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

Hot Topic ACCOUNTANTS

Mon 13 Apr 2026 10:00:52am

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Mon 13 Apr 2026 10:00:52am

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Top Story

NBR Focus

The Accountants 2026: $2b industry sheds 1000 jobs in two years

ANALYSIS: NBR’s fifth annual series assessing the size and shape of NZ’s largest accounting firms shows the impact of a continued economic slump.

Mon, 13 Apr 2026

NBR Focus

The Accountants 2026: $2b industry sheds 1000 jobs in two years

ANALYSIS: NBR’s fifth annual series assessing the size and shape of NZ’s largest accounting firms shows the impact of a continued economic slump.

Mon, 13 Apr 2026

CBL boss admits IPO breaches

The Financial Markets Authority says it has reached a settlement in its claims against former managing director Peter Harris.

Law

CBL boss admits IPO breaches

The Financial Markets Authority says it has reached a settlement in its claims against former managing director Peter Harris.

Tim Hunter Mon, 13 Apr 2026

Market Close

NZX50 slumps as Trump orders Iran blockade

And A2 Milk sinks on profit warning.

Market Close

NZX50 slumps as Trump orders Iran blockade

And A2 Milk sinks on profit warning.

Curious News Mon, 13 Apr 2026

Shoeshine

Bremworth deal gets woolier by the day

ANALYSIS: The Commerce Commission is taking forever to decide whether Mohawk Industries might be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Shoeshine

Bremworth deal gets woolier by the day

ANALYSIS: The Commerce Commission is taking forever to decide whether Mohawk Industries might be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Nicholas Pointon Mon, 13 Apr 2026

Quick Takes

Court upholds Tony Gibson guilty verdict and fine

The Auckland High Court has upheld the guilty finding and sentence of Tony Gibson, after the former Port of Auckland chief executive was held liable in November 2024 for the death of stevedore, Pala'amo Kalati, four years earlier. Maritime NZ had prosecuted Gibson – the CEO of the port for 10 years prior – under section 48 of the Health and Safety at Work Act and he was found to have failed to exercise due diligence to ensure the port complied with its primary duty of care to ensure the health and safety of its workers. The District Court had fined Gibson $130,000 and ordered him to pay costs of $60,000. The 2020 death had been the fourth fatality at the terminal in as many years, and netted the council-owned operator a fine of $561,000. It also paid separate reparations to Kalati's family.

BioOra confirms Car-T cell therapy trials for child leukaemia

Kiwi biotech company BioOra has confirmed a strategic partnership with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital (CCH) for using its next-generation Car-T cell therapy for children and adolescents with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
As part of the deal, CCH chief executive Steve Davis will join BioOra’s board. CCH already holds a 10% stake in the company.
BioOra’s novel chimeric antigen receptor therapy, Alta-Cel, reprogrammes a patient’s own immune cells to locate and destroy cancer cells. Its New Zealand Enable trials for adult patients with B-cell lymphoma have shown fewer side-effects than existing therapies from cytokine release syndrome and immune-affected neurotoxicity (icans)
In children, icans is not a side effect to be managed, it is an unacceptable risk, the partners said.
Stella Davies, who will lead the trial for CCH, said the low neurotoxicity signals from the Enable programme make Alta-cel a compelling candidate for paediatric investigation.

Mon 13 Apr 2026 09:53:52am

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Listen to NBR Podcast episodes

Toil & Trouble

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

General Business

Bringing more than money for SMEs scaling globally

Booming baby sales boost special FX artists’ export potential

MedicFX makes and sells medical simulation manikins that bring heightened realism to training for life-or-death scenarios.

Investment

A2 Milk warns of supply chain problems

Full year result likely to be below expectations owing to ‘in-market product availability issues’.

Market Outlook

US earnings season to give insight into Iran’s impact at ‘home’

Financial institutions dominate this week‘s company reporting in the United States.

Tech & Innovation

Soul Machines owes $19.5m in receivership

The company, co-founded by double Oscar winner Mark Sagar, created AI ‘digital workers’.

Featured

NBR Focus

The Accountants 2026: BDO winning work as a ‘viable alternative’

New Zealand chair Doug Haines on how the firm hit a compounded annual growth rate of more than 10% over the past five years.

Economy Matters

Curriculum change unlikely to fix financial literacy on its own

ANALYSIS: If we do not learn from what has and has not worked over the past two decades, we risk repeating a familiar pattern.

