Welcome to Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business, an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald.

Each weekday, we bring you five stories, the best of the New Zealand Herald business journalism, summarised and delivered by an AI voice as an easily digestible recap.

It's Friday, November 14, 2025, and here are five stories you should know about.

Complaints against real estate agents rose 35 percent in the year to June 30, according to the Real Estate Authority's annual report. The Crown agency says challenging market conditions contributed to the increase in formal complaints about licensed agents. Chief executive Belinda Moffat noted growing consumer dissatisfaction with agency performance. The most common complaint themes were customer service, skill and care, disclosure, misleading advertising, and poor communication.

In markets, global stocks fell sharply even after US President Donald Trump signed a spending Bill ending the 43-day Government shutdown. Investors had hoped reopening federal services would lift sentiment, but major exchanges in Europe and the United States declined. A market analyst from financial services network StoneX says while technology shares look "increasingly overvalued and overstretched," it is "far too early to call a top in this cycle" as investors remain enthusiastic about artificial intelligence. Oil prices partially rebounded after recent losses.

In other news, part of the Hilton Auckland's exterior has been reclad, and developer David Henderson's former apartment converted into additional hotel rooms. Brosnan, the building contractor, says the project was challenging because the five-star waterfront hotel continued operating during construction. A custom scaffolding system attached to each level was used to minimize disruption. Brosnan says it maintained safe conditions for guests and nearby businesses on Princes Wharf. Property owner M&L Group says the recladding is part of its ongoing reinvestment in the 165-room hotel, including the conversion of the former level-eight apartment.

Meanwhile, broadcaster Jenny-May Clarkson will leave TVNZ's Breakfast programme next Friday after six years on air. TVNZ says Clarkson and the company agreed she would finish on November twenty-first following a "long and valued contribution." Co-host Chris Chang paid tribute, calling her an "amazing partner in crime." Clarkson told viewers it had been "an absolute honour and a privilege." TVNZ says Breakfast will be refreshed, with a search for a new host underway. Clarkson's exit follows other recent leadership and programming changes at the state-owned broadcaster.

And Auckland developer COD Crown Projects has been fined forty-eight thousand dollars for illegal earthworks in Browns Bay and Northcross. The company pleaded guilty to two charges under the Resource Management Act. Judge Melinda Dickey found the breaches caused significant sediment discharge and environmental harm. She says the developer "turned a blind eye" to what was happening on its land. Auckland Council's investigations leader Paul Cowling says the penalty shows courts treat such breaches seriously. Council rules require strict erosion and sediment controls before, during, and after earthworks to protect the environment and surrounding properties.

That was Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business - your NZ Herald daily business summary. For the best in business, subscribe to Herald Premium at nzherald.co.nz.

Welcome to Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business, an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald. 
Each weekday, we bring you five stories, the best of the New Zealand Herald business journalism, summarised and delivered by an AI voice as an easily digestible recap. 
It's Friday, November 14, 2025, and here are five stories you should know about. 
Complaints against real estate agents rose 35 percent in the year to June 30, according to the Real Estate Authority's annual report. The Crown agency says challenging market conditions contributed to the increase in formal complaints about licensed agents. Chief executive Belinda Moffat noted growing consumer dissatisfaction with agency performance. The most common complaint themes were customer service, skill and care, disclosure, misleading advertising, and poor communication. 
In markets, global stocks fell sharply even after US President Donald Trump signed a spending Bill ending the 43-day Government shutdown. Investors had hoped reopening federal services would lift sentiment, but major exchanges in Europe and the United States declined. A market analyst from financial services network StoneX says while technology shares look "increasingly overvalued and overstretched," it is "far too early to call a top in this cycle" as investors remain enthusiastic about artificial intelligence. Oil prices partially rebounded after recent losses. 
In other news, part of the Hilton Auckland's exterior has been reclad, and developer David Henderson's former apartment converted into additional hotel rooms. Brosnan, the building contractor, says the project was challenging because the five-star waterfront hotel continued operating during construction. A custom scaffolding system attached to each level was used to minimize disruption. Brosnan says it maintained safe conditions for guests and nearby businesses on Princes Wharf. Property owner M&L Group says the recladding is part of its ongoing reinvestment in the 165-room hotel, including the conversion of the former level-eight apartment. 
Meanwhile, broadcaster Jenny-May Clarkson will leave TVNZ's Breakfast programme next Friday after six years on air. TVNZ says Clarkson and the company agreed she would finish on November twenty-first following a "long and valued contribution." Co-host Chris Chang paid tribute, calling her an "amazing partner in crime." Clarkson told viewers it had been "an absolute honour and a privilege." TVNZ says Breakfast will be refreshed, with a search for a new host underway. Clarkson's exit follows other recent leadership and programming changes at the state-owned broadcaster. 
And Auckland developer COD Crown Projects has been fined forty-eight thousand dollars for illegal earthworks in Browns Bay and Northcross. The company pleaded guilty to two charges under the Resource Management Act. Judge Melinda Dickey found the breaches caused significant sediment discharge and environmental harm. She says the developer "turned a blind eye" to what was happening on its land. Auckland Council's investigations leader Paul Cowling says the penalty shows courts treat such breaches seriously. Council rules require strict erosion and sediment controls before, during, and after earthworks to protect the environment and surrounding properties. 
That was Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business - your NZ Herald daily business summary. For the best in business, subscribe to Herald Premium at nzherald.co.nz.

Welcome to Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business, an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald. 
Each weekday, we bring you five stories, the best of the New Zealand Herald business journalism, summarised and delivered by an AI voice...

Today in Business: November 14, 2025

Welcome to Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business, an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald.

Each weekday, we bring you five stories, the best of the New Zealand Herald business journalism, summarised and delivered by an AI voice as an easily digestible recap.

It's Thursday, November 13, 2025, and here are five stories you should know about.

Inland Revenue's intensified its tax enforcement following increased government funding. The department's 2025 report shows tax debt reached $9.3 billion in the year to June, growing faster than the economy. Inland Revenue completed 7,641 audits, up 42%, recovering $4.3 billion in tax debt - the highest since 2018. It referred 650 cases to court for liquidation, a 49% annual rise. Accounting firm director Andrew Dickeson says the agency's focus has shifted from pandemic support to compliance. Common audit issues include property sales tax, low salaries in personal companies, and unpaid taxes by overseas or cash-based businesses.

In other news, a new GoGetta Job Mobility Survey finds nearly one in three New Zealand workers would switch jobs for a pay rise under 10%. Twenty-five percent would move for 6-10% more pay, and 6% for only 1-5%. Workers earning below 100,000 dollars were more likely to leave for small increases than higher earners. Thirty-one percent would change jobs for an 11-20% raise. GoGetta founder Colleen Getley says flexible hours and hybrid work ranked ahead of career development. Top red flags for job seekers include high staff turnover, unpaid overtime, and poor company reputation.

Meanwhile, tourism arrivals to New Zealand rose 6% in the year to September, reaching 3.43 million visitors. Visitor numbers for the month of September reached 95% of pre-Covid levels. Stats NZ says Australians led the increase with 1.48 million visits, followed by growth from the US, UK, and Japan. Tourism Minister Louise Upston says the lift reflects more transtasman flights and promotional campaigns.

