Best Retail NZ Podcasts (2025)

1
What the Bondi attack means for New Zealand 9:51

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1d ago9:51

9:51

A dark day in Australia, as two gunmen opened fire at a Bondi Beach Jewish event marking the first day of Hannukah. Sixteen people are dead, including one of the assailants. Police have confirmed there were two offenders and they aren’t looking for anyone else. One of them, a 50-year-old man, is dead, and a second, a 24-year-old man, is in critical…

1
Broken trust, political divides and the world getting weirder — 2025 debriefed 31:49

4d ago31:49

31:49

From geopolitical friction and climate chaos to a cost-of-living crisis and a haka heard around the world, 2025 has been a huge year for news. Trump’s return sparked trade wars, artificial intelligence is getting, well, more intelligent, and we’re rounding out the year with no end in sight for wars in Ukraine and Gaza. At home, Treaty principles we…

1
Are big boozy work Christmas parties over for good? 15:32

5d ago15:32

15:32

Tis the season to celebrate the end of the year with your workmates on the company dime. But, are the days of huge bashes and unlimited bar tabs long gone? They’ve always been high risk and loaded with legal landmines... with employees toeing the line between loose networking and plain unprofessional. So, should companies ditch the drama for direct…

1
Leaving for Oz: Why so many Kiwis are giving up on the local job market 17:08

6d ago17:08

17:08

Kiwis are flying the coop, most of them heading for better opportunities across the Tasman. Latest Stats NZ figures show just over 124,000 migrant departures in the year to October, up nearly 7% - 71,000 of them New Zealanders. What is pushing our best and brightest out the door? And is the grass really greener on the other side? Today on The Front…

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How Australia’s social media ban works – and could it happen in NZ? 22:23

7d ago22:23

22:23

Australia’s social media ban comes into effect this week, when all under 16s there will be restricted from major platforms. We’re talking TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Kick, Twitch, Threads and X. The EU passed a similar resolution this month, and the UK has introduced age restrictions on certain content. But, can you really outla…

1
All Blacks defeats, Netball NZ turmoil, Liam Lawson: The year in sport 18:45

8d ago18:45

18:45

From sideline squabbles to damning defeats, 2026 will need to be a year of refresh when it comes to Kiwi sports. The All Blacks’ season has been shaky to say the least, and headlines have been dominated with Netball New Zealand’s off-court chaos. But, there have been some major wins on the world stage for some of our best athletes. Liam Lawson has …

1
Can Auckland CBD bounce back? Retail vacancies, rail link and recovery 23:46

11d ago23:46

23:46

Auckland’s CBD should be at its brightest right now, but this Christmas season has exposed just how far the city has slipped. The former Smith and Caughey’s building - once the centre of Auckland’s festive traditions with its iconic window displays and enchanted forest - now sits dark. Across the CBD, retail spending is down, site vacancy rates are…

1
What Russia wants for peace and why some countries are pushing back 18:43

12d ago18:43

18:43

Russia is apparently ready to go to war with Europe, according to its President. Vladimir Putin met with the US negotiators this week for about five hours to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. He has accused European leaders of trying to scupper his peace talks with the US, saying that their tweaks to a plan to end the war were “unacceptable”. The …

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Local government shake-up explained: Rate caps, mayors board and services 19:57

13d ago19:57

19:57

Regional, territorial, unitary, wards and boards. Local government in New Zealand is made up of 78 different councils that make decisions we encounter daily. The roads, air, rubbish, waters, environment – it's all local government. So, why has central government announced a need for change? And why has the Prime Minister himself implored councils t…

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How a new report says we can modernise laws on consent and sexual harm 22:51

14d ago22:51

22:51

There are calls for urgent changes to modernise our laws to better protect victims of sexual violence. A new Helen Clarke Foundation report identifies several gaps in our laws that need closing and changes to our justice system to reduce underreporting. Ministry of Justice data estimates about 209,000 incidents of sexual assault occur every year, a…

