Cameron Smith is an Auckland-based journalist and Online Business Editor at the New Zealand Herald.
Cameron Smith joined the Herald in 2015 and has covered business and sports over the past decade. Cameron has been a journalist since 2013, covering sports and business at several of New Zealand’s largest media organisations. He joined the Herald in 2015 working as a regional and homepage digital editor. Having joined the business team in 2017, Cameron has covered a range of topics including retail, finance, economics, employment and small business with a focus on consumer-related stories. You can contact Cameron at cameron.smith@nzme.co.nz.
![$500 away from serious trouble: Cost of living hurting Kiwis’ ability to save](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
$500 away from serious trouble: Cost of living hurting Kiwis’ ability to save
New pressures displace divorce, unemployment as explanation some cite for money troubles.
![$55k back pocket hole: What you could be missing out in KiwiSaver cash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
$55k back pocket hole: What you could be missing out in KiwiSaver cash
Women, young people and those in default funds are more likely to miss out.
![Business defaults, liquidations rise as sector faces 'challenging' environment](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Business defaults, liquidations rise as sector faces 'challenging' environment
'Current economic environment is still proving very challenging across the board.'
![OCR cuts sooner than expected? Business confidence slumps in May – why that's good news](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
OCR cuts sooner than expected? Business confidence slumps in May – why that's good news
'There’s still a long way to go, but any step in the right direction is welcome.'
![The top concerns for Gen Z and millennials - and what they think of AI](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
The top concerns for Gen Z and millennials - and what they think of AI
Both generations are more upbeat on the overall economic situation improving.
![Kiwis feeling more pessimistic about inflation, rate cuts and finances](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Kiwis feeling more pessimistic about inflation, rate cuts and finances
Survey finds a quarter of New Zealanders are finding it difficult to manage financially.
![Wendy’s NZ bought by US giant, ending West Auckland family’s 35-year run](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Wendy’s NZ bought by US giant, ending West Auckland family’s 35-year run
The Lendich family has operated Wendy's in New Zealand for 35 years.
![Explainer: What are your rights as a Kiwi worker when it comes to redundancy?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Explainer: What are your rights as a Kiwi worker when it comes to redundancy?
'Are you entitled to redundancy pay' and other questions answered.
!['Hasn’t been the easiest trading time': What's eating the hospitality industry?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Hasn’t been the easiest trading time': What's eating the hospitality industry?
Growth in fourth quarter sales for hospitality businesses tempered by inflationary costs.
![Spending data shows consumers are 'hunkering down'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Spending data shows consumers are 'hunkering down'
High interest rate setting working to crimp consumer spending.
![What’s driving the big jump in KiwiSaver financial hardship withdrawals?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
What’s driving the big jump in KiwiSaver financial hardship withdrawals?
A record $29.2 million in KiwiSaver funds were taken out in March alone.
![Venture capital funding drops for Kiwi startups](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Venture capital funding drops for Kiwi startups
Global competition, high inflation and skills shortages cited as challenges by report.
![‘Get worse before it gets better’: Monthly liquidations hit six-year high](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
‘Get worse before it gets better’: Monthly liquidations hit six-year high
The number of businesses in distress is rising.
![Public sector leads slowdown in March hiring activity](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Public sector leads slowdown in March hiring activity
Data from Seek shows job ad volumes continue to fall, albeit at a slower rate in March.
![Market just too small: Menulog quits New Zealand](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Market just too small: Menulog quits New Zealand
The online food delivery platform will cease working from May 16.
![Outlook grim for creditors owed $6.8m from popular cafe chain Wishbone](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Outlook grim for creditors owed $6.8m from popular cafe chain Wishbone
Wishbone had 17 stores in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin.
![Clothing retailers bear brunt of spending slump, tourism a bright spot](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Clothing retailers bear brunt of spending slump, tourism a bright spot
Kiwis are reining in their discretionary spending.
