Money
Dramatic changes in consumer spending in March
Spending on eating out and accommodation plunged by $338 million, about a third, as the shutdown loomed and then came into effect, Stats NZ says.
Paywave limits go up from $80 to $200
Paywave limits will increase to reduce physical contact with PIN pads during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Domestic travellers eyed to keep luxury lodges viable after lockdown
New Zealand's largest export industry has taken a massive hit from the Covid-19 crisis, but some high-end tourism companies are now looking at a market closer to home in order to keep the doors open.
Coronavirus: Contactless card transaction limit increased
Paywave limits on debit and credit cards have been increased to $200 at some terminals around the country this morning. Previously only transactions of $80 or less were able to be completed without… Audio
Coronavirus: Schools need more financial support - Nikki Kaye
For anyone thinking that the end of a Level Four lockdown will automatically mean the kids can go back to school, take a deep breath.
Minister of Education Chris Hipkins has made it clear there will… Audio
Covid-19: Ethical KiwiSaver funds prove more resilient
KiwiSaver funds invested solely in ethical companies are outperforming other funds amidst market volatility.
Coronavirus: Employers keep wage subsidy for themselves
Some employers are not passing on all of the pandemic wage subsidy they're receiving for workers, and are instead pocketing the money for themselves.
The $585 a week subsidy requires employers to use… Audio
Coronavirus: NZ tourism operators getting creative
As the tourism industry takes a massive hit from the Covid-19 crisis, some high-end lodges are now looking to target more of the domestic market in order to keep the doors open.
They say they'll be… Audio
Coronavirus: Factory owner wants out of Spark bill
An Auckland small business owner says he's paying 100 percent for broadband in a shut up factory and it is not fair. Steve runs a small manufacturing busines supporting the construction sector.
RNZ… Audio
Coronavirus: Family plead for refund on trip to Europe
A family left out of a pocket for a trip to Europe is pleading with their agency to uphold a contract and refund their cash.
Covid-19 has turned the travel industry upside down, but should travel… Audio
BNZ extends its Community Finance programme
BNZ has extended the Community Finance programme it runs with Good Shepherd NZ, allowing $5m of no-interest loans to be accessed by families impacted by Covid-19. The bank says the loans of up to… Audio
ASB chief: 'Honest conversations' needed
ASB has told its customers genuine and honest conversations will be needed to help get them through the Covid-crisis, and that increasing levels of debt might not be the best option, long-term. It… Audio
Coronavirus: Phil Goff on calls to freeze rates rise
The Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance is demanding the Council put a freeze on a planned rates increase.
Mayor Phil Goff announced a 3.5 percent rates increase last year but the alliance says the… Audio
Coronavirus: Immigrants unable to claim benefits face poverty
Immigrants say they are facing life on the breadline after losing their jobs and being unable to claim benefits or return home.
An advocacy group says it is hypocritical of the Government to… Audio
Kiwisaver investors relatively cushioned from market turmoil
Morningstar, which provides investment research for financial markets finds the Kiwisaver investors not hit too hard by the recent share market crash. Data director for Asia Pacific Greg Bunkall joins… Audio
15 social services call for moratorium on debt collection
In an open letter, 15 social service organisations have called for a moratorium on debt collection and late payment fees imposed by central and local government. Audio
Westpac CEO on Covid uncertainty
Banks have been asked by the government to help implement a number of measures to ease the burden on New Zealanders, including a six month deferral on mortgage repayments and offering $500,000 loans… Audio
Covid-19: Kiwis now more concerned about becoming seriously ill
Research NZ continues to take the pulse of the nation through the Covid-19 lockdown. Emanuel Kalafatelis joins the show to reveal the results of the latest survey, which shows Kiwis are more worried… Audio
Bus companies accused of forcing drivers to take leave
Two of the country's biggest bus operators are being accused of gaming the system and using Covid-19 restrictions as an opportunity to reduce the amount of annual leave they owe drivers.
84,000 call for rent amnesty
There are growing calls for the government to provide an amnesty on rent while the country is under alert level 4.
ActionStation delivered a petition with thousands of signatures to Green Party… Audio