Sharesies' Matt MacPherson reveals the launch of members' most-requested feature—US Self-Select for the Sharesies KiwiSaver Scheme, opening access to 55 American companies. We discuss: The unique Investment Plan Builder tool that lets you experiment with portfolio combinations using virtual money before committing How guardrails work to maintain diversification (minimum 50% in base funds, maximum 5% per individual stock selection) Access to previously unavailable investments like crypto through ...
Jun 30, 2025•9 min
Investors may be feeling uneasy as tensions remain high between the US, Iran, and Israel. To shed some light on the latest situation, we’re turning to Nicholas Bagnall, Chief Investment Officer at Te Ahumairangi fund, and Matt Macpherson, our Head of KiwiSaver. Nicholas has seen more than a few conflicts play out over his 30+ years of investment management, so we’re asking—where to from here? What moves can we expect from Russia and China? What could this all mean for oil prices and the value of...
Jun 25, 2025•24 min
Wesfarmers CEO Rob Scott has competed on the world stage. So what did elite sport teach him about running billion-dollar brands like Kmart and Bunnings? Hear how Olympic discipline shaped his leadership style, why great teams (not great egos) matter most, and the investor advice he swears by: “When the horse is dead, get off.” This clip is from our previous episode 'The investment giant behind Kmart and Bunnings–Wesfarmers' Watch the full episode or catch more clips: http://linktr.ee/sharedlunch...
Jun 23, 2025•3 min
Meet Wesfarmers, the Aussie conglomerate behind Kmart, Bunnings, and Target. Former Olympian turned CEO Rob Scott recounts their rise from WA farmer's co-op to global investment titan—and what comes next. What makes their "loose-tight" management philosophy work? What’s the secret to Kmart's repositioning—including global demand for in-house brand Anko? How can Wesfarmers’ retail brands protect their supply chains against tariffs and unstable geopolitics? In the wake of positive half-year result...
Jun 18, 2025•34 min
In this quick bite Jason Boyes from Infratil talks to some tough questions—share price drops, DeepSeek and CDC’s weight in the portfolio. Plus, hear about the importance of clear comms and site visits, and why he's staying patient on AI—even if investors want their Christmas presents early. This quick bite is from our previous episode 'How much runway does Infratil have?' For more or to watch on YouTube—check out http://linktr.ee/sharedlunch Shared Lunch is brought to you by Sharesies Australia ...
Jun 16, 2025•5 min
Jason Boyes, Infratil CEO, joins us from their $500M upgrade site at Wellington Airport—where the infrastructure investor holds a 66% stake. After reporting mixed results for the last financial year, Jason charts the course of Infratil’s future. What’s driven the company’s net loss for FY2024, even while underlying earnings showed growth? How does the management team plan to rein in their cash flow imbalance? Jason reaffirms Infratil’s commitment to dividends and explains a new focus on larger, ...
Jun 11, 2025•35 min
In this bonus episode, economist Tony Alexander tackles your burning questions—from the case for a land value tax, to the flood of Kiwis heading offshore, to what financial education should mean for kids.. Tony shares why a land tax might not fly politically, how soaring rates could change where retirees live, and a twist on the “brain drain”—with whole families following their kids across the ditch. Plus, his take on why financial education needs to go beyond budgeting—and into the world of sta...
Jun 08, 2025•7 min
Independent economist Tony Alexander is back to give us the lowdown on the housing market, interest rates, and what’s driving investment sentiment in 2025. He unpacks why lending is still lagging behind 2021 levels, despite a lift in business and consumer credit, and why the cost of living remains stubbornly high, with some commodity prices reportedly up around 17%. Why are private debt levels looking lower in the South Island than in the North? What happened to the housing market recovery some ...
Jun 04, 2025•26 min
Ever wonder about those plastic crates your fruit comes in? Morrison CEO Paul Newfield reveals how these overlooked circular economy systems represent infrastructure potential his $25B firm hunts for. Paul shares his candid admission about underestimating New Zealand's renewable energy, why Australia's coal plants breaking down makes the energy transition inevitable, and how Morrison's decades-long expertise—from 1990s NZ wind farms to billion-dollar US developments—turned early disadvantages in...
Jun 03, 2025•8 min
What’s driving global interest in infrastructure investment? We’re talking to Paul Newfield, CEO at Morrison, a pioneering infrastructure manager with assets worth $25B USD. Their holdings include a portfolio of renewable energy, data centres, and healthcare infrastructure.Paul shares how Morrison plays the long game, finding businesses with sustainable competitive advantages and often holding them for decades—resisting political trends and the quick ‘flips’ common from private equity firms. And...
