Fisher Funds to invest NZ$300 million in New Zealand businesses
KiwiSaver provider Fisher Funds has announced plans to allocate up to NZ$1 billion into private equity over the next three to five years. Approximately NZ$300 million of this sum is earmarked specifically for investments in unlisted New Zealand businesses valued between NZ$20 million and NZ$100 million. The move aims to boost returns for four of its KiwiSaver schemes, giving investors exposure to private markets at a time when few domestic firms are going public. CIO Ashley Gardyne highlighted the long-term benefit for savers—even a modest 0.5 percentage‑point increase could mean an extra NZ$100,000 at retirement for a 20‑year‑old. The fund will initially allocate a small portion of assets to private equity, gradually scaling up to 10 percent over five years due to the illiquid nature of such investments.
Published date: 6 June 2025
Source: RNZ
Kiwibank cuts home loan interest rates
Kiwibank has reduced its fixed home loan rates in response to the official cash rate (OCR) cut to 3.25%. Effective today, the one-year fixed special rate is 4.89%, two-year fixed is 4.95%, and both three- and six-month fixed rates are set at 5.29%. The bank also decreased several term deposit rates by 10–15 bps. With wholesale swap rates still above 3%, competition among lenders is now the key driver of further rate drops. Analysts expect marginal adjustments, with more significant cuts only possible if the OCR falls further—which seems unlikely in the next few months.
Published date: 9 June 2025
Source: RNZ
NBR Rich List: Zuru founders remain wealthiest Kiwis
The 2025 NBR Rich List, published on 9 June 2025, valued New Zealand’s 119 wealthiest individuals and families at NZ$102.1 billion, up from NZ$95.55 b in 2024. Toy‑maker Zuru’s founders, brothers Nick and Mat Mowbray, retained the top positions with NZ$20 billion each. Packaging magnate Graeme Hart ranked second at NZ$12.1 billion. The list now includes 18 billionaires (up from 16) and features around a dozen newcomers adding NZ$4.3 billion to the total. For the first time since 2019, two women—Anna Mowbray (NZ$500 m) and Airwallex co‑founder Lucy Liu (NZ$700 m)—are featured in the main list.
Published date: 9 June 2025
Source: NZ Herald
New Zealand software company expands US presence after $42 million funding boost
Auckland-based Tracksuit, a provider of survey software for brand performance tracking, has raised US $42 million in a funding round led by San Francisco-based VMG Partners, alongside existing investors Blackbird and Icehouse Ventures. The company serves about 1,000 clients across New Zealand, Australia, the US, and Europe, monitoring roughly 10,000 brands—a figure it aims to double by year’s end. Tracksuit currently employs 150 staff across New York, London, Sydney, and Auckland, and plans to recruit at least 50 more. The funding injection will help deepen its US footprint and support international growth in Asia and Europe.
Published date: 12 June 2025
Source: RNZ
US dollar tumbles after Trump’s new trade threat
The US dollar plunged to its lowest level in over three years following former President Trump’s renewed threat to impose unilateral tariffs on trading partners. He plans to send letters within the next two weeks outlining country-specific levies. This tariff rhetoric, combined with geopolitical concerns, such as potential military actions in the Middle East and soft economic data, have shaken investor confidence in the dollar. Equities moved unevenly while oil prices fluctuated amid these uncertainties.
Published date: 12 June 2025
Source: RNZ
NZ share market falls after US strikes on Iran
The NZX‑50 benchmark dropped over 100 points (~0.8%) in early trading Monday following U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites in the
. Although New Zealand stocks have limited direct exposure to the conflict, shares linked to travel, freight, and fuel bore the brunt of the decline. As the first major market to open after the strikes, NZX set the tone—markets in Australia and Japan were expected to open lower by about 0.5%. Simplicity economist Shamubeel Eaqub urged investors to “hang in there,” noting that oil prices are beyond NZ’s control and long-term KiwiSaver performance hinges on staying invested rather than reacting to short‑term shocks
Published date: 23 June 2025
Source: RNZ
What US attacks on Iran mean for KiwiSaver, petrol prices
Rising geopolitical tensions following US military strikes on Iran have introduced new risks for KiwiSaver investors and New Zealand fuel prices. According to Simplicity’s economist Shamubeel Eaqub, while global markets have remained stable so far, volatility could increase depending on the extent of conflict escalation. Investors are likely to shift assets toward defensive sectors such as utilities and military contractors. For KiwiSaver members, short-term fluctuations are expected, but the long-term strategy should remain unchanged unless their investment goals have shifted.
Petrol prices are more directly exposed: any disruption to shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz could limit oil supply and send global prices higher. New Zealand, which imports all its fuel, may face immediate cost increases at the pump if the conflict deepens. The NZX has already dipped slightly following the events, and economists warn that ongoing tension could contribute to inflationary pressures globally, complicating central bank policies.
Published date: 23 June 2025
Source: RNZ
Kiwibank offers new lending programme for start‑ups
Kiwibank has launched StartUp+, a pilot lending initiative in partnership with venture-focused Ministry of Awesome, targeting newly formed businesses. The programme provides access to funding in stages—up to NZ $150,000—based on meeting specific milestones, along with discounted loans, tailored transactional banking, and support from a dedicated business banker. CEO Steve Jurkovich emphasised that typical one‑size‑fits‑all bank loans are ill‑suited for early‑stage ventures, and the programme aims to better meet the unique needs of startups. Importantly, Kiwibank isn’t investing in equity; applicants must first be accepted into the Ministry of Awesome’s ecosystem, with Kiwibank trusting the Ministry’s vetting. This initiative reflects the bank’s goal to grow its share of the business lending market while fostering innovation in the VC ecosystem.
Published date: 25 June 2025
Source: RNZ
NZ dollar rises, US slips in broad risk rally after Trump announces Israel-Iran ceasefire
The New Zealand dollar strengthened significantly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a proposed ceasefire between Israel and Iran. This geopolitical development triggered a broad “risk-on” sentiment in financial markets, weakening the U.S. dollar and boosting currencies like the NZD. The kiwi climbed by 0.3% to 0.55%, trading near US$0.6009. Investors responded by shifting away from safe-haven assets, leading to gains in global equity markets and declines in oil prices. Additionally, dovish comments from Federal Reserve officials suggesting rate cuts in July contributed to the weakening USD. Analysts highlight that geopolitical calm tends to bolster risk-sensitive currencies, and the NZD’s performance is closely linked to such shifts in sentiment.
Published date: 24 June 2025
Source: RNZ