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Nau mai Ikea: What to know before Sylvia Park store opens 25:32

15d ago25:32

25:32

It’s the moment anyone looking for a conveniently packaged, Swedish designed kitchen cabinet is waiting for. Ikea opens in Auckland this week at Sylvia Park – and it’ll be the company’s largest store in the Southern Hemisphere, about the size of three rugby fields. You’d be pressed to find someone who hasn’t encountered news of the iconic brand in …

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The Fall of the House of Du Val: inside the saga behind the new podcast 21:12

18d ago21:12

21:12

It has been a tumultuous time since the collapse of the Du Val property development group. It was August last year we saw police raid a Remuera property – leaving with a number of assets owned by Charlotte and Kenyon Clarke. Since then it’s been a tsunami of court hearings, social media posts, and “he said she saids”. On Monday, a new podcast calle…

1
Empowering Retail: Beyond the Shop Floor 6:15

9d ago6:15

6:15

Retail runs on more than just the shop floor - it’s powered by the people behind the scenes. In this episode, Pippa Saxon from ServiceIQ spotlights the critical role of the distribution centre and explores how structured training can turn operational roles into long-term careers. Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re here to m…

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From villain to icon: Why the Grinch is everywhere this Christmas 20:08

19d ago20:08

20:08

The mistlestoe's hung, the bells are a'ringing And all through the malls Mariah Carey is singing It's the same old story, told year after year Of Santa and reindeer and widespread good cheer But look a bit closer, and you might see a crack In the stronghold St Nick has had since way back Where once stood a hero, red coat and beard white A sack on h…

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Chris Penk promises overhaul of mould‑ridden Defence housing in new plan 20:55

20d ago20:55

20:55

The Government’s released its plan to get our Defence infrastructure up to scratch – some of which hasn’t been touched in decades. The Defence Estate Portfolio sets out how $2.5 billion will be spent over the next 15 years. At the same time, the Future Naval Base Programme is pinned at $4b over 35 years. It’s being called a ‘generational investment…

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How Cook Islands‑flagged ships became tied to Russian and Iranian oil trade 22:02

21d ago22:02

22:02

The Cook Islands’ flag has flown from more than a hundred oil tankers implicated in illicitly trading Russian and Iranian oil. A special Herald investigation has revealed that it’s sparked alarm from foreign governments – with New Zealand diplomats fielding concerns from Helsinki and London. Our Foreign Minister Winston Peters has labelled the issu…

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Inside Parliament’s property portfolio: Who owns what, and why it matters 16:53

22d ago16:53

16:53

Our MPs have stakes in a combined $379 million of property in New Zealand. A Herald investigation has found that’s an average of $3.16 million across each of our 120 Members of Parliament. And despite the rumours, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon doesn’t top the list as the most lavish. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald data journalist Chris Knox …

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Exclusive: Michael Wood confirms political return 13:37

25d ago13:37

13:37

Former cabinet minister, Michael Wood, will be running for the Labour Party in next year’s general election. He’ll be running for the Mt Roskill seat. The former MP’s career came crashing down in 2023, after he was forced to resign as Minister for Transport after it was revealed he failed to disclose his airport shares. He resigned from his remaini…

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Empowering Retail: From Shop Floor to Head Office. 5:56

25d ago5:56

5:56

Retail isn’t simply a stepping stone - it can be a thriving career. In this episode, Pippa Saxon from ServiceIQ shares how retailers can shift mindsets, build training pathways and unlock leadership potential from within. Whether you're a store manager or head office leader, discover how investing in staff development pays off. Retail NZ is the pea…

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The global ripple of the Mamdani effect 22:44

25d ago22:44

22:44

From the streets of New York to around the world, the "Mamdani effect" is taking shape. Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani won the city’s mayoralty earlier this month, sparking a new era with an election turnout higher than any race in 50 years. But this isn’t just an American story. The energy around this movement, its bold ideas on justice, econ…

