Australian media executive, Kim Williams has been made chair of the ABC Radio. He aims to raise the importance of news radio in Australia. William said that there's far too much fluff on the website and that they need to tidy it up and tighten it up, he has got rid of the National Morning Pres, Breakfast Presenter Patricia Karvelas and has advised the team to be more serious. They have now returned to being the number read website in Australia. Murray Olds, Australian Correspondent tells Mike Hosking that news in New Zealand isn't as big as he believes people have started to “care less” about the news. He says that there aren't many radio newsrooms around as there's no money getting put into it, saying that Williams is going to be a “breath of fresh air for this place.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all.    Andrew Bayly: 2/10  Inexplicable behaviour. We still don’t really know the details of it, but it's also been hopelessly explained, thus dragging it out.    Darleen Tana: 1/10  A person who should have never found her way to a House of Representatives.    The America's Cup: 7/10  Why wouldn’t you believe Ainslie when he says we're the greatest team ever?    Liam Lawson: 9/10  Not just a debut in one of the world's most significant and influential sports, but a debut that had everyone mesmerised. Next stop, Mexico.    Katsu chicken: 8/10  Victory of the week in many respects. A problem addressed, solved, money saved, and the critics essentially silenced.  The Commonwealth Games: 3/10  It's got staggering "on its last legs" vibes. It's ten events in a last-minute city. In a world where sport is booming, this isn't.  LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you are looking for cogent arguments, then there was no shortage of them from the banks this week in front of the Parliamentary committee looking into banking.  They are doing this because the Government has decided banks need some kind of reform and there is not enough competition.  What they plan to do about it we don’t know, but it’s the same argument around telcos, and petrol, and supermarkets, and airlines.  Of particular concern to the Government is the way the farmers are treated.  There is dispute within the banking community, like KiwiBank, Heartland Bank, SBS, and TSB, all say it's not fair, the regulation is troublesome, and the playing field is not flat.  The bigger players say things are fine. Of course they would say that. But between them, and if you want to add the non-bank lenders, there seems to be no shortage of options.  The defence is that farm bank lending is tough work and it's tough work because lending money to farmers carries risk. Returns from rural lending isn't as high as city lending.  The complaint about farmers having higher rates is because a lot of farms operate on flexible rates, not fixed.  All the banks talked of their market share. No one bank dominates and a number of banks have grown their books.  None of this is to defend the banks at the expense of the farmer, it's just to say that there doesn't appear to be one side overtly more right than the other.  The ANZ boss this week more broadly defended her bank's profits. She was on a hiding to nothing. She too was cogent, made sense, and put up a good explanation as to how banks work and what sort of return they need.  It will make no difference, which is the big problem we, or in this case the Government, has with big business.  They say there must be a lack of competition, profits are too high (without of course anyone defining what exactly is an acceptable profit) and so we will need rules, threats, and the Commerce Commission.  But I will tell you this for nothing - none of it will change.  My very broad conclusion for all these industries is we have an imperfect market, based partially, but in no small part, on the fact we are a tiny isolated country with five million people.  We think we should get better than we do and by being hoodwinked into thinking that, someone must be a robber baron.  They aren't, but it makes us feel better. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand is experiencing a vinyl revival, a new generation getting hooked on the old-school technology.  It’s not just the cities experiencing the boom, Napier’s ‘Just For The Record’ filled with customers.  Gordon Stevenson, the store’s owner, told Mike Hosking that there’s very few artists that aren’t on vinyl these days.   He said that vinyl sounds considerably better than digital mediums, as the conversion from analogue to digital back to analogue degrades the music, and you can lose up to 40% of the music. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’ll be carnage in Canterbury this Labour Day weekend.   The Kiwis are facing the Kangaroos for the first time since November in a sell-out league double-header.  Their last match saw them claim a historic win in Hamilton, claiming 30 points and leaving the Aussies with zero.  Coach Stacey Jones told Mike Hosking he’s confident they can put together a good performance.  He said they’ve got a really good group of people, along with coaching staff, trainers, and a strong leadership group lead by the team’s captain.  “I feel comfortable with what we’ve got.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday has come so Tim Wilson and Kate Hawkesby joined Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was.   It’s been a scandal filled week, with Darleen Tana being ousted from Parliament, Andrew Bayly’s offensive comments, and the new Crown Observer for Wellington City Council, so they decided to play a game of Rank the Scandal.   They also stand on one leg as they discuss balance, and debate working from home versus teacher-only days.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 25th of October, Finance Minister Nicola Willis talks contract expectations for social services.  International rugby league is back in Christchurch with a huge game between the Kiwis and Australia. Stacey Jones talks the young Kiwi team's chances.  Kate and Tim stand on one leg while discussing balance, working from home vs teacher only days, and what the scandal of the week was while Wrapping the Week.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has edged ahead of Kamala Harris in the latest polls, with less than two weeks until the US election.  A Wall Street Journal poll shows the Republican two points ahead of the Democrat – a direct swap from when they last did the poll in August.  A CNBC poll also shows Trump ahead of Harris by two points.  US correspondent Mitch McCann told Mike Hosking potential reasons behind this shift are Trump's negative ads and Harris having a couple of shaky media appearances.  He says Barack Obama's former campaign manager David Axelrod described one of her answers in a CNN town hall as a word salad.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s been a shift in when New Zealand will hit peak petrol imports.  After initially predicting it will peak around next year, Channel Infrastructure says the early 2030s is now the more likely date.  It comes as the company announced plans for an energy precinct at Marsden Point.  Chief executive Rob Buchanan told Mike Hosking some of the reasons of this shift are reductions in vehicle kilometres travelled and the purchasing of new vehicles.  He says they've also seen a dramatic reduction in EV registrations, now they compete with internal combustion engines.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“It must be better than this” is the message from children's advocate Dame Lesley Max following the Chief Ombudsman's crack down on Oranga Tamariki.   Peter Boshier has taken aim at the organisation over its handling of complaints against a man, accused of abusing his partner's young children, despite nine separate reports.  Great Potentials Foundation Co-Founder, Max says it should not have gone unnoticed.   She says it's striking there were nine reports of concern when in so many cases there are no reports of concern.  OT says it's taken the Chief Ombudsman's recommendations on board.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zespri is optimistic for 2025 after what it says has been an encouraging year for growers.  Its last charter vessel for the season has left for Japan, expecting to arrive early next month with just over 4,500 tonnes of fruit.  The company says Europe has been performing really well, while China has seen a 40% increase in volume.  CEO Jason Te Brake told Mike Hosking they're expecting to have more fruit to sell in 2025.  He says markets are finishing really strongly, which usually flows into a good start of next year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s going to be a major overhaul in the way the Government contracts social services.  The Government's announcing what it calls outcomes contracts in a bid to deliver results, but also scrap initiatives that are not working.  It's also working on a Social Investment Fund, soon to be spearheaded by social investment secretary and former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster.  Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking there are often multiple contracts coming from different agencies.  She says they're spending hours filling in forms and doing what she calls “administrative bureaucracy”.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have to ask some simple questions around our attitude to nuclear and whether we are capable of becoming slightly more mature about it.  This country got semi-famous for its anti-nuke stance. We are still anti-nuke, but we got famous a lifetime ago and the world has changed.  Amazon and Google and Oracle are building their own nuclear reactors and, if not building, they are buying nuclear deals with places like Three Mile Island, which also a lifetime ago made headlines around the world.  They need nuclear to run data centres. Data centres need astonishing amounts of power.  New Zealand wants to host data centres.  Can New Zealand be a data centre hub, given the power system we now run? No.  Ironically, just yesterday Genesis announced they will be buying more coal for next winter to cover the gap. The ongoing gap.  That’s not for data centres. That's to turn the lights on, on a cold morning.  This country, as we found out this winter, can't handle cold far less data centres, and nothing is changing between now and next winter.  Factor in EV's if you want and we return to the ongoing but unanswered question - just what is it we are going to run the country on?  Hydro is good, but not reliable.  And neither is any of the other options we may or may not ever get around to producing at scale, like wind or solar or batteries.  Nuclear is not only reliable, it's good for the environment.  So we want to run data centres, but we don’t have enough power, we are still burning more coal, and the thing we hate is a viable option and being picked up and run with around the rest of the world.  Are we to be left behind? Or are we to grow up and move forward?  I would have thought it answers itself.  But let's see. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An iconic Kiwi actor is back in the country.  Craig Parker mostly lives in the United States these days, but has been back in New Zealand for a while, filming a mystery project before he guests at Auckland’s Armageddon Expo.   The last time he was back on this side of the world was a couple of Christmases ago, but he told Mike Hosking that he likes to try visit every couple of years, escaping the milder LA January.   Guesting at conventions like Armageddon is an industry of its own, and Parker says that while it’s easy to be cynical, he loves the con scene.  “They’re a place where, for all different reasons, people who love a show or a genre of shows come together.”   “When you make a show, it’s about the making of the show,” he told Hosking.  “And sometimes you forget that other people out in the world watch it.”  “But these events, you get to meet people who really love the stuff you've done, and it's not an ego thing where you're going, I'm amazing, these people want to meet me, they want to meet you because you are part of some world they love.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 24th of October, there’s yet more inequality and poor performance in our schools, according to a new report. Education Minister Erica Stanford talks the ever-growing job before her.  We hear all the time about how good it is across the ditch, but a new report in the construction industry takes a closer look.  Kiwi actor Craig Parker very rarely gets back to New Zealand, so while he’s here for a mystery film project and Armageddon, we had to get him in the studio for the first time.    Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some ambulance workers feel the Government's funding boost is too little, too late.  The Government's increasing ambulance service funding by 6%.  Hato Hone St John says the extra money has helped it settle pay disputes with unions, ending weeks of industrial action.  First Union National Ambulance Coordinator Faye McCann told Mike Hosking that it hasn’t really fixed any of the problems they’re concerned about, but it has alleviated some of the financial burden people are facing.   She says it’s definitely a Band-Aid fix.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The construction sector says the grass isn't always greener in Australia.   New research suggests the long-held belief of Australia offering better financial opportunities in the industry than New Zealand may no longer be true.   The Construction and Infrastructure Workforce Development Council says, in some cases, salary and housing prices paint New Zealand as the better option.   Chief Executive Phil Aldridge told Mike Hosking that there’s a lot more to consider than just salaries.   He said that the income-housing gap shrinks as people get older and want to settle down, so it’s actually more attractive to buy a house and raise a family in New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queenstown's film and TV industry finally has a home.  An old department store has been transformed into Remarkable Studios NZ – already ticking off having its first major drama project filmed there.  It's located just five minutes from Queenstown airport and close to several hotels.  Screentime NZ chief executive Philly de Lacey told Mike Hosking they'd been looking for a place for some time when they saw the lease became available.  She says it was too good to let go, and after some negotiations and working out how it will run, they're open for business.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rising concerns from the farming sector as more land is sold off for forestry.   Beef + Lamb's new research reveals more than 51,000 hectares have been sold since the end of 2022.   It estimates almost one million stock units are lost for every 100,000 hectares planted.  Chair Kate Acland told Mike Hosking the issue isn’t forestry as such, but rather the ETS settings..  She says there absolutely is a place for trees and forestry within farming, they just need some sensible limits.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Education Minister hopes curriculum changes gives policymakers more information to work with.  An auditor-general report has found the Ministry of Education lacks information prior to someone entering the NCEA system.  The report suggests it's difficult to identify and tackle equity issues in the education system without more information.  Education Minister Erica Stanford told Mike Hosking students will be assessed to measure progress through structured literacy and maths.  She says they're about to bring in twice-yearly consistent testing.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The polls are concerningly tight as the US Election draws nearer.   With Donald Trump and Kamala Harris neck and neck, the focus is on the battleground states.  Harris’ Campaign concerned about a potential crack in the ‘Blue Wall’, made up of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that if Harris loses one of those states, she wouldn’t have the 270 electoral votes needed to take the White House without getting at least one of the other battlegrounds.  He said the call is out for every voter, including long-term Republican voters who may be closeted supporters of Harris.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are leaving Australia, bound for Samoa after a short but sweet trip down under.  The pair had 27 engagements across Sydney, drawing substantial crowds filled with people of all ages.  However, the trip wasn’t without drama, with Independant Senator Lidia Thorpe interrupting the reception to heckle the King.   Australian Correspondent Steve Price told Mike Hosking that Thorpe has done the Republican movement the biggest favour in the world, as her outburst would flip people back after the King’s visit.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who doesn’t love katsu chicken?  And with the katsu chicken, and the wraps, and the lasagne, David Seymour has saved us $130m.  All the moaners, whingers, whiners, and hand wringers can say sorry because it wasn’t the end of the world.  Several crimes have been committed in the school lunch drama, which of course should never have been a drama because the previous Government, in yet another example of their wasteful, haphazard way of doing things, should never have got into the school lunch programme business.  Because when they did, they worked out they couldn’t afford it and therefore only gave it to a few and many of the few didn’t actually want the lunches.  But they had to take them because the kid who did want the lunch couldn’t be made to feel bad, so the other 300 had to eat sandwiches with them.  That was crime number one.  Crime number two was they only funded it until the election, thus making it a fiscal cliff. David Seymour should have killed the thing completely but got talked down to what we have, which is $3 dollars a meal.  Crime number 3 is to all the hand wringers who opined over and over and over about how they wouldn’t be any good, no one can make food for $3, kids would go hungry, it’s a scandal etc, etc.  Fast forward and the menu is out, complete with photos of food, and wouldn’t you know it, for $3 you can do a pretty decent job.  You feed kids, you save money, we have a lesson in expenditure and wastage and a Government promise has been delivered.  The lunches were $8.68 a pop under Labour vs $3 now. That's quite the difference, isn't it?  What cost almost half a billion dollars now costs $320m.  And maybe the stories of the teachers helping themselves, or the families getting delivered the extras, or the farmers feeding it all to the pigs will vanish along with the doubters who have made it a past time, if not a living, refusing to believe a lot of what was done under Labour could be done cheaper and better.  If only they paid attention to detail and were driven more by practicality and less by ideology and thought bubbles. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Signs of economic recovery look to be turning the dial on retailers' mood.   Retail NZ's quarterly survey finds 65% of retailers feel confident or very confident their business will survive the next 12 months.  It finds 57% think they will meet or exceed their targets for the final quarter, even after 70% failed to meet their last sales targets.   Chief executive Carolyn Young says retailers are expecting more consumer confidence from recent OCR cuts and falling inflation.   She says while sales numbers are down, there's optimism for the future.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Politics Wednesday, Mike Hosking was joined by Labour’s Keiran McAnulty and National’s Mark Mitchell for a chat about some of the biggest political stories of the week so far.  They discussed the hot water Andrew Bayly has found himself in after making a Ministerial visit, Wellington’s woes and the appointment of a Crown Observer to the council, and McAnulty explained why he got a yellow card for the Parliamentary rugby team.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fallout from the axing of sports from the Commonwealth Games has begun.  10 disciplines will be included in the scaled-down Glasgow event, with hockey, triathlon, sevens, and T20 cricket among the sports missing out.   Track cycling, swimming, athletics, and netball have made the cut.  NZ Olympic Committee CEO Nicki Nicol told Mike Hosking that the cut sports have already begun considering possible alternatives to the competition.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 23rd of October, Wellington has finally been appointed a Crown Observer, and David Seymour seems to have cracked it with the cheaper school lunches.  Mike is astounded that people are going in to buy one colour of every clothing item they like, and by how little we are spending on food, on average, per week.  Mark Mitchell and Kieran McAnulty cover off Andrew Bayly, Wellington's woes, and why Kieran got a yellow card for the Parliamentary rugby team on Politics Wednesday.   Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rotorua locals are calling for all of the city's emergency motels to be shut down right away.   The Government's applied to keep seven motels operating after their resource consents expire in December.   Independent commissioner David Hill will look at 176 submissions and decide whether to renew them.   Of the 37 submitters, 36 are against.   Rotorua District Residents and Ratepayers chair Reynold Macpherson told Mike Hosking that they don’t have any faith in the commission process.  He said that it’s set up by the council, and always seems to come out with their preferred situation.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

School lunches look to open up a number of opportunities for businesses.  The Government says it's saving $130 million a year by reducing the cost per meal from $8 to $3.  The Compass Group has been contracted as the lead supplier.  Associate Education Minister David Seymour told Mike Hosking other businesses will be able to get involved.  He says that for example, the programme will need 18 tonnes of chicken a fortnight, so there will be opportunities in that.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Wellington Mayor thinks Tory Whanau's made the right call to accept a Crown observer at her council.  The city's Long Term Plan's being re-written after the city u-turned on its decision to sell its shares in Wellington Airport.  There's also been a raft of issues around the council table.  Local Government Minister Simeon Brown cited councillors walking out of meetings and refusing to participate in votes as rationale for intervention.  Ex-Wellington Mayor Dame Kerry Prendergast told Mike Hosking there'll be some relief from Wellingtonians this morning.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research has revealed pipfruit export growth is outstripping national export growth.  The industry contributed just under $2 billion to New Zealand's economy last year.  Export value increased from $347 million in 2012 to more than $892 million in 2023.  Apple and Pears chairperson Lesley Wilson told Mike Hosking the regional impacts are huge.  She says they're the third-highest contributor to Hawke's Bay's GDP, second in Tasman, and Gisborne is also third largest growing region.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are more people than ever with private medical insurance.  In a so-called “cost of living crisis”, over 15,000 more people joined Southern Cross last year – and that’s just one company. They now have almost a million customers.  Having delt with my company recently over a series of issues, I can inform you I pay over $4000 a year and I have never made a claim in my life.  So far, they are winning.  But I know a person who had an operation the other day that had a value attached of $40 thousand. It wasn’t a major operation, the surgeon did seven of them that day.   Seven operations at $40 thousand, that’s a lot of business for one surgeon in one day, in one clinic. Which would explain why Southern Cross was paying out $6 million a day last year.   Think about it – $6 million for every business day last year  My obvious question is what's wrong with us? Half of members made a claim last year – there were over 3 million actual claims. How is that possible?  As a result of all these claims Southern Cross ran a deficit. They also had to deal with increased cost of claims.   That’s 50%. That 50% by the way, compares to 33% in 2019. So, in the past handful of years there has been an explosion in medical claims. Why?  Knees up 17%, colonoscopy up 17%, hips up 11% - is that age? Are we all just literally falling apart?  The simple reality is this can't continue. Well it can, but at a price, and is it any surprise the price is going up?  Part of the reason the insurance numbers getting up I have no doubt is because the public system is under pressure.  So a public system not working well on anything outside emergency, and the private system under pressure from ever growing numbers of claims, is it possible we are not well as a country?   How come so many people are actively engaged with the health system? Are we worse than Australia, for example, and if so, why?  How long can a private model go for whereby the prices go up and up, along with the claims? We seemingly getting sicker and sicker – why?   Is this not the cold hard truth that when they say health is a bottomless pit, it’s true? Because these numbers show it is. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Fry is a man of many talents.   He’s an award-winning comedian, actor, presenter, director, and has claimed the title of ‘bestselling author’ multiple times.   His latest work is the final instalment of his Greek Myths series, ‘Odyssey’ retelling the tale of Odysseus from Homer’s epic poem.   Along with this, Fry is bringing his live show to New Zealand stages, offering an unforgettable evening filled with entertaining stories about his journey through life and show business.  He’s been in the business for nearly five decades and told Mike Hosking that he still sometimes finds it difficult to believe.  “I still think of myself as a little boy watching Parkinson interview comedy stars, and film stars, and so on, and just dreaming of the amazing idea of being famous."  “It’s extraordinary,” Fry said.  “You'd think after all these years, it would have lost its lustre, but actually it hasn't.”  Questions are welcome at Fry’s live show, the second half of the show being entirely filled with questions from the audience.   “People are free to ask questions as serious as they like, but also as frivolous as they like.”  “I’m not someone who finds it difficult to talk.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 22nd of October, the Government are making more changes to the Three Strikes law, so can the legal fraternity get on board?  The Ihumātao debacle is back on the table as documents show that Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka considered disolving the committee.   UK comedian, actor, writer, and orator Stephen Fry joins Mike to talk his new book and his upcoming shows in New Zealand later this year.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's disagreement as the Government toughens up its Three Strikes rule for offenders. It's lowering the threshold for a first strike warning from 24 months imprisonment to 12 months. It's also agreed to activate strike warnings for people who commit any of 42 qualifying offences. Law Association Vice President Julie-Anne Kincade told Mike Hosking there's no evidence this will help. She says everyone wants less crime, but this is going to put people in prison who shouldn't necessarily be there.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Minister holds the view that the Ihumātao committee's achieved nothing.   Documents seen under the Official Information Act show that Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka considered dissolving the committee.  It's now been almost four years since the previous Labour Government supported the sale of the land, after controversial protests.    Former Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson told Mike Hosking all this group is capable of doing is talking.     He says he wouldn't give them an ultimatum, he'd just boot them now.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says he can't fathom why Minister Andrew Bayly would make offensive comments to a worker during a visit.   A worker claims the minister told him to “go home... take some wine, and F... off”, and made an L sign with his finger on his forehead.   Bayly's apologised.  Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking Bayly didn't know the person, and he isn't aware of any connection between Bayly and the company.  He says Bayly genuinely feels like he was trying to engage in light-hearted banter but got it so wrong.  Luxon says it's not the language or behaviour he expects of his ministers – they hold the position 24/7.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce says widening the region's key road will benefit everyone.   The Hawke's Bay Expressway is being upgraded from two lanes to four as part of the Roads of National Significance programme.  The route carries 29,000 vehicles a day, including those transporting goods to and from the Napier port.  Chamber Chief Executive Karla Lee told Mike Hosking it's well past its use-by-date.   She says a lot of trucks use it to get to the port, which is incredibly important for their freight.  Lee says it's also huge for the commuters who go between Napier and Hastings every day.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Royal College of GPs says registration fast-tracks will mean someone coming to New Zealand won't have to wait months.  The Medical Council's introducing faster registrations for doctors with specialist qualifications from the UK, Ireland, and Australia.   It comes after Australia introduced something similar for GPs from here, the UK, and Ireland.   College of GPs President Samantha Murton told Mike Hosking New Zealand is an attractive option for people to come work.   She says there's a lot of people who want to come – 41% of medical professions are overseas graduates, and there are jobs available in certain areas.   Murton says there's plenty of roles in General Practice, psychiatry, and anaesthetics.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A very good victory on Friday for common sense. The Solicitor-General fell on her sword over the instructions to the prosecution service promoting race. It was Monday, this time last week we raised it because it seemed scandalous. How did this happen? How does a Government so explicitly state the race card is no longer being played in policy settings, and yet the Solicitor-General is saying what she is to the police, having been advised by a radical-sounding Maori group, drummed up out of Andrew Little's famously well-catered justice gab-fest a couple of years back. By Tuesday the media are still asleep at the wheel and no one has touched it. We raise it with the Prime Minister, who forgot his backbone, played the independence card and couldn’t really do what he needed to do, which was close it down. By Wednesday David Seymour wonders aloud on the tiles at Parliament why, when surrounded by the press gallery, he hasn’t been asked about it, given the question line was around the Tui billboards. By late Wednesday, into Thursday, the media, bless them, has finally been stirred, or embarrassed, into some sort of action. The NZ Herald tries an op-ed sort of piece, quite rightly asking a few questions around how the Solicitor-General got herself in this mess, given her experience. Radio NZ bumbles out of its slumber and gives it some coverage. Even TV3 finally slaps together a little something for their 6 o'clock effort. On Friday Judith Collins, as Attorney-General, turns up on ZB and says what the Prime Minister should have said - it's not on. By Friday afternoon, a very good time for a press release, the Solicitor-General says it came out all wrong, it shouldn’t have happened and sorry about it. So - a win! But here is the issue for the Government. 1) You can't promise policy and approach if you can't deliver. 2) They clearly have a major issue with the public service and pushback, so they need to do something about it. Rightly or wrongly, the Government are the Government, and they make the rules. They won the election, rightly or wrongly, in no small part because of their race direction policies. There is an expectation from voters they get delivered. But although this has been a win, it should not have had to have been the fight it was.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt joined Mike Hosking to discuss the America’s Cup, Auckland FC’s maiden victory over the Brisbane Roar, the Everest, Chris Hoy’s cancer announcement, the White Ferns winning the T20 Women’s World Cup, the Black Caps’ win in India and the NPC semifinals. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 21st of October, Peter Burling and Grant Dalton are on the show to talk the America's Cup win and where it will be held next. A World Cup win for the White Ferns - Craig McMillan joins amidst the celebrations. And what a weekend for sport overall! Auckland FC, the America's Cup, Black Caps, White Ferns, Silver Ferns just to name a few! Guy and Sav wrap it all. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former President Donald Trump's crude remark of legendary golfer Arnold Palmer is raising eyebrows. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are on the home stretch to election day in under three weeks. US correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking Trump has spent time talking about the late golfer's genitalia during a visit to Pennsylvania. And Elon Musk's daily voter lottery is gaining attention. The tech billionaire is giving away US$1 million a day to a registered voter in the key swing state of Pennsylvania until election day in November. Musk has emerged as a Trump supporter over the past few years. Arnold says the winner will be chosen at random from those who sign a pro-constitution petition. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hopes new technology can help predict busy periods in emergency departments. Auckland University research has found artificial intelligence algorithms can predict surges in admissions for respiratory illnesses - weeks before they happen. Computer scientist Steffen Albrecht told Mike Hosking it finds recurring patterns in data. “It’s really a database using data that goes back to 2012.” Health New Zealand says there are processes in place to minimise risks - when considering using this type of technology. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's undoubtedly been one of our greater weekends of sport, from sailing, to the Silver Ferns, football and of course, the cricket. The White Ferns beat South Africa by 32 runs in Dubai to win the T20 World Cup for the first time in their history. Woman of the match and tournament Amelia Kerr top-scored with 43 runs and bagged figures of 3-24 in a crucial performance to secure the team's first international silverware since the 50-over title in 2000. Assistant coach Craig McMillan joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Land Information Minister says there needs to be a way to build key infrastructure projects without years of litigation and arguments. An independent panel reviewed the Public Works Act, which allows government agencies to force people and businesses to sell their land, to complete big infrastructure projects. An amendment bill is likely to be introduced mid-next year. Minister Chris Penk told Mike Hosking it goes with the fast-tracking work. He says when it comes to roads for example, they sometimes need additional land the Crown doesn't own, and they don't want to fall at the last hurdle of trying to get that. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Team New Zealand's boss has confirmed they'll battle Britain's INEOS Britannia team in the next America's Cup. The Kiwi squad has won a historic third cup in a row. Grant Dalton told Mike Hosking they'll face the British side once again.  “Yes, it is INEOS – or the British team – so we’ve accepted that challenge.” On whether that event will be in New Zealand, Dalton says it could happen. “It is not off the table, it has never been off the table. But if our main team can be kept together, and we believe that we can win, and we can put on a rival event at home – we're coming home.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A long-awaited rethink of local body elections is underway, as Local Government New Zealand seeks feedback on how to tackle poor voter turnout. Little over 40 percent of the population had their say in 2022. A bordering on ancient postal system could be the blame. Electoral reform group member and Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Team New Zealand's skipper says his team's historic America's Cup win feels surreal. The sailing crew have now won the event three times in a row. Peter Burling says they're still in celebration mode. He told Mike Hosking they've been working hard and the victory's incredibly special. “It’s, I think, incredibly hard to compare it to any of the other ones, to be honest. They’re all just so different and special in their own unique ways. They’ve all got plenty of curves in the road and the challenges and the joys that go along with that.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all.    The America's Cup and Spanish tourism: 7/10  Despite the protests and locals telling everyone to go home, more people than ever showed up.    Wellington City Council: 1/10  Now that is a scandal.    The Local Government Minister: 4/10  He has to act, given he's pulled the trigger and made the threat. Reputationally, you can't go round threatening people then doing nothing.    Luxon: 4/10  Out of touch, according to the poll. It's not that he ain’t okay, I think it's really just because he isn't John Key. It's a looooong shadow.    The Solicitor General and her prosecution guidelines: 2/10  Doing exactly the opposite of what the Government wants. Explain that.    Liam Lawson: 8/10  Right up there in terms of debut expectations. Love it or not, F1 is the pinnacle and it’s a truly global event and we are once again flying our flag through a brilliant talent we wish all the very best.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Americans seem to love New Zealand wine.  Grafton-based Invivo was flying off US shelves, selling more than 40,000 cases of sauvignon blanc in 2024 alone.   It’s set to be on show in Times Square at an exclusive wine exhibition this week, run by Wine Spectator.   Co-founder Tim Lightbourne told Mike Hosking that both New Zealand wine and sauvignon blanc are growing as categories in the US market.  He said that wine as a whole is relatively flat and driven by cabernets and chardonnays, so there’s room to NZ sauvs to grow.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the beginning of a new era of football in New Zealand.  Auckland FC is set to kick off their A-League career tomorrow at Mt Smart Stadium, backed by big names in the industry.  Bill Foley, Ali Williams, Anna Mowbray, and more recently, Steven Adams, have put their money behind the team.  CEO Nick Becker told Mike Hosking that the team is super ambitious, and while he won’t say straight away that they’ll win, it’s what they’re intending to go out and do.   He said that they’ve invested in the team, and it’s come together really well.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The week has come to an end and Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was.  Kate had a few gripes with Mike and the show this morning, airing out her grievances on air while Mike and Tim spent some time sitting on the fence.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 18th of October, the Greens have voted to oust Darleen Tana, falling on their own sword regarding the waka jumping legislation.  It’s a new era for football in New Zealand with Auckland FC's first game taking place this weekend. CEO Nick Becker joins the show.  Kate Hawkesby has some gripes with Mike and the show today, airing out her grievances as she and Tim Wilson Wrap the Week.    Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says New Zealand's now standing up for itself against Canada in an ongoing dispute over our dairy exports.  Trade Minister Todd McClay has launched mandatory negotiations with Canada to address its failure to comply with agreements by blocking the ability for New Zealand dairy to be sold in the country.  He told Mike Hosking an independent panel has already ruled in our favour, and Canada will now have to act differently.  McClay says they will either have to change their process or pay our Government compensation, but can't do nothing.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former One Direction star Liam Payne was active and posting on social media just hours before his death.  The 31-year-old and father-of-one died after a fall at a hotel in Buenos Aires.  He's famous for being a member of one of the world’s best-selling boy bands at the time, then developing a solo career.  Entertainment reporter Josh Rom told Mike Hosking that online activity showed Payne having a good time in Argentina, supporting former bandmates Niall Horan’s tour.   He says that picture being painted around Payne’s death is filled with mixed messages, as he had been struggling with his personal life, but also seemed to be having a fun time in Argentina.    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chlöe Swarbrick is confident in the Greens' argument about proportionality of the House being affected by now independent MP Darleen Tana.   Party delegates have voted to ask Speaker Gerry Brownlee to oust Tana from Parliament, invoking the waka-jumping law it has previously opposed.   It's now down to Brownlee to decide if Tana's resignation from the party —but not Parliament— affects the proportionality of the House.   The Green Party co-leader told Mike Hosking she's proud the 185 delegates representing thousands of members all came to the conclusion.  She says it was a unanimous and resounding consensus, which demonstrates that the party's moving forward together on the issue.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concern in the health sector over medicinal cannabis being treated as a one-stop-shop for illnesses.   A study published in today's Medical Journal reveals the products are becoming more psychoactive, with higher THC levels.  The lead author says many GPs aren't confident in prescribing medicinal cannabis themselves.  Massey University Researcher Chris Wilkins told Mike Hosking it is an evolving market, still in its early stages.   He says patients should have multiple treatment options outside of medicinal cannabis.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A divisive bill has had its first reading in the UK’s House of Commons.  Labour MP Kim Leadbeater has introduced her Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, setting off an emotional debate.   It would allow mentally competent, terminally ill adults with six months or less left to live the right to choose to end their lives with medical help.   UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking that there’s a “fairly clean” split in the House, the left largely in favour of the bill, and the right largely against.   He says the bill is controversial, difficult, and very emotive, and will be debated at the end of November.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I assume you are as excited as I am, for today is Decision Day.  It’s Meeting Day, Deal with Darleen Day.  Darleen is off to court, as you do, but her former party is going to have another meeting, and it is suggested they may even make a decision.  They need 75% to boot her out of the Parliament via the waka jumping law – I have no idea whether they will get that or not.  If you haven't followed this, and I don’t blame you, trying to understand the way the Greens think requires tremendous patience, and quite possibly a lot of cannabis, but they don’t like the waka jumping law.  So, to have to use it would rub a lot of them up the wrong way. But Darleen, with her actions, has already rubbed them up the wrong way, so it is just a matter perhaps of working out what feels less rubby: Tana or the law you dislike.  At some point, as I have suggested before, they might like to look at their candidate selection process. Because I assume at one of the preceding meetings someone has had the wherewithal to say something like ‘Hey guys have you noticed how many halfwits we have ended up selecting that have gone on to make fools of us?’  A couple of procedural things: you must never forget the party has never released the full report into Tana. You might want to ask why not.  Also, you might have noticed how astonishingly long it has taken them to get to this point, and that might be a warning as to what sort of approach to matters they may take, should they ever be in power in a cabinet that actually requires adults to make sharpish sort of decisions.  As for today, well they have to boot her out. 1) Because she is a reprobate, but 2) because they have made such a meal of her performance and behaviour, not to boot her out is to see her win, and to see her win would make absolute fools of the party.  That’s not to say that won't happen, because it’s the Greens, and they aren't like the rest of us.  But it might just be that one of Parliament’s bigger embarrassments is about to, and not a moment too soon, get her comeuppance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The story of self-made millionaire Tony Quinn is fairly well-known, but there’s more to the tale.  Quinn made his fortune through pet food and confectionary but is a keen motorsport driver and the visionary behind Highlands Motorsport Park in Central Otago.   Originally released in 2016, his book ‘Zero to 60’ is getting a facelift, ‘Zero to 60 and Beyond’ sharing new stories in ten new chapters.   Quinn told Mike Hosking he was inspired to write down his life story by his grandfather.  “My Grandfather, who was Irish, got involved in the IRA when he was a young fella, and he had a fantastic, interesting life,” he said.  “And when he died, there was nothing written down. And so there was no official record, if you like, of his life.”  Quinn’s book started off as a personal project, a record for future generations as opposed to an official biography.  “I was just gonna write my story so that the generations behind me could read all about why I did the things that I did, and that’s how it started.”  It wasn’t until he found a freelance author to write his story out properly that the idea of publishing it came into being.  “One thing led to another,” he said.  ‘Zero to 60’ became a number one best seller in New Zealand, flying off the shelves and going through several reprints, and after seven years, Quinn decided to revise it.   “There has been so much happened in the last seven years."  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 17th of October, inflation is at its lowest level since 2021, which Finance Minister Nicola Willis sees as a win. But have we overcooked it?  How is it that ACC has gone from $1 billion in the black to $7.2 billion in the red in the span of a year? ACC CEO Megan Main joined the show to explain.  Entrepreneur and racing enthusiast Tony Quinn is back on the show to talk his new book 'Zero to 60 and Beyond'.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hospitality owners are getting hit with a large bill for outdoor dining.  Queenstown District Council's increased its alfresco dining fees after pausing rises during the pandemic.  One hospitality business has seen their per square-metre cost rise from $160 to $600.  Queenstown Mayor Glyn Lewers told Mike Hosking that $600 is 30% of the rental rate of the CBD, which is a standard industry practice shared by other cities such as Christchurch.   He says rates haven’t been increased since 2006, and after pausing the plans for Covid, they’re now picking them back up.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says there's more work to be done to get the economy growing.  New Zealand's inflation rate is officially back on target at 2.2%, its lowest rate in more than three years.  Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking she's already focused on looking ahead to the next Reserve Bank decision in November.  She says they’ll be looking at how the economy is functioning and how monetary policy is transmitting through, and reducing interest rates further will be good for many businesses.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More men and women are set to be remembered on Anzac Day.  Veterans Affairs Minister Chris Penk has announced the public holiday will soon officially recognise veterans from conflicts after 1966.  The bill's expected to be introduced before Anzac Day 2025 and passed before the following year.  Head of Veteran Affairs New Zealand, Bernadine MacKenzie told Mike Hosking the legislation will be catching up to what's already happening.  She says people have increasingly used Anzac Day to remember and honour those who've served in recent conflicts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The head of ACC says they're working hard on improving rehabilitation performance.   The government agency has reported a $7.2 billion deficit a year after posting an almost $1 billion surplus.   It says the cost of services and compensation rose 16% over the year.   It's proposing to hike levies for vehicle owners, workers, and business owners.   ACC Chief Executive Megan Main told Mike Hosking levies have been held flat or reduced in the last decade, while costs have been increasing.  She says they need to make sure over the long-term the settings are right, to balance costs with how much money is coming in.  Main says the big driver of the deficit is the re-calculation of the lifetime costs of injuries that have already occurred.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's confusion over the size of Wellington City Council's fiscal hole.  The council is scrambling to fill a $400-600 million shortfall in its 10 year budget to mitigate its insurance risk, amid threats of Government intervention.  But Councillor Nicola Young told Mike Hosking the council doesn't have a clue how much money it actually needs.  She says they've been told by council officers figures like $200, $400, and $600 million, so the council is aiming to find $500 million.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hopes new legislation helps ease the often rocky path of divorce for abuse victims.  A bill passed by Parliament means survivors can end their marriages if they have a protection order against their spouse.  The Bill's nicknamed 'Ashley's Law', and is championed by Ashley Jones.  Jones told Mike Hosking she didn't expect it to be passed unanimously, and can't believe she was fundamental in changing a law.  She said it’s a huge reminder that one voice can make a change, and if you fight hard enough you can change things you think are not right.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's told supporters to get out and vote for him - two months late.   The oldest-man-to-run-for-the US President mixed up the date when telling Pennsylvania voters to turn up on Election Day, which is actually three weeks from today.   He says everything would work out if everybody votes on January 5th, or before.   US Correspondent says that in contrast, Kamala Harris has told her supporters Trump is unstable and unhinged.   She says a second Trump term would be a huge risk for the US and dangerous.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is a shake-up needed for the Supreme Court?  That's the question posed by a New Zealand Initiative report, which suggests the court may be straying into Parliament’s domain by granting itself the power to rewrite legislation it deems unfavourable.  It believes Parliament needs to reassert its sovereignty, to stop what it sees as the current drift towards judicial supremacy.  Author, Roger Partridge proposes a maximum judge term of five to seven years, which will see them returned to the Court of Appeal and rotated around.  He told Mike Hosking it’s Parliament’s prerogative to intervene when the court steers out of its lane.  Partridge says the report is a call to Parliament that it’s their job to set the law straight.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Hosking was joined by Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell to touch on some of the biggest political stories in Politics Wednesday.   They discussed the current state of Wellington City Council, our dislike of wealthy politicians, and whether Christopher Luxon is as out of touch as the polls think he is.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 16th of October, we discuss what will happen with the inflation number today, plus the struggles businesses are facing trying to have tables out on the street.  We explore a new report from the NZ Initiative about Supreme Court creep when it comes to rules and regulations.  Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell talk about why we don't like rich politicians and whether Luxon is getting the cut through needed on Politics Wednesday.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A senior legal professional wants Parliament to intervene in what he considers the politicisation of the judiciary.  It comes amid controversy over compulsory Tikanga Māori courses for law students.  Gary Judd KC has complained to the Government Regulation Review Select Committee.  He told Mike Hosking Tikanga shouldn't be infused in legal process, and he wants Parliament to take a stand.  He says if the committee agrees, it would send a signal that the current rules are unacceptable.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A young New Zealander has created a tool to reduce healthcare worker injuries when opening glass ampoules.   The Cap Snap is a multi-tool for safe opening of steel caps on glass vials and cracking open ampoules.  It also helps separate each component for better waste management.   Jack Pugh won the national James Dyson Award for the invention and has been shortlisted in the global top 20.   Pugh told Mike Hosking the hope is to get it as mechanically simple as possible so it's cheaper and easier to make.   He says if it takes out the top spot in the award, Dyson would inject money into the project in the hope it'll assist the commercialisation process.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most economists are forecasting the latest inflation rate to be well within the target band.  There’s a widespread expectation that it will fall within the 2.2-2.3% range.  The latest Stats NZ Consumer Price Index number will be released just before 11 this morning.   As it cut the Official Cash Rate last week, the Reserve Bank said it was confident inflation was now below three percent.   ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner told Mike Hosking they're picking another OCR cut in November.   She says they're picking 50 basis points, but this is a really important check point and there's also labour market data three weeks before that decision.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's ongoing concerns for the construction sector, with fewer new builds being considered.  Corelogic's latest construction index shows just a 1.1% increase in cost during the September quarter.   Overall cost growth remains subdued, reflecting an easing of pressure for labour and materials.  Combined Building Supplies Co-op chair Carl Taylor told Mike Hosking the increase in land costs isn't aiding the industry.  He says a 400-square metre section at Preston's Subdivision in Christchurch was $250,000 two years ago, and is now half a million.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alfresco dining's coming at a high cost to hospitality owners.   Outdoor dining fees in Queenstown are being hiked almost 1600%, in some cases costing businesses $51,000 dollars a year.  Meanwhile, the Tauranga City Council's introducing the fees at $150 per square metre, just below Auckland's highest fee of $154 dollars per square metre.   Hospitality NZ chief executive Steve Armitage told Mike Hosking that public spaces allow businesses to expand and attract more customers.   He says businesses aren't arguing against paying fair charges to use public spaces, but can't weather these increases at this current time.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions are running high at the Paris Motor Show.  The industry is struggling with weak demand as European automakers aim to defend their position in the market.   The EU is gearing up to impose hefty import tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, as the rival automakers attempt to get a foothold in the competitive market.  France Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking that the Chinese Government subsidises their EV industry, so this is the Europeans attempting to even the playing field.  She says that there are warnings the tariff could result in Chinese companies setting up plants in Europe, which could lead to local manufacturers getting forced out of the business entirely.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From our “you wonder why we are where we are” file, there's a note from the Solicitor General to the Police Prosecution Service about the new system they will have in place as of the start of next year.  The Solicitor General updated the prosecution guidelines. This is what she said:  "The goals remain to ensure New Zealand continues to benefit from prosecution processes, which are underscored by the core values of transparency, equality and fair application of the law to all participants and reflect the legitimate public interest in prosecuting criminal offending."  So far so good. But then they get to this bit:  "The guidelines ask prosecutors to think carefully about particular decisions where a person is Māori, or a member of any other group disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system... This does not promote different treatment based on ethnicity or membership of a particular group, it instead alerts prosecutors to situations and factors that may deliver inequitable outcomes for some people in those groups."  Quick question - what do you reckon that means?  Does it mean what you think it means, without the meaning being out so explicit that you go "what the hell, I thought we were getting rid of all this nonsense?”  And all this nonsense is the problem the Government has with race-based ideology.  They say a lot of one thing but are facing a tremendous amount of pushback on it.  As the universities collapse in global rankings, as published last week, at least surely in part because of their obsession with race, we now find the justice system is instructed to “think carefully”.  What is this disproportion they speak of?  Well, obviously when it comes to race, Māori are over-represented in crime. Ask a simple question - why? The answer surely is because, sadly, they commit too much of it.  Another simple question - is by "thinking carefully" as instructed by the Solicitor General perhaps going to lead to lesser charges, whether in severity or numbers, and therefore the disproportion is balanced out a bit?  No reduction in the crime, just a reduction in the consequences.  Here's a final simple question - if the Government says we should not be having policy based on race, how do they explain this? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oranga Tamariki is having to face up to potential back office blunders.  The Auditor General has launched an inquiry into the agency’s funding decisions, as earlier in the year there were instances of social service providers having their funding cut with little to no heads up.   The inquiry will look at the processes, criteria, and planning Oranga Tamariki had in regard to its decisions, the communication involved, as well as other related matters.   Social Service Providers CEO Belinda Himiona told Mike Hosking that the reason the sector is so concerned is the rapid nature of the decisions.  She said that there seems to be no plan for the children and communities who are being left without often vital services.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Buxton is one of the big names in Formula 1 reporting, the unofficial presenter of ‘Drive to Survive’.   He’s been on the circuit for nearly 25 years, starting off as a staff writer for the official Formula 1 magazine and working his way up.  “It’s been a wonderful twenty, yeah, twenty, nearly twenty-five years in Formula 1,” Buxton told Mike Hosking.  “I’ve loved every second of it.”  Two decades of experience in the industry have led Buxton to release an introductory book, ‘Grand Prix: An Illustrated History of Formula 1’, covering the 75 years the sport has existed.   “I wanted to do something that was quite a gentle introduction,” he said.  “I wanted to open it up and describe and explain the sport to new fans in a way that wasn't too scary, because F1 can get like that. It can get very intense and very detail driven.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 15th of October, Jobseeker numbers are up on last year, so is this the last cab off the rank for the growth this country needs?  The Prime Minister was asked about the new prosecution guidelines that call for prosecutors to take race into account, and whether or not he has issues with fast track plan.    F1 reporter Will Buxton has become a household name thanks to Drive to Survive, and his new book looks at the sport over the decades.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former WINZ boss says a jump in Work Ready Jobseekers is no surprise.  The Ministry of Social Development's September figures show the number of people on the benefit has increased by almost 12% in a year.  It means more than 12,000 people are receiving the weekly payment.  Former WINZ boss Christine Rankin told Mike Hosking the increase was predicted by economists.  She says it's obvious it's going to get worse before it gets better.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister is signalling potential intervention in Wellington City Council.  It comes after the council has been forced back to the drawing board on its Long Term Plan, after a $400-600 million budget shortfall from backtracking on its airport shares sale.  Mayor Tory Whanau says she hasn't heard anything from the Government about intervention.  But Luxon told Mike Hosking they're keeping an eye on the council.  He says if they need to intervene, they will.   Luxon is also standing by the decision to pour $24 million into Gumboot Friday.   Auditor-General John Ryan has found the project was funded without an open and transparent process.  Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey has pointed to the Ministry of Health as being responsible for its implementation.   Luxon told Hosking that National had campaigned on backing Gumboot Friday and agreed to the investment with New Zealand First.  He says the Auditor-General can write its report and say there are things that could be done better, but the bottom line is he's backing it.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's small regional airlines say business is booming despite challenges in the sector.  Air New Zealand has recently scrapped a number of smaller regional flights.  But Barrier Air has been adding routes, saying they're observing strong patronage.  Chief Executive Grant Bacon told Mike Hosking the industry is in poor condition, but they're happy with their performance.  He says their flights are on average 70% full, with services paying their way for the carrier.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Incoming Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche says taking on the role was a big decision, but he believes he has a contribution to make.   He'll start in the role in November, holding it until July 2027.   Roche has held previous roles across both the public and private sector.   He told Mike Hosking the Government sets the tone for how the public sector works.   Roche says this Government's been very clear in its desire to raise the sector's performance, and he says the sector itself would like to do that.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another person's been arrested for an alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump. The former President has been speaking at Coachella, California, three weeks out from election day. Las Vegas man Vem Miller was intercepted by police at a checkpoint about 800 metres from the rally. US correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking he was carrying a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine. “This bloke was 49, we don’t have a lot of detail about him as yet, but this follows of course the two assassination bids on Trump.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No Australian Premiers are planning to attend the welcome event for King Charles III in Canberra. King Charles III is visiting Australia and Samoa from this Friday to October 26. He's visiting both Canberra and Sydney, but is not coming to New Zealand. Australian correspondent Steve Price told Mike Hosking the premiers have decided they're too busy to attend the reception for the King next Monday. “Jacinta Allan’s said ‘I got Cabinet on that day, I don’t think I’ll be able to get up to Canberra’ - Canberra is 40 minutes by air from here.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It sounds good on paper, or in front of your fans, but we need more detail on the so-called Future Fund, the $100 billion it will raise and the tax incentivisation that will be needed to get the money here. It is the new New Zealand First policy. They celebrated their 31st get-together over the weekend. Peters got a reasonable amount of coverage, and it didn’t have too much of the old days about it where the TV cameras wander around looking for weirdos to say funny things. The thing about Government generally is it gives you an element of credibility. In fact, you could argue after 31-odd years, New Zealand First is having its best days ever. Yes, they have been in power numerous times. But so far - touch wood - this time actually seems to be going smoothly. We have had nothing of the previous friction. It is indeed early days, and it is currently helped by the fact the Government is travelling well and is solid in the polls and looks set to hold for a good crack at another term. Indeed, the so-called "green shoots" we are seeing might well turn into a period next year, and into 2026, of decent growth and with it will come the election year optimism that will see a return for another three years. Peters previously, and most certainly this time, is proving to be an outstanding foreign minister, helped in small part by the fact the previous one was historically useless. Back to this future fund - he talks of missing a key ingredient, the ability for foreign investors to truly be part of this country, and to do that you need to buy a house. They can't buy a house because of New Zealand First policy that doesn’t allow it, which seems dichotomous. National compromised in coalition talks and carved out foreign houses as those over $2m but that still wasn't good enough for New Zealand First. It is a failed idea and probably the biggest mistake National made in giving it away. You need foreigners. That part isn't even debated. We need them for labour, for money, as well as culture and population growth. To help that, they need to feel like this is a place to call home. The easiest way to achieve that is to allow them to set up shop in a house. I am convinced the policy will be eventually tipped over, but until it is you can talk about future funds all you want. You can talk about foreign investment all you want. But the door has to be open. Not partially open and not open with caveats. We aren't a big enough deal globally to be forcing such a large compromise.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 14th of October, both Seymour and Peters were out over the weekend spruiking foreign investment. So how do we go about achieving it successfully? We are the most expensive place in the world to jump on a cruise ship and travel here, so no wonder there are 20% less on the way. Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt debate whether Bathurst was exciting or not, Nadal retiring and Mike and Sav's imminent visit to a dingy, dirty pub. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt joined Mike Hosking to discuss Brodie Kostecki's maiden win at Bathurst, Team New Zealand going 3-0 up over INEOS Britannia in the America's Cup, Rafael Nadal retiring, the Black Caps' tour of India, Jimmy Butler's wine cellar, and an imminent visit to a dingy pub. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Controversy in Levin over a recent move to end residential berm-mowing. Horowhenua District Council is making property owners responsible for mowing berms to save about $250,000 a year. Many city councils – like Auckland and Wellington – require owners to mow their own berms, while others – like Christchurch – "strongly encourage" it. Horowhenua District Councillor Sam Jennings told Mike Hosking during consultation most residents supported the change, but public opinion has since shifted. “It’s all blown up on social media just recently, I guess because of the spring growth.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foodstuffs is pushing back on claims our groceries cost more than the rest of the world. Year-on-year inflation for comparable products has remained flat on 0 percent, according to the co-op. Blame is being put on GST for pushing up prices – Australia, for example gets, meat, fish, produce, milk and more GST-free. Foodstuffs New Zealand managing director Chris Quin joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ First leader Winston Peters says his changes to the tax system to attract foreign investment are aimed at people with more than a “lousy $20 million”. He made the initial announcement before the arrest of two people for allegedly shoving one of his ministers trying to shield him from protesters. His speech at the NZ First conference in Hamilton yesterday to make the announcement was interrupted before Peters was accosted outside the venue. Peters told Mike Hosking the changes to the tax system were there to entice people willing to spend a lot of money. When asked if $20 million would be enough, he called the sum “lousy”. “If someone is going to come in with a lousy $20 million, we wouldn’t consider cutting a deal with them.” Peters has been vocal in the past about his disdain for overseas investors buying property in New Zealand, but said “the right person with the right investment will get the right place”. “There is no reason why you can’t come, you should be allowed to come. “We desperately need the money, we have failed to put away a savings fund … we need to find the money somehow.” He said the tax changes worked in places like Taiwan and Ireland, so “of course it’s going to work here”. “The economy is going to be strengthened by foreign investment.” It comes after two people were arrested for allegedly pushing NZ First Minister Shane Jones as he sought to shield the leader from protesters yesterday. In a statement, police said they were called about 3pm to a Te Rapa property after a report of two people being assaulted. “There were no serious injuries. Two people were arrested and charges are being considered.” The alleged push happened after Peters’ announcement the party will campaign on changes to the tax system to attract foreign investment that will fill the party’s proposed $100 billion future fund. His speech was briefly interrupted by a couple of protesters supporting Palestine in its conflict with Israel. A protester disrupts New Zealand First leader Winston Peters' speech during the party's national convention in Hamilton. Photo / Mike Scott Peters, who is also Foreign Minister, paused as the protesters shouted the well-used pro-Palestine chant, “From the river to the sea”. “Just go home,” Peters responded, adding, “Isn’t it amazing, they think that’s a day’s work.” The protesters were quickly escorted out by security and party members, one of them telling them, “Get the f*** out of here”. Peters was accosted as he finished his speech by other protesters who followed him out after his speech. NZ First Party staff and members intervened to surround Peters from protesters, some being restrained. The protesters shouted after Peters, saying they wanted to debate the Palestine conflict. Police arrested two people after protesters accosted Winston Peters and pushed Shane Jones at NZ First's national conference in Hamilton. Photo / Mike Scott Two people were arrested after allegedly pushing Jones as he sought to shield Peters. Police took statements from witnesses, including those who were caught up in the commotion. Jones told the Herald the man who accosted him “seemed obsessed about skinks and other unintelligible rabble”. “You can’t start manhandling politicians, certainly not when they’ve got their whānau around. “I never said anything to inflame the situation, but my mere physical presence seems to be inflammatory enough as it is.” Jones believed it was a “deliberate attempt” to disrupt the meeting and the incident was a warning for future events. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A pared-back cruise season is underway in New Zealand. The Diamond Princess has docked in Lyttelton this morning, after being in the capital over the weekend. The New Zealand Cruise Association says port calls and passenger numbers are expected to be down 20 percent overall this year. Chief executive Jacqui Lloyd told Mike Hosking costs are largely to blame. “What we’ve seen over the last year is increases in port fees, increases in government levies, increases in regulation, but also we need to throw across the top of that geopolitical concern.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An easier road for foreign investors looking at New Zealand's companies and property. The Government's new law reforms will allow overseas investment to proceed - so long as it doesn't go against our interests. Associate Finance Minister David Seymour says right now, we rank 38 out of 38 countries for openness to investment. New Zealand Initiative Executive Director Oliver Hartwich told Mike Hosking New Zealand's always been one of the most difficult places for investment. “That part of globalisation has always bypassed New Zealand. Actually, the share of FDI in our GDP is lower than it used to be 25 years ago.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Auckland police boss says gangs play a big part in gun crime – but it's not just gangs. RNZ reports there were 879 gun crime offences across Auckland in the first six months of the year - 28 more than the same time last year. Just 18 of those were committed by people with a firearms licence. Police Assistant Commissioner for Auckland Sam Hoyle told Mike Hosking that covers everything around gun offending. He says from teenagers playing with imitation weapons to high end, they're seeing it across the spectrum. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Australian Chief of Staff claims they’ve been bullied out of a job.  Jo Tarnawsky, former chief of staff to Richard Marles, says she was forced out of her job after seeking help over workplace bullying.   She claims that the Deputy Prime Minister essentially removed her from her role in a phone call in April, without the proper process.   Australian Correspondent Murray Olds told Mike Hosking that she’s apparently been locked out of her office since, unable to work.  He's unsure where this will land, but Olds says the Labour Party needs this like a hole in the head.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all.    Ships: 1/10  Two in a week with issues, one admittedly more serious than the other. What is it with this country and ships?    Nobel Prizes: 8/10  They get scant coverage in a world that has never been more desperate for brilliance and individuality and the celebration of the human spirit and achievement.    Home ownership: 8/10  Surely the hero number out of the census - more of us own a home. That's not what the rhetoric will tell you.    Keir Starmer: 3/10  Have you ever seen a politician take a victory the size of his and cock it up quite so quickly?    Jimmy Spithill: 7/10  Good guy, great athlete and a very big contributor to the America's Cup. He's quite possibly leaving a bit too soon.    School holidays: 6/10  They're almost over. Well done all grandparents who did the heavy lifting of grandkids, who on day one seemed cute as but by day seven were ungrateful little snots.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another of the small gems to come out of the Census is that we are working less.  Does that surprise you? It doesn’t remotely surprise me.  I still connect work with success in the sense that attitude in life is everything and people with the right attitude tend to be successful and work hard.  They tend to get stuff done, they tend to have ideas, and they tend to be more upbeat, more into life, and more active.  The malaise that this country has gone through as a result of Covid is reflected in the various approaches to work that have come out of it. We don’t like work, we want four-day weeks, we want to not come to the office, we like the unemployment benefit, and we like quiet quitting.  There are in fact only 2.6 million of us in work. Think about that. Half the country works, half don’t. That’s not a lot of people to raise the money to pay for all the stuff we want.  Upon finding out that we work less, good old Radio New Zealand (who else) went straight to the sort of person you would expect to seize upon our approach to work to have them espouse the idea that we should, in fact, work less!  Yes, they rang some academics. People cloistered away from the real world, to tell us we should be working less.  Not only did they want us to work less, they proffered the idea that if we worked less our productivity might go up.  Productivity is the age old debate. The simple truth is we know we are not very productive as a country and we want to improve that, so we have talked about it for literally decades, and yet, have we improved it? No we have not.  I can tell you for nothing that working less does not productivity improve.  There are of course smarter ways to work. Set the task and get it done, less mucking around, fewer road cones and smokos and more digging the hole. That sort of thing.  I was going to say I actually like work. Work is good. You have to enjoy your work of course, and for many I think that is probably part of the productivity issue. If you don't like your job, it's hard to do more of it.  But enjoyment is a choice and, certainly for most, what you do for a crust is a choice.  From personal experience, if you love what you do it's not actually work. And maybe if we broke the mindset that work is a problem and work is bad then we wouldn’t be as unproductive, and they might be able to find an academic who says we should work more because it's good for you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 11th of October, the Government books are in worse shape than we thought, so is this bad from a reputation standpoint for a National-led Government? Steven Joyce joined the show to discuss.  The Auld Mug is officially up for grabs as of this weekend, so Team NZ boss Grant Dalton talks to Mike ahead of the race.  Mike has an issue with the new Afternoons hosts Tyler Adams and Matt Heath, so he aired his grievances to Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson while Wrapping the Week.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The end of the week has come, and Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back to Wrap the Week with Mike Hosking.   They discussed how often they wash their towels, junk mail and letter boxes, and how the school holidays are faring.  Plus, Mike has a bit of an issue with the new Afternoons hosts Tyler Adams and Matt Heath. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Team New Zealand will finally return to match racing on Sunday morning when they begin their best-of-13 series against Ineos Britannia in Barcelona.  The match will be the first competitive racing in a month for Team NZ, who showed some impressive signs in the preliminary regatta and round-robins, before leaving the stage to let the remaining challengers duke it out.  Ineos Britannia were the last challenger standing after eliminating Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli in the Louis Vuitton Cup final, meaning they’ll be the ones facing off against Team New Zealand.  CEO Grant Dalton told Mike Hosking that Ineos Britannia will likely be tired coming off their Louis Vuitton Cup win, and they’ll have to be able to put it behind them quickly.  He said that although there’s a disadvantage in not having raced for a month, they also had the opportunity to develop their boat.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The full extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Milton remains to be seen.   The hurricane caused storm surges, tornadoes, strong winds, heavy rain and flash flooding across Florida, and NBC is reporting 12 deaths.   Around three million properties have been without power, and authorities are working to restore that and fuel supply.  Reporter Dave Elias told Mike Hosking that they’ve had helicopters and drones out surveying, but much of the damage still remains to be seen.   He said the one good thing is that both the State and Federal Government were well prepared, with electrical crews set up and ready to go once the storm abated.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A call to action from Federated Farmers Southland for locals to boycott Fish & Game.  It wants members to block anglers from their land by removing access signs, replacing them with an orange ribbon.  It follows a court decision requiring many of the region's farmers to gain a resource consent to lawfully operate.  Fed Farmers Southland President Jason Herrick says they're fed up with Fish & Game's anti-farming rhetoric.  He told Mike Hosking that it’s been an ongoing process with Fish & Game pushing back against everything they’re doing, and this is the straw that broke the camel’s back.  Herrick says that in their opinion, the court decision being made by one person, is not democratic.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a feeling bad blood may linger in Wellington City Council.  The council has voted to overturn its decision to sell the city's 34% stake in Wellington Airport after a process one councillor described as the “dirtiest politics” she's been involved with.  Mayor Tory Whanau's suggesting the council will have to look at further cuts in the wake of this decision.  Councillor Tony Randle told Mike Hosking he only agreed to sell the shares if it kept the millions of dollars as emergency funding.  He says when they saw the Long Term Plan was going to spend this money, he withdrew support.  Randle says it's been rough for everybody, and things have been said that will be hard to un-say, but the council needs to move on.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Finance Minister Steven Joyce says there are some things worth celebrating amidst a grim outlook on the economy.   Treasury documents show the Crown's deficit has grown $3.4 billion dollars in the year to June, to $12.9 billion.   Spending is outpacing income despite revenue increasing by $14 billion.  Steven Joyce told Mike Hosking that recovery will be tough, but there are some positives shining through.  He said that while the country’s net debt doubled post-Covid, we’ve got inflation under control.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new frontrunner has emerged in the race for the Tory leadership.  James Cleverly has shot to the top after the latest vote, taking 39 of the 120 votes.  Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick are battling for a spot in the final two, taking 29 and 30 votes respectively, and Tom Tugendhat fell short at only 20 votes.  UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking that Badenoch is almost certain to become the next leader of the Conservative Party.  He said that her win would be bad news for Starmer, as of all the candidates lined up to potentially replace Rishi Sunak, she is the one who could cause the most damage at the dispatch box.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Universities are a bit of a minefield at the moment.  Grant Robertson has gone to run Otago, Auckland has introduced a Māori-related compulsory course which has received surprise and push back, and AUT has been giving out free points in a race-based travel rort, where if you're Māori you get a better chance at travel funding than if you're not Māori.  So when the latest international university rankings were released yesterday the fact Otago is at its lowest ranking ever will come as a good chance to offer a decent serve to old Grant "can't run an economy, can't run a university" Robertson.  Auckland was another who fell out of the top 150 for the first time. So, once again, a chance to have a crack.  There are other rankings and depending on which ones you look at depends on how they are judged. Overall, you can argue we are not particularly high up in global terms.  Auckland as our top facility outside the top 150 doesn’t sound very encouraging, because it isn't.  Otago is so far down the list they don’t even rank them specifically. It's just a band and they have gone from the 301-350 band down to the 351-400 band. They might be 399th in the world. Surely there's some reputational work to be done?  I note Otago defended themselves by saying they were disappointed, but no New Zealand university had improved, sort of in a "well we are all a bit useless then, aren't we?", kind of way.  Having had a bit of experience with universities these past few years —two of our five have, or are, attending and a third is about to go— the unmistakable reality that smacks you in the face is the wokeness of it all and the stench of indoctrination about the place.  They are there to fill your head with the stuff they believe to be correct.  You think their way or you are wrong. A lot of it is race-based and it's unappealing.  Mind you, I'm older. Maybe young kids lap it up, or think they lap it up, until they mature a bit.  But even the teaching brigade at some of these places have voiced their concerns around freedom of speech and when you add the concerns to the rankings, the overall picture painted is not flattering.  Because they are so woke my fear is a ranking like this will not be seen as a reason to change, or improve, but yet another reason to dismiss those who can't possibly know what they're talking about. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Wine Market may be becoming more lucrative than the one back home.  The owner of Te Awanga Estate in Hawke’s Bay is looking to sell up his restaurant, vineyard, and cellar door and focus his efforts on exports.   Owner Rod McDonald told Mike Hosking that they’ve got really exciting opportunities in the US, so they had to weigh up the hard work of the New Zealand hospo industry against what potentially lies ahead stateside.  He said they have to allocate their resources where you think they’ll get the best return.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s coming full circle for Malcolm Gladwell.  Twenty-five years after the success of his first book ‘The Tipping Point’, he returns with a brand-new volume, reframing those original lessons.   ‘Revenge of the Tipping Point’ returns to the topic of social epidemics and tipping points, this time with the aim of exploring the dark side of contagious phenomena.   Gladwell told Mike Hosking that his success came from a “healthy dollop of luck”.  “I read lots and lots and lots of books which I think are first class and that sell vanishingly small amounts of copies, so I don't think that writing a brilliant book is a guarantee of success.”   In the years since that first publication, Gladwell has written a number of best selling books, and he believes the secret to his continued success is writing the things he’s interested in.  “You have to have confidence, in other words, that your interests are shared by others.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 10th of October, how will the OCR drop affect all of us? ASB boss Vittoria Shortt talks about what happens going forward.    Transpower are giving $1 million to "projects benefiting Northland". A token gesture to get people to go away or a genuine attempt to apologise for what happened? The acting CEO is on the show to discuss the payment.  'The Tipping Point' author Malcolm Gladwell is revisiting his first success with his new book 'Revenge of the Tipping Point', returning to the show after eight years for a chat with Mike.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A token for the Northland community in the aftermath of the collapsed pylon calamity.   Power was cut to about 88,000 homes and businesses in June, when an Omexom worker unfastened three legs of a Transpower pylon.   The electricity provider and its contractor are now putting $1 million towards a regional energy package, to be used for community projects and economic development.   Transpower Chief Executive John Clarke told Mike Hosking he recognises the scale of economic loss is far greater.   He says Transpower is responsible for its contractor and is comfortable with a 50-50 arrangement.  Clarke told Hosking that it’s not about compensation, but rather it’s something to help the Northland community move forward and deal with some of its challenges.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Emergency Management Minister's motivated to strengthen the country's disaster resilience in the long haul.  The Government's released a long-term vision for the system over the next five years, which includes creating a "whole of society" approach, and building the capability of the workforce.  Mark Mitchell says recent weather events show the current system isn't fit for purpose.  He told Mike Hosking there's a high-level of first responders across the country, ready to respond to emergencies.  Mitchell says they need to be better supported by legislation, more training, and a bigger investment into systems.  He says they've learned from events like Cyclone Gabrielle and is confident future disaster responses will be better.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a belief the Government's FamilyBoost rebate is working, despite a lack of interest from eligible families.  The new scheme is a hallmark policy of the Government's first Budget, offering financial support for early childhood education.  It's been open for three weeks and less than half of families eligible have applied to receive it.  Early Childhood Council chief executive Simon Laube told Mike Hosking it's an impressive start.  He says it would take three or four years to do the same through ECE funding.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hurricane Milton has more than doubled in size as it heads towards land in Florida.   Its wind field extends around 400 kilometres from the centre.   It is still a Category 4 hurricane and is expected to make landfall later today.  Officials have warned life-threatening storm surge, destructive winds and flooding will happen.   Reporter Dave Elias in Fort Myers told Mike Hosking the rapid intensification that occurred with Milton was unlike anything they’ve seen.   He said that whether or not it slows down before hitting the Gulf Coast remains to be seen, but that’s what everyone in the region is hoping for.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwis could expect another cut to the Official Cash Rate before Christmas.  The Reserve Bank has cut the OCR by 50 basis points, following a 25-basis point cut in August.  Banks are following through with further interest rate cuts.  ASB Chief Executive Vittoria Shortt told Mike Hosking the neutral rate is about 3.25%, so the central bank still has a way to go.  She says it could drop another 50 basis points next month, provided inflation is back under control.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwibank has already made a cut ahead of this afternoon’s OCR announcement.  The Reserve Bank is set to announce a cut to the Official Cash Rate, with economists and the market predicting a cut of 50 basis points.  Kiwibank has taken 50 basis points off their floating loan rates, potentially pre-empting the bank’s decision.   CEO Steve Jurkovich told Mike Hosking that they’d be disappointed if the Reserve Bank were to only cut by 25 points.  He said that people, businesses, and their customers are really, really hoping for 50, and he thinks it's the right thing to do.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are some dumb games being played at the moment in the very serious business of health.  Health NZ is in the red to the tune of $1.7b - that's for the year. They are over budget by $1.7b.  That’s why Lester Levy got to be Commissioner and all the others were let go.  Game one is the Labour Party, who have of course zero credibility when it comes to money, who are claiming the $1.7b is because Health NZ is underfunded.  I have seen the budget-on-budget comparisons. They are not underfunded.  Ayesha Verrall is playing with numbers in a "Ginny Andersen-have-you-see-how-many-cops-are-on-the-beat" kind of way.  Dumb game number two comes from the unions, also with zero credibility around economics. They argue their equity pay claim, this was when we gave nurses a massive pay rise of $400m, should not be part of the $1.7b because they were told it was coming from "another pot".  Sadly other pots aren't real. What's real is what it costs to run the health system and what it costs is more than they have, hence they are in the red to the tune of $1.7b and part of the cost is what we pay nurses.  The culmination of Labour and the unions’ dumb game is that, allegedly, the Government are manufacturing a crisis.  The trouble with numbers, generally speaking, is they are what they are.  We deal with this daily with our bank balances. If we are overdrawn we are, generally, not manufacturing a crisis or we haven't been underfunded, we are just overdrawn and we need to live within our means.  The unions and the Labour Party have never really had any trouble living beyond their means and that is why, more broadly speaking economically, we have had three recessions in two years.  We have not, and still don’t, pay our way.  If there's any good news it's that at $1.7b a year, surely there is a lot of waste in there?  If Erica Stanford can find $100m on a Māori language course that was producing little if anything, Lord only knows what you can find in the $30b of health money.  But the most valuable skill we can bring to such matters at the moment is realism. Economic realism.  We are broke. We are overspending. And fudging numbers and playing dumb games doesn’t help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the rugby league season getting too long?  The season is about to get longer, as the Kiwis take on Australia and Tonga later this month.  Kiwis Selector Tawera Nikau told Mike Hosking that the length of the NRL season becomes a bit of a problem at the back end.  He said it’s not a lack of willingness from the players, but rather the state they’re in by the end of 27 rounds.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buyout blueprints are “on the way” after the severe flooding in Dunedin last week.  Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell says they’re currently building legislation that can be used as a template for future disasters, streamlining the process.  He told Mike Hosking that in terms of recovery, they’ve definitely moved the needle, and he’s hoping they’ll have most of the buyouts completed by the end of the year.  Labour’s Ginny Andersen said that there are parts of New Zealand that will continue to be hit by weather events again and again, and the difficult question will be how, over the next 20 years, the safety of those communities can be improved.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 9th of October, we look at what Adrian Orr may do with the OCR today as well as the Government’s crackdown on dodgy builders.    We've got new data as to how the Health NZ deficit blew out, so Commissioner Lester Levy is on as they try to turn it around.  Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell talk Dunedin Hospital and buy outs for flood victims on Politics Wednesday.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Health Commissioner's pushing back on claims Health New Zealand's dealing with a manufactured crisis.   The agency's finances jumped from a half-a-billion dollar surplus to a $1.4 billion deficit in April, now expected to blow out to $1.76 billion.   Some have argued this comes down to its lack of funding.   But Lester Levy told Mike Hosking health expenditure's been increasing year-on-year for a long time.   He says we currently have more revenue going into the agency than we have previously, even at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank could still surprise us with this afternoon's Official Cash Rate decision.  Interest rates have been falling, with markets pricing in a 50 basis point cut.  But former Reserve Bank economist Michael Reddell says the central bank may opt for another option, like a 25 basis point cut.  He told Mike Hosking when he was on the Monetary Policy Committee that makes the OCR decision, they always received advice on what the market and economists were expecting.  But he says they're never swayed by those decisions, and make their own decisions based on their own forecasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government promises it's pulling all the levers to bring down driver licence wait times.  It's allowing people to drive on an overseas licence for 18 months in November, extending it from a year.  The Transport Minister's admitted there's still more work to do after scrapping the unlimited free driver licence re-sit policy.  Simeon Brown told Mike Hosking NZTA is speeding up the training process as well.  He says the Transport Agency's recruited extra training officers.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a belief the problems in the building industry are due to an insufficient number of pre-requisites.  The Government's looking at changes to registration and licensing regimes, with a focus on lifting competence and accountability requirements.  Larger fines could also be on the cards for individuals and companies for hiding non-compliant work during inspections.  New Zealand Certified Builders chief executive Malcolm Fleming told Mike Hosking it's more of a skills issue.  He says the bar for entry-level builders is far too low, and needs to be tightened up.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in Florida are urged to evacuate before Hurricane Milton hits.   US President Joe Biden has warned it could be the worst storm in a century.   It comes just two weeks after Hurricane Helene killed around 200 people and caused damage in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.   US correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that last night, it gained strength so fast it became one of the strongest Atlantic storms ever recorded.   He says some Florida weather forecasters were in tears on air because of what they were seeing.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I was going to suggest we are petty, but I have been saved by the Brits.  They are having a couple of debates over money.  One is involving a woman called Sue Gray, who has quit, and the other is over the role of Cabinet Secretary, which is the country's top civil servant, a job which is currently vacant given the incumbent stepped down for health reasons.  As it turned out, Sue Gray was earning more than the Prime Minister which, for reasons I'm not entirely sure about, needed to be turned into a scrap.  There are plenty of civil servants here who earn more than the Prime Minister and we don’t seem to have a problem with it. But it appears we don't like it if the Prime Minister is a bit wealthy.  But I'll come back to that.  The Cabinet Secretary in Britain is paid $200,000 a year and a bloke called Lord Gus O'Donnell, who used to do it, is busy running a campaign arguing it's grossly underpaid.  As for Ms Gray, she was on $170,000 a year while the Prime Minister is on $166,000. When this was revealed she became a distraction, so she quit.  Ironically, she has a new job that no one seems to understand, which is one of the ironies of this whole jealousy driven nonsense. Would you rather a person in a high-performing role got more in a job you understand, or they get less in a job you have no idea just what it is they do? The fact they may or may not do anything is beside the point, right?  Which brings us back to the current Prime Minister here, who because he sold a couple of rentals, is clearly far too wealthy so we need a good b*tch about that as well.  The fact the National Party Prime Minister before him was a mile more wealthy again never really seemed to bother anyone, so maybe it’s the post Covid / Cost of Living angst that got so many so upset.  If you want something to exercise yourself with, how about the Prime Minister who ran the country into the ground then scarpered to write a book and wander the speaking circuit, creaming it by making money from her ineptitude and our subsequent economic misfortune.  What's worse? A civil servant working God-knows how many hours for $200,000, a Prime Minister on $484,000 but with a couple of properties he made money on, or a fly-by-nighter who came second in one election, locked us down for the second, buggered it up in record fashion and then fled to make a fortune telling people how kind she is.  Some people and jobs are worth the money. Some aren't.  But jealousy is a wasted emotion. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK Prime Minister’s chief of staff has quit her role, saying she “risked becoming a distraction”.  Sue Gray was caught up in a conflict over pay, after the BBC revealed that her salary was higher than Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer’s.   UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking that this is quite a remarkable decision.   He said that in the last six to eight months, Starmer hasn’t sacked anyone despite there being calls.  Liddle says the howl within his own camp had become so grave that he could do nothing other than accept the resignation.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rubber has hit the road in the US Election.   Just one month out from voting, the debates have been wrapped up and the only thing left is for the candidates to continue campaigning.   It’s a tight race, with Kamala Harris maintaining a narrow lead in key battleground states.  Former US Correspondent Nick Bryant told Mike Hosking that Harris has turned out to be a better candidate than many expected.  He said that while there has been some mixed messaging and Harris has some weaknesses, she is a strong candidate.  Trump is also struggling with messaging, Bryant says.  The former President doesn’t seem to be as strong a candidate as he was in 2016, and he’s not as sharp or articulate as he used to be.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mortgage rates are continuing to fall, but it isn't getting any easier for many people to access bank loans.  Latest figures from interest.co.nz show one-year mortgage rates have fallen to around 6.33%, down from about 7.35% in January.  But banks have told our newsroom they're still testing applicants at between 8.5 and 8.7%.  Loan Market Mortgage Advisor Bruce Patten told Mike Hosking that banks are being overly cautious at the moment.  He said that it won’t be until inflation rates get back to normal that they’ll ease off on the caution.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 8th of October, we finally hear from the Navy about the HMNZS Manawanui sinking, and David Seymour previews his Treaty of Waitangi debate taking place tonight.  The Prime Minister is in studio to talk about some of the under-fire ministers, where the $3b figure came from for Dunedin Hospital, and if we have money for a new naval ship.  A month out and we are on the final stretch for the US election. There's no more debates and no more court cases, just regular campaigning. Nick Bryant gives his thoughts.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TVNZ's potentially looking at a challenge as it looks to further compete against streaming sites.  The state broadcaster's consulting with staff on shutting its 1News website in February and investing in streaming service TVNZ+.  TVNZ has a savings target of $30 million and has already axed its midday and late night news bulletins, as well as said goodbye to its 'Fair Go' show.  Media commentator Gavin Ellis told Mike Hosking there are some huge risks.  He says it's moving from a broadcast environment where they're a dominant player into a streaming environment with the likes of Netflix.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moves have been made by the Chief of Navy to shut down speculation about the loss of the Manawanui.  The $100 million naval vessel was surveying the area off Samoa's coast on Saturday, when it hit a reef and sank the following day.   Most of the 75 rescued crew members have returned to New Zealand, with the final few flying back today.   Divers are heading out to the site today to assess the depth, the condition of the ship, and any presence of oil.   Rear Admiral Garin Golding told Mike Hosking a Court of Inquiry's being set up to understand the facts, and speculation is unhelpful.   He says they will do a number of interviews to get to the bottom of what went on, and in time, exactly what happened will be released.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says his Associate Minister of Justice (Firearms) Nicole McKee is not a liar and is doing a good job as minister.  “She still holds the position that high-capacity magazines need restrictions on them,” Luxon told Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking Breakfast.  “The Arms Act is 40 years old, so it does need some reviewing," he said.  “It’s entirely appropriate we revisit the Arms Act and make sure it’s fit for purpose.  On  Associate Minister of Health Casey Costello, Luxon said “she is really fixated on lowering smoking rates”.  Pressed on whether he believed giving tax cuts to tobacco companies was a smart move, Luxon said Costello was trying to find alternatives for people to use in an effort to quit smoking.  Luxon said, “Nicole McKee is very focused on gun safety and Casey Costello is very focused on reducing smoking rates”.  He said they were being targeted by Opposition criticism.  “They are good ministers who are focused on what I’ve asked them to do,” he said.  On Dunedin Hospital, Luxon dodged repeated questions about where he got the $3 billion construction estimate from.  “We’re not making it up,” he said.  Luxon said a replacement of HMNZS Manawanui would depend on funding priorities.  “Now, with an unanticipated loss, we’ll have to consider that.”  Speaking on the healthcare budget, Luxon said Health NZ commissioner Dr Lester Levy had been “sorting it out”.  Luxon said any flood-risk-home buyouts was a responsibility for landowners, councils and central government.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour is looking forward to discussing his Treaty Principles Bill with a Ngati Toa leader tonight.  Helmut Modlik will debate Seymour two months after Modlik called him out.  A draft of Seymour's Bill will be ready for public release and discussion next month, but National says it will support the bill only to its first reading.  The ACT leader told Mike Hosking the debate is needed, because people think others can't have an opinion on something they're not an expert on.  He says New Zealand needs to mature and let ordinary people have an opinion on the country's constitutional future.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt joined Mike Hosking to discuss Ryan Fox in Mississippi, the Penrith Panthers beating the Melbourne Storm 14-6 to win their fourth-straight NRL premiership, Team New Zealand's America's Cup opponents confirmed and Jimmy Spithill's retirement, ongoing issues at NZR and the All Blacks' end of year tour, and Mike's new 77-inch TV. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Possibly my favourite stat from the Census was that home ownership is up. Who would have thought? Well, those of us that follow facts would. But the commentary around housing, sadly, is dictated to us by pressure groups whose best interest is served by telling us how broke we all are, and abetted by a media who sadly don’t ask a lot of questions any more and more often than not simply parrot whatever the press release of the day says. So, the message is portrayed as one of being unable to participate. "We can't afford a house" or "housing is too expensive" or "owning a home is increasingly a cruel dream". Well, it simply isn't true. The other stat I often mention is first home buyers. Throughout the past few years as housing costs have risen and access to money from banks has become problematic, how many times have we heard that so-called young people have been locked out of the market. Once again I am happy to report that it's simply not true. The percentage has remained amazingly static at about 26-27%. Over a quarter of all sales are to first timers and now the Census tells us the ownership rate in this country is rising. It's important for a couple of reasons: 1) Because hopefully it will, in part, silence the naysayers and, 2) In silencing them remind us all of the role housing plays in this country’s psyche. We love houses, rightly or wrongly. Most of us aspire to own them, they are a shelter, they are a place of pride and joy and they are a mechanism for savings. What the new stats remind us of is the truth that for more and more of us the dream can be real. The narrative is often wrong and driven by the wrong attitude. Owning a house early has always been a battle and so it should be. That way you value it. But getting there is real and the numbers prove it. The numbers show more and more of us are part of the dream. It is not, nor has it ever been, as bad as the wowsers would make it out to be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday 7 October. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trans-fats are somewhat of a silent killer. 645,000 people died globally because of high TFA diets in 2019. New University of Auckland analysis says many foods here have them, but don’t disclose them. It might not be long until they’re banned altogether. University of Auckland population health senior research fellow Dr Kathryn Bradbury joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suppliers to supermarkets appear to be charging more, more often. Which comes with a warning it could be the new norm. Foodstuffs has commissioned a report by Infometrics tracking the prices of 60,000 products — which has found they appear to keep gradually rising by 2.3 percent a year. Infometrics CEO and principal economist Brad Olsen joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's signalling the first list of projects to be fast-tracked won't be the last. 149 projects are being lined up to receive the fast-track treatment. It would see the building of up to 55,000 new homes, 180 kilometres of roads, and 11 mining projects. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking the advisory group recommended 342 projects to go through to the next stage - but they didn't have capacity for all. “We’ve gone for the highest quality applications. Not to say the ones that missed out are not worthy projects — many of them are — and they’ll be other opportunities for those projects to be fast tracked.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former media boss says Google's threat to blow up New Zealand news agreements should be taken seriously. The search engine says it will remove any ability to find New Zealand news on its platform — if the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill passes later this year. The legislation would force global tech giants to negotiate with media companies and pay for news content. Former head of Warner Bros Discovery Glen Kyne told Mike Hosking local news would struggle without Google. “The risk is that are media companies able to survive and keep revenue flowing? I suspect the industry would take an enormous hit and that means also job losses would go with it.”  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A raft of questions in the wake of the sinking of our first naval ship in peacetime. The HMNZS Manawanui went down off the coast of Samoa yesterday, after hitting a reef off the island of Upolu the night before. The $100 million vessel had been surveying the area. All 75 people onboard were rescued before the vessel went down.  Defence Minister Judith Collins told Mike Hosking large quantities of oil were onboard, so they can't be left there. “We’ve got to find out exactly the depth of the water that it’s in. Divers had been sent out last night, and they’ll be having a look but it’s going to be quite a big job, I think.” She says we need to get to the bottom of what happened. “Defence has got its own divers going out to sea, they’ll be other people involved in that, and they have to work as well through the Samoan government.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federal Prosecutor Jack Smith laid out his most extensive case to date against former President Donald Trump's effort to overturn the 2020 election in a legal brief that was unsealed Wednesday. A new report, which lands weeks before the US presidential-election, brings new information about Trump’s attempt to lean on state officials and paint a narrative of widespread fraud that prosecutors say Trump knew were false. US correspondent Richard Arnold says the outcome of the election will decide the fate of Trump's case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know what's more boring than talking about a capital gains tax? It’s talking about superannuation, and yet here we are again.   We're talking about it again, and how we need to take the Super off the 65 year olds because of what happened yesterday.   Now what happened yesterday was that for a brief minute, the two major political parties almost found consensus on the Super, but it only lasted a few hours.   So Nicola from National said to Barbara from Labour, we should have a chat, and Barbara said okay we should have a chat. Then Barbara thought about it over the next few hours and she's like, nah, we'll have a chat, but I actually don't really agree with that idea.   Which I think is a wise move from Barbara to be honest, because taking super off 65 year olds is unpopular. And it's probably always going to be unpopular as long as we keep running a welfare system that's so generous in this country that people are pretty much expected to spend an average of 13 years on the dole.   It is very, very hard to convince hard working taxpayers that when they get to their golden years, they should give up that little bonus that they get at the end of their lives. They should give that up because we need to save money, and then they look down the road and they see some of them taking the Mickey in the sunshine forever on the dole.   I think it's a hard one to push.   And by the way, while we're on consensus politics, I do not rate this idea. I don't care whether it's in Super, or housing, or transport, I hate it.   I think voters deserve choices. I think you should be able to decide if you want a cycle lane or if you want a road. You might want a cycle lane, you should have that choice. I might want a road, I should have that choice.   I think we should decide if we want to have three storey houses pop up next to us on the property next door without any consent. I think we should decide if we want Super taken away from us or not.   I don't want the politicians getting between themselves, stitching up a little deal and then leaving us no choice. Saying deals made, we've reached a consensus, just going to have to have it this way. That's not what I want.   It's counter to the very idea of democracy, which is that you have ideas running against each other and you, as the voter, get to choose which one of the ideas you like. So frankly, good call from Babs.   Consensus Politics can take a hike, and good luck pushing that stupid Super debate again. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police in New South Wales have settled for a pro-Palestinian vigil set to take place this week, after earlier attempts with the state’s top court to ban two pro-Palestinian rallies fell through. Next Monday marks the one-year anniversary of Hamas’s attacks on Israel and the start of the conflict in Gaza - and police hoped to stop any rally taking place on that date. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says police have to compromise for a pro-Palestinian vigil instead, following the supreme court's ruling. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland’s final round robin NPC clash will look a little bit different this week.  They’re saying goodbye to Eden Park and hello to the field at Auckland Grammar, taking the game back to the grassroots.  Auckland Rugby CEO Jarrod Bear told Heather du Plessis-Allan that it’s an opportunity to get out to different corners of Auckland, they’ve had great feedback.  He said that Auckland Grammar has a fantastic connection to the game, not only with their participation opportunities, but also in the number of All Blacks and Auckland players they’ve produced over the years.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 4th of October, Health NZ are facing a near $1 billion deficit, and Margie Apa isn't confident we will have a surplus next year either.    In a study of over 200 countries, New Zealand was the only country in the world where acne rates were dropping. So, what are we doing right?  Kerre Woodham and Tim Wilson wrap the week and talk MPs’ expenses, the PM's capital gains tax drama, and where the coolest place in the country is.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Mike Hosking away from the studio this week, Heather du Plessis-Allan was joined by Kerre Woodham and Tim Wilson to Wrap the Week that was.   They discussed the spending habits of MPs, the drama surrounding the Prime Minister’s capital gains, and debated what the coolest place in the country is.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Association says it's pleasantly surprised at the surge in new recruits.  Recruitment numbers have soared in the past year, with five and a half thousand applications in the first eight months of the year.  President Chris Cahill says one reason behind it is the state of the economy, and policing is seen as a place of stable employment.  He told Heather du Plessis-Allan some rule changes for recruitment have also helped, such as only needing a full license by the time they reach police college, instead of upon applying.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An education leader says there needs to be a long-term plan for school property.   The Government's expected to respond to the Ministerial Inquiry into School Property today.   The inquiry was launched in February to address the issue of planned works being unrealistic and unaffordable.   Principals Federation president Leanne Otene told Heather du Plessis-Allan there are issues with existing school property - like ventilation and mould.  She says old stock needs to be addressed, and planning for future roll growth.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's scepticism over our decreasing acne rates.  New research in the British Journal of Dermatology has singled out New Zealand as the only country with decreasing rates, but only by a small amount.  Germany had the highest rates of reported acne, while the rate in the UK had increased to almost 15% from 1990.  Dermatologist Louise Reiche told Heather du Plessis-Allan the research is based on people who went to doctors for it.  She wonders if it's down to not having as much acne, or maybe people aren't as bothered to see their doctor about it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Health New Zealand leader says their cost growth has plateaued.   Its report for the June quarter shows the preliminary result for the financial year is a $934 million deficit.   Earlier, in quarter three, a $299 million surplus was forecast.   Chief Executive Margie Apa told Heather du Plessis-Allan they've stopped their cost growth and have stabilised in the past quarter.   She says they need to take out costs and balance that with delivering on targets, using the core workforce they have.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour’s going to have to sort itself out over this Middle East situation.  This is about Damien O'Connor's tweet. I was really surprised yesterday when I was listening to Carmel Sepuloni being interviewed on this, as the deputy leader of the Labour Party.  She was asked if he should apologise for his tweet and instead of saying yes, which is the only answer to give, she made excuses for him, saying he feels strongly about the situation as if that makes it OK.  Let me just remind you what he tweeted - "Palestinians have every right to do whatever they did on October 7th".  And I'll remind you what Hamas did that day. They raped and murdered innocent people.  It really doesn’t matter where you stand on this conflict. You can never, especially as a senior politician, say or think it’s okay for terrorists to kill teenagers out at a dance party just because you feel strongly about what the state of Israel is doing.  He should absolutely apologise for that.  