Cameron Smith
Online Business Editor
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.
Check out Cameron’s latest content
‘Historic global economic event’: Willis reassures Kiwis amid Trump tariff turmoil
The Dow heads down, Hong Kong collapses, trillions are wiped off markets.
House prices flat to start 2025 – the regions faring better than others
First-home buyers continue to make up a larger share of the overall market.
Trump's tariff blitz good news for Kiwi motorists as oil prices slump
The price of Brent Crude Oil has dropped more than 11% in the past five days.
Trump announces 10% tariff on NZ goods, China and EU hit even harder
The US President has imposed tariffs on countries around the world.
70 jobs lost as Body Shop NZ goes into liquidation, closes final stores
Body Shop NZ had 16 stores across New Zealand.
Why more than half of Kiwis regret their career choice
New Zealand workers also expect to delay retirement amid cost of living pressures.
Can the Govt force supermarket duopoly de-merger? Competition lawyer explains
Finance Minister Nicola Willis fired warning shots yesterday at Foodstuffs and Woolworths.
'Magic days coming to an end': Govt puts supermarkets on notice in war on high food prices
Grocery sector leaders largely reacted positively to Nicola Willis' announcements.
Govt to consider break-up of supermarket duopoly, wants another big competitor in NZ
Finance Minister stresses the Government was not looking to run a supermarket chain.
‘Truly broken’: Don’t expect Willis to pull rabbit out of the hat as she woos third supermarket
Expert says the Government needs to be realistic about our “truly broken” market.
‘Kids excluded from essential activities’: Parents resort to credit for school costs
'2025 has been challenging for parents,' says budgeting expert.
E-motorbike maker Ubco owes $36m, potential purchaser emerges
The firm went into receivership in January, having raised tens of millions from investors.
Employment confidence slumps to 2020 post-Covid lockdown lows
The good news is the unemployment rate is believed to be nearing its peak for this cycle.
Auckland kids entertainment venue, school care provider in liquidation owing $200K
Party Kingdom closes its doors after eight years.
20-year ruse uncovered as Bangladeshi couple found guilty of immigration and identity fraud
The real name and date of birth of the man behind the decades-long lie remain a mystery.
Home loan wars: Major bank cuts rates again
ASB is making changes to some of its longer-term fixed mortgage rates.
NZ consumer confidence takes a hit as storm clouds gather
Global trade tensions and cost-of-living pressures at home dampen confidence.
School lunch provider in liquidation owes over $14.3m
Libelle Group went into liquidation last week, leaving more than 500 jobs in limbo.
Auckland Airport's duty-free shake-up: Full refurbishment and top global brands
Auckland International Airport's duty-free stores are in for a makeover.
Rocket Lab buys another US firm for US$75m
The deal is Rocket Lab's fifth major acquisition.
More than 500 jobs at risk after Govt-funded school lunch supplier tipped into liquidation
Libelle Group is contracted to deliver approximately 125,000 meals daily.
School lunch programme ‘not at risk’ after provider liquidated, Seymour positive about its future
Libelle Group is contracted to deliver approximately 125,000 meals daily.
Mortgage rates: How low can you expect rates to go?
Home owners are switching to longer-term rates as the bottom of the cycle nears.
Interest rates are falling, so why did mortgage arrears hit an eight-year high?
Mortgage arrears at their highest level since March 2017.
Confidence lifts but consumers 'hardly gung ho'
Consumers feeling more upbeat, but a way to go still.
'Particularly challenging': Michael Hill NZ's revenue drops 7.4%, strategic review under way
The group said conditions in New Zealand remain particularly challenging.
Kiwis 'dust off credit cards' as retail activity rises
Retail trade survey shows activity was higher in the December quarter.
Job market jitters: What’s in store for 2025
Increasing numbers of jobseekers are battling for fewer jobs.
The good and the bad: 2025 will be a ‘year of two halves’ – Kiwibank
By mid-2025 the tide will finally start to turn, say Kiwibank economists.
Bank of Mum and Dad helping 1 in 3 Kiwis into homes
And what a legal expert says parents need to consider before gifting children money.
SolarZero collapse: Liquidators’ first report reveals more than $40 million owed
There are 700 creditors including staff.
‘Challenging picture’: 461,000 borrowers behind on their payments
Payment deficits are expected to track higher yet as Kiwis head into Christmas.
Banks roll out new scam protection tool: How confirmation of payee will work
How it works, what you'll see, and when you'll likely get it.
Hastings beverage manufacturing facility in liquidation owing $2.8m, staff let go
Production has been suspended while a buyer is sought.
Refixing the mortgage? What you need to know to avoid a costly mistake
Mortgage refixing is a calculated game that could save or cost you thousands of dollars.
Housing confidence rises as interest rates continue to fall
Sales activity is rising, but a pronounced upswing in house prices may take time.
The high-paying jobs employers can’t get Kiwis to fill
They offer higher than average salaries. Why are these jobs so hard to find a match for?
