Michael Gordon: Westpac senior economist on the Westpac-McDermott Miller Employment Confidence Index dropping to lowest level since 2004

Peter Griffin: BusinessDesk tech columnist on Rocket Lab buying Iridium for $14 billion to challenge Starlink

Rocket Lab is buying satellite network operator Iridium for $14 billion, causing the company's shares to jump 18 percent, according to new reports. This would put Rocket Lab in a position to go head-to-head with Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. BusinessDesk tech columnist Peter Griffin says this is an 'ambitious' move from CEO Peter Beck. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Hamish McKay: The Country spokesperson on red meat exports setting new highs

New Zealand red meat exports reached a second consecutive monthly record in May, rising to $1.6 billion, according to the Meat Industry Association. The May result was 44 percent higher than the same month last year and exceeded the previous monthly record of $1.4 billion set in April. The Country's Hamish McKay explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

John Weekes: NZ Herald aviation journalist on Air New Zealand's bid to focus on the 'premium flyer'

Air New Zealand has outlined some future goals and areas of focus as part of their big investor presentation. The airline says it will focus more on profitable routes and premium customers - as well as improve reliability and punctuality. NZ Herald aviation journalist John Weekes says it's clear Air New Zealand wants to focus on this 'loyal' subsection of their base.  "Keep them loyal, keep them flying, just get them in the habit of flying with this airline." LISTEN ABOVE    See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on the decline in property auction rates

Recent data out of the Australian property market shows auction rates have hit a historic low point. New figures from property research firm Cotality show a preliminary clearance rate of 49.2 per cent for the past week - with fewer homes finding a buyer. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the recent Budget has made investors less confident in the housing market. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Carl Taylor: Combined Building Supplies CEO on the impacts of the new home warranty rules

The Government is making changes to the Building Act, including bringing in a new liability scheme that means councils won't have to handle building defects on their own. The law will also introduce a one-year warranty on new residential buildings of up to three storeys and for renovations costing more than $100,000, and a 10-year structural warranty period. These changes have sparked concerns among builders, who worry these new requirements will unintentionally shut them out of the market. Combined Building Supplies CEO Carl Taylor joined the Afternoons team to discuss the impact of these changes. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.