In retail data, Stats NZ electronic card figures for October show weak consumer spending. Retail sales rose just 0.2% from September and 0.8% year-on-year. A Westpac economist says most gains came from groceries, with discretionary spending down. Spending on hospitality fell 1.4%, apparel 0.6%, and household goods 0.1%. Overall card spending reached $9.7 billion across 181 million transactions. ANZ figures also show subdued demand and falling consumer confidence

Finally, plant-based food maker Grater Goods has gone into liquidation, owing about $208,000 to creditors including ASB Bank and Inland Revenue. The Christchurch company, backed by Icehouse Ventures, closed its bistro before entering voluntary liquidation on November 7 2025. Liquidator Brenton Hunt says the business struggled with working capital amid economic slowdown. Founder Flip Grater says losing a supply deal with Woolworths left the firm unsustainable. Staff are owed $10,000 in wages, and Inland Revenue $60,000. Icehouse Ventures invested $80,000 in 2021 through its ArcAngels fund, representing 8.29% ownership at the time of liquidation.

That was Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business - your NZ Herald daily business summary. For the best in business, subscribe to Herald Premium at nzherald.co.nz.

Welcome to Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business, an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald. 
Each weekday, we bring you five stories, the best of the New Zealand Herald business journalism, summarised and delivered by an AI voice as an easily digestible recap. 
It's Thursday, November 13, 2025, and here are five stories you should know about. 
Inland Revenue's intensified its tax enforcement following increased government funding. The department's 2025 report shows tax debt reached $9.3 billion in the year to June, growing faster than the economy. Inland Revenue completed 7,641 audits, up 42%, recovering $4.3 billion in tax debt - the highest since 2018. It referred 650 cases to court for liquidation, a 49% annual rise. Accounting firm director Andrew Dickeson says the agency's focus has shifted from pandemic support to compliance. Common audit issues include property sales tax, low salaries in personal companies, and unpaid taxes by overseas or cash-based businesses. 
In other news, a new GoGetta Job Mobility Survey finds nearly one in three New Zealand workers would switch jobs for a pay rise under 10%. Twenty-five percent would move for 6-10% more pay, and 6% for only 1-5%. Workers earning below 100,000 dollars were more likely to leave for small increases than higher earners. Thirty-one percent would change jobs for an 11-20% raise. GoGetta founder Colleen Getley says flexible hours and hybrid work ranked ahead of career development. Top red flags for job seekers include high staff turnover, unpaid overtime, and poor company reputation. 
Meanwhile, tourism arrivals to New Zealand rose 6% in the year to September, reaching 3.43 million visitors. Visitor numbers for the month of September reached 95% of pre-Covid levels. Stats NZ says Australians led the increase with 1.48 million visits, followed by growth from the US, UK, and Japan. Tourism Minister Louise Upston says the lift reflects more transtasman flights and promotional campaigns. 
In retail data, Stats NZ electronic card figures for October show weak consumer spending. Retail sales rose just 0.2% from September and 0.8% year-on-year. A Westpac economist says most gains came from groceries, with discretionary spending down. Spending on hospitality fell 1.4%, apparel 0.6%, and household goods 0.1%. Overall card spending reached $9.7 billion across 181 million transactions. ANZ figures also show subdued demand and falling consumer confidence 
Finally, plant-based food maker Grater Goods has gone into liquidation, owing about $208,000 to creditors including ASB Bank and Inland Revenue. The Christchurch company, backed by Icehouse Ventures, closed its bistro before entering voluntary liquidation on November 7 2025. Liquidator Brenton Hunt says the business struggled with working capital amid economic slowdown. Founder Flip Grater says losing a supply deal with Woolworths left the firm unsustainable. Staff are owed $10,000 in wages, and Inland Revenue $60,000. Icehouse Ventures invested $80,000 in 2021 through its ArcAngels fund, representing 8.29% ownership at the time of liquidation. 
That was Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business - your NZ Herald daily business summary. For the best in business, subscribe to Herald Premium at nzherald.co.nz.

Today in Business: November 13, 2025

Welcome to Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business, an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald.

Each weekday, we bring you five stories, the best of the New Zealand Herald business journalism, summarised and delivered by an AI voice as an easily digestible recap.

It's Wednesday, November 12, 2025, and here are five stories you should know about.

Shares in Mainfreight rose even as the transport and logistics company reported an 18.5 percent fall in net profit to $93.4 million for the six months to September. By mid-afternoon, the stock was up 7.29% at $63.30. The company declared an unchanged 85-cent dividend. The company's New Zealand's profit before tax fell 7.4 percent to 44.1 million, while Europe dropped 31.9 percent to €9.3 million. The Americas recorded a 128 percent slump to US2.3 million. Mainfreight says discontinued project activity and cost increases contributed to the result, but trading improved as the half progressed. Analysts say the outcome was softer than expected but steadied investor confidence.

Meanwhile, Allbirds shares fell sharply on the Nasdaq after reporting a third-quarter net loss of US$20.3 million on revenue down 23.3 percent. The company cut its full-year revenue forecast to between 161 million and 166 million. Chief executive Joe Vernachio says the restructure continues as teams focus on cost reduction and liquidity. Allbirds ended the quarter with 23.7 million in net cash, down from 66 million a year earlier. The brand's revenue decline reflects store closures and distributor changes. Allbirds now operates 23 stores, down from 60 in September 2023 near the start of its restructure.

In other news, the Reserve Bank confirms its Wellington headquarters has been closed since last Friday because of asbestos discovered during a routine survey. The building at 2 The Terrace may remain shut until November 24 while remediation occurs. The bank says the area is contained and services are unaffected, with staff working from home. The building, which includes major cash vaults needing refurbishment, has previously closed for asbestos issues. Plans for construction to upgrade the vaults begin next year, and separate work on the building is scheduled for 2028. Costs are excluded from the Reserve Bank's current funding agreement.

Elsewhere, Costco's confirmed plans for its second New Zealand store at Drury in South Auckland, after reaching a conditional land deal with Kiwi Property. The agreement covers 6.4 hectares within Kiwi's new development. Costco country manager Chris Tingman says the location suits customers from Waikato and southern Auckland. Kiwi Property chief executive Clive Mackenzie says Costco's been a success at Westgate since opening in September 2022. The Drury site is part of a 53-hectare project that began earthworks last year. The metropolitan centre recently received fast-track approval under the government's reform process.

Finally, in regulatory news, the Commerce Commission is preparing to file High Court proceedings against ASB for alleged breaches of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act. The Commission says the case involves overdrafts and debt collection overpayments. ASB faced earlier regulatory issues, repaying over $8 million to borrowers in 2021, and settling a class action for 135 million in October. The bank also faces High Court action from the Financial Markets Authority over insurance discounts. Insurer IAG, which partners with ASB, was fined nearly 20 million last month for overcharging customers. The Commission is separately investigating ASB's self-reported lending breaches.

That was Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business - your NZ Herald daily business summary. For the best in business, subscribe to Herald Premium at nzherald.co.nz.

Welcome to Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business, an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald. 
Each weekday, we bring you five stories, the best of the New Zealand Herald business journalism, summarised and delivered by an AI voice as an easily digestible recap. 
It's Wednesday, November 12, 2025, and here are five stories you should know about. 
Shares in Mainfreight rose even as the transport and logistics company reported an 18.5 percent fall in net profit to $93.4 million for the six months to September. By mid-afternoon, the stock was up 7.29% at $63.30. The company declared an unchanged 85-cent dividend. The company's New Zealand's profit before tax fell 7.4 percent to 44.1 million, while Europe dropped 31.9 percent to €9.3 million. The Americas recorded a 128 percent slump to US2.3 million. Mainfreight says discontinued project activity and cost increases contributed to the result, but trading improved as the half progressed. Analysts say the outcome was softer than expected but steadied investor confidence. 
Meanwhile, Allbirds shares fell sharply on the Nasdaq after reporting a third-quarter net loss of US$20.3 million on revenue down 23.3 percent. The company cut its full-year revenue forecast to between 161 million and 166 million. Chief executive Joe Vernachio says the restructure continues as teams focus on cost reduction and liquidity. Allbirds ended the quarter with 23.7 million in net cash, down from 66 million a year earlier. The brand's revenue decline reflects store closures and distributor changes. Allbirds now operates 23 stores, down from 60 in September 2023 near the start of its restructure. 
In other news, the Reserve Bank confirms its Wellington headquarters has been closed since last Friday because of asbestos discovered during a routine survey. The building at 2 The Terrace may remain shut until November 24 while remediation occurs. The bank says the area is contained and services are unaffected, with staff working from home. The building, which includes major cash vaults needing refurbishment, has previously closed for asbestos issues. Plans for construction to upgrade the vaults begin next year, and separate work on the building is scheduled for 2028. Costs are excluded from the Reserve Bank's current funding agreement. 
Elsewhere, Costco's confirmed plans for its second New Zealand store at Drury in South Auckland, after reaching a conditional land deal with Kiwi Property. The agreement covers 6.4 hectares within Kiwi's new development. Costco country manager Chris Tingman says the location suits customers from Waikato and southern Auckland. Kiwi Property chief executive Clive Mackenzie says Costco's been a success at Westgate since opening in September 2022. The Drury site is part of a 53-hectare project that began earthworks last year. The metropolitan centre recently received fast-track approval under the government's reform process. 
Finally, in regulatory news, the Commerce Commission is preparing to file High Court proceedings against ASB for alleged breaches of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act. The Commission says the case involves overdrafts and debt collection overpayments. ASB faced earlier regulatory issues, repaying over $8 million to borrowers in 2021, and settling a class action for 135 million in October. The bank also faces High Court action from the Financial Markets Authority over insurance discounts. Insurer IAG, which partners with ASB, was fined nearly 20 million last month for overcharging customers. The Commission is separately investigating ASB's self-reported lending breaches. 
That was Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business - your NZ Herald daily business summary. For the best in business, subscribe to Herald Premium at nzherald.co.nz.

Today in Business: November 12, 2025

Welcome to Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business, an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald.

Each weekday, we bring you five stories, the best of the New Zealand Herald business journalism, summarised and delivered by an AI voice as an easily digestible recap.

It's Tuesday, November 11, 2025, and here are five stories you should know about.

Global dairy prices are under pressure as milk production continues to rise worldwide. The Global Dairy Trade index fell 2.4% at its November 5 auction, with whole milk powder down 2.7%. NZX data show New Zealand's September milk output up 2.5% year-on-year. HighGround Dairy's Stu Davison says global supply is now outstripping demand. Rabobank reports milk production rising across key export regions, with US output up 3.4% in July. Fonterra's forecast milk price range stands at $9 to $11 per kilogram of milksolids, while futures point to $9.77, reflecting softening market conditions and increased supply.

In other news, Inland Revenue's applied to liquidate 44 companies linked to Auckland businessman James Hwang, who supplies sushi products to Foodstuffs supermarkets. The case is set for hearing in the High Court at Auckland on November 27. The companies are owned by YB Sushi Holdings and YB Sushi Catering Holdings, both directed by Hwang. According to its website, YB Sushi makes sushi in-store for 51 North Island New World and Pak'nSave stores. Companies Office notices show some entities overdue on tax filings.

Meanwhile, the US aviation sector's straining under a prolonged government shutdown, now in its forty-first day. More than 2000 flights were cancelled and 7100 delayed as air traffic controllers worked without pay. President Donald Trump threatened to dock wages for controllers calling in sick, while offering $10,000 bonuses to those working. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association calls members "unsung heroes" and urges Congress to end the shutdown. Democratic Congressman Rick Larsen criticized Trump's comments, calling them attacks on workers keeping air travel safe.

Back home, start-up fund Hiraya Ventures has made its first investment, backing student wellness platform Komodo. Founders Hengjie Wang and Alliv Samson, who created education tech firm Kami, invested $10 million into their new fund. They led Komodo's $1.2 million pre-Series A round, joined by New Zealand Growth Capital Partners and former Reddit CEO Ellen Pao. Wang joins Komodo's board under the deal. Hiraya Ventures plans investments between $300,000 and $1 million across technology, fashion, film, and software. The couple previously invested in Icehouse Ventures, Tracksuit, and Halter.

Finally, the long-delayed 85 million dollar Beachcroft Residences apartment project in Auckland's Onehunga has a new builder. Receiver Andrew Grenfell of McGrathNicol confirms Method Construction Group is now managing and completing remaining work. The project, started in 2018 under Erson Developments, stalled after its previous builder departed. Grenfell says Method has reviewed construction progress and delivered a revised completion program. Work restarted last week, with practical completion targeted for mid-March.

That was Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business - your NZ Herald daily business summary. For the best in business, subscribe to Herald Premium at nzherald.co.nz.

Welcome to Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business, an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald. 
Each weekday, we bring you five stories, the best of the New Zealand Herald business journalism, summarised and delivered by an AI voice as an easily digestible recap. 
It's Tuesday, November 11, 2025, and here are five stories you should know about. 
Global dairy prices are under pressure as milk production continues to rise worldwide. The Global Dairy Trade index fell 2.4% at its November 5 auction, with whole milk powder down 2.7%. NZX data show New Zealand's September milk output up 2.5% year-on-year. HighGround Dairy's Stu Davison says global supply is now outstripping demand. Rabobank reports milk production rising across key export regions, with US output up 3.4% in July. Fonterra's forecast milk price range stands at $9 to $11 per kilogram of milksolids, while futures point to $9.77, reflecting softening market conditions and increased supply. 
In other news, Inland Revenue's applied to liquidate 44 companies linked to Auckland businessman James Hwang, who supplies sushi products to Foodstuffs supermarkets. The case is set for hearing in the High Court at Auckland on November 27. The companies are owned by YB Sushi Holdings and YB Sushi Catering Holdings, both directed by Hwang. According to its website, YB Sushi makes sushi in-store for 51 North Island New World and Pak'nSave stores. Companies Office notices show some entities overdue on tax filings. 
Meanwhile, the US aviation sector's straining under a prolonged government shutdown, now in its forty-first day. More than 2000 flights were cancelled and 7100 delayed as air traffic controllers worked without pay. President Donald Trump threatened to dock wages for controllers calling in sick, while offering $10,000 bonuses to those working. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association calls members "unsung heroes" and urges Congress to end the shutdown. Democratic Congressman Rick Larsen criticized Trump's comments, calling them attacks on workers keeping air travel safe. 
Back home, start-up fund Hiraya Ventures has made its first investment, backing student wellness platform Komodo. Founders Hengjie Wang and Alliv Samson, who created education tech firm Kami, invested $10 million into their new fund. They led Komodo's $1.2 million pre-Series A round, joined by New Zealand Growth Capital Partners and former Reddit CEO Ellen Pao. Wang joins Komodo's board under the deal. Hiraya Ventures plans investments between $300,000 and $1 million across technology, fashion, film, and software. The couple previously invested in Icehouse Ventures, Tracksuit, and Halter. 
Finally, the long-delayed 85 million dollar Beachcroft Residences apartment project in Auckland's Onehunga has a new builder. Receiver Andrew Grenfell of McGrathNicol confirms Method Construction Group is now managing and completing remaining work. The project, started in 2018 under Erson Developments, stalled after its previous builder departed. Grenfell says Method has reviewed construction progress and delivered a revised completion program. Work restarted last week, with practical completion targeted for mid-March. 
That was Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business - your NZ Herald daily business summary. For the best in business, subscribe to Herald Premium at nzherald.co.nz.

Today in Business: November 11, 2025

Welcome to Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business, an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald.

Each weekday, we bring you five stories, the best of the New Zealand Herald business journalism, summarised and delivered by an AI voice as an easily digestible recap.

It's Monday, November 10, 2025, and here are five stories you should know about.

ANZ New Zealand's reported a record annual net profit after tax of $2.53 billion for the year to September, up 21%. The bank attributes much of the lift to a 163 million gain from economic hedges, reversing a 196 million loss in 2024. Cash net profit rose 4% to 2.37 billion, with lending up 4% and deposits up 5%. Chief Executive Antonia Watson says the swing in hedge results reflects volatility, but not underlying performance. ANZ defends its mortgage rate adjustments and confirms continued participation in a class action over past disclosure breaches under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act.

In other news, two major New Zealand gold projects will proceed under mining permits tied to 1996 royalty rates, about half those applied since 2013. OceanaGold's Waihī North expansion and Endura Mining's Snowy River project will each pay 1% of net revenue or 5% of accounting profit. Critics, including Professor Glenn Banks, say taxpayers lose out. Resources Minister Shane Jones acknowledges concerns over fairness, but notes current permits remain valid. OceanaGold produced 178,800 ounces of gold last year, none under post-2013 rates. Its Waihī expansion estimates $131 million in Crown royalties at the grandfathered rate.

Also today, Vital Healthcare Property Trust plans to internalise its management, funding the move through a $220 million capital raise. The trust reached a conditional agreement with Northwest Healthcare Properties Management to end external management. Vital expects annual fee savings of 20.9 million and will pay Northwest two hundred and fourteen million plus GST to terminate the agreement. The NZX-listed trust owns a 3.2 billion portfolio across New Zealand and Australia. The raise includes a 190 million underwritten placement and a 30 million share purchase plan at $1.95 a share. Completion is targeted for late 2025 or early 2026, pending regulatory and lender approvals.

Comvita's cornerstone shareholder Li Wang has endorsed Florenz's takeover offer at 80 cents a share, valuing the mānuka honey exporter at $56 million. Wang says her family, long-term investors who built Comvita's Chinese market, supports Florenz's bid as the best option for shareholders. A rival proposal led by co-founder Alan Bougen lacks detail ahead of Friday's scheme-of-arrangement vote. Comvita's latest annual loss widened to 104.8 million. Wang warns a delay risks harming the brand, and jobs. The board unanimously backs Florenz's offer. Comvita was founded in 1974 by Claude Stratford, joined two years later by Bougen.

Finally, on the technology front, Rocket Lab-built satellite components from Auckland are heading to Mars under NASA's Escapade mission. However, launch plans were halted today due to high clouds over Florida. The flight carries twin Rocket Lab spacecraft, Blue and Gold, each about 550 kilograms, designed to study Mars' magnetic environment. The mission budget is under US$100 million. Rocket Lab contributed propulsion, control systems, radios, and other hardware made across New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. The orbiters will first circle at Lagrange Point 2 before continuing to Mars, with arrival expected in 2027.

That was Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business - your NZ Herald daily business summary. For the best in business, subscribe to Herald Premium at nzherald.co.nz.

Welcome to Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business, an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald. 
Each weekday, we bring you five stories, the best of the New Zealand Herald business journalism, summarised and delivered by an AI voice as an easily digestible recap. 
It's Monday, November 10, 2025, and here are five stories you should know about. 
ANZ New Zealand's reported a record annual net profit after tax of $2.53 billion for the year to September, up 21%. The bank attributes much of the lift to a 163 million gain from economic hedges, reversing a 196 million loss in 2024. Cash net profit rose 4% to 2.37 billion, with lending up 4% and deposits up 5%. Chief Executive Antonia Watson says the swing in hedge results reflects volatility, but not underlying performance. ANZ defends its mortgage rate adjustments and confirms continued participation in a class action over past disclosure breaches under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act. 
In other news, two major New Zealand gold projects will proceed under mining permits tied to 1996 royalty rates, about half those applied since 2013. OceanaGold's Waihī North expansion and Endura Mining's Snowy River project will each pay 1% of net revenue or 5% of accounting profit. Critics, including Professor Glenn Banks, say taxpayers lose out. Resources Minister Shane Jones acknowledges concerns over fairness, but notes current permits remain valid. OceanaGold produced 178,800 ounces of gold last year, none under post-2013 rates. Its Waihī expansion estimates $131 million in Crown royalties at the grandfathered rate. 
Also today, Vital Healthcare Property Trust plans to internalise its management, funding the move through a $220 million capital raise. The trust reached a conditional agreement with Northwest Healthcare Properties Management to end external management. Vital expects annual fee savings of 20.9 million and will pay Northwest two hundred and fourteen million plus GST to terminate the agreement. The NZX-listed trust owns a 3.2 billion portfolio across New Zealand and Australia. The raise includes a 190 million underwritten placement and a 30 million share purchase plan at $1.95 a share. Completion is targeted for late 2025 or early 2026, pending regulatory and lender approvals. 
Comvita's cornerstone shareholder Li Wang has endorsed Florenz's takeover offer at 80 cents a share, valuing the mānuka honey exporter at $56 million. Wang says her family, long-term investors who built Comvita's Chinese market, supports Florenz's bid as the best option for shareholders. A rival proposal led by co-founder Alan Bougen lacks detail ahead of Friday's scheme-of-arrangement vote. Comvita's latest annual loss widened to 104.8 million. Wang warns a delay risks harming the brand, and jobs. The board unanimously backs Florenz's offer. Comvita was founded in 1974 by Claude Stratford, joined two years later by Bougen. 
Finally, on the technology front, Rocket Lab-built satellite components from Auckland are heading to Mars under NASA's Escapade mission. However, launch plans were halted today due to high clouds over Florida. The flight carries twin Rocket Lab spacecraft, Blue and Gold, each about 550 kilograms, designed to study Mars' magnetic environment. The mission budget is under US$100 million. Rocket Lab contributed propulsion, control systems, radios, and other hardware made across New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. The orbiters will first circle at Lagrange Point 2 before continuing to Mars, with arrival expected in 2027. 
That was Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business - your NZ Herald daily business summary. For the best in business, subscribe to Herald Premium at nzherald.co.nz.

Today in Business: November 10, 2025

Welcome to Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business, an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald.

Each weekday, we bring you five stories, the best of the New Zealand Herald business journalism, summarised and delivered by an AI voice as an easily digestible recap.

It's Thursday, November 6, 2025, and here are five stories you should know about.

BNZ reports an annual net profit after tax of $1.5 billion for the year to September, a 0.5% drop from the prior period. Mortgage lending rose 6.4%, business lending 2.2%, and deposits 5.8%. Chief executive Dan Huggins says the margin between lending and deposits fell by 9 basis points due to strong rate competition. The overall net interest margin increased 6 basis points to 2.43%, partly from financial risk management. Revenue fell 3.7%, following the 2024 sale of its wealth arm to Harbour Asset Management. Operating expenses were steady, credit impairments declined, and Huggins' remuneration rose to $1.82 million.

