – to Western Sydney

ANALYSIS: The timing may not be ideal, but Air New Zealand’s decision to use the new Sydney Airport looks like a sound investment in a growing market.

Lachlan Colquhoun Wed, 08 Apr 2026

Shoeshine

The second wave for NZ’s medicinal cannabis industry

ANALYSIS: Investors have lost millions and companies have collapsed, but medicinal cannabis players still see a bright future.

Fiona Rotherham Tue, 07 Apr 2026

Margin Call

The importance of beholding earnings (expectations)

ANALYSIS: The trend in earnings revisions can be a powerful tool to overlay on an investment process

Nicholas Bagnall Tue, 07 Apr 2026

Book Review

Exposing China’s ‘Snow job’

ANALYSIS: Historian challenges mythology of Mao’s rise to power.

Nevil Gibson Sun, 05 Apr 2026

Investment

NZX50 surges out of Easter weekend amid Middle East conflict fear

Skellerup led the bourse higher with exporters benefitting from a weaker currency.

Curious News Tue, 07 Apr 2026

NZX50 declines for 5th week as Trump plans to hit Iran hard

KMD held above its deeply discounted offer price in its trading return.

Curious News Thu, 02 Apr 2026

Instos stump up for $44.2m in KMD Brands capital raise

KMD's shares plunged 46% to 6.1 cents after market open.

NBR Staff Thu, 02 Apr 2026

Economics

Middle East war shocks fragile New Zealand economy

WATCH: Dollars & Sense debates the economic fallout from the Iran war.

Jonathan Mitchell Tue, 07 Apr 2026

The Government’s contribution to bringing interest rates down

Interest rates could be 15 basis points higher, a paper obtained by NBR under the Official Information Act suggests.

Brent Edwards Wed, 01 Apr 2026

Conway urges caution over the impact of Iran war

WATCH: RBNZ chief economist discusses inflation pressures and New Zealand’s fragile economic recovery.

Jonathan Mitchell Wed, 25 Mar 2026

Politics

‘Poor policy’: Retirement Commissioner slams KiwiSaver farm tweak

Outgoing Commissioner has panned the Government’s changes to allow members to tap into their KiwiSaver to purchase a farm.

Nicholas Pointon Thu, 02 Apr 2026

PM suggests reporters are over-thinking Cabinet reshuffle

Christopher Luxon says he had a ‘really positive conversation’ with Chris Bishop about the changes.

Brent Edwards Thu, 02 Apr 2026

Seymour promises cool heads in face of fuel crisis

"We can respond to fuel shortages from the Iran war without committing the knee-jerk mistakes made during Covid," he says.

NBR Staff Tue, 31 Mar 2026

Filmmakers Taika Waititi, Cliff Curtis and Jason Momoa have bought Glen Eden production facility Studio West, giving their Āriki Group its first confirmed foothold in West Auckland screen infrastructure.

Mike McRoberts Thu, 02 Apr 2026

Pounamu court case exposes flaws in the law

ANALYSIS: The first successful Customs prosecution over pounamu exports has delivered a guilty verdict, but the bigger issue now is whether the law is clear enough, and whether the public understands it.

Mike McRoberts Wed, 01 Apr 2026

Fastest-growing construction firm rings in success

Stronghold Group has grown from a small Auckland building contractor into the country’s fastest growing construction firm, with owners Quincy and Karalee Tangiau backing values, relationships, and careful reinvestment over outside capital.

Mike McRoberts Mon, 23 Mar 2026

Primary Industries

BNZ to come up short following Rockit entities' asset sales

BDO has entered agreements to sell assets, but doesn’t expect the bank to recoup the full amount owing to it.

Kate McVicar Mon, 30 Mar 2026

Heinz Wattie’s confirms 300 jobs axed

Three manufacturing facilities in Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin – as well as Hastings packing line – will close.

NBR Staff Fri, 27 Mar 2026

Creditors vote to put MyFarm Rockit partnership into liquidation

Rākete Orchards GP and Rākete Orchards LP owe creditors $12m.

