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Articles by Tim Hunter
Santana, Otago council reach deal on road block
Agreement resolves impasse on new public road through Dunstan Range before gold mine shuts existing route. The Santana Minerals proposed gold mine location near Tarras. NZX-listed Santana Minerals and Central Otago District Council have resolved a roading issue threatening progress for the company’s proposed gold mine near Tarras. In a joint memorandum filed to the fast-track consent panel today, the parties said they had “worked together in good faith to Want to read more? It's easy.
Sentiment shifts on AI rocket ship
Sentiment shifts on AI rocket ship ANALYSIS: The market is waking up to the challenges in valuing AI-related businesses. Image from Warner Animation Group film 'Coyote vs. Acme'. (Contains image edit) © All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription. One minute Wile E Coyote is strapped to a rocket confidently speeding towards the elusive Roadrunner, the next he is clawing at the air above a yawning canyon.
Both sides claim win from FNZ court ruling
Law A giant employee shareholder lawsuit against the fintech and its directors takes a small step forward. Employee shareholders filed legal action in July last year. A High Court ruling has given both sides chance to chalk up a point as the multibillion dollar lawsuit against New Zealand-registered fintech FNZ Group and its directors grinds out its early proceedings. The claim was filed in July last year by FNZ employee shareholders through their Cayman Islands Want to read more? It's easy.
Court filings reveal SkyCity gambler’s $4.5b China debts
Law A high roller suing SkyCity over $34m of losses was subject to 15 enforcement proceedings, according to evidence filed by the casino. SkyCity’s Auckland casino. A wealthy gambler suing SkyCity over $34 million of losses is subject to bank enforcement proceedings over debts in China totalling $4.5 billion, according to court filings. The documents also show he gained New Zealand residency by investing $10m through the Significant investor visa category. In Want to read more? It's easy.
Featured Rich Listers: Maber family
Last November, the family behind a multinational farm equipment distribution business won EY’s Family Enterprise Award of Excellence. Category: Make & Sell $370 million See all profiles, rankings and feature articles on The NBR Rich List 2026 home page. In October 2025, the Maber family celebrated the 25th anniversary of Power Farming operations in Australia, and followed up the next month with EY’s Family Enterprise Award of Want to read more? It's easy.
Roadblock emerges in Santana fast-track
Roadblock emerges in Santana fast-track Expert panel sees planned closure of public road as key issue for consent. Santana is seeking consent for open coast gold mining in Central Otago. © All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription. The expert panel assessing Santana Minerals’ fast track gold mining application has identified a potential roadblock with “the obvious capacity to delay if not permanently frustrate the project”.
New Zealand’s slow walk on CFDs
ANALYSIS: Australia has acted on data showing most investors lose money trading CFDs. New Zealand doesn’t even have the data. There’s nothing like a good fact for a persuasive sales pitch. If nine out of 10 cats prefer Tasticuts Fishybites, you will probably be inclined to take some home for Tibbles the tabby. Equally, if you knew that nine out of 10 cats would rather eat your socks than Tasticuts, it’s likely a Want to read more? It's easy. Choose your subscription Already have an account?
Driven to deletion
Driven to deletion Limiting pollution from vehicle exhausts saves lives and money, but the high cost of maintenance and a lack of enforcement is pushing the removal of emission control systems. © All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription. Tauranga businessman Robert Anderson and his adviser Simon Massey could see the opportunity.
Analysts see ‘modest’ online casino return for SkyCity
Analysts see ‘modest’ online casino return for SkyCity Growing market share will be a key challenge for new licensed operation, says Forsyth Barr. SkyCity has paid $30m for the right to apply for two online casino licences. © All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription. Analysts at Forsyth Barr say the upside for SkyCity from two new online casino licences looks “relatively modest”.
