Event recap: Economic insights with ANZ Chief Economist, Sharon Zollner

Anthem Partners is delighted to announce our role as lead adviser in the successful transaction that has seen Encounter Kaikōura Dolphin & Albatross Tours acquired by Black Cat Cruises. This milestone deal unites two iconic New Zealand eco-tourism operators, combining Encounter Kaikōura’s world-renowned dolphin and albatross experiences with Black Cat Cruises’ strong legacy in marine conservation and visitor engagement. As Paul Bingham, Director of Black Cat, shared on LinkedIn , he is “thrilled” by this acquisition, calling it a strategic alignment rooted in shared values. Encounter Kaikōura has built a reputation over decades as a highly respected marine tourism business, operating Qualmark Gold–certified dolphin and seabird tours from its base in Kaikōura. Under Black Cat’s stewardship, Encounter Kaikōura will continue to operate under its current name, preserving its unique brand and experiences for customers, but now with increased resources and support for future growth. At Anthem Partners, we are honoured to have facilitated the transaction — from initial strategy and valuation through due diligence, negotiation, and closing. Our team is proud to have contributed to a deal that not only makes strong commercial sense but also supports conservation-driven tourism in Aotearoa. We warmly congratulate Lynette Buurman, Dennis Buurman, and Ian Bradshaw for their outstanding stewardship of Encounter Kaikoura and for developing such a remarkable and respected tourism business. We also applaud Black Cat Cruises for their vision for the future. We look forward to seeing this legacy continue and grow under Black Cat’s leadership. If you’d like to hear more about how Anthem Partners can support high-value strategic transactions, please get in touch.

3.0% OCR – and heading lower. Is this the moment your business says YES instead of ‘not yet’? Yesterday’s Reserve Bank announcement wasn’t just another rate cut. Dropping the OCR to 3.0% , with Reserve Bank now signalling a reforecast OCR track towards ~2.5% . This marks a decisive shift in the effort to reignite growth across New Zealand. Here’s what matters: - A split vote at the RBNZ , with two members pushing for a deeper 0.5% cut – urgency is building. - The once “neutral” OCR of 3% has been redefined lower. That’s a reflection of how persistent the post-Covid economic drag has been. - 40% of Kiwi households will refix mortgages in the next 6 months. Lower rates mean more disposable income – and more confidence – flowing into the economy. For mid-market business owners , this is a moment of opportunity. Affordability and confidence are the twin engines of investment – and both just got a boost. If your business has strong cashflow and a clear strategy, the next 12 months could be the time to act: whether that’s growth investment , expansion , or capitalising on opportunities others hesitate on. A reminder worth repeating: politicians don’t save economies – business owners do . Policymakers build the platform, but it’s businesses that drive recovery.  With financing conditions improving and recent Investment Boost scheme announced by government adding fuel, the platform is being built. The real question is: who will be bold enough to use it?