In other news, New Zealand's technology sector recorded strong growth in the 2025 financial year. The latest Technology Investment Network report shows the country's 200 largest tech firms lifted total revenue 9.9% to $20 billion and exports 12.4% to 15.3 billion. Employment rose slightly to 61,369, but New Zealand-based roles fell 12.4% to 28,750 as offshore hiring grew faster. Xero led the ranking for the first time, with Rocket Lab entering the top ten. Fisher and Paykel Healthcare reported 16% revenue growth to $2.02 billion. High-tech manufacturing achieved the fastest export growth, up 11% year-on-year.

Meanwhile, the Commerce Commission has granted final approval for a 10-year agreement giving Contact, Meridian, and Mercury access to Genesis Energy's Huntly Power Station capacity under the Strategic Energy Reserve Huntly Firming Option. The arrangement ensures continued availability of Genesis' Rankine Unit 2 for dry-year electricity supply. The companies will pay annual premiums and operating costs. Commission chair John Small says the benefits, including security of supply and lower wholesale prices, outweigh any competition concerns. The authorisation follows last winter's price spikes caused by dry conditions and limited gas supply across New Zealand's electricity system.

Elsewhere, construction crane numbers are rising again, signalling tentative sector recovery. The latest Rider Levett Bucknall Crane Index shows 116 long-term cranes in operation across New Zealand's seven main centres, up from 105 in the first quarter. Auckland leads with 59, while Christchurch increased to 23 and Tauranga to 14. Wellington fell to five, and Dunedin recorded none. The national index climbed 10.5% to 147 points. Ray White's Vanessa Rader says the increase reflects activity in data centres, industrial projects, aged care, and hotels. The residential index stabilised after last year's low, with 29 cranes now operating nationwide.

On the aviation front, Air New Zealand has launched its electric aircraft demonstration project in Hamilton with United States-based Beta Technologies. The battery-powered Alia CX300 completed earlier tests in Tauranga and now enters proving trials. Pilots Andrew Mercer and James Owen will conduct varied flight operations with Beta's team. Air New Zealand says the project supports the airline's innovation strategy. The aircraft carries two crew and 5.6 cubic metres of cargo on flights up to 398 kilometres. Mobile chargers at key airports allow 90-minute recharging. The four-month programme includes flights from Hamilton to Wellington and Blenheim.

That was Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business - your NZ Herald daily business summary. For the best in business, subscribe to Herald Premium at nzherald.co.nz.

Welcome to Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business, an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald. 
Each weekday, we bring you five stories, the best of the New Zealand Herald business journalism, summarised and delivered by an AI voice as an easily digestible recap. 
It's Thursday, November 6, 2025, and here are five stories you should know about. 
BNZ reports an annual net profit after tax of $1.5 billion for the year to September, a 0.5% drop from the prior period. Mortgage lending rose 6.4%, business lending 2.2%, and deposits 5.8%. Chief executive Dan Huggins says the margin between lending and deposits fell by 9 basis points due to strong rate competition. The overall net interest margin increased 6 basis points to 2.43%, partly from financial risk management. Revenue fell 3.7%, following the 2024 sale of its wealth arm to Harbour Asset Management. Operating expenses were steady, credit impairments declined, and Huggins' remuneration rose to $1.82 million. 
In other news, New Zealand's technology sector recorded strong growth in the 2025 financial year. The latest Technology Investment Network report shows the country's 200 largest tech firms lifted total revenue 9.9% to $20 billion and exports 12.4% to 15.3 billion. Employment rose slightly to 61,369, but New Zealand-based roles fell 12.4% to 28,750 as offshore hiring grew faster. Xero led the ranking for the first time, with Rocket Lab entering the top ten. Fisher and Paykel Healthcare reported 16% revenue growth to $2.02 billion. High-tech manufacturing achieved the fastest export growth, up 11% year-on-year. 
Meanwhile, the Commerce Commission has granted final approval for a 10-year agreement giving Contact, Meridian, and Mercury access to Genesis Energy's Huntly Power Station capacity under the Strategic Energy Reserve Huntly Firming Option. The arrangement ensures continued availability of Genesis' Rankine Unit 2 for dry-year electricity supply. The companies will pay annual premiums and operating costs. Commission chair John Small says the benefits, including security of supply and lower wholesale prices, outweigh any competition concerns. The authorisation follows last winter's price spikes caused by dry conditions and limited gas supply across New Zealand's electricity system. 
Elsewhere, construction crane numbers are rising again, signalling tentative sector recovery. The latest Rider Levett Bucknall Crane Index shows 116 long-term cranes in operation across New Zealand's seven main centres, up from 105 in the first quarter. Auckland leads with 59, while Christchurch increased to 23 and Tauranga to 14. Wellington fell to five, and Dunedin recorded none. The national index climbed 10.5% to 147 points. Ray White's Vanessa Rader says the increase reflects activity in data centres, industrial projects, aged care, and hotels. The residential index stabilised after last year's low, with 29 cranes now operating nationwide. 
On the aviation front, Air New Zealand has launched its electric aircraft demonstration project in Hamilton with United States-based Beta Technologies. The battery-powered Alia CX300 completed earlier tests in Tauranga and now enters proving trials. Pilots Andrew Mercer and James Owen will conduct varied flight operations with Beta's team. Air New Zealand says the project supports the airline's innovation strategy. The aircraft carries two crew and 5.6 cubic metres of cargo on flights up to 398 kilometres. Mobile chargers at key airports allow 90-minute recharging. The four-month programme includes flights from Hamilton to Wellington and Blenheim. 
That was Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business - your NZ Herald daily business summary. For the best in business, subscribe to Herald Premium at nzherald.co.nz.

Today in Business: November 6, 2025

Welcome to Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business, an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald.

Each weekday, we bring you five stories, the best of the New Zealand Herald business journalism, summarised and delivered by an AI voice as an easily digestible recap.

It's Wednesday, November 5, 2025, and here are five stories you should know about.

New Zealand's unemployment rate rose to 5.3% in the September quarter, up from 5.2% in June, marking the highest level in nearly nine years. The figure represents about 160,000 people, the most since 1994. Youth unemployment reached 15.2%, while 138,000 people were underemployed. Regional rates ranged from 6.3% in Northland to 2.5% in Otago. Wage growth slowed, with the private sector Labour Cost Index up 0.4% quarterly and 2.1% annually, below inflation. Economists from ASB, BNZ, ANZ, and Kiwibank agree the labour market is stabilising, and Reserve Bank rate increases have created disinflationary spare capacity across the workforce.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank's latest Financial Stability Report highlights stress across retail, hospitality, construction, and manufacturing. It says falling business profits mirror levels from the 2008-09 crisis, though banks now hold stronger capital buffers. The bank notes house prices remain around 12% below their 2021 peak and considers them broadly sustainable. It also observes higher US government bond yields have increased New Zealand's borrowing costs. Health insurance premiums rose 19% over the year, and the Reserve Bank said that while insurers' solvency positions are above requirements, rising claims costs could create financial stress.

In a separate development, former Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr has taken legal action over an article about his resignation. His lawyer, Michael Heron KC, demanded London-based Central Banking remove the story written by ex-RBNZ staffer Michael Reddell, claiming it was defamatory. Both Central Banking and Reddell deleted the article, though neither issued apologies. The publication cited editorial standards in its removal notice. Reddell, also a director of the Bank of Papua New Guinea, had previously written extensively on Orr's March departure, which followed a board letter of concerns later confirmed publicly after an Ombudsman inquiry in August.