May 28, 2025•37 min
A quick catch-up with Napier Port’s CEO Todd Dawson reveals never a dull moment. Autonomous trucks and dredging to deepen shipping channels are just some of the things on the back of a strong half-year profit result. Increased container volumes and an earlier pipfruit season has helped boost the numbers. We hear how investors have been rewarded with a special dividend—on top of a higher interim dividend of 4c—and why cruise ships are less keen to come Down Under. For more or to watch on YouTube—...
May 26, 2025•12 min
How does Briscoe Group's Rod Duke view incoming competition from international retailers like IKEA and Sports Direct? The retail veteran shares his unconventional strategy of welcoming customers to try competitors. Plus - Duke reflects on his transition from hands-on management to mentoring, and why building a lasting legacy matters more than short-term defense. This clip is taken from our previous episode: ‘Occupy, dominate, and defend’: Briscoe Group’s growth plan. For more or to watch on YouT...
May 26, 2025•3 min
How do you steer a retail giant through US-China trade conflicts and low consumer spending? Garth Bray cracks open Rod Duke's playbook for weathering an economic downturn—and capitalising on an international trade standoff. The Briscoe Group CEO reveals how his buyers have used ongoing tariff tensions to find negotiating opportunities with Chinese suppliers. In this episode, we find out: why is Briscoe Group investing $100M in a new distribution center while sales are flat? Why would this big bo...
May 21, 2025•27 min
Is KiwiSaver better off with policy stability or is it overdue for comprehensive reform? Matt MacPherson from Sharesies & Chris Di Leva of Harbour Asset Management debate whether potential cuts to government contributions would impact participation rates. Plus - how many investors would support higher KiwiSaver contributions in a cost of living crisis? This clip is taken from our previous episode "Investing in US markets via KiwiSaver". For more or to watch on YouTube—check out http://linktr...
May 19, 2025•4 min
Curious about investing in the US market in more ways than one? In our latest episode of Shared Lunch, we explore a new KiwiSaver option, the Sharesies US500 Fund—what it is, how it works, and what role it might play as a part of your KiwiSaver. We also cover why global diversification matters, the recent US market wobbles, your risk appetite, and how to think about US investing as part of your long-term financial plan. For more or to watch on YouTube—check out http://linktr.ee/sharedlunch Share...
May 14, 2025•30 min
In this quick bite, Ed McKnight from Opes Partners challenges the perception that property investment is low-risk, explaining how leverage amplifies both gains and losses. How exactly does the "mortgage magnifier" work? Ed shares how even a 5% property value change can result in far bigger equity shift for investors. Plus, we look at historical returns between property and shares in New Zealand over the past 25 years. This quick bite is from our previous episode 'What does property investment lo...
May 11, 2025•5 min
After recent rockiness in both equity and housing markets, we revisit the classic shares vs. property discussion with Ed McKnight, Resident Economist at Opes Partners. While he believes there’s a “buyer’s market”, Ed cautions that housing might be riskier than you think, and that leverage can amplify your losses as well as your returns. Is Ed worried about the impacts of climate and insurability for property investors? What makes a property rentable in 2025? How does our lower birth rate affect ...
May 07, 2025•34 min
In this quick bite: Leighton Roberts sits down with NZ Finance Minister Nicola Willis. Where are the inspiring local success stories and why don't we hear much about innovative Kiwi businesses? Plus - the government's fiscal strategy, current debt levels and the path to budget balance and why New Zealand's size might be its advantage. This clip is taken from our previous episode '' For more or to watch on YouTube—check out http://linktr.ee/sharedlunch If there are any companies, sectors, or topi...
May 05, 2025•5 min
After a tough few years for inflation, interest rates, and investor confidence, Nicola Willis is charged with not only repairing but expanding the economy. So how will our Minister of Finance and Economic Growth make that happen? Get a preview of the upcoming Budget, and hear how the Minister plans to strike a balance between stimulating growth and managing spending. How will we prioritise investment into key areas like health, education, and defense? How can we reduce NZ’s debt and attract inte...
Apr 30, 2025•36 min
Volatility doesn't seem to be scaring off Kiwi investors—could it be teaching us new strategies? In this bonus clip, Susannah Batley from Sharesies & Paul McBeth (The Bottom Line) discuss how investors are adapting to market turbulence by shifting toward ETFs and diversified funds rather than retreating. Does traditional index investing still provide true diversification when a handful of tech giants dominate returns? Could we be seeing a psychological shift with today's retail investors see...