I know that this is a conflict that is making people feel very upset and it’s scrambling people’s better judgment.  Just this week in Australia we had the case of a young reporter questioning why Australia doesn’t ban the Israeli flag like it bans the Hezbollah flag.  They’re not the same.  There is no equivalence between a state and a terrorist organisation, no matter how much you don't like what a state is doing.  But that’s exactly why Damien should apologise.  Because right now, when people are as angry and confused about what's going on, what we need is our major and serious political parties and our MPs, especially the senior ones holding senior portfolios like Associate Foreign Affairs spokesperson, to set an example for how to behave with decency.  Not the opposite. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While he’s well-known for fronting Kiwi rock band Shihad, Jon Toogood is striking out with his biggest solo project yet.  His first ever solo album, Last of the Lonely Gods, drops next week, and to celebrate Toogood is embarking on a 19 date tour around New Zealand.  The album is a ten-track acoustic collection, showcasing themes of loss, resilience, and healing, and showcasing his artistic evolution.  Toogood told Heather du Plessis-Allan that performing solo is thrilling in the same way early Shihad gigs were.  “I don’t quite know what I’m doing,” he said.  “There’s nothing to hide behind. No big PA, no big light show, no other members of the band, it’s just me and my guitar.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 3rd of October, as Air NZ make further reductions on regional routes, they come on to answer whether there is more to come.  It's the annual Mood of the Boardroom today so Heather looks at who the business community thinks is doing well within the Government - and what Cabinet Minister has been a flop.  Shihad frontman Jon Toogood is going solo and has his first ever solo album out very soon, so he popped into the studio for a chat.    Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch's Business Association is calling out the food truck plans of the city's Arts Centre.   The centre's applied for licences for 33 trucks to operate 12 hours a day, seven days a week.  But the Christchurch Business Association believes this is unfair, with chair Annabel Turley saying city businesses are subsidising the Arts Centre.  She told Heather du Plessis-Allan that the centre is getting $5.5 million over the next decade, and the rate differential for commercial compared to residential is a lot higher.    Turley says food trucks would also cheapen the site.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior business leaders are rating Christopher Luxon well on keeping his Cabinet focused on delivery, and Education Minister Erica Stanford well on performance.  More than 100 CEOs and board chairs have been quizzed for today's Mood of the Boardroom survey.  They've identified energy prices as their biggest concern, followed by the cost of living.  Dame Joan Withers, Chairperson for the Warehouse Group, told Heather du Plessis-Allan that they’ve one incredibly well, and have addressed key issues up front, or tried to do as much as they can.  She said that business people are in consensus that we need to pivot and start maximising New Zealand’s opportunities both domestically and also in terms of our place in the world.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An investigator says it was obvious Gail Maney didn't murder Auckland man Deane Fuller-Sandys in 1989. Maney and Steven Stone's murder convictions have been quashed, and a re-trial's been ordered for Stone. Colin Maney and Mark Henriksen have also had their accessory to murder convictions quashed. The Crown's accepting the police failed to disclose important information, which caused a miscarriage of justice. Private Investigator Tim McKinnel told Heather du Plessis-Allan that work is underway towards gaining compensation. He says it became clear the Crown case was an absurdity, and those who looked at the case knew fairly quickly there'd been a miscarriage. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s fiery opposition to the Government's charter schools move by the teacher's union.  Associate Education Minister David Seymour's championing a move to convert 35 state schools to charter schools, allowing $153 million for the initiative.  It's caused the PPTA to change its constitution to allow members who teach at charter schools to be members, despite its stance against the schools.  PPTA President Chris Abercrombie told Heather du Plessis-Allan it's not a backtrack, and they're still opposed.  He says the Government's forcing the conversion of schools against the teacher's will.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown is confident in delivering Auckland's City Rail Link on time with no network issues.  KiwiRail has assured the $5.5 billion project will cut delays down to a maximum of 1 minute 20 seconds when it opens in 2026.  Official papers show Brown and Auckland mayor Wayne Brown are working to improve confidence in the wide rail network.  Simeon Brown told Heather du Plessis-Allan he's also aware of the rail fatigue among Aucklanders.  He says he gets the frustration about more maintenance and renewals and is determined to ensure they get as much done as possible.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand won't say if the latest cuts to its domestic routes will be the last.  The airline's reducing flights between Christchurch and New Plymouth and running smaller planes between Christchurch and Queenstown, and Wellington and Dunedin.  On Monday it also scrapped direct flights between Wellington and Invercargill from early next year.  Domestic manager Scott Carr told Heather du Plessis-Allan they're strongly committed to their domestic fleet, but these are trying times.   He says if that continues indefinitely there may be more changes, but if it bounces back they can get more planes in the air.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m loathe to keep talking about this, but I think Chris Luxon is being treated really unfairly on the sale of his apartment.  And because he’s being treated so unfairly, it’s hard to avoid saying something.  The latest instalment on this is a series of articles pointing out that Chris Luxon would’ve paid up to $70 thousand in tax on the sale of his apartment if it wasn’t for his government changing the bright-line test rules.  He bought the apartment in 2020 when the bright-line test was five years and because he sold it within five years, it should’ve been subject to the 5 year bright-line test and he should’ve paid a capital gains tax on it.  But his government cut the bright-line test back to 2 years, effective July this year, so he didn’t have to pay the tax.  The implication being that either by design or luck, he managed to dodge a tax he should've paid.  Honestly, give me a break.  The only reason Luxon is selling the apartment is because we’ve pressured him into moving into Premier House.  He didn’t want to move there, that was obvious, and why would he? The place is famously cold and drafty, and given that this guy’s been earning mega bucks for at least a couple of decades, he probably hasn’t lived in a house as cold as a student flat for a couple of decades.  But we gave him grief for not living there and taking the accommodation allowance instead, so he caved and said he’d move into Premier House.  And now that he’s doing that, we’re not happy either because he’s making money off his apartment.  Come on. What do we want here?  He isn’t costing the taxpayer on the accommodation allowance any more, he didn’t change the bright-line test so he could avoid tax – that was an election promise made last year when he clearly still intended to keep owning his property.  The absence of fairness in this ongoing drama suggest that this is exactly what he says this is, which is politics of envy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Politics Wednesday Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to discuss the biggest stories of the week so far.  They discussed the conflict in the Middle East, Damien O’Connor’s ill-advised tweet, and point the finger as to who’s to blame for the Dunedin Hospital mess.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 2nd of October, we speak to our Middle East correspondent as Iran launches ballistic missile strikes on Israel.  Big day in the US as JD Vance and Tim Walz prepare to go head-to-head in the Vice Presidential debate.  Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell put the blame on each other for the Dunedin Hospital mess and discuss Damien O'Connor's ill-advised tweet on Politics Wednesday.    Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s optimism from within Athletics New Zealand that hosting the World Indoor Athletics Championships isn't beyond the realms of possibility.  The sport's governing body, with support of the government, are working on a bid to bring the event to our shores in March 2028, prior to the Los Angeles Olympics.  The biennial event has never been held in Oceania since its inception in 1985.  Athletics NZ CEO Cam Mitchell told Heather du Plessis-Allan that they’re quietly confident.  He said that it’s something they have as an aspiration, and there’s also a massive novelty factor they think people would get behind and support.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s believed US voters will be more concerned about records than personalities heading into today's vice-presidential debate.  JD Vance and Tim Walz will meet for their only debate in New York today, getting underway at 2pm NZ time.  Key issues expected to be on the agenda include the economy, cost of living, and border security.  Republican strategist Matt Terrill told Heather du Plessis-Allan if Vance focuses on those, he'll have a much better night than Walz.  He says many voters will be questioning if they're better off today than they were four years ago. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dogs are on their way to sniffing out early signs of bowel and ovarian cancers.  K9 Medical Detection New Zealand has had a 100% success rate in recent trials.  The four-legged workers are trained to detect specific odours connected to bowel and ovarian cancers.  CEO Pauline Blomfield told Heather du Plessis-Allan that the dogs are clearly detecting the odour released from cancer, but they’re not replacing any tests.  She said that they’re currently working with scientists to identify the markers dogs are picking up on, because they don’t currently know what exactly the dogs are smelling.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Education Minister says she has a great relationship with the teachers’ union, despite some disagreement.  A PPTA survey shows a majority of teachers are unhappy with the NCEA level one roll out.  It comes as the organisation has its conference this week, with Minister Erica Stanford speaking yesterday, defending the controversial move to remove te reo funding for teachers.  She told Heather du Plessis-Allan most of teachers' concerns are with NCEA changes, which are the previous Government's fault, and she agrees.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Casey Costello's hit back at health advocates over criticism of her heated tobacco tax cut.  The Associate Health Minister cut the tax by 50% in an effort to encourage use of the products instead of smoking.  Costello has faced a tense reception regarding the move.  But she told Heather du Plessis Allan she's working hard to reduce smoking rates, despite what she calls "the noise".  She says the Health Coalition became fixated on the tobacco industry, not Costello's plans to reduce smoking rates.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Conservatives annual conference in Birmingham – essentially one big job interview. By Wednesday afternoon the Conservatives should be a lot closer to knowing who their next leader will be. The selected candidates are Robert Jenrick, James Cleverly, Kemi Badenoch and Tom Tugendhat with Rishi Sunak as the leader. Tens of thousands of council homes sit empty as the waitlist grows. Rod Little told Heather du Plessis-Allan that today it was Tugendhat who seems to be one of the outsiders. Liddle states the general thinking is that this will come down to a final between Badenoch from the right and Jenrick from the centre left. Liddle believes that it's looking more like the conservative MPs will try to get rid of Badenoch before it gets to the final. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've got a fascination with prime ministers and their money, it turns out.   Last night 1News did the calculation that Christopher Luxon stands to make $480,000 off the sale of his apartment in Wellington —he's moving out because he's going over to Premier House— and also a rental property that he's selling in South Auckland.   Now the implication of the story was that Christopher Luxon's making too much money off these properties, and he should be taxed.   Over the weekend, a newspaper in Wellington also reported that Jacinda Ardern is earning $316,000 per appearance every time she speaks on the international speaking circuit, and the implication there was —certainly in commentary afterwards— that it's unethical for her to be doing that. It's damaging her reputation by showing that she really does love money over doing good after all. And if prime ministers keep on doing stuff like this, how do we know that they're actually making the right decisions when they are in power and not thinking about what kind of money they're gonna earn afterwards?   Now, look, I don't mind the fascination with prime ministers and former prime ministers' earnings. I think it's completely human nature to be into it. We're fascinated by what our colleagues earn, right? So why wouldn't we be fascinated by what Luxon and Ardern earn? However, that is where I think it should stop – at fascination.   There's nothing wrong with Jacinda Ardern earning that much money off the speaking circuit. Frankly, if we're honest about it, talking was about the only thing she was actually good at, and she'd be a fool not to take that kind of money if it's on offer.   Same goes for Luxon. He was a well-paid businessman before politics. You would expect him to have plenty of money, you would expect him to put some of that money into property. And unless things have gone very bad for him in his calculations, you would expect him to make money off a property, especially one that he has apparently renovated. Nothing wrong here.   To suggest that Luxon's capital gain on his property is evidence that we need a capital gains tax and to suggest that Jacinda's speaking circuit means that we need to put some sort of restraint of trade on future prime ministers is just taking it a bit far, isn't it?   It's fine to be fascinated, just leave it at that. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A French far-right politician is on trial, accused of misappropriating EU funds.  Marine Le Pen, the leader of the National Rally Party, along with the party itself and 24 others, are accused of using money destined for work at the European Parliament to pay staff working for their party.  Le Pen denies the charges, and is confident she would be able to prove she did nothing wrong.   France Correspondent Catherine Field told Heather du Plessis-Allan that they’re accused of diverting around $5.5 million New Zealand.  She said they’ve paid back about a quarter of that sum, but the party did say it doesn’t mean they’re guilty.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For eleven years Mitch James has been releasing music and touring the world.  He’s opened for Callum Scott, supported Ed Sheeran, and toured with Six60, not to mention his own tours.  James has just released a new single and has a new EP coming out next month, but the release comes with a caveat.  The Kiwi musician is stepping away from the trade, James telling Heather du Plessis-Allan that the industry has become an environment that was just too difficult to overcome.   “I’ve got this music coming out now that I believe is my most complete, most mature, advanced work as a songwriter and an artist, and coupled with the fact that this industry had sort of turned against me in a lot of ways, I just thought, you know. I’m sick of this.”  “I just wanna hang my hat on something that I can look back on in twenty years’ time and go like, this is my finest work, and something that I can be very proud of.”  It’s a bittersweet feeling, he said.  For eleven years Mitch James has been releasing music and touring the world. He’s opened for Callum Scott, supported Ed Sheeran, and toured with Six60, not to mention his own tours. James has just released a new single and has a new EP coming out next month, but the release comes with a caveat. The Kiwi musician is stepping away from the trade, James telling Heather du Plessis-Allan that the industry has become an environment that was just too difficult to overcome. “I’ve got this music coming out now that I believe is my most complete, most mature, advanced work as a songwriter and an artist, and coupled with the fact that this industry had sort of turned against me in a lot of ways, I just thought, you know. I’m sick of this.” “I just wanna hang my hat on something that I can look back on in twenty years’ time and go like, this is my finest work, and something that I can be very proud of.” It’s a bittersweet feeling, he said. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday 1st of October, the Government has announced their Q4 plan with a focus on infrastructure. We get Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett’s thoughts on the plan.   Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is in studio with Heather to talk Dunedin Hospital, the working from home backlash and the obsession with his capital gains.   Kiwi singer Mitch James is in studio to play his newest, and final, single and hinting about what he's doing after announcing he's stepping away from music.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many Kiwis will be feeling relief today as new Pharmac funded drugs officially become available.   Continuous Glucose Monitors are now being funded alongside widened access to insulin pumps and consumables.  Cancer drug Keytruda is also now more accessible.  Cancer Society Chief Executive Nicola Coom told Heather du Plessis Allan that Keytruda will make a massive difference for those who've re-mortgaged their homes and travelled overseas for treatment.    She said that its absolutely life changing.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local councils want to clip the ticket on the Government's increased tourism fee. The International Visitor Levy has been bumped from $35 to $100 as of today. Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell says local councils pay for tourism amenities, so the Government should share the profits. She told Heather du Plessis Allan while the Government may not want to share a cut of the increased fee, it's worth asking. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's released its fourth quarter action plan, which largely focuses on infrastructure.   Its 43 actions include passing the Fast-track Approvals Bill, RMA reform, and looking at more road tolls.   It also includes establishing a National Infrastructure Agency.   Infrastructure New Zealand chief executive Nick Leggett told Heather du Plessis-Allan the Fast-track approvals bill will help speed up infrastructure projects.   He says the National Infrastructure Agency will be a shop front for foreign direct investment, and funding and financing tools to build more housing are also important.  Leggett also says we need to change our mindset on tolling.  He says if people want things, there isn't a magical money fairy to come and deliver them, as we're in a tight fiscal position.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the Dunedin Hospital project is frustrating.  “We are very committed to building a hospital in Dunedin, don’t get me wrong. But we have got to do it within the $1.9 billion fiscal envelope, otherwise that means that we can’t do Whangarei, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Nelson and other regional hospitals,” Luxon told Newstalk ZB's Heather du Plessis-Allan.  Luxon said the government was receiving advice on how to proceed, with an option to scale back the construction or staging the project.  “We’ve seen cost creep, scope creep from the Labour Government - whether it’s been ferries, school buildings, and now the hospital.”  Pressed on the Government’s spending priorities, Luxon said, “we have put almost $30 billion into health, so there’s plenty of money in health”.  He said the Government needed to get better at spending on infrastructure.  Pressed again on the Government’s proposal to spend several billion dollars on a single road in Wellington and whether spending had been appropriately prioritised, Luxon said “you just can’t have a project [the hospital] go from $1.2b when it started and heading out to $3b”.  Luxon said he was aware of Treasury’s warning of a structural deficit: “We’ve got to get back to financial discipline. We’ve got to make sure we then set up for growth.”  He said it was possible to “do more with less”.  He also said his Government’s spending cuts were being done “in a sensible, balanced kind of way - we’re not throwing the country into austerity”.  On his push for civil servants to return to the office, Luxon said he was not surprised at the level of flak from the workforce.  “We want everyone in the office. It’s not an entitlement that you get to work from home.”  He said he had moved into Premier House over the weekend.  “We finally managed to get new paint, new curtains and new carpet.”  Responding to a question about whether it was a cold house, Luxon said: “Well, I’ve got a jumper”.  Regarding the capital gains on his apartment and media attention on it, Luxon said he had come to expect it.  “If we’re going to criticise people for being successful, let’s be clear - I’m wealthy, I’m sorted.”  WATCH ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a belief from the Minister that reopening oil and gas exploration won't make a dent in New Zealand's climate impacts.  The public have until tonight to submit on the Government's bill, reversing the previous Governments ban on exploration off the coast.  MBIE figures show it will result in millions of tonnes of additional emissions.  But Shane Jones told Heather du Plessis-Allan New Zealand needs energy.  He says those opposed are simply "woke" in thinking it is a mortal threat, a claim he's rubbishing.  Jones says protestors are entitled to their views, and he’s happy to engage with those who disagree with him.   He says kiwis want to hear someone put an alternative view to these frog-loving and lizard-obsessed environmentalists.  The Government's own advice on repealing the oil and gas exploration ban, released under the Official Information Act and obtained by RNZ, says no new gas fields are likely to be discovered and developed in the next 10 years.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to the Dunedin hospital scale back, the Government's in trouble on this. That protest over the weekend was big. 35,000 people is more than a quarter of Dunedin's population. If you assume they came from all over the region, which is probably true given the hospital would service the Otago region, it’s still big. It’s 14% of the population. There are very few issues that would drive that kind of frustration, but health is one of them. It's because we want to know that there are the medical facilities to save our kid's lives, or our parent's lives. Or our life. But this is the reality - we are broke. New Zealand can’t afford a $3b hospital, and $3b dollar ferries and 64,000 public servants and any number of other things we may want. We are running an operating deficit every single year. That's basically the household equivalent of spending more every year than you make and just running it on the credit card forever. You can’t do it. If you want to know how broke we are listen to the Treasury warning last week. Dominick Stephens, the Chief Economist there, warned that for us to get back to surplus the Government would have to cut so much spending, and so fast, it would be unprecedented in recent history in New Zealand. Our debt is out of control, largely thanks to what Grant and Jacinda did during Covid. Treasury's been warning about our debt levels since 2006. But back then they thought we were heading for net Crown debt of 13% of GDP. We are now 3 times that. So, we’re broke. I don’t want to see projects like a hospital scaled back. I don’t want to be sailing on tinpot ferries I’m not sure will make it to the other side. But you need money to buy and build and we don’t’ have any. And we need to wake up to that. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of Australians have collectively rallied in a National Day of Action in protest of conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. This comes following Israeli strikes into Lebanon, which killed 30 Hezbollah leaders including Hassan Nasrallah. Australian correspondent Steve Price tells Heather du Plessis-Allan the turnout was the strongest Australia has seen in a long time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand wool carpet company Bremworth is claiming to have made the country’s first TV commercial using Artificial Intelligence (AI). Bremworth Chief Brand and Product Officer Rochelle Flint tells Heather du Plessis-Allan the AI advert is an innovative way to showcase and elevate the wool industry. The use of AI is estimated to have reduced advertising spend by 60%. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is potential for 67 building consent authorities to be replaced as the Government considers major reform of the system. Despite there being just one building code, different regional interpretations are creating inconsistencies across the country. Reform would see the process streamlined to reduce inconsistencies, costs, and delays. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk tells Heather du Plessis-Allan when considering the changes, the Government is considering how to avoid lowering quality. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwis are increasingly moving to private healthcare and it is costing health insurance companies. Southern Cross Health Insurance paid out close to $1.5 billion in claims in the last year – equal to $6 million every business day. 2024 results from Southern Cross show the number of claims made is up with 995,000 kiwis now on the books. Southern Cross Health Society Group CEO Nick Astwick tells Heather du Plessis-Allan kiwis are concerned about access to quality healthcare. In a normal year, the insurer finds one third of its members make a claim, but in 2024 nearly half did. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Middle East is on edge after the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Israel claims to have killed 30 top Hezbollah leaders and despite pressure from the United States to de-escalate the situation, Netanyahu says Israel is at a historic turning point. Israeli journalist and analyst Gideon Levy tells Heather du Plessis-Allan the region is very close to war. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 30th of September with Heather du Plessis-Allan, the Government are looking at building consents to make it more consistent across the country. Just wait until you hear how much just one insurance company is paying out each day for private healthcare and you'll get a sense as to why they are all putting up premiums. Guy and Sav debate whether moving Beauden Barrett to first five was the success that Scott Robertson wanted it to be on the Commentary Box. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has announced a reform of the current Building Consent Authority structure. The proposed reforms aim to streamline and standardise consenting processes, reducing inefficiencies. Master Builders CEO Ankit Sharma tells Heather du Plessis-Allan that there have been reports of different inspectors from within the same consenting authority having different interpretations of a code. 80% of Master Builders report significant delays and costs caused by inconsistencies between neighbouring consenting authorities. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Administrator of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency Deanne Criswell has said she doesn’t believe anyone could be fully prepared for the amount of flooding that has been brought on by Hurricane Helene. In her assessment, Criswell stated the damage was a result of warm waters, which is a result of climate change. The storm was a category four hurricane and has been catastrophic across multiple states. US correspondent Richard Arnold tells Heather du Plessis-Allan close to 500 rescues have been performed, with people lifted off roofs of flooded buildings. Meanwhile, Israel has claimed to have killed 30 top leaders of Hezbollah. The US was not aware of plans to assassinate Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Richard Arnold says “there is no question that the Hezbollah of today is not the Hezbollah that was even just a week ago.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An estimated 35,000 people marched in Dunedin over proposed downgrades to the city’s new hospital project. Protesters were calling on the Government to keep its promise on the build - but the Government says the project is blowing out by billions and overspend would affect infrastructure in other regions. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop tells Heather du Plessis-Allan “it’s an extremely complex project” and the Government is being as transparent as it can be. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 27th of September, David Seymour has plans to prosecute parents who take their kids out of school too much and limit the number of teacher-only days.    In a world first exclusive since signing his contract, Liam Lawson joined the show as a newly minted official F1 driver.  Mike got the shock of the week when David Walliams popped into the studio for a surprise interview - and Kate played her role perfectly.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Associate Education Minister says the Government, schools, parents and students all have a part to play in attendance. The Government's instructing schools to have Stepped Attendance Response plans by 2026. It comes as students around the country ditch school for the School Strike for Climate today. Associate Minister David Seymour told Mike Hosking schools should mark that as an unjustified absence. He says for people to keep their living standards and emit less, we need a lot of science, and school's a good place to learn that. Schools have also been instructed not to take teacher-only days in term time, unless authorised by the Minister. Seymour told Hosking the Government has a role in introducing more prosecutions and support for schools. He says the point of the STAR system is it sets out that the schools have a role - and they need to take that seriously. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have a look at the report out in Sydney into their new metro line.  This is the $21b behemoth that opened a few weeks ago that was going to transform Sydney's public transport.  It seems, at first report, to be working – and in that is the clue to public transport generally and whether or not it is successful.  The trouble with transport here, and let's be honest, we are really only talking about a couple of cities i.e. Wellington and Auckland that in theory have systems outside of a few random buses.  Wellington is famously hopeless and with Auckland it is hard to tell whether they are far behind, or quite possibly even more useless.  Anyway, the early numbers from Sydney show there has been a large drop in numbers through the busiest of the heavy rail stations.  The trick here is the “build it and they will come” scenario, which is the one that they will claim they use in this country but has never really turned out to be reality.  The buses famously in Wellington went up the wrong streets, ran out of gas and never turned up in the first place. They will claim they have fixed that, but the trains are still famous for problems.   Auckland buses have been hit and miss forever and they didn’t have drivers for a while. But they too will claim they have fixed that. Our kids eventually refused to go for the simple reason they literally would not have got to school on time.  The trains are permanently cancelled for the never-ending schedule of maintenance.  So the theory has never met the reality.  In Sydney, where it is working, the question they will need to ask is, is having a new metro taking people off heavy rail actually solving anything?  And if people are leaving cars at home and taking the metro, how many of them are there? If you are merely shifting one commuter from a train to another train that doesn’t strike me as a big time solution. If you're moving them out of cars you might be onto something.  It's still early days, but four weeks in the falls in train numbers are as high as 40%.  But then, their system works. And in that consistency and ensuing reputation for reliability is the real answer to the public transport conundrum. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all.    Voting: 8/10  Democracy is a wonderful thing, and we have seen this week a new president for Sri Lanka and the first vote in America.    Tory Whanau: 4/10  Four times she opened her mouth and four times the hole got bigger.    Fonterra: 7/10  What they are doing for farmers and, by connection, the rest of the country at a time of real strife is not to be underestimated.    Working from home: 6/10  From the amount of whinging I have heard, you would have thought we had been doing it since Victorian times and we've got no idea how to turn up at the office like, you know, each workday.    David Seymour: 6/10  Most effective politician of the week. He got charter schools into law and cracked down on teacher only days.    Liam Lawson: 9/10  In one of the biggest global sports going there is a top 20, and a Kiwi is once again right up there.  #dreamscometrue    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health NZ will be weighing up the two options for the new Dunedin Hospital. An independent review has found the current plan for Dunedin Hospital, is 'probably not achievable' within its current budget of $1.88 billion. The Government has said it either needs to scale back the project's main building or swap it out in favour of a "staged development" on the old site to keep it within the budget. Health NZ Head of Infrastructure Delivery Blake Lepper old Mike Hosking costs have been creeping up for some time. He says after construction began on the main outpatients building, the real costs emerged and they realised they had a problem. Lepper says this is the problem with greenfields projects, when they were trying to do something a bit different and aspirational. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global fashion designers and local artists alike are descending on the capital as this year's World of Wearable Art kicks off.  The show's been running for more than 35 years, displaying creativity and a bit of unique glitz and glam to Wellington with the theme 'Dream Awake'.  World of Wearable Art Chief Executive Meg Williams told Mike Hosking it's a perfect balance of artists, with a vibrant team.  She says there's headline talent alongside young New Zealand artists.  Williams said they had an amazing preview show last night, and every year they set themselves a challenge to raise the bar.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a sad day for Timaru, with hundreds of meatwork jobs potentially on the line.  Alliance Group has called everyone at its Smithfield meatworks to an all-staff meeting at 11am.  Locals fear the plant will be mothballed this season, with production being moved to Invercargill, and up to 1200 people left out of work.  Nathan Guy from the Meat Industry Association told Mike Hosking any job losses will be most unfortunate.  But he says meat companies are very agile and make changes as they see fit, and today is about making the right decision for the company's future.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking might just be David Walliams’ biggest fan — and he couldn’t believe it when the comedian surprised him in the studio this morning.  Walliams, who is in Auckland for his An Audience with David Walliams tour, sneaked into the Newstalk ZB studio on Friday before his first show, catching Hosking unawares while singing (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing.  When he spotted Walliams, the broadcaster was gobsmacked. “No fricking way, how exciting is that! This is magnificent.”  “Hello mate, I’ve missed you. I worry about you in those tight jeans, a man of your age,” Walliams joked.  Walliams met Hosking and his wife, Kate Hawkesby, in London last year, joking with the radio host, “I remember Kate, but not you ... still married?”  He revealed the surprise had been in the works for some time “because you have a really huge crush on me, and it would be exciting for you”.  “Yes, I do,” Hosking confirmed.  When asked how the tour was going so far, Walliams said his shows in Australia had been “fantastic”.  “I’ve been so popular in Auckland that we added this show tonight,” he said.  David Walliams paid a surprise visit to the Newstalk ZB studio. Photo / Michael Craig “I’ve got my funny stories that I’ve thought about what they are and I’m telling them ... but at the same time, the audiences have been so great in Australia, and I’m sure they’ll be even better in New Zealand, they sort of give you permission to kind of push it further and further and just be spontaneous,” the comedian told Hosking.  “It’s really restored my faith in performing comedy. Like, oh yeah, when we all get together in a room, what we really want is a laugh and it’s spontaneous, I’ve been saying some pretty rude things.”  Hosking confessed spontaneity was Hawkesby’s worry because she didn’t want to be embarrassed from their front-row seats.  Walliams jokingly replied that shouldn’t be an issue for the radio host. “You look like the kind of man that’d like attention.”  “No, I don’t want to be part of it, I just want to enjoy your talent,” Hosking responded.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a year of waiting, Formula One’s worst-kept secret has been confirmed: Liam Lawson will finish the rest of this season driving for Racing Bulls. The 22-year-old has been locked in to drive for the subsidiary team of Red Bull at the expense of Australian Daniel Ricciardo for the final six races of the season, after which he’s expected to secure the spot for the 2025 season. The move means Lawson will step into the Racing Bulls cockpit for Formula One’s next Grand Prix in Austin, Texas on October 21 (NZT). He becomes the first New Zealander to secure a fulltime seat in Formula One since Brendon Hartley in 2018. In a world exclusive interview with Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking, Lawson said that it finally feels real. “Obviously I had, I knew about it for the last sort of... probably two weeks, but until it’s out there to the world, it’s, it obviously doesn’t ever really feel set in stone.” “It’s a very cool feeling.” Lawson told Hosking that he hasn’t had time to celebrate yet, as the news has come in at a very challenging point. “Obviously, you know, all these guys have done three quarters of a season now, so I have to try and compete with that now, at tracks that I haven't done as well. So it's gonna be challenging.” “it's very, very special, but we don't have much time to, to really let it sink in,” he said. “We're getting straight to work.” LISTEN ABOVE OR WATCH BELOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two New Zealand restaurants have been named among the world’s best.  The Grove in Auckland and Queenstown’s Nest Bar + Kitchen made it onto Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best list for 2024, a milestone fewer than 1% of the 8 million listings achieve.  The Grove came in 9th in the fine dining category, and owner Michael Dearth says to get something like this is fantastic.  He says that when a lot of people leave the restaurant, they’re just gushing with compliments.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I can't help but think the Transpower report into the pylon falling over is one of those reports that has to find things to say because the real reason for the report was obvious.  Nevertheless, there are 26 recommendations.  To recap, the company that Transpower hires to maintain the pylons hired a couple of clowns and didn’t train them. They undid a lot of bolts, and the pylon fell over.  The report suggests that ultimately is Transpower's fault.  I don’t see how.  If you hire a painter and he paints your house the wrong colour, your wife tells you you’re are an idiot for hiring that painter.  As long as Transpower had checked that Omexom was a proper company, what is it they are supposed to be doing?  Are they supposed to vet the company every time they do any work? Do they run through the CV of everyone who touches a bolt? Or is that the contractor's job, the way it’s the contractor's job for everyone you hire in life to do anything for you?  Certainly the issue raised in 2021, when an engineer for Transpower told them maintenance issues were a thing, is on Transpower?  They were alerted and yet they did nothing. That, I suspect, goes in some way to the fact Transpower are a monopoly and monopolies tend to be a bit lax.  The report recommends Transpower improve processes for maintenance work on base plates. What does that mean?  Do you need to hire a rocket scientist to unscrew some bolts and have a laminated sign on every tower saying "only undo one bolt at a time"? Surely this is getting all a bit forensic and smacks of a report author making stuff up for the sake of it?  The simple truth, the beginning, the middle and the end of it, is Omexom are at fault. They are the ones that didn’t do their job. The original report told us this.  None of this is complicated. They weren't building the Hadron Collider. They were cleaning a tower.  Omexom hired fools, didn’t train them and untrained fools made mistakes.  Omexom should be sacked. They should be sued or made to pay for the damage. The report says anywhere between $37-80 million, and that should be that.  Transpower are not devoid of responsibility, given pylons are on them. But the reason a CEO doesn’t clean the building, do the correspondence and make all the boxes is it's not possible and not reasonable and that’s why you hire people to do the stuff you can't.  At some point in the hiring process the level of responsibility transfers from the hirer to the hiree?  End of report. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s plenty of self help books on the shelves, but one in particular has cut through the nonsense for millions of people.   Mark Manson is the author behind ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck’, which has sold more than 20 million copies since its publication in 2016.  Manson is making his way to New Zealand in November as part of his ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck Tour’, where he talks about what made the book a success and offers more “no-BS” live advice.  He told Mike Hosking the book stemmed from his disillusionment with the self help material he’d consumed when he was young.  “I thought a lot of it was very... just BS, and Pollyanna,” Manson said.  “So in the early 2010s, I started asking myself like, okay, what would actually like, if there was a form of self help that was just very honest about how difficult life's problems can be and how difficult the solutions to life's problems can be, what would that look like?”  Although he was optimistic the book would do well upon its release, the sheer extent of it’s success was a surprise to Manson.  “It's the extent of it that was just so mind blowing and, and still to this day, it is kind of surprising to me."  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Future thinking sits at the core of our infrastructure planning.  The Infrastructure Commission's new paper —released this morning— outlines its considerations developing the National Infrastructure Plan, which is to be released next year.   It highlights population growth, decarbonising the economy, and natural hazard resilience as drivers of our needs.   Acting Strategy General Manager Peter Nunns told Mike Hosking that we need to recognize the challenges that we’ve got and work on a plan to get better.  He said that we know we have issues in terms of cost and delivery time frames getting away from us, so we need to tighten up practices a bit.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 26th of September, the Government has found some new, old money for the education rollout and we have a record speed free trade agreement with the UAE to announce.  We got the Transpower Northland pylon report and it was as bad as you thought, so their executive general manager tries to explain why they won't be giving compensation.  If you need some non-BS life advice, Mark Manson, the author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, is on his way to New Zealand and joined Mike for a chat about his tour.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch believes it's gaining VIP status when it comes to events.  The Wellington Phoenix have joined the Warriors in signing a three-year deal which will see fixtures played at the new Te Kaha Stadium.  Construction of the facility is still underway, with plans to open in April 2026.  Venues Otautahi CEO Caroline Harvie-Teare told Mike Hosking it makes sense for the city to be the home of new teams.  She says the city has a wonderful portfolio of infrastructure and is setting itself up to be the events capital of New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transpower says contractor Omexom is working through its own recommendations after the June pylon topple that caused a power outage in Northland.   An Electricity Authority report found bad practice that caused the Transpower tower to topple had probably happened before.   Unsupervised, inexperienced maintenance crews from contractor Omexom unfastened three legs at once.   Transpower Executive General Manager Mark Ryall told Mike Hosking you do need to be able to train people on the job, otherwise they'll never become competent.   But he says a trainee needs to be under direct supervision, and in this case they weren't adequately supervised.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lucrative free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates could be signed into action today.  Trade Minister Todd McClay is meeting with his Emirati counterpart as part of his three-day visit to Wellington.  Negotiations for the FTA began in May, meaning it would be less than 100 days to get it over the line.  Former trade negotiator Charles Finny told Mike Hosking there's huge potential for growth.  He says we're looking at 5% tariffs on some dairy products and frozen meats, and taking that off would be really, really useful.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's re-prioritising funding from an unaccredited te reo programme for teachers into new maths curriculum resources and teacher guidance.   The Education Minister says there's no evidence the te reo programme directly helped student achievement, and it's more than double the cost of similar courses.   Primary teachers can select resources this year for delivery in term 1.   Erica Stanford told Mike Hosking they always knew they had to provide high-quality resources like lesson plans and workbooks for the new maths curriculum.   She says many schools who can afford them already buy them, they're now making them free of charge for every child in every school.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So for what I think is the fourth time in a week, we hear from Tory Whanau.  This is a problem in itself because in the third interview, or possibly her fourth she has given, she reveals that originally she thought mayors flew below the radar.  So in her ongoing quest not to fly below the radar she also reveals, in her third or possibly fourth interview, that the advice she has been getting about all the trouble she has found herself in has come from her friends, many of whom worked for —are you ready for it— Jacinda Ardern.  Say. No. More.  The original interview was with Newstalk ZB. That was her "I sold my car" interview.  Her next interview was the Stuff interview, with Stuff claiming it was an exclusive despite the fact it wasn’t, and we knew it wasn’t because they asked about her car and they couldn’t have known about the car without the ZB interview, which as far as I can tell wasn’t an exclusive either because she does a fairly regular slot on ZB in Wellington.  The third interview was on Q&A where she confessed the sold car story was in fact made up, but taken out of context, despite the fact she had raised it herself.  Having done the TV interview she seems to have wandered off and done a podcast, which is where she raised the fact she had done the TV interview, but it hadn't gone so well.  The podcast, and the TV interview by the way, were at no times claimed to be exclusives.  But she did raise the bit where she seems to get her advice from Jacinda's mates.  Of course, much earlier than this she should have stopped digging and basically tried to get back down below the radar because I'm not sure if Jacinda's friends have told her this yet, but she is making a spectacular dick of herself and dragging the city's reputation down with her.  It is a very, very good lesson in why some people are simply not suited for public life and leadership.  Without being too unkind, it would appear she struggles to run her own life, far less a whole city's issues. She also has suspect skill in choosing her friends.  So, four interviews down we know more about Tory than anyone would have ever wanted.  I'm not sure even Stuff would now want a follow up and call it another exclusive, and if we have learned anything it's that it's not hard to see why the capital is in the state it is.  It's not hard to sympathise with her fellow councillors. It must be a nightmare.  If the central Government woke up today and decided Diane Calvert was right and an administrator might be a good idea, I don’t know many would be left objecting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concern for wider conflict in the Middle East as Israel and Hezbollah trade strikes.   Israel's Defence Force says its mission is to stop the Iranian-backed Hezbollah firing rockets into Israel's north, and to push it back from the border.   Lebanon's health ministry says around 500 people have been killed in air strikes.   Journalist and analyst Gideon Levy told Mike Hosking there's no incentive, mediator or leadership in stopping it.  He said that Israel insists on its own conditions, Hezbollah seems to be ready to sacrifice, and we are stuck in another bloodbath.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Facial Recognition technology will stay in 25 supermarkets, as Foodstuffs North Island deems its trial a success.   The company, which owns Pak'n'Save and New World, installed the technology in the stores for a six-month test.   Early results suggest it prevented about 130 serious incidents and was able to identify repeat offenders more than 1,700 times.   Company Secretary, Julian Benefield, told Mike Hosking the trial was focused on repeat offenders, which 38% of offences were caused by in the last quarter.  He says it's one of the most proactive technologies they could find, as offenders are less aggressive when approached earlier on in the store journey.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 25th of September, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster is done and moving on in November, six months early. So how did he find his time in the job?  What have the results been from Foodstuffs facial recognition trial and will it be brought out all around the country?    And on Politics Wednesday, things get a bit tetchy between Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen when it comes to Coster and how much is achieved in the first year of a new Government.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The current Police Minister's standing by his criticism of the Police Commissioner while in opposition, and believes things have changed.  Andrew Coster will lead the new Social Investment Agency, exiting the role of Commissioner earlier than anticipated.  During the last Labour Government, National's Mark Mitchell slammed Coster's approach to policing, once suggesting it was like having cups of tea with gang members.  Coster's acknowledged there's a view he was 'soft'.  Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking the Commissioner has to serve the Government of the day.  He says in opposition he didn't agree with the Government's policy direction.  Labour’s Ginny Andersen believes he went above and beyond to do everything he could do while in the job.   She said that he did a great job in the role and had some really challenging things to deal with.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwis are drinking increasingly less cow's milk. Around 1.2 million fewer glasses are consumed every year, fuelling health concerns. There's been a 17 % decline in the last two decades.  ABC Nutrition's Angela Berrill told Mike Hosking it's largely due to the rapid rise of plant-based alternatives.  She said it could be concerning if people reduce their dairy and milk intake but don't get calcium from other sources, as there may be an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures when the younger generations become adults.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers could be about to get a new technological tool to help count stock.  Farm suppliers PGG Wrightson have teamed up with Inde Technology to use drones and AI to make the process faster and easier.  It works by having drones fly across the paddocks and the resulting footage is run through an AI scanner to count the stock.  PGG Wrightson CEO Stephen Guerin told Mike Hosking it's getting up to about 97% accuracy in the first runs. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel and militant group Hezbollah are continuing to trade strikes.   Israel's Defence Force says its mission is to stop the Iranian-backed Hezbollah firing rockets into Israel's north, and to push it back from the border.   Lebanon's health ministry says more than 500 people have been killed in air strikes.   US correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that President Biden has called for a ceasefire in the Middle East, speaking at the UN General Assembly.   He says his comments focused on Israeli and American hostages who remain alive after the Hamas raid last October.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outgoing Police Commissioner Andrew Coster has accepted there'll be a range of views on whether he's been tough enough on crime.  The top cop, whose been in the role since early 2020, is leaving the role earlier than signalled.  He's stepping down as commissioner in November to lead the new Social Investment Agency.  Coster copped criticism from current Police Minister Mark Mitchell, while he was in opposition.  Andrew Coster told Mike Hosking it seems Police have been more 'in the thick' of politics.  He says they got drawn in to a really law and order focused election.  When it comes to his new job, Coster sees it as the ambulance at the top of the cliff, rather than the bottom.  He told Hosking there's about $70 billion dollars of social services spending per year - something he says he wants to understand to get better results.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a belief that cracking down on abuse against public transport workers will help address a wider societal issue.  The Government is set to make it an aggravating factor in court after noting a worrying increase in abuse to staff and passengers.  Local authorities will soon be able to apply for funding to make safety improvements, including safety screens and real-time CCTV monitoring.  Bus and Coach Association chief executive Delaney Myers told Mike Hosking it's unacceptable.  She says the ramifications on them are significant and they need more help to keep people safe.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Italy’s Prime Minister is set to receive a prestigious award.  Elon Musk is set to present Giorgia Meloni with the Atlantic Council’s Global Citizen Award in New York, an award presented to key global citizens seeking to improve the state of the world.  Italy Correspondent Jo McKenna told Mike Hosking that she’s making all the right noises about working on a multilateral level, talking about needing to work for peace and fight climate change at the UN Summit of the Future in New York.  She said that she’s been talking about crises presenting opportunities, a sentiment McKenna says many Italians probably would not be sharing.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A couple of things interested me with the Government's back-to-work edict:  1) We need a back-to-work edict and the fact we haven't had one until now.  2) Sadly, the admission no one knows what the hell is going on, who is where, what percentage of time people aren't there, how many aren't there, when they are or are not there compared with any other piece of the public service, etc.  It's Mickey Mouse stuff.  The Australians have crunched the numbers and found the savings for individuals in terms of money not spent commuting is in the tens of billions of dollars per year, for each state.  Of course, they have had return to work notices for a while, although New South Wales only did it for their public workers a few weeks back.  Saving money by not dealing with traffic is probably an upside to working from home, and I have always thought this business of teamwork and camaraderie is a bit overstated and, if not overstated, certainly hard to prove.  You can prove what you save not going to work. It's a bit harder to show what outworkings have been achieved by all hanging around the kitchen together.  The other odd thing has been my naivety. I honestly thought we had it sorted ages back. I assumed we had policy in place.  Obviously Wellington is a mess, but working from home is only part of the equation. The clowns who run the city are more responsible, surely, with their determination to destroy any signs of liveability.  Also, don’t forget that for every coffee that isn't bought in Lambton Quay there is one purchased in Eastbourne.  Anyway, the skiving is over. Another of those lenient, take the mickey out of the Covid years ideas has been brought to an end, or will be shortly.  But you've got to wonder about the Government, don’t you? All the private businesses had this sorted an age ago.  But good, old, dum dee doo Wellington has no policy and no decisions. Everyone was at home for a good, long weekend all pretending it was business as usual.  Well the jig is up. On balance, as hard as a park might be to find or a bus to catch, I think we are better off in general at work than at home pretending it's normal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geothermal emissions of methane and CO2 could soon be put to good use.  Work is underway in Rotorua to create livestock feed from the gasses in world-first research that could net the country $500 million by 2045.  The feed would be created from protein rich biomass, produced when microorganisms feed off greenhouse gas emissions captured from geothermal power stations.  Upflow Business and Innovation Director Andy Blair told Mike Hosking that they’re testing if the system is scalable, to see how they can make it economically viable and sustainable for the commercial market.  The feed is unlikely to be bulk food, he said, but additives instead, since it’s not a cheap thing to produce.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 24th of September, we delve into the Polkinghorne verdict and the Government's edict telling public service workers to get back to the office.    Is a 4-year Government term actually realistic? The Prime Minister has the answer.  Sir Miles Warren and Maurice Mahoney are two of NZ's great architectural geniuses and we have a new doco about them called 'Maurice and I'. We spoke to the director Rick Harvie.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The friendship of two celebrated Kiwi architects is uncovered in a new documentary.  'Maurice and I' looks at the partnership between Sir Miles Warren and Maurice Mahoney and how they refurbished the Christchurch Town Hill after the quakes.  Director Rick Harvie told Mike Hosking he always wanted to make a documentary about the Town Hall, but didn't think it would be a feature-length film.  