In other news, Forsyth Barr downgraded Spark to underperform and upgraded Infratil to outperform, citing shifting dynamics in the mobile market. Analysts Ben Crozier and Aaron Ibbotson cut Spark's 12-month target price from $2.65 to $2.40 and lifted Infratil's from $13.25 to $14.60, raising their valuation of One NZ from $1.9 to $2.9 billion. Spark shares were trading at $2.38, down 21% this year, while Infratil was at $12.13, down 4%. The analysts say One NZ is outperforming Spark in mobile, where services account for up to 65% of profits.

Turning to commodities, prices fell across the board at the latest Global Dairy Trade auction, marking a sixth straight decline. Overall, prices dropped 2.4%, led by a 6.6% fall in cheddar to US$4449 per metric tonne. Whole milk powder, Fonterra's key product, fell 2.7%, and butter slipped 4.3%. Skim milk powder was steady at US$2559, while anhydrous milk fat fell 1.9%. Butter milk powder rose 1%, and mozzarella gained 1.6%. A total of 39,508 tonnes were sold to 112 winning bidders. In September, Fonterra confirmed a final 2024-25 Farmgate Milk Price of $10.16 per kilogram of milk solids.

That was Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business - your NZ Herald daily business summary. For the best in business, subscribe to Herald Premium at nzherald.co.nz.

Welcome to Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business, an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald. 
Each weekday, we bring you five stories, the best of the New Zealand Herald business journalism, summarised and delivered by an AI voice as an easily digestible recap. 
It's Wednesday, November 5, 2025, and here are five stories you should know about. 
New Zealand's unemployment rate rose to 5.3% in the September quarter, up from 5.2% in June, marking the highest level in nearly nine years. The figure represents about 160,000 people, the most since 1994. Youth unemployment reached 15.2%, while 138,000 people were underemployed. Regional rates ranged from 6.3% in Northland to 2.5% in Otago. Wage growth slowed, with the private sector Labour Cost Index up 0.4% quarterly and 2.1% annually, below inflation. Economists from ASB, BNZ, ANZ, and Kiwibank agree the labour market is stabilising, and Reserve Bank rate increases have created disinflationary spare capacity across the workforce. 
Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank's latest Financial Stability Report highlights stress across retail, hospitality, construction, and manufacturing. It says falling business profits mirror levels from the 2008-09 crisis, though banks now hold stronger capital buffers. The bank notes house prices remain around 12% below their 2021 peak and considers them broadly sustainable. It also observes higher US government bond yields have increased New Zealand's borrowing costs. Health insurance premiums rose 19% over the year, and the Reserve Bank said that while insurers' solvency positions are above requirements, rising claims costs could create financial stress. 
In a separate development, former Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr has taken legal action over an article about his resignation. His lawyer, Michael Heron KC, demanded London-based Central Banking remove the story written by ex-RBNZ staffer Michael Reddell, claiming it was defamatory. Both Central Banking and Reddell deleted the article, though neither issued apologies. The publication cited editorial standards in its removal notice. Reddell, also a director of the Bank of Papua New Guinea, had previously written extensively on Orr's March departure, which followed a board letter of concerns later confirmed publicly after an Ombudsman inquiry in August. 
In other news, Forsyth Barr downgraded Spark to underperform and upgraded Infratil to outperform, citing shifting dynamics in the mobile market. Analysts Ben Crozier and Aaron Ibbotson cut Spark's 12-month target price from $2.65 to $2.40 and lifted Infratil's from $13.25 to $14.60, raising their valuation of One NZ from $1.9 to $2.9 billion. Spark shares were trading at $2.38, down 21% this year, while Infratil was at $12.13, down 4%. The analysts say One NZ is outperforming Spark in mobile, where services account for up to 65% of profits. 
Turning to commodities, prices fell across the board at the latest Global Dairy Trade auction, marking a sixth straight decline. Overall, prices dropped 2.4%, led by a 6.6% fall in cheddar to US$4449 per metric tonne. Whole milk powder, Fonterra's key product, fell 2.7%, and butter slipped 4.3%. Skim milk powder was steady at US$2559, while anhydrous milk fat fell 1.9%. Butter milk powder rose 1%, and mozzarella gained 1.6%. A total of 39,508 tonnes were sold to 112 winning bidders. In September, Fonterra confirmed a final 2024-25 Farmgate Milk Price of $10.16 per kilogram of milk solids. 
That was Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business - your NZ Herald daily business summary. For the best in business, subscribe to Herald Premium at nzherald.co.nz.

Today in Business: November 5, 2025

Welcome to Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business, an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald.

Each weekday, we bring you five stories, the best of the New Zealand Herald business journalism, summarised and delivered by an AI voice as an easily digestible recap.

It's Tuesday, November 4, 2025, and here are five stories you should know about.

IAG has confirmed its New Zealand chief executive Amanda Whiting will return to Australia after Australian media revealed the insurer was seeking her replacement. Whiting told staff she was relocating to Sydney for family reasons but would continue leading IAG New Zealand until a successor is appointed. She says it remains "business as usual for now." Group chief executive Nick Hawkins says Whiting's decision was carefully thought out and she will support a transition while staying engaged with the New Zealand business.

In other news, online job ads rose 3.5 percent in the year to September, the first annual increase since 2022, according to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. IT and construction led growth, rising 10 percent, while education postings dropped 13 percent. Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen says the lift is "minimal" but encouraging, with gains strongest in healthcare and primary industries. Simplicity economist Shamubeel Eaqub says it feels like the bottom of the cycle, though regional trends remain uneven. Job ads continued to fall in Auckland, Northland and Gisborne/Hawke's Bay.

Meanwhile, Syos Aerospace is expanding to Australia, establishing production for its uncrewed aerial and surface vehicle technology developed in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Founder and chief executive Sam Vye says the move supports Australian demand for locally produced systems. The firm has partnered with Starboard Maritime Intelligence to integrate satellite surveillance data and has acquired Bay Dynamics, a maker of remotely operated underwater vehicles. The company previously drew attention for securing a £30 million drone contract with the UK Ministry of Defence supporting Ukraine.

Elsewhere, Downer New Zealand has reported a 247 percent profit increase to $66 million for the latest year. Subcontractor costs fell from $900 million to $794 million, while wages dropped, cutting total expenses to $2.4 billion. Downer owns leading builder Hawkins, which was ranked the country's busiest construction firm in May. Hawkins managed $1.2 billion in projects last year, according to data specialist BCI Central's national ranking of 50 builders.

And falling rents are not forecast to reverse any time soon due to subdued migration, with Auckland rents down 0.5% annually. "It's difficult to see a strong return to growth in the near term," according to the October update from insights business CoreLogic NZ, trading as Cotality. Auckland rents have been falling for the last 12 months and are now sitting at a median of $650/week, according to Cotality's table. Hamilton rents fell 0.6% to a median $557/week. Dunedin was the only place where rents rose: up 3.4% to a median $505/week.

That was Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business - your NZ Herald daily business summary. For the best in business, subscribe to Herald Premium at nzherald.co.nz.

