The Prosperity Project
The Prosperity Project is a weekly personal finance podcast from the NZ Herald. Host Nadine Higgins talks to experts from New Zealand and around the world about the biggest money issues to help listeners become more prosperous. New episodes are released every Monday.
Episodes
Bonus Episode: What did investing look like 30 years ago?
Think back to 1996. Dial-up internet, bulky desktop computers and no KiwiSaver. Investing looked very different. And most New Zealanders had never even heard of Exchange Traded Funds. In this special episode of The Prosperity Project, Nadine Higgins sits down with PJ Harding to explore 30 years of investing in New Zealand, how access has changed, and how kiwis can get started on their investing jo
Think means testing NZ Super is too hard? Shamubeel Eaqub says"bugger off"
The government currently spends about a billion dollars a fortnight on superannuation payments, it's a growing problem that we're running out of time to address. So who shouldn’t be counting on getting the pension in future? Shamubeel Eaqub, Simplicity chief economist and head of policy, joins Nadine Higgins with some hot takes about the future of NZ's pension scheme and his thoughts on prop
Prolific investor says property isn't dead
Landlords, capital gains tax and the future of property investing. Owner of 43 properties and founder of Opes Partners, Andrew Nicol, joins Nadine Higgins to explain why he thinks mum-and-dad investors have become an easy political targe and why he still has faith in housing despite the market slump. He also shares his thoughts on what New Zealanders should be doing to prepare for retirement
SpaceX just went public. Opportunity or bubble?
SpaceX has gone public in the biggest IPO in history, with OpenAI and Anthropic expected to follow. Together, the three companies could be worth more than US$3 trillion. So are they the investment opportunity of a lifetime, or the next great tech bubble? Fisher Funds portfolio manager Sam Dickie joins Nadine Higgins to break down the hype, the risks and what investors need to know.See omnystudio.c
The forgotten pension money Kiwis are leaving behind
Could an old job be holding money you’ve forgotten about? In this episode of The Prosperity Project, Nadine Higgins speaks to NZBritannia founder Alun Rees-Williams about the UK pension money many Kiwis lose track of after working overseas. Some people discover multiple pension schemes from different jobs, and in rare cases, the amounts can be life-changing. They discuss why these funds are
The crypto tax problem nobody warned you about
The IRD is ramping up crypto enforcement and some investors are discovering they owe tax on gains that have long since disappeared. Crypto tax specialist Tim Doyle joins Nadine Higgins to explain why even small investors are now in the IRD's sights, the mistakes that create nightmare tax bills and what to do if you've fallen behind.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Negotiation tactics that actually work
Most of us enter negotiations with a level of awkwardness and trying not to sound greedy. It's not the strongest tactic, but nor is making demands based on your perceived value. Negotiating expert and founder of Sheer Negotiations, Noa Sheer, joins Nadine to share her advice on how to handle everything from salary reviews to buying a house, The pair discuss the psychology behind successful n
What happens when you get behind on tax
New Zealanders owe 9.5billion dollars in overdue tax, with small business owners and the self-employed most likely to get behind. Director of Future Focused Accountants, Catriona Knapp, joins Nadine to explain what can go wrong if you don't get on top of your tax obligations and why it's better to face the debt head-on than bury your head in the sand. With the IRD cracking down on collecting
The mortgage traps costing Kiwis thousands
Interest rates are rising again, fuel prices are climbing and many homeowners are wondering what to do next. But according to Squirrel mortgage adviser Adam Clark, too many Kiwis are focusing on the wrong things. In this episode of The Prosperity Project, Adam joins Nadine Higgins to unpack the psychology of mortgages, why obsessing over tiny rate differences can backfire, and the financial habits
If your money could talk to you, what would it say?
