The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Today on Politics Wednesday, Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen are back with Mike Hosking to discuss the biggest stories of the week so far.  They discussed the details Labour’s seeking from the India Free Trade Agreement, the National Infrastructure Plan and the possibility of tolling the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and the latest political polls.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 18th of February, the first National Infrastructure Plan has been unveiled, and it’s a sobering read. Minister Chris Bishop joined to unpack the report.   Netball NZ's chair Matt Whineray is resigning from the board, along with three other members, in an end to a tumultuous time at the organisation.  Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell debate the India FTA, tolling the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and the latest polls on Politics Wednesday.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new Reserve Bank Governor will deliver her first Monetary Policy Statement today.  The central bank's expected to keep the OCR unchanged at 2.25%.  It's likely to show when inflation should start easing, and when the economy should recover from last year's downturn.  BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones told Mike Hosking today’s announcement will likely see them swap out the mild easing bias the bank had in November and replace it with a mild tightening bias.   He says they believe the Reserve Bank will probably want to signal a hike by around December this year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Infrastructure Minister believes a toll is a fair way of paying for a new Auckland harbour crossing.   The Infrastructure Commission’s 30-year plan makes 10 recommendations for what should be prioritised over the next decade, with hospital investment topping the list.   The plan suggests the extra crossing in Auckland, tunnel or bridge, gets a $9 toll, but the Government is still weighing up whether the existing bridge should also be tolled.  Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking ultimately, roads have to be paid for.  He says the second harbour crossing will be the biggest infrastructure project ever built in New Zealand, and they think it will wind up being tolled as it’s a fair way of paying for the project.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outgoing Netball New Zealand chair Matt Whineray regrets the way they communicated with the public during the drawn out Silver Ferns coaching saga.  Whineray is ending his eight-year tenure alongside three others at board level.  The governing body came under scrutiny last year for their handling of the standing down, and eventual re-instatement, of Dame Noeline Taurua.  Whineray told Mike Hosking they had the right intentions.  He says they were trying to balance the obligations they have with the need to keep people informed, but they know their communication could be better.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland and Northland are being deemed New Zealand's most vulnerable regions when it comes to infrastructure.  The infrastructure Commission has laid out a 30 year plan, with 17 recommendations for how to strengthen our delivery model.   Downer Managing Director Murray Robertson believes Auckland and Northland are exposed due to lack of electricity which other infrastructure sectors rely on.  He told Mike Hosking power largely comes from hydro in the south, to it's important to try get that reticulation closer to those key networks.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A sharp rise in food inflation could unfortunately be out of our control.  Latest Stats NZ data reveals the rate's risen to 4.6% – well up on 4% a month ago.  Fruit and vegetable prices have jumped 6.3% in the last year, and meat, poultry, and fish rose by 8.9%.  Grocery Action Group Chair Sue Chetwin told Mike Hosking there's been a lot of uncontrollable factors impacting prices, like recent storm damage affecting crops.  She says fresh fruit and vegetables should be at their cheapest at this time of year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My summation of what we have heard so far in the Judge Aitken case. The “Did I yell at and interrupt and disrupt Winston?" case.  Aitken was on the stand, so to speak, yesterday, remembering none of this is criminal.  In fact, I would describe it as outrageously political.  Judge Aitken shouldn’t be here. No one should. It’s a storm in a judicial teacup.  Should she have had a pop at Winston at the Northern Club? Of course not.  The incident, much disputed in terms of angst, animosity, and volume, shows the judge in a poor light.  It was none of her business and you don't go around running commentary on other people's evenings.  Then again you don’t go dobbing interlopers in to the Attorney General, which is what has happened, and next thing you know you have a legal circus where a person's career is potentially about to be blown up.  Also disturbing for me as the casual observer, is the Chief District Court Judge's role in the apology by Judge Aitken. He involved two media advisors and amended Aitken's wording so it wouldn’t offend New Zealand First.  