Wellington Business Editor, Jenée Tibshraeny, covers business, the economy and public policy for the Business Herald.
I am the Business Herald’s eyes and ears in Parliament. Based in the press gallery, I have an insight into how politics influences decision-making that affects the economy. “Business” doesn’t exist in a vacuum, so I believe it’s important to understand how the environment in which it operates is managed. I am also of the view “the economy” is ultimately about people. While I do a fair bit of number crunching, I love chewing the fat with those in the know and hearing people’s stories. I like getting to the nub of an issue; identifying the root cause of something that materially affects our lives. Accordingly, I mainly cover Reserve Bank issues, housing, energy, banking, insurance, and Wellington business more broadly. Prior to joining the Herald in May 2022, I spent seven years at interest.co.nz in Auckland and Wellington. I started my career working as a reporter and researcher for what’s now known as Newshub Nation, before spending a couple of years in New Plymouth as Newstalk ZB’s Central North Island reporter. I trust my work will be of use to those in both business and policy making, as well as individuals interested in their back pockets.
![Gloriavale suffers setback in battle to keep BNZ accounts open](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Gloriavale suffers setback in battle to keep BNZ accounts open
Court of Appeal case to set legal precedents for banking sector.
![Luxon and Japanese PM strike intel-sharing deal as Putin visits North Korea](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Luxon and Japanese PM strike intel-sharing deal as Putin visits North Korea
NZ and Japan to work more closely on defence.
!['We cannot just be an observer' - Luxon keen to up ante on defence](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'We cannot just be an observer' - Luxon keen to up ante on defence
PM wants to NZ and Japan to share more intelligence and defence capability.
![Watch: Luxon says Japan is in a ‘tough neighbourhood’, defends C-listers comment](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Watch: Luxon says Japan is in a ‘tough neighbourhood’, defends C-listers comment
PM to wrap up his Japan trip after meeting Japan's PM tonight
!['C list' - PM justifies dig at delegates on previous trade trips](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'C list' - PM justifies dig at delegates on previous trade trips
PM suggests businesspeople previously simply went on trade trips 'for the ride'.
![PM announces new efforts to enforce sanctions against North Korea](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
PM announces new efforts to enforce sanctions against North Korea
Christopher Luxon is due to meet Japan's Defence Minister this afternoon.
![Rocket Lab signs deal to get Japanese satellites into space](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Rocket Lab signs deal to get Japanese satellites into space
Data collected from Rocket Lab-launched satellites could enhance defence and security.
![Jenée Tibshraeny: It's hard to sell NZ to the world after another 'embarrassing' plane failure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Jenée Tibshraeny: It's hard to sell NZ to the world after another 'embarrassing' plane failure
OPINION: The situation with the NZ Defence Force planes is untenable.
![NZDF plane breaks down: Air NZ flight diverted for delegation; PM may always fly commercial](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
NZDF plane breaks down: Air NZ flight diverted for delegation; PM may always fly commercial
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's meeting with Japanese counterpart unaffected.
![Sleep pods, table tennis, roof-top BBQ... A look through BNZ's new Wellington office](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Sleep pods, table tennis, roof-top BBQ... A look through BNZ's new Wellington office
The new building on an old gas station site has helped revitalise downtown Wellington.
![Politicians to have a crack at bank bosses and regulators via new competition inquiry](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Politicians to have a crack at bank bosses and regulators via new competition inquiry
Inquiry to be broader than ComCom's study, including business and agricultural banking.
![ANZ predicts interest rate cuts from February next year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
ANZ predicts interest rate cuts from February next year
Previously hawkish economists now see first OCR cut occurring in February, not May.
![Tax minimisation strategy sees billions shifted ahead of trustee tax hike](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Tax minimisation strategy sees billions shifted ahead of trustee tax hike
Trust-owned companies appear to have flushed out excess retained earnings to save on tax.
![Nicola Willis reveals she's had to field a complaint over Adrian Orr's conduct](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Nicola Willis reveals she's had to field a complaint over Adrian Orr's conduct
A long-standing spat over bank regulation continues.
![Analysis: Willis sticks to tax cut plans, but makes last-minute Budget commitment](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Analysis: Willis sticks to tax cut plans, but makes last-minute Budget commitment
ANALYSIS: While Willis pledged to reduce debt, she's going to have to borrow more.