It's one thing to talk about money, and and something else entirely to talk to it. But for Rachel Davies, that shift changed everything. Rachel and her Hi Money co-founder Angela Meyer join Nadine to unpack the emotional side of money. From avoidance and binge spending to deeply held beliefs about luck, scarcity and security, they argue most of us don’t have a knowledge problem, we have a re
The risk in helping your kids financially
Helping your kids get ahead financially sounds simple, but get it wrong and things unravel fast.Wealth and succession lawyer Andrew Clements has seen what happens when it goes wrong, from family disputes to parents losing their homes. He joins Nadine Higgins to talk about why undocumented support can become a legal minefield, his one firm rule against guarantees, and why even advice from banks can
AI is coming for your finances. Are you ready?
Imagine having a financial adviser in your pocket. With AI innovations transforming what finance apps are capable of, that reality might not be too far away. Instead of just tracking your spending, saving and investments, advances internationally are increasingly seeing the apps able to do everything from scanning the market for better deals or returns, to making recommendations and then executing
Is KiwiSaver working the way it should?
Recent KiwiSaver changes were meant to strengthen the scheme, but one expert says they risk doing the opposite. Mary Holm joins Nadine Higgins to break down why cuts to government contributions hit low income earners hardest, and how current settings could deepen inequality over time. So who is KiwiSaver working for? Why are some workers are missing out on employer support altogether? And what are
Is property investment dead? Not if you do it right.
Is property investing actually dead? Investor Ilse Wolfe doesn’t think so, but she says the old way of doing it is. Ilse joins Nadine to share her strategies for making property investment work in 2026. From surviving negative equity early on to building strong cashflow, Wolfe argues it’s still viable, if you’re willing to be active and rethink the playbook.See omnystudio.com/lis
Are EVs worth it in NZ? Running costs, battery life and price comparisons
Now, more than ever, it might seem like a good idea to invest in an electric vehicle, but does it make sense financially? Johnathan Sergel, the AA’s chief mobility officer, joins Nadine to dive into the costs involved with owning and running an EV, and how those costs compare to running a petrol vehicle. With rising fuel costs and EV sales surging, now's the time to do the maths and figure o
Is owning a home overrated?
Buying your first home is seen as a key milestone signifying success in your financial journey, while “just" renting is somehow seen as being behind. But Luke Kemeys of the Keep the Change Podcast and Next Advisory sees it differently. For him, it’s a deliberate choice – and he thinks we need to look at renting differently. Luke joins Nadine Higgins to explain why he thinks renti
Schools are teaching money in class, but what are we teaching at home?
Financial education is now embedded in maths classes for students in years 0-10, and from next year it will also form part of the social sciences curriculum. Until this year, financial education in schools has been haphazard, with research showing only 20 percent of students received it in some form. Sorted in Schools learning lead Yasmin Frazer joins Nadine to discuss what our kids are being
What do professional investors do when the world is on fire?
When news of events like the war in Iran hit share markets – everyday investors often act on instinct, but what do professional investors do? This week, Nadine is joined by Sam Dickie, a senior portfolio manager at Fisher Funds. Together they talk through what happens to investing when the world is on fire. The Prosperity Project is now available on video! Watch now on nzherald.co.nz or YouT
Is 2026 the year we finally catch a break?
Financial mentor David Very joins Nadine Higgins to unpack why 2025 hit so many New Zealanders so hard—and whether 2026 will bring any real relief. From high-income earners stretched by huge mortgages to pensioners squeezed by rising costs, he explains why financial stress is now cutting across every part of society. David breaks down where to start when you’re underwater, what actuall
What we can learn about investing from the fall of Du Val
BusinessDesk journalist Maria Slade joins Nadine to discuss her new investigative podcast, The Fall of the House of Du Val, which details how the company collapsed and what it reveals about the country’s investment rules. Listen to The Fall of The House of Du Val on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The art of spending in retirement
We hear a lot about how we need to save for retirement, but less is known about how to make that money last once you need to start drawing on it. Tom Hartmann from the Retirement Commission joins Nadine to talk about Sorted's Retirement Navigator. The new tool processes customisable values in order to help those nearing retirement (or already there) figure out how much they have to live
Why your house shouldn't be your retirement plan
Think paying off the family home will have you sorted for retirement? That might have been a solid plan once upon a time, but times have changed and and perhaps your retirement plan should change too. Michael Vincent, mortgage director at Lighthouse Financial, joins Nadine to talk the dangers of relying on your house to look after you in later life, and what you should be doing instead. 
