The Mike Hosking Breakfast

A warning an attack similar to the Bondi Beach shooting could feasibly happen on New Zealand soil.  The Government's intelligence agencies have told a Parliamentary Select Committee the attack helped to feed extremist views.  Fifteen people were fatally shot in the December attack on a Jewish celebration in Australia's Sydney, with others wounded.  NZSIS Director-General Andrew Hampton says anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are diseases.  He told Mike Hosking they’re seeing increased polarisation in society across the board – lots of ‘us and them’ narratives and people with a sense of grievance.  Hampton says those people look online for others who may share that view, and the risk is that grievance can move to viewing violence as the answer pretty quickly.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cautious optimism from Warriors league coach Andrew Webster that his side can make another NRL leap this year.  They start their campaign tomorrow against the Sydney Roosters at Mount Smart without co-captain Mitch Barnett and halfback Luke Metcalf, as both are returning from knee injuries.  Webster told Mike Hosking that last year's opening match serves as a reminder of over evaluating a pre-season.  He says they’re comfortable where they are, but until you get punched in the face round one, you don’t really know where you’re at.  The Warriors finished sixth last year, exiting in the first round of the finals to Penrith.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's economic recovery could be put at risk by disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.   Westpac modelling shows if it was to stay closed for a month, it would put inflation over 4% and knock half a percent off GDP.  Senior Economist Kelly Eckhold told Mike Hosking we're much more vulnerable than Australia when it comes to energy.   He says we only have a few weeks of key petroleum products sitting in the tanks, and after that we’re relying on boats turning up to meet our needs.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Public Service Commissioner is bewildered as pay talks with primary teachers drag on.  Their union —the NZEI— has turned to the Employment Relations Authority after three days of talks failed to resolve disputes over cost-of-living increases and recognition for major curriculum changes.  The union's rejected three offers, with teachers missing out on around $50 extra per week since January.  Sir Brian Roche told Mike Hosking it's disappointing teachers don't know the details of each offer.  He says the last time teachers were asked was in December, and he doesn't know what the percentage of the vote was.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s exports are booming, driven by rising global demand for food.  New trade figures show exports surged to $29.2 billion dollars in the December quarter – up $2.2 billion on a year earlier.  Two-way trade also leapt to just over $61 billion.  Business NZ CEO Katherine Rich told Mike Hosking the country produces enough food to feed around 50 million people.  She says these products need to be sold for the highest value possible, which is what we're seeing for meat.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After weeks of deliberation, the new All Blacks head coach has been named. Dave Rennie is succeeding Scott Robertson in the role, beating out the other top contender, Jamie Joseph. Rennie's first test at the helm will be in the July series against France, Italy, and Ireland, but his assistants have still yet to be named. NZ Rugby Chair David Kirk told Mike Hosking that the panel spent hours discussing the merits of the two candidates, and were very rigorous and analytical in discussing their strengths and relative weaknesses.  He says they concluded quite firmly and certainly unanimously that Rennie was the person they wanted to appoint.   WATCH ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you ever want an example of why Chris Hipkins is not going to be the next Prime Minister, watch Question Time yesterday.  He has made a twofold mistake.  Mistake number one is being a Labour MP obsessed with esoteric, wonky subjects like United Nations treaties and charters.  The second mistake is being obsessed with making a global issue all about New Zealand, when in reality we have nothing to do with it.  The Prime Minister has kind of got trapped by it as well. The reality is the attack on Iran will affect us all, whether through petrol prices or possibly some inflationary issues and our ability to travel to Europe through Dubai.  Outside of that it is not our war, we did not start it, we are not participating in it, and we are a world away from it.  The Prime Minister and the Government can answer questions, as far as anyone can answer questions, on what it might mean for our economy, or our travel, or our petrol bill.  But what they can't do, and yet are being asked to do, is explain why the Americans did what they did and how that may or may not tie into the United Nations and various charters.  Luxon got bogged down in the legalities of it on Monday and walked back some of his comments about all actions to eliminate a regime being good actions.  But then Hipkins started banging on about the UN as though New Zealand is the boss of the UN, New Zealand was exclusively given details of the material the United States acted on and has insight that no other country has as to whether there is a so-called "imminent threat".  