Retailers are hoping a sales rebound means an industry uptick has begun.

Stats NZ data shows total retail sales increased 0.9 percent in the three months ending December - against the quarter before.

Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly says this is a good sign for the economy - but warns companies not to get ahead of themselves.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business owners are being encouraged to work with neighbours to keep small towns 'alive'.

Napier City Business general manager Pip Thompson says Napier and Hastings CBDs become ghost towns after 5pm, when stores close.

She says 'to stay alive in 2025', trading hours need to no longer be confined to 9-to-5.

But Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young says a single store can't make the change alone.

"If you've got a number of stores around you that are open later, people will come because they know that they can call into that store at a time that suits them after work."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is welcoming more foreign investment to New Zealand businesses by amending the Overseas Investment Act.

The Associate Finance Minister David Seymour talks to Mike Hosking about the announcement, why it took as long as it did, how much money is coming into the country, and the sectors excluded from the reform.

LISTEN ABOVE.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour has announced the Government will make it easier for Kiwi businesses to receive international investment.

The Associate Finance Minister said a reform will be made to the Overseas Investment Act.

How is the business world reacting?

Business New Zealand Director of Agency talks to Andrew Dickens.

LISTEN ABOVE.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon is heading to Vietnam this week for bilateral talks.

This visit comes as the Asia New Zealand foundation put out a report which explores potential ways that we can improve our bilateral relationship with Vietnam.

The report included strengthening trade in fashion and food, and collaborating on defence and security matters.

Chief Executive of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Suzannah Jessep talks to Andrew Dickens.

LISTEN ABOVE.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Xi Jinping had a meeting with prominent entrepreneurs this week... what was his message to them?

India is looking to cut import taxes in response to trump's reciprocal tariffs.

And Singapore has announced vouchers and tax breaks to help with rising costs.

Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis joins the show.

LISTEN ABOVE.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmer confidence has risen to its highest level in over a decade, rebounding from record lows in recent years, Federated Farmers says.

The advocacy group has released its latest farm confidence survey, which shows falling interest rates, rising incomes and more favourable farming rules have led to the improved outlook.

The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank is urging the Government to take a hard look at Stats NZ, with a view to improving the timeliness and accuracy of key economic data.

The department has been put under the microscope, with the central bank highlighting dramatic revisions to GDP (gross domestic product) as one of the reasons for a controversial reversal in its rate track in 2024.

NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains further.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.