The SME Stream

Could more babies be the answer to New Zealand’s economic problems?
Liam Dann and Tamsyn Parker unpack Winston Peters’ proposed $45,000 Kiwi Kids Grant, ask whether cash can really lift the birth rate, and look at why migration may still be the more realistic path to growth. Plus, why Christchurch and the regions are outperforming Auckland—and whether rising building consents offer a glimmer of hope.
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The Prime Minister is in damage control mode after telling struggling business owners in Rotorua to “be adult”.
Christopher Luxon made the remarks at a business event, and they’ve sparked a fierce backlash.
He’s since had to apologise after being labelled out of touch and patronising.
So, is this a gaffe that’ll keep haunting him, or just a bad week in a challenging political environment? And what does it say about how the Government sees its role in supporting or stepping back from struggling businesses?
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald Chief Political Reporter Jamie Ensor joins us to break down how National’s caucus is reacting, and what next.
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You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee
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Political panelists Trish Sherson and Russel Norman on Christopher Luxon offending and then apologisng to small business owners.
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Wages in the retail sector have risen - with the average wage reaching $30.94 per hour, up 1 percent on last year.
This comes amid difficult conditions impacting the sector, which faced shrinking margins and falling sales.
It was also lower than the annual rate of inflation, which was 4.1 percent in the June quarter.
Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young says many workers also make extra money off commissions - and the sector offers significant contributions to workers' KiwiSavers.
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The New Zealand Business Hall of Fame will induct its 2026 Laureates on Thursday, Partners life founder Naomi Ballantyne is one of them.
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