Welcome to Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business, an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald. 
Each weekday, we bring you five stories, the best of the New Zealand Herald business journalism, summarised and delivered by an AI voice as an easily digestible recap. 
It's Tuesday, November 4, 2025, and here are five stories you should know about. 
IAG has confirmed its New Zealand chief executive Amanda Whiting will return to Australia after Australian media revealed the insurer was seeking her replacement. Whiting told staff she was relocating to Sydney for family reasons but would continue leading IAG New Zealand until a successor is appointed. She says it remains "business as usual for now." Group chief executive Nick Hawkins says Whiting's decision was carefully thought out and she will support a transition while staying engaged with the New Zealand business. 
In other news, online job ads rose 3.5 percent in the year to September, the first annual increase since 2022, according to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. IT and construction led growth, rising 10 percent, while education postings dropped 13 percent. Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen says the lift is "minimal" but encouraging, with gains strongest in healthcare and primary industries. Simplicity economist Shamubeel Eaqub says it feels like the bottom of the cycle, though regional trends remain uneven. Job ads continued to fall in Auckland, Northland and Gisborne/Hawke's Bay. 
Meanwhile, Syos Aerospace is expanding to Australia, establishing production for its uncrewed aerial and surface vehicle technology developed in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Founder and chief executive Sam Vye says the move supports Australian demand for locally produced systems. The firm has partnered with Starboard Maritime Intelligence to integrate satellite surveillance data and has acquired Bay Dynamics, a maker of remotely operated underwater vehicles. The company previously drew attention for securing a £30 million drone contract with the UK Ministry of Defence supporting Ukraine. 
Elsewhere, Downer New Zealand has reported a 247 percent profit increase to $66 million for the latest year. Subcontractor costs fell from $900 million to $794 million, while wages dropped, cutting total expenses to $2.4 billion. Downer owns leading builder Hawkins, which was ranked the country's busiest construction firm in May. Hawkins managed $1.2 billion in projects last year, according to data specialist BCI Central's national ranking of 50 builders. 
And falling rents are not forecast to reverse any time soon due to subdued migration, with Auckland rents down 0.5% annually. "It's difficult to see a strong return to growth in the near term," according to the October update from insights business CoreLogic NZ, trading as Cotality. Auckland rents have been falling for the last 12 months and are now sitting at a median of $650/week, according to Cotality's table. Hamilton rents fell 0.6% to a median $557/week. Dunedin was the only place where rents rose: up 3.4% to a median $505/week. 
That was Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business - your NZ Herald daily business summary. For the best in business, subscribe to Herald Premium at nzherald.co.nz.

Today in Business: November 4, 2025

Welcome to Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business, an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald.

Each weekday, we bring you five stories, the best of the New Zealand Herald business journalism, summarised and delivered by an AI voice as an easily digestible recap.

It's Monday, November 3, 2025, and here are five stories you should know about.

Westpac New Zealand has reported a 13 percent rise in annual net profit after tax to 1.2 billion dollars for the year ending September, up from 1.06 billion. Net interest income grew 9 percent, while net interest margin improved to 2.32 percent. Home lending increased 5 percent, business lending 2 percent. Term deposits fell 2 percent as customers shifted to transaction and savings accounts, which rose 2 and 8 percent respectively. Impairment provisions recorded a 71 million dollar positive swing. Chief executive Catherine McGrath says more home loan customers are ahead on repayments, with an average repayment buffer of nearly 12,000 dollars.

In other news, residential building consents rose 3.6 percent in the year to September, with 34,882 new homes approved, Stats NZ reports. September's 3,747 new homes marked the highest monthly total in more than two years. Auckland and Otago led multi-unit growth, while apartment consents jumped 49 percent. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop confirms Auckland's new Plan Change 120 will replace Plan Change 78 to balance housing capacity and hazard risks. Recently passed legislation allows backyard granny flats up to 70 square metres without building consent. Building Minister Chris Penk says this step boosts construction productivity and housing supply.

Meanwhile, Fonterra's Anchor brand has discontinued its A2 milk range in New Zealand after ending its licensing agreement with the a2 Milk company. The co-op says it will focus on lactose-free options, citing strong growth of its Anchor Zero Lacto range. A2 Milk says it is disappointed and is seeking a new licensing partner to restore local supply. The phase-out follows Fonterra farmers voting to sell the consumer business, including Anchor, to Lactalis. The licensing decision was unrelated to that sale. A2 Milk says fresh milk sales in New Zealand make only an immaterial contribution to its financial results.

In a separate development, KiwiSaver provider Simplicity has launched InfraKiwi, a new company designed to raise funds for infrastructure investment and list on the NZX. Chair Rob Everett and managing director Sam Stubbs say it will target New Zealand ownership, excluding foreign investors. The initiative follows estimates of a 210 billion dollar infrastructure deficit over 30 years. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop welcomes the move, calling it a positive step for growth and productivity. InfraKiwi aims to invest across energy, water, transport, data, and social infrastructure sectors. Simplicity will initially seed assets before becoming one of the scheme's investors.

And finally today, The Coffee Club Ōmokoroa has won Supreme Franchisee of the Year at Westpac New Zealand's 2025 Franchise Awards, also taking the retail and hospitality title. Owners Kelly and Jess Bain opened the café in 2023, emphasizing community connections in a town of fewer than 5,000 residents. Harrisons Flooring won Supreme Franchise System of the Year, continuing its family ownership since 1962. Chief executive Patrick Harrison says the award reflects the company's people and customers. The Franchise Association says the winners highlight resilience in challenging economic conditions. Nearly 550 franchise systems operate nationwide, supporting over 29,000 units.

That was Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business - your NZ Herald daily business summary. For the best in business, subscribe to Herald Premium at nzherald.co.nz.

Welcome to Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business, an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald. 
Each weekday, we bring you five stories, the best of the New Zealand Herald business journalism, summarised and delivered by an AI voice as an easily digestible recap. 
It's Monday, November 3, 2025, and here are five stories you should know about. 
Westpac New Zealand has reported a 13 percent rise in annual net profit after tax to 1.2 billion dollars for the year ending September, up from 1.06 billion. Net interest income grew 9 percent, while net interest margin improved to 2.32 percent. Home lending increased 5 percent, business lending 2 percent. Term deposits fell 2 percent as customers shifted to transaction and savings accounts, which rose 2 and 8 percent respectively. Impairment provisions recorded a 71 million dollar positive swing. Chief executive Catherine McGrath says more home loan customers are ahead on repayments, with an average repayment buffer of nearly 12,000 dollars. 
In other news, residential building consents rose 3.6 percent in the year to September, with 34,882 new homes approved, Stats NZ reports. September's 3,747 new homes marked the highest monthly total in more than two years. Auckland and Otago led multi-unit growth, while apartment consents jumped 49 percent. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop confirms Auckland's new Plan Change 120 will replace Plan Change 78 to balance housing capacity and hazard risks. Recently passed legislation allows backyard granny flats up to 70 square metres without building consent. Building Minister Chris Penk says this step boosts construction productivity and housing supply. 
Meanwhile, Fonterra's Anchor brand has discontinued its A2 milk range in New Zealand after ending its licensing agreement with the a2 Milk company. The co-op says it will focus on lactose-free options, citing strong growth of its Anchor Zero Lacto range. A2 Milk says it is disappointed and is seeking a new licensing partner to restore local supply. The phase-out follows Fonterra farmers voting to sell the consumer business, including Anchor, to Lactalis. The licensing decision was unrelated to that sale. A2 Milk says fresh milk sales in New Zealand make only an immaterial contribution to its financial results. 
In a separate development, KiwiSaver provider Simplicity has launched InfraKiwi, a new company designed to raise funds for infrastructure investment and list on the NZX. Chair Rob Everett and managing director Sam Stubbs say it will target New Zealand ownership, excluding foreign investors. The initiative follows estimates of a 210 billion dollar infrastructure deficit over 30 years. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop welcomes the move, calling it a positive step for growth and productivity. InfraKiwi aims to invest across energy, water, transport, data, and social infrastructure sectors. Simplicity will initially seed assets before becoming one of the scheme's investors. 
And finally today, The Coffee Club Ōmokoroa has won Supreme Franchisee of the Year at Westpac New Zealand's 2025 Franchise Awards, also taking the retail and hospitality title. Owners Kelly and Jess Bain opened the café in 2023, emphasizing community connections in a town of fewer than 5,000 residents. Harrisons Flooring won Supreme Franchise System of the Year, continuing its family ownership since 1962. Chief executive Patrick Harrison says the award reflects the company's people and customers. The Franchise Association says the winners highlight resilience in challenging economic conditions. Nearly 550 franchise systems operate nationwide, supporting over 29,000 units. 
That was Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business - your NZ Herald daily business summary. For the best in business, subscribe to Herald Premium at nzherald.co.nz.

