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Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

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Gareth Hughes: Chloe Swarbrick can reach across and attract voters

The Green's new co-leadership could look different under Chloe Swarbrick. The Auckland Central MP has won the race to replace James Shaw, and will lead the party alongside Marama Davidson. Former Greens MP Gareth Hughes says Swarbrick's assertive approach to politics is a contrast from Shaw. But he told Mike Hosking that people are looking for passion and authenticity in politics - and some will be drawn to her values. Hughes says people wrote her off in Auckland Central but she won overwhelmingly - so she's someone who's able to reach across and attract voters. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 10, 20243 min

Gavin Grey: US Ship on it's way to supply aid to Gaza

A US military ship is on its way to Gaza, carrying equipment to build a temporary pier off the coast. It comes after President Biden announced the US would build a floating harbour to help get aid into Gaza by sea. They had carried out an airdrop on Sunday, parachuting in more than 11-thousand meals. Europe correspondent Gavin Grey spoke to Mike Hosking about what it will contain. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 10, 20243 min

David Seymour: We have restored integrity in the tax system

The Associate Finance Minister says the last Government removing landlords' interest deductibility was a tax grab. The current Government's re-introducing it. They'll be able to claim 80 percent of interest expenses from April, and 100 percent from next April. David Seymour told Mike Hosking that they've restored the integrity of the tax system. He says if you invest in any business or commercial property, you're allowed to deduct interest costs from taxable income. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 10, 20243 min

Andrew Alderson: ZB Cricket Correspondent ahead of the Black Caps final test match against Australia

The Black Caps have one last shot against Australia. Today the final test match against the Australian side takes place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, kicking off at 11am. Newstalk ZB’s Cricket Correspondent Andrew Alderson told Mike Hosking that last night was the 50th anniversary of New Zealand’s first taste of victory over Australia back in 1974. So, if New Zealand needs any belief today, he said, the 50th anniversary might do it. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 7, 20244 min

Maurice Williamson: Former National Minister on the Government ticking off its 100 day plan

A former National Minister says this Government's changes are a big turn-around from the last. The Government's first 100 days are virtually up, and it's ticked off almost all of its 49 items. Many of the things on the list were to unpick the last government's changes or to begin work on their plans. The last point to tick off is setting major targets for the health system, and that's expected to be crossed off today. Former Cabinet Minister Maurice Williamson told Mike Hosking that it's a change from the last Government saying it'd do things and not doing them. He says former MPs can be critical, thinking they were better, but he says this is the best he's ever seen. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 7, 20243 min

Kim Mundy: ASB Senior Economist on the rising confidence in the housing market

There’s more belief in the housing market. ASB's latest Housing Confidence survey shows net 51% of people expect house prices to rise. It's the highest reading since October 2021, before the start of the most recent housing market downturn. Senior Economist Kim Mundy says last time expectations were at this level, annual house price growth was at almost 30% - this time it's at 2.2%. So, she says, while it doesn't necessarily point to a degree of house price growth, it does suggest house prices can lift over the coming year. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 6, 20243 min

Kate Gainsford: Secondary Principals' Council Chair on why the number of home schooled children is dropping

The number of students leaving home schooling increased last year. Education Ministry figures show 2,286 children exited home education, the highest number on record. More than half those leaving had been learning from home for less than a year. Total home school numbers remain well above pre-pandemic levels. Secondary Principals' Council Chair Kate Gainsford told Mike Hosking that there are many factors why people are going back to mainstream. She says it could be that the realities, demands, and responsibilities of providing education at home are becoming real. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 6, 20243 min

Tania Tapsell: Rotorua Mayor on the Government's new emergency housing laws

Rotorua's Mayor is feeling upbeat about the Government's new emergency housing laws. Families with children living in emergency housing for more than 12 weeks will go to the top of the social housing waitlist. The verification process, eligibility settings, and obligations will also be strengthened for those entering emergency housing. Tania Tapsell told Mike Hosking that there's a lot of children in these environments, so it's great they're targeting those most in need. She sees hope for a quicker end to what's been a shambles, not only in Rotorua but across the country. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 6, 20242 min

Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on Nikki Haley withdrawing from the US Presidential race after Super Tuesday

Nikki Haley has withdrawn from the US presidential race meaning we're in for another Biden-Trump election. The former South Carolina governor announced her decision to suspend her campaign this morning, a day after Super Tuesday. Republican frontrunner Donald Trump beat her soundly in all but one of the 15 nominating contests. US correspondent Mitch McCann told Mike Hosking that Haley has yet to endorse Trump. He says it's possible she will in the future, but it's hard to see that happening given what she's been saying about him over the past few months. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 6, 20243 min

Chris Cahill: Police Association President on the Government's plans for an Oranga Tamariki-run military academy for youth offenders

The Police Association President says military academies for youth offenders are worth a crack. The Government plans to have an Oranga Tamariki-run pilot programme by the middle of this year. Police Association President Chris Cahill told Mike Hosking that people who sponsored earlier models tell him they saw kids coming in with no self-esteem and leaving with their mana restored. He says the challenge is when they left, they went back to dysfunctional families and places with gang influence. Cahill says support at the end of the programmes is needed. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 5, 20242 min

Marilyn Giroux: Auckland University marketing lecturer on the Prime Minister's plane woes making worldwide headlines

It’s a bad look for the country as the Prime Minister's plane woes make worldwide headlines. The Air Force's Boeing 757 never left the ground yesterday due to a technical fault with the nose landing gear. It meant Christopher Luxon had to fly commercially to Melbourne for ASEAN talks, missing a couple of meetings due to the delay. Auckland University marketing lecturer Marilyn Giroux told Mike Hosking that the likes of international outlets Reuters and Australia's Sky News all reported on the troubles. She says it's definitely not the best look we want for the country, as it's been picked up quite a lot. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 5, 20242 min

The Country's Rowena Duncum wraps last night's P!nk concert in Dunedin

Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium swapped its usual green field for two hours of acrobatic entertainment from pop star P!nk last night. The three-time Grammy award winner drew 37-thousand people to the first New Zealand show of her Summer Carnival tour. The Country's Rowena Duncum was there – and told Mike Hosking that P!nk's acrobatics were impressive. She says it was phenomenal how she could fly through the air —sometimes upside down— and still be able to sing. P!nk will play Auckland's Eden Park on Friday and Saturday nights. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 5, 20244 min

Chris Jackson: Auckland University Spacecraft Mission Operations Director on the launch of the Methane SAT satellite

The first-ever government-funded space mission is scheduled for take-off this morning. The American-New Zealand mission will see the MethaneSAT satellite launched into space to study global emissions from agriculture and measure methane leaks from oil and gas production. Auckland University Spacecraft Mission Operations Director Chris Jackson says the ultimate goal is to drive down global warming effects from methane sources. He says methane is a very potent greenhouse gas, more so than carbon dioxide, so stopping it leaking can have a reversing effect. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 4, 20243 min

Demelza Jackson: Newstalk ZB Political Reporter on the itinerary for Christopher Luxon's ASEAN visit

What was already a busy day for Christopher Luxon has just become busier. A fault with New Zealand’s Defence Force plane has forced the Prime Minister fly commercial to Melbourne for today's ASEAN summit. He has a tight schedule to keep to, meeting with eight South-East Asian leaders on the sidelines of the special ASEAN-Australia summit. Newstalk ZB Political Reporter Demelza Jackson told Mike Hosking that each meeting is only about ten minutes long, but its more about putting a face on the New Zealand name. Tomorrow, she said, is all business, with ANZ’s business breakfast in the morning and a trip to a Fonterra factory in the afternoon. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 4, 20243 min

Justin Tighe-Umbers: The National Road Carriers Association CEO on the Government's draft transport plan