PGG Wrightson eyes higher profit in FY27
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A fishy deal at NZ King Salmon
A fishy deal at NZ King Salmon ANALYSIS: A voting deed giving 50% control to Oregon Group may be simply an accounting convenience. Or, maybe not. Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, farmed by NZ King Salmon in the Marlborough Sounds. © All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription. Not many can achieve six before breakfast, but if you practise hard enough you can probably believe at least a couple of impossible things by lunchtime.
Dealmakers 2026: Adviser focus – Jarden
Dealmakers 2026: Adviser focus – Jarden The investment bank says it has never been busier after a year of big deals and big moves. Jarden head of investment banking Sam Ricketts. © All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription. © All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
Senior Trust lender appoints independent directors
Under pressure from the FMA, manager's executives step off the board. The Grove, Orewa, one of the developments funded by Senior Trust Retirement Village Income Generator. Two new directors have joined the board of specialist lender Senior Trust Retirement Village Income Generator as executive director Scott Lester steps down. The move is aimed at introducing independent directors to the board, previously wholly controlled by representatives of the manager, Senior Want to read more? It's easy.
Provincia chair rolled as accusations fly
Unlisted property fund’s shareholders vote against incumbent’s re-election after report criticises ‘excessive’ external management fees. The Provincia Property Fund owns a $120m portfolio of industrial properties, including this one in Auckland. The chair of unlisted property fund Provincia has been ousted by a shareholder vote at its annual meeting amid disputed allegations its properties were being secretly offered for sale.
The NZX needs a happy ending for Lodestone
ANALYSIS: The solar power provider is a good IPO candidate, provided the bankers get the price right. Lodestone is marketing its new retail offer in Hawke's Bay. There’s a lesson for investment banks in the Lodestone float. Always keep some old timers around – you need someone who remembers how to do an IPO. It seems like an age since we had an initial public offer on the NZX, although it’s only been five years. Perhaps the performance of the class of Want to read more? It's easy.
Mystery investor buys into Sealegs
Ownership of Future Mobility Solutions is diluted by undisclosed capital injection from Jersey company. Sealegs makes amphibious technology.for small recreational and commercial vessels. An obscure Jersey company has bought 60% of amphibious boatmaker Sealegs, diluting the ownership of New Zealand company Future Mobility Solutions down to 35%. In a statement to the Unlisted share trading platform, issued after inquiries by NBR, FMS said Sealegs had completed an issue of shares to Want to read more?
Appeal overturns High Court on $42m insolvent transaction
Law Decision blocks CBL liquidators’ effort to claw back money from defunct Danish insurer. The former CBL offices in Auckland’s Shortland St. Legal fallout continues to dog the liquidation of insurer CBL, with the Appeal Court this month overturning a High Court decision from hearings three years ago. The case concerns €25 million ($42m) paid by CBL to Danish insurer Alpha Insurance in February 2018, just one week before the New Want to read more? It's easy.
Booster ‘conscious of sensitivities’ in bid for Lifetime
Investment manager, sued by FMA over conflicts of interest, offers to buy financial adviser part-owned by one of its funds. Lifetime Group receives millions of dollars in advisory fees from Booster. KiwiSaver manager Booster has made an offer to buy financial adviser Lifetime Group, part-owned by its own KiwiSaver funds through the Booster Tahi limited partnership.
New year, new customer for Synlait
New year, new customer for Synlait The milk processor says new orders from the Middle East will replace lost volume from A2 Milk. A2 Milk has been the primary customer for Synlait’s Dunsandel plant since 2012. © All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
The curious case of the missing transaction
ANALYSIS: Did British taxpayers get stiffed on an investment in ASX-listed cannabis company Breathe Life Sciences, run by New Zealander Sam Watson? With inconsistent company disclosures, you can’t rule it out. A dog experiencing cognitively induced deprivation.
Aussie accountants sue Watson-linked US dairy firm
Law Dispute follows agreement to advise on capital raise and ASX listing. Georgia-based Hart Dairy is run by long-time Eric Watson associate Tim Connell. A US dairy company linked to fraudster Eric Watson has been sued by Australian accounting firm Hall Chadwick over alleged debts for advice on a capital raise and ASX listing. According to court filings in Georgia, Hall Chadwick sued Hart Dairy Creamery Corp on September 2 alleging breach of Want to read more? It's easy.
