A major bank believes unemployment will remain fairly flat this year, rather than anything catastrophic.

The national rate dipped slightly to 5.3 percent in the first three months of this year.

ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley told Ryan Bridge says he's not overly pessimistic about the next couple of quarters.

But he cautions the next few months are really the danger zone as businesses hunker down and defer some decisions.

Youth unemployment is up from 13.3 to 14.4 percent.

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A new test case for the standards of political neutrality expected in the public service.

Craig Stobo has resigned as chair of the Financial Markets Authority, after an investigation found he'd voiced too many political views for someone in an apolitical public sector role.

NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further.

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ASB is set to launch their own answer to Sharesies with their new app.

ASB Share Central will include a mobile app and desktop platform, and it will allow Kiwis to make their own investments into shares.

CMC Markets managing director Chris Smith says it's 'exciting' ASB wants to take this step, and they're looking forward to working with the bank on this project.

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There's hopes the Iran war won't bring a big bump in unemployment.

Stats NZ data shows the rate reached 5.3 percent in the March quarter, down from 5.4 percent in the three months to December.

Infometrics expect it'll rise again throughout 2026.

Principal Economist, Brad Olsen, says they're not expecting any mass firings.

"It's more that those hiring intentions are likely to be more subdued - i.e., businesses probably won't be as keen to hire into the future just because of how uncertain things are."

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The Icehouse is celebrating 25 years of powering Kiwi business growth.

They’re a non-profit dedicated to training and mentoring the small to medium enterprises that make up 97% of New Zealand’s economy.

And today is their Ignite Growth Summit, in which they bring together legendary founders who have gone from the garage to the global stage to inspire the next wave of business talent.

CEO Olivia Blaylock told Kerre Woodham there are so many great businesses around New Zealand, and while some, like Pic’s, are well known, there are plenty that we don’t hear about.

She says we need to tell more of their stories and create a culture where it’s okay to put your hand up and say you’re doing well.

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Australia's Reserve Bank has lifted the country's Official Cash Rate 25 basis points, to 4.35 percent.

The move was expected by economists and financial markets, fearing the Middle East oil crisis could worsen inflation before it gets better.

HSBC Chief Economist Paul Bloxham explained the move further.

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Despite the mounting concerns about the economy and the ongoing Middle East conflict, New Zealand's rural sector is booming.

Reports reveal farm worker pay growth has levelled off after a post-Covid period of rapid growth.

The Country's Hamish McKay explained further.

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Westpac's CEO says they have noticed changing customer habits in the backdrop of a tougher economy.

The bank's half-year profit is up four percent, with its net profit rising to $545 million dollars.

It's down 19 percent on the previous six months.

CEO Catherine McGrath says businesses are getting good at controlling what they can.

"There's a little bit less money being spent on things like hospitality and retail spend - with businesses, some of them are pausing a bit on whether they want to do their expansion plans."

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