The National Road Carriers Association says the Government's draft transport plan is a great step in the right direction. It features a half billion-dollar pothole prevention fund and 15 Roads of National Significance. It'll be funded in part by a $25 increase in vehicle registration fees in each of the next two years. Chief Executive Justin Tighe-Umbers told Mike Hosking that the policy's focused on the right stuff. He says it's a strong start, so they're pleased, and it's about getting back to basics. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 4, 20243 min

Gavin Grey: Apparent Russian hack of German military meeting and Houthi rebels sink first ship in Yemen

Germany has admitted to an apparent hack by Russia of a military meeting where personnel discussed giving Ukraine long range missiles and possible targets. Europe correspondent Gavin grey told Mike Hosking the hack is being investigated but it is being questioned why the video conference was held on the WebEx platform rather than a secret internal army network. Meanwhile, the first vessel to be sunk by Houthi rebels in Yemen could cause a large environmental catastrophe. The Houthi rebels are targeting boats connected to Israel, the UK and the US – hitting a British registered cargo ship carrying tonnes of ammonium nitrate fertiliser. Experts say the impact of this could decimate wildlife in the area of the Gulf of Aden. Listen above. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 3, 20243 min

Professor Boyd Swinburn have requested urgent meeting with David Seymour on long term plan with school lunches

A coalition of health charities has slammed the Government’s decision to give ministerial responsibility for free school lunches to David Seymour after the Act leader campaigned for the programme to be abolished. Speaking to Mike Hosking on Early Edition, Co-chair of the Health Coalition Aotearoa Professor Boyd Swinburn says nobody wants to see kids trying to learn on empty stomachs. Universality is what makes the programme efficient, Swinburn says, providing relief for families with food insecurity. Listen above. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 3, 20244 min

Vincent McAviney: Europe Correspondent on Putin's warning to NATO if they send troops into Ukraine

Vladimir Putin is warning NATO countries of tragic consequences if they were to send troops into Ukraine. The Russian President is referring to comments made earlier in the week by his French counterpart. Emmanuel Macron was speculating on opening the doors for European ground troops being sent to Ukraine. Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Mike Hosking that following Sweden and Finland joining NATO, Putin feels the need to strengthen his defences. He says Russia would be ready to use their weapons offensively against other nations. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 29, 20244 min

Paul Buchanan: Strategist Analyst on the Government's decision to designate Hamas' political wing a terrorist entity

The Government is making it illegal for New Zealanders to support Hamas. It's designated Hamas' political wing a terrorist entity, the same as its military wing. It will also ban from New Zealand several extremist Israeli settlers who have committed violent attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank. Strategic analyst Paul Buchanan told Mike Hosking that it's about tightening relations with security partners and won't dismantle Hamas. He says it also runs contrary to the majority of world opinion, which sees a distinction between the political and armed wings of Hamas. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 29, 20243 min

Mark Bekhit: Radiology registrar on the Coroners Court's recommendation of mandatory safety helmets on e-scooters

The Coroners Court is recommending mandatory safety helmets on e-scooters after its report into an Auckland man's death. The man crashed into a concrete power pole on a modified e-scooter while under the influence of methamphetamine. Radiology registrar Mark Bekhit says a lot of the e-scooter injuries he's seen have been alcohol or drug-related. He told Mike Hosking that he can't be sure people will wear helmets if they've taken substances. Bekhit says it sounds like a simple recommendation that's easier than targeting methamphetamine abuse, but he doesn't know it will solve the problem. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 29, 20244 min

Mitch McCann: Newshub US Correspondent says voters are unhappy with Biden's involvement in the conflict in Palestine

The US Presidential race is heating up as both Joe Biden and Donald Trump win the Michigan Primary votes for their respective parties. But President Biden's victory in the Democratic race wasn't all smooth sailing, with a sizable contingent issuing a protest vote. Thirteen percent of voters, which says they weren't uncommitted. Newshub US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Mike Hosking that many are unhappy with Biden's involvement in the Israel Palestine war. He says Michigan has the largest Arab community in the country. Meanwhile, 82-year-old US Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell says he'll step aside in November to make way for a new generation of leadership. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 28, 20242 min