At all times the Chief Judge seemed to be obsessed with not offending political parties. His overt weakness worries me, not to mention Judge Aitken's inability to have her voice heard. She's not 13-years-old, she's a judge.  My sense of where we are at is we will never get to know the full story because the versions vary. Therefore, the panel doing the deciding won't come to a definitive conclusion, therefore whatever they put before Paul Goldsmith will go nowhere.  So maybe what we are seeing currently is the actual punishment. In other words, a judge, her reputation, her drinking habits, her words all being dissected, is the punishment. It is the humiliation.  Overall the insight in the legal fraternity, not forgetting the good judge's celebratory doctor partner and the KC on video, does not come off reputationally well.  If you wanted to think of them broadly as a bunch of champagne-swilling, self-serving snobs, they haven't done a lot to dissuade us.  But then New Zealand First look like a petty, point score-y, loser group of narks, who don’t mind wrecking peoples lives.  The hearing continues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwis love their cooking shows.  Once you get past ‘The Chase’, the likes of MasterChef Australia is consistently within the top watched shows, both on TV and online.   Recognisable from her four seasons on MasterChef Australia, Melissa Leong has moved on to host Dessert Masters, and is now fronting a new Kiwi cooking show.  She’s partnered up with Aimsfield Head Chef Vaughan Mabee for ‘Taste of Art’, a show that pits ten Kiwi chefs against one another, aiming to create visually stunning food.   Leong told Mike Hosking the reason food and cooking related shows tend to do well is because of the element of human connection.  “You know, the stories that food allow us to tell about culture, about time and place and connection, all of these things are just so very enduringly human,” she said.   "We are always going to find that compelling.”   She says there’s something there for everyone, whether it’s a show like MasterChef that heroes the humble, homegrown cooks and recipes, or something like ‘Taste of Art’, which showcases imagination and incredible possibilities.   “There’s something in it for everyone ... being able to share a little bit, a little part of who they are in the form of food.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Intermittent fasting may not be the magic bullet for weight loss it appeared to be.   Researchers analysed 22 global trials and found no clear advantage over standard dietary advice.  Weight loss was broadly similar to traditional dieting, and there was no strong evidence of extra metabolic benefits.  Body Torque Gym Founder Alex Flint told Mike Hosking intermittent fasting is just a really good method for portion control, but it has a much better marketing department.   He says if you can stick to it, it’s a fantastic tool, but it’s not superior to regular calorie control methods and eating patterns.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 17th of February, Contact Energy CEO Mike Fuge explains why power bills are still high while their profits rise 44%.  Hamish Kerr pops in after winning the Supreme Award at the Halbergs last night.  And former MasterChef Australia judge Melissa Leong discusses her new show with Kiwi chef Vaughan Mabee.    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.

This past weekend marks 144 years since the first shipment of frozen lamb left Port Chalmers for London.   It was instrumental in shaping in a food and fibre sector that’s become a backbone of the New Zealand economy – worth $60 billion.   The UK remains one of our most important, and premium, markets for lamb.   Kiwi Chef and NZ lamb ambassador Melanie Brown told Mike Hosking that like other New Zealand products, including wine, New Zealand lamb is a product people return to regularly.  She says they know they’re going to get consistency and quality, and you just cannot beat the quality story.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strong signs of economic turnaround from the latest half-year results.  Energy company Contact, courier company Freightways and dairy producer a2 Milk all announced results yesterday.  Contact's recorded a 44% rise in net profit and has gone into a trading halt while it begins a major capital raise to fund more renewable energy projects.  CEO Mike Fuge told Mike Hosking the primary reason for the increase in profits is the investments they’ve made and the acquisition of Manawa Energy.   He says it’s a fine balance – no one ever appreciates the power bill, but they also have to invest and build more generation to meet the growing demand.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World champion high jumper Hamish Kerr has leapt clear of his fellow Halberg finalists, winning the Supreme Award.  He soared above sportswoman victor Zoi Sadowski-Synnott, the Black Ferns sevens team winners, and dominant para-athlete Danielle Aitchison.  Dame Valerie Adams and Richie McCaw have been inducted into the sports hall of fame.  Hamish Kerr's mentor James Sandilands took out the coach category.  