Mark Troughear: Freightways CEO on the impacts of the Middle East crisis and fuel prices

The Government is considering its options if petrol prices keep rising, but the head of Freightways is warning people not to panic. The conflict in the Middle East has entered its third week, but the Finance Minister has ruled out measures like reducing the fuel excise. Freightways CEO Mark Troug…

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on the market reactions to the third week of the Iran conflict

The conflict in the Middle East has entered its third week and there's concerns about what it could do to the markets. Iran's still restricting movement through the shipping strategic choke-point as part of its retaliation for the relentless bombing by the US and Israel. Harbour Asset Management …

Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on retail spending trending upward before Iran conflict

There's hopes the war in Iran doesn't reverse gains in our retail sector by making shipping more expensive.  Stats NZ data shows back-to-back increases in electronic card spending for January and February.  Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young says it's not happened in a long time.  She says …

Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on Nicola Willis urging Kiwis not to panic over fuel shortages

The Government's yet to make a call on whether New Zealand would ease sanctions on Russian oil, as the Iran war affects shipments. The US has eased some of its sanctions, as its barrage on Iran continues - alongside Israel. Crude oil prices have skyrocketed since Iran stopped ships traversing the…

Philip Gregan: New Zealand Winegrowers CEO on the Government's proposed changes to alcohol laws

New Zealand Winegrowers are on Cloud Wine over proposed Government changes to alcohol laws. They include allowing licensed premises to meet legal obligations by stocking zero-alcohol drinks. Currently, licence holders must stock 'low alcohol' products containing no more than 2.5 percent alcohol. …

Nathan Surendran: Wise Response Society chair on what the Middle East crisis will do to fuel supply

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has sparked concerns about global oil shortages, domestic rising petrol and diesel costs, and it's got experts speculating. The Government is working to find a solution, with Energy Minister Simon Watts meeting with his counterparts in Tokyo for the Indo-Pac…

Cath O'Brien: Board of Airline Representatives NZ executive director on Air New Zealand cutting 1100 flights

One expert has suggested Jetstar won't follow Air New Zealand in cutting upcoming domestic flights. The airline plans to cancel about 1100 flights over the next six to eight weeks because of fuel price hikes - impacting about 44,000 passengers. It's already raised fares to help cover costs. Boar…

Brendan Larsen: Milford Asset Management expert on markets calming down from Middle East conflict shock

The US President's social media posts suggest he's worried about the price of oil, as the US and Israel bombard Iran into an 11th day. More than 1700 have been killed in the Middle East - most in Iran, and hundreds in Lebanon. Despite this, markets appear to have calmed down following the initial…

Rod Duke: Briscoe Group managing director on the business posting steady result in tough financial year

The balance sheet is looking strong for Briscoe Group, which managed to score a few goals late in the game.  The retailer's posted record annual sales of close to $800 million, for the year ending January 25th.  Its homeware brand Briscoes saw 1.42 percent sales growth - while Rebel Sport trailed…

Paula O'Kane: Otago University associate professor calls for changes to be made to sick leave

Public health experts have noticed this latest Covid wave is worsening as fewer Kiwis are getting vaccination boosters and tests, and it's renewed debate about sick leave. Wastewater analysis from PHF Science shows that the number of cases is at the highest rate it's been for over six months, and …