Vaughan Davis: The Goat Farm Advertising agency owner on the closure of Newshub

Newshub's imminent closure has put the size of our population in the spotlight. Advertising agency owner Vaughan Davis told Mike Hosking that New Zealand is like the Chatham Islands of the world. He said that maybe we're just too small a country for two TV networks. Davis said we try to have the big country stuff but it's just five million people on an island, far away from everywhere. Up to 300 jobs are expected to be lost by the end of June. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 28, 20243 min

Glen Sowry: Queenstown Airport CEO on the Tarras Airport project being put on hold

Christchurch Airport's Tarras project is slowing down. The airport had been developing a Central Otago airport on 800 hectares of land in the small town of Tarras. It's been put on hold due to the need of co-investment from both public and private sources. Queenstown Airport chief executive Glen Sowry told Mike Hosking that the Tarras project hasn't met community demands and expectations as Queenstown Airport has. He says they've been working hard on making sure their future plans are what the regional businesses and community wants. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 28, 20244 min

Kelly Eckhold: Westpac Senior Economist on the OCR remaining at 5.5%

This year is set to be harder than the last for many New Zealanders. The Reserve Bank has opted to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 5.5%, in line with most economists' expectations. It isn't expected to cut the OCR for a while, possibly not until the middle of next year. Westpac Senior Economist Kelly Eckhold told Mike Hosking that some households will be finding it harder to pay their bills. He says the unemployment rate is at 4%, which is not particularly high by New Zealand standards, but it will probably reach about five during the year. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 28, 20244 min

International nurses being turned away due to skill issues

International nurses are flocking to our shores - but not with the skills required. Gore Hospital recently had 80 nurses apply for an emergency department role - but say only 98 percent of applicants had the relevant qualifications. It comes as the country is four and a half thousand nurses short. Gore Health chief executive Karl Metzler told Mike Hosking that they're being turned away due to a skill issue - not a lack of understanding in New Zealand culture. He says the hospital employs Russians, Germans, Filipinos and Indians - and prides themselves on being diverse. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 27, 20245 min

Matt Doocey: Youth organisations are doing a great job

The Government is making decisions on how it carves up funding for our young people. It's allocating just under 10.7 million dollars of Ministry of Youth Development funds to 34 community youth organisations. The funding covers areas from education to mental health - as well as helping those living in regions affected by flooding in early 2023. Youth Minster Matt Doocey told Mike Hosking that he's been impressed by what he's seen of hardworking youth providers around the country. He says organisations at the community level are doing great work - we just need to make sure they're financially supported. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 27, 20243 min

Donna Demaio: Australian Correspondent on New South Wales police being uninvited from Sydney Mardi Gras due to the deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davis

New South Wales police have officially been uninvited from Mardi Gras, Sydney’s pride event. Senior Constable Beaumont Lamarre-Condon has been accused of murdering Sydney gay couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, and as such, the precinct has been asked not to appear. Debate over the police's involvement with the march began after Lamarre-Cordon allegedly shot his ex-boyfriend and his new partner with his service gun. Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that police will comply. She says Police have expressed disappointment in the decision, but will work to ensure a safe environment for all. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 26, 20242 min

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on Restaurant Brands' major cost issues despite making record sales

Fast food operator Restaurant Brands says that despite making record sales, it still has major cost issues. The operator of KFC, Pizza Hut, Carl's Junior, and Taco Bell has posted $1.3 billion in full-year sales. Its net after-tax profit was $15.8 million, down half a million annually. Brad Olsen, Infometrics Principal Economist, told Mike Hosking that while spending value was up 4.2% year on year, the volume purchased was down by 2.7%. So, he said, you’re spending more, getting less bang for your buck. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 26, 20242 min

Kyle Brewerton: Auckland Primary Principals' Association President on the lack of communication regarding the pausing of school building projects

