The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Frontline medical staff are facing more pressure at our hospitals. Te Whatu Ora clinical performance metrics show the number of patients waiting more than four months to see a specialist has jumped 46% in the last year. College of Physicians President, Stephen Inns, told Mike Hosking that this reflects what their members are seeing in ED. He says people are waiting longer to see them, so they are sicker when they get there. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ten months into his five-year deal, Eddie Jones has walked out on the Wallabies. As of yesterday, his resignation is official, with his final day coming on the 25th of November. While it’s not known exactly what Jones’ next plans are, there is a rumour that he could be off to Japan. Australian Radio Network’s Sports Director, Jim Dolan, told Mike Hosking that it’s the million-dollar question. While there’s nothing wrong with moving to coach another team, he said that if Jones was on a Zoom meeting in the weeks leading up to the Cup, you’ve got to wonder if he was focused on the job. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's Justice Spokesman is standing by his suggestion of requiring gang members to cover up their gang tattoos with foundation. Mark Mitchell says National could potentially ban gang facial tattoos on top of patches, and gang members would have to apply make-up over tattoos, or face arrest. Labour's Megan Woods told Mike Hosking that it would be a hard rule to enforce. But Mitchell told Hosking that gang members have been charged and prosecuted for breaking a similar rule in Western Australia. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our largest bank's Chief Economist believes the anticipated unemployment figures show that the Reserve Bank's approach to tackling inflation is working. Stats NZ will release the latest data just before 11am. Most economists forecast an unemployment rate of 3.9%, up from 3.6% three months ago. ANZ's Sharon Zollner told Mike Hosking that spare capacity is needed in the labour market to avoid the risk of a wage price spiral, and bring down inflation. She says it's not a great recipe, but if inflation and other pressures aren't tackled now there'll be a bigger bust down the track. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The incoming Prime Minister is pleased with the progress they’re making as the count is still ongoing. Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking that while they won’t be able to form Government completely on Friday, they’re going to move as quickly as they can in the coming week. According to Luxon, there’s still negotiations to be had and issues to work through, but all parties involved have been working diligently. While he told Hosking he can’t give a specific timeframe, he can say there’s good intention from everybody not to draw this out any longer than it needs to be. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A law expert says the Whakaari White Island trial was a messy process. The island's owner, Whakaari Management Limited, has been found guilty on one health and safety charge brought by WorkSafe. WorkSafe charged 13 parties in 2020; six pleaded guilty ahead of the trial and another six had charges dismissed. Law expert Chris Gallavin told Mike Hosking that not having corporate manslaughter in our legislation, is a glaring hole. He says it would cover a lot of people dying at work, and the members of the public who died in this kind of situation. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jack Reacher has returned in yet another novel from Lee and Andrew Child. ‘The Secret’ is the 28th book in the series and was released only a few months before the second season of the TV show is set to be released in December. Lee Child told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking that this is the last of their transitional collaborations, after which Andrew will be taking over completely. He said that he made himself a promise years ago that his career wouldn’t end with a downwards slope. “I tried to remain as self-aware as I could,” Child told Hosking. “When was the moment that I was just running out of gas, running out of energy?” So while Lee Child is going to stop, his brother Andrew is taking over and keeping Jack Reacher alive. “The secret is really Andrew’s book and it’s very good, and that’s driving me crazy,” he said. “He could be better than me.” When it comes to the TV show, Child is an executive producer and consultant. “I don’t really want a role,” he confessed. “I truly believe the best thing to do is hand over the project and give them confidence to do it on their own, without me looking over their shoulders.” Child’s wound up being a “friend of the production”, as he puts it, as the showrunners would call him up and ask for his insight and input. Although he’s officially stepping back from writing Jack Reacher novels, he said it doesn’t feel like a huge step. “You learn very early on,” he told Hosking. “That the readers grab him, the readers fall in love with the character, and from that point onward, the reader owns Reacher.” “It fades away from you over time.” Child said he wanted to be decisive in avoiding that downward slope, saying that he’s glad he did it this way. “We’re going to get another ten, twelve, fifteen years of Reacher that I could not have done myself.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A call to centre the discussion around breaking up the supermarket duopoly as an online grocer folds. Supie began as a start-up in 2021, aiming to introduce competition in the supermarket industry. Voluntary administrator PwC New Zealand estimates a debt of up to $3 million, and suspects liquidation in the coming days. Monopoly Watch Spokesperson, Tex Edwards, told Mike Hosking that there’s a universal regret around not focusing on creating price competition, nutrition competition, and sustainability. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's always a sad, old business when a half-decent idea doesn’t quite work out. That's how it appears with Supie, the company and the start-up designed to shake up the supermarket game. Now, it's important to remember we don’t know why they have gone into liquidation. Even if a business fails, it may say nothing about the economic environment, it may say nothing about the specific sector it operated in, or then again it may say a lot. The reason it's interesting is because the supermarket game has got a lot of attention. The supermarket game is a rip-off apparently, they make far too much money, they need upheaval and change, they need a grocery commissioner, they need the whole sector being busted up and the competition to roll on in and offer the cheap prices and choice we all long for. Yet, Supie was supposed to be it. Is it possible to suggest that the market isn't quite as it has been portrayed? One of the ironies with Supie was the suppliers who wanted better prices from them. In that scenario is the tricky business of supplier to customer. Supie says "I'll give you a $1 to sell at $1.50 retail" The supplier says "I want $1.25 because that's what the other guys pay". Can you blame the supplier? No you can't. Can you blame the customer for not flocking to Supie? About 50,000 odd did but it clearly wasn’t enough. It's sort of like Kiwibank. No one is stopping you banking there, its just not as many do as those at the big four Why do we shop at the so-called duopoly when we are told it's not good value? Why are we trying to bust up a market we so openly support? What did the grocery commissioner, or the previous Government, do apart from make a lot of noise to save Supie and those who want to be like Supie? Is there actually room in the market for another player, or do we just wish there was? When the others come along, why don’t we leap all over them with our business? Why, when allegedly we are crying out for competition, doesn’t the competition make a killing? That’s a lot of questions for a market or industry, that is apparently so in need of reform. Or is it? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland University researchers have identified links between more Airbnbs in neighbourhoods and higher crime-rates. The findings —which use Auckland region census data— show it leads to lower house prices. It highlights how Airbnbs replace long-term owner occupiers with short term occupants, which can erode the anti-crime capability of the community. Higher density neighbourhoods —like those with apartments— are more affected than areas with single family houses. Nice Place Property Management Director, Keith Powell, told Mike Hosking that it's hard to pinpoint. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major bank has increased the rate it uses to check potential borrowers can afford a loan. ANZ has upped its test rate to 9.1%. That's despite home loan rates sitting around 7% for a two-year fix. In past week ANZ and Westpac have raised interest rates. Squirrel Mortgages Chief Executive David Cunningham told Mike Hosking the test rate doesn't make much of a difference. He says the good news for first home buyers is that compared to two years ago, because property prices are lower, they can still afford the same amount based on the test rate. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins said he has been spending a lot of time lately packing boxes as he prepares to depart office. “My boxes are all packed, we’re ready to go,” Hipkins told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking. Hipkins said the transition phase is a little bit frustrating. “I can’t really embrace the position of opposition, and I can’t embrace the position of Government,” said Hipkins. “We’re just here keeping the fire burning.” He said yesterday’s cabinet meeting only touched on the Israel and Gaza conflict and what New Zealand’s stance is. He said the position was that Israel needs to comply with international humanitarian law, but they “absolutely” had the right to defend themselves against Hamas. Hipkins said the country’s stance is very similar to Australia’s which was shared in a joint letter from the country’s former Prime Ministers. He said he would have no problem if New Zealand’s former Prime Minister group wanted to form a statement as well. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rotorua's Mayor is looking to crackdown on unsafe housing providers in the city. Tania Tapsell is targeting motels, hostels, and backpackers that might be operating unsafely by taking on long term tenants. It comes after a deal was struck between local government, council, and iwi last year, aiming to slash emergency housing motel numbers to near zero. Tapsell told Mike Hosking that it's disappointing to see long term tenancies in what should be short term accommodation. She says the healthy home requirements for a house are a lot different for those at a backpackers. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt joined Mike Hosking to discuss the Rugby World Cup final, changes that need to be made to officiating, and Joesph Parker's win over Simon Kean in Saudi Arabia. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot of talk about the match. But what about the game of rugby? As I was watching Bill Beaumont hand out the prizes I wondered whether he has the slightest clue that he is killing the game's chances at the domination or growth they so desperately want. For the sport's show piece, yesterday morning was a bust. If you expect the casual observer to tune in, as so many do for the pinnacle of sport, whether it’s the Olympics or World Cups or finals of anything at the elite level, you have to give them a reason to come back, and yesterday wasn’t it. For the departing players, what a miserable way to end a career. Rugby is like any other event that wants fans, or sales, or eye balls. It is entertainment. It competes against video games, Taylor Swift concerts, as well as all other athletic pursuits. It's chasing the attention of those of us who wish to be mesmerised, or thrilled, or amazed. You need to put on a show. Everything that is wrong with rugby featured in those 80 dull, slow, meandering and boring minutes. Rules no one understands, penalties for things that don't make sense, interminable gaps between actual play as bandages are applied, tired players are allowed to milk the clock, a scrum gets lined up by a series of instructions so long you can boil the kettle, or the TMO runs through a couple of hundred angles to try and find something criminal. It is sport by committee and old men who have missed the memo. It would be simpler to call it flag football, or touch, and just do away with most of the rules. Looking at people the wrong way seems to be a card. There's so much interpretation and if you're not interpreting, you're fearful. So many rules around trying to stop things like concussions and head injuries and law suits, all laudable I am sure when they waxed lyrical about them around a boardroom table. But in application, all they have done is wreck the game. To grow a sport you have to justify the price of admission. Look at the NBA - 60% growth this year in viewership and ticket sales from 92 countries. Why? Because it's spectacular. The biggest growth market is India. Is India a basket country? No. But make it cool enough and you don’t have to be. Rugby isn't cool. It can still be played well, but too often it isn't. Yes the All Blacks lost, but not as badly as rugby did.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did the officiating and all the rules ruin rugby’s big showpiece? The match officiating was under hefty scrutiny in the All Blacks’ 12-11 loss to the Springboks in Paris, with referee Wayne Barnes heavily relying on the TMO throughout. The game saw three yellows and one red card, as well as questions over Springboks captain Siya Kolisi’s yellow not being upgraded to a red like Sam Cane’s for a similar challenge, as well as Aaron Smith’s disallowed try. Former international rugby referee Vinny Munro joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Auckland University think-tank study's highlighted the significant degree to which weight problems can be triggered both before birth and in early childhood. The Knowledge Hub for Maternal and Child Health at the Centre for Informed Futures found links between caregiver feeding practices, what age infants are introduced solid foods, and the weight of parents at conception. Lead researcher Dr Felicia Low joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our tourism sector's popping the champagne as American aviation giant Delta Air Lines enters the New Zealand market today. The airline will transit between Los Angeles and Auckland every day during summer, and three times a week in late March to late October. United Airlines have also joined the party, adding more offerings to New Zealand. House of Travel Chief Operating Officer Brent Thomas told Mike Hosking there's big demand from North American travellers. “And New Zealand has been the top of the bucket list for a lot of Americans for a long time. The other side of the coin, of course, is that means with all that competition, we get great flights out of New Zealand.” Thomas says the increasing competition has driven down prices in the last year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matthew Perry's being remembered after his unexpected death yesterday. The 54-year-old actor best known for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends was found dead in the hot tub at his Los Angeles home. Sources say first responders were called for a person suffering cardiac arrest. Flowers and cards are piling up outside the New York building which doubled as Central Perk. Although KTLA entertainment reporter Sam Rubin told Mike Hosking the main Friends cast still haven't commented. “I think this going to be a very considered series of remarks. Whether that comes from the remaining five collectively as a group or each of the five individually, I don’t know.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel says its next stage of war with Hamas has begun as it expands ground operations in Gaza. The UN has warned that civil order is breaking down in Gaza. Israeli journalist Haggai Matar told Mike Hosking they don't know if this is THE ground invasion that's been expected for some time. “We are seeing additional ground operations, but I don’t think it’s of the mass scale that was envisioned when Israel initially announced that there would be a ground invasion.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rugby World Cup final didn’t end the way the All Blacks were hoping for. The Springboks are four-time World Cup champions after defeating a 14-man All Blacks 12-11 at the Stade de France in Paris. The final was a controversially over-refereed affair, that proved disappointing for the sport’s showpiece game. Former All Black Sean Fitzpatrick joined Mike Hosking the over-refereeing was already an issue well before the final. “Throughout the tournament there’s just been so many inconsistencies that it doesn’t give you any confidence and it spoils the game.