As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina O'Keeffe each week as she gives you a rundown of the biggest stories that could impact your business, so you can make informed decisions with expert advice. 


This week, Was our economy ready for an OCR hike? The seven countries National is eyeing up for trade agreements, and could the Indian Prime Minister’s visit further sweeten the newly minted FTA?

As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina O'Keeffe each week as she gives you a rundown of the biggest stories that could impact your business, so you can make informed decisions with expert advice.&nbsp;
 This week,&nbsp;Was our economy ready for an OCR hike? The seven countries National is eyeing up for trade agreements, and could the Indian Prime Minister&rsquo;s visit further sweeten the newly minted FTA?

Looking for actionable business insights all in one place? 

We're here to help you find a way with a curation of the ‘best bits’ from top business podcasts. 

Save time searching; subscribe to the SME Stream where you can listen to relevant, timely, business-related content today. 

 

Looking for actionable business insights all in one place? 
We're here to help you find a way with a curation of the &lsquo;best bits&rsquo; from top business podcasts. 
Save time searching; subscribe to the SME Stream where you can listen to relevant, timely, business-related content today.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

The SME Stream

The SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 10 July

The National Party is aiming to introduce legislation for its proposed social media ban for under‑16s before November’s election.

The move, replicating a ban already in place across the Tasman, might look like a neat political fix – but it is far more likely to fail, backfire and leave our kids and critical infrastructure less safe.

That’s the stark warning from veteran tech consultant and internet governance expert Daniel Spector, my guest on this week’s episode of The Business of Tech. Spector, a long‑time KiwiFoo stalwart and current Internet New Zealand board member standing for re‑election, argues that prohibition‑style policies are the wrong tool for the job. 

We don’t stop teenagers drinking by banning alcohol. We won’t stop them using TikTok and Instagram by declaring them off‑limits either.

Wait for the VPN boom

Instead, Spector says Australia’s under‑16s ban is already doing something unintended but entirely predictable – upskilling teenagers in VPNs, masking tools and hacking techniques, as they learn how to route around clumsy age‑verification systems and facial recognition. 

In his view, New Zealand is on track to copy a model that not only won’t protect children, but will produce a more technically adept generation of young hackers while entrenching a surveillance architecture dressed up as “child safety”.

We examine the deeper question politicians are mostly dodging: why are we attacking the demand side – who can log on – rather than the supply side of harm, like infinite scrolling, rage‑bait design and hyper‑targeted advertising? 

Spector highlights recent US court moves that treat addictive features such as endless scroll as “defective by design”, putting liability squarely on Meta and Google, and argues this is the direction New Zealand should be watching - and even replicating.

A golden age of hacking

Spector also lays out why Anthropic’s Mythos and similar cutting‑edge models are likely to usher in a “golden age of attack hacking”, systematically hunting for vulnerabilities in decades‑old code. Criminal groups will get them eventually, and board directors – with the potential to soon face personal and even criminal liability for cyber breaches – are nowhere near ready.

We talk zero‑knowledge proofs, digital identity, data sovereignty, and why outsourcing our safety to offshore tech giants and hurried bans is a dangerous illusion.

You can hear the full discussion with Daniel Spector on The Business of Tech wherever you get your podcasts.

Show notes

A Modest Proposal for the Orderly Dissolution of New Zealand. - Daniel Spector, LinkedIn

The verification layer did say 'yes'. Well... once. - Daniel Spector, LinkedIn

#DigitalSovereignty: A personal professional crisis. And a national one, too. - Daniel Spector, LinkedIn