He says they treated the building as a character, showcasing its creation to it almost losing its life.  Harvie says it was important for him to drill down into the details of the restoration, as it’s a Christchurch story, but also a big part of New Zealand's history.  The documentary's currently in cinemas.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwifruit exports are winning gold this year.  Exports were valued at $3.1 billion in the year to August - the highest value point ever.  It's a 20% increase from 2023, and $524 million jump.  Kiwifruit Growers CEO Colin Bond told Mike Hosking the top destination for green kiwifruit is Europe, while China's the top market for gold.  He says Europeans have always recognised the health benefits of green, and China has no shortage of green fruit, so are more keen on new varieties.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister claims productivity is behind the new guidance around working from home.  The trend of public servants relying on working from home may soon be coming to an end.  Guidance is being updated as the Government says working from home is not an entitlement, and agencies have to monitor working from home agreements and report back.  Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking working from home was introduced as a temporary measure.  He says many organisations and Governments say it does not help build culture or team development, and does not improve team performance.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s hopes a new Government directive will actually bring public servants back to the office.  Agency chief executives are being required to report on how often their public servants are working from home.  Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says working from home is not an entitlement.  Wellington Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Manager Conor Whitten told Mike Hosking for many, working from home's become the default.  He says it's been a hard time for businesses, and working from home trends are a big part of that.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A criminal defence lawyer says the Polkinghorne trial is an example of the criminal justice system working.   A jury has found eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne not guilty of the murder or manslaughter of his wife Pauline Hanna at their Remuera home in April 2021.   The verdict —given at the High Court in Auckland yesterday— followed 10 hours of deliberations over two days.  Criminal defence lawyer Elizabeth Hall told Mike Hosking what we’ve seen play out is justice working.  She says both the Crown and defence have worked very hard, the verdict is what it is, and New Zealanders need to see that it's justice working.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s Labour party has fallen to its lowest level since the election in the latest poll.  Meanwhile, migrant intake has blown forecasts, set to exceed 400,000.  Opposition leader Peter Dutton has condemned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for failing to manage population growth during a housing crisis.  Australia correspondent Murray Olds tells Mike Hosking this has added to the government’s markdown in opinion polls.  Plus, the Greens have gone feral in a push to force the Reserve Bank to cut interest rates.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt join Mike Hosking to discuss the Bledisloe Cup, Argentina’s victory over South Africa, Black Caps v Sri Lanka, AFL and making baseball history.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A growing trend of cocktail kegs has made its way to New Zealand.  Some in the hospitality industry say mass batches of drinks such as martinis, margaritas and mojitos are speeding up service.   Norma Taps co-owner Luke Jones says he set up the business to prove kegs as a viable option to minimise waste and operate efficiently.  Jones tells Mike Hosking the cocktail kegs use fresh ingredients and are pressurised to maintain a long shelf life.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Advice to the Government around child poverty has been made public.  According to Treasury, the target set by the previous government is ‘no longer realistically achievable’.  Top officials say is would cost three billion dollars to get back on track.  Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston tells Mike Hosking the current government are “going to do something different”.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s influence as a nation is on the decline, according to the Lowy Institute’s annual Asia Power Index.  NZ is one of only three countries to go backwards, alongside Russia and Myanmar.  A traceable drop in diplomacy since 2018 is partly to blame.  Lowy Institute’s SouthEast Asia Program Director Susannah Patton tells Mike Hosking the index looks at a range of things including economy, economic relationships and diplomacy.  Patton says China’s power is described as plateauing due to long-term challenges.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More collaboration is being proposed within the university sector.   Students could soon be picking up courses from multiple institutes simultaneously.  Universities NZ CEO Chris Whelan tells Mike Hosking the collaboration applies to subjects which need to grow.  Whelan says it makes sense for universities to work together on the infrastructure needed for certain courses and allows for those subjects to be scaled more successfully.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 23rd of September, more good news around getting people out of emergency housing. But more bad news around our reputation as a country.    Mike is flummoxed by the newest trend in the hospitality industry - cocktails in a keg.  Guy and Sav break down where the All Blacks went wrong in the second half of the first Bledisloe test and Lydia Ko winning her 30th LPGA Tour event.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the nine months since September, the number of families in emergency housing has dropped by 57%, from 3100 to 1300.  According to Ministry of Social Development, this creates a saving of half a million dollars every day.  Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka tells Mike Hosking the change has been achieved by ensuring all avenues are explored before placing people into emergency housing.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Voting has started in the US election and a new national NBC poll has Kamala Harris ahead of Trump by 5 points.  US correspondent Richard Arnold tells Mike Hosking this is a clear reversal of the same polling when Biden was on the card.  While Harris has accepted a date for the second debate, Trump continues to indicate he will not take part.  Meanwhile, a mass shooting in a popular nightlife area of Birmingham, Alabama has left four people dead and at least 17 injured.  Plus, the baseball world is buzzing as Shoehei Ohtani has made history as the first player ever to reach 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An aging workforce is resulting in shortages in sectors vital to New Zealand’s economic development.  New Zealand’s Manufacturing, Engineering and Logistics sectors need an extra 40,000 workers by 2028.  The Workforce Development Council is launching a campaign to get boots on the ground.   Workforce Development Council CEO Phil Alexander-Crawford tells Mike Hosking New Zealand has a unique opportunity with our growing Pacific community and that immigration is important for filling work shortages like this.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 20th of September, Finance Minister Nicola Willis attempts to turn our economy around as we stare down the barrel of another recession.  Penny Simmonds spoke to AUT about their race-based ranking system to send professors to overseas conferences. So did she get to the bottom of it and stop it?  Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson talk Dubai chocolate bars and Luke Combs coming back to the country, as they Wrap the Week.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all.    The economy: 4/10  Between the GDP and the current account, it’s a bad week of data. You could argue the upside is it might be the worst of it. It might be better from here on in.    Whining unions: 3/10  This week it was relief teachers. Name me the last time unions said something, anything, positive.    The race edict: 8/10  Because doing stuff, handing stuff out, based on nothing more than race is racist.    The All Blacks: 7/10  Australia comes at just the right time. What we need off two losses is someone pretty useless. Australia - come on in.    Liam Lawson: 9/10  If the word is accurate, by the time the weekend is out we will have our next full-time driver in F1.    Federated Farmers: 125/10  That’s a birthday worth celebrating and of all the advocacy groups, I think they could be close to being my favourite.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Federal Reserve has cut interest rates for the first time in more than four years – a significant political boost for the Harris campaign.  Rates have gone down by 0.5% to about 4.8%, a far bigger rate than economists had predicted.  Policymakers expect the rate to fall another 0.5% this year and go down to around 3% by the end of 2026.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that Donald Trump is complaining about the impact it will have for Harris’ campaign, calling the move by the Federal Reserve “sheer politics”.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What I would like out of the Philip Polkinghorne trial is access to the jury.  This country has an archaic and sheltered view of certain aspects of justice. If you believe justice has to be seen to be done, it behoves us to fully understand the process.  I have had virtually no interest in the trial. I have no real overarching interest in crime generally.  I got fascinated by the David Bain business, but Polkinghorne has passed me by. He either did it or he didn’t. The jury is working that out as we speak.  I have noticed a change this time and it confirms that my lack of interest in matters makes me part of a very, very small minority. It's the blogging that has gone on from court from the digital media.  A criticism I have always had about media coverage of court is mainly they are cherry pickers and mainly formats, particularly in news bulletins, never gives fair insight into the day's proceedings.  This time it has been no different. TV seems to have come and gone. On a slow day it's covered, on a busy one it's not.  Having been in court enough times over the years, the tricky part is how slowly it all moves and therefore it is easy for media to miss a lot of detail, not to mention subtlety and nuance.  If you can't cover it properly, don’t.  The digital operators have been able to give you all the blow-by-blow detail you could ever want and from my inquires, it has been absorbed vociferously by most of the population.  But back to the jury. In America you get to talk to them.  Why not here?  Surely in a trial of this detail and interest, knowing what they thought or didn’t think and what they made out as critical or of no consequence is not only fascinating, but vital to understanding as to how we got to where we are about to get.  Seeing open justice work and getting the detail from those closest to it is good. Surely you can't argue that wouldn't improve the process, therefore our understanding?  How, possibly, is that a bad thing? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Jordan’s move to All Blacks fullback has been short lived.   Jordan shifts back to the right wing for Saturday afternoon’s Bledisloe Cup test in Sydney, with Beauden Barrett restored to fullback and Caleb Clarke on the left wing.   It’s the same back three that started in Johannesburg against the Springboks, before Barrett switched to the bench for Cape Town.   Coach Scott Robertson says they believe it’s best for this week with Clarke now fit again.  Jordan told Mike Hosking that while Australia is not South Africa, they all know how important the Bledisloe Cup is, and losing that certainly provides plenty of fear.  He said that it’s about maintaining or even lifting their intensity from over in South Africa, and making sure they put Australia on the back foot from the start.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back once more to Wrap the Week that was alongside Mike Hosking.   They discussed Producer Sam’s recent purchases of Dubai chocolate bars, vacuum cleaners, and Luke Combs’ upcoming return to New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Law Association says changing the threshold for the right to a jury trial doesn't make sense.    Currently a defendant can choose between a jury or a judge-alone trial in cases where the maximum penalty is two or more years in jail.   The Government's seeking feedback on increasing this to three, five, or seven years, saying jury trials drive court delays.   Law Association Vice-President Julie-Anne Kincade told Mike Hosking that right now in Auckland District Court you'll get a jury-trial faster than a judge alone trial.   She says they need to be careful about using a blunt tool to try solve the problem.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A million dollar boost is on its way towards methane vaccine research.   Scientists are wanting to develop antibodies that reduce methane emissions from animals.  AgriZeroNZ and the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre are providing $13.5 million to Lucidome Bio to develop the treatment.   AgriZeroNZ chief executive Wayne McNee told Mike Hosking they're on a path to eventually get there.  He says they've also invested in a UK company, which has already proven it's possible.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister is seeing the light at the end of the tunnel in the wake of the latest economic figures.  Latest Stats NZ figures reveal the GDP contracted by 0.2% in the three months to June  In the March quarter, 0.1% growth was recorded.  Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking we're still very much in clean-up mode, but the important indicators look good.  She says inflation is forecast to come under control and interest rates continue to fall.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tertiary Education Minister says AUT has good rationale behind its policy to give Māori and Pasifika staff extra points in choosing staff to attend overseas conferences.   AUT says there's a critical shortage of those academic staff in the sector, and the policy helps address that.   The Government's directed the public service to allocate services on need, not race.   Minister Penny Simmonds told Mike Hosking the university has a high proportion of Māori and Pasifika students, and their proportionality of staff isn't as high.   She says they're also trying to build up the research capability of Māori and Pasifika staff.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The good news is confidence in our economy is improving.  It has been a decent week: farmers confidence is up and markedly, our confidence is up a bit —still overall pessimistic, but up nevertheless— and last week we saw business confidence rise a bit.  Then come the newest numbers, our current account.  It’s a mess. We are a mess. In essence we buy more from the world than we sell it, and given we are in the business of selling stuff, that doesn’t make us a very good business.  Glass half full, the figure we got yesterday is stable as a percentage of GDP. But the percentage of GDP is hopeless, that's the worry.  This by the way is for the June quarter. In actual number terms it widened by $269 million.  It's all part of the wider picture we will get later today on the actual GDP, which we mentioned earlier has almost certainly gone backwards for the same period.  So, join the 2 bits together. You have an economy going backwards, driven in part by the fact that we buy more stuff than we sell. Think about that scenario in your own life.  You make a living selling stuff, but you still buy more things. They cost more than what you make, you are sinking. That's the story of this country.  Our net investment liability position —another good comparison we can make with our own lives, note the words net liability— was $205 billion, which is 49.7 % of GDP. That is over $6 billion more than it was in the last quarter.   It’s getting worse, we are more liable. You don’t in life want to liable, you don’t in life want a deficit. In really simple terms, in the deals that involve NZ and the world, we have more liabilities than we have assets.  As I say most of us don’t run our lives that way, and yet we seem happy to watch our country being run that way.  It has become very clear this week from the Tory Whanau revelations that we have people in decision making positions who have no idea how to turn a dollar, spend a dollar, value a dollar, or run anything that resembles an economy of any sort or size.   The numbers don’t lie. The numbers aren't good but they can't be a surprise given the sort of people who have been in charge. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The automotive sector is hoping to take industry-training out of Government hands.   The Motor Industry Training Organisation supports on-job learning in sectors like automotive, logistics, and road transport.   But the Motor Trade Association says under Government control, it has become detached from the industry.   Chief Executive Lee Marshall wants a transition to being industry owned and led.  He says the sector is undergoing rapid change, and the training isn't keeping pace.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He may have stepped back from his iconic series, but that doesn’t mean Lee Child has put his pen down.  Since his announcement last year that he was passing the character of Jack Reacher over into his brother’s hands, he’s been credited in the latest novel ‘In Too Deep’, which is being released in October.   But before that Child has released another project of his own, an action-packed short story collection called ‘Safe Enough: And Other Stories’.   He told Mike Hosking that they’re stories he’s written over the course of his career, and since stepping back from Reacher, someone suggested he make a collection.  “They were kind of secret projects of mine that I would do anything I wanted,” Child said.  “And I'm very interested to see what other people think of them.”  The oldest story was written twenty years ago, back in 2004, with the others all falling somewhere in between then and the present.  “I have no idea what people will think. I hope they like them, but we shall find out.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 19th of September, the Fed dropped by half a point, so what will happen with our GDP today?  David Seymour says charter schools will have performance requirements, and they'll lose their status if they don't keep up. He gives ZB the exclusive.  Author extraordinaire Lee Child is back to talk to Mike about his new short stories venture.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Organisers of a Rotorua charity garage sale are considering canning it altogether after a burglary.  A car, trailer, and small donated items were allegedly stolen from the sale's storage area at Ngongotaha Railway Park over the weekend.  Small electronic goods were discovered missing from the containers.  Ray White Rotorua co-owner Tim O'Sullivan told Mike Hosking he suspects this wasn't opportunistic.  He says they did all the right things in terms of how they broke in, and the yard was locked up, but it didn't deter them.  Police say a 27-year-old man has been charged with the burglary and is due in court tomorrow.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's GDP figures are expected to show the economy weakened in the second quarter of this year.   Analysts are forecasting a contraction between 0.1 and 0.5%.   The first quarter of 2024 showed just 0.2% growth.   Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Mike Hosking June was the weakest month they've seen in a while.   He says they expect it to have gone backwards again in Q3, but it will be a finely balanced thing – they're forecasting minus 0.2.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A second wave of explosions have hit Lebanon a day after pagers used by Hezbollah detonated.  At least 12 people are dead from the pager attacks, while 14 have been killed from exploding walkie talkies today.  Thousands are injured, and Hezbollah believes Israel is responsible.  Auckland University international relations professor Stephen Hoadley told Mike Hosking some academics believe the attacks are illegal under international law.  Hoadley disagrees.  He says this is war, as the target were Hezbollah fighters, who are pledged to destroy Israel.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's announced attendance, achievement, and financial targets for charter schools.   The schools must meet the targets or risk interventions, including possibly having their contract ended.   Associate Education Minister David Seymour told Mike Hosking Charter Schools have the same goals as state schools, such as 95% getting NCEA level two and 80% regularly attending.   He says the difference is they're putting in hard minimums for Charter Schools, and if they don't achieve them, they'll be shut down.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25,000 more people need to be hired if the Government wants to achieve its infrastructure goals.  Officials have warned Minister Chris Bishop he'll need to significantly boost the civil engineering and construction workforce by more than 50%.  It's also warning the Government hasn't funded $200 billion worth of its transport promises.  Fraser May of Civil Contractors New Zealand told Mike Hosking a lot will need to be done to get the sector ready for the projects.  He says it follows a tough time in the sector, where many have down-scaling when they should've been up-scaling.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's only when you read the full detail in the latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll that you start to get a feel for where the Government currently sits.  Firstly, the poll is for corporate clients and reportage is usually limited to a few basic numbers, i.e. National up or down a point and added together that means “x” number of seats in the house.  The full report has the gold and everyone in corporate New Zealand will be seeing that this current Government is on somewhat of a roll.  Here is the really worrying thing for the opposition parties; these numbers are produced at a time the economy is still rubbish and it's entirely possible we are still in a recession.  So, the things for Labour, especially, to worry about:  1. The coalition have 67 seats, which is an easy majority.  2. Every single issue, bar one, they are more trusted on. In areas like the economy and spending, the Government wins by a mile, so much that the gap is embarrassing. The only area Labour claim victory is poverty and even then it's by a single point.  3. The right way/wrong way tracker has turned in spectacular fashion since the election. Many argue this is the true indication of Government support. If you get the country going right, you're in every time.  4. The Labour leader's popularity has tanked. The favourable/unfavourable numbers have cratered. Chris Hipkins isn't liked, isn't backed and is, as they say in America, under water.  Now, fair is fair, it's just a poll, not an election  But get some steam into the economy, get a growing level of confidence as the Reserve Bank cuts rates and people start to spend and feel good again, get some real growth into proceedings and it's at that point any Government of the day starts to feel like they are re-electable.  We have seen this past week the seeds, the shoots of progress; the crime stats, the increasingly determined action around the Treaty, the reportage of schools talking of a change of culture after a phone ban. These are small, but tangible, wins.  If by the end of next year the economy is back, and the rest of the tangibles are falling into place, an opposition will have very little left in which to enter election year with.  And Chris Hipkins won't just be under water, he will be out of a job. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs has pleaded not guilty to a list of sex trafficking charges.  The 54-year-old was arrested in Manhattan by federal agents yesterday, following a year in which his career was derailed by several lawsuits accusing him of physical and sexual abuse.  New York Attorney Damien Williams alleges Combs created and ran a "criminal enterprise” through his business empire.  He says he ran sex performances, which he called 'freak offs', for days at a time.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that prosecutors are opposing bail for Combs, but his lawyers have submitted a note to the judge saying that he’s never evaded, avoided, eluded, or run from a challenge in his life.   He said they’re offering an extensive bail package has been offered, including a $50 million bond, the passports of his daughters and mother, the equity of his home and his mother’s place in Florida, and home detention with GPS monitoring.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justice is set to be served to nearly every member of the Comancheros motorcycle gang, but that won't be the end of New Zealand's drug trade.   A three year police operation has resulted in 137 charges being laid.   Canterbury University sociology professor Jarrod Gilbert says it's decimated the Comancheros, and sends a message that any high profile organised crime group has a large target on their back.   But he says we can't expect this to significantly disrupt drug trade long term - as supply will just move to meet demand and the void will be filled.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s an increasing demand for growers in Canterbury.  A reliable water supply and cheaper land than Marlborough and Hawke's Bay are attracting horticulture suppliers to the region.  Vegetables NZ chair John Murphy says it's great to see things like Rockit apples grown in South Canterbury.  He told Mike Hosking it will help achieve the goal of doubling export values, and new opportunities mean fresh produce can continue to be supplied to New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 18th of September, the police have dealt a huge, potentially fatal, blow to the Comancheros gang.  Our kids aren't anywhere near as resilient as they used to be. So how do we fix it?  Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen join for Politics Wednesday and discuss whether Nicole McKee is a thorn in the side for the Government.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s support from across the political aisle over a Police crackdown on the Comancheros gang.  Nearly every member of the gang is facing criminal charges, showing the scale of operation to take out the Comancheros.  Speaking to Mike Hosking, Police Minister Mark Mitchell is applauding Police efforts, and says it's outstanding Policing.  Labour's Police spokesperson Ginny Andersen says they're also pleased to see the violence targeted.  She says it's great to see the gang's misery peddle shut down by the force.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are concerns over young New Zealanders' ability to handle adversity.  New figures show more than 21% of 15 to 24 year olds face psychological struggles.  It's prompted calls for more to be done to build resilience in children, starting at early childhood centres through to high schools.  Dr Felicia Low is behind the report and told Mike Hosking the numbers are deeply troubling.  She says we know young people aren't doing well, and we have to act on it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand doesn’t seem to be the only country with a looming shortage of teachers.  The Teaching Council's highlighting data that shows the number of students graduating as teachers has dropped by more than a third.  Half as many people are signing up to become teachers as there were in 2010.  Secondary Principals Association President Vaughan Couillault told Mike Hosking he's been hearing similar reports overseas.  He says he's been told in Australia and the United Kingdom, exactly the same thing's happening.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synlait could be going from the cream of the crop to skimming the edge of survival.  Shareholders of the dairy processor are gathering at its Dunsandel site today to vote on a proposed $218 million capital raise.  Board chair George Adams told Mike Hosking his confidence is high, and it would allow Synlait to move forward from the de-leveraging.  He says they'll then focus on drawing their farmers back and delivering good business.  If voted down, Synlait has warned it will end up in some sort of insolvency process.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The most telling part of the release of the draft of our critical minerals list is that we have never as a country developed a comprehensive picture of our mineral needs and weaknesses.  The obvious question is: why not?  Part of a strong resilient economy is when you do things yourself. As a small country we can't do everything because we don’t have domestic heft. We don’t have a natural domestic market for a lot of large-scale operations.  So, in some cases where we do things at scale, we sell it offshore. We are quite good at some of it, and farming would be an example.  But it is why we don't make cars. When we did it didn’t work financially so we are better off bringing them in.  But one of the great economic quandaries we have is a thing called a current account deficit. This shows we buy more stuff from the world than we sell to it.  That's not good.  We could mine more than we do. The fact that there are 35 minerals on the list, and by the way, the list doesn’t include coal or gold, means we have a lot of minerals.  Are we taking full advantage? Obviously not.  Could we? Why not?  Because a lot of people get angsty about mining.  But as the miners will tell you, it's an increasingly sophisticated industry that cleans up after itself in a completely different way from the old days.  Here is the simple truth - the world needs minerals. We need minerals the same way we need power to turn the lights on and our current predicament around generation and supply is all the evidence you need to know we should be prioritising jobs and costs of living over the ideology of renewables and conservation land.  Those opposed are often opposed no matter what. They aren't for turning. They think a fern and snail beats a job and power and that’s just the way they are.  They are allowed to be obsessed, but they shouldn't dictate economic travel.  Minerals are an income stream, a job stream, and a sensible, viable answer to a lot of economic problems. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 17th of September, the Government’s crime targets of 2030 are going backwards, but some tougher sentences hope to make up for that.  Mike has uncovered a scandal at AUT, and he puts it to the Prime Minister as part of the weekly catch-up.  Ryan Fox talks the year on the PGA Tour and if he's going back next year, provided he qualifies.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions are arising over the BBC's handling of disgraced broadcaster Huw Edwards' child abuse images case.  The former news anchor has been given a suspended six-month sentence for soliciting indecent images of children.  UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking the BBC still paid Edwards his salary after being arrested and has now asked for it to be paid back.  He says there's a view the BBC protects those it values from public scrutiny.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You don’t have to be a professional golfer to know it’s an expensive sport.  New Zealand’s highest-ranked men’s golfer, Ryan Fox, has lifted the lid on the pressures he’s faced this year dealing with a hip injury while working to retain his PGA Tour card for 2025. Despite the financial challenges, Fox emphasises that money isn’t the be-all and end-all of his career.  It’s been a tough year for Fox after two very lucrative years in which he made $11 million. Over that period he had three DP World Tour wins, five runners-up placings, two thirds and three top-10 finishes. On the DP Tour alone, Fox brought home $6m and $5.4m in 2022 and 2023 respectively but has just $735,574 in prize money this year (plus $1,845,332 on the PGA Tour).  Asked whether the difference impacted him psychologically, Fox told The Mike Hosking Breakfast on Newstalk ZB that money wasn’t the goal.  “I don’t play golf for the money and I’m in a pretty good place in that sense.  “You do think about it if you miss a few cuts in a row. It is a pretty expensive way to make a living if you’re not making money – golf’s pretty brutal that if you miss the cut, you don’t make anything. In the US, it’s probably been in excess of six or $7000 a week spent to do it and, if you’re not making money, it does get expensive quickly.  “I know I’m good enough to compete and at some point it’s going to turn around … This year I’ve still had a couple of really good results and covered myself quite easily in the US. Obviously, the last couple of years have been very good [in regards to prize money]. It’s still been a good experience and I’m not worried too much about the money side of things. It’s more about trying to compete and trying to win tournaments.”  This week Fox is defending his 2023 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Golf Club. Fox remarkably recovered from a triple bogey seven on the third hole after starting two shots off the lead in the final round, but then went eight-under including six birdies on the back nine to claim a one-shot victory.  Currently ranked 106th on the FedEx Cup standings – the top 125 retain their card – Fox said the past year had been tough.  “I’ve done a lot of travel the last couple of years. The US has been difficult this year in that respect,” he said.  “I think we spent 30 weeks travelling out of a suitcase with no base, 20 of those weeks are with the family and two young kids. So there was definitely a fair bit of a grind in there but I still get to do what I love for a living. We’ve had some great experiences … I got to play on the PGA tour. That’s been a dream of mine for a long time. I certainly wouldn’t swap any of the experiences I’ve had the last couple of years being able to do that.”  Last week, Fox told the Herald he has been dealing with a hip injury for most of the year which he hadn’t given much thought to, but recently learned the extent of the issue.  “I got some testing done on that when I was at home and there’s potentially some stuff I need to sort out with that at the end of the year as well,” Fox said of his injury.  “So, it’s a little bit about managing that going forward with the schedule. Once I get back to the States and if I get the job done pretty quickly, then I’ve got to figure out if I’m going back to Europe [or] if I’m coming home and getting the hip sorted; there’s a fair bit to sort out there, but I certainly can’t make it any worse than it is. I’ve just got to manage it; manage the workload a little bit on it, that’s about it. It’s nothing too serious, so it’s a little bit flexible at the end of the year, let’s put it that way.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A dismal picture is being painted of our tamariki's health, with more being hospitalised for preventable diseases.   A new Cure Kids report reveals unacceptably high hospitalisation rates for respiratory, skin and rheumatic conditions, mental health issues, and dental diseases.  It finds Māori and Pasifika children and those from lower income households are disproportionately affected.  Chief executive Frances Soutter says we need to address social factors like child poverty and create more equitable access to health and nutrition.   She says we need intentional collaborative action to shift these statistics.    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister is making no apologies for curtailing the civil rights of gang members.  Documents show Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith initially rejected a police request to ban gang patches in the homes of repeat offenders, but then changed his mind.   That's despite objections from his own ministry, Te Puni Kokiri, and the Privacy Commissioner.  Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking he's not concerned about gang members losing their rights.  He says gang members make up one quarter of one percent of the population, but are responsible for almost a fifth of serious violent crimes and homicides and almost a quarter of all firearms offences.  He’s reminding all judges the Government is in charge, as it looks to crack down on sentencing laws.   Reforms to legislation is being introduced in Parliament this week.   New aggravating factors are also being introduced, to include adults exploiting children by aiding or abetting their offending, and for posting criminal activity on social media.  Luxon told Hosking the decision of courts will reflect the intentions of Parliament, not judges.    He says they can have their say on the legislation during the Select Committee process.     LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first quarterly report on public service targets shows rates of people victimised have risen by 30 thousand people to the end of June.  The government's goal is to reduce that by 20 thousand within the next six years.   It's bringing sentencing law reforms to Parliament this week to reduce discounts and add aggravating factors.  Crime Prevention Group President Sunny Kaushal told Mike Hosking these reforms and others in the works will make an impact.  He believes it'll bring accountability and the consequences that's been missing for years.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Airport says it's had no shortage of interest in its $1.4 billion capital raise.  It will use the money to drive down debt and upgrade the airport, runway, and other infrastructure dating back to the 1960s.  The upgrade is expected to take about five years to complete.  Auckland Airport Chief Executive Carrie Hurihanganui told Mike Hosking the capital raise had been signalled to the market.  She says there's been a very positive response from institutional investors and will start seeking retail investors today.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When a Government has to issue an email directive the way they did on Friday over race, there is something profoundly wrong with the country. Essentially it says the public service, whether on health, education, justice, welfare etc. - can not act on race. It says they can't see race as an individual entitlement that allows services, or money, or support to be a determining criteria. This is part of the coalition agreement - as directed by ACT and New Zealand First. National Party supporters might want to ask why they didn’t have it as part of their criteria as well. The idea that one race trumps another is absurd, unfair and leads nowhere good, especially if you are after good race relations and harmonious existence. The Māori Party called it anti-Māori, which shows their level of ignorance, unless the Māori Party argues Māori deserve things no one else gets, and I don’t think even they would be that extreme. We are all equal. I have never been able to ascertain why that concept is so hard to grasp. The fact it's taken the Government this long to issue the edict must also be of concern. David Seymour suggested it's been complex. Has it? How? What we also need to be concerned about, as we saw last week in Hawkes' Bay, is pushback. For a so-called colour blind public service, we have nothing of the sort. You can't hand out health care based on race, and yet that was exactly what they were doing. You can't unilaterally invent Māori seats at council level - and yet councils are threatening lawyers in a local body version of a tantrum. In the meantime, the Waitangi Tribunal continues to pump out findings like confetti. Race unfairly dealt with cripples countries. We have enough to worry about these days without something that really is so simple to administer. We are all equal. We all have equal access to everything, whether it be democracy, health, education or welfare. Needs, not race. How hard can it be? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing concern from educational experts as more teachers are leaving Australian schools. Over in New South Wales, PE and science teachers have been called in to plug the gaps left behind by maths teachers. Australia correspondent Murray Olds says many educators feel like 'cannon fodder' amid poor pay and lack of respect from students and parents. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt joined Mike Hosking to discuss the Formula One results, the changes to Super Rugby and David Nyika's upcoming fight. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A win for Waikato, with international flights set to return from next year. Jetstar's launching new routes from Hamilton to Sydney and the Gold Coast in June. The city's been without trans-Tasman flights since 2012. Hamilton Airport CEO Mark Morgan says the announcement's significant for the region's future. "It places some credibility back into the mighty Waikato - and just positions us for opportunities that we would not have been able to consider without this current opportunity."  Jetstar's also launched a new route from Dunedin to the Gold Coast - the first international flights out of Otago since 2020. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's proposing new criteria to define who's a contractor and who's an employee. 'Contractors' will need to have signed a contract, stating they're an independent contractor. They must be able to subcontract out any set hours, they can't be prevented from working for other people, and they can't be fired for not taking on extra tasks. Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden says the Government is looking to change the law next year. "Most of this has been built through case law over time, so it's not actually clear enough in the law how individual contract arrangements work." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand electric vehicle market has run out of charge. New Motor Industry Association data shows just one in eleven new vehicle sales are electric, compared to last year where it was one in every four. Imported Motor Vehicle Industry chief executive Greig Epps says it's left many importers with excess stock. However, he says hybrid sales, on the other hand, continue to stay strong. "43 to 45 percent of the used imports that we're bringing in this year have been hybrids. Hybrids are a really solid technology." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland police believe the extra exposure in the city centre is making a difference. New data shows a 22 percent drop in in serious assaults in the CBD in the first seven months of the year, compared to the same time last year. Police Minister Mark Mitchell's putting it down to a collaborative approach between officers and agencies to get people the support they need. Police Association spokesperson Murray Fenton says the feedback from visitors and locals is refreshing. "It's really exciting, because our international visitors are coming up to us on the streets, our local people, our business people, our retailers - we're getting support from so many types of people." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Education Minister's backing her changes for relief teachers, despite criticism. Erica Stanford's loosening up the Limited Authority to Teach rules to address shortages - including covering their costs and allowing experts who aren’t qualified teachers and previously registered teachers to work as relievers. PPTA President Chris Abercrombie says the change will flood classrooms with unregistered relievers. Stanford says she was surprised there was opposition. "There are a whole bunch of incredible teachers out there - they don't forget how to teach. And actually, when we've got a real need right now, we've got Orewa College and other colleges rostering home kids - that's the alternative." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US officials have revealed more about the latest attempted assassination attempt on Donald Trump. A man has been detained after shots were fired at one of Trump's golf courses at Palm Beach in Florida. US correspondent Richard Arnold says investigations are underway into the incident.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Respiratory diseases costs the country more than $8 billion each year. New research has found more Kiwis are suffering than previously thought, with around one million people affected by the disease annually. Asthma and Respiratory Foundation Chief Executive Letitia Harding says the financial burden is huge. "We base all of this on our prescriptions, our hospitalisations, time off work, school days lost - because then you have parents who take time off as well - a lot of factors go into this." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 16th of September, the unions are in a stoush with the Education Minister over bringing unregistered teachers back into the classroom to fill gaps so Erica Stanford is on to explain her side. Throughout the show we give you the latest information on what the FBI are calling an attempted assassination on Donald Trump at his golf course. Guy Heveldt and Andrew Saville cover off the F1, the changes to Super Rugby and David Nyika's upcoming fight. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all.    Migration: 3/10  We are still leaving in record numbers. Young New Zealanders deciding this ain’t the place for them. It is a startling and ongoing indictment.    Oil: 6/10  That’s a good thing too. Between the price and the dollar, it's trended in the right direction. Fill your boots.    The NFL season: 8/10  Continues to get bigger globally every year. I'm obsessed with it. It is elite sport at its best.    The IRD: 3/10  Taking our stuff and flicking it off to big tech without asking us is dumb and rude and needs stopping.    Australian rules: 3/10  Governments pretending they can solve problems that haven't been solved anywhere is wasteful. If Australia successfully bans kids from social media I'll eat Rawiri Waititi's hat.    Donald Trump: 2/10  He is his own worst enemy.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it possible one of the great mistakes of the modern era has been made around our cities?  There are increasing areas of life in which the theory, the promise, or the dream is not only not coming to pass, but it's possible it never will  The EV industry globally is in a major state of flux. Any number of large producers have not only promised to stop selling engines by 2030-ish, they’ve now realised that’s not real so have had to back track. But they've also realised that all the money they didn’t spend on the next generation of engines has been lost and they now have to fill the gap.  Renewables are in a similar place. Larry Ellison this week told investors AI is so crazy when it comes to power consumption that they are building a data centre that will be run by three small nuclear reactors.  The world largely doesn’t have such reactors right now and it certainly doesn’t have the renewable capability to run data centres.  Then to downtown New Zealand. Reform of city centres was predicated on several theories; essentially, we wanted to save the planet while living like Europe.  What we have ended up with is downtown Auckland, downtown Tauranga, and downtown Wellington all, if not destroyed, certainly in a state no one is proud of.  As the bike lanes, bus lanes, and lack of parking has taken its toll, the businesses have closed, people have gone home to never come back, the malls have popped up in suburbia, and the CBD is shot to pieces.  We weren't Europe, aren't Europe, and never will be Europe.  Do we live in an age where the concept of the illusion, of what could be, is driven by the bandwagon of the day? Something the ideologues leap on board, with no real insight as to what might actually be required for it to come to pass?  It's driven by good intention but appalling planning, urged on by NGO's and the like who need a buzz phrase or agenda to keep pushing to maintain relevance and, often, funding. People who want to be on the perceived right side of the hot new trend, and it all comes at a huge cost.  These so-called downtown areas of tomorrow. Just when is tomorrow? When is Wellington going to be the pedestrian magnet, the cobbled hub?  When does Auckland wear itself out with all the new outlets opening in Queen Street?  When does Tauranga cut its umpteenth ribbon on the mecca that is the revitalised CBD, drawing fans from near and far?  Or was it simply a good picture on a whiteboard that will never in fact happen? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the first time ever, civilians have stepped out into space.  Billionaire Jared Isaacman and company crew trainer Sarah Gillis have achieved the first commercial spacewalk outside their SpaceX capsule while in orbit.  The pair were testing new spacesuits, designed to be low-cost and easy-to-manufacture for future missions flying to the Moon or Mars.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that the mission is likely to have tallied into the hundreds of millions of dollars.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the end of the week and Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson have once again joined Mike Hosking to take a look back on the week that was.  The first civilians have set foot in space, but they had to pay for the privilege. How much would you be prepared to pay for a private spacewalk?  They also discussed their sporting exploits, the nine month cruise, and the Presidential Debate.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Amazon MGM Studios production is coming to Aotearoa, with Auckland announced as the primary shooting location for the star-studded project.  The Wrecking Crew will be directed by award-winning film-maker Ángel Manuel Soto and feature an impressive cast including Aquaman’s Jason Momoa, Guardians of the Galaxy’s Dave Bautista, and New Zealand’s own Temuera Morrison and Frankie Adams.  Philippa Mossman, Head of International Attraction and Marketing for the NZ Film Commission, told Mike Hosking the Commission does everything they can to incentivise filming in New Zealand.  She said the productions offer significant benefits in the short periods of time they film, including the huge injection of foreign money into the country, region, or community, that’s spent on workers or businesses.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 13th of September, we had the health targets, now we've got the plan to achieve them. Health Minister Shane Reti rang in with the details.    A world first study on vaping that debunks all those who say it's a good alternative and isn't targeted at young adults.  Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson get asked how much money they'd be prepared to pay for a private spacewalk as they Wrap the Week.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If at first you don’t succeed, try again.  A common sentiment, but particularly relevant for athletes, and one Hamish Kerr is familiar with.  The Olympic high jump gold medallist told Mike Hosking that his first attempt at the Fosbury flop left him with a bloody nose, as he hit his nose against his knee on the way over.  Kerr’s come a long way since that first jump, and now his goal is to leap 2.4 meters – four centimetres higher than his medal winning 2.36 meters.   “For me it’s just about getting stronger and faster and that’s something we really worked on this year,” he told Hosking.  “Probably the most we’ve done of that in my whole career, and that’s, that’s why I’ve done so well.”  The world record is 2.45 meters, and if he continues the way he does, Kerr thinks the goal is within reach.  “If I have another four years of that, then there’s no reason why I wouldn’t be getting better.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s concern youth vaping could be creating a new generation of smokers.  Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health research reveals Aussie teens who pick up vaping are five times more likely to start smoking.  It found the link was strongest for those at the younger end of the age range, with 12-year-olds 29 times more likely.  Co-Author Becky Freeman told Mike Hosking the focus has been on cessation for ex-smokers for too long.  She says 14-year-olds aren't using vaping to quit smoking, they're using it because they're curious.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Health Minister says while they'd always like to spend more on health, the spending level is enough to deliver a high quality service.   Dr Shane Reti has laid out his plans for delivering on health targets set in March.  It includes more community infusion centres, more beds and operating theatres in public hospitals and greater use of private hospitals.   Reti told Mike Hosking it also includes discharging patients seven days a week.  He used the example of someone with an abscess who needs an intravenous push of antibiotics on a Saturday, if they're not in a facility that can discharge on a Saturday, they may wait until Monday.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we enter yet another round of the superannuation debate, I note it was led off last week by a group that wanted what they termed a “top up“, i.e. a pay rise for those who couldn’t save.  You can see how fraught that concept is from the get go.  Why couldn’t you save? You had 40 years. Actually, that’s another aspect of this whole mess that’s changed.  Do you have 40 years? Or 50 years? People work longer so surely a chance to save more?  Superannuation fits an almost unique category of topics that is so entrenched it won't change.  It’s a futile exercise. A few bring it up, only to be beaten down by the time-honoured belief that, for whatever reason, if you get to 65 you are owed something by the state if you paid your taxes.  Of course, your taxes have been well and truly spent. For most people, whatever you handed over is long gone and in that is one of the great sadnesses of the New Zealand economic story.  We have very few net creditors, but a lot of net debtors.  People who actually pay more to the system than take from it are rare indeed.  When I started work in 1982, I took out a scheme whereby if you put a few dollars a week aside you would become a millionaire by the time you got to 60. I had completely forgotten about it, mainly because I stopped paying because I worked out it was bollocks.  I was reminded the other night when a text came through from an old girlfriend who had, when we were together, taken out her own but had stuck with it.  40 years later she was to collect $106,000.  Not quite a millionaire and not really a stunning return on investment.  But what I had worked out all those years ago was the Government were not to be part of my retirement. Why would they be?  Governments let you down. Governments change rules and have their own interests at heart, not yours.  So I sorted myself. Am I lucky? Not really.  Did I work hard? Yes.  Do I care what the retirement age is? No.  Do I care what the rules are? No.  That’s the value of charting your own course and not being beholden to overlords. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Briscoes' endless sales are continuing to pay off.  The group, which also includes Rebel Sport, made a net profit of $33 million in the half year to July.  Their success stems from their long-time merchandise proposition of getting famous brand names and putting them out at the right price, the group’s Managing Director says.  Rod Duke told Mike Hosking that the proposition just seems to resonate with customers.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 12th of September, did the Trump vs Harris debate move the needle? Marco Rubio's main man Matt Terrill gives us his thoughts.  Mike has been trying to convince Kate to buy a house on Highlands in Cromwell. Turns out the owner wants him to buy it too!  Buckle up - we fact check the 34+ false claims from the debate.    Our favourite talk show host Graham Norton is back on the show to talk the new season and writing his fifth book.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Graham Norton has been rather busy lately.  When he’s not hosting his number one show, a new season of which will be airing shortly, he’s continuing his budding career as an author.  His latest novel is called ‘Frankie’, a decades-sweeping story about love, bravery, and what it means to live a significant life.  This novel required some research to ensure the accuracy of the world, which Norton wasn’t entirely sure he’d enjoy.  “Would it be a bit like homework? And turns out, I did enjoy it,” he told Mike Hosking.  “I think the key part was that I was writing about worlds that I was interested in.”  “To do kind of the deep dive reading, I found it all fascinating.”  Since the two last talked, Norton had quit working in radio, something he’d done for 13 years, focusing more on his writing.  “To have my weekends back, I’m just seeing it as the evolution of Graham Norton not doing anything at the weekend,” he told Hosking.  “Maybe there’s a bit of, I’m taking the books more seriously. I think I’m getting better.”  ‘Frankie’ is Norton’s fifth novel, and the one he enjoyed writing the most, he revealed. The novel also seems to be landing with readers in a different way.  “Some seem more enthused about this book than they have others.”  “We’ll see what happens.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister for Sport and Recreation Chris Bishop says he is considering updating the guiding principles for transgender athletes participating in sports, after more than 50 Olympians and high-profile sports identities signed a letter challenging the Government to ban male advantage from women’s sports. The group, including gold medal winners Barbara Kendall and Joseph Sullivan, accuses Sport New Zealand’s guidelines of disregarding the rights of female athletes. It argues the guidelines allow males who identify as female to compete in women’s sports without any explanation or transition. They believe that accepting self-identification as the sole criterion for inclusion goes against scientific evidence and disrespects female athletes. Yesterday, Bishop was presented the letter by former Olympic cyclist Gary Anderson, professional ironman athlete Candice Riley, and Save Women’s Sport Australasia co-founder Ro Edge. “I think they make some fair points and we are considering updating the guidelines,” Bishop told the Mike Hosking Breakfast this morning. “The major point I think they make which I think has some merit to it is that the guidelines don’t say anything at the moment about fairness. “It’s a document-based, all-around inclusion, and that’s really important because we want everyone, no matter their gender or how they identify to be able to participate in community sport – that is really important. We’ve also got to get the balance right between making sure that people feel like they can participate but also that there’s fairness in the sports and safety for people participating as well. “I think the document could be updated to better reflect what I think the community expects from that so just having to think about that and once we’ve got a position on that, we’ll we’ll take it forward.” In June, the Herald revealed that following a comprehensive survey of 63 taxpayer-funded New Zealand national sports, 18 (29 per cent) of sporting codes have a transgender inclusion policy in place. Of those, 11 used Sport NZ’s guidance to develop their policy. Some 45 (71 per cent) organisations did not have a policy, but 21 of those were developing one. At the recreational level, boxing and Triathlon NZ have open categories in which anyone, including transgender people, can participate. Setting age and stage conditions for the inclusion of transgender people in the gender they identify with is another approach. NZ Rugby League has a policy that at age 13 and over participants must compete in the gender they are assigned at birth. Other sports such as netball require participants, at certain levels, to have either undertaken hormone therapy, testosterone levels below a stated level, or provide a document confirming their legal gender. Bishop emphasised the guidelines were simply that and weren’t mandatory. “Some sports are doing this quite well and are grappling with it. Others are sort of yet to kind of turn their mind to it, particularly comprehensively, and the guidelines will help in doing that,” he told Hosking. “They’re just, it’s meant to be just helpful guidance for sports to use as they navigate through this issue.” Asked whether Sport NZ shared Bishop’s views, the minister told Hosking it was a government department that reported to him and was required to give effect to government policy – if he asks them to update the guidelines, they will have to. