Why AI is no longer just a tech conversation
As AI rapidly shifts from experimentation to operational reality, AI start-up founder Dave Howden says the businesses that move first – and rethink how work gets done – will hold the advantage.
As AI rapidly shifts from experimentation to operational reality, AI start-up founder Dave Howden says the businesses that move first – and rethink how work gets done – will hold the advantage.
A new national productivity programme is aiming to back more than 4,000 Kiwi SMEs into AI adoption. But the most useful lesson for business owners, says ASB’s Ben Speedy, may be the simplest: Think small first.
Three decades behind the counter taught pharmacist turned entrepreneur Tim O’Donoghue that patients know exactly what they want. They just rarely get it. Now, with an FDA-listed product live on Amazon and a 14-strong self-care platform behind it, the Healthtex Co-founder is raising capital through PledgeMe and inviting Kiwi investors into a corner of the global pharmaceutical industry usually reserved for big backers.
Digital and AI experts will share practical strategies to help businesses stay visible and competitive as AI transforms online search and customer behaviour.
A former delivery driver who started at HELL Pizza straight out of school has become one of the brand’s youngest franchise owners, taking over the Kāpiti store at just 21 years old.
Satisfaction among SMEs with the Coalition Government has declined for the second consecutive year, according to new research from MYOB.
Entries are now open for the 2026 David Awards, with this year marking a new chapter for the long-running small business awards programme as NZBusiness steps into the role of Official Steward.
When consumers start watching every dollar, many businesses reach for familiar tactics: Bigger discounts, louder promotions and more urgent calls to buy.
As New Zealand businesses enter a new financial year, the economic outlook remains mixed.
A new survey reveals most SME operators are already taking action as Middle East tensions push fuel costs higher.
Over 300 entries mark another milestone year for the 2026 NZ Hi-Tech Awards, with the Gala Dinner set for May in Auckland.
As brands compete for attention in a crowded market, Marvel Experiences is helping businesses reconnect through thoughtful, high-impact real-world moments.
Read the March issue of NZBusiness, focused on intentional growth — with practical insights, expert perspectives, and real-world stories.
When petrol prices surge, the national conversation usually focuses on motorists. But the real economic risk isn’t the family car, it’s the systems that keep the country moving.
Canterbury has claimed the title of New Zealand’s strongest-performing region for the second quarter running according to ASB report.
New data from small business platform Thryv reveals that while AI adoption among New Zealand SMEs is now mainstream, the majority are still struggling to turn experimentation into real productivity gains.
Many successful SMEs rely heavily on their founders, leaving businesses vulnerable if key decisions suddenly can’t be made. Clear governance and succession planning are crucial to protect both the company and the family.
From hyper-growth to near-collapse, Ārepa co-founder Angus Brown shares the hard lessons, tough calls and strategic pivots that helped steer the business through crisis and back toward stability.
Joseph Darby is reshaping investment management and financial advice for goal-driven Kiwis, here’s what he believes it takes to achieve financial freedom.
Payroll changes from 1 April 2026 will affect wages, KiwiSaver contributions, and ACC levies. Shannon Goodwin and Brendan Clough of Baker Tilly Staples Rodway explain what SME owners need to check now to stay compliant and avoid surprises.
Gen Z entrepreneurship isn’t just about tech start-ups or chasing scale. For young Kiwis like Stuart Savage, it’s about creativity, culture, and community – building ventures that carry meaning, craft, and legacy.
As AI changes how customers research and choose brands, traditional marketing is being upended. Auckland’s The Optimisers highlights the rise of AI answers, agent-led recommendations, and the need for “machine legibility” to stay visible and relevant.
EMS says the introduction of the Employment Leave Bill to Parliament marks a long-awaited step toward resolving ongoing issues with New Zealand’s Holidays Act.
While New Zealand SMEs are up on confidence, Elise Balsillie says this alone is not enough to secure growth, and that credibility is key.
MTF Finance Board Chair Mark Darrow will retire at the end of his current term in mid-2026, bringing to a close a six-year tenure at the New Zealand-owned lender.
