John Weekes is the Online Business Editor for the New Zealand Herald.
John Weekes is an online business editor and a reporter. He has covered some of New Zealand and Queensland's most high-profile court cases and trials, as well as politics, breaking news and consumer affairs. He covered transport disasters at the 2011 Rugby World Cup and soon after reported on the Antarctic adventurer Busby Noble. John's work since has assisted abuse survivors, fraud victims and people suffering from rare illnesses. He rejoined the Herald in 2020, previously working at Stuff and News Corp, Australia.
![Cost of living: Reserve Bank outlining path ‘back to 2% inflation’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Cost of living: Reserve Bank outlining path ‘back to 2% inflation’
'Think hard before jumping': Reserve Bank says outlook for NZ economy is not that bad.
![Troubled Laybuy companies placed into receivership](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Troubled Laybuy companies placed into receivership
The buy now, pay later outfit cites fraud and a flat economy among insurmountable hurdles.
![Buy now pay later operator Laybuy suspends payment service](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Buy now pay later operator Laybuy suspends payment service
The company's website is also unavailable due to maintenance.
![Marlin magic: NZ inventor’s lure wins fisherman US$1.7 million](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Marlin magic: NZ inventor’s lure wins fisherman US$1.7 million
A decades-long quest needed a Kiwi lure to land the fish of dreams.
![Travel stats show tourist arrivals up but still below pre-Covid rates](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Travel stats show tourist arrivals up but still below pre-Covid rates
Traveller numbers were up in April despite early Easter weekend having an impact.
![Kiwibank faces prosecution over $7m in customer overcharging](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Kiwibank faces prosecution over $7m in customer overcharging
'Serious' charges come after multiple errors in Kiwibank’s manual and electronic systems.
![Z Energy hits back at watchdog's petrol price claims](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Z Energy hits back at watchdog's petrol price claims
How much are 'feather and rocket' pricing tactics costing you?
![Drug case arrests after alleged burglary at Auckland narcotics disposal facility](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Drug case arrests after alleged burglary at Auckland narcotics disposal facility
Initially charged with burglary, two now stand accused of a drug conspiracy.
![F&P Healthcare shares climb as revenue jumps 10 per cent](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
F&P Healthcare shares climb as revenue jumps 10 per cent
F&P Healthcare rallies after reporting strong annual revenue growth.
![Insta-scam: Foreign heartthrob scams grieving woman, fake investigator makes vile threats](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Insta-scam: Foreign heartthrob scams grieving woman, fake investigator makes vile threats
'RIP in advance': Investigator found online adds insult to Kiwi love scam victim.
![Alleged wage subsidy fraud trial likely next year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Alleged wage subsidy fraud trial likely next year
Wage subsidy trial: Tax agency charges could be merged with $977k fraud allegations.
![Auckland bribery and corruption case: One accused still wants to keep his name secret](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Auckland bribery and corruption case: One accused still wants to keep his name secret
Judge says suppression bid not good enough, but bribery accused wins last-minute reprieve.
![What the 'con job' and 'band-aid' Australian Budget means for NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
What the 'con job' and 'band-aid' Australian Budget means for NZ
Opponents lash Aussie Budget but Government says country's economy is still strong.
![Net migration loss of NZ citizens tops 50,000 for first time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Net migration loss of NZ citizens tops 50,000 for first time
Latest migration numbers shatter previous record for departure of Kiwi citizens.
![‘Hallucination detection’: AI adopters pull ahead but many company bosses in a funk](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
‘Hallucination detection’: AI adopters pull ahead but many company bosses in a funk
A 'tipping point' as more professionals upskill and leaders wonder how to embrace AI.
![Tax evader mum's reparation will take 161 years to pay off](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Tax evader mum's reparation will take 161 years to pay off
It'll take a while for cafe mum's reparation order to make up for payroll, GST scam.