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a win for the consumer, with gift cards being given a new lease on life.  Parliament has passed a private member's bill —originally put forward by National's Melissa Lee— requiring gift cards to have a minimum expiry date of three years.  Consumer NZ's Jessica Walker says one in four gift cardholders end up stuck with a card they can't use.  She told Mike Hosking this change brings much need consistency and clarity.  Walker says three to six month expiry dates is pretty much allowing the retailers to have money for nothing.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A poor gas outlook is seen as the main suspect for further job losses in manufacturing.  The country's largest gas user Methanex is proposing to move from two plants to one for the foreseeable future.  It comes after Winstone pulp confirmed plans to shut two mills to more than 200 workers earlier this week.  Former president and CEO of Methanex, Bruce Aitken told Mike Hosking we lack a long term, coherent energy strategy.  He says if you want to build power stations or wind farms, they take many years in planning and construction.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Health Minister is today set to provide more detail about how his five targets for the health system will be achieved.  Minister Shane Reti has been briefed by officials on how the targets might be manipulated and advised on potential mitigations.   College of GPs Medical Director Luke Bradford told Mike Hosking that without the tools to make the targets achievable, people look at other options.   He says one of the ways to manage waiting lists is just to accept fewer people onto them, which isn't the idea of the target.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a view that Kamala Harris needs to up the ante on issues like inflation and the economy to sway more voters.  The Vice President and former President Donald Trump battled fiercely over the economy, abortion, and foreign policy in yesterday's debate.   There's since been heavy consensus that Harris won the day.   However, former chief of staff of Republican Marco Rubio, Matt Terrill told Mike Hosking Harris didn't accomplish what she needed to.  He says the economy's the number one issue voters care about, and polling shows Trump increased favourability on it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The King and Queen will be packing in a lot during a trip down under next month as they head to Australia and Samoa.  A New Zealand stop was cancelled on doctor's advice, following the King revealing his cancer diagnosis in February.  Australian correspondent Kieran Gilbert told Mike Hosking many of the couple's appearances will reflect their personal interests.   He says they will meet community leaders, volunteers, and pioneers in cancer research.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cock up that the Inland Revenue Department has engineered gives us a good insight into how the public service is run.  They hand my information, and yours, over to Google and Facebook etc, and they do this so they can better tailor their advertising.  Even at this point there are a couple of large red flags.  Firstly, I would argue there is a patriotic duty for all Government funded agencies to at least pause and ask themselves, given the relationship with social media and the local media and ripping off of locally created content and making money from it, whether the Government should be throwing more money at them, while at the same time allegedly trying to cut some sort of revenue deal where the international players come to the table and actually pay for the content they are ripping off.  Secondly, and more importantly, the info the IRD have has been gained by compulsion. We have no choice but to hand over our details to them. At what point did they gain the right to on sell them to another party, far less an international one?  An international one that, as the record shows in multiple jurisdictions, has not a lot of interest in behaving in a way that doesn’t attract an outsized amount of attention to their ways of doing business.  From America to Europe to Britain - how many times have these players been called before committees and tribunals and inquires to answer questions about their practices, records, business approach, revenue generation and general omnipresence in people's lives?  IRD will tell you our details are safe and the names, ages and serial numbers are confidential. They have been 'hashed', I think the term is. That’s where they take letters and turn them into numbers and keys. But have they? Are they really?  Now people, especially those on social media, give a lot of themselves away without often even realising it.  But the IRD are different. We had no choice. We weren't asked. We didn’t give permission.  That needs to be addressed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A relatively new player in the New Zealand power market has hit out at the Electricity Authority and Government amid the power crisis.   Octopus Energy says that the closure of Winstone Pulp is a sign that urgent change is needed.  They believe the Government’s decision to scrap the Lake Onslow reservoir project has discouraged electricity investment.  COO Margaret Cooney told Mike Hosking it could have helped tackle the issue of competition in New Zealand's electricity market.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's scepticism around how Wellington City Council can support struggling businesses.   Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau is looking at how the council can help Golden Mile businesses.   A number of sites in central Wellington have announced closures in recent weeks, many blaming transport changes, public sector cuts, and people working from home.  Guardians of the Golden Mile Spokesperson Barry Wilson told Mike Hosking the city is in deep trouble, and small bits of help will do nothing.  He says there's too much disruption, reckless spending, and road cones.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National’s Mark Mitchell and Labour’s Ginny Andersen are back with Mike Hosking to dig into some of the biggest political stories of the week thus far.  Labour's Ōhāriu MP Greg O'Connor thinks Wellington’s Queens Wharf is a great place for a swim, would they risk it?  Also on the agenda was the Ministry of Education’s viral TikTok, and the ever-continuing problem that is our power supply as two North Island mills close their doors.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 11th of September, Winstone has shut its doors and power prices are to blame, they say. So what are the Government going to do?  The debate that will be seen around the world is on today between Trump and Harris. Former special assistant to George W. Bush, Scott Jennings shares his thoughts.  What is happening with the Ministry of Education TikTok page? They've posted an image of a dolphin to try and get kids back to school, so Mike had to get to the bottom of it.  Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell try and spot Greg O'Connor in the Wellington harbour and talk power prices and Winstone on Politics Wednesday.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will be in the same room for the first time today.  The pair are going head-to-head in a widely anticipated debate, just under two months out from the election.  Several polls show there's only a few points either way in many states.  Former Special Adviser to George W Bush, Scott Jennings told Mike Hosking Harris will have pressure to explain how she's changed her position on some policies.   He says how she handles those flip flops is going to tell us a lot about her political skill.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new mode of transport could see travellers moving above gridlock traffic.  Whoosh is a mix between an Uber and urban gondola, able to travel at 50 kilometres an hour on cables.  It's been quietly developed in Christchurch over the last five years and will be first rolled out in Queenstown next year.  CEO Chris Allington told Mike Hosking it's a cost-effective infrastructure, as installing cables are around $5 million a kilometre.  He says an urban road is about a $20 million per kilometre, while in Auckland, it costs more than $100 million.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's doubts a social media ban would prevent youth from accessing the online platforms.  Australia is exploring a ban and has launched an authentication trial, but it's unknown how it will be enforced.  Our Prime Minister has expressed interest in the idea.  But Social media expert Katie Brown told Mike Hosking a ban wouldn't stop kids lying about their age, as generations have done before.  She says young people will find a way to get on to the platforms they want to be on.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane Jones says "structural change" to the energy sector is definitely on the agenda following the closure of two central North Island mills.  Winstone Pulp has confirmed it’s closing its two mills near Ohakune, with 230 people set to lose their jobs.  Jones says the Government can't control factors like global commodity prices, foreign exchange rates, and global shipping logistics.  But the Regional Development and Associate Energy Minister told Mike Hosking the power of large "gentailers" needs to be broken up to make energy prices more competitive.  He says the aluminium sector is looking towards importing, there's uncertainty for corn growers, and the country's biggest gas user Methanex has been facing issues.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All eyes will be on Kamala Harris and Donald Trump as they come face to face for the first time this afternoon.  The first —and possibly only debate— will be broadcast out of Philadelphia, the biggest city in the battleground swing state of Pennsylvania.  US correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the polls show there's only a few points either way in many states.  He says it will be a crucial debate, with no live audience, no notes, microphones will be muted when it's not a candidate's turn to speak, and only mediators will ask questions.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Princess of Wales has announced she's completed chemotherapy, calling it a relief.   In a personal video released by Kensington Palace, Catherine says her focus is on staying cancer free, and she has a long path ahead to full recovery.   She also says she'll undertake more public engagements in the coming months.   UK correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking the video has gone down well.   He says Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has wished her all the best and is glad she's through her chemo, and all people would likely think the same.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There aren’t many people with their finger on the global pulse like CNN’s Richard Quest.  The host of ‘Quest Means Business’, Richard Quest consistently at the top of the game when it comes to analysing the global economy, international business and tourism.  New Zealand’s not the only country having issues in this sphere, and Quest joined Mike Hosking to give his insight into the seething geopolitical ocean.   When it comes to the global economy in the wake of the 2020 Covid pandemic, Quest believes we’re just about fine.  “Some countries will grow more than others, but you know, the fact that we have proven we can get rid of inflation?”  In Quest’s opinion, the biggest concerns have to be the war in Ukraine, the expansion of the war in the Middle East, the conflict in the Taiwan Straits, and the conflicts with China.  “Those have the serious potential to just completely, literally, blow us out of the water.” LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 10th of September, the Government wants to ban gang patches in private homes, can it work? Or is it something that police won't have the resources to deal with?  The Prime Minister is back from South Korea and Malaysia and talks AUKUS, the health sector pushing back against the Government with race-based policies, and what we got out his trip.  CNN anchor and host Richard Quest gives his expertise on the worldwide economy, the current state of the wars, and the tourism sector.    Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are calls for counselling services to be embedded across all primary schools as a pilot initiative shows clear gains.   An Education Review Office report reveals 8 in 10 students report better mental health after receiving support from the Counselling in Schools programme.   It also finds improvements to school attendance, behaviour and learning.   Otago-based Mirror Services director Deb Fraser says the programme allows children to speak with someone who has the skills and knowledge to help them.   She says support from the wider community and family is still important, but there are times where professional intervention is required.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon says his visit to Malaysia and South Korea last week was a success.  The Prime Minister says it was an important chance to build connections with investors, like South Korean pension funds.  He told Mike Hosking that in one of their five pension funds, who he spoke to, they have $2.5 billion dollars to invest.  Luxon says they'd love to invest it in a four-lane highway from Auckland to Whangārei, but they didn't know about it.   He also believes the public service is getting on board with what the Government's trying to do.  Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has stepped in to scrap a policy prioritising young Māori and Pasifika people for some healthcare services in Hawke's Bay.  Luxon says he's not sure why they had this criteria, and says it's good to see Reti sorting it.  He told Hosking the public service has had to adjust to a new Government, with targets, action plans, and reviews for ministers.  LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Justice Minister's defending a gang patch ban in people's homes, planned to be rolled out to repeat offenders.  A clause allowing courts to ban gang insignia in the homes of repeat offenders was added last month after submissions were made at the Select Committee stage.  The bill's expected to pass this month.  The law society says it's alarming it was introduced after the consultation process had ended.  Paul Goldsmith told Mike Hosking there are escalating consequences for those convicted three times.  He says we need to give police the tools to deal with a small section of society causing mayhem.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The troubled Treaty Principles Bill would appear to have virtually zero chance of survival.  David Seymour says Cabinet discussed the Bill yesterday and made a few tweaks.  Former Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson told Mike Hosking he thinks the bill will die a natural death.   Asked whether it's possible Seymour could persuade people, he simply responded, "get a life".   Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has repeated this morning National MPs won't support the bill past the first reading.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt joined Mike Hosking to discuss the fanfare over Tasman Makos getting their mitts on the Ranfurly Shield, the AFL preliminary finals, the NFL getting back underway and the weekend’s Rugby Championship including the All Blacks’ 18-12 loss to the Springboks and Argentina thrashing Australia 67-27.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are gearing up for this weeks’ presidential debate.   This will be the first time the pair have come face to face.  US correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking a CNN Poll of Polls finds a tight race with no clear leader ahead of the televised showdown.  “In almost all of these places – Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Nevada, Michigan, Arizona, Georgia – the margin’s about a point either way.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday 9 September. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year was the first time in 20 years that there were fewer cafes than the year before.  If that isn't a reality check on the state of our economy, then nothing is.  Yes, we are starting to see some light. There is some confidence here and an interest rate cut there.  But the tail end, well I hope it’s the tail end, of what is likely three recessions in two years has taken a catastrophic chunk out of our economy.  I read a piece on an international site over the weekend about the quote-unquote, "economic refugees who are fleeing New Zealand in record numbers".  The most depressing stories about this country are the ones written by offshore operators.  We only make the news for exceptional stuff; exceptionally good or, in this case, exceptionally bad.  Let's do a piece on a basketcase. Who can we find? Good old New Zealand.  Pandoro announced Friday they are closing in Wellington. They aren't the first obviously. There has been a growing business lately on stories about closing hospitality in the capital.  The owner was interesting. It seems it’s a mix of Covid as people went home and not everyone came back, but also of cycleways and bus lanes killing traffic and road cones and construction closing roads and therefore access.  Obviously, the economy is in there too. So the question then becomes, just how badly do you want to hobble your city's prospects?  In Wellington they are laying them off left, right and centre as well. So a lot of people at home, a lot of people losing their jobs, a lot of places you can't get to and an economy going backwards. Good luck selling ciabatta.  On the hospitality scene, a lot of people come and go, as they always have, just like construction.  But when the names are a bit well known that always catches you a bit, doesn’t it?  Smith & Caughey's, or in Wellington's case you've got Kirkcaldie & Stains and Pandoro, they're names that have been around, survived a lot and seen hard times.  Yet this time they can't do it.  What's that tell you about how badly this place has been wrecked?  So badly, that we make international headlines for it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

School students are back in Tauranga for the annual AIMS Games.  More than 390 schools are set to take part, with nearly 13,000 athletes and 24,000 visitors expected.   AIMS Games Tournament Director Kelly Schischka told Mike Hosking it's a good boost for local businesses.  "Last year, estimated figures were just under 75,000 bed nights for the city over the course of the week, and $6.5 million bumped into the economy.”  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tough times have got even tougher for the All Blacks after Sunday’s 18-12 loss to the Springboks.  It's officially back-to-back losses to the Boks in the Rugby Championship, and also four South African defeats on the trot.   But the All Blacks can be hopeful of better times ahead – with the Wallabies up next, fresh off a 67-27 thrashing by Argentina.   Former All Black lock Ian Jones joined Mike Hosking to dissect the defeat.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tax expert believes we need to have an honest discussion around key tax settings.  Labour leader Chris Hipkins has opened up a debate around tax – suggesting all options are back on the party's table looking to the 2026 campaign – as the population grows older.  Dentons Kensington Swan partner and tax expert Bruce Bernacchi told Mike Hosking this has been a political football for too long.  “But in terms of things like means testing, entitlement ages and basic design settings – we need bipartisan support on that.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long Covid looks to be impacting more than just our health - but our wallets too.  New research suggests the illness is costing the country $2 billion a year in lost productivity - not including health costs.  The figure comes from analysis across the ditch suggesting it's likely costing Australia 0.5 percent of its GDP.  Auckland University health economist Paula Lorgelly told Mike Hosking it reinforces the need to wear a mask and isolate to stop the spread.  “Let’s try and avoid giving it to somebody and therefore lessening the chance of giving somebody what may be a lifelong debilitating illness.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police say a recent spate of homicides appear to be down to the usual issues of organised crime, gangs and family harm.   Since the start of August, Police have launched 11 homicide investigations.   One has since been deemed not a homicide and has been referred to the coroner.   Police Assistant Commissioner for Auckland and Northland Sam Hoyle told Mike Hosking it's very rare someone is murdered by a complete stranger.  “There’s relationships – whether they’re through organised crime, familial relationships, neighbours – it is almost unheard of where a complete stranger is killed in a New Zealand context.”  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bleak outlook for the meat export industry with jobs and plants likely to go from next year.  Affco is predicting the loss of hundreds of meat processing jobs due to the country's shrinking livestock numbers.  The industry's forecasting 1 million fewer lambs to be available for processing next season.  Federated Farmers meat and wool industry group chair Toby Williams told Mike Hosking there's a couple of factors contributing to low lamb numbers.  “There’s a slowdown in China who aren’t taking as much sheep meat as they were. We’ve also got Australia – Australia's slaughtering record numbers of lambs at the moment, so there’s just too much sheep meat in the world.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all.    Toast: 2/10  A sad example of how you lose the plot when you are down a rabbit hole. At $30b a year, health's problem is not cooked bread. So stop saying dumb things.    The Grand Tour: 8/10  It's out this time next week. I've seen it - it's worth it.    The All Blacks: 4/10  A ten-point lead should never be surrendered.    The TMO: 1/10  If it's that inept, if it gets that in the way of a good game, then what's the point?    Road funding: 7/10  Because we love roads. All roads, big roads, wide roads, roads that allow us to get places and go vroom-vroom.    Spring: 8/10  How good? A warm winter and longer days now daylight saving is coming. Life is good.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The process isn't over, but the Hawke’s Bay District Council was the latest yesterday to confirm a decision they had made earlier to introduce a Māori seat to their operation.  Under the new law passed by Wellington, if you had done that you need to either drop the seat at next year's local body elections or take it to a vote.  They have voted to take it to a vote. A lot of councils have done the same thing.  I think in totality this is a good thing.  Having race-based seats is wrong. But at the very least you have to give your constituents a say, which has been the crime quite rightly identified and corrected by the Government.  Part of the argument put forward in Hawke’s Bay, as I'm sure it has been in various council meetings, is Māori voices are under threat.  Now, the trouble with that is it simply isn't true and never has been. In that misrepresentation of the facts is the beauty of democracy.  Democracy is alive and well in this country. It's just sadly one of those things we take for granted.  Part of the democratic process is anyone can stand, anyone can have their voices heard, and it's far from being under threat  The fascinating bit now, once all the decisions on elections are made, is how many votes for seats will there be, and will anyone be able to get a majority to actually earn a seat?  If every single vote votes 'no', what has that told us about the entire Māori seat exercise?  Could it be in certain areas, maybe Northland, Gisborne and possibly Hawke’s Bay, that a campaign can be successfully run to get enough numbers over the line, and if that happens does that spur others on?  Could it be that the democratic exercise of actually voting leads to a growth in the number of Māori seats? Imagine that. Success by election, growth by democracy and a voice heard and acted upon in a positive way.  Surely the prospect of that potential is far more satisfying, and satisfactory legally, than the gerrymandered mess we have had up until now? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘I have uncovered a scandal’ teases Newstalk ZB Mike Hosking, as he reveals a tale of sabotage allegedly involving his RNZ rivals. But RNZ says there has been a genuine misunderstanding. --  Minister of Tourism Matt Doocey tapped the numbers into his phone to speak to Newstalk ZB host Mike Hosking.  A voice on the other end of the line answered.  Doocey introduced himself, explaining he was calling for the pre-arranged interview with Hosking – the pair were scheduled to speak on Thursday morning about the proposed new levy on overseas visitors and tourism’s contribution to GDP.  According to Hosking, the person on the other end of the line allegedly responded along the lines of that there was no longer an interview.  The minister’s office confirmed this morning he was told by the person on the other end of the line that the interview was not happening.  Tourism Minister Matt Doocey. Photo / Mark Mitchell  According to Hosking – who was relaying the tale of events to his listeners this morning – Doocey thought that was unusual, hung up and carried on with his day. Meanwhile, Hosking’s producer at Newstalk ZB was wondering where the minister had got to and why he hadn’t called in, as had been arranged. It turns out, Doocey had been given the wrong number by his office – a staff member had mistakenly written down a studio number for RNZ instead of Newstalk ZB. You can see where this might be heading. “I have uncovered a scandal that involves the state broadcaster, Radio New Zealand ...! Something nefarious, underhand and possibly dastardly has been uncovered,” Hosking teased his listeners this morning. But RNZ has said it appears there has been “a genuine misunderstanding”. Hosking explained that after Doocey’s no-show over the phone, his producer chased the minister down. “Here’s a bit of insight into how the radio industry works. Matt Doocey was due to ring in, Matt Doocey is nowhere to be seen at about five minutes past seven,” said Hosking. “What’s happened to Matt Doocey? We start chasing him down. “It turns out the person in his office had written down the wrong number for him. “So obviously, [that’s] immediate incompetence that needs to be dealt with forthwith. Do the basics brilliantly, I thought was the National Party. It’s not.” Mike Hosking also interviewed Lisa Carringtion this week. Photo / Jason Oxenham  Hosking’s team eventually tracked down the minister and conducted the interview.  Off air, they were digging deeper – who did that phone number belong to? Yes, as it turned out, RNZ.  “So Matt Doocey, minister of the crown rang up the state broadcaster as funded by you and I through our tax money and said ‘Matt Doocey reporting for the Mike Hosking Breakfast’,” said Hosking.  “To which point they said, ‘You no longer have an interview with the Mike Hosking Breakfast.”  But RNZ denies that specific response was used.  An RNZ spokeswoman said: “Having spoken to the staff member who received the call, this appears to have been a genuine misunderstanding.  “On receiving the call, they explained that we had interviewed the Minister the day before and there was no interview scheduled that morning. The staff member did not mention Newstalk or Mike Hosking.”  Hosking had several questions on his show earlier.  “One, do I secretly admire them for being so quickwitted that the first thing they do is instead of going, ‘Oh, you’ve probably got the wrong number’, or ‘Whoops, you’ve rung Radio New Zealand, sorry’, they say, ‘You no longer have an interview with Mike Hosking Breakfast’?  “That’s quite sharp to be honest, [it’s] probably worth looking into employing that person, whoever they were, because there are some people here who aren’t remotely that sharp.  “Second, is it underhand?  “Third, is that just competition and that’s life? And would we have done the same thing if we were alert enough to do the same thing?  “Fourth, is it just pure, straight up and down sabotage?”  Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie is one of New Zealand’s most experienced senior journalists and media leaders. He has held executive and senior editorial roles at NZME including Managing Editor, NZ Herald Editor and Herald on Sunday Editor and has a small shareholding in NZME. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Money is the topic of the day in the US Election.  Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have both revealed their economic policy.  Trump has announced that should he return to office, he’ll appoint Elon Musk to head of a Government Efficiency Commission, tasked with conducting a complete financial and performance audit of the entire federal government.  Kamala Harris on the other hand, is talking about sharply increasing incentives for new small businesses and easing the tax burden on the middle class, to try close some of the gap between the rich and poor in the United States.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back to Wrap the Week with Mike Hosking.  On today’s agenda: Did RNZ conspire to stop an interview from happening on the Mike Hosking Breakfast? Mike has the details and Kate and Tim offer their thoughts on the plot.  Plus, they discussed whether you should let your 18-year-old travel alone to Manchester to catch a concert.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 6th of September, we've got new rules for building that the Government hopes will make things cheaper and easier to erect.  Scott 'Razor' Robertson talks how they'll bounce back against the mighty Boks this weekend.  Did RNZ conspire to stop an interview happening on the Mike Hosking Breakfast? Mike has the nefarious details.  Kate and Tim offer their thoughts on the interview scandal and discuss whether or not to let your 18-year-old travel to Manchester for a concert as they Wrap the Week. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will the All Blacks be able to bounce back in their next match against the Springboks?  Last weekend saw the All Blacks defeated 27-31 at Ellis Park, the South Africans taking the home ground win.  They’ll be looking to turn things around this weekend, when they face them again at Cape Town Stadium.  Coach Scott Robertson told Mike Hosking that it’s going to be another hell of a test.  He said that even though it’s at a different stadium this time, it’s still going to be as fierce as it ever was.  “The Springboks, you know, when they roll up, they roll up.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s outrage in parts of the capital over the price-tag of a new bike rack.  Ratepayers have forked out $550 thousand to install a two-tier bike rack in central Wellington.  Independent Wellington City Councillor Diane Calvert told Mike Hosking she's gobsmacked the project became so expensive.  Calvert says costs snowballed due to work on the footpath, installation of CCTV, and wiring electricity to the bike rack.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's confidence most councils want to retain their Māori wards.  There's a 5pm deadline today to have made a decision over their fate.  Most councils have opted to keep them, with only Kaipara District Council deciding to scrap them, while Upper Hutt City Council has reversed its decision to establish them.  Local Government New Zealand President and Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton told Mike Hosking that councils have shown that partnerships with Māori, whether through wards or council seats, has brought good results.    He says it creates richer discussion.  Far North District Council meets today to consider the fate of its ward.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Building Minister says new importation rules will increase supply and competition.   The Government has introduced new legislation to make it easier to import building supplies from abroad. It'll enable recognition of overseas standards, and Building Consent Authorities will need to accept products already certified offshore.   Chris Penk told Mike Hosking this is an important step to bringing down building costs.   He says it goes alongside the work the government's doing in freeing up land to make it easier, quicker, and more affordable to build houses.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A health expert is calling a Hawke's Bay scheme targeting services for young Māori and Pacific people lazy virtue signalling.    Health NZ in Hawke's Bay has amended the two-year scheme, which used to provide free GP and nurse services to all residents aged 14 to 24.    From this month, young people must meet one-of-four criteria —including being Māori or Pacific— to be eligible for the scheme.   Auckland University Emeritus Professor of Medicine Des Gorman told Mike Hosking it means they take priority over other young people.   He says resources should be targeted on an individual basis.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new lending legislation seems like it will be a net positive for the banks. As part of the CCCFA reforms the Financial Markets Authority is set to become a one-stop regulatory shop, looking after licences to ensure consumers are taken care of.  Banking Association CEO Roger Beaumont told Mike Hosking that while there will likely be minimal impact for customers, there will be definite improvements on the bank’s side.  He said that one of the key changes is that the “draconian” personal liability legislation for managers and banks will be removed.  Beaumont says the devil is in the detail, of which there hasn’t been much yet, but anything that simplifies and clarifies monitoring in the sector is a good thing.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A seal of approval from former All Black Josh Kronfeld for the possible return of full rugby tours.  New Zealand's governing body are reportedly close to signing off a three-test, eight-match itinerary away against South Africa in 2026.  The Springboks would reciprocate in 2030.  Kronfeld told Mike Hosking that these tours offer a fantastic opportunity for the younger players and creates competition within the All Blacks themselves.  He said that South Africa are a fantastic rugby nation, living and breathing the game much like New Zealand does.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest carbon credit auction found little success, but the Climate Change Minister says there's still some positives.  The Government’s auction attracted no bidders, increasing the chances of millions of tonnes of permits going up in smoke come December.  The Government has announced measures to address the issue, shrinking the number of permits available over the next five years in an effort to flush out surplus credits.  Minister Simon Watts said that there is demand for the credits, as there is an active secondary market that is trading with good liquidity.  He said that the function of the government’s market is to introduce supply to the market if necessary, and the purpose of the credits is to reduce emissions, not generate revenue for the government.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 5th of September, tourism is slowly going up and the carbon auction is going nowhere. Does the Government have a proper fix for both?  Mike has a gripe with ACC - and is this the morning we will hear about the infamous pool and council story?  Our most successful Olympian Dame Lisa Carrington pops into the studio, bringing all nine of her medals with her to talk her career and the children's book she’s written.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s produce providers are hoping for a bit more information regarding the supermarket industry.  The Commerce Commission's first annual report into the grocery market, shows competition hasn't meaningfully improved.  It flags increasing margins and high profitability.  Vegetables NZ’s John Murphy told Mike Hosking that it would be great if growers got more of a slice of the pie, given the commercial risk they undertake.  He said that better market information would be helpful, but if the government is to intervene, they need to be really careful to ensure the real world outcomes are of benefit to consumers and to producers.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arguably New Zealand’s greatest ever Olympian, Dame Lisa Carrington is the best in the canoe sprint game.  She’s brought home a staggering total of nine medals across four Olympic Games, eight of them gold, and one bronze, dominating the water.  Despite her massive success, Carrington doesn’t believe this is the best she’s capable of, telling Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking that you have to be able to look beyond the finish line or gold medal and set yourself other goals.  “If I thought that winning a gold medal was my best, I would’ve stopped in London. I would’ve stopped after Rio, I would’ve stopped after Tokyo.”  Carrington has been competing for over a decade now, but it’s taken her up until this year’s Games to have 100% joy and satisfaction in racing.  “I think a lot of the time I’ve raced in the past, and it’s been out of just needing to win, just because that’s the expectation on me,” she told Hosking.  “But for Paris, I’ve managed to get to a place where I was like, you know what, I’m just gonna do my best.”  And doing her best panned out, with Carrington netting a total of three gold medals in the 2024 Games.  Photo / Jason Oxenham There comes a point in every successful athlete's career where the question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next?   Carrington is currently at the top of her game and has no plans on stopping here, but when it comes to the next steps, she’s unsure whether she wants to leave while on top or not.   “Being in the position I am, you know, being the fastest I’ve ever been, strongest, whatever, it is hard to think ‘Oh maybe I’ll stop now,’” Carrington said.  “Because well, what else is there?”   Every competition is different, each Olympic Games different again from the last, and when it comes to the next steps, Carrington thinks it would need to be a different challenge once more.  And when it comes to new and different challenges, Carrington has fulfilled a goal she’s had since Tokyo: writing a children's book.  Lisa Carrington Chases a Champion is aimed at 4-9 year olds, and details the journey of eight year old Lisa having a goal, the journey of achieving it, and the challenges along the way.  “There's so many little messages in there from, you know, about... a little bit about discipline or having a plan, but also that, you know, there are challenges, and you have to keep turning up.”  It’s the first of what Carrington hopes to be a series, with her leaving the ending open for another journey.  “Too many lessons to learn and relearn.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tourism Minister's upbeat as international travellers continue to spend more here.  The latest International Visitor Survey shows overseas visitors added $2.6 billion to the economy in the June quarter, an annual increase of 17%.  It comes a day after the Government's announcement that the International Visitor Levy will rise by almost 200% to $100 from next month.   Matt Doocey told Mike Hosking there was no connection between the two announcements.  He says tourism operators believe they have better product and experiences, which need to be celebrated.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labor Day in the US has come and gone, and the polls are as tight as ever.  Seven states have emerged as battlegrounds, with Kamala Harris leading by slim margins in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, with Donald Trump ahead by slim margins in North Carolina, Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada.  Harris is pulling ahead in terms of public favour, with 46% having a favourable impression of her and 53% viewing her as qualified to be president, compared to 33% and 47% respectively for Trump.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that the gender gap is significant and growing.  He said that Harris leads among women by 13 points, up six since the Democratic Convention, while Trump is up 5 points among men in that same period.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are a number of things that stand out to me post-Covid that are disappointing.  Obviously the recessionary state this place has been in and the carnage it has caused, and continues to cause, although they are all ultimately tied to the one major event.  But tourism stands out as the most clear example of something we had and something we have now lost.  Not literally. They still arrive, but not like they used to and not even close. Something happened between closing the borders and opening them back up.  Initially it was a time thing and, apparently, it was a capacity thing because the planes weren't back yet.  But four years on, what some of us saw a couple of years ago everyone now sees, and the truth has been laid bare.  We are simply not up to it the way we once were. Bits are, like Queenstown and the general area, back plus some, and that’s awesome. But nowhere else is.  We are marooned at about 80% and that doesn’t count the gap between the 80% and the 100%+ it could have been, should have been, and all those tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of people who should have been arriving in these past few years. They went elsewhere.  Let's be blunt - it's not like the world hasn’t been travelling, they're just not travelling here.  Enter the new entry fee to the country. It triples and it'll be $100. Industry operators don’t like it, and I don't blame them.  Doing it tough is hard enough without heaping more cost on, but I assume the Government took that into account.  They defend it by comparing us to the fees of other countries. But isn't that the point? We aren't other countries and the numbers show it.  I still want to argue $100 should not be a barrier. If you spent three grand getting here, is $100 what tips you over?  But here is the inescapable truth - tourism, along with dairy, was the golden goose. And if we didn't wreck it, we irreparably harmed it.  I don’t see how making it more expensive improves our plight. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Kiwi AI firm has caught the attention of College Football in the US’s Atlanta.  Designers from HyperCinema are turning the Hall of Fame into an immersive museum experience.  This technology, developed in New Zealand, could soon be used in museums and entertainment spaces across the globe.  CEO Miles Gregory explained to Mike Hosking that the experience places visitors into stories of college football, using AI to insert them into both video footage and static images.  He said that the technology is entirely malleable, if you can dream it, they can create it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A security intelligence analyst says our SIS is becoming increasingly transparent.   It's released its second annual Security Threat Environment report.   It identifies a person acting alone as our biggest terrorist risk, and expresses concern about the amount of online extremist content that young people are being exposed to.   Former Intelligence Consultant for the US Government Paul Buchanan says the report doesn't mince words.   He says the document names Russia and China as hostile, illiberal states.  Buchanan says the report will probably rile the diplomats and Ministry of Foreign Affairs as they’re not being sensitive in their language, but good on them for giving an honest assessment of who is trying to meddle with New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 4th of September, will a tourist levy of $100 stop people from travelling here? The airports say yes, former Tourism Minister Stuart Nash says no.  It was quite rare for the SIS to go into as much detail as they did over the threats to our country. Our security expert Paul Buchanan breaks down the data.  Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell shake and make up over the police beat numbers and discuss how much weight is placed on official advice on any given day.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour’s Ginny Andersen and National’s Mark Mitchell are back with Mike Hosking for Politics Wednesday.  Today they discussed Ginny’s numerical mistake when it comes to the number of police on the beat, the tourism levy, and the amount of weight given to official advice on any given day.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's optimism around businesses as they look ahead over the next 12 months.  Employment agency Hunter Campbell's survey of Chief Financial Officers reveals that 42% expect challenging conditions over the next year, but still see growth opportunities.  Only 16% are feeling fully pessimistic.  Hunter Campbell Managing Director Lee Marshall told Mike Hosking there's a surprisingly strong outlook.  He says there's a lot of focus on internal matters as well, like work culture and talent.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tourism groups aren't pleased with the increase to visitor fees.  The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy will rise from $35 to $100 from next month, an increase of nearly 200%.  Airports Association Chief Executive Billie Moore says that airports and airlines are pretty united in wanting the levy to remain at $35, especially in light of all of the other cost increases that are coming through.  Moore told Mike Hosking that the problem is that the International Visitor Levy hasn’t been used where it’s meant to have been since 2019.  She said that it was expected to be used to address visitor pressures in the regions, but no money from this fund has ever made its way to local government.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A second Commonwealth Games in Christchurch is unlikely for now.  Mayor Phil Mauger requested a report on the viability of bidding for the event on the 50th anniversary of the 1974 edition's opening ceremony.  It recommends Christchurch doesn't host a standalone event until a national bid is considered.  Christchurch NZ's Head of Destination and Attraction, Loren Aberhart told Mike Hosking there's accommodation and transport constraints associated with hosting, and many extra costs.  She says the city would need to invest in sporting infrastructure that it doesn't need in the long term.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government appears to have found an unlikely ally in former Tourism Minister Stuart Nash.    It's increasing the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy from $35 to $100 next month, an increase of nearly 200%.  Nash wanted to bring the levy up by as much as $200 back in 2022.  He told Mike Hosking that anyone saying these fees will deter visitors is wrong.  Nash says they're dreaming if they think an extra $65 US will be the difference between coming here or another country.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The letter from the energy industry yesterday got less coverage than the call last week for a bipartisan approach to big infrastructure. So I am not sure what that means.  Did the media not notice the letter? Or did they notice the letter and not think promoting a bipartisan approach was useful? Or had we given up, given last week's call fell apart the moment it got uttered publicly?  A 30-year plan, a new agency, and the first thing that happened was Chris Hipkins pooh-poohed it, citing the treatment they got on light rail and cycle bridges.  I think at least part of the lesson is that it's easy to call for a bipartisan approach, which is what the energy users are asking for.  Indeed offering a few starters for ten, which is what they do in their letter, isn't that hard either. It's the next bit where things fall apart.  Is it possible we have become a divided country?  We cite America and its blocked and broken system as the premier example of a country being unable to get anything done, but are we any different?  Last week it was infrastructure, this week it's energy. And what's the outcome?  When it comes to infrastructure you've got a party that cancelled roads and built cycleways and bus lanes, and the other party who cancelled the bike paths and will build the roads.  You've got a party that liked to pay for projects through debt vs a party that likes PPPs and congestion charging.  When it comes to the energy crisis one party that thought a $16b dollar lake was an answer and another that thinks gas should be looked for and coal burned.  The question, which is where a new agency or more cohesive approach would come in, is where is the middle ground?  Where is the commonality?  The trouble with this country, like America, is we come at it from not only two different sides, but with a very large gap to close and a long-held belief that we are right, and the other guys are out to lunch.  But unlike America, where you find moderate versions of Democrats and Republicans in both parties, here you are not allowed to think outside your party's mandates, far less actually vote against them.  So, the conclusion would appear the twain shall never meet, because we are black and white, and the answer isn't. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 3rd of September, Transport Minister Simeon Brown talks the unveiled $32.9b National Land Transport Programme and what's happening with the cycleways.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis fills in for the Prime Minister and talks bipartisan support for a range of issues, and whether politics can be put aside for the good of the country.  The one and only country music superstar Luke Combs joins the show to talk the changing face of the genre, his latest album - and whether he's coming back to NZ.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More shock in Germany after the far-right secured its first post-war victory in state elections. Alternative for Germany, or AFD, has won almost 33% of the vote in the eastern state of Thuringia yesterday. However, it's believed rival parties will cooperate to keep it out of power. Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking AFD goes against everything Germany has stood for since the Second World War.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Combs is a country music megastar.  The 34-year-old is one of the biggest names in the world right now, consistently battling it out against Morgan Wallen for the number one spot.   He’s broken records, gone platinum, and earned a range of awards, including three Grammy nominations.   It all started when he dropped out of college to pursue his musical career, moving to Nashville and making it big.  Combs told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking that he got really lucky in having his career take off the way it did.  “Yes, I worked really hard at it, but there’s a ton of luck involved as well,” he said.  “I don't know how it never dawned on me until, until I picked the guitar up. Like, man, I could really, you know, maybe there's a chance that this could be what my life is, is gonna be.”  While he doesn’t take his success for granted, fame was never quite what Combs was after.  “I never put any pressure on myself to be a certain way or achieve certain things,” he told Hosking.  “Anything beyond just being able to be happy and have a good life was always more than I had ever asked for.”   “To have ended up here is an insane blessing.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister has a simple message for anyone who doesn't like their rates bill.  A new IRD report shows New Zealand's council rates are almost double the OECD average, with most councils opting for double digit rates rises this year.  Most affected households didn't vote in the last local election.  Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking that if people don't like how much they're paying in rates or how it's being spent, the power is in their hands.  She says if people don't like their rates bill and they don't like the decisions their local council is making, they should make sure they vote.  She also disagrees with the outgoing Treasury boss on her calls for a Capital Gains Tax.   Dr Caralee McLiesh has made it clear there's a need for such a tax and superannuation changes as her five-year term comes to an end.  Willis says she's wrong on tax, but right on retirement age.  She told Hosking that while they're supportive of lifting the age of eligibility, they've agreed with NZ First it won't make the change.  Willis says something will have to change eventually, as the population is going to continuing to get older.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israelis are becoming desperate for new leadership following the deaths of six Gaza hostages.   The deaths sparked protests across the country against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not securing a deal sooner.   Netanyahu is also facing criticism from US President Joe Biden, while the UK is suspending some of its arms export licenses.   Political analyst Ori Goldberg told Mike Hosking that Israel's emotional attachment to the war is waning.   He says its citizens reluctantly support it because there is no better option being proposed.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are calls for more investment for graduates as confidence hits a new low.  Talent Solutions' annual survey reveals only 19% of university students feel very confident about their job prospects.  Just over half were concerned about competition for early talent roles, while 40% believe there are fewer roles to apply for.  Director Seren Wilson told Mike Hosking the Government and industries need to continue to invest in programmes for young people.  She says we will continue to lose graduates to Australia if they don't.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Transport Minister's focused on getting back to the basics.  Road maintenance and building new roads and public transport infrastructure are at the centre of a $32.9 billion National Land Transport Plan.  There's a $5.5 billion investment for pothole prevention, and $7 billion for state highway improvements.  Minister Simeon Brown told Mike Hosking that too much complexity has been delaying projects.  He says standardisation and fast track consenting will ensure they're delivered on time and within budget.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a belief overseas workers could be the answer to potential construction worker shortages in Canterbury.  The Workforce Development Council for Construction and Infrastructure estimates more than 23 thousand additional workers will be needed over the next three years.  Business Canterbury CEO Leeann Watson says it's not a unique problem for the region.  She told Mike Hosking that changes to the vocational system need to be aligned with immigration policy as it plays a major role in meeting New Zealand's workforce challenges.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the news last week that a lot of people are changing banks as they re-finance their mortgages, we once again ask ourselves whether the problem we think we have is actually a problem. We seem, at least in part in this country, to be caught up in the idea that if you are big and profitable there might be an issue. Banks have taken heat for years, so much so that Governments past, and indeed this current one, are asking some fairly serious questions about the way they do business. The rural sector is not short of an opinion on the way they are being treated. But the recent Commerce Commission report into the sector tells us very clearly there isn't enough competition, despite the fact that there is no shortage of actual banks with which to do business. Open banking has been touted as a good move forward and in theory it might well be. But the Australians will tell you it is hardly a game changer. Technically it's easier to swap banks. That's good, but do they? It seems no more than they have previously. So the figures produced last week by the Reserve Bank are instructive because they are a real world example of banking in action. At the moment the banks are busy offering deals, they want money out the door, they're cutting rates (multiple times so far), and that story isn't over. As a result of the deals on offer people are shopping around, people are moving banks and people are taking the arrangement that best suits them. That is what's called the market working. Now, if you run a poll and ask whether people are happy or you're paying too much or would you like things to be cheaper, you will always get the predictable answer. Even at supermarkets, as prices drop, people will tell you they aren't. Once again I offer the rider that this is not a defence of banks, banking or big business. But it is an observation on the real world, based on real facts and real events. So just how bad is the perceived problem vs what's actually happening? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A coffee company director argues consumers should be paying more for their morning fix. Hospitality venues in Wellington are weighing up raising prices, potentially cutting hours, or even shutting up shop as costs rise. Flight Coffee Managing Director Richard Corney believes the current climate is worse than Covid. He says if the price of a cup of coffee increased at the rate of operating costs - they should be charging eight dollars a cup. The Hangar on Dixon Street is having to raise its flat white price to six dollars and ten cents - saying it can't afford not to. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says it has a clear focus on reducing cancellations for planned surgeries. Health NZ analysis shows about eight percent of elective surgeries are cancelled within 24 hours by a hospital. One in five elective surgery cancellations are caused by an acute or emergency case, needing to take precedence. Health Minister Shane Reti told Mike Hosking there's a number of things to work on. He says they include, ensuring theatres are being used properly, with the right surgeons, and making sure they're working on time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyres are set to be turned into industrial fuel, concrete mix and even roading as part of the country's first ever national recycling scheme. The Government backed scheme called Tyrewise will let tyre shops and members of the public get rid of them for free. At the moment, just 40 percent of the 6.5 million tyres imported into the country, are recycled. The scheme will be managed by sustainability group 3R. CEO Adele Rose says it's a much better option than having them illegally dumped or ending up in landfill. She says it will reduce the cost and damage of tyre fires substantially. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 2nd of September, two-thirds of people paying child support have defaulted and court action is non-existent. This has been a problem for decades so why don't we do anything about it?  If coffee cost $8 would you pay for it? Cafe owners are arguing that is the cost they would need to make it to make any money.  Was it a try or not for South Africa against the All Blacks? Guy Heveldt and Andrew Saville don't have to be as diplomatic as Scott Robertson and have an answer.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A warning there'll be problems, if no changes are made to superannuation. Outgoing Treasury boss Dr Caralee McLiesh [Cara lee Mick Leesh] has made it clear there's a need for a Capital Gains Tax and changes to super, as the population ages. She points out an increasing share of Government transfers are going to the wealthy. Former Reserve Bank economist Michael Reddell says [told Mike Hosking] there's a need to increase the age of eligibility. He says however, it could take another crisis for someone in elect policy circles to make the move. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Calls for a review of New Zealand's child support system, which is being described by some as broken.. Figures released under the Official Information Act reveal just 0.05 percent, or 36 of 66-thousand New Zealanders in breach of child support responsibilities have been referred to court, in 12 months. Family law barrister Sharon Chandra says the general tenor of feedback she gets, is that the system is broken. She says that's not solely because of a lack of enforcement action, but also because of the assessed amounts that IRD direct parents to pay. The total that New Zealanders are currently in arrears by is 663-million dollars. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A property boom in the Coromandel. OneRoof figures show demand for properties in the area is up 113 percent on last year Bayleys Coromandel General Manager Shaun Paterson told Mike Hosking it's a huge shift and the OCR cut is a huge part of the change. He says potential buyers have been waiting in the wings waiting for something to bring confidence. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the insurance market the last to get a good going over from the regulatory authorities?  Having become a country that loves a good market study, we've had petrol, banks, supermarkets – so surely insurance, and while you are at it, Air New Zealand, would be a good next stopping point.  Australia isn't overly happy with the way their insurance industry works either, and the regulator last week hinted inspections of some sort were coming.  Like banking, a lot of the insurance game there is run by the same people as it is here. And like the banks, they have the same line up of excuses as to why they are so profitable.  IAG, for example, made a profit in the last year of about $1 billion, and they did it off the back of rising premiums. It was an 8% rise in profit and the dividend was 27 cents.  Premiums are up because of climate change. Payouts, risk, and reinsurance are the usual excuses.  Don't get me wrong, we need profitable and stable companies, but in this cost of living crisis, councils and insurance companies seem to be the last ones standing when it comes to passing costs on at rates a mile higher than inflation.  IAG say we are starting to see inflation easing. Excuse me? It's eased. It's in the band. Central banks all over the world have or are about to cut rates based on the fact inflation is under control.  And not only have premiums gone up, they’ve flagged they will be up another 9 percent next year.  Reinsurance is part of their excuse. Here's a fun fact one of the biggest reinsurers in the world is Swiss Re. Guess how much their profit is up? 17%. To what, I hear you ask, a bit under $4 billion.  So where is the line?  A strong and profitable company versus taking the mick and simply passing on costs because they can and seeing massive profits with big dividends while still milking the old idea that everything is bad, storms rage, and payouts drain resources.  Now if that isn't a market study waiting to happen, I don’t know what is. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all.    Ginny Andersen's Police Numbers: 2/10  Bust of the week. Numbers don't lie, Ginny. Was it careless? Was it Machiavellian? Or was it just lazy?    The Police: 8/10  When you arrest every single Comanchero, now that is policing power.    The Greens: 2/10  What a s***show. Darleen Tana takes them to court, so they cancel a meeting. God help us if they ever end up actually having to make a decision about anything important.    Boeing: 2/10  Making two people go to space for a week and then leaving them there till next year. Great form.    Labour and Tax: 2/10  If that really is their plan for 2026, we can probably reliably place our bets now.    Kirstie Allsopp: 8/10.  My hero of the week, reminding us trust is good. Being old-fashioned isn't to be sniffed at and standing your ground is to be admired.    Shaun Johnson: 8/10  Weird night, given the rain, the loss, and the season. But the crowd showed up and there was no shortage of love and admiration.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ANZ's latest report shows businesses are feeling more optimistic for the future than they have in years.   The monthly update shows business confidence is at its highest in a decade, rising 23 points to 51.  Expected activity jumped to a seven-year high, increasing 21 points to 37.  However, actual business activity rose only one point to negative 21.  Chief Economist Sharon Zollner says many businesses are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.  She says we'll have to wait and see if this hope actually impacts business decisions.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back again to Wrap the Week with Mike Hosking.  They discussed the tribulations of getting council approval for pools, Father’s Day plans, and touring music acts coming to New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kamala Harris is about to give her first and possibly only interview before the November election.  The sit down with CNN’s Dana Bash is expected to air around 1pm.   The Vice President hasn't done an in-depth interview since becoming her party’s presidential candidate.  US correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that normally an interview like this wouldn't draw massive amounts of attention.  He says because of Harris's sudden rise to leadership, she missed months of solo interviews in the lead up to her campaign.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 30th of August, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster speaks after police secured a couple of major wins over the gangs this week.  Winston Peters talks his members bill to disband Auckland Transport - and defends Shane Jones' comments about the judiciary.  Beauden Barrett previews the All Blacks v Springboks test at Ellis Park this weekend.  And Mike gives away $5000 to a worthy winner, thanks to Chemist Warehouse.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks are embracing their Johannesburg welcome as they prepare to play at one of the toughest rugby venues on Sunday morning.   Several members of the playing squad and staff are on their first visit to South Africa.   New Zealand coach Scott Robertson played in the 46-40 test defeat at Ellis Park in 2000, but secured the 2017 Super title at the venue as Crusaders mentor.  Beauden Barrett told Mike Hosking that they haven't been overtraining early in the week, but by the time they hit the ground on Sunday, they’ll be ready to go.  He said that the game will likely go right up until the 80th minute, and the win will go to whoever is going to work the hardest.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A sudden shift to road user charges may mean a fairer system for all drivers.   Fuel excise tax could be gone —and petrol cars hit with the charges from 2027— under the Government's Revenue Action Plan.   It's also exploring tolling for all new roads, including the Roads of National Significance.   AA Transport Policy Director Martin Glynn told Mike Hosking it amends a system which isn't as efficient as it could be.  He said with vehicles becoming more fuel efficient, a widespread tax will also mean more revenue for the government.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters has found a strong ally in his bid to disestablish Auckland Transport.   The New Zealand First leader's proposed a bill to give the city's Council full control of the agency.  AT currently operates somewhat independency.   It already has the backing of Mayor Wayne Brown, who says anything putting control of Auckland’s transport back in Aucklanders' hands is a good thing.  Peters told Mike Hosking that if common sense prevails, it will go hosing through Parliament.  He said that AT was set up in 2009 and has been a serious failure, with massive complains continuing year after year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Praise for Christchurch police after wide-scale arrests of Comanchero gang members.  Every patched member of the Christchurch chapter has been arrested as part of Operation Avon, with 21 arrests in total across Auckland and Christchurch.   Millions of dollars of illicit drugs were seized.   Police commissioner Andrew Coster told Mike Hosking they've invested a huge amount to counter the increase in gang crime in the last decade.  He says police will keep focusing on going after their assets, as that's what hurts them the most.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You can see how the rumblings around the future of Chris Hipkins as Labour Leader have started.  They have added to their problems this week with the social media post from David Parker wittering on about his tax dream. The old Capital Gains Tax, get all those rich bastards lined up and raid their pockets.  It's a sorry old state they find themselves in.  The power crisis is a nadir of sorts. The cold hard reality of their policies has come home to roost for us and haunt them.  You can argue the same around the economy, in general of course, and their Covid approach. Three recessions in two years. A record unmatched by anyone I can find is pretty damning for a government that spent six years basically wrecking the place.  But the power is indisputable. We have no gas because we haven't looked for any because they closed it down.  The lack of rain or wind isn't their fault, but the fragility of the system is. All the stuff they said would happen to close the gap hasn’t. The Onslow idea went nowhere. And the simple, irrefutable truth is as a result of a lack of supply is the price is up, some people can't pay it, and people are out of work.  It's a series of very clear simple dots that can be laid directly at their doorstep.  It goes to credibility, they have none. And now we have tax.    If Labour go to the next election with a package of new taxes, like capital gains, they may as well not campaign.  They will have a two-fold problem. One, the recent memory of their performance in government is still fresh in voters' minds. Two, a new idea being we will tax you some more for good measure.  They will, of course, be facing a government that has cut taxes and may well, if they are lucky, have an economy with some real steam driving it.  If Hipkins makes it that far, his vision will seem so weird, so out of touch, and so ideologically mad he will not only lose, but quite possibly badly.  You can't hide your past; you can hope people forget, and time helps that.  But if more tax is their calling card for 2026, it's game over before it's even started. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Italian investigation into the deadly sinking of the 'unsinkable' Bayesian superyacht could drag on a while.   New Zealand-born captain James Cutfield is being investigated for possible manslaughter and negligent shipwreck charges.   He's being advised by two Italian lawyers, and has so far exercised his right to silence.   Italy correspondent Jo McKenna told Mike Hosking the investigation could take some time, particularly as the yacht needs to be brought to the surface.   She says before they do that they'll have to secure fuel supplies to ensure there's no leakage, which could take several weeks.   McKenna says it took 11 months for the captain of the Costa Concordia to be charged.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a new venture for Fonterra.  The dairy giant has announced a $75 million expansion to its Studholme factory in South Canterbury.  It will be a hub for high protein ingredients for sports nutrition and other medical products.  CEO Miles Hurrell told Mike Hosking it's an opportunity for the company to expand its footprint in New Zealand, and in the competitive market.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 29th of August, the Darleen Tana saga has yet another chapter with legal action now underway. Mike gets all the details from University of Otago Law Professor, Andrew Geddis.  Education Minister Erica Stanford reacts to the low pass rates on NCEA's numeracy and literacy tests - and promises action to lift achievement.  Mike finds out about Fonterra's latest version to diversify its product range.  Triple Paris Olympic medallist Ellesse Andrews pops into the studio to talk her success and what the future holds.  And you might just be surprised on how much social media influencers earn.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While it was in Tokyo that Ellesse Andrews emerged onto the Olympic scene, it was in Paris that she established herself as the one to beat in world track cycling.  Silver in the team sprint, gold in the keirin and topped off with a gold in the individual sprint it was historic Games for the 24-year-old as she became the first woman to complete the sprint/keirin Olympic double.  Andrews’ three medals took New Zealand’s tally to 14 from 17 Olympiads; an impressive strike rate for a nation whose most-Googled Olympic statistic is the medals-per-capita table.  The four-time Olympic medallist told Mike Hosking she feels New Zealand’s prowess in cycling comes from people up and down the country who are passionate about the sport, not just in its spiritual home of Cambridge. “I think with cycling in New Zealand it’s not just about Cambridge, it’s not about that hub it’s about the whole country and what cycling means to the whole country. “I have grown up in various different areas around New Zealand. Wanaka being one of them, [it’s] amazing for mountain biking, you know. So I would get on my mountain bike as a kid and I’d sprint [against] my parents and that was so much fun and that’s what made me excited. “Moving down to Invercargill where I tried track cycling, they have an absolute passion for cycling there. They love it and so the Southland programme really, really helped nurture me Canterbury the same, there’s just so many local legends in Canterbury that are just so passionate about what they do.” On Cambridge, Andrews said having a genuinely world class facility to train at gives the New Zealand team a real shot at competing with the best in the world, along with the buy-in from the local community. “Moving into Cambridge, where I moved when I was 16, [it’s a] similar thing, you know, we have that facility there - it’s world class. I have people who support me, sponsors, the facility, the community, everything there is just so special. “And so I think it’s the tight knit community and it’s the passion that’s within that community.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuning into the public's stance on infrastructure could stand politicians in good stead.   Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop's laid out his plans for the industry and announced a new National Infrastructure Agency.   He invites more debate across Parliament over long term planning to ensure a system that lasts.   Northern Infrastructure Forum Executive Director Barney Irvine told Mike Hosking the big political divisions over infrastructure don't reflect the public mood.  He says there's a lot more consensus among the public over infrastructure, and most people just want the government of the day to get on and do stuff.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are further details on the Government's review of how Significant Natural Areas should be identified.  The scope's been decided and will look at how SNAs are assessed and the way land is managed.  A Bill was introduced in May that proposes to suspend requirements for councils to identify new SNAs and is expected to be in place by the end of the year.  Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard told Mike Hosking that final decisions based off the review will be made in mid-next year.   He hopes the SNAs only apply to where it's truly significant, and not just taking swathes of farmland.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are concerns the international visitor levy could be raised too high.  The Government's being warned $273 million dollars of visitor spending is on the line.  Consultation is open on whether the $35 fee should be raised to $50, $70 or $100.  Tourism Industry Aotearoa CEO Rebecca Ingram told Mike Hosking visa fees have recently gone up, and they don't want to see tourists being scared off by additional costs.  She says someone who requires a visa and the visitor levy would be paying $500 before entering New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Education Minister says NCEA results are disappointing.   More than half of the 55 thousand teens who attempted the new NCEA prerequisite tests failed their numeracy assessment.  Reading had a pass rate of 59%, while 56% of the students passed writing.  The Government's aiming for 80% of Year eight students to be at or above curriculum level by 2030.  Education Minister Erica Stanford told Mike Hosking this will take some time.  She says there's a whole range of levers they're pulling to make sure primary school kids are learning structured maths and literacy.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A law expert doubts former Green MP Darleen Tana will be successful in their legal action against their former party.   They're trying to stop the Greens' meeting this weekend, where they intend to decide whether to invoke the Waka Jumping law.   Tana's challenge against the party will be heard in the High Court in Auckland this morning.  Otago University Law Professor Andrew Geddis told Mike Hosking he's never seen anything like it.   He says the chances of the courts acting in their favour are practically zero.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was never five percent, it was always spit balling.  Paul Goldsmith as Treaty Negotiations Minister is in a meeting with the seafood people, who are not happy about their lack of input into the government's foreshore plan to revert a court ruling back to the original intent of the law as passed in 2011.  Goldsmith, it was reported, said customary title will drop to 5 percent. 1News fell over themselves breathlessly reporting this as some sort of scandal on Sunday.  Come Monday in the Prime Minister's post-cabinet session, they try and get more detail. The Prime Minister quite clearly says the reason the government are doing what they are doing is because the court has overreached and what the government of the day intended has been distorted. An amendment of section 58 is how they are going to fix this.  The original law was simple. If you can prove you have had uninterrupted access to foreshore since 1840 you got a case. If you can't, you haven't.  Groups who didn’t like the law or the government went to court. The court being activist got overly involved and we've ended up where we have.  All of the government, as the Prime Minster was at pains to tell the assembled press, wanted to do is make the law the law.  Why? Because they are the government and that’s what governments do.  As far as I'm aware as a consumer of news, that bit wasn’t reported yesterday by some media. I note both state-funded were still banging on about Goldsmith and his 5 percent comment.  The point they are missing, and I suspect deliberately, is courts don’t make the law, governments do.  If you want to mark Goldsmith down a bit, maybe he shouldn’t free wheel with numbers. Given if you apply some brain power to it, no one knows what the actual number by way of a percentage will be when it comes to access.  But it wasn’t a scandal and it wasn’t a gotcha moment.  It was a passing comment in a meeting about the intent of the government of the day and what they were doing to address what they see as an activist court that had distorted intent around an increasingly fractious subject.  This would be another example of an activist media taking the side of an activist court and trying to drum up scandal around a government they don’t like on a law they like even less.  And if you apply logic and follow it as I have, they're failing.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BNZ expects house prices to remain flat this year, then lift by seven percent over 2025.   They don't think declines in mortgage rates will cause an immediate jump in the housing market.   But they do expect it'll likely prevent a deeper correction.  Chief Economist Mike Jones told Mike Hosking that it’s a pretty average number when you take into account the price increases over the past few decades.  He said forecasting 12 months in advance is always a tough ask, but when they factor in the changing fundamentals, such as lower mortgage rates, and match them up against things like the economy and the labour market, an upturn in house prices seems likely.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Minister says the wheel of justice is turning too slowly following a major seizure of gang assets.   After a 10 year investigation and court process, the Head Hunters gang is being ordered to forfeit $15 million in properties and assets.   It's being marked as a major win for Police, but some are criticizing the length of time it's taken to happen.   Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking the court's ruling sends a clear message to gangs, but could have happened quicker.  Labour’s Ginny Andersen said that the recent legislative change that flips the onus onto the gang members to prove their acquisitions were legal makes it easier for Police to seize assets.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 28th of August, the calls are getting louder for a bipartisan agreement to allow long term oil and gas exploration. Mike speaks to a company who might well come back.  The government is pushing the heat on airlines with new reporting requirements - Transport Minister Simeon Brown explains all the details with Mike.  We get the inside scoop on the Oasis reunion from the journalist who originally broke the story.  And we find out exactly why Beam's e-scooters have been ordered off Auckland's streets.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An energy sector leader is slamming the opposition's plans to bring back the oil and gas exploration ban.   Labour suggests renewable energy options should take precedence.  Meanwhile, the Government's aiming to reverse the ban, with Resources Minister Shane Jones says natural gas is critical to keeping the lights on.  Echelon Resources Chief Executive Andrew Jeffries told Mike Hosking gas can provide a backup for us.  He says it provides jobs, tax revenue, and security.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Gallagher brothers aren't looking back in anger by announcing their UK rock band Oasis' first tour in over 15 years.  Fourteen concerts are planned for the UK and Ireland in July and August next year.  Oasis split in 2009 due to a feud between brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher.  The Times Executive Culture Editor, Jonathan Dean, told Mike Hosking the tour was all-but confirmed after Liam made a hint on X.  He says it's been inevitable for a while as the warring brothers were bound to move on.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A psychologist is encouraging the public not to engage in online content like that recorded after a horror crash on Auckland's southern motorway.   Police are slamming the livestreaming of the crash that killed three people at Ramarama on Monday.   They say it was recorded before emergency services arrived and showed close-ups of the deceased in the van and injured laying on the road.   Clinical psychologist Dougal Sutherland told Mike Hosking an interest in death is clashing with social media pressures.   He says it's a reminder to think twice when pulling out phones to record.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Council says it was aware of dishonest behaviour from E-scooter company Beam before it was made public.   Australian media exposed the company for deploying too many scooters in some cities and manipulating its data.   The council's since accused the company of breaking its contract, and is referring the matter to the police.   Auckland Council Licensing Manager Mervyn Chetty told Mike Hosking it was tipped off this month.   He says it included internal comms from Beam, showing an intent to mislead the council.   Options are being explored to restock scooters in the city, and Chetty says they hope to have the process completed soon.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The spotlight's on the aviation sector, with a raft of changes on the way.   From next month, airports will face monthly performance reports and closer airfare monitoring.   Transport Minister Simeon Brown's also ordered a review of the Civil Aviation Authority's proposed hikes to determine if they're proportionate and justified.   He told Mike Hosking it's been tough for the aviation industry on the back of the pandemic, but it plays a critical role in our economy.   Brown says every single part of the industry and Government needs to be doing their bit to ensure we're a competitive country to do business with, and to grow the sector.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Uber drivers have won their case in the Court of Appeal. It agrees with the Employment Court that Uber drivers should be employees, not contractors.  Other courts in other countries have broadly come down on the same lines.  But not in California. The other day, the court there agreed with the people. And the people had voted in a proposition that drivers should be contractors because that’s what drivers signed up to.  So you can ask, is democracy right? Or is a court right?  The court here said: the critical point is we think that while a driver is logged into the app, that driver has no opportunity to establish any business goodwill of their own.  I guess that’s true, but it makes no sense.  In a pure gig model, you get to choose. You choose to work, or you choose to not work. It's about flexibility. The moment you are an employee, yes you get leave, but you also lose some control. Despite what the court and the four drivers think, some people like flexibility and freedom.  The court said drivers couldn’t bargain with Uber. That, of course, is correct. But that’s the whole point of a gig deal. It's predicated on the idea that if the deal is so bad no one will work for them. And the counter to the no bargain and all the other lack of overarching rules and regulations, is it’s a simple take it or leave it.  If you find it too egregious, don’t take it. If you want a union, industrial action, pay agreements, time in lieu, and stop work meetings, be a teacher or nurse.  The tricky part now, apart from the fact Uber will take it to the Supreme Court, which they should, is that the government are reviewing Workplace Relations, and given its driven by ACT, I suspect it will be looking to free things up a bit and this court case and its decision may well be a victim of what eventually gets passed as law.  No, we don’t want seven-year-olds going down mines, hence we need protections. But it's not Victorian England, it's New Zealand 2024, and if you choose to be your own person, all power to you, and the courts can stay out of your life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A debate in the UK has arisen about whether teenagers should be able to travel without parental supervision.  Location, Location, Location presenter Kirstie Allsopp is speaking out about feeling "sick" and "profoundly shocked", when social services contacted her about allowing her 15-year-old son to travel with a friend in Europe.  Officials says the safety of children is their "absolute priority".  UK Correspondent Enda Brady told Mike Hosking that Allsopp believes the complaint was made maliciously by someone who doesn’t like her.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alison Moyet rose to fame in the 80’s as one half of the synth-pop duo ‘Yazoo’, going solo just one year later as the duo disbanded.  Her career has spanned four decades, 9 studio albums, two of which went to number one on the charts, and 23 million albums sold.  She’s returning to New Zealand for the first time in eight years, bringing her upcoming album ‘Keys’ to Kiwi audiences.  Moyet told Mike Hosking that singing live is her main focus, and so everything she does in terms of recording is to direct it towards the stage.  She’s been making music and evolving as an artist for 40 years, and Moyet revealed that while there is still some anxiety when it comes to making new music and going on tour, she knows she has a group of steadfast supporters.  “I’m really excited to be there for them,” Moyet told Hosking.  Having performed for so many years, Moyet is aware that this won’t last forever.  “Every time I go on tour, I’m very aware that it could be the last time that I do it,” she said.  “So just the, the, the thought that I could come out there at least one more time and have a chance to perform is you know, it's obviously an exciting thing to be able to do.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 27th of August, will the government's plan to tackle the energy crisis make a difference? Mike asks the Prime Minister for his thoughts.  We have more details on the next stage of the Royal Commission into our Covid-19 response. Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden explains what exactly will be looked at.  Mike has deep concerns over the implications over the Court of Appeal's Uber decision.  One of the voices of the 80s, Alison Moyet joins the show to talk her new music and her tour coming to New Zealand next year.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

French politics are still in a deadlock, with no permanent government in sight.   President Emmanuel Macron's been holding talks with both the leftist New Popular Front and the far-right National Rally.   National Rally leader Marine Le Pen says she'll block any potential left wing Prime Minister, despite the left securing more of the vote.   France correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking the caretaker government is somewhat liked, but that could just be the lingering buzz from the Paris Olympics.   She says no one's really woken up to the fact that France needs a real government as a caretaker government is constitutionally restrained.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are concerns that university funding is not keeping up with costs.  A Tertiary Education Commission briefing paper suggests the financial books of Massey University and Wellington's Victoria University are deemed high risk.  RNZ reports eight universities had forecast a combined deficit of $42 million.  Universities New Zealand Executive Director Chris Whelan told Mike Hosking the Government controls about 70% of funding.  He says they are making choices on expenditure, but it comes down to a conversation with Government.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister believes natural gas could be found if investors are encouraged to look for it.   Cabinet has agreed to cut regulation, reverse a ban on oil and gas exploration, and review the electricity market's performance.  Opposition to the proposal believes there isn't anything to be found.   But Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking that investors have just been avoiding New Zealand because of its anti-exploration attitude.   He says a change to the settings will mean the companies have more confidence to invest in finding oil and gas.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taranaki Port says it could be ready to import Liquefied Natural Gas by 2027, if Government passes new regulations.   Cabinet's agreed to end the ban stopping the imports in efforts to boost energy supply and ease power bills.   It will also speed up overturning a ban on oil and gas exploration, and will review the electricity market's performance.  The port's Chief Executive Simon Craddock told Mike Hosking that the infrastructure to import LNG could be ready in 18 months,   But, he says, it would take longer for vessels to be in the same position.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's confirmed its terms of reference for the second phase of the Covid-19 inquiry.   Phase Two will cover matters of public interest like the use of vaccines and lockdowns.   It will assess whether a reasonable balance was struck between health goals and social disruption and the economic impact of decisions.   It's appointed Grant Illingworth KC chair, and Judy Kavanagh and Anthony Hill commissioners.  Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden told Mike Hosking the three have experience across litigation, economics, and health.   She says these broad skills are needed to look into the lessons we can learn for any future pandemic.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A ruling against Uber could hold ramifications for many other Kiwi businesses.  The Court of Appeal has ruled four Uber drivers are employees, not contractors.  Uber says it will appeal, and claims the move will increase uncertainty for workers who enjoy the flexibility of contract work.   Employment expert Max Whitehead told Mike Hosking that 97% of Kiwi enterprises are small businesses and operate similar to Uber.  He says there would be huge impacts on the country's economy, people, and work if the decision is carried in other appeals.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government are hoping to quickly move ahead with its Fast Track Bill - despite facing some speed-bumps. Cabinet will recommend changes to the proposed law, including switching who has the final say from Ministers to an independent panel. I comes after 27-thousand public submissions were made on the bill. However, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking he's confident the public want the bill, with hundreds already signing up for fast-track approval. He says energy, housing, and infrastructure issues are prevalent throughout the country, and must be addressed. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brits have been queuing up ahead of the opening of former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson's pub. Hundreds of people queued for hours to be among the first customers at The Farmer's Dog in the Oxfordshire countryside. Holly James say told Mike Hosking her group camped outside the pub for nine hours, after driving from Leicester the night before. She says everyone in front of them in the queue were diners, meaning they got the first pint poured at the pub. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The warming climate's shifting our growing conditions - and lifting demand for tropical seedlings.   Plant nursery Far North Tropicals has seen demand increase four fold every year, since it formed three years ago.   Bananas, pawpaw and pineapples are among those being sent across the country - including to typically colder regions like Invercargill  Nursery founder Aaron McCloy told Mike Hosking there's a lot of potential both for casual gardeners and commercial growers.   He says people are noticing they have less or no frost where they used to have frost - which is ideal for growing tropical plants.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday 26th of August, has the government backtracked on its fast track legislation? Mike speaks to AUT's John Tookey and puts that question to RMA Reform Minister, Chris Bishop. Could New Zealand become a hub to grow tropical fruit? Mike speaks to a grower who reckons pineapples and bananas could be our horticultural future. We get a review of Jeremy Clarkson's pub that opened over the weekend. On the Commentary Box, Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt celebrate Lydia Ko - who won her third major at the Women's Open at St Andrews. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A harsher eligibility criteria and new obligations for emergency housing come into effect today.   Now anyone staying for longer than a week,  will have to make reasonable efforts to get other housing.   Those caught not meeting responsibilities could face a 13 week stand down.   Former welfare expert advisory group member Phil O'Reilly told Mike Hosking there's a delicate balance between people needing to be treated well in an emergency - but not milking the system.   He says there's always going to be some losers out of that, and we can expect to hear some tragic stories.   But he thinks the Government's on the right track by making sure emergency housing, is about emergency.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A construction expert worries changes to the Fast Track Bill will limit the number of significant projects. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop yesterday announced Cabinet will recommend changes to the proposed law, to the Environment Select Committee. It includes switching who has the final say from Ministers to an independent panel. AUT Construction Expert John Tookey told Mike Hosking he hopes the panel approves projects other than just what politicians want. He says no government has been willing to do the right thing for the maximum number of people. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all.    Banks: 6/10  Coming to the party. In Britain this week we have seen tangible life hit the housing market after one cut by the Bank of England. Could it happen here?    The Prime Minister: 7/10  For giving the councils a reality check. They stand out as almost the sole survivors of the Covid “sting 'em where it hurts” brigade with their bizarre cost-plus-accounting view of life.    Power: 1/10  This is a shambles. You've got the immediate problem and the long-term problem. Both are, and have been, avoidable. It looks third world.    Kamala Harris: 8/10  The week of her life. Half a billion raised, the Obama's with the light show, and today is the acceptance of the nomination. And polls that show it's all on.    Darleen Tana: 2/10  Everything that is wrong with representation at the highest level. If it's not councils wasting your money, it's tyre kickers wasting our time.    The Warriors: 1/10  What might have been, what could have been, what should have been. Now we are left with the Bulldogs, a contest that means nothing, and a goodbye to a great bloke who deserves better.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

History's in the making in Chicago as the US gears up for its first Asian American and Black female presidential nominee.   Vice President Kamala Harris is hours out from formally accepting her nomination for the White House at the Democratic National Convention.    She'll also deliver a hotly anticipated pitch to voters.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking it’s been a spirited campaign week for the Dems.  He said the question now is if Harris can stick the landing.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we end the week can I proffer the idea that there is an intangible starting to bubble as a result of Adrian Orr's big move last week.  As far as I can work out every bank has dropped some of their interest rates again. In fact, some have done it multiple times.      They have done so, they say, because of the Reserve Bank and because of the wholesale rate.  They also said something about being super cool guys who want to help us get head in life. Or words to that effect.  They also gave the game away a bit by saying it's really competitive out there, and that’s the real story.  Banks need to lend money and in a recession that’s a fairly hard trick to pull off.  Might I once again suggest they look at their margin on lending and compare it to the margin their big brothers in Australia charge? And then ask themselves why it is that the number here is larger than the number there?  Although to be fair, Antonia Watson from the ANZ put forward a pretty reasonable defence on that this week. But next time you're in, ask them for yourself and see if you find it convincing.    Anyway, the good news is things are moving. Not much, but a bit.  I am convinced, through data and a bit of anecdotal evidence, housing is moving too. Once again, not much, but a good spring will help. I know of a good number of campaigns ready and set to go in September.  So what is this intangible? It's the vibe. The vibe is important and in this case, it's driven by a desire to see better days, the same way we talked ourselves into a funk these past couple of years. And why wouldn’t we? There was a lot to be in a funk about, and there still is.  But human nature generally wants us to be happy, to have hope.  So we look for indicators - the Reserve Bank and headlines like "light at the end of the tunnel", your mate that says, "what the hell, let's go out for dinner tonight" or "what the hell let's go away for the weekend any way". That's the vibe.  It doesn’t take a lot, and no, it doesn’t happen overnight. It happens gradually. But we are herd-like. You see one, then another, then you want to be part of it.  If you mark this day as the start, by early December remember this day and compare it to then. You'll be surprised at the transformation.  Because I am convinced the transformation is underway. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Games are afoot!  More than 500 athletes from 35 countries are descending on Queenstown from today as the largest snow sports event in the southern hemisphere begins.  It’s day one of the 2024 Winter Games, and CEO Marty Toomey told Mike Hosking that the event is worth somewhere in the realm of six to ten million dollars, depending on where you start the count.   He said that many athletes coming in and train for a couple of weeks before and after the event, not just the 3-4 they’re competing, so there’s quite a long tail.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Airport is reporting an 87% increase in annual underlying profit as its post-Covid recovery continues.  International traffic is at 91% of pre-Covid levels, with seats on North American routes are up 48%, and visitors from there are up 40-%.  The airport now has 27 airlines flying non-stop between Auckland and 42 international destinations.  CEO Carrie Hurihanganui told Mike Hosking that plenty of Airlines are still very positive about New Zealand as a destination and a place they want to expand to.  She said there’s positive signs, but they are still seeing the impact of global supply chain issues.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined Mike Hosking once more to Wrap the Week that was.  They talked Mike’s ventures in wood and metalwork in school, the Repair Shop, and Tim regaled listeners with an expert piano performance.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The countdown is on in earnest for Stacey Jones, with a date confirmed for his first fixture in charge of the Kiwis.  He'll begin his tenure against the Kangaroos in Christchurch on October 27 to open the Pacific Nations Cup - they'll take on Tonga the following week in Auckland.  The top two teams will contest a final in Sydney on November 10.  Jones told Mike Hosking that Australia will be smarting after their last meeting.  He said that their preparation is going to be top notch, and they’ll have to be on their guard there.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 23rd of August, Sir John Kirwan offers up an explanation as to why Leon McDonald left the All Blacks.  Politics aside, the Democratic National Convention has been a huge spectacle and great for their base. And it looks like it's caused a tangible shift in the polls.  As part of Wrapping the Week with Tim Wilson and Kate Hawkesby, Tim regales us with his expert performance on piano.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks great Sir John Kirwan says Leon MacDonald’s coaching future will have to be overseas after exiting as the All Blacks assistant coach yesterday.  In a shock move, New Zealand Rugby announced MacDonald was stepping down from the role under All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson five tests into the season, and just a week out from their Rugby Championship test against South Africa.  “It’s unbelievable...incredible courage I believe on behalf of both of them,” Kirwan told the Mike Hosking Breakfast on Newstalk ZB.  “If it’s not working out because the status quo would be probably stay there, finish the season. But for them to move on this quicker, I think it’s the best thing for the team.”  ‘Some people just can’t be assistants’  Kirwan said there were probably two main reasons for MacDonald to walk away from the role.  “Probably a lack of philosophy around how they are attacking. Once you don’t agree on how they’re going to attack it’s pretty hard to mend,” he told Hosking.  “And the second thing is, I think some people just can’t be assistants as well. Leon’s been a head coach now for a while, and so it’s hard to sometimes go back to being assistant.  Regardless of the timing of his exit, MacDonald will now be highly sought after by any side in need of a coach.  At Super Rugby level, MacDonald led the Blues in 69 games during his four-year tenure, for 45 wins, 23 defeats and a draw.  The Herald understands MacDonald turned down an approach from Scotland in order to sign on with Robertson and the All Blacks.  “I think he’d probably have to go offshore, now. There’s no jobs left in New Zealand,” Kirwan added.  The All Blacks face the Springboks at Ellis Park next Sunday in their first meeting since the Rugby World Cup final. That is followed by a second test a week later in Cape Town. Kirwan said losing a coach midseason shouldn’t be a major disruption for the players.  “I don’t think the players will be affected too much. I think they’ll just carry on. I don’t think he’s going to be replaced, so it’ll be one less voice.  “He’s [Robertson’s] got enough people in there to fill the gap. I just think they’ll carry on.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Analysts question how long a spike in support for Kamala Harris will last.   Today marks the final day of the Democratic National Convention, and when Harris is expected to accept her party's Presidential nomination.   Meanwhile, US media reports independent candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr is planning to end his campaign this week and endorse Donald Trump.   Democratic pollster Mark Mellman told Mike Hosking the convention will undoubtedly help Harris for now.   But he says the country is still divided, and it will be a very close race.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A second lot of changes to the Resource Management Act has been announced.   It follows the first, which will cut regulation for winter grazing, fresh water, and coal mining.  RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking his latest announcements are more about the act's underlying architecture.  He says he's talking about quick wins around renewable energy, housing, and the way we deal with hazards and long-lived infrastructure.  It includes making renewable electricity consents easier and demands council 30-year housing plans.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A not unfair question to ask, as we return to the power crisis of 2024, is are we being told the full story?  For the third time Tiwai has been asked to reduce power use.  Methanex is allegedly in the throes of cutting another deal with the Government over gas.  Winston has already announced they are closing. They are not alone.  The Major Electricity Users' Group is asking us, all of us, to use less power.  So just how bad is this? Who knows how bad it is, and are they not telling us?  I read an article that involves one of the mill workers being laid off. He talks of the meeting where the boss is in tears, lots of people are in tears as, of a town of one thousand, 230 are losing their jobs.  People text me and talk of hedging. It's not an unfair point but you can't hedge forever, and the major point is not the here and now. It's the fact the here and now is not a one off.  Each and every winter Transpower tells us about cold mornings and supply issues. This is at the same time that whatever the power companies are investing in clearly doesn’t cover the gab.  It also clearly doesn’t take into account EV's, data centres and A1.  If an aluminium smelter can't do what it wants to and if a mill can't even open, we aren't really forging ahead to a new tomorrow with AI and data centres springing up all over the place.  Methanex is now a company that sells gas, not produces methane. How many people are giving up how much to scrape through?  If we scrape through, what then? Apart from the sigh of relief, what then?  What's the plan? Is the investment as it stands providing us with a future-proofed level of power or not?  Does anyone really know?  I don’t blame the worker in the article, but he asked why the Government doesn’t bail the mill out, given Mercury supply the power and the Government has a stake in Mercury.  When you're asking questions like that pretty much everything is broken. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are claims from America's Cup and Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton that taking the regatta to Barcelona has already paid off.  It comes ahead of racing starting tonight, with the final preliminary regatta leading into the Louis Vuitton Cup starting late next week.  The move to ditch Auckland for Spain was highly controversial, but Dalton told Mike Hosking they had a combined audience of 914 million for the 2021 regattas and already they're closing in on that with preliminaries.  He says a couple of years ago people in the Catalan city might have thought the America's Cup was the Copa America football tournament, but not now.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a belief jewellery store Silvermoon will shine bright again.  Simon Thwaites has bought the business again after selling it in 2017, after the new owner put it into liquidation in March.  He's now re-purchased the business with plans to open two physical stores in Christchurch - at Riverside Market this weekend, and The Hub, Hornby, in November.   Thwaites told Mike Hosking it was a no brainer to launch a store at Riverside as it's become a focal point for tourists.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 22nd of August, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown talks whether the Government would really put a cap on council spending.  Is our police force racist? Police Minister Mark Mitchell doesn't think so and says police only deal with those doing the crime. So, what does the Commissioner Andrew Coster think?  Team NZ boss Grant Dalton gives us a detailed insight into the team and preparations as the 37th America's Cup gets underway tonight.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The volume of many goods going through our ports is continuing to decline as the economic downturn continues.  Port of Auckland has announced a 22% increase in annual underlying profit, allowing it to return a $40 million dividend back to Auckland Council.  But that's largely due to a 3% increase in container volumes and 10% increase in full containers.  Chief Executive Roger Gray told Mike Hosking there has been a strong decline in construction materials coming in, including cement and steel.  He says car imports are down almost 10%, with almost no electric vehicles coming into the country now.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are calls for less screen time and more conversations with children before they begin school.  The Education Review Office research reveals too many children are starting school without knowing how to read and write.  More than two-thirds of parents report their child had language difficulties before they started school last year.  Head of ERO’s Education Evaluation Centre Ruth Shinoda told Mike Hosking that parents need to limit device use to boost learning.  She says language is developed by talking to children, and they need to know words before learning to read and write them at school.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An advocate says there needs to be a major shakeup of the rules around heritage buildings.   Local Government New Zealand President Sam Broughton says current legislation means it's hard to take action on vacant buildings.   A remit has been passed at the Local Government New Zealand conference in Wellington, asking for stronger powers.   Lower Hutt's Voluntary Heritage Group Convenor Phil Barry told Mike Hosking heritage rules are too tight.   He says once a building is on the list, even if it becomes run down, it's almost impossible to get it removed.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police say gaps in how they treat people are often explained by things outside of their control.   They commissioned a three-year inquiry which has revealed ongoing inequities in treatment of people based on their race, sexuality, gender, and mental health.   It's offered 40 recommendations.  Police Commissioner Andrew Coster told Mike Hosking it found there's different outcomes for people they deal with, depending on their background.   He says the report also finds many of the gaps are explained by things upstream of Police, like drug, alcohol, and mental health issues.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Local Government Minister's outlining his expectation to councils ahead of day two of the local government conference.  Local Government New Zealand is meeting in Wellington, and yesterday received a broadside from the Prime Minister instructing them to tighten their belts.  Minister Simeon Brown is expected to make an announcement today on potential deals between central and local government.  But Brown told Mike Hosking it won't be a silver bullet, and councils still need to be better with their spending.  He says like central government, councils need to cut their budgets, to give residents rates relief.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big report day for big issues.  Report Number One: The ComCom and the business of banking.   The market doesn’t work, more banks would help, how to get more banks? How to get less regulation, how to get better deals for the customer?  Firstly, don’t hold your breath. The ComCom has looked into power and petrol and banking – not a lot changes.  Nicola Willis didn’t help yesterday morning when she said in response to a perfectly legitimate question about lending practices, that a bank CEO had said they “weight farms differently from houses in terms of risk”, Willis said well they can tell that to the select committee. Which as far as I could work out means nothing, given I'm sure they will.  Then when asked about the banking lobby being powerful, she said “they may be powerful but democracy is more powerful”. Once again, it means nothing. What she was avoiding was the question ‘will you legislate’, and she was avoiding that because she is not legislating.  The same way the previous government made a lot of noise about supermarkets and petrol but were never going to legislate either. Instead, what we got was a sign on the footpath showing the 98 price and a Grocery Commissioner who so far is limited to press releases.  Here is your trouble: we have a lot of banks, we just don't use them. We can switch banks, we chose not to.  Yes, the rules the Reserve Bank has in place to make banks hold money could be changed, some of the regulation could be changed, but will it materially fix the market? No.  This, as I always say, is not to defend banks. Banks are highly profitable. Their margins are higher here than Australia.  But the mistake that is made almost every time, whether its banks, supermarkets, petrol stations, or telcos, is the hype never plays out in reality.  The jawboning gets the headlines, the action fades into obscurity.  Let's talk in a year, and you can show me how fundamentally different the New Zealand banking scene is. Or not.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Biden reflected on his legacy and laid a case against Donald Trump in a rousing address.   The President's speech ended the first day of the Democratic National Convention where Kamala Harris will accept the presidential nomination.  Biden says crime has fallen under his presidency - and will continue to fall when a prosecutor is elected President, ahead of a convicted felon.   Biden says Harris will be a President the nation can be proud of - and will put her stamp on America's future.   In the same vein, Hillary Clinton declared that 'the future is here', saying that Harris has the character, experience, and vision to lead the nation forward.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that while Donald Trump has been reviving his old tune of American carnage and saying that America is a nation in decline, that wasn’t the vibe last night.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 21st of August, the banks respond to the Commerce Commission report saying there isn't enough competition in the sector. Do they agree?  We found Darleen Tana and pulled them from the naughty corner of Parliament to ask why they still deserves to stay on as an MP after turning down the Green's proposal to resign.  Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell talk about whether there is corruption in politics and why warnings for crimes are shooting up on Politics Wednesday. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has stepped in after it was revealed police have intentionally not been enforcing a law banning smoking and vaping in cars carrying children.  NZME can reveal not a single fine has been issued since the law came into force in 2021, with police saying fines are punitive and unlikely to work.  It can also be revealed police never carried out the necessary system upgrades to issue fines, despite Parliament delaying the law coming into force for 18 months to allow for the updates.  The law was passed by the Labour-led coalition in 2020 with support from National. It allowed officers to use their discretion to issue $50 spot fines.  Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking that the Police’s advice to the Police Minister at the time the law was passed was that the system couldn’t sustain the change.  He said that Police are now making the changes to the systems so that fines can be issued.  Labour’s Ginny Andersen said that from her understanding, while they knew the Police couldn’t implement it immediately there was a plan to do so over time that the Government was happy with.  She said she’s pleased that Mitchell is enforcing it and taking a stand, as the current Government has been very permissive around smoking by letting Smoke Free go.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The largest investor of struggling Canterbury milk processor, Synlait, will increase its ownership if its planned equity raise gets approval.  China's Bright Dairy's committing to pay 60 cents per share for $185 million of stock to lift its stake of the company to 65.3%.  Board chair George Adams says it's critical for Synlait's future - after it told the Australian securities exchange more than half of its 280 suppliers want to leave in June.  Adams told Mike Hosking the farmers' cessation notices were a message to the business as they take two years to take effect.  He says he's thrilled for their group of loyal farmers.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Darleen Tana has made their choice to remain in Parliament.  They have declined the Green Party’s request to resign, leaving the Party to deliberate over whether or not to enact the waka jumping legislation.  Tana revealed to Mike Hosking that they’re surprised the report into the allegations of migrant exploitation in their husband’s business hasn’t already been leaked.  They said that it’s very clear that they don’t recognize the findings of the report, and while others can read it and come to a conclusion, it doesn’t necessarily represent what actually happened.   Tana told Mike Hosking that direct evidence was not taken into account in the full investigation, saying that they’ve heard the words “witch hunt” be used in relation to the situation.   They said that it’s very clear upon looking back on how everything happened that the decision to get them to resign was premeditated.  Tana says their husband's staff shouldn't have gone public with their allegations of exploitation.  The now independent MP told Hosking the workers should be leaving it up to the Employment Relations Authority to resolve the dispute.  Tana says the authority is the appropriate place to deal with that, rather than going public to the media because the owner of the business is married to an MP.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Association says officers' workloads are big enough without enforcing smoking and vaping bans.   Newstalk ZB has revealed in the four years since a law banning smoking and vaping in cars with children was passed, no one has been fined or summonsed to court.   Association President Chris Cahill says there are much more important things for police to focus on.   He told Mike Hosking police are damned if they do and damned if they don't.   Cahill believes as soon as police start enforcing fines, there would be immediate questions about equity and whether the fines were given out fairly.  He said officers already have to deal with breath testing, retail crime, beat work and fighting the gangs.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ANZ's chief executive believes New Zealand's banking system is competitive.  The Commerce Commission's market study found there's little competition between the big four banks, and they take high profits by international standards.   It recommends open banking and giving Kiwibank access to more capital, to better compete and become a disruptor.  Antonia Watson told Mike Hosking they don't agree with the ComCom's characterisation of the sector.   She says their staff are fighting every day to win and retain customers, so back themselves that it's a competitive industry.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine’s President is keeping pressure on Western allies as they struggle to defend two key positions against Russia.  In an evening address over the weekend, Zelenskyy said that there is a need for faster delivery of supplies from their partners, aiming the address to the United States, United Kingdom, and France in particular.  France Correspondence Catherine Field told Mike Hosking that it’s likely Zelenskyy is hoping that placing more pressure on Russia will ease the pressure in the Donbas region of Ukraine.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, one poll tells us something by not really moving and another poll tells us something by being badly misrepresented.  The TV1 news numbers last night show that essentially the Government is travelling well, most parties are stable, the Greens are down a bit, but its all, so far, within the margin of error. Nothing really has changed.  What that tells you is broadly a couple of things. The first is at this stage of the electoral cycle people don’t pay as much attention as they will be in 18 months' time.  The second is the Government, with its level of support, is doing basically what they said they would, and most people are happy.  The other poll was on race relations. TV1 promoted the fact only 10% think the Government is improving them, but 46% think they are damaging them.  What they didn’t give the appropriate prominence to was the fact 37% think it's not making any difference. In other words, despite all the noise and hot air being drummed up by radicals and the media, most of us aren't engaged because nothing really is changing.  If you take the 37% who see no change and the 10% who see an improvement you have 47%, which is in fact more people thinking things are either neutral or better, as opposed to the 46% who think they are worse.  This of course ties into why the Government numbers overall haven't moved and their support remains strong. The so-called drama around Māori policy is not actually politically damaging.  You will note the numbers weren't presented that way by the state-run broadcaster. A good question might be: why not?  What moves needles is the economy and on that we might be in for an improvement. If we are, what you will then see is the polling numbers most definitely shift in the Government's favour.  Māori relations have been tested and testy my entire life. The previous Government bent over backwards for Māori, their beliefs, needs and causes, and look where it got them.  The current Government have read things right. Outcomes are what count, whether in race relations or the economy.  The numbers broadly show they are on the right side of both. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rescuers are scrambling to search for six people, including British tech mogul Mike Lynch, who are missing after a tornado capsized a super yacht off the coast of Sicily.   There were 22 aboard when the yacht sank, 15 have been rescued, including a New Zealand citizen.  One person is confirmed dead.  UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking the ship’s mast was snapped in half when the storm hit, which caused the yacht to lose balance and capsize.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of New Zealand’s country music faves is making her return to New Zealand.  Tami Neilson, a multi-award winner and friend of the great Willie Nelson, has announced a new mini tour of the country: Neilson Sings Nelson.  She’ll be performing all of her favourites from the Willie Nelson songbook, with the endorsement of Nelson himself: “Tami’s the real deal and does my songs a great honour.”   The tour coincides with the release of her new album of the same title, recorded at Nelson’s Pedernales Studio in Texas, featuring her brothers Jay and Todd on the backing vocals, guitar, bass, and drums.  Neilson told Mike Hosking that meeting and performing with Nelson is still something of a ‘pinch me’ moment.  “I still check my phone every once in a while to see if it still exists in the world, and kind of expect to wake I from this dream that I did a duet with him.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concern over falling birth rates after new figures show it's the lowest since World War II.  Stats NZ says the national fertility rate was 1.5 births per woman, down from 1.60.  Massey University sociologist Paul Spoonley told Mike Hosking New Zealand is following the trends of other western nations, with many European countries recording far lower birth rates.  He says it means around 500-1000 fewer births in New Zealand each year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a battle of the banks after last week's Official Cash Rate cut.  Most banks dropped their advertised retail loan rates within minutes of last Wednesday's Reserve Bank announcement.  ANZ and Co-Operative Bank have now dropped their rates even further.  Co-Operative Chief Executive Mark Wilkshire told Mike Hosking things are getting competitive.  He says it's good news for homeowners out there, with rates coming down quite quickly.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former US Treasurer says he hasn't seen this level of support for the Democrats since Barack Obama's presidential campaign.   The Democratic National Convention starts in Chicago today.  It's where Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Governor Tim Walz will accept their presidential and vice presidential nominations.  Former Democratic National Committee Treasurer Bill Derrough told Mike Hosking that Harris has some serious momentum.   He says there's tremendous energy, and a feeling like they haven't felt since 2008 with Barack Obama, maybe even greater than that.  Derrough says there’s still some sadness around Biden stepping down, but it’s worked out for the best.  He says it couldn't have come together in a better way, supporting Harris and Walz, and making a symbolic handover at the first day of the Convention.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 20th of August, the Democrats National Convention is getting underway, so will they see the same enthusiastic scenes as the Republicans?  The Prime Minister dances his way around questions about what the Government will do with Kiwibank and talks about race relations.  Tami Neilson has been recording songs with the great Willie Nelson for her new 'Neilson Sings Nelson' tour, so we had to get her back on the show.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hope that employment numbers could be a sign of economic growth.  Seek job ads are up 3% for the month, with retail and government jobs increasing.  Seek Country Manager Rob Clark told Mike Hosking there's still an overall downward trend, but it's promising.  He says after five months of declining ads, it shows people are getting ready for more spending, with retail, hospitality, and tourism, gearing up for the summer period.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon says the Government will be acting on the Commerce Commission's final report on the banking sector.  The watchdog's final report is due out about 8.30am.  In its draft report, published in May, it found the sector was lacking competition, and recommended changes to allow Kiwibank to grow bigger and to allow smaller banks to compete better.  The Prime Minister told Mike Hosking that Finance Minister Nicola Willis has a plan on how to respond to the final report.  And education was a focus for Luxon in yesterday's address at the annual coronation celebrations for the Kīngitanga.   In a heated powhiri at Ngaruawahia's Turangawaewae Marae, kaumatua and party leaders addressed Government policies affecting Māori, and in the ACT Party's absence, its Treaty Principles Bill loomed large.   The Prime Minister wants Māori to excel economically in New Zealand, which starts with education.    He says this should be a country where Māori are better educated and can access better paying jobs, and can have faster access to medical help when they need it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