Communication problems are running rampant between the Education Ministry and schools. The Government's ordered a review of school building projects, saying they've inherited a school property system "bordering on crisis". Already the ministry has put 20 projects on pause, with up to 350 in doubt. Auckland Primary Principals' Association President Kyle Brewerton told Mike Hosking that the pauses have caught some schools by surprise, with shovels already in the ground. He says there's confusion around the schools that have been tagged and what's happening now. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 26, 20243 min

Ray Chung: Wellington City Councillor on Wellington Water's lack of transparency

A lack of transparency with Wellington Water is being blamed for the region's water woes. The Capital's water provider yesterday admitted that it's failed to meet Ministry of Health fluoridation targets at least 95% of the time over recent months. It comes as the region grapples with leaks and water shortages. Wellington City Councillor Ray Chung told Mike Hosking that the water agency won't give the council adequate information as to what it's working on. Wellington Water has also announced that it won't be exempt from new rules around chlorine compliance. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 26, 20245 min

Grant McCallum: National Blue Green Forum 'couldn't have gone better'

Nationals Annual Blue Greens forum was held over the weekend. The prime minister and the party caucus members were all there to talk with the environmental leaders. Greens Forum chair Grant McCallum told Mike Hosking that the meeting was a 10/10 and it 'couldn't have gone better'. When asked how green the national party are he said 'we're very pragmatically green, We're not idealistically green.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 25, 20243 min

Ginny Andersen apologises for 'absolutely unacceptable' comments to Mark Mitchell

Ginny Andersen says she'll apologise to Mark Mitchell, over comments she made on last week's Mike Hosking Breakfast. On last Wednesday's show, the Labour Police Spokesperson accused the Police Minister of being paid to kill people when he was a defence contractor in East Africa and the Middle East. Mitchell says he hasn't knowingly killed anyone. Andersen told Mike Hosking this morning, she shouldn't have made the comments, and will personally apologise to Mitchell when they reappear on the show this week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 25, 20243 min

John Tookey: AUT Professor of Construction Management on infrastructure maintenance needing more investment

A building expert says people tend to focus on the cost of building infrastructure and think they'll figure everything else out as they go along. The Infrastructure Commission says we need to spend around 60% of our investment to look after what we already have, rather than building more. AUT Professor of Construction Management John Tookey told Mike Hosking that people often focus on acquisition costs, rather than maintenance costs because it's easy. He says that's because the sums get more complicated when you start considering the likes of depreciation and more over an extended period of time. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 22, 20243 min

Louise Upston: Child Poverty Reduction Minister on the new approach to breaking the cycle of poverty

There’s “a new approach" from the Government on breaking the cycle of child poverty. The percentage of children living in poverty has risen to 17.5, with the percentage of children facing material hardship rising to 12.5. Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston says they'll have a target and will be held accountable for it. She told Mike Hosking that it's not just a matter of addressing incomes. Upston says those on welfare and the lowest incomes are hit the hardest in the cost-of-living crisis. She says that's why they have to deal with the costs families face, and housing costs are a significant part of that. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 22, 20245 min

Sandra Grey: Tertiary Education Union National Secretary on the Government's plan to make fees free the final year

There’s concerns the Government's plan to switch the first year of free tertiary study to the final year won't hit the mark. The Tertiary Education Commission has told a select committee this week that there's no discernible evidence the first-year policy changed numbers of low decile school students attending university. Tertiary Education Union National Secretary Sandra Grey says once students get past the first year, they usually stay until the end. So, she told Mike Hosking, it doesn't make a lot of sense to make the final year free. Grey says students need support when they're trying to transition either off the benefit and unemployment into study, or when they're going from school into study. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 22, 20242 min

Cath O'Brien: Board of Airline Representatives of New Zealand Executive Director on the current conflict between Air NZ and Auckland Airport

