Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on the state of the markets at the mid-point of 2026

Chris Wilkinson: First Retail Group Managing Director on sluggish retail spending

There's a belief sluggish retail spending is a reminder retailers need to stick to the basics. Stats NZ says core retail spending last month was only 0.4% higher year on year. Spending on clothes fell the most at 4.2% – its fourth straight decrease. First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson told Ryan Bridge retailers have to be hungry in the market with strong retail disciplines, but he understands it's tough.  He says rising costs and distribution has made things challenging for retailers.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on the listed retirement sector struggling in 2026

Recent reports indicate the listed retirement sector in New Zealand has continued to struggle in 2026. Share market expectations were high in the new year, but the predicted growth has since turned flat and negative. Milford Asset Management expert Jeremy Hutton explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Karl Puschmann: entertainment journalist on Netflix looking into buying Letterboxd for $423m

Netflix is in talks to buy the New Zealand-founded Letterboxd for $423 million, according to new reports. Letterboxd was created by Auckland designers Matthew Buchanan and Karl von Randow, and it allows people to create profiles and log and rate their favourite movies. Entertainment journalist Karl Puschmann says Letterboxd has a reputation as a niche social network, and there's concerns about what a corporate takeover could do for it. "That sense of community around it, you feel like you're with film enthusiasts, you feel part of that club - they've got a delicate balance here to keep that feeling and also get that return on investment." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Paul Spain: Gorilla Technology CEO on Australia establishing Government AI office

Australia's moving to protect local content, as it pushes through on mandatory AI standards. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised to pass legislation by early next year. The protective controls will include barring AI companies using Australian books, music, art or news to build or train AI without the creator's consent and control.  Gorilla Technology CEO, Paul Spain, says he thinks music will be a particular focus. "What they're probably not going to tolerate is music that is too obvious as a rip-off of Australian music, and we would see that across a whole range of areas."  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Graham Leaming: Skellerup CEO on the company lifting its full-year profit outlook based on strong US demand

Another positive sign for the economy.  Kiwi manufacturer Skellerup —who makes everything from gumboots to industrial rubber products— has lifted its annual profit forecast to as much as $65 million.  They credit stronger than expected US demand for the increase.  CEO Graham Leaming told Mike Hosking they thought tariffs and the conflict in the Middle East might drive inflation and dampen demand in the US market, but that hasn’t materialised.  He says demand remains strong, and the things they manufacture and sell are often pretty critical to customers, so they were able to adjust prices in response to tariffs and increases to the cost of raw materials.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.