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Could the UK's asylum policy overhaul have an impact on NZ rules? 24:31

26d ago24:31

24:31

The United Kingdom is vowing to ‘restore order and control’ - through controversial, sweeping reform on the country’s asylum system. The new interpretations of human rights laws will make the UK less attractive for asylum seekers and make it easier to deport them. The tougher rules on refugee statuses mean people would need to reapply, and it would…

1
NZ is still killing too many workers 28:04

27d ago28:04

28:04

15 years ago, 29 men went to work and never returned home. The Pike River mine explosion shocked New Zealand and the world, prompting three inquiries, a new regulator and new laws. But new research shows New Zealand workers are still more likely to die than those in Australia or Britain. The Public Health Communication Centre Aotearoa report said t…

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From billionaire boom to trillionaire threat 23:13

28d ago23:13

23:13

While the world ponders whether being a billionaire is ethical in these challenging times, another potential dilemma has arisen... trillionaires. Elon Musk is on track to become the world’s first trillion-dollar man after Tesla shareholders approved a pay package for the founder in the form of additional company shares over the next decade. CNN rep…

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Scam cases surge with increasingly clever tactics 23:12

29d ago23:12

23:12

It’s been revealed that Kiwis lost a record $3 billion to scams this year. That’s a 30% increase from $2.3 billion last year. Netsafe and the Global Anti-Scam Alliance ‘State of Scams in New Zealand’ report shows that scammers are getting more sophisticated – and victims are facing persistent barriers to reporting and recovering their losses. So, h…

1
What happens next if Te Pāti Māori triggers the waka jumping law? 16:04

1M ago16:04

16:04

For weeks now headlines have been peppered with Te Pāti Māori’s infighting. The crescendo came when the party’s National Council opted to expel MPs Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris from Parliament. Both have called the move ‘unconstitutional’ - they’ll sit as independents in the Beehive for now. But, what’s lead to this very public spat and w…

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McSkimming scandal: How there is hope for survivors in those who spoke up 23:10

1M ago23:10

23:10

It’s been revealed that Police ignored sex allegations against a former top cop, and instead prosecuted a woman for ‘revenge emails’. The woman had emailed police, politicians, and newsrooms accusing former deputy police commissioner Jevon McSkimming of being a sexual predator. The police watchdog has released a scathing 135-page report into how th…

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Bonus episode: Jared Savage on the fall of Jevon McSkimming 15:28

1M ago15:28

15:28

There have been no official talks yet about compensation for the complainant against Jevon McSkimming. The former Deputy Police Commissioner is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to having child sexual exploitation and bestiality material on his work devices. A scathing watchdog report has found some of the nation's highest-ranking officers …

1
Employment Law Masterclass: Restructures and Redundancies 39:46

1M ago39:46

39:46

Facing a restructure? Retailers are under pressure to adapt to rising costs and shifting consumer habits. In this 30-minute session, Jordan Todd and Eloise Sharpe from Ford Sumner Lawyers unpack the legal essentials of workplace change. Learn how to manage restructures and redundancies lawfully - and avoid costly missteps. PowerPoint Presentation S…

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What went wrong with New Zealand’s smoke-free dream? 17:14

1M ago17:14

17:14

Remember when we were meant to be smoke free by 2025? New Zealand’s goal to have fewer than 5% of people smoking by the end of the year looks unlikely to be met. The target was introduced in 2010 – and while smoking has dropped significantly since then (from 16.4% in 2011 to 6.9% in 2023-24) there are still hundreds of thousands of people smoking d…

1
Mark Mitchell on police trust, protests, and protecting minorities 19:54

1M ago19:54

19:54

Mark Mitchell has heralded the government’s promise to be tough on crime. He’s been incredibly clear from the get-go that his primary goal is to make New Zealand an uncomfortable place for gangs to operate. He holds five portfolios: Police, Corrections, Emergency Management and Recovery, Ethnic Communities, and Sports and Recreation. So, how does a…