Kate McVicar Wed, 25 Mar 2026

Australia

Canva posts A$1b in statutory losses as market awaits IPO

News of the losses come as the ‘SaaSpocalypse’ could test the company’s US$65b valuation.

Lachlan Colquhoun Mon, 30 Mar 2026

Binance cops A$10m penalty for mis-selling crypto derivatives

In addition to the penalty, Binance has paid A$13m in compensation.

Lachlan Colquhoun Mon, 30 Mar 2026

RBA hikes rates for second time this year

With the official interest rate differential with NZ now at 1.85%, the Australian dollar is at historic highs against the NZD.

Lachlan Colquhoun Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Tech & Innovation

Govt to reallocate $122m of science funds to advanced technology

The move follows a report by the Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council identifying four priority areas for future public investment.

Fiona Rotherham Wed, 01 Apr 2026

Cleantech company Alimentary raises $7.7m for first plant

It has developed an anaerobic digestion system to solve problems for ageing sludge ponds in many of the country’s wastewater treatment plants.

Fiona Rotherham Sat, 28 Mar 2026

Halter touting new valuation of more than $3.4 billion

The funding round would double Kiwi startup’s previous valuation of $1.6 billion.

NBR Staff Sun, 22 Mar 2026

Law

Employers and the fuel crisis: don’t panic, plan

What workplaces should be considering – and what some are doing – as the Middle East conflict continues to impact global fuel supplies.

Fiona Rotherham and Jono Mitchell Tue, 07 Apr 2026

Crown appeal on two CBL charges dismissed

Not guilty verdicts on two of the eight charges for which ex-CBL executives Peter Harris and Carden Mulholland were acquitted, were not found to contain errors.

NBR Staff Thu, 02 Apr 2026

Former OneRoof chief named as receiving underage sex services

Greg Hornblow’s identity and that of his employer had been suppressed since he was found guilty of receiving commercial sex services in November.

Brent Melville Thu, 02 Apr 2026

Finance

Specialist lenders’ book boosted by jump in business loans

Loan applications and approvals are up, says a new report, but impairments are also at their highest levels in five years.

Brent Melville Tue, 31 Mar 2026

BlackBull Markets sounding out investor interest

The Auckland-based trading platform is said to be seeking a dual listing in Australia and New Zealand.

Hamish McNicol Wed, 25 Mar 2026

How lower fees could have a big impact on your KiwiSaver

ANALYSIS: Part four of a series examining how much you need to save for retirement.

Brent Sheather Sun, 22 Mar 2026

The NBR Podcast

Podcast #97: ‘Unicorn’ Halter rounds up a big raise

LISTEN: Craig Piggott on what's next after his agritech startup doubled its valuation in just nine months.

Simon Shepherd Tue, 31 Mar 2026

Podcast #96: Supercritical geothermal

LISTEN: It’s been described as a ‘moonbeam’ but is the answer to electricity sovereignty right beneath our feet?

Simon Shepherd Tue, 24 Mar 2026

Podcast #95: Fuel shock clips Air NZ’s wings

LISTEN: Airline suffers from the ‘crack spread’, so what can we do about fuel security?

Simon Shepherd Tue, 17 Mar 2026

General Business

Buoyant US market awaits impact of fuel cost increase

Are risks to the US economy and Trump’s political future enough to quell further hostilities?

Will Mace Mon, 06 Apr 2026

Better Packaging Co wins award for Chinese platform

The Kiwi company has gained customers from a purpose-built B2B platform accessible behind the Chinese firewall.

Fiona Rotherham Mon, 06 Apr 2026

War breeds market volatility as business confidence ‘smashed’

KMD Brands’ hugely discounted equity raise, ANZ’s confidence survey drop, and house price doldrums indicate a difficult path forward.

Will Mace Sat, 04 Apr 2026

Deals

Making millionaires: PartsTrader deal struck at $650m

Founders of the auto parts marketplace would have had a $73.5 million return after the sale of the company was concluded in February.

