open banking nz

Kiwibank flips the switch on open banking for SMEs

Kiwibank has become the first New Zealand bank to roll out open banking across all its digital channels for both individual and business customers, delivering most of the data‑sharing capability required by regulators six months ahead of its statutory deadline.

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.

Healthtex kiwi entrepreneurs

The pharmacist who listened

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.

Preparing for the coming payroll changes

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.

Ai

How AI Technology Could Improve Your Day-to-Day Processing

Before understanding the future of Artificial Intelligence in business, or how AI technologies impact the business world, it is important to know what AI actually is.  AI refers to any computer software that engages in activities usually undertaken by humans, including customer support, business forecasts, and asset management.  Years of science fiction movies have led us to believe that AI is a fleet of sentient robots, but today’s AI technologies are far more subtle. Most of us interact with AI in some way or another daily.  With its wide range of uses, it is becoming an imperative option for businesses that want to maintain a competitive edge.  So, what are some of the ways you can improve your business with

DataZoo 1147799245

Making the most of technology

When correctly applied, technology makes a world of difference to the efficiency and profitability of any business. GoFi8ure Executive Director Lisa Martin explains why you should embrace technology in 2022. Let’s face it, business owners can be reluctant to utilise new technology, and this can have a detrimental impact on their business. GoFi8ure’s Lisa Martin says often their new clients need some convincing to try something new, but once they see what it does for their business’s performance, they are sold. But that’s not always the case. Lisa remembers one client who, when asked for an online video-meeting to review his financial statements and tax returns, admitted to not even having downloaded the Zoom app. The client hadn’t grasped the

Sydney Harbour Bridge sml

Australia’s changing view of NZ and its businesses

New qualitative research commissioned by NZ Story Group reveals significant shifts in Australian consumers’ and businesses’ perceptions of New Zealand since 2015. New Zealand Story CEO David Downs says the findings reinforce that now is a critical time for New Zealand businesses to champion our shared history with Australia and build on their new-found respect for our progressive and inclusive society driven by our national values. “We’re witnessing significant shifts in the Australian psyche that signal admiration for the way we behave as a nation, what our businesses and culture can offer and the improved outcomes that can be achieved through collaboration,” says Downs. Australia’s view of itself is changing – and that is influencing its growing admiration for the

Rising food costs

The year of the virtual pay cut

A new survey highlights the failure of wages to keep pace with inflation in New Zealand. It’s time for business owners to offer relief where they can. With inflation hitting a three-decade high last month, wages are failing to keep pace, and the majority of New Zealand’s workforce are in line for a ‘virtual’ pay cut this year. A survey of 954 Kiwi workers this month by leading recruitment agency Frog Recruitment revealed more than 80 percent of workers had either not had a pay increase this year or for the minority that have, the pay increase falls short of the 7.3 percent inflation rate. Thanks to the pandemic, supply-chain struggles, and the war in Ukraine, New Zealand inflation climbed

Ethical marketing

Why ethical marketing is the way of the future

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

David Lenz, Arcserve

How to keep ransomware at bay

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