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

Alan McDonald: EMA Advocate wants greater security for manufacturing businesses, election outcome irrelevant

The Employers and Manufacturers Association is pushing for a bipartisan approach to business policy ahead of the election. The EMA wants greater certainty for businesses. Including plans for manufacturing, a clear energy future and stable settings.  Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald told Mike Hosking that as long as everyone can agree on the major settings, it shouldn't matter which government gets in.  He says the changing back and forth over the past decade has been highly problematic.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Jenny Joblin: Federation founder on the brand celebrating its 25th anniversary

A new era is on the way for one of the nation's most iconic fashion labels. Urban streetwear brand Federation is celebrating 25 years in business this year.  To mark the occasion,  founder Jenny Joblin is taking a step back, handing the reins to her children to evolve the business for the next generation. "When we hit this milestone, we were like - okay, we need to pause for a moment and just really look at all these different chapters and celebrate it."   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on Microsoft cutting over 4,000 jobs as a result of AI

Microsoft is cutting 4800 jobs - about two percent of its global workforce - in a sweeping restructure. Most cuts are part of a restructure of its struggling Xbox gaming division. It's the latest in a string of mass layoffs by the tech giant alongside major investment in AI. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explained the implications of this move. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

John Ambler and Duane Emeny: NZ Jet owner and Air Chathams CEO on the calls to reform the Civil Aviation Authority

A private jet company boss has voiced concerns about what could happen if there's not reform at the Civil Aviation Authority - and he's taken these worries to the Government. NZ Jet owner John Ambler has heard concerns from former and current CAA staff about the organisation's culture.  He says it includes an erosion of expertise, and operators fearing they'd be punished for raising concerns.  "We are losing experienced people within the civil aviation department at a great rate...it's alarming. And obviously, if these people within the unit aren't able to speak up for fear of reparations - what sort of system have we got?" Meanwhile, Air Chathams CEO Duane Emeny says there was need for change three years ago, and that Minister Simeon Brown acted quickly.  "He got quite a few new board members in, the whole leadership team in the CAA changed and, actually, we can sit here today and say, quite confidently, that we are seeing some of the good and positive outcomes of those changes." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the concerns raised over NZ employment contracts

People are not moving between jobs as seamlessly as they should in a productive economy, thanks to overly restrictive employment contracts. This is the conclusion reached by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), after a major new study spanning 15 countries including New Zealand. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.