Business

Business · 14 October 2026

ACC Starts Garden Cost Audit, Turning Hobby Expenses into Claim Considerations

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

The Accident Compensation Corporation has begun a light‑hearted review of gardening expenses, sparking discussion about whether hobby costs could influence injury claims.

Business · 13 October 2026

Election fog turns NZ economy into a waiting room, with businesses holding their breath (and their coffee cups)

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

As the election draws near, companies across the country have slipped into a holding pattern, pausing investments and even their coffee breaks while politicians debate the future.

Business · 12 October 2026

National’s 2029 Tax‑Cut Promise Leaves the Books in a Black Hole

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

National’s new fiscal plan teases tax cuts only after 2029, while Treasury’s Nicola Willis warns the books need to be back in the black first.

Business · 12 October 2026

Fluorescent Lights Turn Office into Survival‑Mode Arena

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

Fluorescent lighting can sap productivity and push workers into a constant ‘survival mode’, according to research on office design and its impact on wellbeing.

Business · 10 October 2026

Pine‑to‑Power: New Zealand’s New Biofuel Boom Turns Timber Trash into Tomorrow’s Fuel

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

Entrepreneurs in the Bay of Plenty are turning discarded woody biomass into high‑value biofuels and biochemicals, heralding a green future for the country.

Business · 9 October 2026

Auckland firm’s neon‑pink MDMA import sparks ‘feel‑good’ frenzy on the NZX

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

A NZX‑listed company has secured permission to import therapeutic MDMA, turning New Zealand’s drug‑policy conversation into a corporate wellness venture.

Business · 9 October 2026

Bottom Trawling Ban Looms as Opportunity Holds Keys to Post‑Election Deal

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

The Opportunity party, seen as a kingmaker, threatens to hold its support back until partners pledge a ban on bottom trawling, turning a fisheries issue into a political catch‑up.

Business · 7 October 2026

EatClub Swipes Right: Over 250 Venues, Including 8 Michelin‑Starred, Join Discount App

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

Auckland‑based EatClub has launched a discount dining app that has signed up more than 250 venues, including eight Michelin‑starred restaurants, aiming to make fine dining more affordable.

Business · 7 October 2026

Finance face‑off turns Morning Report into a free‑for‑all

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

National’s Nicola Willis and Labour’s Barbara Edmonds faced off on Wednesday’s Morning Report, turning the segment into a verbal tug‑of‑war that left viewers wondering what the next day’s market would reveal.