Kerr told Mike Hosking it’s a great honour to be put on a trophy with a bunch of absolute Kiwi sporting legends.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are hopes Auckland's new International Convention Centre will be a huge drawcard for international delegates.  A Business Events Industry Aotearoa report reveals the sector delivered $925 million for the economy last year.   It shows international delegates here for conferences spent $645 daily on average – higher than holiday visitors.  CEO Lisa Hopkins told Mike Hosking they’re in growth mode with the new convention centre coming online.   She says they now have a strong suite of convention centres across the country, which gives them a broader opportunity to take businesses of different sizes, different needs, and different requirements.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small wins for the retail sector, as confidence reaches a two-year high.  A report by Retail NZ shows almost 77% of retailers surveyed in the fourth quarter of last year are confident their business will survive the next 12 months.  The proportion of retailers with low confidence has almost halved since the third quarter of last year to just 6.6%.  Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young told Mike Hosking businesses are now focusing on making small gains on last year.  She says retailers have lowered their levels of stock as demand levels are lower, but they're now selling through it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 16th of February, Eden Park boss Nick Sautner got his wish and we can finally use Eden Park as a proper stadium - plus the worst kept secret, State of Origin is indeed coming to NZ. The Prime Minister responds to his coalition partner's ideas of getting rid of the Maori seats and dropping some MP's from Parliament, plus these cultural leave entitlements in the public sector. Jason Pine and Andrew Saville cover off the chaos of the SailGP, the beginning of Super Rugby and F1 testing. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I am increasingly impressed by Iain Rennie, who is the Treasury boss. He seems to say a bunch of interesting and insightful stuff. Last year he warned about our growth rate, our debt and our inability to grow our way out of our troubles. He advocated for asset sales. This past week he was at the Waikato University Economic Forum where he talked about our problem of exporting our best and brightest. Ironically the latest migration stats came out at the same time. The worst might be behind us. Our net migration gain is still small, but the stampede out of the door by New Zealanders has petered out. At Waikato Rennie talked about how it is unique to this country that we export so many young people. His suggestion is the frontier companies aren't good enough and they don’t adapt or adopt or invest fast enough compared to other countries. The gap between the frontier companies and lagging firms isn't as big as it should be. In other words the rock stars don’t actually rock that much and if you are skilled and bright and determined, offshore seems the place to be. He also talked of confidence and that, to me, is what's missing in this country. Of our four kids who are actually working two are offshore. One other could be, but for now, isn't. We will never be a London or New York. But the fizz we had half a dozen years ago is gone. Immigrants have replaced our kids. We have been dumbed-down. Our brightest haven't been replaced with America's brightest or Europe's brightest, but from countries like India and the Phillippines. We are exporting scientists and doctors and bringing in nurses and baristas.   Immigration is awesome. I love immigration. But not if it's not of our choosing. We are being forced into it. The good news is this happened comparatively fast. Not long ago our net gain was over 100,000 people a year. We brought them in and the good ones didn’t leave. We can recapture all of that, but a mindset shift is needed. We need to want to be better. I'm not sure enough of us are of that mindset, hence Rennie's concern.     LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Foils suffered a nasty end to their home race this weekend. Their F50 Catamaran crashed into the French team, leaving Kiwi grinder Louis Sinclair with two broken legs. Race organisers then shifted to a split-fleet format for the remaining races over safety concerns.  AUT Sailing Professor Mark Orams told Mike Hosking that it's time for SailGP to 'crank up' the safety measures.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Pine and Andrew Saville join Mike Hosking this morning to discuss the weekend's sports. On the table today: The second State of Origin game is coming to Eden Park, how many Kiwis are going to go see the Aussies play? The guys review the Super Rugby from the weekend, and a number of F1 drivers are unhappy with the rule changes, are we in for a slow season? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says Labour's concerns with the India Free Trade Agreement is "politicking", and Chris Hipkins wanting attention.  Labour's saying they want the un-redacted advice about the deal and greater protection for migrant workers.  