Only Act and Opportunity open to asset sales
Governing interest: Labour and National agree on one thing – State-owned assets won’t be privatised. Kiwibank is one of 21 companies on the Government portfolio. Despite ongoing official uncertainty over why the Government owns business assets, most political parties appear to regard their potential sale as a vote loser. New Zealand’s lack of clear purpose for its State-owned business assets has long been contrary to OECD guidelines and Treasury work to Want to read more? It's easy.
Report damns fees on Provincia fund as unfair and excessive
Northington Partners review of external management contract commissioned by shareholders at March special meeting. A Provincia Property Fund industrial unit in East Tamaki. An independent review has come to damning conclusions on the management contract for unlisted industrial property fund Provincia, describing it as not fair or reasonable, with high fees and inherent conflicts of interest. The review by Northington Partners was called for by a majority vote of the Want to read more? It's easy.
Nats’ supermarket scheme harder than it looks
Nats’ supermarket scheme harder than it looks ANALYSIS: The willingness to propose intervention is welcome, but there’s a lot of devil in the detail. The Foodstuffs co-ops are deeply integrated, defying simple separation. © All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription. The National Party’s announcement on a potential supermarket break-up has well and truly put the cat among the pigeons, along with a fox and several ferrets.
FNZ chief executive Blythe Masters exits
Embroiled in a huge lawsuit with its own employees, the fintech embarks on ‘leadership transition’. Outgoing FNZ chief executive Blythe Masters. FNZ chief executive Blythe Masters, a defendant in an extraordinary civil claim pursued by the New Zealand-registered global fintech’s employee shareholders, has stepped down in a “leadership transition”. In a statement issued overnight, FNZ said newly appointed chair Stephen Welch would Want to read more? It's easy.
ComCom issues seen in Mobil NZ sale
Energy Regulator will aim to maintain retail competition, says analyst, as New Zealand-owned Allied Petroleum and Waitomo Group line up as potential buyers. Mobil supplies about 170 branded retail sites. Commerce Commission competition concerns are likely to play a part in the sale of Mobil NZ’s assets, with fuel retailers Allied Petroleum and Waitomo Group seen as potential buyers.
Featured Rich Listers: Morrison family
As of December 2025, the Morrison limited partnership was managing assets in New Zealand and overseas of more than US$30b. Rob Morrison. Category: Investment $475million See all profiles, rankings and feature articles on The NBR Rich List 2026 home page. The Morrison family legacy, established by the late Lloyd Morrison, has grown in the hands of his successors, not just commercially but also in their contribution to Wellington Want to read more? It's easy.
Lightforce seeks recovery from bust UK battery supplier
Energy Former UK market leader leaves New Zealand solar firm in the lurch. UK company GivEnergy was placed in administration in April. Solar power installer Lightforce Solar has gone to court seeking $2 million from UK battery supplier GivEnergy, which was placed in administration in April. The claim has a hearing before Justice Ian Gault at the High Court today by way of formal proof, a procedure requiring the applicant to prove Want to read more? It's easy.
The significance of one-off items
ANALYSIS: Fletcher Building’s latest remuneration report shows further concern to align executive pay with shareholder performance, but is it really worth it? In the etiquette of social interaction, few faux pas rank higher than asking someone how much money they make. Try it – and feel the froideur spread like frost upon a frozen field. Spare a thought then for the listed company chief executive, whose remuneration is revealed each year for the Want to read more? It's easy.
Love is Blind couple on ADHD, and life on Guernsey
A couple who appeared in a reality dating show have told of their "amazing" life on Guernsey one year after they first met on the show. Jack Bradshaw, 30, and Faye Domaille, 28, featured in series three of Netflix's Love is Blind: UK, and have remained together despite the show's low success rate. The format sees singles date each other in pods but they are separated by a wall.