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s potentially the sports headline, good news, hold the front page, story of the year. Rugby has had a good week. I like what the internationals are doing with the North/South expansion. What people want is the best and playing the best. Boxing has understood that for years that you create the contest, build the hype and sell it. Splitting the game between hemispheres, as we play Australia and South Africa and Argentina over and over again, is not a recipe for anticipation and excitement. How many northern tours have there been where we don't play the team you want not a lot is on the line anyway? Put a stake in the ground, get a cup, call it a contest, give it a title and you're off. Then you come to this weekend. In all honesty I would have liked France, and if it wasn’t France, then England. But only if England looked like they might be up to something, which sadly, they're not. If they had won last week that would have been their final. We would have killed them on Sunday. South Africa, bar France, are the right team to win the cup against. While we are re-organising the sport, we need better draws. Our victory, if there is indeed a victory, came about because we beat Ireland and that's about it. We get crowned the world champs because we beat Ireland? Is that enough? We beat Italy, Namibia and Uruguay. They are not competition. So we lost to France, beat some nobodies, but won it all because we played two good teams and came out victorious. As long-winded as the current world cup in cricket may be, at least it’s a contest where they play everyone. How can you be the best if you haven't proved it by beating the rest? Anyway, I think we will win because we look more complete than we have been in a while. We look confident without being cocky, we look organised, we haven't panicked when pressured and we have the greatest of reasons to finish this with Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith and, of course, Ian Foster. If Foster wins this, how good is that as a story? Written off, bagged, bullied, treated abysmally by his employers and, yet, victorious. He'd be the best in the world, the Halberg would be in the bag and a massive middle finger, he is far too gracious to expose, to a period of his career he never deserved, and must have wondered at times whether being a tall poppy, in a country that hates them, was worth it. That, if it pans out, is a redemption story to beat them all.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 process of elections: 2/10 Surely we have collectively decided this week that three weeks is nutty. The Electoral Commission have some answers to produce and it can't be as hard and slow as they make it. The All Blacks: 8/10 I feel good, don’t you? It's not a forgone done deal, but they look good, they look confident, and they look a lot better than when we all decided they weren't up to much. Andrew Webster: 8/10 A three-year extension for one of the best coaches we have seen in years. Houses: 6/10 Banks doors are open, apparently, to lower deposits - plus prices are rising and investors are bullish. Squid Game: 4/10 A real-life version of the movie on Netflix? Normally it's a movie of real life. Eight hour working day: 5/10 Fewer and fewer of us actually work eight hours. It seems work is all a bit hard for a growing number of us. What happened to work being fun and good for us? Donald Trump: 2/10 How many of his people have to turn and cut a deal before he is crushed under the weight of it? The rugby expansion: 7/10 The North/South thing I like, the World Cup changes are a waste of time LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meridian Energy and NZ Windfarms have struck a deal, aiming to further New Zealand’s venture towards net zero emissions. The joint-venture is to expand Te Rere Hau wind farm near Palmerston North, estimated costs sitting between $500 million and $600 million. Meridian’s CEO, Mike Roan, told Mike Hosking that they plan to remove the existing wind farm and build new turbines at the site. He said that it’s a big challenge to decarbonize the economy, and partnerships between local wind farms and major corporations will allow the projects to get off of the ground. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kids will be kids, but one US restaurant has become fed up with parents who refuse to control their children. The Toccoa Riverside Restaurant in rural Georgia has introduced a “bad parenting fee”, charging parents a surcharge if their kids’ behaviour is disruptive or unruly. The surcharge is stated plainly on the menu, but the choice has angered many social media users who are asking just what constitutes an “adult unable to parent”. Michael Dearth, owner of The Grove, told Mike Hosking that the onus is on the parents to ensure their kids behave, but there as a restauranteur, he also has an obligation to ensure that every customer and member of staff has a great time. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks have made it to the Rugby World Cup final for the fifth time. They're set to face the Springboks Sunday morning in an epic clash for the cup. Former All Blacks Captain, John Hart, told Mike Hosking that the combination of youth and experience is really working for the team. He said they’ve got the team they want, and they’ve gone in injury free, and are prepared to put in a first-class performance against South Africa. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up to 300 law enforcement personnel are searching for the suspect in the mass-shooting in Maine. At least 18 people are dead and a further 13 injured after the shootings at a bowling alley and bar in Lewiston. Suspect 40-year-old Robert Card is believed to be armed and dangerous. There's a "shelter in place" order for residents of the town and two neighbouring ones. Maine Monitor Editor David Dahl told Mike Hosking that Card had mental health issues. He says images of him that have been circulated show him pictured with what appears to be an assault rifle. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rugby World Cup is coming to a close this weekend as the All Blacks face South Africa in what’s set to be an epic final match. All Blacks Coach, Ian Foster, told Mike Hosking that getting to this point wasn’t easy, but it helped build the team’s character. He said that a little adversity never killed anyone, as long as you don’t sulk about it but you do roll your sleeves up and get stuck into it. Foster said he’s incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved and now they know they can go on to play the game they want to play. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland councillors are almost split down the middle on whether to establish separate Māori ward seats. Councillors have voted against the idea, 11 votes to 9. Howick Ward Councillor Maurice Williamson —who voted against the seats— told Mike Hosking that most public submitters were opposed to Māori seats. He says the council already has separate Māori representation around the council table through the Independent Māori Statutory Board. Whau Ward Councillor Kerrin Leoni —who voted for the seats— says the result is disheartening. She says it's a lost opportunity to allow some great Māori to contribute to the future of the city. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Come Together has announced another tour in their series. The iconic kiwi supergroup is combining the biggest and best songs they’ve recreated since their inception for a “banger” end-of-year-tour. Jon Toogood, Shihad frontman, is a member of this star-studded group, and told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking that he plans to perform David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. He’s pretty sure Bowie is going to be featured in the tour, and picked the song because it’s one he knows on acoustic guitar. Toogood told Hosking that music is a part of pretty much his whole day. “It’s been my thing since I was two years old.” The only time he’s not thinking about music is when he’s with his kids, saying that that’s when he feels “like a dad rather than a musician.” He did pass the musical gene on to his children though, telling Hosking that his five-year-old daughter is either going to be a punk rock drummer or a truck driver. “We made a decision early on with our kids,” Toogood revealed. “That whatever they’re passionate about, we’ll back them 100%.” “I’m not into making copies of myself.” Touring also comes naturally to Toogood, telling Hosking that he feels at home in front of an audience. “I’m more comfortable on a stage than I am New World shopping,” he joked. This particular tour however, comes with a bit of a challenge: picking the songs. “There’s so many highlights on all the records we’ve done.” But before that he’s taking his solo music to the East Coast, playing three shows to test out his new material. “I’m looking forward to those.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yet another competition has arisen between Australia and New Zealand. KiwiSaver is underperforming, with only a 6% contribution rate in comparison to the 11% contribution rate to Australia’s Super System. Simplicity Founder, Sam Stubbs, told Mike Hosking that politicians tend to think in the short term when it comes to KiwiSaver. He said that they might be worried that if they make KiwiSaver compulsory or increase contributions, it takes money away from people and makes them less likely to vote for them. Stubbs said they don’t see the long-term impact on infrastructure and the economy that super funds can have. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aside from the ongoing scandal at Three Waters headquarters that we talked about yesterday, is the news from ratings agency S&P, who tell us the real issue around water and what to do about infrastructure is not Government debt but local council debt. Now at this point Labour will yell "I told you so". The problem is the Government is not encumbered by debt if you compare it as S&P do to other countries. But at a local level there are no shortage of councils who can borrow no more because they are maxed out. The fact they are maxed out should be of alarm to us all. For years we have failed to pay attention to the amateurs, well meaning or not, who we elect to run the town or city who then go and borrow to the eyeballs in their mad three year-cycle psychology and we end up where we are; unable to deal with the big picture issues without imposing massive rate increases. Auckland is a good example, exposed so badly by the summer weather back in January. And Wellington appears to be on course to win the prize for the biggest bunch of dysfunctional buffoons for 2023. But that doesn’t solve water, so the inference from S&P is Government has to do the heavy lifting. Fair enough. So can you kill Three Waters without the same mess Labour managed to foist upon us? The answer is yes. The trouble was never the issue. We all agree water needs to improve. The trouble was the mechanism of taking assets off councils, bribing councils and forcing a Maori lens on councils. These were the problems that made it so toxic. Dare I suggest water is not a race issue. It's an issue for all of us and as such, a co-governance model is not necessary. Can I suggest, if some councils want to opt out they can? Leaving the Government and its ability to borrow to help those that do want it, on the understanding that some sort of fiscal arrangement is struck where the lender is not left high and dry if the borrower defaults. Can I also suggest the model of four bodies made into ten bodies merely goes to prove the number of bodies doesn’t matter, it's how you do it that does. Maybe some of the power at local level needs to be devolved so we don’t end up with endless fiefdoms arguing over what they do and don’t run. The main point being- if we have agreement at the core of the issue, which we do, …then the rest is doable if there is good will and less ideology. Three Waters is a business case lesson in how to take a problem and complicate it beyond recognition and leave a bad taste in everyone's mouth. A problem that, badly mangled, is never that hard to actually sort.