National Business Review
April 2026
How AI is radically changing digital marketing
The science of search engine optimisation is in the midst of a fundamental shake-up as artificial intelligence begins to alter how consumers decide what to purchase online
Quick Takes of the Week to May 1
Two-way trade between India and New Zealand is currently worth $3.95 billion, but McClay has pointed to growth in trade with China as example of what could happen once the India FTA comes into effect
This deal will deliver thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in additional exports,
Fletcher Reinforcing & Wire is a well-regarded business with strong brands,
‘War fatigued’ investors price in AI tolerance
The US has maintained a naval blockade, seizing two Iranian tankers in the Indian Ocean this week, and the US Navy has been instructed to sink any vessel suspected of placing mines in the strait
The Treasury advises recovery is delayed, not derailed
Volatile diesel prices put confidence on backburner
Wayne Brown: we don’t need ‘world class’, we need ‘affordable’
Wayne Brown: we don’t need ‘world class’, we need ‘affordable’
Public deserves better than anonymous speculation on PM’s future
Luxon ‘absolutely’ confident about his leadership
At his post-Cabinet news conference on Monday afternoon Luxon was questioned about his low personal support
Green Party pushing to reduce dependence on fossil fuels
Stocks jump, oil falls as Iran declares Strait of Hormuz open
Netflix shares slid this week on the back of weak guidance, despite first-quarter earnings beating market expectations
Wholesale activity was significantly affected by lower sales to concession stores, particularly in the Middle East and in airports,
The case for NZ front-footing big tech and AI regulation
Fintechs call for a government-backed digital ID
The Accountants 2026: AI could replace people who don’t adopt it
Comvita’s former chair confident of support for raise
The NZX-listed honey and wellness company announced a $30 million capital raise yesterday to refinance and pay down debt, with
Investment in startups soared in 2025, says new report
The latest Young Company Finance report, produced by NZ Growth Capital Partners (NZGCP) and Angel Association NZ, says
Fear factor: Buyers paying a premium as EV sales spike
New and used car dealers have found a silver lining in the Middle East conflict — sales of electric vehicles have more than quadrupled
The Accountants 2026: ‘New Zealand needs more Bob Joneses’
Fonterra names Richard Allen as new CEO
In a statement to the NZX, Fonterra chair Peter McBride said
US to blockade Strait of Hormuz; Orbán concedes in Hungary
I think that's bad news for Iran much more than it's bad news for the United States of America,
If we have a blockade, we still have the problem of a shortage in the market of about seven million barrels of crude, four million barrels of product not getting out. And we just added to that by making the Iranian barrels off the market,
Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL
Israeli soldiers have continually blocked peacekeepers’ movements on this road in recent days, in addition to denials of freedom of movement recorded in other areas,
Playing chicken: Optimism persists as oil price veers wildly
When US President Donald Trump 'chickened out' of his threat to annihilate Iran out of existence, it was a welcome 'circuit breaker' on Wednesday, but global equity markets have generally maintained relative composure in the face of recent geopolitical tumult
The New Zealand economy was only just getting into the throes of the early stages of a recovery, and then you obviously have this thrown at it, and the weak Kiwi dollar as well,
Responding to Trump’s rhetoric and the impact on inflation
How long it will last is unclear, and there is even more uncertainty about whether it will lead to a durable peace settlement
NZ economic recovery will slow but recession unlikely: Rabobank
US and Iran agree two-week ceasefire before escalation deadline
Trump says ‘civilisation will die’; Universal Music bid launched
However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalised minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?”
Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognise the real and personal impact these issues have had.”
Iran will not stand idle in the face of such egregious war crimes. It will exercise, without hesitation, its inherent right of self-defence and will take immediate and proportionate reciprocal measures,
I just don’t think it’s sustainable that the Strait remains closed for months and months and months,