Stepping up
Why good governance goes a long way in developing SME directors in a rapidly changing business environment.
Why good governance goes a long way in developing SME directors in a rapidly changing business environment.
The thriving Māori economy and workforce are shaping New Zealand’s future, with professional development, leadership, and Māori values driving transformative opportunities across industries.
Thrive Whanganui, a team of economic diversity enablers, have announced the launch of their self-guided business resource: The Boss Book – Te Pukapuka Pāhi. This new book takes entrepreneurs through the process of creating a business plan step by step – providing examples, templates and exercises to take the guesswork out of where to start your business journey. The book is the culmination of five years of working in the community and developing resources to help people through their business planning journey. It contains whakataukī and example businesses to help inspire new pakihi. “We wanted to take the mystery out of starting a new business by breaking the process down into easy-to-follow exercises and steps,” says Elise Goodge, Programme and
A new survey across New Zealand, Australia and the UK has revealed the five major reasons why people recently quit or are quitting their jobs. According to people2people Recruitment’s 2023 Annual Salary and Employment Report, when asked why employees recently quit or are considering quitting, 46 percent indicated it was due to a lack of career opportunities, up 29 percent from 2022. This was followed by low pay (35 percent), management (28 percent), non-supportive culture (27 percent), and stressful working conditions (26 percent). people2people Recruitment’s Group Managing Director Mark Smith (pictured) says, “On reflection, 2022 wasn’t without its roadblocks. Given the uncertain business landscape in 2023, an unyielding focus on talent attraction and retention will be essential to ensure organisations
Tony Maguire offers up five micro-credential tips to help keep your employees engaged whilst learning. Workshops, MBAs, certificates or courses – there are now more learning opportunities for employees looking to earn accreditation in new skills. Some of these involve a large commitment of time and resources but micro-credentials still continue to offer businesses and employees a better option because they’re quick and focused. A micro-credential is a representation of a competency or achievement that’s earned through a short, focused program. To receive one, learners need to demonstrate that they’ve met a set of requirements that could be tied to either one of two benchmarks: Progress: Does the person need to complete a specific activity or module? Performance: Does the learner need to
Exxovantage is a Kiwi business deploying exoskeletons and wearable tech to reduce injuries and future-proof workforces. A Kiwi company is deploying integrated and wearable robotic solutions and technology that could save Kiwi businesses from losing money to workplace injuries while simultaneously future-proofing workforces worldwide. Exxovantage combines exoskeletons and exosuits, workplace wearables, AI, data analytics and cutting-edge risk management tools to increase operational efficiencies for the logistics, manufacturing, retail, aviation, defence, construction, dairy farming, horticulture, mining and healthcare sectors. In the current climate of stark skill shortages, lost time to injuries, and a focus on the mental health of the nation’s workforce, supporting manual labour tasks with robotics and data analytics may reduce the cost of staff turnover and close the
The Young Enterprise Scheme is celebrating 40 years of helping young Kiwis become New Zealand’s business leaders of tomorrow. New research shows measurable social return on investment. Young Enterprise Scheme (YES), a charity who’s alumni have gone on to found companies including Sharesies, Xero, Kiwibank, and Flamingo Scooters, has released its GoodMeasure report, which clearly shows the significant social value YES programmes have achieved for more than 5000 students this year alone. The report, conducted by ImpactLab and chaired by Sir Bill English, shows the social value (the social impact in dollar terms that a programme achieves for participants over their lifetime) is $2,753 for each participant. At a programme cost of $432 per participant the measurable benefit as a
Workplace mental health has been thrown a lifeline with the rollout of a two-way text-based check-in system that champions employee wellbeing. TextPulse is a digital health tool that monitors employees’ moods, identifying those struggling before their challenges amplify. Based on clinical and behavioural science, it uses two-way text messaging – and one-on-one interaction with a Wellbeing Angel – to ascertain who needs personalised mental and emotional support and what level of support they need. The technology has been introduced to the New Zealand workforce by training organisation Skills Consulting Group to provide an early safety net for employee wellbeing and create a happier, more productive workforce. “We’re shifting the ambulance from the bottom of the cliff to the top,” says
Upcoming event
Thursday 30 July 2026 | 7:00am – 9:00am
📍 Covert Theatre, 51 Mackelvie Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Everyone talks about the importance of business strategy, but what does it actually mean in practice? Strategy trainer Ryan Sproull cuts through the jargon to give SME owners a clear, practical framework for thinking strategically about their business.
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Practical AI insights, Kiwi tech innovators, and the tools helping Kiwi SMEs compete on a global stage. It’s all packed into this special tech issue of NZBusiness.
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