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Invivo was created back in 2008 with the intention of bringing kiwi wine to the world. Fifteen years on they, alongside Sarah Jessica Parker, lead a seminar and tasting for some of the most influential beverage industry professionals at the world’s biggest wine event in New York. Their wine collaboration is the fastest growing premium Sauvignon Blanc currently in the United States, with sales increasing by 49% over the past seven months. Invivo Co-Founder, Tim Lightbourne, told Mike Hosking that there’s still big opportunities out there and room for growth. He said it’s lead by Sauvingon Blanc, but once they get that mainstream US audience into Sauvignon Blanc, it’s all on. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small business sales have seen a decline in growth for the first time since Covid-19 lockdowns. New Xero data for the September 2023 quarter shows a 1.5% decline year-on-year in sales, the weakest since September 2021. It puts New Zealand well behind Australia and just behind the UK, but well ahead of the US and Canada. Max Whitehead, the CEO of the Small Business Voice, told Mike Hosking that it comes down to the election. He thinks that people are holding back and being cautious for the time being, but things may change once there’s a more concrete government and policy in place. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a debate around whether teachers and students should be able to contact each other on social media. A student who was groomed and sexually abused by her teacher is calling for teachers to be banned from talking to students on social media. Secondary Principals Association President Vaughan Couillault told Mike Hosking that it's about appropriate use. He says it's not necessarily the tool that's the problem, but the adult that's using it inappropriately. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Helen Clark says the fact New Zealand has a caretaker government means it's taken time for a statement on the Israel Gaza conflict. Outgoing Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, in consultation with incoming Prime Minister Chris Luxon, has joined international calls for humanitarian corridors in Gaza and designated safe areas. The former Prime Minister told Mike Hosking that hostages will be fearing the worst. She says a humanitarian pause will give time for the negotiation of hostage release. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Wellington City Councillor thinks the Town Hall saga is beyond the point of no return. A majority of councillors yesterday agreed to accept a new budget of up to $329 million for the redevelopment and quake-strengthening of the heritage-listed building. Tony Randle told Mike Hosking that they would have to consult the entire city if they voted not to continue works. He says they were trapped into doing this and given little choice. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another piece has fallen into place for next year's America’s Cup. Louis Vuitton has returned as the main sponsor for the event, marking forty-one years since they first got involved in 1983. Team New Zealand CEO, Grant Dalton, told Mike Hosking that their return is really good for the cup. He said it shows that they have faith in the Cup going forward, whether Team New Zealand wins or loses. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local Government New Zealand maintains there are still council meetings that need a degree of privacy. A Chief Ombudsman investigation into eight councils has found some have been effectively closing workshops to the public for invalid reasons. It followed complaints they were undermining local democracy. Local Government President Sam Broughton told Mike Hosking that the legislation still allows for publicly excluded meetings. He said that these might be used for things that are commercially sensitive. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the coronial inquest into the mosque shooting gets underway surely one of the ironies is the fact that something that it is hoped will provide answers needs to answer a couple of questions itself. Why does it take so long to get an inquiry underway? Is something this far down the track from the event able to give the answers people want? One of the stories yesterday suggested the great hope was this inquiry would lead to something like this never happening again. I'm not sure how this is possible. A mass shooting has not been part of New Zealand history so there is not really a pattern to be studied. The outworkings of an errant, crazy man is not something that an inquiry can prevent. It can potentially delve into some of the other issues like the emergency response, they are looking at an exit door and whether it failed to function. Some are looking for closure. I hope for those who are looking for closure they get it, but for that to happen surely it must be based on the mere functionality of the inquiry, not the specifics and outworkings because an inquiry is not a miracle. It’s a series of questions and probes and recollections. I can't see how we are going to conclude mass, catastrophic, systematic failure, whereby a large series of recommendations are put forward and the fabric of society is changed as we implement them and go about our business in a completely different way. This was a tragic day, as a result of a crazed man with a gun, bent on madness and destruction. I may be proved wrong, but the emergency response appeared astonishing and the bravery involved was extraordinary. The things we have done already, the gun amnesty and register, seem as political as a response as they are practical. The Christchurch call that was set up