Welcome to Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business, an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald. Each weekday, we bring you five stories, the best of the New Zealand Herald business journalism, summarised and delivered by an AI voice as an easily digestible recap. It's Tuesday, October 14, 2025, and here are five stories you should know about. MyFarm Investments' partnership Rākete Orchards, which grows trademarked Rockit apples, has entered voluntary administration. Administrators George Bannerman and Rees Logan from BDO Auckland were appointed by the board. Rakete chair Tony Hawken says low orchard returns forced the decision, citing weak demand and high supply chain costs. The six Hawke's Bay orchards cover 62.6 hectares, valued at $17.4 million. Rockit chief executive Grant McBeath acknowledges the challenges and says the company is focused on improving orchard gate returns. Rockit declined specific support for Rākete, prioritising investment across its wider grower network after economic pressure and weather impacts reduced performance. In other news, the Reserve Bank will ease mortgage lending restrictions from December. Banks will be allowed to issue up to 25% of new owner occupier loans with deposits below 20%, up from 20%, and up to 10% for investors below 30% equity, doubling the current 5% limit. Acting assistant governor Angus McGregor says new debt to income limits allow less restrictive loan to value settings. Finance Minister Nicola Willis welcomes the change, saying it supports home ownership. The Reserve Bank will consult banks over the next two weeks before implementing the updated lending conditions under its revised framework. On the technology front, NZX-listed Scott Technology has secured $44 million in new automation contracts with major appliance manufacturers in the United States and Brazil. Chief executive Mike Christman says the deals include the company's largest ever appliance project in the US, delivering systems for laundry appliance production. The JBS-controlled firm says automation demand reflects global manufacturing changes driven by labour shortages and supply chain shifts. Scott Technology recently launched its "Destination 2030" strategy and reported a $7.7 million annual profit to August 2024, down 50% from the previous year, due to strategic expenses, lease costs, and tax depreciation changes. Meanwhile, total electronic card spending fell 0.4% in September, ending a three month rise, according to Stats NZ. Spending in retail industries dropped 0.5% or $34 million from August, with motor vehicles down 2.6%, apparel down 1.4%, and durables down 0.8%. Hospitality was the only category to increase, up 1.5% or $22 million. Quarterly data showed a 0.6% rise compared with June, led by higher consumables and hospitality spending. Kiwibank economist Mary Jo Vergara says households are prioritising essentials, while Westpac's Satish Ranchhod notes overall spending growth remains subdued. Cardholders made 168 million transactions, totalling $9.1 billion across all industries. Finally, in a separate development, Parliament has passed a bill ending the ban on Sunday morning and holiday broadcast advertising by a 93-29 conscience vote. The 73-word law allows ads on Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Anzac Day morning. Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says the change levels the playing field with digital platforms and reflects audience shifts to streaming. Broadcasters may gain around $6 million in annual revenue. Labour's Reuben Davidson calls the reform minor but supports it, while New Zealand First opposes the measure. The Government emphasises the move as part of wider media industry support. That was Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business - your NZ Herald daily business summary. For the best in business, subscribe to Herald Premium at nzherald.co.nz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ver todos los episodios