Labour, Hipkins, and the media do this every time. They try and place New Zealand, a tiny, insignificant country at the bottom of the world, into the centre of all global action as though we somehow affect it, can change it, explain it, participate in it or stop it.  Esoteric international law is of little interest to most of us on a daily basis. Arguing over United Nation's charters is the stuff of chardonnay and Thorndon and people far removed from regular New Zealander's lives and thought patterns.  It’s a dumb game trying to trap a government into saying random stuff in the hope they get a headline, or an apology, or a scalp.  This has nothing to do with us. Like the weather, it will affect us, but we don’t drive it, influence it, or even know a lot about it.  Also, for what it's worth, by arguing the way Labour does they are hopelessly out of step with your average New Zealander who I suspect, if you asked the simple question "is getting rid of the crazies in Iran a good idea", the answer would be yes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump says "just about everything" in Iran has "been knocked out".   He's spoken from the White House alongside the German Chancellor who is visiting.   New strikes have been targeting Iranian leadership after claims the first wave killed 48 of its highest ranking officials, including the Supreme Leader.   Trump says Iran now has no navy, air force, or air detection.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking Trump has yet to make a formal statement to the American people, or the rest of the world, about what’s happening.  But, he says, the US President continues to indicate this could go on for weeks.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand’s reset just got a lot more urgent.  Things could deteriorate faster for the airline amid instability in the Middle East.   Morningstar Research is now forecasting a $125 million pre-tax loss this year following a $59 million loss in the first half of the year.  Forsyth Barr Head of Research Andy Bowley told Mike Hosking there’s little disagreement that the second half of the year will be similar or worse, the concerning aspect is how bad it could be.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Politics Wednesday, Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen delve into the situation in the Middle East - what are the next steps for Kiwis stuck there? And Ginny explains Labour's firm stance on the illegality of the US and Israel's actions in Iran.  Plus, they discuss the Government's books and Labour's pledge to restore the pay equity scheme.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 4th of March, the tourism sector is a major force, with spending and jobs both rising.   Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters speaks on meeting Javier Milei in Argentina and his thoughts on the situation in Iran and criticism from Helen Clark and Phil Goff.  Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen talk about Kiwis stuck in the Middle East and balancing the books 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.

Australia’s highest-paying radio show has come to an explosive end.  Sydney’s Kyle and Jackie O Show has collapsed after Kyle Sandilands reamed out his co-host Jackie ‘O’ Henderson in a seven-minute-long exchange she later described as an attack.  It led to the program being taken off-air and Henderson quitting the show, and a 14-day suspension and potential contract termination for Sandilands.  Australia Correspondent Steve Price told Mike Hosking the company is probably going to be very happy they can get out of the $200 million contract.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A change in scale beckons for strength and conditioning guru Nic Gill as he trades the All Blacks for the NFL's Ravens.  Gill's leaving after 18 years in the role to take up a newly created position at the Baltimore franchise.  He told Mike Hosking that while his work will largely be the same, he'll operate in a money-is-no-obstacle environment.  Gill says the facilities are ridiculous and mindblowing – they have everything one could need, and not just one of them, they have ten.   He has told the Herald he wanted to announce his job change before the new All Blacks coach is appointed, but is willing to help NZR find a successor.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Severe weather hasn't put a dampener on the wine industry, who remains optimistic for the year's vintage.   Harvesting has begun in most of the country's hotspots, with Northland kicking off the season in late January.   It's the earliest harvest yet as the industry adapts to changing weather patterns.   New Zealand Winegrowers Chief Executive Philip Gregan it is early, but it’s a continuation of a trend they’ve seen in recent years.   He says there’s research currently under way to ensure the vines they use will continue to produce grapes with the same great flavours in a world with an earlier harvest.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has responded to critics of the Government's position on whether the United States and Israel have acted illegally by attacking Iran, saying the world is facing "new circumstances".  He told Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking this morning that “serious international legal experts” should decide whether their actions were legal - not people who were “not qualified”, including former PM Helen Clark, who has called New Zealand's response "a disgrace".  “The rule of law on the streets of Auckland is the same as the rule of law internationally. To make it stand, somebody has to enforce it,” Peters said.  “Some countries are kicking back and saying no, we are dealing with a bunch of religious fanatics and they cannot be trusted.”  Peters denied he was backing America whether or not the country’s actions were legal.  “[Iran] have been financing proxies all around the world, even as far as Australia, in major terrorist activities. They've been doing it for decades.  "But all of a sudden now you've got a sort of a concertina of concern where some countries are saying enough, we are going to stop you right here, right now.  “And then all of a sudden all those geostrategic experts in history and what have you in foreign affairs are saying, oh, we should have the rule of law,” he said.  “Well, my point is you're not looking at the same circumstances now. It's not a matter of backing anybody or opposing anyone. We are facing new circumstances…and we have to look at them with new eyes.”  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tourism continues to be a major force in the economy.  Stats NZ says it shows tourism spending in New Zealand has hit $46.6 billion, up 3.3% on last year.  International visitors spent $18.1 billion – a 7% jump.  Tourism Industry Aotearoa CEO Rebecca Ingram told Mike Hosking this set of data runs until March 2025, and there’s been a tremendous amount of effort invested since then.  She says they’re anticipating that the data they get next year will be even better.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Electricity Authority is being accused of tinkering around the edges instead of solving the real issues with the electricity market.    The authority will introduce a set of new rules from October 30th which will force power companies to tell customers if they're on the best plan they provide.   Power company Electric Kiwi's Chief Executive Huia Burt told Mike Hosking that won't be enough for most.  She supports customers having more information but says they will need to compare plans from different providers to get the best deal.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I watched a woman from one of the unions explain how much work had been done to settle their claim.  The allied health workers have signed off their deal. That’s 12,000 physios, social workers, etc. There was more work to do, she said.  I bet there is. Unions are dreadful things and they're full of people who are full of hate and misery.  The health workers got about 2.5% this year and a bit over 2% next year.  The principals got something similar and the secondary teachers got the same thing. The primary teachers are holdouts, but that’s over the Treaty. Money wise they appear to have been offered what everyone else has.  In other words, all the angst and upset, hot air, back and forward, the strike, the stop-works and the waving of placards on picket lines has resulted in, pretty much, the same for everyone – two point something percent this year and a bit less next year.  Months and months and months' worth of aggro for the same result.  What is the point in that?  At all times the state had no money. We are in debt. When you have a collective that covers thousands, the offer will always be affected by the scale of the outcome.  Sir Brian Roche would appear to be the unsung hero, quietly and patiently beavering away with a bunch of myopic ideologues who believe that threats and withdrawals of labour is a good way to do business.  If one of them had got 8%, if one of them had been able to point to a material gain by their seemingly never-ending barrage of industrial action, they may have had a point.  But they can't. In a nutshell, they got pretty much what they got offered.  The state were never looking to rip anyone off. Good people and good order is a valuable asset in the public service. But in a country with no money you can't magic up riches.  So all that union apparatus for what? All those fees for what? All those days off for what?  2% this year and 2% next year for everyone. How much time, energy and noise could have been saved if the approach was less adversarial and more adult? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France is increasing its nuclear arsenal for the first time in decades.   It will also significantly intensify nuclear weapons cooperation with eight European allies, French President Emmanuel Macron announced.  He says the “period of geopolitical upheaval” means France, the EU’s only nuclear power, must strengthen its deterrent in the face of multiple threats.  France Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking that in the past, France maintained a policy of “strict sufficiency” for its nuclear warheads, but that policy has been removed.  She says they’re not sure how many warheads will be in the supply, as the details have been light.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another Kiwi success story from the world of wine.   Marlborough’s Wairau River 2025 Sauvignon Blanc has made the World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection for 2026 – chosen by top sommeliers from 17 countries across six continents.   It’s the only Australasian wine to make the list.   Rose Family Estate CEO Lindsay Parkinson told Mike Hosking this award is all about balance, and some sommeliers have very specific requirements, so they’re chuffed to meet those.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 3rd of March, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State looks at the US’ next steps in the Middle East, and we take a look at the impact it may have on NZ trade.   A New Zealand wine company is the only Australasian brand named in the World’s Best Sommelier Selection for 2026.  