has not stopped online hate. If an entire Government and its contribution is limited to that, what is a coronial inquiry going to achieve? Call me cynical, but this seems as much procedural as anything. It's four and a half years later, with findings not until at least five and a half years later, it's not what you would call urgent, is it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politicians from opposing sides want special votes to be counted more quickly. Special votes and the final election result will be released in nine days, giving the final makeup of Parliament. National and ACT can govern alone on current numbers, but those may change once November 3rd comes around. Labour's Megan Woods told Mike Hosking that she doesn't see how allowing people to enrol on the day adds a week to counting specials. National's Mark Mitchell agrees. He said the Justice Committee will conduct an electoral review. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fresh shout for Kiwi kids to back their team in black this week. A campaign is calling on school kids to ditch their uniforms and don something black to show support for All Blacks ahead of the Rugby World Cup Final. The man behind the campaign, former NZR Chief Executive, David Moffett told Mike Hoksing that it's a way for kids around the country to feel involved. He says it'll give the final a bit more meaning. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sick leave is becoming an increasing issue for employers. Business Desk reports bosses are noticing that people are not shy about using up all their sick leave entitlements. Data shows that on average people take 5.5 sick days a year, a big jump from where it was at 4.5 pre-pandemic. Business NZ's Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard told Mike Hosking that everyone's position on illnesses has changed. She puts it down to a shift in attitudes towards sickness following the pandemic, as well as a more progressive view of mental health. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 220 Israeli hostages remain in captivity as the war with Hamas continues. Four women have been released — one says she was led through a spider's web of damp tunnels into a large hall where she was under 24-hour guard. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that hopes for the rest remain unclear. He says the US and Israel are pressing for a much larger hostage release but they're tough negotiators. Meanwhile, more than 700 Palestinians were also killed overnight by Israeli air strikes, according to Gaza's health ministry. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon has agreed coalition documents should be made public. Special vote results get released on Friday week, showing the final make-up of MPs after the election. Luxon wants vote-counting to be faster than that. ACT's David Seymour says he has no problem making the coalition agreement public. Incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking that he's wanting to work with both parties and progress conversations. He says they're very supportive of making it available, so people can understand the commitments they have made. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The British Government's determined the explosion at a hospital in Gaza was most likely caused by a missile fired from within Gaza, not a rocket from Israel. Palestinian officials say 471 people were killed in the blast at the hospital. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says their judgement is based on deep knowledge and analysis of their intelligence and weapons experts. UK Correspondent, Rod Liddle, told Mike Hosking that the Conservative Party is full square behind Israel. He said that there are very few people in the party who have sympathies with Hamas. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

French President Emmanuel Macron is the latest world leader to attempt to calm waters in the Middle East. He'll meet with the Israeli Prime Minister and President, following British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and US President Joe Biden last week. Europe Correspondent Catherine Field says they're trying to avoid a broader escalation of the conflict. She says they're asking for some kind of humanitarian pause, where aid can get in and then the possibility of a ceasefire. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Webster has been locked in as the New Zealand Warriors head coach until the end of 2028. The three-year contract extension means he'll equal the club's longest coaching tenure of six seasons. Warriors CEO, Cameron George, told Mike Hosking that he has a way about getting belief into people. He said that in tough situations you can measure a person’s leadership, and Webster didn’t move, he kept believing, and they eventually came through. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wayne Barnes is the most experienced referee in test history. He has been confirmed to referee the World Cup rugby final between the All Blacks and Springboks in Paris on Sunday morning. Former International Rugby Referee, Vinny Munro, told Mike Hosking that he’s been there, done that. He said that with that much experience, you’re going to get a good performance. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billions could be saved if we had a more concrete infrastructure project timeline. An Infrastructure New Zealand-commissioned report shows streamlining delivery could result in savings of more than 26% on future projects. CEO Nick Leggett says if applied, these savings could increase the amount spent on delivery by between 2.3-billion and 4.7-billion-dollars a year, over the 2025-31 period. He says planning, procurement, and people become more secure, and as a result the money saved can be reinvested. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.