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What’s at stake as COP30 begins on the edge of the Amazon rainforest 21:29

1M ago21:29

21:29

The 30th UN climate conference will begin this week. Nations will gather in Belem, Brazil for COP30 – and while the Trump administration isn’t intending to send anyone, the US could still become the thorn in any deals side. So, as the world’s brightest climate minds converge on the city that sits on the outskirts of the Amazon rainforest – experts …

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Empowering Retail: Economic Forecast – Retail Insights 8:51

1M ago8:51

8:51

What’s ahead for retail in Aotearoa? We’re joined by Satish Ranchhod from Westpac to unpack the latest economic forecast and what it means for retailers. From interest rates and inflation to wage growth and consumer demand - this episode dives into the key trends shaping the months ahead. Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re …

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How one hornet species could sting New Zealand’s environment and economy 18:13

1M ago18:13

18:13

Bees are tiny but mighty players in New Zealand’s environment and economy. They pollinate our gardens, native plants, and crucial crops, supporting biodiversity and food production across the country. But, an invasive threat is looming – the queen yellow-legged hornet. Since June, Biosecurity New Zealand has confirmed several detections of these pe…

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Why Mt Everest deserves respect over self-promotion 19:22

1M ago19:22

19:22

Just over seventy years after Sir Edmund Hillary first ascended Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak is grappling with new ethical dilemmas. From crowded summit attempts and ecological strain, to debates about climber preparedness and the treatment of Sherpas, Everest’s story today is as complex as ever. The Himalayan Trust, founded by Sir Ed, c…

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How KiwiSaver cash ends up backing countries accused of human rights abuses 15:36

1M ago15:36

15:36

A chance for New Zealand to lead change the world in ‘ethical investing’. As of last year, more than half a billion dollars of New Zealanders’ KiwiSaver and other retail investments were lent to countries on ‘high alert’ for human rights violations. The new paper from Motu Research urges fund managers and industry bodies to lift standards. But what…

1
Why the debate over fireworks gets louder every year 17:14

1M ago17:14

17:14

It’s that time of year again, where we debate whether New Zealanders should be allowed to let off fireworks. Fire and Emergency New Zealand is among those opposed, saying they know first-hand how dangerous fireworks can be. Last year was the worst year for fireworks-related fires since 2017, with 166 unwanted fires. Firework sales are restricted to…

1
Empowering Retail: Building Inclusive Retail Teams 9:30

1M ago9:30

9:30

Discover the untapped advantage of disability inclusion in New Zealand’s retail sector. In this episode, Phil Turner, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Disability Employers’ Network (NZDEN) outlines how inclusive hiring is transforming teams, boosting performance, and connecting retailers with a powerful talent pool. Hear how to build lasting conn…

1
How new biometric privacy rules will change what businesses must disclose 18:24

1M ago18:24

18:24

New Zealand’s Privacy Commissioner has issued new rules around the automated use of biometrics. Biometric processing is the use of tech, like facial recognition, to collect and process people’s biometric information. The Code comes into force on 3 November 2025, but agencies already using biometrics have until 3 August 2026, to align themselves wit…

1
Behind the scenes at APEC 2025: Golf, fried chicken, and choppers 20:31

2M ago20:31

20:31

Our Prime Minister has met and dined with one of the most powerful people in the world - Donald Trump. Christopher Luxon and Trump spoke at an APEC dinner last night. It's expected to be one of the most significant meetings Luxon will have at the economic conference, despite the two not having a formal bilateral. The summit is straight off the back…

1
How low vaccination rates left NZ exposed to another measles outbreak 16:56

2M ago16:56

16:56

New Zealand may be on the cusp of another measles outbreak. There are ten known cases: One of those cases came from overseas, and the other nine were contracted locally. Health NZ has said the risk of further measles cases, contacts, and exposures across the country remains ‘very high’. The confirmation of new cases unconnected to international tra…