And Liam Lawson joins the show ahead of the first race of the season this weekend and his second full season in Formula 1.    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 says the US had projected a four-to-five-week operation in Iran but could go much longer.   Some of Iran's retaliatory strikes have been targeted at key energy infrastructure in the region, including an oil refinery and natural gas plant.   The Iranian Red Crescent says at least 555 people have been killed in attacks on the nation.  Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State under the Obama Administration, Joel Rubin told Mike Hosking that while Trump had a plan for the first days of the strike, there’s not much of a plan beyond that.   He says there’s aspirational goals, such as the people of Iran rising up, but Trump hasn’t explained exactly how that will be implemented.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LISTEN ABOVE OR IF YOU'RE OUTSIDE NEW ZEALAND - LISTEN BELOW Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson is not having “fun” in his new car, but is excited to see what the new Formula One season brings.  Melbourne hosts the first Grand Prix of the year this weekend, and the Kiwi driver had some productive practice sessions ahead of his second full season in the competition but is still getting to grips with his car.  Speaking on Mike Hosking Breakfast, Lawson said his new car is not “super fun” to drive yet.  “In some ways the car moves around quite a bit more and it depends on how you look at it - that can be more enjoyable.  “But obviously we’re trying to extract every bit of lap time out of the car and in some ways it feels like you can’t attack as much as you could in the past when you had a lot more downforce.”  The cars have become smaller and lighter in an attempt to enable improved racing.  Racing Bulls' 2026 Formula One car in pre-season testing. Photo / AFP  “They do feel a little bit smaller,” Lawson said, “a little bit more playful to drive.  “But I think the main reason for that is just because we have a significant amount of aero taken off the car.  “When you have a car that’s extremely high downforce, it’s designed to push through the air in a straight line. As soon as you start sliding the car, you lose a lot of that downforce because you start to hit the air on an angle with your yaw and it basically upsets the car massively.”  The Kiwi driver said his team was surprised at how good the power units have been, but felt engine reliability is going to play a big factor with some teams struggling at the start of the season.  Liam Lawson for Racing Bulls in Formula One's pre-season testing. Photo / Red Bull  When asked about his own chances, Lawson felt he had learned a lot from last year and felt it was important he was able to “survive” it.  “I’m grateful to have done that and feel a lot better going into this year, but just because of new cars and new regulations it sort of throws a whole new thing in there that is quite unknown.”  Despite the issues with the cars, Lawson said he was looking forward to the new season starting.  “On a personal level, I feel very comfortable and excited for the season, but, in a lot of ways obviously with these new cars, there’s a lot of unknowns.”  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The impact of the Middle East conflict on our trade is still unclear.  Thousands of Kiwi containers are stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, with more than $3 billion worth of goods headed for the Gulf each year.  Trade and Associate Foreign Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand would only look to alternative markets if the conflict drags on.  He told Mike Hosking it's interesting US stock markets haven’t reacted significantly, which shows they've likely factored something like this in.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government believes its traffic welfare system is increasing people's chances of getting a job.  The system was introduced in August 2024 and uses traffic light colours to help beneficiaries stay on track with their obligations.  An evaluation has found nearly 99% of Ministry of Social Development clients are fulfilling their obligations, and the number of sanctions issued has dropped 10.6%.  Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston told Mike Hosking 83 thousand people have left the benefit into work.  She says people are more clear of the expectations, and the consequences if they aren't filled.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Promising signs when it comes to consumer arrears.  The latest Centrix data shows the number of people behind on their payments in January was 491 thousand.  That was up 20 thousand from December, largely expected due to seasonal trends.  But Chief Operating Officer Monika Lacey told Mike Hosking that despite the seasonal increase, arrears are still down on last year by almost 1%.  She says overall, Kiwis are managing their money quite well.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 2nd of March, we get the latest on the war in Iran plus what it could mean for petrol prices back here in NZ. The Prime Minister is in and gives his thoughts on the legalities of the strike, airport charges the highest in the world at Auckland and the Air NZ result. Andrew Saville and Jason Pine talk the NZ Open, the first race of the Indycar season and whether it's the Warriors year as they have their first game this weekend. 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.

