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.

HDCathy-38

Driven on instinct

With care and creativity Cathy Pope has carved out a successful business career. Now the talented jewellery designer is looking to grow her brand even further. Cathy Pope admits she accidentally fell into jewellery design. Advertising and media had been her first fields of expertise, both in London and New Zealand, followed by costume design in film and television. But her creative genes leaned towards jewellery design after being gifted some gemstones from a sewing client. “That was almost ten years ago,” she remembers. “I started making and wearing my inaugural chunky choker necklace designs and enough people seemed to like my strong, simple aesthetic styles. Orders from friends came thick and fast.” And just like that, Cathy Pope, the

Business traveller

Business travel confidence on the rise

Data from SME travel management provider Corporate Traveller reveals a steady increase in international bookings as travel restrictions ease, with its international air sales now around 65 percent of pre-Covid volume.   Corporate Traveller New Zealand’s GM Keeley Alton says the high demand shouldn’t be underestimated, considering the limited flights in and out of New Zealand. “Airline capacity is currently only at about 40 percent, which means there are fewer flight options and subsequently more expensive airfares.”   Based on April-May 2022 data, compared to the same period in 2019, domestic airfares are up 16 percent and international airfares are up by almost 60 percent. “Interestingly, this doesn’t seem to be putting off our SME customers who are busy forging international relationships again to help

Neurodiversity sml

Neurodivergent workers overlooked in NZ

Research shows that neurodivergent Kiwis in workplaces are at risk of being overlooked, with a third reporting their condition has negatively affected their career advancement.   The 2022 New Zealand Workplace Diversity Survey also revealed that it’s likely many people with a neurodiverse condition are masking it in the workplace, with 63 per cent of people who identified as neurodivergent reporting their organisation was unaware of this. Diversity Works New Zealand Head of Research and Development Pete Mercer says another concerning statistic from the annual research was that only 17 percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that senior leaders in their organisation were equipped to effectively manage a neurodiverse workforce. Almost half of those surveyed (47 percent) disagreed or

Devonport Auckland Skyline

Activate Tāmaki Makaurau supports 12,000 businesses

Between December 2021 and June 2022, more than 12,000 Auckland businesses impacted by COVID-19 accessed support through Activate Tāmaki Makaurau, the delivery programme for the Government’s Auckland business support package. Activate Tāmaki Makaurau provided businesses support across four offerings: Advice and planning; implementation; mental health and wellbeing; and business community resources. The $60 million package was announced by the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Small Business in October 2021. It was designed to support Tāmaki Makaurau businesses through the uncertainty and impacts caused by the pandemic, with the region spending more time under COVID-19 restrictions than other parts of New Zealand. Activate Tāmaki Makaurau was administered by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited – supported by MBIE, and in partnership with the