Apr 28, 2025•4 min
Forget chasing perfection, let's talk about the power of strategic mediocrity and how it might be your most valuable weapon when it comes to investing. In this week's episode of Shared Lunch, Garth Bray is joined by Paul MacBeth, editor of The Bottom Line, and Susannah Batley, GM of Sharesies Business. Together, they explore what it takes to build investment strategies, discuss how the NZX has reacted to the volatility of the last few weeks, and unpack well-known investment management firm PIMCO...
Apr 23, 2025•32 min
Check in with Bryce Leske from Equity Mates on the aftermath of Trump’s tariff bombshell, the big market swings, and how investors seem to be reacting differently this time. Compared to recent market crashes like COVID, Bryce has noticed a new sense of excitement and opportunity, with many sticking to their strategies or using the downturn to scoop up shares at lower prices. Hear why investing success is about your character over your intelligence, and the ability to stick to your guns during ma...
Apr 20, 2025•15 min
Make sense of the markets with Michelle Lopez, Head of Australasian Equities and Portfolio Manager at PIE Funds. Michelle talks about the ripple effects of tariffs and finding opportunities in a volatile market—identifying the emerging sectors and unexpected advantages. Michelle tells us which industries might be more impacted by US tariffs—and which could benefit. Hear why global trade disruptions could actually lead to deflation for Aussie consumers, and how to identify promising investments t...
Apr 16, 2025•26 min
Ahead of the Australian election, Scott Phillips of The Motley Fool describes how market volatility and politics impact the energy sector—from solar to coal. Is expanded nuclear power on the horizon? What’s the lesson from the lithium crash? What would tariffs do to oil, and what’s the ripple effect for Australia’s other fuel and energy sources? This is a bonus clip from our latest episode “Investor’s guide to tariffs and the Aussie election”. For more or to watch on YouTube—check out http://lin...
Apr 14, 2025•5 min
In the lead-up to the Australian election, we speak to Scott Phillips of The Motley Fool on markets, party politics—and of course, tariffs. Scott believes that market volatility will run its course, reminding us of the roaring bull market that followed massive covid sell-offs. While he’s optimistic about the long-term, he also has sobering predictions for the near-term impact of tariffs on the Australian economy and beyond. Is one particular party better for the economy? How much does the electi...
Apr 09, 2025•31 min
You run with the ups and downs being the CEO of a gentailer. In this bonus episode Neal Barclay, the outgoing CEO of Meridian Energy reflects on his 7 years at the helm of one of our largest listed companies. He’s super proud of the renewable track the gentailer is forging, but not without its risks and challenges. This includes its joint venture with NZ Windfarms to upgrade the wind farm near Palmerston North, Te Rere Hau. Even with a net loss in recent times, low lakes levels and rising power ...
Apr 06, 2025•16 min
Go inside Meridian’s takeover proposal with Craig Stobo, Chair of NZ Windfarms, and Neal Barclay, outgoing Meridian CEO. The two leaders weigh in on the $91M offer, the coming shareholder vote, and the future of renewable energy in New Zealand. Discover the motivations behind the deal, the potential of the $600M Te Rere Hau project, and what happens if the proposal falls through. And hear what this acquisition could mean for the country's energy industry, for investors in both companies— and may...
Apr 02, 2025•30 min
800,000 Kiwis are projected to be over 75 by 2040 – double today's numbers. Summerset Group CEO Scott Scoullar discusses the rapidly aging New Zealand population and retirement villages integrate with aged care facilities, combining community connections with higher levels of care. Plus, did you know Summerset is New Zealand's second-largest home builder? In a bonus clip we find out about their occasional ventures into residential development. This clip is taken from our previous episode 'Retire...
Mar 30, 2025•3 min
Our aging population and housing supply—two of the country’s hottest topics. And right at the intersection of both? Retirement housing. Scott Scoullar, CEO of Summerset, tells Garth Bray how the retirement village provider became New Zealand’s second-largest property developer—and the unique financial model that's helped them stay ahead of the market forces that have struck competitors. With a rapidly growing elderly population, how is the retirement sector adjusting—and are we doing enough to e...
Mar 26, 2025•26 min
In this quick bite, Dr Joel Shulman from ERShares unpacks the democratization of private equity. What strategic opportunities exist in private markets that have been traditionally off-limits? Why has private equity grown from $1 trillion to $13 trillion and what are the impacts? Plus, insights on the unique valuation dynamics of private investments and why market movements create both risks and opportunities for investors. This quick bite is from our previous episode 'The ETF that lets you own S...
Mar 24, 2025•4 min