![Jenée Tibshraeny: What to look out for in today's Budget](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Jenée Tibshraeny: What to look out for in today's Budget
How Finance Minister Nicola Willis will try to recalibrate the Government's books.
![Adrian Orr shares fiery 'letter to the editor' with bank bosses](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Adrian Orr shares fiery 'letter to the editor' with bank bosses
The Reserve Bank governor says criticism of bank capital rules 'needs to be called out'.
![Kiwibank hikes term deposit rate - will other banks follow?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Kiwibank hikes term deposit rate - will other banks follow?
Kiwibank's revised one-year term deposit offering surpasses the 6 per cent mark.
!['Utter red herring' - Adrian Orr responds as bank capital saga resumes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Utter red herring' - Adrian Orr responds as bank capital saga resumes
Commerce Commission market study gives opponents of capital rules a platform.
![Calculated bluff or dose of realism? Why RBNZ isn't pencilling in rate cut until later next year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Calculated bluff or dose of realism? Why RBNZ isn't pencilling in rate cut until later next year
Economist notes this isn't the first time the RBNZ's talked tough before slashing rates.
![Why banks are more profitable in NZ than Aussie - is the RBNZ to blame?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Why banks are more profitable in NZ than Aussie - is the RBNZ to blame?
But the former RBNZ governor says the impact of capital rules shouldn't be overstated.
![Auditor-General issues warning over waning scrutiny of government spending](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Auditor-General issues warning over waning scrutiny of government spending
Watchdog calls for review of the way governments allocate money to agencies.
![Inflation expectations fall as economic growth tipped to stay sluggish](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Inflation expectations fall as economic growth tipped to stay sluggish
RBNZ survey respondents see the economy growing by less than 1 per cent over the year.
![Jenée Tibshraeny: Reserve Bank balance sheet blowout explained](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Jenée Tibshraeny: Reserve Bank balance sheet blowout explained
ANALYSIS: How the RBNZ's balance sheet quadrupled and what it means going forward.
![Govt fails to calm carbon market jitters, flagging forestry review](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Govt fails to calm carbon market jitters, flagging forestry review
It is unsure of the impact land use rule changes will have on how many trees are planted.
![ANZ, BNZ bosses in no hurry to follow Reserve Bank’s advice on insurability of property](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
ANZ, BNZ bosses in no hurry to follow Reserve Bank’s advice on insurability of property
The Reserve Bank believes more risk-based pricing could improve financial stability.
![OECD warns NZ Govt it shouldn’t borrow to pay for tax cuts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
OECD warns NZ Govt it shouldn’t borrow to pay for tax cuts
Organisation calls for a capital gains tax, better education and more competition.
![Law to be overhauled to prevent insurers from unreasonably declining claims](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Law to be overhauled to prevent insurers from unreasonably declining claims
Onus to be put on insurers to ask for information, rather than assume customers will tell.
![Savers slowly capitalise on high interest rates](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Savers slowly capitalise on high interest rates
BNZ's profitability falls as savers shift their funds to accounts that pay more interest.
![Government comfortable kicking commercial property when it's down](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Government comfortable kicking commercial property when it's down
Vacancies in office and retail spaces are on the rise, as property owners face a tax hike.
![Bad mortgage debt expected to rise by 40 per cent by year's end](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Bad mortgage debt expected to rise by 40 per cent by year's end
The Reserve Bank says banks are well positioned to help struggling borrowers.
![RBNZ wants banks to be more careful issuing mortgages](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
RBNZ wants banks to be more careful issuing mortgages
The bank is wary of banks issuing loans against properties that become hard to insure.
![Jenée Tibshraeny: Nuance needed right-sizing the public sector](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Jenée Tibshraeny: Nuance needed right-sizing the public sector
What the numbers tell us about what happened to the public sector under Labour.
![RBNZ refuses to bend rules to improve bank competition](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
RBNZ refuses to bend rules to improve bank competition
The RBNZ's financial stability mandate clashes with the competition watchdog.
![Lending rules: What do the changes mean and should we be worried about loan sharks?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Lending rules: What do the changes mean and should we be worried about loan sharks?