![Big crime business: Wringing out the money launderers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Big crime business: Wringing out the money launderers
There are many ways to launder dirty cash, but cops have a powerful way to strike back.
!['Not my first legal rodeo': Winston Peters responds to defamation allegations](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Not my first legal rodeo': Winston Peters responds to defamation allegations
Peters gave a speech to the NZ China Council this morning.
![Average household living cost surged 6.2 per cent in year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Average household living cost surged 6.2 per cent in year
Household inflation is well above consumer price inflation, and there's one major culprit.
![Exports up, imports down in March - so should we be happy?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Exports up, imports down in March - so should we be happy?
Imports take a tumble, kiwifruit and apples get country out of deficit.
![Dilworth abuse could have been stopped at 1978 meeting, old boy says](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Dilworth abuse could have been stopped at 1978 meeting, old boy says
'It set a precedent - that if you get caught, you were just allowed to leave.'
![SkyCity chairman Julian Cook on new CEO, Wild West of online gaming](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
SkyCity chairman Julian Cook on new CEO, Wild West of online gaming
After years of drama, will SkyCity's fortunes change with a new CEO coming from Las Vegas?
![Easysteel jobs on the line, union blasts 'bombshell'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Easysteel jobs on the line, union blasts 'bombshell'
Workers face fallout after turmoil at Fletcher Building.
![House sales, listings up, but should you sell now or wait?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
House sales, listings up, but should you sell now or wait?
Be cool-headed, economist advises sellers as more homes go on the market.
![US inflation stubborn as prices keep rising](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
US inflation stubborn as prices keep rising
Much as Kiwis do, American consumers confront sticky inflation.
![OCR decision: No change but inflation under control by end of the year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
OCR decision: No change but inflation under control by end of the year
A quagmire of challenges meant many pundits picked the cash rate to stay put.
![Scams: People trust banks more than family to give advice](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Scams: People trust banks more than family to give advice
Hackers are freaking some people out more than climate change, one cyber agency says.
![NZ Post, Westpac warn of text message phishing scam](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
NZ Post, Westpac warn of text message phishing scam
Parcel delivery scam sent from email addresses to New Zealand phone numbers.
![One NZ unionised call centre workers vote on strike](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
One NZ unionised call centre workers vote on strike
The union says a 'unilateral' remote work rule is provocative but One NZ says it's fair.
![Why is the US economy doing well when NZ is languishing?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Why is the US economy doing well when NZ is languishing?
How might Kiwis benefit from the solid US eeconomy?
![Simeon Brown blasts ‘red tape and green tape’, new speed limit plans confirmed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Simeon Brown blasts ‘red tape and green tape’, new speed limit plans confirmed
Red and green tape and orange cones on 'lofty' projects are the bane of Brown's existence.
![‘Crocodiles all around’: The Warehouse Group after net loss posted](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
‘Crocodiles all around’: The Warehouse Group after net loss posted
The retail group is facing multiple adversaries.
![The Warehouse to close or sell online platform, posts $23.7m loss](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
The Warehouse to close or sell online platform, posts $23.7m loss
Company redirecting focus to 'bedrock' brands.
![Fire crews find bedroom ablaze in Taupō house](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Fire crews find bedroom ablaze in Taupō house
Four fire trucks were sent to the incident on Invergarry Rd.
![Hero pilot, flight attendant recall their own Kiwi plane plunge terror](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Hero pilot, flight attendant recall their own Kiwi plane plunge terror
Plane plunge survivor and pilot in previous nosedive incident share their wishes.
![Latam flight plunge ‘a black swan event’, former commercial jet pilot says](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Latam flight plunge ‘a black swan event’, former commercial jet pilot says
Plane plunge horror: 'I don’t think any pilot has time to be scared.'
![Japan defies recession fears - and that could bode well for Kiwi tourism](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Japan defies recession fears - and that could bode well for Kiwi tourism
A resurgent, more confident Japanese economy could boost Kiwi tourism.