Brent Melville Thu, 02 Apr 2026

Halter confirms $3.4b valuation after $377m Series E

Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund led the latest capital raise for the Kiwi agritech unicorn.

NBR Staff Wed, 25 Mar 2026

Whip Around secures majority investment from PE firm Accel-KKR

One of its early investors, CEO Noah Hickey, will continue to run the company from the US.

Fiona Rotherham Wed, 04 Mar 2026

Tourism

Billionaire Kwek Leng Beng picks The Mayfair

After a failed bid for NZ’s only listed hotel group, the Singaporean hotelier has selected the five-star hotel as the first in the southern hemisphere to join his elite collection.

Brent Melville Mon, 30 Mar 2026

THL shares retrace losses, as Trouchet departs

Share price recovery follows initial hit in the wake of travel and oil price fears on the US/Israel-Iran conflict.

Brent Melville Tue, 03 Mar 2026

Tourism Holdings profits up 17%, opens door to new offer

Company chair signals the motorhome company is open to a revised bid from the Apollo RV founder consortium or ‘other potential bidders’ at above $663m level.

Brent Melville Mon, 23 Feb 2026

Infrastructure

S&P raises concerns about rates caps for New Zealand councils

It says councils are likely to have to defer or cancel spending on infrastructure.

Brent Edwards Thu, 02 Apr 2026

Bishop stares down Auckland’s ‘$4b’ volcanic view shafts

Housing and Infrastructure Minister discloses $2500 ‘per household’ as the cost of preserving the lines of sight.

Brent Melville Fri, 27 Mar 2026

Developers raise ‘serious questions’ over Auckland water deal

Watercare says an ‘inherited’ agreement with Veolia in South Auckland, and a watertight confidentiality clause, leaves Auckland's relationship with the French multinational on an uncertain footing.

Brent Melville Fri, 27 Mar 2026

Property

Singaporean-Japanese group snaps up Jack’s Point hotel site

Tak Development is owned by the giant Japanese Takenaka Corporation.

Brent Melville Fri, 03 Apr 2026

Another Black Robin Equity entity flies into receivership

Creditors and investors are owed an estimated $9m, with little expected to be recovered after a series of unfortunate investments.

Brent Melville Wed, 01 Apr 2026

Small win for golfers, as 18ha retained at Takapuna GC

The Kaipātiki local board has decided to retain a strong sports and community element at the AF Thomas Park, although finer details still have to be ironed out.

Brent Melville Thu, 26 Mar 2026

Professional Services

Lane Neave managing partner retires

He will be replaced by litigation partner Ben Russell.

Hamish McNicol Wed, 01 Apr 2026

New MinterEllisonRuddWatts boss talks up Australian opportunity

Former Vital Healthcare Property Trust CEO Aaron Hockly became the law firm’s head this month.

Hamish McNicol Tue, 31 Mar 2026

Technical glitch throws accounting exams into chaos

The exam provider has also won a major contract with the Ministry of Education.

Lachlan Colquhoun Fri, 13 Mar 2026

NBR Focus

Election 2026: The battle for Auckland

From red tide to blue wave – what will it be this time?

Simon Shepherd Thu, 05 Mar 2026

Election 2026: Māori seats in the spotlight

A fractured Waitangi, a looming court ruling, a Labour reset, and a referendum threat have thrust the Māori electorates back to the centre of election year politics.

Mike McRoberts Thu, 05 Mar 2026

Election 2026: Will voters care about the deficit?

Forty years ago, former Prime Minister Robert Muldoon said people wouldn’t know a deficit if they tripped over it.

Brent Edwards Wed, 04 Mar 2026

Retail

The risks of extending the right to make a citizen’s arrest

The proposal could lead to unintended consequences, says BusinessNZ.

Brent Edwards Thu, 12 Mar 2026

The man who helped build Kathmandu and Macpac – then walked away

Alchemy Equipment founder Campbell Junor on working in other people’s operations before building his own.