Lenders to be given more discretion to assess loan applications.
![Productivity fails to fire: Why are Kiwis working more for less?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Productivity fails to fire: Why are Kiwis working more for less?
Red tape and New Zealand's reliance on dairy cop some of the blame.
![Buyer beware - improving competition among banks comes with catches](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Buyer beware - improving competition among banks comes with catches
Hurdles high to improving competition among banks.
![Do we need to borrow more to pay for tax cuts?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Do we need to borrow more to pay for tax cuts?
An economist says new spending is debt-funded while we're in deficit.
![Business blues bubble to the surface as bad debts rise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Business blues bubble to the surface as bad debts rise
An accountant says some businesses should consider whether staying open is viable.
![Bermuda-based firm bids for second bite of NZ life insurance pie](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Bermuda-based firm bids for second bite of NZ life insurance pie
Will the Reserve Bank and ComCom approve the sale of Asteron Life?
![Tug-of-war under way over how open banking is rolled out](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Tug-of-war under way over how open banking is rolled out
Fintechs accuse banks of putting unreasonable conditions around data sharing.
![New appointments to Monetary Policy Committee suggest change of tune by the RBNZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
New appointments to Monetary Policy Committee suggest change of tune by the RBNZ
Economists with expertise in infrastructure and macroeconomics to join powerful committee.
![Jenée Tibshraeny: Nicola Willis' Budget preview a sobering reality check](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Jenée Tibshraeny: Nicola Willis' Budget preview a sobering reality check
OPINION: Delivery is always tough for the Government - even if the economy was stronger.
![Willis concedes Govt books won't be back in shape quickly](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Willis concedes Govt books won't be back in shape quickly
Finance Minister avoids unveiling likely size of Budget 2024.
![Nicola Willis open to finding more capital for Kiwibank](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Nicola Willis open to finding more capital for Kiwibank
Reserve Bank isn't planning to change bank capital rules further to ComCom suggestions.
!['Two-tier oligopoly': ComCom delivers verdict on bank competition](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Two-tier oligopoly': ComCom delivers verdict on bank competition
Competition watchdog recommends widespread regulatory reform.
![Jenée Tibshraeny: Are the trade-offs for tax cuts worth it?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Jenée Tibshraeny: Are the trade-offs for tax cuts worth it?
OPINION: Productivity expected to take a hit at a time when we need economic growth.
![Govt warned against borrowing to fund tax cuts by IMF - says it could fuel inflation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Govt warned against borrowing to fund tax cuts by IMF - says it could fuel inflation
The international organisation says the Government's purse strings need to be tightened.
![IRD scathing of commercial and industrial property tax hike](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
IRD scathing of commercial and industrial property tax hike
The change flies in the face of the Government's commitment to improving productivity.
![Slow growth won't stop income tax cuts, Nicola Willis says](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Slow growth won't stop income tax cuts, Nicola Willis says
A return to surplus by 2026-27 remains in question.
![What the watered down tax on house flippers will look like](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
What the watered down tax on house flippers will look like
Bright-line test to mirror what it looked like under the previous National-led Government.
![Could deposit insurance make finance companies more attractive?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Could deposit insurance make finance companies more attractive?
Non-bank deposit takers might have more to gain from new insurance scheme than banks.
![Trusts that earn less than $10,000 likely to be exempt from tax hike](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Trusts that earn less than $10,000 likely to be exempt from tax hike
The Government is welcoming the committee's proposal to avoid over-taxation of trusts.
![Government exploring ‘corporate welfare’ for oil and gas](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Government exploring ‘corporate welfare’ for oil and gas
National and Act supportive of giving oil and gas companies certainty in their future.
![Deal broken: Property investors to get slightly less tax relief than promised](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Deal broken: Property investors to get slightly less tax relief than promised
The interest limitation rule is set to start being phased out during the next tax year.
![Govt spending cuts unlikely to get books back to surplus by 2027](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Govt spending cuts unlikely to get books back to surplus by 2027
Nicola Willis will 'update' the Government's tax/spend goals.
![What does the Reserve Bank’s official cash rate review mean for my mortgage?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
What does the Reserve Bank’s official cash rate review mean for my mortgage?
ANALYSIS: Mortgage rate cuts seem more likely than hikes.