A Dunedin flat, porn stars and herpes: Kiwi ad agency on 10 years of shaking up the industry
Motion Sickness is making noise globally for their boundary-pushing campaigns.
Creditors put dairy farm operation into liquidation – ANZ among those owed nearly $600k
The company had been dairy farming since May 2004.
'A nation in debt': The dark reality of taking on Christmas debt
'Debt becomes more like a rent payment that people get so used to paying.'
Auckland beachfront restaurant in liquidation – what went wrong?
Renowned chef Scott Denning puts his Mission Bay restaurant into liquidation.
Auckland car dealership in liquidation after creditor repossesses Jaguars, BMWs
Liquidators say there were two reasons for the company's failure.
Kiwi football fans fume at sport streaming platform over rogue charges
DAZN subscribers are looking for answers after being stung with unexplained charges.
More than 450,000 Kiwis behind on debt repayments as festive season looms
Acute challenges continue to bite, despite falling inflation and interest rates.
NZ versus Australia: Is the grass really greener for Kiwi tradies?
New report compares income, living costs, house prices and employment opportunities.
Premium NZ golf brand retailer in liquidation after two years
A tough year for retailers as another company goes into liquidation.
NZ ranks last for infrastructure delivery in global survey
New Zealand has fallen behind its peers globally when it comes to infrastructure.
Construction slowdown: House building cost inflation still subdued
The annual cost of building a house rose at the second lowest rate since 2013.
Canterbury house builder in liquidation – Kiwibank among creditors owed $1m
Staff terminated after construction projects slow.
Crane numbers drop 11% this year as construction slows
Auckland crane numbers fell to an eight-year low.
Relief for homeowners: Banks cut mortgage rates in response to OCR move
Banks have moved swiftly to lower lending rates.
Great Resignation no more: More Kiwi workers look for stability amid rising unemployment
Less Kiwi workers intend on changing their jobs in the next 12 months.
American bakery chain Cinnabon to open first NZ store
New Zealand will be the 54th country to get a Cinnabon franchise.
New car sales on the road to recovery after September lift, EV's perk up
A third consecutive month of improved sales.
‘Better times ahead’: Consumer confidence bounces to 32-month high
Expectations about the future driving consumer confidence.
Putting fuel on BNPL? Financial advisers warn of debt spiral
Financial advisers warn of risks as NZ's biggest fuel retailer offers delayed payment.
Hospitality owners report surge in negative mental health amid declining profits
Hospitality survey reveals ongoing difficulties for the industry.
Co-working office space company Digital Nomad in liquidation: Who’s owed money?
The company owes $159,604 in lease arrears and $40,700 in tenant bonds.
Why former owners of three Auckland restaurants went into liquidation owing $700k
“It’s going to be completely different from what it is now.”
Former owners of three Auckland hospo businesses in liquidation – two restaurants to shut for redevelopment
Landlord didn't grant prior owners new lease.
Housing market still flat despite OCR cut
Activity is expected to strengthen over the rest of the year as interest rates fall.
Major Auckland car dealer in liquidation owes more than $1m
More than 120 creditors are owed money from Auckland Vehicles Limited.
Major Auckland car dealership in liquidation after receivership
'Dealers have struggled this year', says an industry expert.
Directors are working longer hours with no increase to fees, research finds
Female directors were more likely to be in a lower-paid role.
Business failures surge as insolvencies hit eight-year quarterly high
'The scale of the increase has been significant', says BWA Insolvency's Bryan Williams.
Financial stress eases for young Kiwis but rises for mortgage holders
Signs financial stress could be easing, but not for everyone.
Home-building trend remains soft, new house consents fall 22%
High interest rates and increased costs drive softness in the new home consent data.
More than 100 jobs lost as logistics company closes down Auckland stevedoring operations
Staff were informed of the redundancy process today.
Economy harder than GFC and Covid, say business owners
Survey shows one in five businesses fear they may have to close.
Two Wellington bars in liquidation as local economy bites
Declining foot traffic along famous Courtenay Place and economic downturn hit bar owner.
‘Fierce competition’ for jobs as unemployment rises
Job ads also rose for the first time since January.
Decline of cash: Small firms lag in adoption of digital payment methods
Shifting payment trends forcing change onto small businesses.
Franklins Bathrooms Liquidation: Westpac among creditors owed $31.2m
Creditors now face a potential shortfall in the tens of millions.
Small business confidence hits reverse gear, economic pressures drive burnout
Post-Covid optimism gives way to declining confidence.
36 jobs on the line at Mitre 10 headquarters
Mitre 10 chief executive cites low consumer confidence and spending.
Tax cuts: Five ways to put your money to work instead of spending it
Pitiful or opportunity? Why your $20 tax break might not be so small.
Challenging economic environment brings record number of financial complaints
New disputes rose by 10%.
‘Not faring well’: Small business sales slump to lowest level since first Covid lockdown
Small businesses feel the brunt of consumers watching their wallets.
'Pretty tough market': Decline in hiring activity accelerates in June
Economic pressures are continuing to stymie hiring activity.