The Mike Hosking Breakfast

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 25th of March, Finance Minister Nicola Willis discusses the new fuel relief package and new All Black's assistant coach Neil Barnes explains his mentality heading into the role.   Big changes are coming to Lotto that will make winning the big prize harder, but we’ll see more people winning some of the minor prizes.  Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell talk cash for access events and the fuel package 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.

Lotto's changing things up for the first time in 19 years.   It's increasing prizes and adding four new Powerballs, which means the odds of winning Division One plummet from one in more than 38 million to about one in almost 54 million.   The top prize is also jumping from $50 million, to $60 million.  CEO Jason Delamore told Mike Hosking the game changes every few years and it’s time for a tune up.  He says they’re adjusting the game to match the size of New Zealand’s population, which has increased by 1.1 million since their last adjustment.  “You have to keep tuning the game to keep it up to speed.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are hopes faster emergency care will ease pressure across the health system.   In the three months to October, about 74% of ED patients were admitted, discharged, or transferred within six hours.  That's up from about 72% a year earlier.  Health New Zealand Chief Clinical Officer Richard Sullivan told Mike Hosking teams are working hard to manage patient flow, as EDs are handling up to 7% more patients than last year.  He says they’re working to strengthen primary care, but the pressure is coming from illness in an ageing population and outbreaks.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A New Zealand tech company is planning a large-scale expansion after raising more than $370 million in funding.  Auckland-based Halter develops "smart collars" for beef and dairy cattle – creating virtual fencing and paddock boundaries without physical infrastructure.  It's set to expand to the UK, Ireland, and South America later this year.  CEO Craig Piggott told Mike Hosking there's currently a lot of capital out there for grabs.  He says the markets in a really good spot if you have a good product, general ambition, and a healthy business.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Barnes insists he'll be prepared to challenge his new boss Dave Rennie when and where he sees fit.  The Taranaki mentor has been appointed Rennie's senior assistant at the All Blacks.  Barnes told Mike Hosking there needs to be a bit of tension as to how they’re doing things, and while everyone has lanes they’re responsible for, you need to be challenging each other in order to get better.  “You don’t want yes people in there.”   “You want people who are going to come up with new ideas, challenge the norm for the betterment of the whole team.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister is confident she hasn't jumped the gun with her fuel relief package.  The Government's unveiled a temporary $50 weekly tax credit for about 143 thousand eligible lower-income families with children.  It will continue for a year, or until the price of 91 drops below $3 a litre for four weeks in a row.  Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking she has to prepare for a range of scenarios.  She says the conflict could be prolonged, and the supply chain disruption that's causing prices to rise could continue for some time.  Willis says she’s focusing on securing supply rather than providing support for businesses facing rising fuel prices.  When it comes to helping businesses, the Government is changing fuel rules so importers can bring in fuel refined to Australian standards.  She told Hosking it's essential the transport, manufacturing and agriculture sectors have enough fuel to keep going.  Willis says it would be wrong to artificially push down the price of diesel when —if the worst-case scenario plays out— we could be having to preserve our diesel supply.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the question is "what can the Government do to help you offset the war and its costs?", the answers will not only all be different, chances are no one is going to end up satisfied, or even grateful.  Yet that is the dilemma the Government currently faces, as indeed do all governments.  The moment something untoward happens our first port of call is a government.  Operation Epic Fury is not the Government's fault. It's not of their making; it's just life in an increasingly unsettled and unpredictable world.  Depending also on your political leaning depends on just what sort of role the government should have in your life.  It's made worse for our government because it's election year.  Their great fear will be:  1) This thing isn't over soon and,  2) The fallout will simply keep getting worse and worse.  Outside of petrol we actually haven't seen any impact because most have already forgotten this thing is only three weeks old and even though they said it could be six, we are over it.  But in some way, shape or form we will be short of something sooner or later.  The trick for the Government is when to pull the trigger and what sort of trigger it is.  Once you start, your first trap is the “out”. Getting in is always easier than getting out. Turning the tap on is easier than turning it off.  What is the 'end'? What's it look like? What has to happen? You rarely win on that.  Given we don’t know what happens next in a conflict we have no control over, what are the parameters of the help? How targeted can we be? How much should a government help, and who?  If it's petrol, why not food? Why not your mortgage? They are all directly related and will all potentially move because of the war.  The best scenario is of course that this thing gets wrapped up, it’s a blip and we can all get on with life.  But from the starting point of having less than no money, in a world where debt is getting more expensive and nothing you do will be enough, you wouldn’t wish that headache on your worst enemy, would you?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the biggest names in food is undoubtably Phil Rosenthal.  The creator of ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ has gone on to write cookbooks, children's books, and present food and travel documentaries, including eight seasons of ‘Somebody Feed Phil’.   He’s effortlessly entertaining, and has figured out a way to bring his passion to the stage, visiting New Zealand and Australia in a few months' time for a moderated conversation about his life, career, food, travel, and family.   'Somebody Feed Phil’ is incredibly popular, with Rosenthal's love and appreciation for the things he experiences keeping audiences coming back.   “There’s enough in the world to make you angry and scared and frustrated, but I’m here to tell everyone that most of the world is not that,” he told Mike Hosking.  “I sold the show with one line, this is the line: I’m exactly like Anthony Bourdain, if he was afraid of everything.”   Bourdain, an American celebrity chef, hosted a wide range of food and travel programmes throughout his career, exploring international culture, cuisine, and the human condition.  “I would watch Anthony Bourdain like everyone else and was a huge fan, and I thought, this guy’s a superhero, he’s amazing – I'm never doing that,” Rosenthal explained.  Unlike Bourdain, Rosenthal is not the type to travel to Borneo and get a traditional hand-tapped tattoo from the native Iban people, and he bet most of the audience is the same.  “So maybe there’s a show for people like me, who are sitting on the couch, and maybe just getting off that couch is taking a giant step out of their comfort zone.”   “I figured out a niche for myself.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major merger in the hotel sector.  Two local players, Capstone Hotel Management and Marsden Group, are set to merge from April 1st, creating the country’s largest independent hotel platform.  With around 45 properties and 2,500 rooms, the group is positioned to compete directly with big international hoteliers.   Marsden CEO Sajad Bassam has been appointed CEO of the combined group, and told Mike Hosking they had two big local businesses performing well independently, and when they saw the opportunity to create something more powerful, they took it.  He says with international brands expanding into New Zealand, they need the scale of the combined group in order to compete.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 24th of March, the Government intends to relax our fuel standards to align with Australia. What does that actually look like, and does it mean we’re bringing in “dirty fuel”?  NZ Cricket has decided to back the new T20 franchise league. Players Association CEO Heath Mills explains the benefits of the new system.   Phil Rosenthal from 'Somebody Feed Phil' is coming to NZ and joined for a chat while he was on his elliptical.  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 T20 cricketing revolution is officially underway in New Zealand.  The governing body is backing the proposed NZ20 privatised franchise league as a preferred option for the domestic game next season, which already has major association and players' association support.  NZC say the decision is in principle only.  Players Association CEO Heath Mills told Mike Hosking the level of interest in the competition and potential teams has been encouraging.  He says New Zealand is institutionalised to believe we’re too small or don’t have enough money for a league, but other, smaller economies such as the West Indies have had incredibly successful leagues.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a tale of two cities, with Canterbury crowned the top regional economy and Wellington finishing last.   ASB's latest Regional Economic Scoreboard shows Canterbury outperformed in nearly every key measure, including employment, retail spending, housing activity, and population growth.  Otago and Waikato tied for second and Auckland climbed to fourth.  ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Mike Hosking it follows the theme they’ve seen over the past few years of export-focused regions being more resilient.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are hopes aligning with Australian fuel standards could allow us to work together in an Anzac-type arrangement for fuel supply.  The Government's changing the standards aiming to make it easier for importers to source fuel.   Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones says they're currently drawing the line at higher-sulphur fuels until officials know if it'll damage new European emissions-compliant engines here.  He told Mike Hosking Australasia is at the end of the railway track, so we should work together.  He says our Prime Ministers have been talking so we can act robustly together to secure supply if needed.  Jones told Hosking the Government's signed off on all the specifications which can be harmonised.  He says the specifications are down to different temperatures between our countries, with fuel designed for Queensland not as useful in Twizel.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synlait's boss says the company's facing its toughest period in 20 years, but hopes a turnaround is near.  The Canterbury milk processor's posted a half year loss of $80.6 million.  Revenue rose $32 million to $949 million, while debt soared 88$ to $472 million.  Chief Executive Richard Wyeth told Mike Hosking the next six months are critical.  He says they've got the sale of a North Island asset coming up but need to catch up on a backlog for advanced nutrition, then they can focus forward.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A refined oil expert's dismissing the idea the Government's allowing 'dirty fuel' into the country to ease supply.  Our fuel specifications are changing so importers have the option to bring fuel refined to Australian standards.  It says the fuel's compatible with New Zealand vehicles and meets safety and quality expectations.  Australia's Macquarie University's Lurion De Mello told Mike Hosking they've used these fuel standards for the last ten years.  He says it won't have the environmental damage some people are thinking.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the second time in One NZ Warriors history the team has started a season 3 and 0, most recently beating the Knights 38 - 12.  One NZ Warriors CEO Cameron George attributed the teams success to the team being 'balanced'. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ First leader Winston Peters joined Mike Hosking to chat about his State of the Nation speech and election strategies.  Peters said he will rely on past achievements versus policy.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labor has comfortably won re-election in South Australia while One Nation surpasses the Liberals.  The result means Peter Malinauskas will return as NSW Premier for a second term. Australia correspondent Steve Price said the landslide result can, at least partially, be attributed to the Liberals being 'pretty useless'. Price also chats to Mike Hosking about illegal cigarettes and increasing fuel prices.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 23rd of March, we look at what could happen after the 48 hours is up from Trump's ultimatum. The Prime Minister is back from Samoa and talks the trigger point for Government help with fuel prices and whether they would even entertain Winston's idea of splitting up the gentailers. Andrew Saville and Jason Pine talk the mighty Warriors and the record breaking game from Ronnie O'Sullivan. 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.