![Where Fair Go might go - and why are TV shows so expensive to make?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Where Fair Go might go - and why are TV shows so expensive to make?
'Who the hell decided to cut this?' Could Fair Go work outside old-school TV?
![Nexus of nefarious influences hurting NZ manufacturing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Nexus of nefarious influences hurting NZ manufacturing
Pressures from inflation, high interest rates made year tough for $31 billion sector.
![Exports struggle to get good prices but NZ trade deficit still shrinks](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Exports struggle to get good prices but NZ trade deficit still shrinks
Expensive imports gobble up some of our strong export volumes.
![Decline in alcohol consumption the biggest fall in 15 years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Decline in alcohol consumption the biggest fall in 15 years
Challenging year for producers - but do we have a drinking problem, or an economy problem?
![Receivers appointed to Queenstown Views Villas, Carlin Hotel](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Receivers appointed to Queenstown Views Villas, Carlin Hotel
Decision made after rags-to-riches founder Kevin Carlin died suddenly.
![Restaurant Brands profit sliced almost in half](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Restaurant Brands profit sliced almost in half
Kiwi company's California outfit fails to sizzle as inflation takes a bite.
![Retail sales tumble in December quarter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Retail sales tumble in December quarter
Shopping's December doldrums confirmed just as Kathmandu, Torpedo7 outline struggles.
![Wobbles for Air New Zealand and Qantas, good times for Auckland’s port and airport](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Wobbles for Air New Zealand and Qantas, good times for Auckland’s port and airport
It's often not sunny when company results are announced, but a few big firms defied gloom.
![Tomra data leak a few months after cyber attack prompted changes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Tomra data leak a few months after cyber attack prompted changes
The payroll fiasco came just months after Tomra claimed to have 'ensured' safety of data.
![You get paid how much? Data leak exposes more than 100 staff payslips](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
You get paid how much? Data leak exposes more than 100 staff payslips
More pain after layoffs as 'severe' data beach exposes pay, bank account details.
![Deepfake sex scammers can be prosecuted, Justice Minister says](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Deepfake sex scammers can be prosecuted, Justice Minister says
Deepfakes and more scam calls detected, but they often rely on old-fashioned human nature.
![Wendy Petrie’s identity stolen in online gambling scam](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Wendy Petrie’s identity stolen in online gambling scam
Brash, flashy ad pinches news anchor in deepfake attempt.
![Tragic toll of online abuse outlined in pleas for Govt to take action](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Tragic toll of online abuse outlined in pleas for Govt to take action
Dysfunctional, sluggish official responses blasted amid escalating online harms.
![Broadcaster's pic stolen for dodgy ad, brazen scam warning](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Broadcaster's pic stolen for dodgy ad, brazen scam warning
Scams come amid more deepfakes, talk of rules overseas to punish offenders.
![Rip Curl transgender surfer backlash polarises opinion](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Rip Curl transgender surfer backlash polarises opinion
Tricky timing, talk of backlash as Rip Curl tests waters in emotive issue.
![Migration record as nearly 250,000 arrive in a year - but departures up too](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Migration record as nearly 250,000 arrive in a year - but departures up too
More talented, not 'desperate and dateless', NZ citizens than ever before may have left.
![ELE group collapse: Fears hundred more workers will lose jobs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
ELE group collapse: Fears hundred more workers will lose jobs
The role of recruiters who can hire large numbers without ensuring work is under scrutiny.
![Artisan offers apprenticeship to workers laid off before Christmas](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Artisan offers apprenticeship to workers laid off before Christmas
An Auckland fibrous plaster manufacturer offers an apprenticeship opportunity.
![ELE group collapse: 100 Christchurch workers identified after company went bust](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
ELE group collapse: 100 Christchurch workers identified after company went bust
Christchurch gears up to help laid-off workers and industry rallies in Auckland.
![Construction labour firms, supporters unite to help sacked ELE group workers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Construction labour firms, supporters unite to help sacked ELE group workers
'Ripple effect' a concern for hundreds of staff abruptly laid off before Christmas.