In a letter to Chris Luxon, Chris Hipkins wants more clarity about the clause which requires New Zealand business to invest $33billion into India.  Luxon told Mike Hosking that none of their concerns are real problems.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Act hasn't made it's ‘radical’ public service reform a bottom line, for potential post-election negotiations.  It wants to cut government departments from 41 down to no more than 30.  The number of ministers would be reduced from 28 to 20, with all of them sitting around the cabinet table. Act leader David Seymour was asked by Mike Hosking whether it's a non-negotiable. He says it's easy to say something will never happen if something isn't a bottom line..but everyone has to negotiate a position, and this is their's.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's Eden Park CEO says new event rules will align us better with global venues - as the stadium's granted more concerts and a State of Origin match  The Government's announced new settings, lifting the number of concerts allowed each year to 32 - 12 large and 20 medium-sized - without the need for resource consent.  Night-time sport will also be allowed on any day, as long as games are over by 10.30pm - and New Zealand's first ever State of Origin match will be held next year. CEO Nick Sautner told Mike Hosking that his team's been committed to getting to this point. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Foran is back where I suspect he belongs, and likes. The former Air New Zealand boss, if you have missed it, is off to Kroger, which is America's second biggest grocer behind Walmart. I have never met a New Zealander who has worked in America that belongs in America more. It was evident from the first time I met him that he was American. You can spot them in their shirts and ties. They are conservative and yet impeccably pressed. He looked like he had starched himself getting out of bed each morning. The last time he was in here, his farewell interview, we talked off air about where now. He didn’t say specifically, but I knew it was America. The bit he never explained, probably because he either couldn’t for commercial reasons, or couldn’t because he hadn't quite worked it out for himself, was what the hell he was ever doing back in New Zealand. I asked him any number of times in a sort of non-direct way, what on earth was it about a small airline at the bottom of the world that would drag you out of Walmart to come and run it? Possibly given he wasn’t running Walmart, it was a job in which he was running something so his CV would show a Kroger in years to come that he was ready to be boss. At Walmart he lived in Arkansas and flew in private jets. In New Zealand he kept having to explain why the Wellington to Taupo plane never took off. The Covid thing must have been the nightmare from hell and it wasn’t his fault. But even without it and the myriad of problems he faced, including the inexplicable cluster around engines that no airline anywhere seems to have encountered the way Air New Zealand has, you always got the impression he was either here for a short time, or it had all been a patriotic mistake driven by a laudable desire to return to home base and make some sort of contribution. But I can tell you this, of all the Air New Zealand CEO's I have known - business legend Ralph Norris, marketing genius Rob Fyfe, Prime Minister Chris Luxon and Greg Foran - no one looked less at home and more bewildered than Greg. Some people loved him because he was often at the airport checking their backs in, so work ethic was never the issue. The issue was Air New Zealand wasn’t American. I bet you he has never been happier, or more relieved. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday the 13th of February, is there a water tax in the RMA bill? Chris Bishop responds to some angry farmers.   Karen Chhour answers questions about why there is Maori leave entitlements at Oranga Tamariki and whether it is more widespread than one Government department. Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson on concert reviews, adult kids back at the house and Kiwis bed times.   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.

March 6th is your day. This is the date that the changes to foreign buyers of expensive houses comes into play. This date, in a way, is like the LNG announcement. The idea of foreign buyers for houses isn't new. It's been part of the Government's plan ever since the Government became the Government. The LNG idea got floated in the winter of 2024, not long after the Government became the Government also. This proves one of two things - either it's hard work being in Government and things take longer than you think, or this lot aren't that flash at getting things done despite the rhetoric to the contrary. The foreign buyers rule is a righting of a horrible, myopic, narrow-minded wrong from the previous Government. House prices were never driven by Germans buying $15 million homes in Herne Bay, nor the Chinese buying $19 million homes in St Heliers. And Auckland is essentially where they were all bought. Queenstown has joined the party a bit lately. But the vast swathe of New Zealand never saw a mega purchase from a filthy, rich foreigner. Why it's important is we