AI’s trillion-dollar question: boom or bubble?
AI stocks have exploded, with Nvidia soaring past a $5 trillion valuation. But is this growth justified, or are investors repeating the mistakes of the dot-com era? Mark Lister, investment director at Craigs Investment Partners, joins Nadine to talk about whether AI’s rally is a genuine revolution or a sign of market froth. Together they unpack the risks of over-exposure, the importance of d
Crypto 101: Should you buy Bitcoin?
Bitcoin has cracked six figures in US dollars, but does all the hype mean it's a good investment. Janine Granger, co-founder of Easy Crypto, joins Nadine to demystify the wild world of digital currency. From Bitcoin versus blockchain to meme coins, stablecoins, and the rise and fall of NFTs, they unpack what crypto really is, how it works, and how to invest without getting scammed (or losing
A meaningful funeral doesn't have to break the bank
Funerals have become one of the most expensive life events in New Zealand — and for families already stretched, the cost of saying goodbye can add real financial strain. Brent Ruru, founder of Everything Funeral, joins Nadine Higgins to share how Kiwis can plan meaningful farewells without the heavy price tag, and why simpler, more personal options are on the rise. If you have a quest
The secret to getting mortgage-free faster (and it’s not rate cuts)
Recent cuts to the Official Cash Rate and the potential for more to come will be a relief for many borrowers, but the real game changer in getting mortgage free faster isn’t the interest rate. Shelley Palman, financial advisor at enableMe, joins Nadine to share the tips that could see you saying goodbye to your mortgage sooner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Money Mentalist on the stories we tell ourselves about money
We like to think about money in terms of simple maths: earn more, spend less, invest the difference. But the main influence on your bank balance goes beyond just whats coming in and going out. The Money Mentalist, financial coach Lynda Moore, joins Nadine to discuss how our money mindset is what sets the tone for our entire relationship with finance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf
The credit card cult with Luke Kemeys
The best way to get the most out of your credit card? Cut it up. That’s the advice from Luke Kemeys, accountant and host of the ‘Keep the Change’ podcast. Luke joins Nadine to share the reasoning behind his controversial opinion. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Making your house work for you in retirement
Asset-rich but cash-poor? You’re not alone. Cam Bagrie, founder of Equity Release NZ, joins Nadine to talk about the growing range of ways retirees can unlock money tied up in their homes. Covering reverse mortgages and home reversion schemes, Cam explains how each option works, the financial trade-offs, and why family arrangements should also be part of the conversation. Join us for a
What customers lose when companies collapse
When a business fails, it’s not just owners and staff who feel the impact. Customers can be left out of pocket, without products, or fighting to recover deposits. PWC’s John Fisk joins Nadine to explain why more Kiwi companies are likely to collapse, the industries most at risk, and the red flags to look out for before handing over your money. If you have a question you want answ
What to do with a windfall
Sudden money can feel life-changing, or like a trap. Financial planner Liz Koh joins Nadine to discuss how to handle a windfall without blowing it, from clearing debt to protecting relationships and securing your future. If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'It's amazing what people will fight about' - why you need a will
It’s one of those jobs many of us put off - but dying without a Will can leave your loved ones in legal and financial chaos. In fact, if you die without a will, your estate is divided under New Zealand’s Administration Act and there's not much your loved ones can do about it. Holly Edgerton, founder of online will-planning service Succession joins Nadine to explain why it's s
A thousand dollars hidden in your wardrobe
