Blog
Regular readers of this column will know me for writing about cybersecurity, threats, defences, and the unglamorous plumbing of keeping business data safe. This month I’m stepping outside that lane to talk about something that landed in my inbox and, within a few weeks, at my door: Loona Deskmate. It
It would be an understatement to say that the past few years have been challenging for many businesses. Rising costs, reduced demand, cash flow pressures, or the loss of a significant customer can quickly place even a well-managed business under strain. While every situation is different, one thing is consistent:
After several years of economic turbulence, cost escalation and market disruption, New Zealand’s construction sector is showing resilience, even as profitability remains under pressure. The 2026 BDO Construction Sector Report shows a sector that is cautious, with business performance sentiment softening year-on-year and many businesses focused on converting secured work
One question I encourage boards and business leaders to ask is: what happens if a critical system becomes unavailable tomorrow? Datacom’s Data & Digital Resilience research surveyed 155 senior business and technology leaders across New Zealand and found 83% are concerned about the risks of storing data offshore or using
If a recent valuation of your home has come in lower than expected, it’s worth understanding why. Many owners are still measuring their equity against the market’s peak in late 2021, a neighbour’s boom-era sale, or an optimistic asking price. A registered valuation measures something different: the price the property
Why Hawke’s Bay should pay attention to planning reform before the new planning system arrives. After years of debate, the RMA is finally on track to be replaced, for real this time (Labour has indicated it would not repeal the replacement legislation, unlike the previous round of RMA reforms). Much
Recently, Air New Zealand announced the launch of its new Skynest, an innovative add-on available to Economy and Premium Economy passengers on selected long-haul flights. Skynest features six individual lie-flat sleep pods, giving travellers the chance to book a four-hour session during their journey. It’s a great option if you
When we think about improving our health, we usually focus on the big three: exercise, nutrition and sleep. All are essential. But there’s another powerful contributor to our wellbeing that often flies under the radar, oxytocin. Often called the “love hormone” or “bonding hormone”, oxytocin is released during positive social
With online tutorials, project-management apps and a growing DIY appetite, more homeowners are asking why they wouldn’t just manage their own build. It’s tempting, especially if you’ve dealt with trades before, are organised, and want to dodge the builder’s margin. But construction runs on timing, documentation, accountability and leverage more
There is a phrase I have been using increasingly when talking about the property market: uncertainty fatigue. And that’s a good thing. New Zealanders have had a lot to absorb over the past few years: interest rates, inflation, cost-of-living pressures, economic uncertainty and now another election on the horizon. For