![Pressure on small business profits as productivity takes a dive - report](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Pressure on small business profits as productivity takes a dive - report
Demand-side issues took over last year as productivity fell back to pre-Covid levels.
![Ardern's wedding and basking in big events - how Flagship Events company battled past Covid](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Ardern's wedding and basking in big events - how Flagship Events company battled past Covid
Hawke's Bay-based company coming to the end of another busy summer season.
![Spending weak over March as Kiwis watch their wallets](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Spending weak over March as Kiwis watch their wallets
The Easter bunny didn't deliver any good news for retailers this year.
![Snap crackle stop: Sanitarium axing jobs as it discontinues iconic cereals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Snap crackle stop: Sanitarium axing jobs as it discontinues iconic cereals
The company is planning to streamline its product range.
![Hiring activity slumps further as recession set to weigh on jobs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Hiring activity slumps further as recession set to weigh on jobs
Job ad volumes fell again in February and are lower than pre-Covid.
![Peter Gordon's Homeland restaurant to close its doors](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Peter Gordon's Homeland restaurant to close its doors
The site is due to be part of a major redevelopment.
![Former CBL boss Peter Harris admits continuous disclosure breaches, misleading conduct](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Former CBL boss Peter Harris admits continuous disclosure breaches, misleading conduct
Another chapter in the long-running saga between CBL and market watchdog.
![Popular Auckland restaurant, bar and nightclub operation in liquidation, owes $1.3m](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Popular Auckland restaurant, bar and nightclub operation in liquidation, owes $1.3m
The first liquidator's report on two entertainment venues is out.
![Unprecedented challenges: Kiwi workers' mental health remains significantly strained](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Unprecedented challenges: Kiwi workers' mental health remains significantly strained
Job insecurity, cost of living and burnout are taking a toll on workers.
![Mortgage hikes of 50%, grocery prices biggest worry - what's keeping Kiwis up](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Mortgage hikes of 50%, grocery prices biggest worry - what's keeping Kiwis up
Grocery prices a bigger financial worry than rent and mortgages, some Kiwis cutting back.
![Less red tape, more certainty: Van Velden outlines workplace priorities](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Less red tape, more certainty: Van Velden outlines workplace priorities
The Employment Relations Act and Holidays Act will both be put under the microscope.
![More middle-income Kiwis seeking financial help as price rises bite](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
More middle-income Kiwis seeking financial help as price rises bite
Financial mentors and budgeting services are reporting an increase in clients.
![Silvermoon Jewellers in liquidation: Who’s owed money?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Silvermoon Jewellers in liquidation: Who’s owed money?
The first liquidator’s report is out and provides a breakdown of the numbers.
![Tower insurance overcharges 65,000 Kiwis more than $9.5m](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Tower insurance overcharges 65,000 Kiwis more than $9.5m
Tower says it's making significant progress towards refunding about 65,000 customers.
![How much ignoring your KiwiSaver could be costing you](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
How much ignoring your KiwiSaver could be costing you
Non-contributors to KiwiSaver are taking a huge financial hit later in life.
!['A rising tide': More than 480,000 Kiwis behind in debt payments](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'A rising tide': More than 480,000 Kiwis behind in debt payments
Mortgage and consumer arrears continue to climb.
![Business confidence glass half-full, but construction and retail tumble](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Business confidence glass half-full, but construction and retail tumble
Retail and construction take a dive in latest ANZ Business Outlook survey.
![Nearly half of Kiwis worry about money, young feel 'overwhelmed'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Nearly half of Kiwis worry about money, young feel 'overwhelmed'
New report reveals Kiwis' emotions relating to their financial situation.
![Labour market grows for first time since August - Seek](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Labour market grows for first time since August - Seek
However, competition for roles remains extremely tight.
![New research shows what Kiwi workers are prioritising](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
New research shows what Kiwi workers are prioritising
A snapshot of attitudes, ambitions and expectations of Kiwi workers.