Overflowing wardrobe? It might be worth more than you think. Aidan Bartlett, CEO of Designer Wardrobe, joins Nadine to talk about the booming second-hand fashion market. From unlocking the $1000 sitting idle in your closet to sellers making tens of thousands, resale is growing five times faster than traditional retail. Aidan reveals the secrets to getting the best price for your clothes, the
Why moving up the property ladder is harder than getting on it
You got into your first home unscathed, so buying again will be a breeze, right? Wrong. When it comes to moving up the property ladder, going from your first home to your second introduces a whole new level of stress to a homeowner's journey. Squirrel mortgage adviser Kat McInnes joins Nadine to talk through what can go wrong, and how to avoid sabotaging yourself on the next rung o
To claim or not to claim? Tax deductibility explained
Tax deductions can be confusing, especially when you’re trying to figure out what you can and can’t claim if you're running a business or are self-employed. So, what’s a legit deduction and what’s not? How do you make the most of what you can claim without crossing the line? And what happens if the IRD think you've crossed that line? Catriona Knapp, director at Future Focus
Side hustle secrets for financial freedom
Amid the soaring cost of everything from butter and cheese to rates and insurance, tips on how to trim your budget abound. But once that budget's cut to the quick, the only alternative is to earn more. While the need for side hustles can be controversial, Tracy Hemingway – who used them to escape $94,000 of debt and buy her first home in just four years – says they can serve a purpose
More Kiwisavers are looking at private equity - what it means for investment
Private Equity is starting to become part of the asset mix for an increasing number of KiwiSaver providers, with Fisher Funds the latest to ramp up their Private Equity offering. Many people may think of corporate raiders when it comes to private equity - the type that sell the business off for parts - but how does that image fit with these new changes? And what are the opportunities, and th
Why you probably don't need a family trust
Trusts are billed as a way to protect your assets and pass your wealth on to the next generation, and they’ve become a common thing for a family to set-up. But the rules around them have changed significantly over the years – so are they still useful, or more hassle than they’re worth? Henry Stokes is a trust specialist and Perpetual Guardian’s General Council,
The cost of divorce: What not to do if you want to hold onto your money
We all know that ‘til death do us part’ doesn’t always end up that way, even if we don't like thinking about it. But divorce can be financially devastating, and some simple errors can make that process even more costly and difficult than it needs to be. Enable.me financial adviser Shelley Palman, who has been through divorce herself and coached countless clients through the
Melissa Chan-Green on life after Newshub and finding a new purpose after redundancy
It’s one thing to decide to move on from a job or career, but what happens when you’re at the top of your game and your job just... evaporates? After many years as a television journalist, Melissa Chan-Green was co-hosting The AM Show on Three when Warner Bros. Discovery announced it was closing Newshub and its associated shows. So how do you navigate the financial si
From Lego to handbags - could your collections be the secret to unlocking your investment portfolio?
When it comes to investing, we all know the usual suspects – shares, bonds, property, gold. But the latest Financial Services Council report found 7% of people have ‘collectables’ among their investments. So what makes something you like to collect an investment ... and how do you make money out of it? Gertjan Verdickt is a finance expert at the University of Au
The Māori Millionaire Te Kahukura Boynton on her financial, mindset and health journey
The Māori Millionaire Te Kahukura Boynton is a young wahine on a mission to change not just her own money mindset and financial trajectory, but that of her people. At just 21, she is a podcaster, entrepreneur and now the author of Māori Millionaire – A Beginner’s Guide to Building Better Money Habits. She joins Nadine this week to talk her journey, how close she is to becoming a
Why are we so reluctant to take out personal insurance?