To the so-called poverty issue. The report actually uses the word "hardship". Kids in hardship, roughly, is flat. About 14% of kids allegedly live in some form of hardship. Hardship is often replaced with the word poverty. They are different things and, also, the measure of hardship is open to real inquiry. The stats department interviewed 18,000 families and "hardship" is a house that goes without 7 of 18 necessities e.g paying the power bill on time, feeling cold etc. Now, without getting too picky, a seven-year-old who lives in a house who's power bill is overdue has nothing to do with hardship, unless the power is cut off, which mainly it is not. i watched a press conference last week with the Prime Minister and police and justice ministers on crime and the poverty question came up. You note the word they used was "poverty", not hardship. The question, inferred as they so often do, was what the Government were going to do about it. The answer was one of only three; 1) Is a Labour view, which is hand out more money, 2) A current Government view, which is grow the economy, 3) The answer that is rarely used - get the parents to pull their finger out. My read of these stats is that given the number is steady at 14%, you are essentially dealing with the same people, many of whom are hopeless. Under Ardern her personal project was to reduce child poverty. It didn’t happen. Under this Government it hasn’t either. So approaches one and two haven't worked. There are rightly or wrongly (obviously wrongly) a group of people who struggle. Their circumstances will be little different to many who have it tough as well, but get by. They have kids that aren't in hardship but face the same fiscal issues. It will be benefit related. It will be about decisions, about priorities, what bill gets paid first, how far down the food chain, literally and figuratively, are the kids. Within the same fiscal envelope, some kids are fine and some will be a statistic. That, sadly, is not the Government's real problem. Government's can only do so much. Sometimes parents might have to do a bit more and be a bit better. The child, as always, is innocent. You don’t choose to be born to some of the parents who masquerade as parents. But these stats tell a sad truth. I don’t think there is an answer. Whether its 14% or 15% or 11%, there are no miracles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has been helping to fund events such as the NZ Open for a while, but should they be contributing to an already successful competition?  NZ Open Tournament Director Michael Glading says that the Government gets a return on it's investment, and that the NZ Golf Open is one of their top earners.  'Certainly right up there in terms of return for dollar spent, and the money that flows into this event is phenomenal.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says New Zealand has never supported the Iranian regime.  Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking that it's a regime which has brutally repressed it's own people, killed tens of thousands, and sponsored terrorism around the world.  He also said that the missile strikes were 'independent attacks' from the US and Israel, and that New Zealand was not informed of the attacks before they happened.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US/Israeli missile strikes against Iran have caused uncertainty around oil prices.  20% of the world's crude oil travels through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has threatened to close and it has already heavily restricted access to the region.  AA Principal Policy Adviser Terry Collins told Mike Hosking that prices hinge on the ability to move oil through the Strait, but that won't be an easy task. "it's easy to target vessels within it, and it's what the response will be from the Americans around protecting those vehicles" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran may be overstating its military capabilities in the wake of US and Israeli attacks.  Coordinated strikes have killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and multiple senior officials, resulting in Iran launching counter strikes across the Middle East.  Iran officials say almost 150 people have been killed from a strike on a girls school.  The Iranian President has appeared on state television claiming its armed forces are crushing enemy bases.  The Economist's Middle East Correspondent Gregg Carlstrom told Mike Hosking that this is not true.