Air New Zealand's turbulent relationship with Auckland Airport is taking another turn. The national carrier is demanding an inquiry into the airport's spending, claiming it will push up airfares to five times the current rate by 2032. Cath O’Brien, Executive Director on the Board of Airline Representatives, told Mike Hosking that the airport has a history of extremes, going from spending too little on their projects to a significantly higher amount, which its regulatory regime is not designed to handle. She said the regime is only a five-year look, and so it can’t handle the ten-to-fifteen-year expense of the current plan. While Auckland Airport denies any significant price changes, O’Brien said that due to the limitations on the current regime, prices will rise a lot more than they’re currently able to say. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 21, 20244 min

Sir Colin Tukuitonga: Pasifika Medical Association Board Director on Efeso Collins' influence on the community

A tribute from one Pacific leader to another. 49 yearold Green Party MP and former Auckland Councillor Efeso Collins collapsed and died at a charity event yesterday morning. Pasifika Medical Association Board Director Sir Colin Tukuitonga told Mike Hosking that he picked up the causes that other people perhaps wouldn't. He says that includes young people and poor south Auckland communities, and his joining of the Green Party highlighted his concern for the environment. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 21, 20242 min

Karen Chhour: Minister for Children on Peter Boshier's report into Oranga Tamariki

The Children's Minister says she's prioritising frontline staff investment in Oranga Tamariki. Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier has released a report detailing two thousand complaints and enquiries he's witnessed in the past four years. He concluded work is inconsistent across the country, with some parts showing an alarming "absence of discipline" Minister Karen Chhour told Mike Hosking that we can't keep having report after report saying the same things. She says we're talking about children and young people with futures ahead of them and we need to do everything we can to ensure these futures are positive ones. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 21, 20243 min

Tony Keddy: Number Eight Studios project leader on the film studio receiving consents to build in Hawke's Bay

It seems the path has been cleared for a multi-million-dollar film studio in Hawke's Bay. Number Eight Studios has received resource consent from Hastings District Council for its 400-hectare facility in the coastal township of Te Awanga. Despite having been five years since the first proposal, project leader Tony Keddy says it's been worth the wait. The idea is for buildings to be built for the specific needs of the film industry, bringing a raft of international productions to Hawke's Bay home. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 20, 20242 min

Brigitte Morten: Political Commentator on Grant Robertson's retirement from Politics

Labour's Grant Robertson is retiring from Parliament next month and will become Otago University's Vice-Chancellor in July. The 15-year MP was Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister in the Labour Government. He says the time is right for new challenges. Political Commentator Brigitte Morten told Mike Hosking that the writing was on the wall when he decided not to run in Wellington Central again. She said that making room for the new guard is a painful transition, but it's the right thing to do. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 20, 20242 min

Richard Beddie: Exercise New Zealand CEO says NZ is one of the worst in the western world when it comes to being active

There's no silver bullet when it comes to improving our physical activity levels. Health New Zealand's latest review of the state of our health has found one in three adults carries enough weight to affect their health. Exercise New Zealand Chief Executive Richard Beddie says we're one of the worst in the western world when it comes to being active. He told Mike Hosking that if information was key, we could solve it overnight. Beddie says the answer is easy —move your body— but the behaviour is the complicated bit in terms of how they get people to do that. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 20, 20244 min

Kelvin Davidson: CoreLogic Chief Property Economist on the housing market's slow start to the year

High mortgage rates are continuing to pressure the housing market as the year starts with slow January sales. CoreLogic data shows there were more than 3,100 sales last month, up just 2% on the same time last year. It's the slowest start to a year since 1983. Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson says a slowdown in the Auckland market has also had a big impact. He says mortgage rates have stopped increasing but aren't falling either, which is creating a bit of variability in the market, which he expects to continue for a while yet. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 19, 20243 min

Donna Demaio: Australian Correspondent on the proposed crackdown on drugs and alcohol in the Australian Parliament

A taskforce is proposing a crackdown on drugs and alcohol in the Australian parliament. Australian Senator Perin Davey admitted to having a couple glasses of wine before a senate hearing, where she was seen slurring her words. Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that this isn't the first time an Aussie politician has been caught drinking on the job. She says the image of former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce lying and babbling on the street is still fresh in the minds of Australians. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 19, 20243 min