Energy: Divided over gentailer separation
Governing Interest: Despite common concern about the price of electricity, political parties diverge on the remedies. The cost of living is the number one concern among voters, according to the regular Ipsos poll. As the cost of living dominates voter concerns, the ever-rising price of household electricity is high on the political agenda this election. The numbers tell the story.
Featured Rich Listers: Bayley family
Bayley Corporation has contributed to politics with several donations to the National Party, the latest being a $7914 gift last September. Bayleys executive director David Bayley and founding director John Bayley. Category: Make & Sell $570 million See all profiles, rankings and feature articles on The NBR Rich List 2026 home page.
K1W1-backed home battery system hits commercial launch
Energy With backing from Sir Stephen Tindall and Vend founder Vaughan Fergusson, Aotea Energy says it can offer households a way to save money and take control. Aotea Energy founder Tama Toki. A home battery system offering to slash electricity bills is ready to commercialise in Auckland and Christchurch after a year in test mode. “We’ve been quietly in market for the last year, cutting our teeth on trading policies and making sure the assumptions we had over a year ago can be Want to read more?
SkyCity’s exciting opportunity
ANALYSIS: Chastened by past regulatory failures, the casino company has a chance to redeem itself with the new online regime. Bingo. Last week we learned listed casino company SkyCity got two pitches from potential buyers in May and turned both down. The disclosure was triggered by media reporting in Australia, but we could speculate SkyCty kept the secret for three months mainly out of pure embarrassment. The indicative offer Want to read more? It's easy.
Stiassny steps aboard to steady Winton ship
Troubleshooter Michael Stiassny as been appointed independent chair of NZX-listed property developer Winton Land after a board rebellion against its controlling shareholder Chris Meehan. Last week independent chair Stephen Joyce and independent director Guy Fergusson resigned citing “a Want to read more? It's easy. Choose your subscription Already have an account?
Mainland Poultry pays out $109m ahead of private equity deal
Accounts show the egg producer distributed cash via a pro rata buyback in January. The owner of Zeagold eggs reported profit of $17.9m for the year to March. Egg producer Indus Valley paid out $109.3 million to shareholders ahead of its acquisition by a new private equity consortium this year, newly filed accounts show. Indus Valley, owner of Mainland Poultry, Zeagold and the Farmer Brown brand, was formally transferred to a Navis Capital, Pacific Want to read more? It's easy.
Methanex announces closure of Motonui plant
Methanex announces closure of Motonui plant Gas contracts sold to Genesis Energy as Taranaki site to be 'indefinitely idled' from 2027. The Methanex plant at Motonui. © All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription. Methanol producer Methanex has announced its New Zealand operations are “not sustainable” and will close next year.
Mortgagee sale for Oyster syndicate
The weak market in Wellington takes its toll as BNZ calls in its debt on 141 The Terrace. The central Wellington office tower was only 43% occupied at the March balance date this year. Wellington’s weak economy has taken its toll on a property syndicate run by Oyster Property Group, forcing the mortgagee sale of a 17-level city centre office tower. Real estate agency CBRE has been appointed to market 141 The Terrace, prominently adorned with signage for former tenant Fujitsu. Want to read more?
Rural Land Co confident no loss from Kiwi Crunch
Rural Land Co confident no loss from Kiwi Crunch Rest of apple sector ‘buoyant’, with strong interest in taking over failed company’s Hawke’s Bay orchards, says director. Rural Land Co tenant Kiwi Crunch was placed in receivership in July. © All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
Future of Huntly gas generation under review
Electricity generator and retailer Genesis Energy has announced a strategic review of its 403MW gas-fired Unit 5 generator at Huntly power station. In a presentation alongside its annual results delivered on Thursday, Genesis said the review aims to consider the plant’s “future commercial Want to read more? It's easy. Choose your subscription Already have an account?