should see foreigners as good people who want to improve their lives, while improving ours via the improvement of the country. People who have money do things with it, like buy or build business, they invest, they grow, they employ and they pay tax. They bring knowledge and expertise and they, more often than not, fall in love with our piece of paradise and end up doing far more than they ever set out to do. I think a lot of Julian Robertson, an American who built lodges and golf courses here that bring in millions. He enhanced the place. And next time you're at the Auckland Art Gallery, go see one of his Picasso's. He gave them a fortune in art. What drives bans is envy, shallowness, fear and, often, stupidity. We have at last made it right. Yes, it will help the housing market, but more importantly it will help the country and this country needs to pull every trigger in its arsenal to fire it up. Nine years ago we were a place of pride and growth and global admiration. Labour 2017-23 destroyed that. March 6th is a small step back towards redemption and better days. 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. LNG: 7/10 An example of the times. A decent idea to help solve a genuine issue and yet too many miss the point and bitch about tax vs levy vs fee. Greg Foran: 7/10 Back where he belongs. There is a book there. What he thought it might be and what it was, is several chapters worth. OT and cultural leave: 2/10 When you promise something as this Government did, especially around emotive issues like this, you've got to deliver. The fact this is real and still exists speaks to the angst around the race issues this country battles with. The Covid review: 8/10 I don’t care if it's political. It's good its political. We all need a reminder of the damage and pain that results from incompetence and arrogance. Super Bowl: 8/10 The second most watched TV event ever, only behind the most watched TV event ever, which was also the Super Bowl. Spot the sport going places. LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEWSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Super Rugby Pacific is back this weekend as Season 30 kicks off.  Round one is full of derbies, as the Highlanders host the Crusaders tonight, then the Blues take on the Chiefs at Eden Park on Saturday.  Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley told Mike Hosking that there's a focus on improving the pace of play to maintain viewer interest. 'We want to see close matches, we want to see fast games, and we want to continue to see a reduction in static time.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland is hosting the second round of Sail GP for the season, with 13 teams racing at the Wynyard Point Race Stadium. Organisers have boosted capacity with a grandstand that is 30% larger than last year as demand continues to grow.  Sir Russell Coutts told Mike Hosking that, "the growth has been incredible, I think we've expanded our audience way beyond the avid sailing fan." The Black Foils will be looking to bounce back after a rough start to the campaign in Perth. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A shared ambition for the Canterbury region - is expected to secure the region's long term success.  Business Canterbury, The Canterbury Mayoral Forum and the private sector have come together to form shared goals for the region. Business Canterbury Chief Executive Leeann Watson told Mike Hosking that everyone agrees they need to invest in what makes the region unique - which is better infrastructure, housing, affordability and the environment.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is seeking an explanation from Oranga Tamariki.  This follows confirmation of the existence of a clause which allows for 'discretionary paid cultural leave', which is self-defined and not subject to managerial scrutiny.  Children's Minister Karen Chhour said that the clause was added prior to her becoming minister in 2023, and although she can't get rid of the contract, she intends to make her feelings known.  "I can't scrap signed contracts, but what I can do is make my concerns about this known." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Manufacturing company Skellerup has posted a record first half net profit, up 20% to $28.9 million - and they've upgraded their full year earnings guidance. The tariff hit is now expected to be just $2.5million this year - about half of what they originally feared.  Chief Executive Graham Leaming told Mike Hosking that the company has made an effort in the US, and says the company's actions have helped prepare for the tariffs.  "We have a strong presence on the ground in the US. We've got 50 people over there, so we understand our customers well and we understand the market well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I don’t blame Chris Hipkins and Co. for a moment, calling it a gas tax.  That’s politics when you are in Opposition, especially when you have no policies yourself.  What I despair about is yet another chapter of myopic nonsense around dumb words for cheap points.  The truth is comparatively simple and most of it is indisputable: we need more power supply than we have.  