Ian Powell: Health Commentator on St John pulling ambulances off the road and the underfunding of the health system

Lack of resources are being blamed for St John's move to pull some ambulances off the road. The service is aiming to rein in costs for when a worker is sick or goes on leave. Health commentator Ian Powell told Mike Hosking that it comes down to having enough staff, and funding isn't matching the increase in health demand. He says this is not just a St John's problem there's a problem in the model, and there's a problem tangled up in the generalised under-funding of our health system. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 19, 20243 min

Carmel Sepuloni: Labour's Social Development Spokesperson on the Government's plans to ramp up sanctions for those on the Jobseeker benefit

Labour's defending its work in the benefit space when in government, saying it takes time for change to occur. Social Development Minister Louise Upston's announced a ramp up of work check-ins for jobseekers, with sanctions for those who don't meet obligations, starting in June. Labour’s Social Development spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni told Mike Hosking that when she was minister, there were record levels of people leaving benefits to get into employment. But she says there were a lot of people coming onto the benefit who didn't necessarily have the skills to match the jobs that were out there, which is why they invested in upskilling and training. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 19, 20243 min

Gavin Grey: UK and US Considering Seizing Russian Central Bank Assets

The British and American ambassadors to Russia have laid flowers at a memorial to Alexei Navalny in Moscow. The Russian opposition leader died after collapsing following a walk in his Arctic prison, over the weekend. Meanwhile, G-7 foreign ministers have met in Munich to discuss ideas to punish Russia for his death.Europe correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking that the UK and US have suggested seizing Russian central bank assets held abroad to pay for Ukraine. He says they believe the way to make Vladimir Putin uncomfortable is not demanding an explanation for Navalny's death, but to hit him in the pocket. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 18, 20243 min

Clive Matthew-Wilson: Speed Camera Changes Won't Target Those Who Cause Most Accidents

Scepticism over whether handing over speed camera duties will reduce fatal speed-related crashes. NZTA is taking over the job from Police, with plans to increase the number from 150 to around 800, as part of a high-tech development of the network. It's estimated to process around three million infringements annually by 2030. But road safety campaigner Clive Matthew-Wilson told Mike Hosking it doesn't target those who cause most of those accidents. He says those who actually cause them are a very small group of poorly educated people, usually with substance abuse problems and an attitude. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 18, 20244 min

Jason Walls: Plenty of People Still Back Luxon Despite Grim SOTN Speech

Prime Minister Chris Luxon gave a somewhat grim outlook of the economy during his State of the Nation speech in Auckland yesterday, but he still has support. Luxon says the state of the nation is fragile, and says the problems the country faces won't be fixed in 100 days .. or 100 days after that .. but his Government is getting to work. Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls told Mike Hosking a lot of polls show he still has plenty of people backing him. He says Luxon's having to cut through the noise to keep getting his message out there. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 18, 20244 min

Michael Gordon: Westpac Senior Economist thinks we're reaching the peak of migration inflows

The migration boom is easing ever so slightly. Latest Stats NZ figures show annual net migration reached just under 126,000 in the year to December. That's down 6.3% on the record high for the year to November. The net migration gain is still one of the largest recorded, equivalent to the population of Taranaki. Westpac Senior Economist Michael Gordon told Mike Hosking that he thinks we’re beginning to reach our peak. He said he’d be surprised if we continued to see these numbers this time next year. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 15, 20244 min

Geoffrey Miller: International Relations Expert says the Israeli Prime Minister's expectation that the Palestinians sheltering in Rafah can all go to a small village on the coast is unrealistic

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been labelled "unrealistic" as concerns rise for Gazan city Rafah. International relations expert Geoffrey Miller told Mike Hosking that Netanyahu seems to be in a fantasy land. He says he seems to think the 1.5-million Palestinians sheltering in Rafah can all go to a small village on the coast seven kilometres away. New Zealand, Australia, and Canada have issued a joint statement, warning that a humanitarian ceasefire is urgently needed. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 15, 20242 min