New Zealanders are among the most underinsured in the OECD, according to the Financial Services Council. We insure our cars, our houses and our other stuff, but not what is arguably our biggest asset - ourselves. Givealittle fundraisers for families that have hit hard times and need help have become increasingly common. But is insurance the answer, and if so, why don’t more
Morgan Penn talks quitting her corporate career to become a sexologist
After a decade in a career, it’s perhaps not unusual that you’d consider doing something different, but some career changes can be bolder than others. Morgan Penn is a somatic sexologist, and co-host of the multi-award-winning juggernaut of a podcast, Sex.Life. But before that, she spent 15 years in the media – so this was not just your regular run-of-the-mill
What you need to know about investing this year with Sharesies' Leighton Roberts
Sharemarkets have been like the wild west this year. We’re told to ‘buy the dip’ because that’s when shares are on a big briscoes-esque sale, but before you know you’ve blinked, and the dip is done So if you’re just getting started dabbling in investing and have been thrown by the year's events so far, what do you need to know about the mechanics of it? How do y
The true cost of owning pets and where to find savings
Owning a pet can bring aso much joy to your life - but it can also bring some big expenses. Some people can spend a fortune on their pets, and as they get older, those costs often increase. And that's before you factor in breeds and how that can impact what you spend. To talk about some of the costs that you need to be prepared for, this week Nadine is joined by Michelle de Long, chief
What KiwiSaver changes and more means testing means for your savings
The Government has unveiled the latest Budget, and it is full of things that are likely to affect your back pocket in one way or another – with changes to KiwiSaver, Best Start, JobSeeker benefits, and Working for Families. If all the headlines sent you a bit cross eyed, don’t worry - today we’re going to step you through the detail so you know what you’re dealing wit
What to avoid doing if you are trying to buy property
Buying property is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make, and in this country, it can be really difficult to achieve. For most of us, the most important first step is to qualify for a mortgage. So, how do you improve your chances of getting the lending you need to be in the market, and what do you need to know about what you’ve signed up for?
The secrets to saving money on your wedding - and the costs you can't afford to cut
The average wedding in New Zealand is on the rise - once thought to be around $30,000, that cost for higher-end weddings has doubled in recent years. Finance companies often feature pictures of weddings when touting their high-interest loans, but debt is no way to start your life of wedded bliss. So how can you avoid financial stress when planning your big day? This week, Nadine is joined by
Why commercial property could be your next investment opportunity
Kiwis are pretty familiar with the idea of investing in property, but more often than not, it’s in houses, apartments, or other types of residential property. But more and more people are asking if they should instead consider commercial property. This week, Nadine talks with CEO of property investment firm Rethink Group, and commercial property investor, Scott O’Neill, to discus
How financially resilient are Kiwis? New figures tell all
How long could you last if your income stopped tomorrow? Culd you handle a big, unexpected bill without going into debt? And how often do you worry about money? Those are all metrics in the Financial Resilience Index, a survey on Kiwis’ money habits and stability - so what does it tell us, and crucially, what should we do with that information? This week, Nadine is talking with t
The Kiwi TikTok star behind Paloma Diamond on how to make it as a content creator
The path to becoming a social media influencer or content creator is one a lot of people aspire to these days - in fact, one survey suggested 57 percent for Gen Zers want that career path. But how easy it is to get into this path, and make it pay? Julian Sewell is a Kiwi who’s made it big on Instagram and TikTok, although you may know him as his silver haired alter ego, Paloma Di
What is the bond market and is it still a ‘safe haven’ asset?
When the US President Donald Trump announced a pause on reciprocal tariffs last week, prompting a massive rally on the markets - he admitted he did so after watching the bond market. So, why is the bond market so significant, and what do you need to know about how it works - especially given you likely own some in your KiwiSaver fund! Today, Nadine is joined by Matt Logan from Fisher Funds t
Mary Holm shares her top tips for making the most out of KiwiSaver
More than 3.3 million New Zealanders are in KiwiSaver, and they now have more than $110 billion invested - but too many of us are not making the most of the scheme. So this week, Nadine is joined by finance expert, columnist and author Mary Holm, who has just revised and updated her 8th book, Rich Enough, to get some guidance on how to ensure you are making the most from the schem
Is gold a worthy investment - and how do you go about buying it?