Today in Business: November 3, 2025

Welcome to Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business, an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald.

Each weekday, we bring you five stories, the best of the New Zealand Herald business journalism, summarised and delivered by an AI voice as an easily digestible recap.

It's Friday, October 31, 2025, and here are five stories you should know about.

SkyCity Entertainment Group reaffirmed its annual earnings guidance at its Auckland meeting, with chief executive Jason Walbridge confirming expected ebitda for the June 2026 year between 190 million and $210 million. He says trading across New Zealand venues shows little consumer improvement, though visitation remains strong. The firm is pursuing 330 million in legal action against Fletcher Building over delays to the New Zealand International Convention Centre. Chairman Julian Cook acknowledged poor shareholder returns and confirmed plans to sell 200 million in assets, while a 240 million capital raise prompted protest votes against two directors standing for re-election.

Meanwhile, hotel giant Accor has opened its latest property, Tribe Auckland Fort Street, featuring 60 rooms and a new street-level restaurant called Sienna. The launch marks Accor's 48th hotel in New Zealand. Chief operating officer Adrian Williams says the brand targets travellers seeking design-led, good-value stays. Accor's next opening, Jo&Joe Auckland, arrives by November 7, offering 293 beds and a rooftop bar. Both properties are developed with CP Group. Occupancy across Accor's New Zealand hotels is up 1.5% on last year, supported by government tourism funding and rising Australian arrivals, particularly in Queenstown and other regional destinations.

On the technology front, Straker renewed its artificial intelligence partnership with IBM, valued at an estimated $28 million over three years through December 2028. Chief executive Grant Straker says the new arrangement introduces token-based charging and higher-margin AI revenue. The ASX-listed firm's annual revenue fell 10% to $44.8 million, while its net profit widened to 10.2 million after non-cash impairments. However, adjusted ebitda rose 18% to a record 4.8 million, and the company ended the year with 12.9 million in cash and no debt. Straker says its AI "Verify" tool is now used globally within IBM's Watson X infrastructure.

In other developments, DHL has opened its new $90 million temperature-controlled healthcare distribution centre at Auckland Airport's The Landing business park. The 14,100-square-metre facility uses 41 Geek+ robots to automate storage and picking processes. Chief executive Javier Bilbao says the warehouse increases DHL's health logistics capacity in New Zealand by 20%. Built by Macrennie Construction on airport-owned land, the centre supports 80 staff and handles 12,000 pallets in temperature zones from minus 30 to 8 degrees. DHL Holdings (New Zealand) reported 490 million in revenue for 2024 and 19.5 million net profit, down from a previous 25.8 m.

And finally today, Victoria's Secret will return to New Zealand with a full-format store opening airside at Auckland Airport in 2026. The project is part of a major duty-free revamp led by new operator Lagardere Travel Retail, which takes over both arrivals and departures from July 2025. Auckland Airport's Mark Thomson says the transformation will modernise the terminal shopping experience. The new Victoria's Secret store follows a smaller outlet that closed in 2019. Construction begins in early 2026, with upgraded fragrance, beauty and wellness sections, and improved lounges and food areas enhancing the overall traveller experience that year.

That was Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business - your NZ Herald daily business summary. For the best in business, subscribe to Herald Premium at nzherald.co.nz.

Welcome to Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business, an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald. 
Each weekday, we bring you five stories, the best of the New Zealand Herald business journalism, summarised and delivered by an AI voice as an easily digestible recap. 
It's Friday, October 31, 2025, and here are five stories you should know about. 
SkyCity Entertainment Group reaffirmed its annual earnings guidance at its Auckland meeting, with chief executive Jason Walbridge confirming expected ebitda for the June 2026 year between 190 million and $210 million. He says trading across New Zealand venues shows little consumer improvement, though visitation remains strong. The firm is pursuing 330 million in legal action against Fletcher Building over delays to the New Zealand International Convention Centre. Chairman Julian Cook acknowledged poor shareholder returns and confirmed plans to sell 200 million in assets, while a 240 million capital raise prompted protest votes against two directors standing for re-election. 
Meanwhile, hotel giant Accor has opened its latest property, Tribe Auckland Fort Street, featuring 60 rooms and a new street-level restaurant called Sienna. The launch marks Accor's 48th hotel in New Zealand. Chief operating officer Adrian Williams says the brand targets travellers seeking design-led, good-value stays. Accor's next opening, Jo&Joe Auckland, arrives by November 7, offering 293 beds and a rooftop bar. Both properties are developed with CP Group. Occupancy across Accor's New Zealand hotels is up 1.5% on last year, supported by government tourism funding and rising Australian arrivals, particularly in Queenstown and other regional destinations. 
On the technology front, Straker renewed its artificial intelligence partnership with IBM, valued at an estimated $28 million over three years through December 2028. Chief executive Grant Straker says the new arrangement introduces token-based charging and higher-margin AI revenue. The ASX-listed firm's annual revenue fell 10% to $44.8 million, while its net profit widened to 10.2 million after non-cash impairments. However, adjusted ebitda rose 18% to a record 4.8 million, and the company ended the year with 12.9 million in cash and no debt. Straker says its AI "Verify" tool is now used globally within IBM's Watson X infrastructure. 
In other developments, DHL has opened its new $90 million temperature-controlled healthcare distribution centre at Auckland Airport's The Landing business park. The 14,100-square-metre facility uses 41 Geek+ robots to automate storage and picking processes. Chief executive Javier Bilbao says the warehouse increases DHL's health logistics capacity in New Zealand by 20%. Built by Macrennie Construction on airport-owned land, the centre supports 80 staff and handles 12,000 pallets in temperature zones from minus 30 to 8 degrees. DHL Holdings (New Zealand) reported 490 million in revenue for 2024 and 19.5 million net profit, down from a previous 25.8 m. 
And finally today, Victoria's Secret will return to New Zealand with a full-format store opening airside at Auckland Airport in 2026. The project is part of a major duty-free revamp led by new operator Lagardere Travel Retail, which takes over both arrivals and departures from July 2025. Auckland Airport's Mark Thomson says the transformation will modernise the terminal shopping experience. The new Victoria's Secret store follows a smaller outlet that closed in 2019. Construction begins in early 2026, with upgraded fragrance, beauty and wellness sections, and improved lounges and food areas enhancing the overall traveller experience that year. 
That was Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business - your NZ Herald daily business summary. For the best in business, subscribe to Herald Premium at nzherald.co.nz.

Today in Business: October 31, 2025

Today in Business is an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald. Listen every day at 5pm for the top headlines from the NZ Herald business team. 

Powered by Spark for Business.

Today in Business is an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald.&nbsp;Listen every day at 5pm for the top headlines from the NZ Herald business team.&nbsp;
Powered by Spark for Business.

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