Kate McVicar Wed, 11 Mar 2026

Proven entrepreneur hopes to repeat success with skincare venture

Teen-focused skincare brand Evre is expanding its North American presence and looks to raise at least US$2m.

Kate McVicar Mon, 09 Mar 2026

Luxury Property

Glendowie golden visa, Bayswater watch, what £20k bought in 1967

Offshore buying proves a bright spot in otherwise slow recovery for high-end properties – and as Middle Eastern buyers start looking.

Brent Melville Wed, 25 Mar 2026

First Light’s Hickey sells in Ongaonga, Seselj buys in Herne Bay

‘You wouldn’t want to leave your cell phone at one end of this home’, realtor says.

Brent Melville Wed, 25 Feb 2026

Coatesville club, Tuscan in Waimauku, $10m Albert St views

International buyers ramp up interest for homes above $5m; Aussie developer sells down Albert St tower, digs into Queenstown.

Brent Melville Wed, 28 Jan 2026

Aviation News

Air India confirms Campbell Wilson's resignation as CEO

The New Zealander's four-year tenure was marred by a fatal crash in July 2025.

Nevil Gibson Wed, 08 Apr 2026

United to add 250 aircraft to fleet over next two years

Carry On: Business jet sales, Twin Otter milestone, new routes.

Nevil Gibson Sat, 04 Apr 2026

Gulf carriers carry on during Middle East conflict

Carry On: China-North Korea resumption, AerCap’s Airbus deal, new routes.

Nevil Gibson Sat, 28 Mar 2026

Energy

Govt to fund more diesel storage at Marsden Pt

Channel Infrastructure will convert former crude oil tanks for diesel use in two months.

NBR Staff Thu, 02 Apr 2026

Govt mulls levy to fund more diesel storage

Channel Infrastructure says it would take several months to convert former crude oil tanks to store a further week’s supply.

Tim Hunter Wed, 25 Mar 2026

Mobil NZ on the block, says report

Oil multinational has previously said it wants to ‘high-grade’ its assets.

NBR Staff Wed, 25 Mar 2026

Rich List

40 years of the Rich List: 2006 Trade Me sale’s 17 millionaires

In the lead-up to the 40th edition of the Rich List in June, NBR is opening the archives to reproduce some of the best content from the past four decades.

NBR Staff Fri, 27 Mar 2026

40 years of the Rich List: Graeme Hart named first billionaire

In the lead-up to the 40th edition of the Rich List in June, NBR is opening the archives to reproduce some of the best content from the past four decades.

NBR Staff Fri, 27 Feb 2026

40 years of the Rich List: a look back to 1990

In the lead-up to the 40th edition of the Rich List in June, NBR is opening the archives to reproduce some of the best content from the past four decades.

NBR Staff Fri, 30 Jan 2026

Marketing & Media

TVNZ’s interim profit falls as one-off costs bite

The state broadcaster will pay an interim dividend of $1.3m to the Crown.

NBR Staff Fri, 06 Mar 2026

Leaked emails reveal SkyCity breached NBR copyright

The listed casino operator had been distributing PDF copies of NBR articles to staff using just one subscription.

NBR Staff Wed, 21 Jan 2026

NBR bans banking giant Macquarie for alleged copyright breaches

Investigations suggest the A$79b market cap firm shared one subscription among dozens of staff.

NBR Staff Fri, 16 Jan 2026

Comings & Goings

Mercer creates new role in leadership team

Catherine Pollock brings extensive experience in business development, market education, and investor and advisor relations.

Wed, 08 Apr 2026

New CEO for Environmental Protection Authority

Lian Butcher joins the EPA from Greater Wellington Regional Council.

Tue, 07 Apr 2026

New CEO for New Zealand Apples and Pears

Adsett has been acting general manager of the industry body since December 2025.

