The NBR Podcast

New Zealand’s 2026 election is being shaped by inflation, unemployment, OCR settings, mortgage rates, business confidence, and the cost-of-living crisis, as voters weigh whether the economy is truly recovering — driving sharp political divides between National's Nicola Willis and Labour's Barbara Edmonds.

Links to audio clips used here

Plastic pollution is one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges, with the drinks industry producing hundreds of billions of single-use bottles every year. Brianne West is taking aim at that problem with Incrediballs, a plastic-free drink concentrate designed to eliminate packaging altogether and prove that sustainable product design and ethical entrepreneurship can reshape global industries.

Links to audio clips used here

China’s birth rate has fallen to a record low and the markets have noticed. With just 7.9 million babies born last year, a shift has already begun rippling through global markets, from infant formula and A2 Milk to New Zealand’s broader export exposure and emerging growth in India.

Links to audio clips used here.

Limitless clean energy from a nuclear fusion reactor. Early next decade, Kiwi startup OpenStar Technologies is hoping to be the first to create fusion in way that can supply reliable electricity. Founder Dr Ratu Mataira discusses sustainable power solutions, cleantech energy innovation and the future of energy as his company tries to replicate the power of the sun.

Links to audio clips used here.

Is electric marine transport coming? We’re cruising above the waves aboard Vessev’s nine-metre EV hydro-foiling boat as the Kiwi company goes global in 2026. Chief executive and co-founder Eric Laakmann talks sustainable transport innovation and clean technology as the company ramps up production, preps for a capital raise, and sells into new countries. He believes it could be the next Kiwi startup to hit unicorn status.

This episode is available as a video on Spotify, YouTube and NBR.co.nz

Links to audio clips used here.