Economy Matters

Curriculum change unlikely to fix financial literacy on its own

ANALYSIS: If we do not learn from what has and has not worked over the past two decades, we risk repeating a familiar pattern.

On the Money

Why private equity returns aren’t what they seem

ANALYSIS: Part one of a four-part series on private equity and the tyranny of internal rates of return.

On the Money

Why private equity returns aren’t what they seem

ANALYSIS: Part one of a four-part series on private equity and the tyranny of internal rates of return.

Politically Speaking

Responding to Trump’s rhetoric and the impact on inflation

ANALYSIS: Economic forecasting has never been an exact science but now it is more guesswork than ever.

Politically Speaking

Responding to Trump’s rhetoric and the impact on inflation

Analysis

Book Review

Turin thriller: Facebook’s ghostly predecessor

ANALYSIS: Italian novelist predicted deleterious effects of social media.

Nevil Gibson Sun, 12 Apr 2026

Last Word

Putting a corporate tax cut on the policy agenda

ANALYSIS: In a recent survey, New Zealand small business ranked last in Asia-Pacific on growth, innovation and hiring for the second consecutive year.

Hamish McNicol and Calida Stuart-Menteath Fri, 10 Apr 2026

Hunter’s Corner

The saga of a litigation settlement

A2 Milk went from denial to a $75m payout – we can draw our own conclusions.

Tim Hunter Fri, 10 Apr 2026

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

Investment

NZX50 gains this week as US-Iran peace talks keep markets on edge

The benchmark petered out on Friday, with SaaS firms still out of favour.

Curious News Fri, 10 Apr 2026

NZX50 nudges higher as US-Iran ceasefire optimism wanes

Vista rallied on an upbeat Forsyth Barr report.

Curious News Thu, 09 Apr 2026

Goodman inks US data centre joint venture

NBR Rich Lister Greg Goodman’s company is becoming a major player in global data centres.

Lachlan Colquhoun 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.

Jonathan Mitchell Thu, 09 Apr 2026

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.

Jonathan Mitchell Wed, 08 Apr 2026

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

Politics

NZ urged to help poorer countries deal with climate change

New Motu report says altruism alone is unlikely to overcome public opposition to the idea.

Brent Edwards Fri, 10 Apr 2026

US and Iran agree two-week ceasefire before escalation deadline

PM Christopher Luxon criticised US President Donald Trump’s threat that ‘a whole civilisation will die’ if Iran did not heed his demand about re-opening the Strait of Hormuz.

Lachlan Colquhoun and Brent Edwards Wed, 08 Apr 2026

‘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

Te Ao Māori

Apple growers aim to blend Māori knowledge with science

A Wairoa orchard trial will test whether management guided by the Māori lunar calendar can cut chemical use and still thrive as a commercial apple business.

Mike McRoberts Fri, 10 Apr 2026

Waititi, Curtis and Momoa buy Studio West

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

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.

Brent Edwards Wed, 08 Apr 2026

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

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

Serko’s multi-agent AI tool will connect ‘fractured’ market – CEO

Listed business travel booking specialist is seeking to broaden its usefulness as an end-to-end travel companion via its new AI tool.

Will Mace Fri, 10 Apr 2026

More cancer patients likely to benefit from new BioOra deal

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

Fiona Rotherham Wed, 08 Apr 2026

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

Law

A2 Milk faces revived NZ claim after Aussie settlement

The $75m deal will lift a stay on New Zealand class action with more than 3000 members.

Tim Hunter Thu, 09 Apr 2026

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’.

Tim Hunter Wed, 08 Apr 2026

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

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 #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.

Simon Shepherd Tue, 07 Apr 2026

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

General Business

US to blockade Strait of Hormuz; Orbán concedes in Hungary

And US consumer confidence plunges and inflation rises because of Middle East conflict.

Jonathan Mitchell Mon, 13 Apr 2026

Playing chicken: Optimism persists as oil price veers wildly

So much uncertainty exists, but global indices are still only a few percentage points off their highest-ever levels.

Will Mace Sat, 11 Apr 2026

FMA applies to liquidate 25 more Chance Voight entities

The watchdog has also said the interim liquidators’ report will be made public on April 17.

NBR Staff Fri, 10 Apr 2026

Deals

‘The time is right’: Why Rangatira offloaded transport firm

Rangatira CEO Mark Dossor says Stuart Drummond Transport has navigated challenging economic conditions with a solid platform to expand.

Jonathan Mitchell Fri, 10 Apr 2026

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

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

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

Tropical Cyclone Vaianu shuts North Island ports

Country’s two largest ports say operations will be suspended from Friday to Monday.