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers say new KiwiSaver rules are a win for rural staff looking to buy property. Farm workers, rural teachers, police and defence personnel can now use KiwiSaver to buy their first home, or even a farm, due to the Government lifting a long-standing restriction. Previously, these workers were blocked because their jobs required living in employer-provided housing. Federated Farmers' Dairy Chair Karl Dean told Mike Hosking that there's about 50,000 farms nationwide, most with just one or two staff living onsite. He expects 10 to 20% to take this option. 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.    New Zealand: 8/10  It really has been quite the week. From the dairy to the spending, the turnaround, without question, is real. The confidence is up and the roll could be close to being on.    Kiwifruit: 9/10  The forecast and plan released this week is a good example of how you think big when you are bullish.     Mitch Barnett: 4/10  We wish him well, obviously, but the geography of the Warriors cannot be escaped. And we get a swap. And more importantly, this is our year.    Air New Zealand: 3/10  In an industry awash with profit, they still can't find one.    Cash: 7/10  The banks are, rightly or wrongly, out of step with this one. We like cash. We may not use it all that often, but enough do. Reserve bank - 1. Retail banks - 0.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is no doubt that Air New Zealand has issues.  In a week of company reports, the vast majority contained good news. Air New Zealand was a glaring exception.  A national airline losing money in an industry that is booming doesn’t make sense.  They have engine issues – that is real and it's not over.  They have eight grounded planes and planes that don’t fly don’t make money.  They have issues getting planes, but that has been applicable to everyone.  So it's a perfect storm of sorts. But if you read the report the engine compensation was $55 million, but the bottom line would have been $90 million if the engines were on the plane.  But add $90 million to the loss and you still aren't making a lot of profit.  They blame domestic demand, or lack of it.  They blame increased charges and they are real. The cost-plus-accounting of landing charges and so on is not only material, but criminal, and the Government as a main shareholder needs to do more.  Then enter David Seymour in election year who says we should sell the thing. "Go woke, go broke" and "they are too politically motivated," says Seymour.  Seymour is wrong. We need a national airline. Just imagine the sale to a private operator and the thing tanks. A country needs an air network and Jetstar isn't it. The Government has saved Air New Zealand before, they could do it again as a country with no airline is not a country.  But that doesn’t mean Seymour is completely wrong; Air New Zealand is woke and it does have reputational issues.  It has focused on uniforms and departure videos to a degree that is laughable. The great airlines like Emirates, Singapore, and Qatar have ordinary uniforms and ordinary videos, but world class product and a shedload of profit. That is where Air New Zealand is badly missing.  Too often they charge first-world prices for budget services and domestically the services are not reliable enough.  There is a line between their genuine issues and their brand issues. They do have problems, but they also don’t look like all they could be and haven't for years.  Some of it is a small country with a small population. Some of it is too much purple and too much PR around Cassava crisps and $800 flights to small towns.  The CEO has a hell of a job. The turnaround, they say, is coming.  If you read this week's report, I don’t see it yet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Progress towards a nuclear deal between the US and Iran remains murky with all-out war still a potential outcome.   A third round of indirect talks has just concluded in Geneva, with further discussions to take place in Vienna next week.   The pressure's on Iran, with the US deploying its biggest military build-up to the Middle East in decades.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the debate about whether an attack is viable is spilling out into the public now.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 27th of February, there’s a material drop in the number of victims of violent crime – Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith discusses.   Air NZ CEO Nikhil Ravishankar discusses their half-year financial loss in a world of airlines making huge profits.  And Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson talk speeding tickets by the kids and Sam's final bill for the dinner at Cibo 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.