We need more reliable power supply than we have. We got caught dangerously short in the winter of 2024.  Labour, in turning off the gas, wrecked the industry and caused untold damage.  The Huntly coal deal is part of the solution.  An LNG importation facility is another part. We need a power supply tap because hydro, wind, and solar isn't it. Even if it's the bulk of supply, it's reliant on things we can't control.  So far so good, we all agree.  The cost of LNG is a billion-ish. Someone has to pay. The Government could pay by borrowing more but, wisely, they choose not to.  The industry could pay through a levy. That is what we have chosen.  Will they pass it on? Yes, why wouldn’t they?  Do you like that? No, why would you?  But at all times we come back to the basic issue: do you want heating in winter, every winter, like a first world country?  Do you want business to be able to operate at full capacity like a first world country?  So it isn't a tax. A tax is a forced payment by Government, that’s not what this is.  It's an increased power bill to eventually get a power bill that wouldn’t have been as high if we hadn't built a back stop for supply.  It's the cost of rectifying an embarrassing wrong. You might want to remember that when you vote.  Fixing broken stuff costs money. It's human to want others to pay for stuff but that’s not how life works.  If you want a spot price of $800 in the dead of winter, the highest price in the world, then doing nothing will work well.  We need more emphasis on the future, and on improvement, and less on the petty and the political point-scoring.  I wouldn’t have thought any of that is complicated.  You might not be thrilled, but it's not complicated. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grammy winning country pop star Maren Morris has made her way to New Zealand as a headlining act.   After starting at just 15 years old, her 20 year career has seen her break boundaries, win numerous awards, and producing multiplatinum and gold certified music.   Morris is a few shows into her ‘Dreamsicle’ tour, having performed in Australia and Auckland, with one more show in Christchurch before she hops over to the States.   She told Mike Hosking headlining her own tour has been incredible.   “We’ve only done a handful of shows, but the crowds are so energetic, and they’re also a listening crowd,” Morris explained.  “They really want to hear the stories behind the songs and how they were written ... it’s a great balance of like, y’know, they want to hear the backstories, but they’re also having fun and dancing.”  “It’s a perfect crowd.”  Morris’ career started early, but that doesn’t mean her success came early as well, which she says made the transition easier to handle.   “Nothing of my career has happened overnight, or has been like, too quick to digest.”  “The saying in Nashville is that it’s a ten-year town, so it takes ten years for most of the successful people to even have a song or album that resonates,” Morris told Hosking.   “I think there’s obviously with any big success, there is a dose of timing and luck, all of those things.”  “You just have to keep going and keep your eye on the target because it is ever moving.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Signs of growing positivity from New Zealand's small and medium sized businesses.   A new report from MYOB reveals that 33% of SMEs polled have more work or sales lined up for the first quarter than usual, and a further 40% say they have the amount they’d normally expect.  The green shoots are showing up in sectors that have struggled of late, including manufacturers, retail, and construction.  ABC Business Sales CEO Chris Small told Mike Hosking the vibe is incredibly positive, especially in comparison to the last two years.  He says that this time last year they had high volumes of business owners saying their earnings were down and they weren’t going to take their business to market, but now those business owners are reporting strong previous quarters.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 12th of February, the Government has announced an independent review into the monetary policy during Covid – practical or political during an election year?  The All Whites have secured a game against England just before the World Cup – their highest-profile game in decades.  And country-pop singer Maren Morris is in the country and joined for a chat about her career, from starting a 15-years-old to winning a Grammy.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Whites have locked in a fixture with fourth-ranked England in Florida as part of their World Cup football preparations.  The match will be held on June 7, New Zealand time, at an as yet unconfirmed venue.  New Zealand Football boss Andrew Pragnell told Mike Hosking they've earned the fixture.  He says every team is looking for fixes ahead of those critical world cup games, but over the last few years the All Whites have been attracting stronger and stronger opposition from around the world.  It's the highest ranked opponent the All Whites have secured in 17 years, and the first time they've played England since 1991.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's rejecting an accusation it's using Covid as an election tactic.   