​For a Government looking to save money, it beggars belief that they haven't had a decent look at the Waitangi Tribunal. Yet again they strike, this time with a report that condemns the Treaty Principles Bill. They condemn it and want it abolished. The trouble is, there is no such thing. The tribunal is like a court. Fortunately it doesn’t have the same powers as a court, and indeed, as a result of reports like this you can surely argue it is nowadays little more than an advocacy service for the aggrieved, as opposed to a tribunal or court that should be taken seriously. They intervene so much now that they border on being little more than state-funded whingers. As a tribunal of any serious standing, how can you issue a report into a bill that doesn’t exist? There is no bill. There are no clauses. As we sit here today what we have is an idea and an election commitment. Nothing has yet been written or taken to Cabinet, far less been signed off by Cabinet. It does not exist. So what the tribunal are saying is "we don’t like the idea". Courts and tribunals should deal with fact. They have no fact. They should deal with evidence. They have no evidence. It's like saying it was Mrs Johnson in the library with the candlestick. I assume David Seymour is Mrs Johnson, Parliament is the library - but they have no candlestick. They have, as they would see it, no crime. Not only isn't there a bill, when there is a bill, guess what? You get to have a say. At a select committee everyone gets to have a say. Dare I suggest Maori get to have a say. That is called democracy, which ironically is a corner stone of what may or may not turn out to be the Treaty Principles Bill. David Seymour generously welcomed the report as part of the wider discussion he wants to have. But as a taxpayer I am over a grouping who clearly has passed their use by date for historic issues and have moved onto the grievance gravy train. It is clear they hate the Government. They may as well write another report simply saying so. At least it would once and for all expose the agenda that’s really driving them. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claims better regulation is needed to combat workplace safety.  A report's found you're twice as likely to die at work in New Zealand, than in Australia.  It says workplace deaths, injuries, and health issues cost the country nearly five billion dollars last year.  The Business Leaders’ Health and Safety Forum’s Francois Barton told Mike Hosking we could learn from Australia's approach to heath and safety.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government hopes increased breath testing will make people think twice about drink-driving.   It's aiming to conduct 3.3 million breath tests a year, with 65-percent at the highest risk times and places.  1.3 billion dollars is being funnelled into the initiative over three years.  Transport Minister Simeon Brown told Mike Hosking this funds Police to keep our roads safe.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concerns the Waikato's central location will continue to make it a popular location for boy racer "meets".  It comes after four police vehicles were rammed, after a gathering on the northern reaches of Hamilton turned hostile over the weekend.  Police have released images of a ute involved, and are seeking two people of interest.  Waikato District Mayor Jacqui Church told Mike Hosking some of the cars involved are coming from as far away as Taupo and Whangarei. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 19th of August, $1.3b is being spent to up the amount our police drug and drink test our drivers. Do we have the resource for that?  Mike becomes fascinated about the wattage he's putting out on his stationary bike and whether or not he's an above average biker.  The Warriors push for the playoffs is over, so what to do about them? Guy Heveldt and Andrew Saville try to break it down on the Commentary Box.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all.    Adrian Orr: 3/10  Adrian isn't my hero of the week. He did what he should have done, but the way he did it yet again reminds us that the Covid experiment and the economic carnage that went with it is the result of people who could have done a vastly better job.    Elon Musk: 4/10  When your reputation is already hurting the value of your car company, interviewing a mate on your other company platform, only for that to not work either, isn't a good look.    Kamala Harris: 7/10  It's been a week of evidence that, to this point at least, shows the “switch out” has worked. People are engaged, the polls have closed, and the momentum is hers.    Crime: 2/10  41,000 up to 50,000 retail incidents. For all the noise, promises and headlines I'm pretty sure the stats show it's going the wrong way.    The crime committee set up to reverse the retail crime stats: 2/10  Despite the promise the first ideas were weeks away, weeks later they haven't even met.    The All Blacks: 6/10  They will win well, because that’s what they do, and more than 25,000 will watch it. I hope.     LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks are looking to right last week’s wrongs as they face off against Argentina in this weekend’s rematch.  The side had their first loss under the new management of Scott Robertson, going down 30-38 in Wellington.  They’ll be playing in Eden Park, the first time they’ve faced Argentina in Auckland since the 2011 World Cup quarterfinal.  All Black starting flanker Ethan Blackadder told Mike Hosking they had a good honest review on Monday and picked up their laps and cracked on with it ahead of this weekend’s game.  He said that they’re really excited for Saturday because it’s an opportunity to turn it around. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined the show once more to Wrap the Week alongside Mike Hosking.  They discussed the ingredients of Pringles, and Tim egged them on as Kate explained the Sink Conundrum plaguing their household.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Balancing directors' safety and accountability is the goal of the Commerce Minister's shake up of the Companies Act.   Andrew Bayly is looking to make it harder to "phoenix", in which assets are transferred from indebted companies to new ones, leaving the former to face insolvency.    He says they want to make it easier to catch directors doing the wrong thing, which will be done by assigning every director a unique digital number.  Another measure is allowing directors to take their home addresses off the companies register.   Andrew Bayly says there's a perception of risk, especially among female directors, and they will instead be able to list a more work-related address such as an office, or a related entity like a lawyer or an accountant.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two doctors are among those accused of taking advantage of Matthew Perry's drug addiction before his death.  The Friends star died in his hot tub last October from the acute effects of ketamine and subsequent drowning.  Five people are facing charges, including two doctors for falsely prescribing, selling, or injecting Ketamine to Perry.  Sky News reports court documents reveal doctor Salvador Plasencia wrote in a text: "I wonder how much this moron will pay".  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the doctors could face life in prison if convicted.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 16th of August, Kim Dotcom's extradition notice has been signed. So how long will this drag out, again, in the courts?  Ethan Blackadder talks coming off a loss against Argentina and keeping the Eden Park fortress winning streak alive.  Kate explains the sink conundrum at their home, while Tim eggs them both on, as they wrap the week.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rumours have been circulating that the Saudi-backed LIV Golf is teeing up an event in Christchurch, possibly as early as next year.  The Herald understands LIV Golf has been looking at the possibility of bringing a high-profile tournament to Christchurch Golf Club to New Zealand’s second oldest club.  Christchurch Golf Club general manager Mike Hadley confirmed to the Herald that LIV Golf officials have “visited” the course but as yet, “there’s been no follow-up”.  Jeff Latch, Golf NZ CEO, told Mike Hosking that the LIV event in Adelaide has really taken off, with LIV arguing that it’s probably their best event around the world.  He said they understand they’re looking to move that event from April to February, and while they’re down in the Southern Hemisphere, there’s potential for there to be New Zealand events adjacent to the Australian events.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new short-term worker visa's proving popular within the wine growing industry.   Immigration Minister Erica Stanford's creating a new subcategory of the Specific Purpose Work Visa to help employers in upcoming seasonal peaks.  She says the roles can't last longer than nine months and exclude jobs usually covered by the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme like fruit pickers.   New Zealand Winegrowers CEO Philip Gregan says these changes will make a big difference and are very welcome.   He says last year they had about 400 of these workers who carry out very specialist roles, and without them they just wouldn't be able to process the grapes.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kim Dotcom may have his work cut out if he wants to stay in New Zealand.  The tech mogul's been fighting to remain here for more than a decade, but time may be up with Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith signing an extradition order.   It means he'll likely stand trial in the US.   Barrister Clive Elliott KC told Mike Hosking a judicial review is the next step, which will look into the minister's decision.  He says the court has looked at all sorts of angles, and believes Goldsmith is entitled to say Dotcom has had his day in court and should be handed over due to US treaty obligations.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pressure is on Christopher Luxon over 501s as he meets with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Canberra.   In 2022, former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had convinced Albanese of a common-sense approach to the topic.  But that stance changed in June, when a new directive made the safety of Australians the top priority in deportation decisions.  Newstalk ZB's political editor Jason Walls told Mike Hosking Luxon needs to look like he's doing something.   He says we're not pleased with this policy, but Australians think it's absolutely fine - and Albanese is always going to bow to domestic pressure.  Walls said it’s likely not much will change.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Millions of Brits are out of work and not looking for more.  Official figures show that inactivity is sitting at 9.41 million, or 22.2% of the working age population, which is up 350,000 from 2023.  UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking that while some of those people are students and people taking early retirement, there’s still a residue of 4-5 million people who either haven’t gone back to work or haven’t started.  He said that he suspects several things are to blame for this: an influx of foreign-born workers, mental illness and ill health, and a lack of incentive and benefits to being in the workforce.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The great crime out of Adrian Orr's move is you can't trust him.  A central bank is supposed to get the economy and he and his committee clearly don’t.  Don’t get me wrong - what he did was the right thing. A lot of people think it was the right thing.  But he is supposed to land it softly and he crashed it. Having crashed it, he still denied he crashed it until it clearly became so bleeding obvious that he did what he did yesterday.  The cuts that weren't coming until next year are here now. You only do what he did because you overcooked it in the first place.  Brad Olsen of Infometrics was wrong, but he was wrong for the right reasons. He said heads should roll and on that he is spot on.  You don’t run a commentary that says one thing then do another. Their defence will be "things change", but that has always been the Orr weak point. He likes to position himself as some sort of completely removed observer, devoid of any influence in the economy at all.  "Things have come to a grinding halt? How did that happen?"  Last time he talked he saw one thing and told us how it was going to play out. He was wrong.  But to the Olsen point, and indeed my point, was - aren't we supposed to believe him?  When non-tradeable inflation is 5.4%, is that the same as 0-3%? No, it isn't.  When unemployment is 4.6% and not 5.5%, has that metric fallen to where it is supposed to have? No, it hasn’t.  But that doesn’t matter now, apparently.  "Forget everything I said, I've decided to cut." That's how the Governor plays it.  The inescapable truth is he cocked it up. He tried to right it, overcorrected, pretended he didn’t until it was too late, the rhetoric didn’t match the reality, and we got to yesterday.  The result? We'll take it.  The quality of the journey? Bollocks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supercars is back this weekend, wheels hitting the tracks in Tasmania.  Kiwi driver Matt Payne is coming off a successful run, doing no worse than 4th in all of them, and making it to the top of the podium in the second Townsville race.  He joined Mike Hosking ahead of this weekend’s race, telling him that hopefully they can continue that success and finish the year out strong.  Payne admitted that the track in Tasmania isn’t his favourite, preferring slightly longer tracks, but he’s really looking forward to the weekend and aiming to flip last year’s results around to a positive note.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The demand for electric vehicles has continued its decline.   Last year importers across the country were scrambling to meet demand, and Auckland City Electric Vehicles was awaiting one of their largest shipments.   Since the axing of the clean car discount, BMI Research figures suggest that the total decline in EV sales will fall by nearly 11 thousand vehicles this year.    Auckland City Electric Vehicles CEO Greg Larsen told Mike Hosking that every manufacturer is going down the EV track, and he thinks they may have gone too fast.   LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 15th of August, why is Health NZ doing presentations on frontline cuts when the Government and the Health Commissioner say there will be no frontline cuts? Sabotage? Resistance?  Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr has a spirited chat after dropping the OCR to 5.25% with no real warning.  Kiwi Supercars driver Matt Payne is in the form of his life and Mike was keen to chat ahead of the weekend's racing in Tasmania.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most banks have cut their advertised rates following yesterday's OCR decision.  The Reserve Bank cut the Official Cash Rate by 25-basis points, going from 2.5% to 2.25%.  Kiwibank was the first to move.  Chief Executive Steve Jurkovich told Mike Hosking it's a positive sign of things to come, with their team now forecasting a steady period of cuts from now to June 2027.  He said that people are unlikely to get carried away with the cuts, rushing out and buying new houses, cars, or technology.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr is defending his change of tune on the Official Cash Rate.  He's cut the OCR to 5.25%.  Some economists are criticising the suddenness of the change of direction, with Brad Olsen calling on the central bank to take accountability for radically changing its forecast without a radical change in circumstances.  But Orr told Mike Hosking the situation has changed since his last Monetary Policy Statement, three months ago.  He says plenty of time and information has changed since May, and the Reserve Bank has communicated that in its Monetary Policy Review in July.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health New Zealand is adamant frontline roles are safe from cuts.  The health agency has been tasked with reining in the sector's budget and a commissioner replaced the board last month after concerns of serious overspending.  Staff have been told to dismiss a presentation suggesting job cuts could come from hundreds of doctors and more than a thousand nurses.  Commissioner Lester Levy told Mike Hosking Health NZ Chief Executive Margie Apa should've shut this down.  He says this behaviour's unacceptable at all levels, and says she needs to sort the consequences.  Levy says it's deeply concerning someone even thought about this.  He says its either resistance, reluctance, or sabotage.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Immigration Minister says she's making needed changes to the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme.   The cap on seasonal workers will increase by 1,250 to 20,750, and the pause on accommodation cost increases will be lifted.   Employers will be able to average out workers' minimum 30 hours a week over four weeks and need to pay experienced staff only 10% above the minimum wage.   Immigration Minister Erica Stanford told Mike Hosking the sector needs more workers.   She says if the horticulture industry is going to double its exports it's going to need them, and that's why country Timor Leste is now included in the programme.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison testified yesterday via video link in a defamation case Senator Linda Reynolds brought against her former staffer, Brittany Higgins. Senator Reynolds is suing Ms Higgins over social media posts made last year, which she claims greatly injured her character and reputation and caused her distress and embarrassment. Mr Morrison stood by his previous criticism of Senator Reynolds for calling Ms Higgins a "lying cow", deeming the comment unacceptable.  Morrison criticized Labor for "weaponizing" Brittany Higgins's rape allegation, saying he was concerned it endangered his former defence minister's life.  Steve Price, Australian Correspondent, told Mike Hosking the former Prime Minister was getting interrupted by the judge.   LISTEN ABOVE          See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My least favourite data dump yesterday.   Firstly tourism – which yet again reminds me how, when I was asking well in excess of a year ago where the hell all the people were, no one seemed to care or hear me  Fast forward 18 months, with the numbers stuck at about 80% of what they were 5 years ago, the industry I read now is “worried". Why weren't they worried when I was worried? Why does it take so many so long to wake up to what's staring at them?  But they aren't as bad as the migration figures, also out yesterday. We are still leaving the country in record numbers. Overall, we are gaining people, but the people are coming from China, India, Fiji, and the Philippines. Which is not being racist, but it is questioning just what sort of skills they are bringing and how great is the cultural balance being affected by us leaving and them arriving.  The reason I hate the departure numbers so much is severalfold:   1. They are mainly the young. Not good for our future.  2. It isn't stopping. Having people scarper isn't new but having them scraper continually for such a long period is.  Places like Wellington are being hollowed out as the young leave, but the arrivals land in places like Auckland. So overall we are not replacing like with like.  But the thing that irks me most is the credibility issue.   We look like crap. We look like a bad party. We look like Nigel-no-mates.  Our rep is rubbish. New Zealanders look around month, after month, after month, and say, you know what? I don't want to be here anymore. I don’t like it here; I like it over there.  Over there is mainly Australia, and I have never liked losing to Australia.  I don’t mind people leaving, I don’t mind competing. It’s a free and open world.  But I think that is part of the issue. Are we competing? Are we competitive? What do we have to offer, what's compelling about New Zealand in 2024?  Numbers don’t lie. Immigration is often driven by the wanderlust of youth – this is more than wanderlust. This is dislike, this is no future, this is despair.  We are bleeding people and talent.  Of all the damage Labour did to this country, forcing its young people out might historically be shown to be the most ruinous thing of all. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pete Miskimmin is one of New Zealand’s leading sports administrators – and he’s set to show us off to the world.  The former Black Sticks Captain and Sports NZ CEO has taken on a new role as Sports Diplomacy Manager and tasked with using sport to achieve Government objectives in political, economic, and social sectors.  He told Mike Hosking that it allows them to build key relationships and attract people in a relaxed, informal environment without all the suits and officials around.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National’s Mark Mitchell and Labour’s Ginny Andersen joined Mike Hosking to dig into some of the biggest stories of the week on Politics Wednesday.  Parliament is taking another break – off three weeks for the school holidays, back for two weeks, and off for another. What’s prompted this one?   The country is facing a power crisis, what are their thoughts on the matter, and what can be done to solve it?  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The seafood industry isn't making the most of free trade deals.  FTAs with the UK, European Union, and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership eliminated tariffs on some seafood.  However, at the recent Seafood Conference, it was revealed a large part of the industry is still paying.  Seafood New Zealand Chief Executive Lisa Futschek told Mike Hosking they're working to figure out what's causing this problem.  She says it appears to be at the importer end where the paperwork is not being filled in correctly.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 14th of August, it's OCR day so what will Adrian Orr and the Reserve Bank do? Steven Joyce imparts his knowledge, plus we look at our latest tourism numbers.  If Mike told you 93% of garages in NZ are carpeted, would you believe him? We've got plenty of bizarre numbers to break down!  Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell talk our energy issues and whether politicians are being too lazy by continuing to be on break.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Māori Development Minister says iwi will welcome clarity about the responsibilities of major Māori agencies.   The Government is shifting some functions of Te Arawhiti —the Office for Māori-Crown Relations— to the Ministry for Māori Development.  Te Arawhiti will now focus solely on negotiating Treaty of Waitangi settlements and Takutai Moana applications and the Ministry for Māori Development will focus on economic and social development, and other such matters.  Minister Tama Potaka told Mike Hosking there’s been a lot of concern around the context of how Treaty related and Māori issues have been engaged with, but both he and Iwi and Māori leaders throughout the country want their confusion sorted.   He said that they don’t want ambiguity in this space, and neither does he.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's believed New Zealand's current energy dilemmas highlight the double-edged sword of renewable power.  Low lake levels, acute gas shortages, and periods of low wind have contributed to a looming energy supply crisis and skyrocketing prices.  Our biggest gas user, global methanol manufacturer Methanex, will shut down its Kiwi operations until October and redirect its gas to Contact Energy and Genesis Energy.   Major Electricity Users' Group Chair John Harbord says it's a fix, but just a temporary one.  He told Mike Hosking new gas is urgently needed no matter if it's imported or explored.  Harbord says being reliant on renewable energy also means an increased reliance on gas and coal.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr is facing a tough decision on whether to cut the Official Cash Rate today.  Financial markets are pricing in a cut, but economists remain divided on whether that should happen.  Former Finance Minister Steven Joyce says Orr doesn't want to act too quickly and risk having to backtrack if non-tradable inflation continues to remain high.  But, he told Mike Hosking, neither does he want to act too slowly and see the economy stagnate or decline.  Joyce says many businesses are struggling and the energy shortage is going to significantly reduce production in the months ahead.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a belief New Zealand needs to put its money where its mouth is to attract international tourists.  Overseas visitor arrivals reached 3.2 million in the year to June but is still 17% down on pre-pandemic peaks.  Tourism Holdings Chief Executive, Grant Webster told Mike Hosking we simply have to be more competitive, as other countries spend big.  He says Australia's three major states combined have a $800 million spend – more than 50% on New Zealand on a per capita basis.  Webster says Aotearoa needs to invest in order to bring people back, and we need to drop the expectation it 'will just happen' without work.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elon Musk's live interview with Donald Trump's caught people's attention, but not for the reason he'd hoped.   The conversation had a bumpy start after a 40-minute delay due to technical difficulties on X.   It's being labelled a high-profile embarrassment for the billionaire, whose platform's faced multiple outages since he took over.   Last year, former candidate Ron DeSantis faced a similar server meltdown launching his campaign.   US correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking once it got going, it was hardly an interview, with Musk having already endorsed Trump.   He says the audio quality was so bad that some listeners reported hearing Trump slurring and talking with a lisp.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A man has been arrested after a stabbing in London's Leicester Square that's left an 11-year-old girl needing hospital treatment, and a 34-year-old woman with minor injuries.  Police aren't treating the incident as terror-related.  UK police forces remain on high alert after days of riots earlier this month, which were triggered by online posts wrongly identifying a suspected killer of three girls in northern England as an Islamist migrant.  UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking that immediately after the attack, the right came online saying that it’s happened again and that they’re up to no good.  He said that there’s no evidence whatsoever that the attacker was Muslim, however there is a fair bit of evidence that the person who stopped the attack and took the knife off of him was.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, what to make of the so-called power crisis?  About this time yesterday Mike Fuge from Contact Energy gave an eloquent defence of the power industry.  He said it works fine, we are in a period of transition, the investment is being made and it will all work out well in the end.  Tell that to the mills who have so far closed, or stopped, and the workers who are waiting to hear whether they have jobs.  Tell that to the businesses paying double what they did last year for power.  Tell that to the farming sector, the likes of Fonterra, who say this now affects our export competitiveness.  They claim they have been arguing for industry reform for ages now. ANZCO, who are into meat, are paying twice what they were last year, and you know who that gets passed onto.  In the meantime, the Government is looking at liquefied natural gas.  Contact claimed yesterday on this show an announcement was coming on gas. Let's hope it's good.  And at some point we may or may not hear from the Commerce Commission or the Electricity Authority.  Although, if you have followed the various scraps of late over things like petrol, or building supplies, or supermarkets, or banks, when the likes of authorities get involved it appears to be more headline noise than any actual change.  The big picture is the key here. If we can't make enough power now, even with the arrival of the new stuff like the geothermal power and the wind and the solar, where do EV's, data centres and AI fit in?  Whether at a crisis point or not, power is too expensive in this country and not just too expensive, but clearly unreliable.  Three main things drive the industry currently - rain, gas, and wind.  There isn't enough rain currently.  We stopped looking for gas and current reserves are running out.  The wind isn't blowing.  That's three good options on paper but in reality, it doesn’t work.  So the industry says don’t panic but the users say it’s a crisis and our exports are being hit.  It seems to me this is a job for the Government. Jawboning, to this point, hasn’t and isn't working. Leaving it to the market isn't working.  If you don’t have power, you are third world.  We look, currently, pretty third world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boybands were all the rage in the 90’s and 2000’s, and it seems they’re making a comeback.   The Backstreet Boys have toured in recent years, Blue recently visited New Zealand, and even NSYNC have been considering a comeback, prompted by ‘Bye Bye Bye’ making its way back into the charts thanks to the Deadpool and Wolverine movie.  But that’s not the end of it, with Boyzlife, a supergroup comprised of former Westlife member Brian McFadden and former Boyzone member Keith Duffy making their move.  They’re touring New Zealand early next year, playing all the fan favourite hits from both groups, plus a few new ones.  The duo joined Mike Hosking for a chat about the original groups and the success they’ve found in Boyzlife.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some upsides —and downsides— in the Government's new sanction system for beneficiaries.  The Government's increasing how often beneficiaries need to re-apply, and introducing new essential payment cards for those who fail to meet their obligations.   Former Welfare Expert Advisory Group member Phil O'Reilly says the new sanctions avoid causing harm to beneficiaries' children.  But, he told Mike Hosking, the Government should also think about helping people build work-ready skills – something the previous Government did well.   He says getting people a drivers licence and Site Safe certificate so they can get a job in construction for instance, is an important part of moving people off welfare.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 13th of August, we've got new welfare rules designed to get people off Jobseeker. So, will it work?  The Prime Minister is in studio to explain why Parliament is having yet another break, and how the electricity sector, welfare, and retail crime will be sorted.  Brian McFadden of Westlife and Keith Duffy of Boyzone join the show to talk their new duo Boyzlife, and coming to tour in New Zealand.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Paris Olympics is going down as a success among Parisians.  Newstalk ZB Correspondent Catherine Field is on the ground in the French capital, where she says hosting the Games was seen as a throw of the dice for the City of Love.  She told Mike Hosking that with most of the stadiums outdoors, security was always going to be an issue, but it proved to be a success.  New Zealand's team is now on the way home with our best ever medal haul.  In all, we won 20: ten Gold, seven Silver, and three Bronze.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Road maintenance is becoming both more expensive, and more urgent.  A Government briefing document —released to our newsroom under the Official Information Act— shows road repair costs have gone up 50% in six years.  Drainage renewal costs have gone up 350%.  Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Mike Hosking costs have been rising at the same time roads have been degrading.  He says weather in the past couple of years has wrecked the roading system even more.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new chair of the Canterbury A&P Association Board is determined to get the show back on the road.  Former Speaker of Parliament Sir David Carter has taken the reins in the lead-up to November's scaled-back event.  Carter says he wants to see the event continue for generations to come.  He told Mike Hosking personality issues made the relationship between previous board members and the general committee dysfunctional, which caused it to fall apart.  Carter says that's not good enough, and Christchurch can't have a Show Week without its iconic show.  He said that the biggest job will be getting financial supporters on-side.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says all options are on the table for tackling the energy crisis.  Wholesale electricity prices have surged in recent weeks as hydro lake storage nears record lows.  Christopher Luxon says he's pulled the industry together for discussions about rationing and transferring gas where it needs to go.  He told Mike Hosking they're looking at a series of short term measures to ensure supply can meet demand.  Luxon says the bigger question is what medium to long-term measures need to be taken to ensure energy security.  On another note, the Prime Minister says congestion charging could boost productivity and clear up the roads.  Transport Minister Simeon Brown has confirmed the Government's introducing legislation this year to allow for so-called "time of use charging".  It'll allow councils to propose charges for using certain roads at certain peak hours.  Luxon told Hosking congestion results in slower deliveries and other economic issues.  He says if it's done right, congestion charges can result in an 8-12% reduction in congestion.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Infrastructure Commission says at the end of the day, congestion charging is all about efficiency.  Legislation is coming to clear the way for councils to propose making motorists pay for using busy routes at rush hour.  The aim is to encourage public transport, car-pooling, and off-peak travel.  Infrastructure Commission General Manager Geoff Cooper told Mike Hosking it allows councils to make the most of the transport network they already have.  He says the focus is now on efficiency across the network, which is a positive step for future investment.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt joined Mike Hosking to discuss their highlights of the Paris Olympics — including Hamish Kerr, Lydia Ko, Dame Lisa Carrington and Ellesse Andrews all getting the gold — and the All Blacks’ 38-30 loss to Argentina in Wellington. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian political leaders have leapt to the defence of Rachael Gunn as the Olympic team closes ranks behind the under fire breakdancer. The 36-year-old, known as Raygun, failed to score a point when breaking made its debut as an Olympic sport in Paris on Friday. Vision of the Macquarie University lecturer’s performance sent social media into a spin and raised questions about the sport’s validity. Back home, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commended Gunn when asked about criticism of her routine. “Raygun had a crack, good on her, and a big shout out to her,” he told reporters in Adelaide on Sunday. “That is in the Australian tradition of people having a go. She’s had a go representing our country, and that’s a good thing. “Whether they’ve won gold medals or just done their best, that’s all we asked for. It’s the participating that is really important.” Breakdancing has been dropped from the programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with no guarantee it will return at Brisbane in 2032 or beyond. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said she had enjoyed watching the sport and suggested Raygun was a champion already as someone chosen to represent their nation on the world stage. “To quote Taylor (Swift), let the haters hate and let’s just get on celebrate our Olympians’ success,” she said in Melbourne. Chef de mission Anna Meares was similarly supportive of Gunn, condemning comments from “trolls and keyboard warriors”. “I love her character and I feel very disappointed for her that she has come under the attack that she has,” she said. Gunn lost all three of her round-robin battles by a combined score of 54-0 and admitted post-event that she couldn’t compete athletically with the tricks and spins of her younger opponents. “What I wanted to do was come out here and do something new and different and creative - that’s my strength, my creativity,” she said. Gunn has published a doctoral thesis entitled Deterritorialising Gender in Sydney’s Breakdancing Scene: A B-girl’s Experience of B-boying. The thesis questioned why so few female participants were part of the male-dominated scene but spoke of the sport as a “space that embraces difference”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The best Olympics ever. Sadly it wasn’t in our timezone, which doesn’t help the communal buzz of a nation gathered together. But we won more golds and, in my book, that is really what the Olympics is about. They have tried to make it about new, weird sports and participation, but for the purest it is about being the best. That’s why you sacrifice and give up your life for singular moments that make it all worthwhile. I have decided that gold is disproportionate to silver and bronze. It's not a step up - it's several steps. I have also decided, as shown through the tears of Lydia Ko, that although there are sports you could argue don’t really belong at the Olympics, even for the most elite of athletes used to winning regularly elsewhere on a global stage, representing your country clearly still counts for a lot. Then you get to the weird business of human nature. As remarkable as Lisa Carrington is, the trouble with being a recidivist winner is you are expected to simply carry on. That’s why being number one at anything is relentless and largely thankless, because it's expected. Which is why the Hamish Kerr gold is the one you remember, because it wasn’t expected. Was he a prospect? Yes. Was he going to win it all? I didn’t hear anyone say that. But what about gold in the canoe slalom? It's an odd, invented sport with no small measure of luck. So does an invented sport gold beat a classic high jump gold? Not in my book. But here is the real gold on the gold - we don’t historically win a lot of them. It was seven last time and that was an outlier. We won eight in Los Angeles a long time ago. But apart from those two, most games produce one or two or three at most. Ten golds is a couple of weeks to remember and reminds us that for a country of five million, there are an outsized group of people who strive, work and are determined to live a dream and be the very best of the best. And for all their stories, we can be grateful for the joy they bring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 12th of August, the Government has dropped emergency housing numbers by a third. So where have they gone and can they keep it up? New Zealand's golden girl, Dame Lisa Carrington, talks to Mike about her three gold medals and whether retirement is on the horizon. Guy Heveldt and Andrew Saville wrap all the highlights from Paris Olympics 2024. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kamala Harris is surging ahead of Donald Trump in the latest major poll. The Vice President's taken a four percent lead over the former President in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan in a New York Times Siena poll. It's the clearest indication of the candidates' standing in the three battleground states since Joe Biden dropped out. But US correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking says we're still very early into the race, and the two are still very much neck-and-neck. “However, the Times says the last three weeks have been the worst for Trump in his entire 2024 campaign as he struggles with trying to find out how to take on Harris.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A call for stricter regulation of building reports to address major discrepancies that could be affecting buyer decisions. The industry’s finding the quality of the $1000 reports vary, with some overstating minor issues and spooking potential buyers. One real estate agent has told OneRoof he's seen 11 inspection reports for a single property — each with a different opinion. Institute of Building Surveyors' President Darryl August told Mike Hosking the New Zealand standard for pre-purchase inspections should be looked at too. “That’s almost 20 years old, and in my opinion, probably needs an update. It excludes things like rental property tenancy inspections.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retail crime is on the rise once more — with latest Police data showing it's up 17 percent in the first five months of this year. In central Palmerston North, five people have been arrested for stealing thousands of goods from Farmers and Rebel Sport on Friday afternoon. And in Christchurch's New Brighton, a community pantry and Countdown supermarket were targeted on Saturday. Sunny Kaushal — the chair of the Government's newly established Crime Advisory Group — told Mike Hosking he hopes to start work on addressing the issue before the end of the month. “But I promise the day we start working, within two weeks time, I will have the first proposal on table.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our most successful Olympics of all time is coming to a close in Paris. Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are all performing in the closing ceremony. Flagbearer Dame Lisa Carrington told Mike Hosking it's an honour to be leading our Kiwi athletes alongside fellow flagbearer Finn Butcher. “I’d say I’m a bit of a different athlete now than I was then, and I think it’s really special to be able to do it. We’ve had such a great Olympics.” New Zealand is bringing home 20 medals — ten Gold, seven Silver, and three Bronze — putting us 11th in the Gold Medal Table. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A suggestion from the Government that some emergency housing tenants don't need to be there. Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka claims there's been a 32 percent drop in households living in motels since December — roughly a thousand children. Labour's accusing the Government of making it harder for people to access support. But Potaka told Mike Hosking there are responsibilities that come with using taxpayer funds for housing. “There are less people going in because we’ve made it clear and transparent around the criteria that you have to satisfy in order to get into emergency housing.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tāmaki Makaurau is bouncing back after a chaotic few years, but still playing catch-up to other global cities. The second annual State of the City report released today shows housing affordability and transport infrastructure are lagging behind. It calls for significant investment and planning to kickstart projects with the speed, scale and coordination required. Business of Cities Managing Director Tim Moonen told Mike Hosking Auckland re-entered the global economy later than nearly every city of its size. “The return to tourism, the return of investment, the return of business, jobs, people who are mobile moving around has been a bit slower. We expect that gap to bridge but it’s still there two years on.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the country's largest electricity generators and retailers is adamant the market is working as it should be. The Electricity Authority and Commerce Commission are continuing to look into accusations of price gouging by so-called "gentailers" - companies that both generate electricity and provide it to consumers. It comes after four mills announced they were either downsizing or planning on shutting entirely, blaming soaring prices. Contact Energy chief executive Mike Fuge told Mike Hosking government interventions will slow the market down. “Government interventions have never had happy endings. And the same is what happened here when they announced the oil and gas ban. It hasn’t had a good ending.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all.    Smith & Caughey's: 7/10  A bright spot in a tough old economic week. Smaller is better than nothing at all.    Jobs: 6/10  In this weird old world being not as bad as you thought isn't really good news.    Power: 1/10  This is the scandal of the week, or month, or year, and the last Government. Power drives economies and we don’t have enough and what we have is the most expensive in the world. If you can't make enough power you're little more than Third World.    Tim Walz: 6/10  Because he's refreshing and, yet, a mistake. He's affable, funny and likeable, but of the left. You don’t get middle America on your side by being left of Kamala.    Shaun Johnson: 8/10  Great guy, great player, great story and great legacy.    The Olympics: 6/10  I feel the same as last week. I'm not feeling it. It could be the time zone. But I'll tell you this for nothing - I bet the Australians are up at all hours and loving it.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The boys in black are back, but they'll be playing with their captain this weekend. Scott Barrett talks to Mike Hosking about his injuries and Saturday's game.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Electricity Authority and Commerce Commission have both been asked to investigate whether power companies are price gouging. Officials are also looking to import more liquefied natural gas to address the situation.  Energy minister Simeon Brown joins Mike Hosking to discuss.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After voting unanimously to keep their Maori Wards, Palmerston North City Council is seeking advice. Act's local government spokesperson Cameron Luxton is accusing elected members of playing with fire.  Constitutional law expert Graeme Edgler joins Mike Hosking to discuss.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Council-controlled organisations will soon be able to borrow more for less through the local government funding agency.  They will be able to borrow five times their operating revenue, meaning major work can get underway without major rates hikes.  Water New Zealand Chief Executive Gillian Blythe joins Mike Hosking to discuss.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Mike Hosking that Trump is honing in on criticisms of Harris' lack of sit-down interviews since she took over from Joe Biden. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Conservative think tank suggests charter schools could close gaps in student achievement.  Researcher Maryanne Spurdle says charter schools could provide positive learning gains for disadvantaged students. She says while the model doesn't directly target these students - it allows educators to have autonomy.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday the 9th of August, we have the Government's plan for water, plus Simeon Brown tells us how we'll fix the electricity woes.  All Black captain Scott Barrett pops in to talk how his surgery recovery is going and whether we'll thrash Argentina this weekend. What's Mike's latest question to win money for charity? Kate and Tim play the latest round on Wrapping the Week.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK Prime Minister is vowing swift action as authorities brace for fresh unrest.  There's been escalating violence in far-right riots since the fatal stabbing of three girls in a Merseyside dance class in Southport last week.  More than 500 people have been arrested so far, and thousands of counter protesters have also mobilised across the country.  A rioter who punched a police officer in the face in Southport has been jailed for three years - the longest prison sentence so far over the far-right disorder.  UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking that Sir Keir Starmer promises 540 jail spaces have been cleared for rioters.  He says it should be enough spaces to deal with this, as the biggest riot saw around 40 people arrested.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although the eyes of the world are currently focused on the Olympic Games, that hasn’t ended the conflicts occurring all over the globe.  Today marks day 895 of the Ukraine War, and Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelenskyy this week unveiling the first of the F-16s, which are already in use.  Over in the Middle East, Israel and the United States are on high alert for retaliation from Iran after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.  Both Ukraine and Gaza are still under fire, and Hezbollah are ramping up their drone attacks on Israel.  Mick Ryan is a retired Australian Major General, now an academic and strategist, and has written a book covering the lessons of the Russia-Ukraine war and the strategies adopted within: The War for Ukraine: Strategy and Adaptation Under Fire.  He joined Mike Hosking to give his insight on the global conflicts and where they’re likely to go from here.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 8th of August, unemployment came in lower than expected, so where does that leave the Reserve Bank and interest rate cuts?  Is Mark Mitchell playing games by refusing a meeting with police for Ginny Andersen? We get the explanation from the Police Minister himself.  One of the best military strategists Mick Ryan talks where we go to from here for Ukraine and the Middle East.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Calls for a national food strategy to be implemented in light of research showing it's virtually impossible for families on a benefit to afford healthy food.  Data shows two-children families receiving financial assistance would be $200 dollars short if they bought low-cost nutritional kai.  AUT Nutrition Professor Elaine Rush told Mike Hosking that feeding Kiwis well needs to be prioritised over sending it overseas.  She says we need to also think carefully about the food we import in large quantities, as most fail to promote healthy eating.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government could be importing liquefied natural gas to relieve businesses struggling with high power prices.  An Auckland paper recycling pulp mill with 75 staff is proposing to close.  Ohakune's Winstone pulp and timber mills are also at the brink of closure, putting 300 jobs on the line.  Both blame sky rocketing increases in power prices over the years.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking she understands the Government may have to go to drastic measures like importing gas to give relief for businesses.  She says she's hearing there's a lot of pain and pressure being felt by businesses because of these high prices.  Willis is also tempering expectations for public servant pay increases.  The Government's written to public sector agencies ahead of collective negotiations saying they must keep spending reined in, and any increases should be based on performance.  It follows thousands of jobs being cut in the sector to meet Government budget cuts.  Willis told Hosking agencies need to be realistic about the challenges in the economy.  She says in the past public sector pay increases have risen ahead of those in the private sector, and that's not right.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Minister has clarified why he declined the Opposition spokesperson's request to visit an Auckland police station to meet with an inspector.   Ginny Andersen says she followed well established practice when asking to visit Albany station, but Mark Mitchell's office said no.   Mitchell told Mike Hosking it's different to when he labelled then-Minister Poto Williams “petulant and vindictive” for refusing his request to meet with the police commissioner.   He says if Andersen had requested to meet the Commissioner, it would have been approved within 30 seconds.   Instead, he says she requested to attend an operational police station alongside another MP, without specifying who she was meeting with.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economists' uncertainty regarding the Reserve Bank's upcoming Official Cash Rate moves speaks to how inconsistent its messaging has been.   Stats NZ data has the unemployment rate at 4.6% in the June quarter, up from 4.4% in March.   It's one factor the Reserve Bank considers when weighing up whether to cut the Official Cash Rate.  Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen told Mike Hosking a couple of banks are picking an August cut, others November, and some think next year.   