![Revealed: Willis may exempt some trusts from planned tax hike](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Revealed: Willis may exempt some trusts from planned tax hike
The Finance Minister won't give details but is confident the changes are affordable.
![Suncorp boss hopeful insurance premium increases will slow following hefty hikes in 2023](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Suncorp boss hopeful insurance premium increases will slow following hefty hikes in 2023
Focus on reinsurers ahead of Suncorp renewing its contracts in July.
![Dividend payments expected to spike ahead of trustee tax rate rising](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Dividend payments expected to spike ahead of trustee tax rate rising
IRD says accelerating dividend payments is unlikely to be considered tax avoidance.
![Kiwibank boss calls for end to OCR hikes as bank posts record profit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Kiwibank boss calls for end to OCR hikes as bank posts record profit
Indebted businesses struggling more than those with mortgages.
![$24b fiscal hole? Transport projects could cost twice National's estimates - NZTA](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
$24b fiscal hole? Transport projects could cost twice National's estimates - NZTA
NZTA estimates National's transport plan includes a hole worth up to $24 billion.
![IAG's profit up as average home insurance premiums jump 30 per cent](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
IAG's profit up as average home insurance premiums jump 30 per cent
Chief executive Amanda Whiting says insurer needs to prepare for the future.
![Adrian Orr on inflation, interest rates: ‘Last few yards may be very difficult’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Adrian Orr on inflation, interest rates: ‘Last few yards may be very difficult’
RBNZ Governor underlines his commitment to getting inflation back to 2 per cent.
![Bank boss's interest rate warning for homeowners](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Bank boss's interest rate warning for homeowners
Vittoria Shortt's comment comes as most borrowers bet on rates falling by mid-next year.
![New funding needed to urgently refurbish Reserve Bank's cash vault](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
New funding needed to urgently refurbish Reserve Bank's cash vault
The project is deemed high-risk and of national significance.
![RBNZ survey: Inflation expectations continue to fall](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
RBNZ survey: Inflation expectations continue to fall
Business leaders remain downbeat on economic growth prospects.
!['Everyone is in a different boat' - insurance issues linger a year on from the cyclone](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Everyone is in a different boat' - insurance issues linger a year on from the cyclone
Premiums continue to rise, as insurers move further towards address-level pricing.
![Nicola Willis to deliver Budget 2024 on May 30](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Nicola Willis to deliver Budget 2024 on May 30
Tax cuts and public sector spending cuts are to be the focus.
![Questions raised over Waititi’s suggestion Māori need their own trade agreements](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Questions raised over Waititi’s suggestion Māori need their own trade agreements
Recent trade agreements include chapters aimed at promoting Māori businesses.
![Billions short each year: NZTA Waka Kotahi warns it will spend twice its funding](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Billions short each year: NZTA Waka Kotahi warns it will spend twice its funding
Agency concedes many of its projects will be deferred or delayed.
![Minimum wage to rise by 2 per cent - slowest rate in a decade](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Minimum wage to rise by 2 per cent - slowest rate in a decade
The cost of living is likely to rise by more than the minimum wage.
![National U-turns to keep new conduct regime for financial institutions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
National U-turns to keep new conduct regime for financial institutions
Minister proposes consolidating licensing requirements.
!['We still have a way to go' - RBNZ says the inflation fight isn't over](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'We still have a way to go' - RBNZ says the inflation fight isn't over
RBNZ chief economist pushes back against dovish financial markets.
![Property investment: How buyers are reacting to change of govt](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Property investment: How buyers are reacting to change of govt
New mortgage lending to investors fell to a decade-low for a December month in 2023.
![Jenée Tibshraeny: Will stickier-than-expected domestic inflation spook the RBNZ?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Jenée Tibshraeny: Will stickier-than-expected domestic inflation spook the RBNZ?
Speech next week to hint at the RBNZ's next move.
![Inflation falls to 4.7 per cent in December quarter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Inflation falls to 4.7 per cent in December quarter
Strong domestically-driven inflation expected to continue worrying the RBNZ.
![What will Reserve Bank's new mortgage lending rules mean for house hunters?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
What will Reserve Bank's new mortgage lending rules mean for house hunters?
Reserve Bank rules expected to bite once interest rates fall.