Nicola Willis announced an independent review this year of the monetary policy the Reserve Bank delivered during the pandemic.  It'll be released just weeks before the election, and Labour's Chris Hipkins claims the Government's aiming to revive pandemic conspiracies.  Willis told Mike Hosking she suspects it wouldn’t have mattered what the timing is, the reaction would’ve been the same – their political opponents saying they shouldn’t be asking these questions.   But she says when the Reserve Bank did its own review, the results showed there hasn’t been enough examination into their decisions.   The Finance Minister is also insisting she's keeping an eye on the banking space as ASB reports higher margins.   The bank saw modest growth in the second half of last year, reporting a net profit of $765 million.   Its net interest margins ticked up six basis points to 2.35%.   Willis says told Hosking more people are already looking for better banking deals, and she's working to improve competition.   She says she's comparing our regime internationally, especially with the banks' Australian counterparts, and looking at whether we're getting our settings right.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An argument for dropping beer excise tax here so businesses stay afloat.   Australia's Government is stopping further tax increases landing on beer poured in venues from kegs.  Meanwhile, excise tax continues to rise automatically in New Zealand every year.  Brewers Association executive director Dylan Firth told Mike Hosking fewer people are going to the pub because the tax is driving up the cost of a pint.  He says if hospitality businesses have their own keg rate, venues wouldn't have to push their margins as much to stay open, and people won't lose those socialised spaces.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's ability to cope in the current geopolitical landscape is set to be the hot topic at the Economics Forum this week.   Leading economists, business leaders, and public sector officials are gathering at Waikato University's Management School to talk economic priorities, challenges, and opportunities.   Former Finance Minister Steven Joyce told Mike Hosking they'll discuss the benefits of MMP and the influence of big players like the US.   He says they'll explore how the modern political world encourages nations to think tribally, and how social media is influencing people to think this way.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Government inquiry into the Reserve Bank's decisions through the Covid era could have come far sooner.    The bank printed $55 billion worth of digital money, costing taxpayers more than $10 billion.   The review's findings will be released just weeks before the election – a move that's cast speculation of an underlying political motive by the Finance Minister.   Former Reserve Bank senior staffer Geof Mortlock told Mike Hosking the Government's taken too long to get on with it. He says he's been advocating for it, including to Nicola Willis, for at least two years, so it's well overdue. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Origin Air and Westport part of a wider regional issue in rural New Zealand?  Origin's Westport to Wellington flight is in jeopardy. It's not the first small airline in the first small town to face this trouble.  In fact, as a result of this trouble, the Government set up the Regional Infrastructure Fund for essential air services.  I suppose the key is the word "essential" – is Westport to Wellington essential?  The fund, it is suggested, is going to turn the airline down. Why? I don’t know.  So we seem to have a rock-and-a-hard place scenario.  Is life on the Coast about Hokitika? You can fly from there so is that good enough?  Add the insurance issue on the Coast in and how many hurdles does a region need before it becomes a bit hard? Before you essentially just need a lot of Government support to keep the lights on?  Of course it's the cold, hard reality of a small country with a small population that has decided, rightly or wrongly, to spread themselves out all over the place.  Numbers matter. Planes need to be full, businesses need demand. The equation has to make sense.  How much air connectivity is the right amount?  What about freight vs people? What about product to market that requires speed, not the volume of a train or truck?  How far should you have to drive? Hokitika is not far away. In fact, it could be quicker to go from Westport to Hokitika than it is from the North of Auckland to the South of Auckland where the airport is.  We do, once again rightly or wrongly, expect a lot in small town New Zealand. We love the quiet of the country and rural New Zealand, just with all the first-world services and conveniences, if you wouldn’t mind.  It's also true to say that small towns all over the world have the same issues. Places like Australia with its size, even more so than us.  But if you don’t have an air link and you don’t have insurance and you can't find a GP and the dentist is in the city on the other side of the alps, you get to a tipping point where it all starts to become a bit hard.  Is the Coast, or parts of it, in danger of that very scenario? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political tensions are flaring over the fate of the Government’s retail crime advisory group.  The Government's scrapping its Ministerial Advisory Group several months early after three members resigned last month, leaving just two.  Labour's Ginny Anderson told Mike Hosking it's been a disaster since day one with zero outcomes, lead by the group chair Sunny Kaushal.   She says he was a political appointment that backfired.  But National’s Mark Mitchell says they wanted to make sure New Zealand’s small and medium businesses had a strong voice, which Kaushal has been.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 11th of February, Trade Minister Todd McClay puts to bed once and for all what rights Indian students will have as part of the FTA.  Zoi Sadowski-Synnott discusses the success New Zealand is having at this year’s Winter Olympics, and her Big Air silver medal.   Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen talk the success, or not, of the Retail Advisory Group, the LNG facility and whether it's a fee or levy, and the latest in the House on Politics Wednesday.   Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Kiwi startup is launching a world first beverage, designed to reduce plastic pollution created by other drink companies.  Incrediballs is the world’s first plastic-free, effervescent drink tablet, which dissolves in water to create a flavoured drink.  Created by Ethique founder and former CEO Brianne West, it hopes to offer an alternative to single-use plastic.  She told Mike Hosking it's a game changer as normal effervescent tablets are fundamentally unstable and must be sealed in plastic or metal.  She says scientists have been working on stabilising these elements.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Things are continuing to flourish in Queenstown.  The mid-scale ‘Holiday Inn Express & Suites’, which boasts 277 rooms in the City Centre, is being refurbished to become ‘voco Queenstown’ – part of IHG’s premium portfolio.  The move targets high-end tourism, with the hotel running at around 90% occupancy for nine months of the year.   Hotel Council Aotearoa Strategic Director James Doolan told Mike Hosking that it’s normal to think about renovating and repositioning every seven to ten years, but upgrading to the next level is an encouraging sign.   He says central government’s increased investment in event attraction and destination marketing has allowed private businesses to invest in their assets.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's Winter Olympics team is halfway towards a goal of returning the country's biggest medal haul at a Games.  Luca Harrington has leaped from 11th to claim bronze with his final run in the freeski slopestyle at the Milan-Cortina.  The 21-year-old joins Zoi Sadowski-Synnott who bagged silver in the snowboard big air and has her preferred slopestyle event to come.  Alpine skier Alice Robinson and freeski halfpipe world champion Fin Melville Ives are also yet to compete.  Sadowski-Synnott told Mike Hosking it’s definitely the best Winter Olympics team they’ve had yet, and she’s so inspired by all her teammates.  She says they’re feeding off each other’s energies, and she gets inspired watching everyone else reach and achieve their goals.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Housing instability remains a major barrier for many in the Salvation Army's State of the Nation report.  The key findings show child poverty and material hardship are rising, cost of living remains high, and unemployment's increased.  It's found unaffordable rents and rising homelessness are disrupting education, employment, and wellbeing.  Salvation Army Analyst Paul Barber told Mike Hosking 25% of people's incomes in rent is considered affordable, but this isn't the case for many.  He says some people are paying up to 40% of their incomes on rent.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Retail Crime Group chair is brushing off criticism from former members. The Government's scrapping its retail crime Ministerial Advisory Group early after three members resigned, leaving just two members out of five. Retail NZ boss and former member Carolyn Young said her relationship with chair Sunny Kaushal made the role untenable and as a politician, he's focused on making headlines. But Kaushal told Mike Hosking he's not upset how things went down with Young because he's focused on the victims. He says he won't respond to her public comments because he wants to get the job done and not focus on egos. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Minister Todd McClay's recognised he could have been clearer about aspects of his India trade deal.   He's in battles with Foreign Minister Winston Peters about the agreement's text, which hasn't been released.   Peters has criticised student visas being uncapped but McClay says over-arching immigration settings can still change.   He told Mike Hosking the deal's being legally verified, and India's asked us to withhold its release.   McClay says India's negotiating with the EU and US and are sensitive about what they've given us, so we can only talk about things widely when India agrees.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.