Fisher’s listed funds have drifted for too long
Fisher’s listed funds have drifted for too long ANALYSIS: The latest poor results are not one-offs, and the listed company boards should make use of their structural advantage. Not dead, just resting. © All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription. The financial world has a reputation for a brutal, performance-driven culture – all hard numbers, hard work and hard knocks. Don’t let them fool you. They’re a bunch of teddy bears.
Meridian in the mix for datacentre, smelter growth
Electricity generator and retailer Meridian says it is actively seeking new sources of demand as it mulls investing in generation projects, while forecasting most of the country’s thermal generation will be gone by the mid-2030s. On a conference call with analysts to discuss its results for the Want to read more? It's easy. Choose your subscription Already have an account?
Listed Fisher funds report hefty losses
Listed Fisher funds report hefty losses Chair Fiona Oliver says boards ‘working with the manager to address the situation’ at Marlin and Barramundi. Marlin Global and Barramundi chair Fiona Oliver. © All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription. Two listed investment companies managed by Fisher Funds – Marlin Global and Barramundi – have reported losses for the year to June as their portfolios underperformed the market.
The Watcher - Willkommen im Motor Way Motel
Maggie (Robin Tunney) und Ray (Nicolas Cage) haben eine sehr schwere Zeit hinter sich. Ihre Tochter ist tödlich verunglückt. Jetzt wollen die beiden in Nevada einen Neuanfang wagen. Sie pachten ein Motel in der Wüste. Doch dann entdeckt Ray einen Geheimgang, von dem aus er von hinten durch einen Spiegel die Vorgänge in Zimmer Nummer 10 beobachten kann. Was er sieht, sprengt bald sein Leben.
Charity discloses 31% stake in wealth manager SPH
Rātā Foundation boosts holding as investment portfolio reaches $717m. Rātā Foundation chief executive Leighton Evans. Christchurch-based community trust Rātā Foundation has revealed its investment in SPH Wealth Holdings, previously known as Alvarium Wealth, has grown to $25.2 million after increasing its stake to 31% in May. The transaction values SPH at $81m. The disclosure came in Rātā’s financial Want to read more? It's easy. Choose your subscription Already have an account?
Racing industry takes step towards reform
‘Establishment board’ created by TAB NZ and racing codes will develop options to arrest decline. A report published in June found horse racing was trapped in ‘reinforcing loops of decay’. The horse racing industry is creating an “establishment board” with gambling provider TAB NZ to deliver reforms aimed at creating a sustainable platform for the sport. Despite extra funding from selling a 25-year sports betting monopoly to UK-listed Entain, a report published this year found Want to read more?
King rolled from General Capital board
Finance company veteran Brent King has lost his seat on the board of NZX-listed lender General Capital after a substantial vote against his re-election at the company’s annual meeting on Thursday. Ballot results posted to the NZX showed the resolution for his re-election failed to pass, with 32.1 Want to read more? It's easy. Choose your subscription Already have an account?
The Senior Trust disclosure dance
ANALYSIS: Amid an FMA probe, loan impairments in one company raise questions for another. There is always an element of sales pitch in an investment offer. Naturally, those raising money want to emphasise their probity and experience, the security of assets and control of risk, the opportunity for strong returns. Once the money raising stops – say, when an investment is in wind-up Want to read more? It's easy. Choose your subscription Already have an account?
Fletcher in ‘delicate negotiations’ over potential deal
A year after announcing a strategic review, the group remains tight-lipped on a deal for its residential & development division. Fletcher’s residential & development division had $811m of invested capital at balance date.
Mercury eyes further price rises
Mercury eyes further price rises After passing on transmission and distribution costs, price rises due to energy would be no more than CPI, said CEO Stew Hamilton. Mercury's Kaiwera Downs wind farm. Stage 2 is due for commissioning this year. © All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription. Electricity generator and retailer Mercury says it plans to raise residential prices further in the next few years, but only “at or below CPI”.
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