NCSC got nation-state grade AI. Now what? - Daniel Spector, LinkedIn

The National Party is aiming to introduce legislation for its proposed social media ban for under‑16s before November&rsquo;s election.
The move, replicating a ban already in place across the Tasman, might look like a neat political fix &ndash; but it is far more likely to fail, backfire and leave our kids and critical infrastructure less safe.
That&rsquo;s the stark warning from veteran tech consultant and internet governance expert Daniel Spector, my guest on this week&rsquo;s episode of The Business of Tech. Spector, a long‑time KiwiFoo stalwart and current Internet New Zealand board member standing for re‑election, argues that prohibition‑style policies are the wrong tool for the job.&nbsp;
We don&rsquo;t stop teenagers drinking by banning alcohol. We won&rsquo;t stop them using TikTok and Instagram by declaring them off‑limits either.
Wait for the VPN boom
Instead, Spector says Australia&rsquo;s under‑16s ban is already doing something unintended but entirely predictable &ndash; upskilling teenagers in VPNs, masking tools and hacking techniques, as they learn how to route around clumsy age‑verification systems and facial recognition.&nbsp;
In his view, New Zealand is on track to copy a model that not only won&rsquo;t protect children, but will produce a more technically adept generation of young hackers while entrenching a surveillance architecture dressed up as &ldquo;child safety&rdquo;.
We examine the deeper question politicians are mostly dodging: why are we attacking the demand side &ndash; who can log on &ndash; rather than the supply side of harm, like infinite scrolling, rage‑bait design and hyper‑targeted advertising?&nbsp;
Spector highlights recent US court moves that treat addictive features such as endless scroll as &ldquo;defective by design&rdquo;, putting liability squarely on Meta and Google, and argues this is the direction New Zealand should be watching - and even replicating.
A golden age of hacking
Spector also lays out why Anthropic&rsquo;s Mythos and similar cutting‑edge models are likely to usher in a &ldquo;golden age of attack hacking&rdquo;, systematically hunting for vulnerabilities in decades‑old code. Criminal groups will get them eventually, and board directors &ndash; with the potential to soon face personal and even criminal liability for cyber breaches &ndash; are nowhere near ready.
We talk zero‑knowledge proofs, digital identity, data sovereignty, and why outsourcing our safety to offshore tech giants and hurried bans is a dangerous illusion.
You can hear the full discussion with Daniel Spector on The Business of Tech wherever you get your podcasts.
Show notes
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/modest-proposal-orderly-dissolution-new-zealand-daniel-spector-tgsie/">A Modest Proposal for the Orderly Dissolution of New Zealand.</a> - Daniel Spector, LinkedIn
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/verification-layer-did-say-yes-well-once-daniel-spector-va1re/">The verification layer did say 'yes'. Well... once</a>. - Daniel Spector, LinkedIn
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/digitalsovereignty-personal-professional-crisis-national-spector-selxe/?trackingId=QXfCf%2F60G5fnP1zlsUL2Yg%3D%3D">#DigitalSovereignty: A personal professional crisis. And a national one, too.</a> - Daniel Spector, LinkedIn
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ncsc-got-nation-state-grade-ai-now-what-daniel-spector-xypie/?trackingId=mZgxD%2FQqcpxblXtzt5idDg%3D%3D">NCSC got nation-state grade AI. Now what?</a> - Daniel Spector, LinkedIn

Unworkable: the teen social media ban 

In this special series of The SME Stream Podcast, Wilhelmina O’Keeffe steps inside some of Aotearoa’s most loved small and medium businesses - exploring their culture, their stories, and how coffee helps bring people and ideas together.

In this episode, Wilhelmina catches up with Greig Brebner & Todd Graydon to explore the journey behind their globally recognised brand, Blunt. From building a product that redefines a daily essential to navigating the challenges of Covid and what came after.  

Served by Nespresso Professional 

In this special series of The SME Stream Podcast, Wilhelmina O&rsquo;Keeffe steps inside some of Aotearoa&rsquo;s most loved small and medium businesses - exploring their culture, their stories, and how coffee helps bring people and ideas together.
In this episode, Wilhelmina catches up with Greig Brebner &amp; Todd Graydon to explore the journey behind their globally recognised brand, Blunt. From building a product that redefines a daily essential to navigating the challenges of Covid and what came after.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Served by <a href="https://www.nespresso.com">Nespresso&nbsp;Professional&nbsp;</a>

Special Series: Common Grounds with Blunt 

What does it take to lead people, strategy, and transformation in an environment of constant change?

In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Cath Lomax, Chief People & Strategy Officer at Southern Cross, to explore the intersection of strategy, leadership, workforce capability, and organisational transformation.

With responsibility spanning people and culture, strategy, and transformation, Cath shares a unique perspective on how organisations can prepare for the future while staying connected to purpose, people, and performance.

The conversation explores everything from workforce capability and leadership adaptability to governance, technology, wellbeing, and the evolving role of Chief People Officers. Cath also shares practical insights on self-awareness, resilience, feedback, and why future success depends on building adaptable organisations and leaders.