Discover practical tips to build trust through authentic sustainability communication, and examples of businesses leading the way.
Small business sales in New Zealand climbed to a three-year high at the end of 2025 according to the latest data from Xero.
Nyssa Waters explains where SMEs are missing out on AI gains, and how to turn funding support into measurable business impact.
Expert says designing franchise systems around head office convenience rather than franchisee success is a mistake.
New research commissioned by Experian reveals that 58 percent of New Zealand organisations have experienced a year-on-year increase in fraud losses.
What is ethical marketing all about and why should your business engage in more ethical marketing practices? Alex Ford provides the answers. Everywhere you look, there’s a focus on sustainability and ethical practices. Businesses are using more environmentally friendly packaging, or printing less to save paper – but is their marketing ethical? Ethical marketing is a relatively new concept, and many people aren’t aware that such a thing even exists. But in a time where social media platforms are engaging in questionable practices, and our online worlds are saturated with more and more digital waste, businesses should be scrutinising the impact of their marketing practices What is ethical marketing? Ethical marketing encompasses many different things depending on what marketing
Ransomware attacks are growing in cost and frequency. Small businesses should take the following five steps to protect themselves, writes David Lenz. Ransomware attacks continue to impact businesses worldwide—and the costs are staggering. A new survey of more than 1,100 IT decision-makers at small and midsize businesses in Australia and New Zealand found that 53 percent had been targeted by a ransomware attack. These numbers are not expected to improve soon. Despite spending billions on cybersecurity tools, businesses are still poorly prepared for ransomware attacks. Only a quarter of all ANZ respondents said they’re very confident in their ability to recover lost data in the event of a ransomware attack. Smaller businesses are even less well prepared. Less than 20 percent are
A new monthly laughter subscription model has been launched to help Kiwi businesses boost morale and connection. Finding the positive amidst a tidal wave of negativity in our news feeds can be a daily struggle. That’s why Wade Jackson, high performance coach, author and founder of charitable trust Covert Theatre, has launched an innovative new laughter subscription to bring business and laughter together. Enter, stage right: The Laugh Gym. Inspired by new research from University College London[1] which shows that engaging with the performing arts has a positive impact on wellbeing, improv is the latest business tool to help employees find joy, laugh and thrive. Launched on July 20th with a special performance by global hit The Improv Bandits, The Laugh Gym
Rachel Klaver explains how to create a successful trust-building content strategy by looking after the five main stages in a customer journey. As a marketing strategist and trainer for small businesses I have taught everything from how to change the colour on a Canva design, write a caption, or create a Tiktok. These are all skills we all need to magically know to market our own small businesses (or at least know enough to be able to brief someone else), and often they are far easier to do once you’ve been given a few tips here and there. The hardest part of creating content is to trust. Trust that you will attract your ideal customers and they will want to
Peri Finnigan reveals the warning signs, the fundamentals of business liquidity and cashflow management, and what happens when a company ultimately fails.
Lauren Parsons shares her nine signs for recognising when things aren’t going well for your employees’ mental state. As a leader it’s vital you stay aware of how your staff are doing and know the signs to look for that could indicate mental distress. In 2021, researchers at AUT found that burnout had tripled – from one in nine Kiwis in early 2020, to just one in three. Depression is also on the rise, with one in four New Zealanders now experiencing a mental health challenge. So, it’s clear that you’ll highly likely have staff within your team who are struggling at times. Putting your head in the sand and ignoring this only exacerbates the challenge. Withdrawal, sadness, anger and
Upcoming event
Thursday 28 May 2026 | 7:00am – 9:30am
📍 New Zealand International Convention Centre, 101 Hobson Street, Auckland
Join us for a practical, insight-led morning exploring how Kiwi businesses are navigating today’s conditions and unlocking new growth opportunities in 2026.
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Read the March issue of NZBusiness, focused on intentional growth — with practical insights, expert perspectives, and real-world stories.
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