Rahul Bhattarai is a business reporter.
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
Wallets loosen as border rules change
Spending is starting to increase - slowly - in the battered hospitality industry.
Bluebird Foods names new general manager
Potato chips manufacturer Bluebird Foods has appointed a new general manager.
Joy, relief and warnings as borders reopen after two years
Border reopening largely welcomed after 'desperate' times for business.
'Game changer': Business groups react to border reopening
Business groups welcome the reopening of New Zealand's border.
Briscoe posts record profit despite 84 days of store closures
Total sales were up 6.08 per cent and online sales jumped 21.4 per cent.
Look beyond the three-month period, and offer more help, says Hospitality NZ
Look beyond the three month period, and offer more help, says Hospitality NZ.
Fuel price crisis: What the Government could do to help
Business groups say the Government has some options to lower the price at the pump
Restaurant Brands profit jumps 69.3pc taking it to $51.9m
Restaurant Brands crosses billion-dollar sales target for FY2021.
Covid support payments broadened after warnings
After warnings most businesses would not qualify, Government broadens Covid support.
Phase 3: Retailers need green light now to sell RATs - Barnett
Government needs 'a dose of reality' on who critical workers are, chamber CEO says.
International warnings for small business as Omicron disruptions loom
Jobs and wages remain solid but sales growth slows.
Michael Hill profit flat amid store closures
Michael Hill lost a total of 9,777 trading days across its store network
Staff shortages: Auckland hairdresser closes down, others may follow
The industry is facing many difficulties, those in it say.
Blow for hospitality as Valentine's Day spending plunges $60m
Restaurants lost out as Kiwis celebrated Valentine's Day a little differently this year.
NZ Post adds hundreds of staff to handle outbreak-driven demand
NZ Post prepares for increase in demand, and possible loss of staff due to self-isolation.
Hospitality being 'bled dry' by lack of support, say owners
Sector says lack of Govt support and assurance 'unacceptable' in third year of pandemic.
Kathmandu expects to take a hard hit on its first-half profit
Retail disruptions caused by the pandemic and overseas factory shutdowns to hit retailer.
'Most volatile protest since Springbok tour': Wellington pub forced to close
Pub owner says staff facing abuse because they are following Govt's mandate.
Briscoes forecasts its net profit to jump by 20% to $87m
Briscoes Group forecasts its net profit to jump by 20 per cent to $87m.
Reopening: 'Bitter-sweet' announcement for hospitality
Economic trauma will continue, say some business groups.
Domino's to fly pizza right to your doorstep
Domino's pizza to trial the second phase of drone delivery in New Zealand.
Essential medications rationed due to supply shortages
Essential medications rationed, supplies short, pharmacists cancel maternity leave.
Border pain forces NZ retailer to look for lifeline in Dubai
"We're not going to sit around and wait for the border to reopen, we are leaving."
'Absolute joke': Restaurant owners slam Government's new mask rules
'Joke', 'ridiculous' and 'bizarre' is how the restaurant owners slammed the mask mandate.
From marketing expert to starting alcoholic kombucha - Beach Booch
Alistair Kirk talks to Rahul Bhattarai about his Beach Booch company.
Businesses say they want more financial support should NZ move to Red
Disappointment over lack of financial support if Omicron hits.
Shopping shocker: Annual food prices leap 4.5%, highest rise in a decade
Annual food prices have biggest jump since September 2011.
Consumer card spending rises 1.9% in December
Increase in card spending providing both confidence and risk for 2022.
Kiwi vanilla beans brand aims to raise $100K to support workers in Tonga
Company aims to raise funds by Friday.
How to prepare your business for sale in 2022
Tips to prepare your business for sale this holiday.
Nike Britomart store to shut after a decade
A sports retailer in Auckland CBD heritage precinct Britomart is closing after 10 years.
Summer Questions: Michael Barnett on how to plan the year ahead
Auckland Business Chamber CEO predicts SME failures early this year.
The Warehouse Group CEO Nick Grayston on its plans to tackle global competitors
The Warehouse Group CEO Nick Grayson on the challenges facing the business in 2022.
Record year for new vehicle registrations
Demand for electric and hybrid vehicles drives up registrations.
Bumper times: Kiwis spend millions in New Year sales
No sign of slowing down, record end of year retail spending.
Becky Cashman and her natural skin care products
Becky Cashman and her natural skin care products.
International banking a main barrier stopping Kiwi businesses going global
Survey reveals businesses feeling prevented or discouraged from expanding overseas.
SME sales climb back up for the second month in a row - Xero survey
SME sales up after country exited lockdown, Xero survey finds.
Browns Bay couple opens a second dealership in the middle of the pandemic
Browns Bay couple opens a second dealership in the middle of the pandemic.