Recently, the price of gold has been hovering near record highs at over NZ$5000 an ounce - that’s less than 30 grams for those of us only versed in the metric system! It’s commonly thought of as a ‘safe haven’ asset, but why is that? How does it help your investments when the world is an uncertain place? How do you make money out of it? How do you own it? And does your jewe
Tips and tricks to get yourself a payrise this year
March 31st marks the end of the financial year, and while that doesn’t mean much for the average employee, it does mean that you are probably due for a pay review. Salaries are a big topic of discussion right now – specifically, how salaries in New Zealand compare to those overseas, with so many Kiwis leaving the country. So if you are booked in for a pay review
What do tariffs and trade wars mean for your KiwiSaver?
If you’ve peeked at your KiwiSaver or other investments lately - it might have given you a bit of a rude shock. With the US introducing tariffs, withdrawing them, threatening to double them, and other countries starting to retaliate, there’s a lot of uncertainty out there, and that's one thing market really don’t like. So what do you need to know, and what – if
How one woman went from homelessness, domestic violence to financial independence
Emily Owens has grim personal experience of adversity and financial insecurity – from sleeping in her car, feeling trapped by domestic violence, and becoming a widowed single mother at age 20 when her son was just 5 weeks old. But she’s channelled that experience into a meaningful career focused on helping others make good financial decisions. She shared her story of survival and findi
Can't afford your own home? Here's how to buy one with your friends
Today’s episode is for anyone who’s looked at the price of houses in this country and felt a bit depressed - for many, it seems like that particular dream out of reach, so why bother trying? While housing is expensive, there are other ways to get onto the housing ladder – but there’s a fair bit you need to know to ensure it doesn’t go pear-shaped. To help everyo
The OCR has been cut - so what should you do with your mortgage?
if you have a mortgage, you’re likely weighing up your next move after the Reserve Bank cut the Official Cash Rate from 4.25% to 3.75%. More than 80% of mortgages are due to refix this year, because most people have been opting for floating rates or short terms, waiting for the right time to pounce as interest rates fell. So is that time now or should you continue to wait?&
Is it ever too late to start saving for retirement - and how much do you need?
The word ‘Retirement’ can prompt a range of reactions. Some yawn, because it’s ages away and there’s heaps of time to sort it. Some people feel a little uncomfortable because it’s not ages away, and they’re not sure if they’re sorted - and some panic because it’s just around the corner they know they’re not sorted. Listener San
The 'quirks' of Paid Parental Leave any prospective parent needs to know
Having a baby is life-altering in every respect - and your finances are no exception. But there are ways to navigate how much growing your family can turn your finances upside down. Stephanie Pow is the founder of Crayon. She’s on a mission to make it easier for parents to effectively manage the dollars and cents alongside the nappies and sleepless nights. She j
Swapping corporate life for a beach side fantasy: The reality behind the dream
If every time you have holiday at the beach you think ‘how can I just stay here fulltime and escape the rat race in the city’ - today’s episode is for you. Dallas and Donna Gurney were two corporate high fliers hustling hard and enjoying city life – when a major life curveball prompted them to re-think everything. They chucked in their Auckland jobs to take on a
Tips and tricks for becoming your own boss - and how to avoid tax pitfalls
If feel like you’re done working for ‘the man’, and you want lexibility, autonomy, to be the master of your own destiny - you might be considering chucking in your job and working for yourself. But behind the romantic ideal of self employment, there is a bit to get your head around if you’ve only ever been an employee. This week, Nadine is joined by James Fuller, 
How to stick to your financial goals in 2025
If your enthusiasm to maintain your “New Year, new me” financial goals is starting wane already, you’re not alone – most resolutions are abandoned by February! But experts in finance and psychology say there’s both art and a science to setting financial goals and adopting the behavioural change that helps you stick to them. Join Nadine this week as she discusses how t
Trailer - The Prosperity Project
If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