![ELE group collapse: Volunteers race to help hundreds of laid-off workers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
ELE group collapse: Volunteers race to help hundreds of laid-off workers
Woolworths provided $25,000 of food vouchers for the laid-off workers.
![Tomra layoffs confirmed, 200 NZ workers to lose their jobs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Tomra layoffs confirmed, 200 NZ workers to lose their jobs
Boss of food processor admits timing of mass layoffs is 'not ideal'.
![ELE Group collapse: Massive foodbank drive for hundreds of laid-off workers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
ELE Group collapse: Massive foodbank drive for hundreds of laid-off workers
"My phone is blowing up right now," organiser says as hundreds face a perilous Christmas.
![Health board, stadiums alleged victims in bribery and corruption case](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Health board, stadiums alleged victims in bribery and corruption case
The men have been charged with corrupt use of official information.
![Adrian Orr invokes ghost chips, Muldoon](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Adrian Orr invokes ghost chips, Muldoon
Migrant numbers and sluggish GDP are a real surprise, Orr admits.
![GDP shocker: How badly is NZ’s economy really doing?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
GDP shocker: How badly is NZ’s economy really doing?
The guinea pig economy, or as bad as Equatorial Guinea?
![Truck certificate of fitness delays cause hassles](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Truck certificate of fitness delays cause hassles
Truckies are hoping somebody coughs up a solution to serious testing delays.
![A Kiwi ranger's quest for wild tigers comes to life](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
A Kiwi ranger's quest for wild tigers comes to life
The quest for killer tigers and a Kiwi ranger's eye-opening adventures in India.
![A Christmas phishing trip? Banks warn of scams](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
A Christmas phishing trip? Banks warn of scams
Some juicy term deposit offers are fake, NZ bank warns.
![Claimant spammed after ACC phone number bungle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Claimant spammed after ACC phone number bungle
Potentially intimate details at risk as case worker adds wrong number to email signature.
![FMI Building Innovation strike: Union complains of 'lockout'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
FMI Building Innovation strike: Union complains of 'lockout'
Strike in run-up to Christmas as director and E tū union in pay dispute.
![Restaurant operator Savor lifts lid on cutbacks, weather challenges](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Restaurant operator Savor lifts lid on cutbacks, weather challenges
The Auckland restaurant group says progress has been made despite big challenges.
![Black Friday sales NZ: How not to get scammed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Black Friday sales NZ: How not to get scammed
Criminals know everyone wants a bargain from now till Boxing Day.
![Rodney Wayne fires up migration debate after hair salon troubles](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Rodney Wayne fires up migration debate after hair salon troubles
The businessman says shambolic migration and makeshift salons have caused serious damage.
![Scamfest as retailers hope Black Friday and Cyber Monday pay off](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Scamfest as retailers hope Black Friday and Cyber Monday pay off
Two big events made in the US, and one made in China, aim to ignite retail fortunes.
![Is the $2m foreign buyer tax a gremlin in coalition talks?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Is the $2m foreign buyer tax a gremlin in coalition talks?
You, and hopeful foreign buyers, might be surprised what $2m gets you.
![Givealittle donation record: Who got the most support?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Givealittle donation record: Who got the most support?
More than ever before was raised through the online platform, despite a challenging year.
![Crucial talks imminent in Fisher & Paykel Healthcare industrial action](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Crucial talks imminent in Fisher & Paykel Healthcare industrial action
The chances of averting a strike at a major factory hinge on Wednesday's talks.
![Revealed: Who's owed money by collapsed supermarket Supie](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Revealed: Who's owed money by collapsed supermarket Supie
After Supie's implosion, hundreds of firms are identified as being owed money.
![Fisher & Paykel Healthcare staff upset at overtime impasse](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare staff upset at overtime impasse
More than 1500 staff at giant Kiwi firm in dispute over pay, overtime.