Tue, 07 Apr 2026

What newbie non-bank lender Runway plans to do with Lock Finance

What newbie non-bank lender Runway plans to do with Lock Finance

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

Maker Partners left $683k out of pocket by failed Huntaway

Free News Alerts

The fishhooks in National’s coalition agreement with NZ First

The fishhooks in National’s coalition agreement with NZ First

NZ economic recovery will slow but recession unlikely: Rabobank

NZ economic recovery will slow but recession unlikely: Rabobank

Monopoly Watch backs Gull/NPD merger

Monopoly Watch backs Gull/NPD merger

FMA’s ongoing ‘going concern’ concerns

Middle East truce under threat; oil falls below $100

NZX50, kiwi soar on US-Iran circuit breaker

‘Biggest southern deal’ as Tait campus hits market at $70m

DroneShield CEO and chair to stand down

US and Iran agree two-week ceasefire before escalation deadline

What newbie non-bank lender Runway plans to do with Lock Finance

The fishhooks in National’s coalition agreement with NZ First

Middle East truce under threat; oil falls below $100

Monopoly Watch backs Gull/NPD merger

NZ economic recovery will slow but recession unlikely: Rabobank

FMA’s ongoing ‘going concern’ concerns

‘Poor policy’: Retirement Commissioner slams KiwiSaver farm tweak

Dealing with the fuel crisis and reshuffling the Cabinet

The fishhooks in National’s coalition agreement with NZ First

Exposing China’s ‘Snow job’

Employers and the fuel crisis: don’t panic, plan

Govt to fund more diesel storage at Marsden Pt

Rural Land Co wins costs in lease dispute

More cancer patients likely to benefit from new BioOra deal

A2 Milk to pay $75m in class action settlement

Ebos’ freight fuel costs could surge by $2.5m a month

OCR on hold as Middle East war turns to ceasefire

Willis told to ask Lactalis about NZ’s investment rules

Willis told to ask Lactalis about NZ’s investment rules

Construction to serve as bellwether for fuel price reaction

Construction to serve as bellwether for fuel price reaction

Podcast #98: NZ small businesses ‘lack ambition’

Podcast #98: NZ small businesses ‘lack ambition’

Cabinet reshuffle sees Chris Bishop replaced

Dealing with the fuel crisis

Podcast: ‘Unicorn’ Halter rounds up a big raise

A $22b opportunity: businesses push for climate policy stability

Fuel: Willis, not Luxon, is leading the way

No “senseless virtue signalling” signals Peters

Shane Jones on geothermal energy

Inflation pressures and NZ’s fragile economic recovery

RBNZ risks repeating Covid-era mistakes on Iran

When a kill chain refusal becomes a supply chain risk

When the personal becomes political

Fuel shock: Potential targeted response

Is AI the future of banking?

Media questioned Luxon’s leadership

Covid-19 inquiry just fuel for election year?

Hoping for bipartisan support of Holidays Act overhaul

Law doesn’t save lives, people do: health and safety lawyer

Luxon’s confusion over Iran

Brown’s message on AKL housing

Auckland Boat Show: Late Rich Lister’s superyacht sold

Air NZ to fly where no one has flown before – to Western Sydney

The second wave for NZ’s medicinal cannabis industry

The importance of beholding earnings (expectations)

Exposing China’s ‘Snow job’

Investment

NZX50 surges out of Easter weekend amid Middle East conflict fear

NZX50 declines for 5th week as Trump plans to hit Iran hard

Instos stump up for $44.2m in KMD Brands capital raise

Economics

Middle East war shocks fragile New Zealand economy

The Government’s contribution to bringing interest rates down

Conway urges caution over the impact of Iran war

Politics

‘Poor policy’: Retirement Commissioner slams KiwiSaver farm tweak

PM suggests reporters are over-thinking Cabinet reshuffle

Seymour promises cool heads in face of fuel crisis

Te Ao Māori

Waititi, Curtis and Momoa buy Studio West

Pounamu court case exposes flaws in the law

Fastest-growing construction firm rings in success