He says it's not that they're looking at the economic data and drawing different conclusions, they're looking at the data and wondering what on earth the Reserve Bank will do.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is being urged to step in to save New Zealand paper and pulp mills.  Winstone's pulp and timber mills near Ohakune are looking to close due to high power costs, with 300 jobs on the line.  Following this, an Auckland paper recycling pulp mill has put forward a proposal to close - blaming rising energy costs as one of several issues.  First Union Spokesperson Justin Wallace told Mike Hosking the Government can't allow this work to be outsourced.  He says if the work goes overseas, places like Auckland's plant will have 75 families that will lose a breadwinner.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An upside to Covid is most of us got into the Reserve Bank “thing”.  We thought about it more than we ever had, and had a better understanding of what they are about and how profoundly they affect all our lives.  The Fed is not cutting until maybe September, but then the jobs report came out on Friday, people panicked and there are calls for emergency cuts. It won't happen and, in a way, that’s why we have Fed's and not people who freak out running the place.  Yesterday the Australian Reserve Bank made their call. Last week there was a real suggestion, based on jobs numbers, that not only was there not going to be a cut, there could be a hike. That led to headline writers suggesting it would be the end of Albanese and that it was the decision of a generation. In the end they held.  Next week we have our own central bank doing the same thing.  There is a bit of thought that they could cut. I doubt they will because jobs are not our problem. We certainly don’t have too many of them, but inflation has not come down to a state they will be comfortable with. Our non-tradables is at 5.4% and that is not cutting territory.  Most retail banks say there will be one or two cuts by the end of the year. They are most probably right, which means that the Reserve Bank is wrong as they are currently telling us they are not cutting until well into next year.  Big clue though - the game has changed.  Although we all march to our own beat, we are nevertheless intertwined. If the Fed in America cuts, we will too. We cannot be an outlier. We are so flotsam and jetsam-esque that we go where the world does.  Of course what has routed the U.S market in particular is the tech obsession. A bloke in a leather jacket made some neat AI chips and everybody drank the Kool-Aid on what AI was going to do to the world.  It's another bubble. Not AI itself necessarily, but the hype around the next cool thing made by the next cool company. A lot of activity on markets is not routed in basics, fundamentals or common sense, but noise and speculative greed.  Thank the Good Lord that is not what central banks dabble in.  Make no mistake - this is all a mess. Economically, New Zealand is not going remotely well.  But increasingly the white heat of expectation shines on central banks, from Wall Street to Chifley Square yesterday, to the terrace next week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rugby Union is set to kick up the speed with the introduction of a couple of new laws.  A 30 second time limit will be introduced for scrums and lineouts to be set, these new changes being trialled in this weekend’s clash between the All Blacks and Argentina.   NZR Referees boss Chris Pollock told Mike Hosking they tested the changed in Super Rugby this year and he thinks they got a pretty good result in speeding up the game.  He said that everyone wants the ball in play and the more action we can see, the better the game.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 7th of August, we look towards the unemployment numbers out today and how it will affect us, plus the big meeting today for Kaipara re: their Māori wards.  What is happening with Air NZ when we are looking at a second half loss while airlines around the world are making record profits?  It gets heated between Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen on Politics Wednesday as the discussion turns to what is and isn't appropriate to say when criticising MPs.    Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen joined Mike Hosking for Politics Wednesday, and things got a bit heated as the conversation turned to the recent clash in the House.  Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking that it’s sad that Gerry Brownlee had to make that kind of intervention.  He said they’re all adults and they should know how to treat each other with respect.  It’s a difficult situation, Ginny Andersen told Hosking, as she still needs to be held accountable for the decisions being made by the government she stands behind.  But, she said, she has some questions regarding David Seymour’s decision to send his already distressed party member to the press gallery and put her in a situation that was going to cause her further distress.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Historic Auckland department store Smith and Caughey's is living to fight another day.   The 144 year old business announced in May it would close next year, but today revealed measures to let it stay open.  It will downsize physical trading to the ground floor of its Queen Street store, cut about 100 staff and close the Newmarket branch, and ramp up online operations.  Chair Tony Caughey told Mike Hosking that it won’t be the scale it was before and it won’t be the same sort of retail operation, but they think they can make a go of it.  He said they’re shrinking their brick and mortar because they think it’s appropriate for the market, so they’ll see how the balance with online retail plays out.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Age Concern is calling for a better variety of rental options as the age of tenants begins to increase.   The office of the Retirement Commission is predicting the number of retirees in rentals will double by 2048 - meaning the sector will fill with more than 600 thousand over 65s.  Age Concern Chief Executive Karen Billings-Jensen told Mike Hosking we need to figure out how to balance this increase and providing suitable options for ageing.   She says there are lots of new houses being built, but most of the ones she sees in her area are two story homes.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kaipara Mayor says the vote to disestablish the council's Māori ward could go either way.  Kaipara District Council could become the first to remove the Te Moananui o Kaipara Māori ward under new legislation.  Councillors are meeting in Mangawhai today to vote on the decision, with protests also expected.  Mayor Craig Jepson called the meeting just 24 hours after the new law kicked in.  Jepson told Mike Hosking he doesn't think there's any need for Māori Wards  He says it'll be a democratic process, but he just hopes intimidation doesn't change councillors' votes.  Councils have until September 6 to make a decision, with a number of councils leaning towards retention.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Service station operators want the Government to step up to deliver tough-on-crime policies.  The Motor Trade Association's released a 10-point wish list of things they want done to clamp down on retail crime.  It comes amid a crime wave, with 60 aggravated robberies and 12 thousand theft incidents at service stations this year.  MTA Chief Executive Lee Marshall told Mike Hosking things aren't getting any better and the Government needs to listen.  He says while they're not crime experts, there are obvious and practical solutions that need to be implemented.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A warning of more tough times and job losses ahead.  Latest data due out this morning is expected to show the unemployment rate has reached 4.7%, up from 4.3% in the previous quarter.  A higher unemployment rate will give the Reserve Bank more confidence to cut the Official Cash Rate.  But Westpac senior economist Michael Gordon told Mike Hosking what is certain is more people will be finding themselves out of work sooner or later.  He says whatever today's number is, unemployment is likely to peak at 5.5% in the current cycle.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota governor Tim Walz as her running mate.  The duo will appear together in their first joint rally in Philadelphia later today, before visiting other battleground states this week.  US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Mike Hosking Wolz is uniquely normal.  He says he has a military background, then was a high school teacher and a football coach - great jobs but not ones usually associated with someone who goes on to become a vice president.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The grand dreams of using the Seine in the Paris Olympics may have been better left as a dream.  A massive effort was made to clean up the river, which had bacteria levels above what could safely be swum in, so it could be used in the triathlons as well as the mixed team relay.  France Correspondent Catherine Field said that it’s already being seen as a mistake, simply because people now know what it takes to get the Seine clean.  She said that France likely wanted the shots of swimmers in the Seine, but are now regretting it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi Charlie Wallace wanted to be successful playing the guitar one way or another and has succeeded in more than one way.  Wallace dropped out of school in favour of creating an online guitar lesson website, ‘Guitar Mastery Method’, which kicked off in 2014 and has taught over 1.7 million guitarists over the last decade.  The success of GMM allowed Wallace to work towards his other dream: becoming the lead guitarist of a successful rock band.  In 2018 Black Smoke Trigger was formed, releasing their first EP in 2019, which grabbed the attention of some major names in the industry.  This has all lead to the release of their first album ‘Horizons’, which Wallace told Mike Hosking is putting a stamp into the world of who they are as a band.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can the Warriors build the depth to fill the void left by the retiring Shaun Johnson?  The 33-year-old halfback will finish at the end of this NRL season.   Johnson has been an integral part of the club since debuting in 2011, helping the side to a grand final appearance that same year.  Chief executive Cameron George says they've been preparing for this moment.  He told Mike Hosking Johnson’s been thinking about it for a while now, and prefers to make these kinds of decisions while out on the field instead of while he’s off injured.  George said that when the phone rang after Saturday’s game, he felt in his stomach that Johnson wasn’t going to press on.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 6th of August, we have a plan to fix our international student sector. It's ambitious but even then, it still won't get us back to where we were pre-Covid.  Finn Butcher talks winning the first ever Gold medal for kayak cross at the Olympics.  There's a great new story from Charlie Wallace - he's a self-made multi-millionaire who used the money to start his own band which is getting big backing from agents and managers from some of the world's biggest bands.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An infant formula industry voice is grateful for the Government's decision to opt out of a regulation proposal.   Rules designed by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand restrict labelling and only let pharmacies and healthcare providers sell specialist formula.  Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard says we won't adopt the proposal after Australian officials rejected a bid to review the labelling requirement.  Infant Nutrition Council CEO Jonathan Chew says this ensures parents have the information to make informed decisions.    He says the industry's commending Hoggard for his personal intervention and for listening to their concerns.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he is prepared to see schools deferring arts and music curriculum to raise achievement in maths and reading. Speaking to Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking Breakfast, Luxon said unions could complain about the Government all they wanted, but the Government was worried about parents and children. ”We are focused on outcomes: achievement in maths and reading and getting kids to school. “That may well mean we’re going to defer our arts and music curriculum for now. But we’re going to do everything to get those jobs done. “How on earth do you get a four-lane highway from Auckland to Whangarei with future generations that can’t do maths. “How do you become the world leading in agriscience if we don’t have our kids knowing how to do maths and read properly.” Yesterday, the Government announced an “overhaul” of the Education Review Office’s reporting on schools as part of an effort to lift school standards in maths. Schools that need extra help will face intervention from the Ministry of Education “earlier and more often” than currently according to Education Minister Erica Stanford. Stanford announced the change today as part of a blitz of policy announcements, begun at the weekend, aimed at lifting maths achievement. “The Ministry of Education will intervene earlier and more often in schools which need extra support. The ministry will sharpen its approach to intervening in schools when student achievement is at risk, redirecting and targeting resources to schools with inadequate student achievement,” Stanford said. “There will be an overhaul of the Education Review Office’s reporting, so it is focused on progress, achievement and assessment. There will also be clearer reporting to parents on what schools are getting right and what they aren’t,” she said. Over the weekend, Stanford announced a suite of curriculum and workforce changes to lift maths performance. These include introducing a new Years 0-8 maths curriculum a year early, from Term 1 2025, with resources available to support teachers. She said the Teaching Council had agreed to lift maths entry requirements for new teachers and that $20 million had been set aside for professional development in structured maths for teachers. Stanford said data on performance had previously been hidden from parents. She promised clearer reporting for parents. Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said he agreed with many of the changes, some of which were in train under Labour, including the curriculum change. He said data on school performance was “still hidden” because the Government has not “published the data they are referring to”. “Overall in this area, including in the literacy space, there are only a few things they [the Government] are doing things slightly differently... broadly, the direction of travel is the same,” Hipkins said. “Overall, the issues around numeracy are quite complex and longstanding. We’re not talking 10 years, we’re talking 20 or 30 years in the making,” he said. New reporting from the Curriculum Insights and Progress Study published on Monday showed that in maths, just 22% of students at Year 8 were meeting curriculum expectations. This figure was 28% at Year 6, and 20% at Year 3. Curriculum Insights is an update on the National Monitoring Study of Student Achievement (NMSSA). It assessed a nationally representative sample of students at Years 3, 6 and 8 from English-medium state and state-integrated schools in reading and maths. While these figures are concerning the organisation that collates the study said that the Curriculum Insights and Progress Study as well as NMSSA “indicates that at Year 8, there has been no statistically significant change in mathematics achievement scores since at least 2013. On average, students scored about the same in 2013, 2018, 2022, and 2023″. One of the study leads, Dr Charles Darr, said “what we’re seeing in mathematics is a change in curriculum and a new benchmarking process rather than a change in achievement”. “We’ve been tracking student achievement in mathematics at Year 8 for more than 10 years, and in that time, there has been no evidence for improvement or decline. We do have a new draft curriculum however, and the provisional benchmarking exercise we carried out indicates it requires a higher level of proficiency than the 2007 curriculum.” Thomas Coughlan is deputy political editor and covers politics from Parliament. He has worked for the Herald since 2021 and has worked in the Press Gallery since 2018. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Education New Zealand's confirmed new financial targets for our international student market.  Its strategy aims to build the sector's economic contribution by $4.4 billion over the next three years.  International students here are at 86% of pre-pandemic numbers.  Waikato University Deputy Vice Chancellor Alistair Jones told Mike Hosking there are some details to be worked out, but he's glad there's an ambitious target.  He says it's good to see sector engagement but acknowledges there's still a long-way to go in recovery, which will span years.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a surreal day for New Zealand's newest Gold Medallist.  Finn Butcher has won Gold in the men's kayak cross, telling Mike Hosking he still can't quite believe what's happened.  He says he's been flat out since the race, but it feels pretty good.  The win sees Butcher become New Zealand’s first ever Olympic champion in the men’s canoe slalom cross event.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent RedBridge polling suggests Victorian voters are gravitating towards the Opposition. According to new data,  31 percent preferred Labor, while 40 percent said they would vote for the Opposition. Australian correspondent Steve Price says the region has been hit hard by debt and increased cuts to healthcare. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt joined Mike Hosking to recap the first week of Olympic victories. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One New Zealand based construction company is working on the country's first 3D printed show home. Iconic Construction has broken ground on the project - and the walls have already been made. Director Nick Lane says the company has paired with QOROX to improve on traditional building techniques. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir John Key says he doesn't support the Government's controversial Treaty Principles Bill. It comes after calls from the former Prime Minster for the temperature to be turned down on race relations. The bill, championed by ACT, seeks to formally define the principals of the Treaty of Waitangi, but has been met with strong opposition. Key says not only has the bill 'wound people up' but he also thinks it wouldn't work. "I actually think philosophically it's bad policy. I'll tell you why I think it's bad - if you write down the principles, if you think they're going to stay like that, you're a dreamer." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's serious concerns political bickering is ballooning the cost of New Zealand's major construction projects. The cost of Auckland's City Rail Link has risen over the past decade from $3.4 billion dollars to almost $5.5 billion. Outgoing chief executive Sean Sweeney told TVNZ the lack of a clear and consistent pipe line, due to political uncertainly, is the biggest factor driving up costs. Infrastructure New Zealand chief executive Nick Leggett says we're really bad at pushing go on these projects, and that's driving up efficiencies. "We don't have the guarantee across political cycles and funding cycles to lock them in and get the efficiency that a small country like New Zealand desperately needs."  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's charging ahead with plans to shake up maths in primary schools. Prime Minister Chris Luxon revealed data which he says shows four out of five Year 8 students aren't at the expected level. He's bringing forward a new math curriculum to Term 1 next year, assessing twice yearly and a $20 million boost for teachers' professional development. Education Minister Erica Stanford says it's a massive problem. "High school principals tell me when I walk in the door - Erica, the first thing we have to do with our Year 9s - or third formers - is teach them their times tables because they don't know them. Without fail, it's every high school I go into." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's uncertainty over US presidential debates, as the candidates can't agree on a time and place. Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are at odds after Trump pulled out of a scheduled ABC debate, instead proposing a Fox News debate. Harris has declined, claiming Trump's trying to back out. US correspondent Mitch McCann says the candidates are now feuding on social media. "He posted on social media - I'll see her on September 4 or I won't see her at all. Kamala Harris has hit back saying - it's interesting how any time, any place becomes one specific place." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 5th of August, Education Minister Erica Stanford talks our shocking maths statistics and the Government's plan to fix it. Sir John Key was at the National Party conference in the weekend so popped on the show and wants the country to tone down the rhetoric on race relations. Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt talk our lack of medals over the weekend and the fact the Warriors season might just be over. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is sticking to its current timeline for suspending the establishment of Significant Natural Areas. It's set to legislate on its pre-election promise to do so in the coming months. Grey District Mayor Tania Gibson is trying to delay a costly re-mapping process on the West Coast that could restrict land use for up to 90 percent of the region - until the legislation has passed. Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard says in the meantime, the West Coast Regional Policy Statement will have to follow the previous Government's policy. "And I'll just re-emphasise that we are intending to make changes to that NPS, that work's going to be done very shortly." LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all.    The Olympics: 5/10  Is it just me? I'm not feeling it. It could be the timezone or it could be the medal count, but I am hoping week two supplies a bit more success and a bit more drama.    The Greens: 2/10  Months of procrastination, only to culminate in more procrastination with yet another letter. Imagine if they had to actually make a decision.    The Warriors: 8/10  Yes they won and they are still in the hunt, but selling out your entire season and being the first and only NRL club ever to do so tells you about support, fandom and love.    Andrew Coster: 5/10  Read the room and got the memo.    Māori wards law: 8/10  Simeon Brown is the minister who drove it through. He got it in one. A good day for democracy.    Kamala Harris: 7/10  Since the ascendency she doesn't seem to have done a thing wrong. Money is flowing and the polls are moving.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many new builds are opting for hardwood or synthetic carpets, ignoring the homegrown options.  Bremworth launched a $2 million marketing campaign this week, aiming to remind Kiwis of the high-quality woollen options we have in this country.  CEO Greg Smith told Mike Hosking that they’ve seen in their research that both hardwood and wool considerations are at a four year high, which may indicate that people are moving towards more natural options.  He said that they need to make sure people are aware of the natural performance benefits of New Zealand wool.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We end the week with a bit of good health news.  We have been weighed down this week with the scrap over 14 layers of management, no doctors in Dargaville at certain times of the day, four new CEOs in four regional operations that will allegedly sort the mess out, former board members snapping back at criticism from the Prime Minister, and a myopic media trying their best to out Shane Reti on what may or may not be some sort of semi-scandal around his interpretation of the need to sack boards.  But there is good news. It's the removal, or the cancellation, of the ethnic diversity equity adjustor.  You'll remember it. It was a massive scrap under the last Government, who tried desperately to explain that using race was a good way to work out who to put at the front of the non-urgent surgery line.  Five indicators were used, things like age and location. But race was the one that got most of us upset, given we thought we lived in a fair and open country where race was not an issue when it comes to publicly funded services.  It was predicated on the idea that Māori are not well served by health, and in some respects that is true. But poor, old Chris Hipkins got himself woefully tied up in knots over an example of a person who lived rurally, many of them Māori, and how because you were rural you didn’t have the same access to doctors as you would in a city, which is true.  But then neither do you if you live rurally but aren't Māori. That particular piece of logic seemed to elude him.  When faced with the example of the two people with the same conditions and the same need fronting, except one was Māori and one wasn’t, why was it fair that race then made the difference? They couldn’t quite offer an explanation that made sense.  Ironically, some in the health service who reviewed it defended it. But people also seem to be able to defend Māori seats, Māori wards, Māori funding and services and entitlements that are purely race-based.  No wonder they are so angsty about David Seymour's Treaty bill. When the scales are tipped that far your way an injection of balance and fairness and open democracy must be a bit worrying.  So in health the race equity adjustor is going. A reason, if not to celebrate, at least to be relieved about. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was raining rowing medals in Paris overnight.  New Zealand’s medal tally has been brought up to five with the addition of a Gold in the women’s double sculls, Silver in the men’s four, and Bronze in the women’s four.   But while the Kiwis are succeeding, not everything at the Games has been smooth sailing. 1News Olympic Reporter Guy Heveldt joined Mike Hosking to give an update on some of the bigger stories coming out of the Games.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was.  They talked the Olympics, the Transpower pylon debacle, and supporting local businesses.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 2nd of August, we got our second gold medal overnight! Double sculls rower Brooke Francis is on the show as the medal hangs around her neck.  The report into the Transpower pylon came back exactly as we expected it to - idiots, who were too inexperienced to do the work, removed all the bolts. So, what happens with compensation?  Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson talk the Olympics and supporting local businesses as they Wrap the Week.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's consulting on a new model to replace Te Pukenga.   The mega-polytech has been running at a large deficit and enrolments have declined.   They’re proposing institutes with a pathway to financial sustainability that will stand alone while others will be grouped together in a federation, supported by Open Polytechnic.   Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds told Mike Hosking a lot of what they're looking at is advice the previous minister was given.   She says that was not to go wholesale into a big change, but to address problem areas, and let the others get on with running their polytechnics.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Northland's MP wants Transpower to write the region a cheque after a pylon toppled north of Helensville, cutting power to much of the north.  It's found contractor Omexom's team leader was distracted sandblasting as unsupervised inexperienced workers removed the bolts from three legs at once.   Transpower says it can't compensate businesses but says residents can contact their retailer.  Grant McCallum told Mike Hosking he's sat down with Transpower to discuss some kind of donation, but they were very far apart.   He says about 10 times the figure they offered would be more relevant.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A call for action, with urgency, to keep New Zealand children safe.   The Independent Children's Monitor says tamariki are no safer today than when Tauranga five-year-old Malachi Subecz died in 2021.  He was murdered by his carer in 2021, and a damning review recommended sweeping changes, but they are still yet to been implemented.  Children's Commissioner Claire Achmad told Mike Hosking we still lose one child every five weeks, on average, to homicide.   She says it has to galvanise New Zealand to real action, because we can't afford to keep leaving New Zealand children in environments where they can potentially be harmed.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's hoped Government funding for 132 regional events will aid tourism outside our main cities.  The cash is going towards things like Central Otago's Goldrush Multisport Event, Taupo's Classic Disc Golf Tournament, and the New Zealand Cider Festival in Nelson.  Applicants were selected on their ability to encourage domestic visitors to explore beyond the main centres.  Regional Tourism New Zealand Chair David Perks told Mike Hosking it's about getting Kiwis out and about.  He says it's aimed to support the regions which normally miss out on the tourism limelight.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's had its best day yet at the Paris Olympics with our rowers taking home three medals.  The women's coxless four winning bronze, the men's coxless four winning silver, and, in the double sculls, Brooke Francis and Lucy Spoors taking home the gold.  Francis told Mike Hosking she's only taken her gold medal off once to shower, describing it as a good-looking medal emblazoned with a picture of the Eiffel Tower.  Our newest gold medallists are also hoping to blaze a trail for other mothers to follow.  Both women have been balancing motherhood and rowing since having children in 2022.  Francis says they both believed in themselves, and they want other mothers to pursue great careers while also being great mothers.  New Zealand has now won five medals at the Games: one bronze, two silver, and two gold.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A UK community continues to grieve after this week’s fatal stabbings.  Three children died and five more are critically injured in the Merseyside city of Southport.  A 17-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.  Hundreds of protesters clashed with police outside a mosque yesterday, after false claims circulated.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking there were rumours circulating on social media that the main suspect was an illegal immigrant.  He said that far right extremists then went to a mosque in Southport and began to throw bricks at it, despite being told the incident had nothing to do with that mosque, nor a terrorist attack.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to All Black legacies, Sam Whitelock has left one like few others.  A two-time World Cup winner, World Rugby Player of the Year, All Blacks Captain, as well as the record holder for the most ever caps by an All Black: 153.  This year he called it quits on his two year contract early, playing his final match for the French Club Pau against Fiji in June.  Whitelock managed to find time during his final season to write his autobiography: “View from the Second Row”.  Whitelock told Mike Hosking that he wasn't too keen on writing the book initially, but Wayne Smith won him over.  “He said to me, “What are you gonna give to your grandkids when, you know, your story fades a little bit, but you can give them this hardcopy and say, hey, this is what Grandad did.””  Rugby runs in his family, and the book reflects that.  “It’s not only my story, it’s the family story.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you ever want an example of why the new fast track legislation is not only a good idea, but badly needed, I give you Northport.  Northport want to expand. Why? To grow.  We need to grow because what we do is sell stuff to the world and for that we need ports.  Northport has been denied resource consents. Independent commissioners looked at the application, as sent to the local councils, and turned it all down. They are now off to the Environment Court.  One of the owners of Northport is Tauranga Port. They too have been in the Environment Court because they too wanted to expand, and they too were tied up by locals in a seemingly never-ending series of red tape and obfuscation.  The Tauranga case has been going on for years.  Both examples would provide jobs, and income, and tax, and growth and yet as a country currently on its knees economically, we still can't seem to find the wherewithal to give ourselves the uppercut required to get our act together.  Enter the Fast-track Approvals Bill.  Northport has applied to be one of the cases. It would go to a group of experts and then if they tick it off it heads directly to the minister, who makes the decision.  Remarkably, we have opposition from some who argue about democracy and having our say. What they mean is there are nitpickers in councils and single-issue zealots who hire lawyers to tie things up in courts.  In other words, we have the current model, it doesn’t work, it's inefficient, it's slow, it's expensive, it's anti-growth - and yet they defend it.  Just like the military academies, the health service, like the sanctions on Jobseeker, it's about trying to fix failed systems that are defended for no other reason than bloody mindedness.  When a business can't do business because of rules and barracudas the system is broken.  When a country, through rules, stymies growth you've got to wonder about the future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A common yellow flower could be the secret to cutting methane emissions.  AgrizeroNZ is partnering with Welsh company Agroceutical Products, trialling the use of daffodil extract to cut the methane emissions from livestock.  AgriZeroNZ CEO Wayne McNee told Mike Hosking that it’s early stages still, but they’re excited about the potential of it.  He said that it’s been proven to work in a lab to reduce emissions of ruminant animals, and the work they’re funding is to see if the product will work in the New Zealand farming system.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A health commentator isn't expecting new appointments at Health New Zealand to change much.   The Government's appointed four Deputy Chief Executives to run different regions from next month.   Ian Powell says if they come along with a change in culture, it could make a difference.   He says there are bigger problems at Health NZ which need to be tackled.    Powell says the leadership culture at the organisation is too top down when it comes to decision making.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A foreign affairs journalist says Iran will have to respond to the assassination of a Hamas' leader.   Iran's vowing to avenge the killing of Ismail Haniyeh after his reported death in an air strike in Tehran.  Hamas and Iran are blaming Israel, which has so far made no comment.   It follows an Israeli strike in Lebanon, that killed a top Hezbollah commander.   The Spectator foreign affairs columnist Paul Wood told Mike Hosking the Iranian Supreme Leader has made it known through various officials' comments that there will be a response.   He says from their point of view, they have to restore their credibility in their allies' eyes, as this is a humiliation for them.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 1st of August, the Hamas leader has been assassinated in Iran and now the world waits for the retaliation.   Hayden Wilde had a brilliant race in the Olympic triathlon, claiming the silver medal, and joined Mike in amidst the celebrations.   The most capped All Black Samuel Whitelock joins Mike Hosking in an exclusive chat about his new autobiography 'View from the Second Row'.   Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has gained its second medal as Hayden Wilde takes the silver in the men’s triathlon.  Wilde was overtaken by Brit Alex Yee around 300 metres from the finish line, cinching the gold.  Wilde sat down to embrace his long-term rival on the finish line and immediately paid tribute to the efforts of teammate Dylan McCullough in helping earn him a silver medal.  McCullough —who finished 19th— dropped back during the bike leg to help his compatriot rejoin the leaders after he came out of the swim more than a minute off the pace.  Wilde told Mike Hosking that he did everything he could out there.  He said he can’t thank McCullough enough, saying that he deserves the keys to New Zealand for helping him get the medal.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bitter stand off has erupted between the ACT Party and the Speaker of the House.  The party is slamming Gerry Brownlee for allowing opposition MPs to propose removing ACT MP Laura Trask as Chair during select committee hearings on changes to Oranga Tamariki.  MPs reportedly suggested the more experienced Carmel Sepuloni should step in as chair, saying that a Māori or Pasifika chair would be better due to the number of Māori and Pasifika submitters.  ACT MP Karen Chhour broke down in front of cameras yesterday, saying that she’s been the target of personal attacks relating to her race.   Seymour told Mike Hosking ACT is becoming increasingly frustrated.  He said that if people want to argue the policy, he’s and Chhour are all for it, but the personalised attacks about her race, background, and upbringing are just unacceptable.  Seymour said that they rely on the Speaker to uphold the rules and uphold the standards, and they just don’t feel they’re getting a response when they raise issues.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumers finances look to be recovering, but the relief has yet to pass on to businesses.  The Centrix July Credit Indicator says arrears are easing slightly, with the cost of living also coming down.   It shows 465,000 New Zealanders are behind on their payments, down 9,000 month-on-month.   However, retail energy arrears rose 30% because of the winter months and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.   Centrix’s Managing Director Keith McLaughlin told Mike Hosking that the downwards trend in arrears indicates that households are getting back in control of their budgets and managing their money a lot better.  Meanwhile, businesses are doing it tough, with company liquidations up 20% in 12 months.  However, McLaughlin said, that’s not taking into account the hidden damage to businesses, in which around 50,000 businesses in the last month have just closed the door and walked away.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Momentum is on Kamala Harris' side as the Democrats eat away at Donald Trump's lead in the polls.  Her campaign says they've raised more than NZ$330 million in the first week since Joe Biden's exit.  A new poll by the Wall Street Journal also found Harris has erased Trump's six-point lead to just two points.  US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Mike Hosking the Democrats say that 60% of the funds were raised from first time donors.  He said there’s been different groups gathering on Zoom to fundraise, Black Women for Kamala, Black Men, South Asian-Americans, and last night saw 60,000 ‘White Dudes for Harris’ raise $4 million to prove that Donald Trump doesn’t own the votes of white men.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A world leading battery electrochemist is on New Zealand’s shores.  Dr Euan McTurk will be speaking at a function put on by Drive Electric, aiming to provide an international perspective on the availability of raw materials for EV batteries.  Discussions will also be had about the current technology, and where it’s heading.  McTurk told Mike Hosking that there’s quite a lot of interesting development at the moment.  He said that there’s a great diversification of chemistries and materials being used for batteries, beyond the standard lithium-ion batteries.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will the men's triathlon face the amputation of one leg due to pollution of the River Seine at the Paris Olympics?  The race was due to take place last night, before the filth from water quality tests forced a postponement to 8.45pm tonight.  Triathlon New Zealand boss Pete de Wet told Mike Hosking hope springs eternal.  He said that on some level this was expected but considering the amount they invested into improving the water quality in the Seine, they were hopeful it would sort itself out.  “We’re just trying to focus on what we can control.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to tax cut day.  It's been a while since we've been able to say that. The tax cuts arrive to an uncertain debate as to what exactly they do.  Do they add to inflation? Do they change lives to the extent that they are material to most people? Did they get lost a bit in what has been a tsunami of change and upheaval since the new Government arrived?  Nicola Willis is very bullish about it all and tells Question Time most days that well over half a million people have gone to the tax calculator to work out what the numbers mean to them.  The bit for me that counts is the message.  If we have learned anything over the past few years, it is the simple truth that there is no amount of money a government can spend to quell demand.  You can take gargantuan amounts of cash, whether in real terms, or borrowed, or printed, and throw them all over the place and still you will find more hands with more needs.  It's a dangerous and slippery slope that we went down, and we sit here this morning still paying the price for it all.  What Governments should do is take as little as possible from you and me and whatever they do get they spend wisely and frugally.  We are not a bank and yet we have been treated as such.  The debate over the so-called "wealthy" not needing money is pointless. The debate around those in need still being in need is pointless.  That's because it's predicated on the idea that Governments can solve all problems and a finite amount of money does that, when neither are true.  What is true is workers need to keep as much of their income as possible and that is a rule that is too often forgotten and broken. The top tax rate in this country is 39%. Add 15% for GST and you are paying well in excess of half of every dollar you earn to the Government and that’s before you get to tax on tax and road user and ACC and all the other money grabs.  So tax cut day counts because it’s a small win for those of us who graft and pay this country's bills. The net contributors, as opposed to the net debtors.  Plus, the wins are few. So therefore, the wins are important. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen joined Mike Hosking to dig into the biggest political stories of the week so far.  On the agenda:  Police Commissioner Andrew Coster will be gone by April - not seeking a second term in the role.    And what’s happening with the layers of health management?  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 31st of July, democracy for Māori wards is back and our prettiest city's house prices just topped $2 million on average.  Just what is happening with the triathlon in the Olympics? And will it become a duathlon? Triathlon NZ CEO Pete De Wet with the latest.  Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell discussed Andrew Coster being on his way out and all the layers of health management on Politics Wednesday.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Medal number one for New Zealand at the Paris Olympic Games.   The Black Ferns Sevens have defended the gold medal they won three years ago in Tokyo - beating Canada 19-12 at the Stade de France.  Black Fern Tyla King told Mike Hosking that it’s always hard when you’re up against quality sides, but they knew if they tidied up their plays and kept applying pressure, they would get the job done.  She said that she's so proud of the performances they put in as a team, from day one all the way through to the final.  “We found our flow and we just went out there and played the brand of footy that I know, I knew we were capable of.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Surprise and disappointment as Air New Zealand's 2030 climate targets go up in smoke.  It's backtracked on a plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 28.9% from 2019, with a 16.3% drop in absolute emissions.  Massey University Science Professor Robert McLachlan told Mike Hosking it's unexpected and sets a bad precedent.  He says it's a bit soon for the airline to pull out of a target it only set two years ago and made a big deal of at the time.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Local Government Minister's defending controversial changes to the rules around councils' Māori wards.  The third reading of the bill has passed, which forces councils to have a binding referendum on Māori wards at next year's elections.   Local Government New Zealand is against the changes, calling it an overreach.  But Simeon Brown told Mike Hosking he disagrees, and it's about letting local communities have their say.  He says Local Government NZ has gone woke and is simply trying to push the last government's left-wing policies  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queenstown seems to be in a losing battle on affordable housing as its average property value crosses more than two million dollars.  That's a 50% increase on 2019.  The district's wait list for affordable homes has crossed 13-hundred eligible local families.  And tourism operators have turned to buying empty hotels to house workers in.  Community Housing Trust Chief Executive Julie Scott told Mike Hosking Airbnbs continue to be a major contributing issue.  She says visitor accommodation is having long-term impacts on rental properties, with 27% of Queenstown homes unoccupied.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealanders will soon be able to access finance with confidence.  From today, the Government's removing the affordability regulations from the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act and updating the Responsible Lending Code.   Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says they're revoking 11 pages of overly prescriptive affordability regulations introduced by the last government.  He told Mike Hosking it had impacted the most vulnerable when they needed finance the most.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s not looking hopeful for the athletes expecting a dip in the Seine.  Familiarisation dips for the triathlon competitors have been cancelled for two days straight.  Officials are hoping Tuesday will see the athletes in the Seine, but with heavy rain due later in the week it’s not looking good for the long term.  France Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking that last they’ve heard, E Coli is between three and five times above the acceptable level.   She said that they couldn’t predict this level of rain, and they haven’t had this level of heavy rain in July for at least 20 years.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite feeling the brunt of the current economic climate, figures suggest the hospitality industry is seeing some growth.  The Restaurant Association suggests that the industry saw $15 billion in annual sales, a growth of 5.8%.  More Kiwis seem to be eating out, and one way they’re doing so is with First Table, a scheme that gives consumers half price fares when dining at off-peak times.  Founder and CEO Mat Weir told Mike Hosking that over half a million people have signed up on the website or app over the last decade.  He said that some restaurants are doing well and others are struggling, and they’re focused on helping restaurants solve a small part of their problems.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Waitangi Tribunal strikes again.  At a time when the office that looks after the money that gets handed out to Māori to head off to court is in real trouble because they have run out of money, the Tribunal is pumping out report after report, costing Lord knows how much, to achieve virtually nothing.  This latest report deals with the Government's actions around a Tomorrow's Schools Review, in which the Tribunal has decided they breached Treaty principals.  By the way, the report is a first in the sense it is printed entirely in Māori. There are English versions of chapters 3-7, which is nice of them, but the approach gives you some indication of where their heads and world view is at.  It also deals with a review that happened over the period 2018-2022.  So, a couple of things about that - that's another Government. That Government is no longer running the joint. So, what was it the Tribunal was expecting Labour to do?  The second fairly significant point is that not only does it deal to a Government that no longer exists, like all its other reports, it's non-binding. In other words, it's an opinion and that’s about that.  Given what we saw last week from the Government with the customary rights decision by the Court of Appeal, which is an actual court that makes binding decisions, you have to wonder just how hard the Tribunal is pushing the envelope and asking for trouble.  All of this is taxpayer funded and in a country that has less than no money and purse strings that are constantly looking to be tightened, how much longer can urgent hearings be held that offer taxpayer funded opinions with little, if any, standing and deal to a time that has passed with absolutely no chance of anything at all coming out of them?  50 years ago, the Tribunal was set up to deal with historic grievances. It made some sense and did some good work and righted some very large wrongs.  In the modern day, this whack-a-mole report, gravy train isn't so inspiring. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While results would suggest it’s not quite the Warriors year, their attendance rates say otherwise.  They’ve officially sold out their entire 2024 season, the first club in NRL history to do so.  Warriors CEO Cameron George told Mike Hosking that it’s a fantastic effort from their fanbase and members, and they’re very appreciative of the privilege of the situation they’re in.  He said that at the start of the year they decided to make an effort to be the best they can be in the New Zealand market, as trying to compare themselves to the Australian market is quite difficult.   “They all have different shapes and sizes of stadiums, but we just want to be the best in New Zealand and wanna be number one, and hopefully we’ve achieved that now.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Callum Hedge is making his mark in Indy NXT off the back of his success in the 2023 Porsche Carrera Cup.  He’s fourth in the standings after appendicitis left him at an early-season disadvantage.   Hedge is back in New Zealand for a couple of weeks before the final few races of the season and told Mike Hosking that it’s a dream come true to be racing there.  He told him that very, very underprepared for NXT coming from a Porsche background and being unable to do the pre-season testing, but he’s been learning consistently over the course of the year, and the results have been getting better and better.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 30th of July, the Police Association's Chris Cahill discusses the proposed Firearm Prohibition Order laws and its warrantless searches.  The Prime Minister is on to talk an abundance of public sector wastage.  Indy NXT driver Callum Hedge is back in the country for the mid-season break, so we had to get him on the show for a catch-up.    Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Film Commission has raised eyebrows by throwing two parties apiece for its outgoing acting chief executive, and for its incoming chief executive, for a total cost of $16,431.  In a kind of mirror image approval, incoming chief executive Annie Murray signed off the $8,627 price of two farewell parties for outgoing acting chief executive Mladen Ivancic; and Ivancic signed off the $7,804 price of two pōwhiri (welcome events) for Murray.  The celebrations took place in 2023, several months before the October election that ushered in a new Government and a “savings and efficiency drive” across the public sector – Budget 2024 reduced the NZFC’s baseline funding by 7.5% ($405,000 per annum).  Christopher Luxon says the Film Commission's spending on parties doesn't seem appropriate.  The Prime Minister told Mike Hosking that such spending won't do anything to attract companies like Apple, who are interested in doing film productions in New Zealand.  Luxon says for a company like Apple, what matters is that he's aware of what's going on, and that he's encouraging them to do to the project here, rather than elsewhere.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police say they need search powers to crack down on gang associates and their firearms.  New proposed Firearm Prohibition Order laws would ban people committing lower level offences from holding a firearms licence, and allow warrantless police searches of suspects.  The Justice Select Committee's asking the Government to soften some changes, concerned it would give police too much power.  Police Association President Chris Cahill told Mike Hosking it's better than what they had.  He says the law is toothless without any form of search powers.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A blueprint's been released for New Zealand to be on the cutting edge of Artificial Intelligence development.  AI Forum New Zealand is made up of members from Amazon, ANZ, Xero, and others who believe the technology can boost GDP and productivity.  Their plan for 2030 focuses on investing in AI for six sectors including agriculture, creative industries, and education.  Executive Director Madeline Newman told Mike Hosking that New Zealand has potential to be a world leader in AI.  She says we already have some talented researchers and developers here, and have some great companies already in the works.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia correspondent Steve Price tells Mike Hosking of Australia’s Olympic medal chances – with high hopes for the country’s swimmers.  Meanwhile, three Ministers in Australia’s cabinet have had their portfolios removed. Two were involved in home affairs and immigration - which Price describes as being in a disastrous state as more and more migrants are attempting to arrive on boats and being turned away.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt join Mike Hosking to discuss the Olympics Games getting underway, including the NZ men’s Sevens being knocked out from medal contention, Canadian spying, and the state of the River Seine.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Jordan is back in black, following a season-long stint on the sideline.  Sam Cane also sees a return – with the naming of the Rugby Championship squad squaring the line-up for the upcoming Argentina match.  Jordan tells Mike Hosking his recovery from a shoulder surgery was slow but he is now back in full contact training.  “It’s a bit of a journey – a long term injury like that.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is day one of the Government’s military-style youth bootcamp pilot.  The programme has faced harsh criticism from the opposition and experts, but Minister for Children Karen Chhour says the 10 young men taking part have hope as of today.  Chhour tells Mike Hosking she understands the pushback but hopes the programme will out the right people in front of youth to steer them down the right pathway.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following Otago University’s implementation of a free speech and academic freedom policy earlier this year, universities countrywide are following suit.  The Free Speech Union has engaged with most New Zealand universities and says it has held high-level talks.  Chief Executive Jonathan Ayling tells Mike Hosking the Free Speech Union is concerned about the state of free speech and academic freedom across the university sector.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 29th of July, Green Party co-leader Chloe Swarbrick explains why the Greens have to wait another month before they do anything re Darleen Tana.  The must maligned boot camps begin today so we talk to the minister in charge, Karen Chhour.  Guy in Paris and Sav fresh off the rugby field in Russell cover all our Olympic athletes and storylines coming out of the Games. Dare we say it's been a disappointment so far?  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Green Party leadership has written to Darleen Tana, giving her 21 days to respond to calls to resign.  Senior leaders from the Green’s Pacific Network walked away from the party following the letter – seen as a step towards invoking waka-jumping provisions.  The party has scheduled a special meeting for September 1, when delegates will vote on whether or not to invoke the party-hopping act.  Co-leader Chloe Swarbrick tells Mike Hosking the party is proud to work through differing internal perspectives.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seven days since Joe Biden dropped out of the US presidential race, Kamala Harris’ campaign has raised over $200 million.  Two thirds of that money is from first time donors and 170,000 new volunteers have signed up to assist the campaign.  US correspondent Mitch McCann tells Mike Hosking focus is now on who Harris will pick as her vice president.   Meanwhile, Donald Trump is in hot water for comments that are being viewed as dictator-like. At a rally on Friday, the former President told crowds they should vote for him this year and won’t need to vote again in four years time.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A five-year snapshot of Auckland's economic situation shows that despite longer lockdowns, the region still grew 10% financially, matching the national average.   $143 billion in GDP was also generated in 2023 - the fastest in the country.  Auckland Unlimited Director of Economic Development Pam Ford tells Mike Hosking remaining on par with the national average was surprising, but the diversification of the region’s economy makes it more resilient compared to the rest of the country.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a highly divisive speech from Benjamin Netanyahu as thousands protest his visit to the US.   The Israeli Prime Minister is meeting Vice President Kamala Harris today.   His talks to the US Congress yesterday were boycotted by dozens of senior lawmakers due to his role facilitating the war and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.   US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Mike Hosking the Republicans who showed up were largely supportive, with some calling it 'epic'.   Whereas he says the Democrats were unhappy, with Nancy Pelosi calling it one of the worst speeches by a foreign dignitary invited to speak to Congress.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all.    Tech: 3/10  For all that it's changed we have become hopelessly reliant on a thing we don’t get and can't cope with when it doesn’t work right.    The All Blacks: 6/10  We won and we saw some new talent. Whether it swept America is another issue.    The NBA: 9/10  Amazon won over Warner Brothers in a battle worth billions. Now that’s how you run sport.    Joe Biden: 3/10  For all the nice words it ends in a sort of pathetic whimper.    Donald Trump: 5/10  Took a lot of the good will out of Butler and blew it up by being so uncool with a movie length rant.    Kamala Harris: 7/10  Winner for the week. Raised the money, looked energetic and stitched up the delegates, but didn’t move the polls though and that is your worry.    The Olympic medal chances: 2/10  They predict 14 medals. Isn't that a worry?    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's opposing proposals for infant formula label changes while Australia is adopting them.   Dairy industry groups raised concern it could impact exports of the product.   Ministers from both countries met to discuss the proposal written by the collective Food Standards Authority.  Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard sought a review but failed.   He told Mike Hosking he didn't expect he'd be successful.  Hoggard said that asking for a review is unusual, and is hardly ever agreed to, but he decided to fight the good fight anyway.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.