 

What You'll Learn


Why strategy and people capability must be developed together


How the role of Chief People Officers is evolving


Why workforce planning is shifting from headcount to capability


The importance of adaptability in leadership and organisational success


How leaders can navigate uncertainty and continuous change


Why self-awareness and reflection are critical leadership skills


The value of governance experience in shaping executive leadership


How technology and AI can support connection, learning, and decision-making


What boards are increasingly looking for in future leaders

 

Key Takeaways


Successful organisations align strategy, culture, leadership, and capability


Adaptability is becoming one of the most important leadership competencies


Future workforce planning is about skills and capability, not just headcount


Strong leaders focus on what they can control and influence


Self-reflection and feedback are essential for leadership growth


Governance experience helps leaders think longer term and more strategically


Technology should strengthen human connection, not replace it


Building capability for the future requires continuous learning and curiosity

 

About Cath Lomax

Cath Lomax is Chief People & Strategy Officer at Southern Cross, where she leads people and culture, strategy, transformation, and strategic delivery.

With experience spanning strategy, leadership, governance, and organisational transformation, Cath brings a unique perspective on how organisations create sustainable success through people, capability, and culture.

She is passionate about helping organisations navigate change, build future-ready workforces, and create environments where people and performance can thrive together.

 

Why This Episode Matters

As organisations face increasing disruption, workforce shifts, and rapid technological change, leaders need to think differently about capability, adaptability, and long-term success.

Whether you're a people leader, executive, board member, or HR professional, this episode provides practical insights into how leadership, strategy, and culture come together to drive meaningful organisational outcomes.

 

Resources & Links


Southern Cross Health Insurance


Connect with Cath Lomax on LinkedIn

What does it take to lead people, strategy, and transformation in an environment of constant change?
In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Cath Lomax, Chief People &amp; Strategy Officer at Southern Cross, to explore the intersection of strategy, leadership, workforce capability, and organisational transformation.
With responsibility spanning people and culture, strategy, and transformation, Cath shares a unique perspective on how organisations can prepare for the future while staying connected to purpose, people, and performance.
The conversation explores everything from workforce capability and leadership adaptability to governance, technology, wellbeing, and the evolving role of Chief People Officers. Cath also shares practical insights on self-awareness, resilience, feedback, and why future success depends on building adaptable organisations and leaders.
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What You'll Learn
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Why strategy and people capability must be developed together
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How the role of Chief People Officers is evolving
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Why workforce planning is shifting from headcount to capability
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The importance of adaptability in leadership and organisational success
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How leaders can navigate uncertainty and continuous change
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Why self-awareness and reflection are critical leadership skills
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The value of governance experience in shaping executive leadership
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How technology and AI can support connection, learning, and decision-making
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What boards are increasingly looking for in future leaders
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Key Takeaways
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Successful organisations align strategy, culture, leadership, and capability
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Adaptability is becoming one of the most important leadership competencies
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Future workforce planning is about skills and capability, not just headcount
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Strong leaders focus on what they can control and influence
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Self-reflection and feedback are essential for leadership growth
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Governance experience helps leaders think longer term and more strategically
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Technology should strengthen human connection, not replace it
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Building capability for the future requires continuous learning and curiosity
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About Cath Lomax
Cath Lomax is Chief People &amp; Strategy Officer at Southern Cross, where she leads people and culture, strategy, transformation, and strategic delivery.
With experience spanning strategy, leadership, governance, and organisational transformation, Cath brings a unique perspective on how organisations create sustainable success through people, capability, and culture.
She is passionate about helping organisations navigate change, build future-ready workforces, and create environments where people and performance can thrive together.
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Why This Episode Matters
As organisations face increasing disruption, workforce shifts, and rapid technological change, leaders need to think differently about capability, adaptability, and long-term success.
Whether you're a people leader, executive, board member, or HR professional, this episode provides practical insights into how leadership, strategy, and culture come together to drive meaningful organisational outcomes.
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Resources &amp; Links
<ul>
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<a href="https://www.southerncross.co.nz/">Southern Cross Health Insurance</a>
</li>
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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/cath-lomax/">Connect with Cath Lomax on LinkedIn</a>
</li>
</ul>

The SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 10 July

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