It’s Friday, which means Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back on the air with Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that Was.  They discussed children and speeding tickets, and the final bill from Producer Sam’s dinner at Cibo.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch turns up the volume today as Electric Avenue gets underway.  45 thousand punters are expected to attend each day of the Hagley Park event, with a further two thousand working on site.  Last year's festival produced $10.5 million in visitor spending.  Managing Director Callam Mitchell told Mike Hosking about 45% of their attendees travel from outside of Christchurch, so the $10 million includes things like accommodation, bar spend, and retail in the city.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More New Zealanders are putting their faith back into the housing market.   ASB's latest survey shows confidence has lifted sharply this quarter, with respondents who expect house prices to rise over the next year jumping from 17% to 30%.  Chief Economist Nick Tuffley says it's a buyer's market and advises caution when it comes to banking on strengthening house prices.  But he told Mike Hosking the affordability factor is quite good currently, with plenty of supply, reasonably stable prices, and debt servicing rates from banks remaining very low.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand is fighting with one hand tied behind its back facing local costs its international competitors avoid.  The national airline's announced a $40 million half-year loss.  The new Chief Executive says airlines are a cyclical business, and New Zealand is disproportionately exposed to local inflation.   Nikhil Ravishankar told Mike Hosking some of the other airlines making more money are the ones that have recently gone through a downturn.  He says it's partly nature of the business, but there are also things we're exposed to locally that some of our competitors aren't.  They’ve also been struggling with aircraft being grounded due to global engine issues, a slower than expected recovery, and rising costs.  Ravishankar told Hosking he took on a business grappling with a post-Covid rebuild.  He says up until now, they've been playing not to lose, but now they're building a business that can play to win.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Justice Minister says reducing the remaining number of crime victims will continue to be hard work.   Data from the latest Crime and Victims Survey shows there were 49 thousand fewer victims of violent crime in the year to last October, compared to the two previous years.  It's reduced to 136 thousand.   Paul Goldsmith told Mike Hosking that number is still too high.   He says the obvious place to start reducing it is with locking up the people who create multiple victims.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was a huge reaction to yesterday's Politics Wednesday segment on homelessness and move-on orders.  Labour argues homelessness is up dramatically and there is nowhere for these people to go.  New numbers released today show that simply, in Auckland anyway, is not true.  Advocates working in the area tell us numbers are down 29%.  Part of that drop is due to Government funding in October of last year to improve outreach, as well as the provision of 207 housing places in the Housing First programme.  So, like a lot of other issues being raised as being disasters, the truth tells a different story.  As I have said, Labour is going to lose the election anyway. But their growing problem is reality is smashing directly into their ideology.  Their plan to this point, and it was reflected well in the Hipkins so-called "State of the Nation" speech, is to tell you everything is a mess, it's all broken, it's all been cocked up and is going backwards.  The theory is if they set the mood right what they have to offer doesn’t need to be a thing, hence they have no policies outside their capital gains tax.  You're in a funk and you vote the Government out because they have convinced you life sucks.  Except the evidence that it isn't, is starting to arrive, and in some volume.  Growth is up, spending is up, confidence is up, performance in schools is up, kids are actually turning up to school, large industrial relations deals are being signed so strikes are off, crime is down, and now homelessness is down as well.  By November employment will have turned and the picture, broadly, will be complete.  It's hard to compete against good economic news and it's hard to compete against positive social news like the homelessness stats.  And it's really hard, and this is where Labour and the Greens are blowing it, against the wider will and view of the populous.  On move-on orders, like the gang patches and like the ram raids, crack downs are popular.  Defending crooks and drug addicts and trouble makers is not a vote getter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After almost six months, IndyCar is returning this weekend.  Scott Dixon, Marcus Amstrong, and Scott McLaughlin are all lining up on the streets of St Petersburg for the first race – the same streets where McLaughlin got pole last year.   However, McLaughlin has admitted that 2025 was a frustrating year, as he finished 10th in the Championship with three podiums.   He told Mike Hosking that it was really the lowest of lows for him in many cases, and he’s trying to turn that negative into a positive.  McLaughlin says he doesn’t have to do too much differently, he just has to execute it better.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 26th of February, the dairy sector is experiencing record high milk production and exports.   Kiwi Alex Kendall is CEO of Wayve, a self-driving tech firm that just secured $1.5 billion to support the commercial rollout of their tech.   Kiwi Indycar driver Scott McLaughlin lays out his prospects ahead of the first race of the 2026 season this weekend.  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.