Kiwis love the 'thrill' of last minute Christmas shopping
Late flurry of bargain hunting forecast but shoppers warned to expect low stock issues.
Biggest decline in economic confidence since the GFC - survey
Almost half the country SMEs plan on increasing service costs, amid high inflation.
Price of tomatoes drags down overall food prices for November
Monthly fruit and vegetable prices fell 6.7 per cent in November.
Orange better late than never for hospo, but too late for some
Auckland gets the orange light but it's 'too late for some' says Hospitality NZ boss.
Domino's lifts price of value-range pizzas amid rising costs
Domino's to increase the price of its value-range pizza from $5 to $6.
How personal pain motivated Kiwi to launch bodycare brand
The endometriosis pain that inspired Tanné Snowden to start Tronque.
Business heroes: Battered and bruised hospitality owners show resilience
Hospitality business owners who have survived the lockdowns can hope for a better future.
Household grocery spending falls as more people start to dine out
Household grocery spending falls as more people start to dine out.
Aucklanders flocked to hairdressers, bars and cafés - data
Kiwis spent $70 million per day in the last week since Covid restrictions eased.
Party like the end of World War II, says Auckland restaurateur
But Restaurant Association says move to traffic light system 'wasn't smooth' for many.
Small Business: The beach walk that inspired a Kiwi entrepreneur
Sneaker company YY Nation launches zero carbon certified shoes.
Hospo finally gets to open but where will they find the workers?
Calls to relax immigration policy.
Black Friday sales shoot up to record levels despite Covid-19
Kiwis spend about $250 million on Black Friday this year.
Foodstuffs partners with Uber Eats to deliver groceries
Foodstuffs have partnered with Uber Eats to start delivering groceries to its customers.
Mixed reactions from businesses on Govt's new financial support
Some concerned by tapering of financial support under Traffic Light System.
The trio of brothers looking to ramp up the entertainment at Sylvia Park
Fraser Brothers have opened a new family entertainment area at Sylvia Park.
Online sales help The Warehouse as directors' fees increase
Pool of money for directors almost $1m a year at the retailer.
Small business sector bounces back in October
Kiwi small business sector bounces back in October, survey reveals.
'Mass-consumerism makes an unfair world' says Trade Aid boss
$270 million in estimated turnover expected on tomorrow's Black Friday sales.
Revealed: NZ's best brand for customer experience
Investment platform becomes the country's best brand for customer experience.
Need a wetsuit? Kathmandu warns of short supply due to supply chain
But Kathmandu says it is well prepared for Black Friday and Christmas trading periods.
'We need to open': Hospitality hits out at reopening date
Delay is cruel and disappointing, hospitality group says.
Retail NZ estimates $270m Black Friday spend-up
Retail NZ estimates a $270m turnover on Black Friday.
Small Business: The meal kit startup giving back to the community
If you have passion, and your mahi has a purpose, you will attract the right people.
My Food Bag boosts profit, pays first dividend
The meal kit company also had an increase in active customer numbers.
Consumer credit card spending rises but is still below pre-Delta level, Kiwibank reports
Consumer credit card spending rises but is still below pre-Delta level, Kiwibank reports.
Businesses want 'assurance' on a firm opening date
Business groups express concerns about not having a firm reopening date.
A bargain you say? It'd better be: Retailers told to play fair as sales season approaches
The Commerce Commission has issued reminders and obligations to retailers.
Restaurants 'inundated' with bookings despite uncertain return date
Restaurants are' inundated' with customer bookings yet the opening day remains uncertain.
Small Business: Former banker finds joy in pet care service
Banker turned entrepreneur starts online health care business for pets.
Warehouse confirms vax mandate as sales tumble in first quarter
Online sales the bright spot for The Warehouse.
'Prolonged, tortuous, transition' needs to end - Hospitality NZ
Hospitality and accommodation businesses are preparing to start a "We're ready" campaign.
Cheaper seasonal fruit and vegetables push food prices lower in October
Monthly fruit and vegetable prices drop - but still 9 per cent higher than last year.
Customers flood Auckland shops on the first day of reopening
Retailers in Auckland busier than expected.
Insolvency wave yet to hit as company liquidations remain lower than 2019
Insolvency numbers are significantly lower than GFC but the worst is yet to come.
SMEs concerned about supply chain disruptions right before Christmas
SME concerned about supply chain disruptions leading into Christmas rush.
'Bloody ridiculous': Hospitality languishes as Auckland retail opens up
Restaurants and bars must remain closed despite retail opening up.
The small Kiwi business offering an alternative to disposable nappies
Bear & Moo founder Hannah Porter on the success of her online shop.
Warehouse reveals terms of its sustainable loan
The Warehouse signs a $70 million "sustainability-linked loan" with Westpac NZ.