!['Staff not yours to annoy after hours': Should NZ workers get the ‘right to disconnect’?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Staff not yours to annoy after hours': Should NZ workers get the ‘right to disconnect’?
Justification for a 'right to disconnect' law there, but effectiveness in question.
![Businesses 'burnt' by Covid hiring spree rethink strategy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Businesses 'burnt' by Covid hiring spree rethink strategy
What comes next after unsustainable hiring and wages?
![The Kiwi architecture company that made summer time hours permanent](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
The Kiwi architecture company that made summer time hours permanent
Director says: "5.30pm feels like a really long day, particularly this time of the year".
![Why Godfreys went into voluntary administration; rival offers staff a lifeline](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Why Godfreys went into voluntary administration; rival offers staff a lifeline
Five stores in New Zealand have been closed as a buyer is sought for the business.
![Consumer confidence lifts slightly but ‘extreme wariness’ exists - ANZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Consumer confidence lifts slightly but ‘extreme wariness’ exists - ANZ
Wide gap between current and future conditions starting to close.
![Homeowners under pressure as mortgage arrears hit near four-year high](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Homeowners under pressure as mortgage arrears hit near four-year high
Mortgage arrears climbed 21 per cent last year.
!['Deeply saddened': 90-year-old retailer Godfreys enters voluntary administration](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Deeply saddened': 90-year-old retailer Godfreys enters voluntary administration
The move will result in some store closures and redundancies in the coming weeks.
![Research finds hybrid working rose last year for Kiwi workers - and we’re more productive](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Research finds hybrid working rose last year for Kiwi workers - and we’re more productive
Managers are seeing the benefits of allowing staff to work remotely.
![Reduced working week a ‘no-brainer’ say Kiwi businesses. Advocate weighs in](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Reduced working week a ‘no-brainer’ say Kiwi businesses. Advocate weighs in
The global momentum for the reduced-hour work model is building to a crescendo.
![Accounting firm launches nine-day fortnight for NZ staff](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Accounting firm launches nine-day fortnight for NZ staff
Staff will be paid for 10 days work, but will only have to work nine.
!['There will be winners and losers': Three workplace trends for 2024](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'There will be winners and losers': Three workplace trends for 2024
The age of demanding higher pay might be over.
![Debt hangover? More Kiwis plan to put Christmas on the plastic](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Debt hangover? More Kiwis plan to put Christmas on the plastic
Expert shares advice on why you should resist borrowing more this holiday season.
![19,000 payments overdue: Mortgage arrears spike as interest rate pain drags on](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
19,000 payments overdue: Mortgage arrears spike as interest rate pain drags on
'This activity could continue well into 2024,' says Centrix managing director.
![Explainer: Why borrowers should be wary of drop in longer-term fixed rates](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Explainer: Why borrowers should be wary of drop in longer-term fixed rates
'An early Christmas present you might call it but it’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing.'
![Supermarket wars: Woolworths takes on rival with new ‘dark store’ in Devonport](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Supermarket wars: Woolworths takes on rival with new ‘dark store’ in Devonport
Supermarket giant plans move into affluent Auckland suburb.
!['Deeply saddened': Why key Supie investor pulled her support](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Deeply saddened': Why key Supie investor pulled her support
'I invested my time, expertise and significant sums of money,' says angel investor.
![Supie collapse: How much are staff owed, and why did the grocer collapse?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Supie collapse: How much are staff owed, and why did the grocer collapse?
The liquidators' first report on failed online grocer Supie is out.
![Singles' Day sales: What can New Zealand shoppers expect](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Singles' Day sales: What can New Zealand shoppers expect
Singles' Day kicks off festive shopping season, and possible relief for retailers.
![Deep Creek brewery collapse: How much is owed to creditors and staff](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Deep Creek brewery collapse: How much is owed to creditors and staff
A shipment failure to China left the craft brewer with a cashflow problem.
![The high cost of breaking up after 50](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
The high cost of breaking up after 50
Research finds almost everyone is financially worse off after a split.
