Kay Oliver: UK correspondent on Prime Minister Starmer calling an emergency meeting on economy

Over in the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to chair an emergency meeting on the economic fallout from the ongoing Iran war. The conflict has entered its fourth week, and concerns have been raised over the economic impacts - especially with living costs going up for households.  UK corresp…

Lynda Keene: Tourism Export Council CEO on the rise in overseas visitors cancelling New Zealand trips

Reports indicate more overseas visitors are cancelling trips to New Zealand, generating more concerns about the nation's economic recovery.  A new survey shows that 77 percent of tourism operators have seen more cancellations over the last month.  Tourism Export Council CEO Lynda Keene says she's…

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on oil prices rising as a result of the Middle East conflict

Oil prices have risen as the fall out continues from the ongoing Middle East crisis. Brent Crude oil rose about US$1 to be just above US$113 a barrel in early Asia trade. Harbour Asset Management expert Shane Solly explained further. LISTEN ABOVE

Sagarika Chandra: Fitch analyst reveals why the agency changed New Zealand's rating

Major credit rating agency Fitch needs more confidence our Government will lower debt before it will change our rating.  It reduced New Zealand's AA+ rating outlook from stable - to negative - over the weekend.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis says it's proof of the importance of fiscal discipline…

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the Government's planned cost relief measures for households impacted by fuel crisis

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has revealed plans are in place to unveil a package to help households with the cost of fuel. She says more details will be revealed tomorrow, and she's worked with Inland Revenue and Treasury officials to develop this planned relief. Willis explained that this plan…

Karl Dean: Federated Farmers Dairy Chair on Fonterra reporting a 2.8 percent lift in first-half net profit to $750 million

There's a view Fonterra's strong result today is unlikely to climb much more. The dairy giant's reported a 2.8 percent rise in first-half net profit to $750 million. It's also announced a 20 cent lift in the farmgate milk price - and a $9.70 midpoint per kilo of milksolids. Federated Farmers Dai…

Dr Michelle Dickinson: nanotechnologist on the latest AI developments at NVIDIA GTC

NVIDIA GTC took place last week in San Jose, where thousands of developers and industry experts gathered to discuss the latest AI breakthroughs. The sessions revealed how AI was set to shape every major industry, with plenty of experts discussing the next steps for this new technology. Nanotechno…

Jamie Mackay: The Country host explains the impact the Wattie’s closure could have on farmers

The Wattie's restructure is likely to have a significant economic impact, where more people could be affected by the shutdown.  Heinz Wattie's has proposed closing manufacturing facilities in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin, and a Hastings packing facility - impacting about 350 jobs.  The Coun…

Michael Reddell: former Reserve Bank economist on the state of the economy following recent GDP figures

Former Reserve Bank economist Michael Reddell says it's getting harder to know how much the economy's growing or shrinking. Stats NZ estimates GDP rose 0.2 percent in the December quarter, below most forecasts. But Reddell says it's also revised the figures for previous quarters. He says the 0.2…

Michael Luke: Milford Asset Management expert on the impacts of the ongoing conflict in Iran

The conflict in the Middle East is continuing on for another week, and it's got experts concerned about the economic impacts. Iran's blocking shipping in retaliation for the US and Israel bombardment - sending oil prices spiking. Milford Asset Management expert Michael Luke explained how markets …