Regional Development Minister Shane Jones is defending the financial track record of his regional funds.

Around half of Crown Regional Holdings' loan book is considered at risk of default.

Most of the $433 million portfolio covers the Provincial Growth Fund and the current Regional Infrastructure Fund, were both looked over by Shane Jones.

Jones says his party supports investment in regions.

"Not too different from what the commercial banks are dealing with, as we speak at this moment."

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New Zealand’s love affair with property investing might be entering a new era. Economist Tony Alexander joined us to unpack what’s changed — from the end of decades-long falling interest rates, to shifting tax rules, tighter lending restrictions, and rising costs that are reshaping investor behaviour.

He explains why fewer everyday Kiwis may see property as the default path to wealth, and why first-home buyers are now driving a bigger share of the market.

This bite is a bonus from our episode ‘The end of the property era?’.

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More consistency across the Tasman in the standards for goods and services - could reduce administrative burdens and free up business capacity.

A new agreement aims to streamline operations, reduce costs, improve quality and meet regulatory requirements in New Zealand and Australia.

Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen told Ryan Bridge we were out of kilter with the Aussies on about 24 standards - so businesses effectively had to hire someone just to handle the paperwork.

He says it's a main below-the-surface issue and barrier for businesses - that can put them off doing the work.

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