The SME Stream

Ready to change your fortune in 2026? Welcome to the Wealth Kick. How do you work out what you really want? Lots of smart people have tried to crack that one, from Aristotle to Oprah. In this episode, we set out to help you pin down your goals and priorities—because before you get moving on your money, you need to know where you’re trying to go and why. This is the first episode of the Wealth Kick, a limited series to change your perspective on money for the new year. Until the end of January, we’re serving up a little financial soul-searching, easy exercises you can use anywhere, and a few wacky stories. Disclaimer: Shared Lunch is brought to you by Sharesies Australia Limited (ABN 94 648 811 830; AFSL 529893) in Australia and Sharesies Limited (NZ) in New Zealand. It is not financial advice. Information provided is general only and current at the time it’s provided, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. We do not provide recommendations and you should always read the disclosure documents available from the product issuer before making a financial decision. Our disclosure documents and terms and conditions—including a Target Market Determination and IDPS Guide for Sharesies Australian customers—can be found on our relevant Australian or NZ website. Investing involves risk. You might lose the money you start with. If you require financial advice, you should consider speaking with a qualified financial advisor. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance. Appearance on Shared Lunch is not an endorsement by Sharesies of the views of the presenters, guests, or the entities they represent. Their views are their own.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retail New Zealand's Chief Executive says the closure of Australian retailer EB Games would have a wide-reaching impact. The Australian video-game retailer's proposing shutting its 38 New Zealand stores and its Distribution Centre. Staff reportedly have until Monday to feed back on the plan. Retail NZ's Carolyn Young told Andrew Dickens the retail climate's been really challenging over the past few years. She says losing EB is not a small thing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand may be in for a more positive property market in the new year. Cotality’s January Home Value Index shows that property values were down 1% in 2025 – a drop of 17% from the 2022 peak. Regional performance varied, with Aukland and Wellington remaining weak, but Southland districts and provincial centres such as New Plymouth and Queenstown seeing increases. Cotality’s Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson told Andrew Dickens that the reason they’re forecasting increases is because a number of factors that restrain house prices are starting to turn around. He says mortgage rates are down, the economy is turning around, and unemployment should come down, which should give households a bit more confidence to act in the housing market. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should the ultra-wealthy pay more tax? It’s a debate that’s continued for decades, even centuries. From Ancient Athens to present day, the idea has been a constant when it comes to addressing inequality. Yet, no government has been brave enough to impose one. It’s a staple of the Green Party’s proposed Budget, which promises bold moves to make sure everyone has a warm home, decent kai, and the care and support for a good life. But who pays? And is leaning even more left than centre doing wonders for the party’s polling? Today on The Front Page, Green Party co-leader, Chlöe Swarbrick is with us to discuss whether it’s time for the wealthy few to fund. 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 DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.