Someday soon your Uber could arrive with no one in the driver’s seat, and a Kiwi’s tech is behind the shift.  UK self-driving company Wayve, spearheaded by Alex Kendall, has secured $1.5 billion in capital to support to the commercial roll out of their ‘Robotaxis’.   The funding round also includes backing from Mercedes, Nissan, Microsoft and Nvidia, while local VC Icehouse Ventures is contributing $12.5 million to the capital raise.  Kendall told Mike Hosking there’s a couple of different ways to commercialise self-driving technology – creating your own cars, running your own fleets, or licensing the technology.  Wayve is using the third option, and he says the AI they’ve built is so flexible that it will be able to bring self-driving technology worldwide.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's being argued the government has taxed beer to a point where people can't afford it as consumption levels plummet.   Stats NZ data shows the volume of all alcoholic beverages made last year fell by 8.3%, with beer dropping by 10%.   It follows the beer excise tax rising more than 20% in five years.  Garage Project Brewery co-owner Jos Ruffell told Mike Hosking the multi-billion-dollar industry is feeling the pain of this bizarre tax.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A record-breaking State of the Union speech from Donald Trump.  His 107 minute address is the longest since records began in 1964.  The US president also spoke directly to invited guests, including the US Olympic champion men's hockey team, victims of crime by illegal immigrants, and a 100-year-old World War Two veteran.   Political author and pollster John Zogby told Mike Hosking aside from the veterans, there weren’t really any other heroes sitting in the seats, which is a reminder of how degraded US politics have become.   He says that Trump made a good attempt to paint a rosy picture in his speech, but early polls indicate it hasn't persuaded anyone. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's hoping to send economic growth sky-high, announcing a 24/7 alternative runway for commercial airlines.  It's approved funding for Ohakea Air Force base, near Palmerston North, to run round-the-clock air traffic control so planes can divert there if needed.   Associate Transport Minister James Meager says this opens up an easier option for long-haul flights that may run low on fuel.   He told Mike Hosking Qatar Airways downgraded its services to New Zealand last year because of how much fuel its planes had to carry.   Meager also says they’re hoping regional airlines can refinance their debt and make some upgrades as loans are dished out.  Golden Bay Air will receive a government loan of around $1.1 million from a $30 million package.  Fund administrator, Kanoa, says it's working to fully allocate the rest of the funds quickly, processing loan applications from other airlines.  Meager told Hosking loans will be low-interest and paying them back will be a priority.   He says if these airlines can't make it work, they've got to find a way to ensure the country has reliable regional connectivity in the long run.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It feels like the golden days for dairy farmers as they celebrate a record-breaking year.  Dairy NZ's annual state of the dairy nation report shows farmers produced an unprecedented 21 billion litres of milk in the 2024/2025 season.   The sector smashed export records – raking in more than $27 billion.  Dairy NZ Chief Executive Campbell Parker told Mike Hosking it reflects the good work farmers have done over a long time.  He says this injection into the economy can be invested back, meaning it's especially good for New Zealand.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.