The SME Stream

Fuel providers NPD and Gull announced a proposed merger of the two entities on Wednesday, December 24. The decision now sits with the Commerce Commission as they decide if the merger will increase or decrease competition in the market. Both companies are already low-cost providers, so, it is hoped the proposed merge could lower prices for consumers. Customers have been awaiting a fuel price drop for a while now, as oil prices have fallen, but the change has not been seen at the till. AA Fuel spokesperson Terry Collins told Andrew Dickens, "it's the largest margin I've seen between landed price and retail price, and these companies, what they need to do is not just offer discounts and specials on particular days, but we need to see across the board drop in our fuel prices currently." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is New Zealand’s largest city dying? Auckland is home to roughly a third of the entire country’s population and is predicted to grow even bigger in the coming years. The City of Sails is, by far, the largest contributor to New Zealand’s economic output, generating about 40% of GDP. But, walk down many of the inner-city streets, and you’ll see vacant lots – with a lot of potential. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald property editor, Anne Gibson is with us to discuss what can be done to get developers moving on empty spaces – some, that have been desolate for decades. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. 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 DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trade Minister claims our new Free Trade Agreement with India, is its best deal struck with any country. It's followed nine months of negotiations, ending with India agreeing to lower or remove tariffs on 95-percent of our exports, with wins for fruit, meat, wool, coal and forestry sectors. Little's changed for dairy - with duty free access only for certain protein products and those for re-export. Todd McClay told Andrew Dickens that all our exporters will benefit. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Make It Happen podcast, I sit down with certified coach and NLP master practitioner Sarah Robb from Spring with Sarah to talk about mindset, healing, and the power of rewiring your subconscious. Sarah shares her incredibly moving story of losing both parents in her twenties, navigating complex grief, and how that pain became the catalyst for her work helping others overcome self-doubt, anxiety, overthinking and “I’m not good enough” beliefs. We dive into what NLP actually is, how the language you use shapes the “house you live in,” why awareness is always the first step to change, and the simple mindset shifts you can start making today (like changing “I have to” into “I get to”). Sarah breaks down why so many women stay stuck in old patterns, how childhood experiences quietly program our beliefs, and why action, repetition and consistency are the real keys to transformation. We also talk about business, fear of judgment, and why your circle and your self-talk matter more than you think. If you’ve ever felt stuck, not enough, or held back by your past, this episode will help you see that change is possible and that what you’re not changing, you’re ultimately choosing. Sarahs Socials and Website 👇 https://springwithsarah.com/ @springwithsarah Book a discovery call 👉 www.makeithappen.org.nz📲 Socials: @makeithappenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In November China's economy showed clear signs of strain as investment, consumption, and industrial output all weakened more than anticipated. "I think the most worrying thing is fixed asset investment actually, which has now declined for the 3rd month in a row," Asia business correspondent Peter Lewis told Andrew Dickens "We've never seen that before." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.