Adrian Orr resigned as Reserve Bank Governor this week after 7 years in the job, but three years early, effective immediately and without explanation. Bernard Hickey talks in an emergency edition of When The Facts Change with NZ Initiative executive director Oliver Hartwich, an Orr critic, about his legacy and how his replacement should change the bank, and with Kiwibank chief economist Jarrod Kerr about Orr’s operation of monetary policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this insightful discussion, Jarrod Kerr, Chief Economist at Kiwibank, delves into New Zealand's precarious economic situation. He debates whether the Reserve Bank should accelerate monetary policy shifts amidst recession recovery. Kerr highlights the challenges of rising mortgage rates and local funding needs while addressing the impacts of cash rate cuts on housing and inflation. He also shares optimism about emerging consumer spending trends and the potential for a positive economic turnaround despite global uncertainties.

Rowan Simpson, a pivotal figure in New Zealand's tech scene with success in Trade Me and Xero, shares insights from his book, "How to Be Wrong: A Crash Course in Startup Success." He reflects on the dramatic acquisition of Trade Me and the hard-earned lessons from the highs and lows of startups. He discusses the significance of teamwork and adaptability, the unique challenges faced during COVID-19, and the impact of housing affordability on the entrepreneurial landscape. His journey reveals what it truly takes to navigate the volatile world of tech startups.

Retail spending figures from shops, cafes, restaurants, hotels and holiday hotspots over December and January are the ultimate barometer for spending appetites, income levels and general confidence in job security. Kiwibank senior economist Mary Jo Vergara joins Bernard Hickey to discuss a note she published this week, diving in to the latest spending data collected over the summer break.How relaxed were Kiwi with their holiday spending money? What are the experts predicting for 2025? Listen in to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Free trade agreements are the global political economy’s hottest topics at the moment, especially since a tariff-toting Donald Trump recently argued (to great political success) that the rising tide of global free trade wasn’t lifting all boats. While global economic growth has lifted many out of poverty, the benefits have been unevenly distributed, leading to increasing wealth inequality and stagnant wages for the middle-class in many parts of the world.Inequality and wealth researcher Max Rashbrooke joins Bernard Hickey to discuss recent inequality trends here in Aotearoa, and to share an interesting idea he has to use KiwiSaver to jumpstart the personal wealth of every single New Zealander, right from the moment they are born. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maria English, Co-founder and CEO of Impact Lab, dives into the intricate world of social investment in New Zealand. She discusses the importance of data-driven approaches to measure the social return on investment for charitable funding. Through compelling case studies, Maria highlights the unique challenges faced by vulnerable populations and emphasizes the need for tailored support strategies. The conversation also touches on the role of Integrated Data Infrastructure in assessing long-term impacts and the pressing social welfare challenges in Aotearoa.

Sabrina Delgado, an economist at Kiwibank, joins Bernard Hickey to discuss the future of New Zealand's economy in 2025. They dive into the effects of recent interest rate cuts and the potential for economic recovery. Key topics include the real estate market dynamics, the effects of net migration, and business confidence. Sabrina also highlights the necessity of monitoring inflation and labor market trends as crucial indicators that will shape the country’s economic resilience and growth in the coming year.

In order to reduce debt, the coalition government wants to cut spending from 34% of GDP down to 30%. In practice, that means cutting spending on people with disabilities, even though those cuts often increase hospital and care costs in the long term.Bernard is joined this week by disability rights lawyer (and distant cousin) Huhana Hickey, for an in-depth look at what austerity actually means. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Political and economic debates in 2024 were dominated by the Government’s new fast-track legislation, a controversial bill that aims to speed up infrastructure and development, which passed just before Christmas.The debate, and the risks, were summed up in an impassioned plea in parliament by Labour MP Arena Williams, who said of the bill: “This is the closest New Zealand has ever come to cronyism through the legislative process.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump’s re-election was the defining moment (and the major shock) in the world of politics this year. His proposed tariff regime is set to upend global economics, which he has kicked off by threatening 25% tariffs on America’s two biggest trading partners: Canada and Mexico. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices