Blog
As we move into 2026, New Zealand’s property market is at a turning point. After several years of slow growth and high mortgage rates, economists expect interest rates to gradually ease through 2025 and 2026. The Reserve Bank is likely to reduce the Official Cash Rate from 2.5% to around
By Rowan Little – team lead – urban After years of consultation, hearings, and community input, Napier City Council has released the Decisions Version of its Proposed District Plan. This is a significant step towards the update and replacement of the existing Operative District Plan (2011) and is a pivotal
AI can book a flight faster than you can say “departure gate changed,” but when it comes to the art of travel planning, speed isn’t everything. Sure, your friendly chatbot can spit out flight options, recommend hotels with five-star reviews, and even predict what you might enjoy — but can
Hawke’s Bay relies heavily on horticulture, viticulture, hospitality, and service industries. Seasonal peaks and workforce pressures are part of daily life for many businesses, which means staying ahead of employment and immigration law changes is essential. With new visa categories and a significant employment law reform bill progressing through Parliament,
By Andrew DaviesDirector and Insurance Adviser — Tidal Life & Health Insurance Running a successful business often depends on one or more key individuals whose skills, knowledge, relationships and role in the business are essential for daily operations, strategy, sales and technical expertise. But what happens if one of those
By Dave BartramNexia Hawke’s Bay Accessing capital in rural enterprises is often a pivotal moment for farmers and agribusiness owners. Whether it is for expansion, diversification, or succession planning, securing funding requires more than just a good idea – it demands preparation, clarity, and ownership of the process. After nearly
By Peter NelsonManaging Director, Datacom New Zealand For years, technology headlines have been dominated by AI breakthroughs, rapid cloud adoption and relentless cybersecurity threats. As we move into 2026, the conversation is changing. In boardrooms, the focus is no longer on what is possible. It is on what will truly
At this time of the year for the last two years, many economists and real estate commentators have been predicting ‘better things’ to come in the following year. And by ‘better things’ in the property market we mean increases in property prices (along with increased sales volume and shorter days
By Jess Parker “How you plan and respond to interest rate cycles will determine whether you enjoy short-term relief or set yourself up for lasting financial strength.” After a long period of easing, interest rates have now entered a stimulatory phase, with the OCR now sitting below what’s considered a
By Glenn Fan-Robertson The October BDO Business Performance Index Report shows a national business environment under pressure. Confidence has slipped to a record low, margins are tight, and leaders remain cautious about the months ahead. Locally, we are seeing a mix of optimism and strain. The report provides context for