NBR Staff Fri, 10 Apr 2026

Council may write off $54m Eden Park debt under new Govt ‘deal’

Auckland Cricket will also exit the stadium grounds after a regional deal to provide $10 million for the development of Colin Maiden Park.

Brent Melville Fri, 10 Apr 2026

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

Property

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

Property syndicator GEK Property looks to cash out at a $12 million premium to its purchase price eight years ago.

Brent Melville Wed, 08 Apr 2026

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

Professional Services

FMA’s ongoing ‘going concern’ concerns

Latest Financial Statements Monitoring Insights report highlights several areas of reporting concerns for the market regulator.

Hamish McNicol Thu, 09 Apr 2026

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

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

Gulf airline slashes airfares in response to Mid-East conflict

Carry On: Virgin Australia goes retro, Iata forecast, new routes.

Nevil Gibson Sat, 11 Apr 2026

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

Energy

Too early to say when Iran ceasefire will lower fuel prices

New Zealand still has adequate supply levels as Easter fuel demand fell due to high prices.

Jonathan Mitchell Thu, 09 Apr 2026

UK oil and gas company makes Taranaki play

The Sunda Energy deal points to renewed offshore interest in New Zealand’s petroleum sector, says the Government.

Mike McRoberts Thu, 09 Apr 2026

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

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

The Accountants 2026: $2b industry sheds 1000 jobs in two years

The Accountants 2026: $2b industry sheds 1000 jobs in two years

The Accountants 2026: Smaller firms seeking scale through AI

The Accountants 2026: BDO winning work as a ‘viable alternative’

Free News Alerts

CBL boss admits IPO breaches

CBL boss admits IPO breaches

NZX50 slumps as Trump orders Iran blockade

NZX50 slumps as Trump orders Iran blockade

Bremworth deal gets woolier by the day

Bremworth deal gets woolier by the day

Court upholds Tony Gibson guilty verdict and fine

BioOra confirms Car-T cell therapy trials for child leukaemia

Title

The Accountants 2026: Agri dollar bolsters South Island clients

Losses widen at troubled DGL

The Accountants 2026: PwC and the end of human-only workforces

Fonterra names Richard Allen as new CEO

The Accountants 2026: Smaller firms seeking scale through AI

The Auckland deal: Like any ceasefire, slow to take effect

The Accountants 2026: $2b industry sheds 1000 jobs in two years

Fonterra names Richard Allen as new CEO

The Accountants 2026: PwC and the end of human-only workforces

Bremworth deal gets woolier by the day

Losses widen at troubled DGL

US to blockade Strait of Hormuz; Orbán concedes in Hungary

The fishhooks in National’s coalition agreement with NZ First

Apple growers aim to blend Māori knowledge with science

Why private equity returns aren’t what they seem

The Auckland deal: Like any ceasefire, slow to take effect

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

Bringing more than money for SMEs scaling globally

Booming baby sales boost special FX artists’ export potential

A2 Milk warns of supply chain problems

US earnings season to give insight into Iran’s impact at ‘home’

Soul Machines owes $19.5m in receivership

The Accountants 2026: BDO winning work as a ‘viable alternative’

Curriculum change unlikely to fix financial literacy on its own

Curriculum change unlikely to fix financial literacy on its own

Why private equity returns aren’t what they seem

Why private equity returns aren’t what they seem

Responding to Trump’s rhetoric and the impact on inflation

Responding to Trump’s rhetoric and the impact on inflation

Conflict: RBNZ discusses impact on inflation

Responding to Trump’s rhetoric – Winston in Washington

Sydney's new airport, Western Sydney International (WSI)

Debate: Economic fallout from the Iran war

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

Turin thriller: Facebook’s ghostly predecessor

Putting a corporate tax cut on the policy agenda

The saga of a litigation settlement

The fishhooks in National’s coalition agreement with NZ First

Investment

NZX50 gains this week as US-Iran peace talks keep markets on edge

NZX50 nudges higher as US-Iran ceasefire optimism wanes

Goodman inks US data centre joint venture

Economics

NZ economic recovery will slow but recession unlikely: Rabobank

OCR on hold as Middle East war turns to ceasefire

Middle East war shocks fragile New Zealand economy

Politics

NZ urged to help poorer countries deal with climate change

US and Iran agree two-week ceasefire before escalation deadline

‘Poor policy’: Retirement Commissioner slams KiwiSaver farm tweak

Te Ao Māori