BUSINESS SPEAKERS

Bernard Hickey

Economic commentator, publisher of The Kākā and conference MC

Overview

Bernard Hickey is one of New Zealand's most experienced economic and political-economy journalists. As publisher of The Kākā newsletter and host of the award-nominated Hoon podcast, he covers the issues most likely to shape your year: interest rates, housing, productivity, climate, tax and the global economy. On stage he brings the same plain-English clarity to keynotes, MC roles and panels.

Who is Bernard Hickey? Bernard spent 18 years as a financial journalist and editor with Reuters, the FT Group and Fairfax before co-founding Interest.co.nz and Newsroom Pro. In 2021 he launched The Kākā, a daily Substack newsletter and podcast covering Aotearoa's political economy. He is widely quoted across New Zealand and international media on the economy, housing and climate.

Career Highlights

  • Publisher of The Kākā newsletter and podcast

  • Host of The Hoon, silver winner at the New Zealand Podcast Awards

  • Co-founder and former managing editor of Interest.co.nz

  • Co-founder and former editor of Newsroom Pro

  • 18 years as a financial journalist with Reuters, the FT Group and Fairfax

  • Regular media commentator on the OCR, housing market, fiscal policy and climate

  • Experienced conference MC, panel moderator and fireside-chat host

Key Speaking Themes

  • The New Zealand and global economy: where it's heading and why

  • Interest rates, inflation and the housing market

  • Climate policy, the energy transition and business

  • Tax, fiscal policy and inequality

  • Media, misinformation and trust in public discourse

What Your Audience Will Gain Bernard takes complex economic and policy material and turns it into clear, useful insight. Audiences leave with a sharper view of where the economy is heading, the political risks ahead, and what it all means for their business.

Ideal For

  • Industry conferences and AGMs

  • CEO and leadership events

  • Economic and finance briefings

  • Property, infrastructure and energy summits

  • Panel discussions and fireside chats

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does Bernard Hickey speak about? The New Zealand and global economy, interest rates, housing, tax, climate policy and the political economy.

What is The Kākā? The Kākā is Bernard's daily newsletter and podcast on Aotearoa's political economy, with thousands of paying subscribers.

Is Bernard Hickey available as an MC? Yes. Bernard regularly MCs business conferences and leads panel discussions and fireside chats.

What is Bernard Hickey's background? 18 years as a financial journalist with Reuters, the FT Group and Fairfax, followed by co-founding Interest.co.nz and Newsroom Pro before launching The Kākā.

Does Bernard Hickey offer media training? Yes. He runs well-informed mock-interview sessions for executives and spokespeople.

How long is a typical engagement? Standard formats include a 45-minute keynote with Q&A and a full-day MC role. Shorter panel and fireside-chat formats are also available.