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Is Labour's new policy a watered down capital gains tax? 20:41

2M ago20:41

20:41

Labour has announced what some are describing a “watered down” version of a Capital Gains Tax. This targeted CGT would affect profit made after July 2027 from selling a commercial or residential property, excluding the family home. Leader Chris Hipkins promises nine out of 10 Kiwis won’t pay tax on what they own, and it’ll allow everyone to get thr…

1
New report says politicians should shift drug budget to a health focus 20:23

2M ago20:23

20:23

New research suggests our drug laws are stuck in the 70s – and that Kiwis want to see a more health-based approach to tackling the country’s drug issues. This month marks 50 years since government passed the Misuse of Drugs Act. The Helen Clark Foundation and University of Otago researchers estimate that drug harm costs close to $2 billion annually…

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How long will spring’s wild winds keep roaring across the country? 22:23

2M ago22:23

22:23

New Zealand’s been experiencing some wild weather this week. Red wind warnings were issued for much of Canterbury, Marlborough, Wellington and southern Wairarapa as at yesterday afternoon. Flights and ferries were cancelled and tens of thousands of households have been without power. Meanwhile, strong winds had been hampering firefighting efforts i…

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Public sector mega strike: up to 100,000 health and education workers walk out 18:34

2M ago18:34

18:34

Up to 100-thousand union members across health and education are on strike today. The action prompted Public Service Minister Judith Collins, to pen a letter to New Zealanders - saying the strikes are more about politics than outcomes. The ‘mega strike’ is being tipped to be the largest in our history. So, as nurses, doctors, and teachers take to t…

1
Can the Louvre’s stolen royal gems ever be recovered? 21:52

2M ago21:52

21:52

In seven minutes, thieves entered the Louvre in Paris and made off with eight “priceless” jewels. The necklaces, earrings, brooches, and crowns has belonged to an array of 19th century royals, including Napoleon’s wife Marie-Amelie, and empress Eugenie, married to Napoleon III. The gang were organised, professionals, and had clearly scoped the worl…

1
'Power prices are the real headline': Why 3% inflation feels worse 21:44

2M ago21:44

21:44

Inflation has risen even further. Latest Stats NZ figures show inflation reached 3% in the year to September. Economists had tipped to hit the top end of the Reserve Bank’s target band of between 1 and 3%. But, some say the period of circa 3% could be short-lived. At the same time, Labour has broken its silence on what it thinks will help the econo…

1
Teachers day off: Improving working conditions will improve learning conditions, union says 17:44

2M ago17:44

17:44

This week will see mass walk outs across the country as 100,000 teachers and medical staff go on strike. This Thursday, October 23, 11,500 Allied Health workers will walk off the job, as well as: 35-hundred mental health and public health nurses and mental health assistants, more than 36,000 nurses, midwives, health care assistants, and 400 nurses …

1
Empowering Retail: The Power of Personalisation 14:02

2M ago14:02

14:02

If you're a retailer wondering how to truly connect with your customers — or you're curious about how AI can transform your business — this episode is for you. We’re joined by Lance O'Grady, co-founder and solution architect at Pocket Square, to unpack what meaningful personalisation really looks like in retail, and the technology needed to make it…

1
Barry Soper remembers Jim Bolger as a 'really good bloke' 19:54

2M ago19:54

19:54

Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger has died aged 90. He became the 35th Prime Minister after leading National to a landslide victory in 1990. Bolger was ousted by his party caucus in 1997 and replaced with Jenny Shipley. Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper is with us to take us behind the scenes of Bolger’s…

1
Inside Gloriavale’s latest investigation into child discipline practice 22:43

2M ago22:43

22:43

New details have emerged about what could be happening behind closed doors at Gloriavale. Authorities have been quietly been involved in yet another investigation there – with the Children’s Minister and Oranga Tamariki both involved. This time, a “mass allegation investigation” relates to concerns that parents were taught to cover the mouths of ch…