![Would you like your salary visible to co-workers? At this Kiwi startup, they are](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Would you like your salary visible to co-workers? At this Kiwi startup, they are
Is the secret to accountability and engagement at work pay transparency?
![Back pocket squeeze: Demand for consumer and business credit rises](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Back pocket squeeze: Demand for consumer and business credit rises
And the housing market is picking up with an increase in mortgage lending.
![Where to for advertised salaries? Growth accelerates, NZ outpacing Aussie](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Where to for advertised salaries? Growth accelerates, NZ outpacing Aussie
NZ's advertised salaries are rising faster than any point in the past six years.
![Auckland’s rental squeeze: Desperate prospective tenants resort to bribes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Auckland’s rental squeeze: Desperate prospective tenants resort to bribes
Migration and Auckland floods are putting a squeeze on the rental market.
![Retailers get welcome boost from Fifa World Cup, but more petrol pain for motorists](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Retailers get welcome boost from Fifa World Cup, but more petrol pain for motorists
Electronic card spending rose in August, but households aren't taking home more goods.
![Borrower pain hits five-year high: Who’s being hit the hardest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Borrower pain hits five-year high: Who’s being hit the hardest
There's also been a jump in Kiwis taking out new credit cards.
![KiwiSaver members missing out on $23,000 each of government contributions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
KiwiSaver members missing out on $23,000 each of government contributions
Between July 2021 and June 2022, more than a million Kiwis missed out on 'free money'.
![Buyer found for liquidated Epic Brewing Company](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Buyer found for liquidated Epic Brewing Company
Epic Brewing Company was placed in liquidation a month ago.
![Why taking a 'sickie' could cost you in other benefits](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Why taking a 'sickie' could cost you in other benefits
The number of days staff were absent from work last year increased to a record high.
![Job ads fall, applications per job surge as labour market tightens further](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Job ads fall, applications per job surge as labour market tightens further
The Covid jobs boom is in the rear-view mirror.
![Putting the pieces together: IKEA secures warehouse ahead of first NZ store opening](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Putting the pieces together: IKEA secures warehouse ahead of first NZ store opening
IKEA says its warehouse will be able to hold approximately 403,704 of its Billy bookcases.
![From boutique to supermarket staple: Kiwi beverage maker raising capital to fuel growth](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
From boutique to supermarket staple: Kiwi beverage maker raising capital to fuel growth
Almighty Beverages is backed by several Aussie sports stars.
![‘Intensely inflationary levels’ still at work in NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
‘Intensely inflationary levels’ still at work in NZ
We're likely to start seeing unemployment creep up, economists say.
![Hiring activity continues to slow as recession starts to bite](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Hiring activity continues to slow as recession starts to bite
Job ad volumes fell for the third consecutive month.
![Life, death and separation: Why you need a will and what you should know](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Life, death and separation: Why you need a will and what you should know
Family lawyer and barrister talks to the Herald about the consequences of dying intestate.
![Average salary hits $70k - which regions are keeping up with inflation?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Average salary hits $70k - which regions are keeping up with inflation?
The average salary nationwide rose more than 6 per cent year-on-year.
!['Concerning' trends emerging as KiwiSaver gender gap widens](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Concerning' trends emerging as KiwiSaver gender gap widens
A number of challenges face women as they save less than men on average.
![Revving up a record: June smashes all-time car sales as buyers try to beat new fees](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Revving up a record: June smashes all-time car sales as buyers try to beat new fees
Almost half the new cars Kiwis bought were electric
!['Walking an economic tightrope': Missed mortgage, credit repayments creep up](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Walking an economic tightrope': Missed mortgage, credit repayments creep up
Climbing arrears return to Kiwi households.
![Peak salary? Advertised salaries hit record, but the market is cooling](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Peak salary? Advertised salaries hit record, but the market is cooling
The pendulum has tipped in favour of employers versus this time last year.