I tell you what, it never gets old. How good are the Warriors? First time since 2018 we are 3-0. It's the second time ever. That’s a lot of years where the start has not been as good as the start of 2026. The Knights, although seemingly better this year than last, are not the Roosters and certainly not the Raiders. So in that sense when they scored early in the first half you didn’t really wonder whether this was the week things could go wrong. The half-time score wasn't close so we didn’t have to run away with it in the second. The score at the break gave you a good sense. We were never really going to be tested. At one point late in the second when the Knights scored again, the commentators got a bit over-hyped and the crowd went nuts, as though another three converted tries was ever going to be a thing that was about to happen, given they were 18 behind. The points perhaps didn’t flow like our first two games. But at 38-12 it wasn’t a contest. Look at any stat - completed sets, yards carried, tackles made - we killed them. So not just three wins out of three, but three really good wins. Andrew Webster will be in the weeds looking for little bits and pieces to work on. But for most of us, the fans, this is as good as it gets. You simply can't ask for more. There are no obvious issues, no glaring errors and no lucky escapes or last minute miracles. We are winning and winning easily. We have beaten a good side in the Roosters, a great side in the Raiders and an ordinary side in the Knights. There would seem at this point to be no side we would fear. No side we don’t believe we can beat. We are a complete, fast, fit and agile team. We're also a team with some very good players still to return. Once again, as we have these past three weeks, I'll remind you it’s a long season and a lot can happen. But you simply control what's put in front of you and to this point, we cannot have started any better than we have. This might well be the best beginning to a season we have ever had. There is something special brewing. Say it with real confidence - this is our year.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ICE had been deployed to American airports amidst a partial government shutdown resulting in airport workers going without pay for weeks.  US correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking, "it's because of the partial government shutdown as Dems and Republicans fight over rules for ICE immigration agents in the future." "Should they wear those awful masks, unlike regular police? Should they have badges so people know who the hell they are? Should they be able to barge into people's houses without any court warrants?" LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined Mike Hosking for their weekly catch up to chat about the fuel crisis, economic management, and the possibility of the public placing blame on the current Government for the current financial struggles.  Luxon said, "we will do everything we can to support New Zealanders, but I have to be really straight up and honest and say we cannot support everybody, to the extent they probably want to be supported."  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump's latest threats in the war with Iran are targeted towards Iran's energy fields.  The threat comes with a deadline demanding Iran reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz by Monday night (tomorrow morning NZT). Foreign Policy Institute Fellow Jeffery Price told Mike Hosking he's not convinced the threat is anything other than a negotiation tactic.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all.    The war: 3/10  Week three was the worst week for Trump by a mile. He asked for help, got none, and packed a sad.    The Warriors: 9/10  You literally can't start any better than they have. Plus, it's the Knights this week, so three for three.    Chris Hipkins: 2/10  Who needs that sort of crap?    Fuel stations running dry: 4/10  Hyperbole, alarmist headlines, and knobs with jerry cans do not help.    Booze reform: 8/10  Not a single bit of it doesn’t make complete and utter sense, leading to the obvious question – how can something so obvious only be getting sorted now?    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Differing accounts on the US’ level of involvement in Israel’s attack on Iran’s gas fields.   The tit for tat between the two is continuing with gas and oil infrastructure becoming the latest targets, Iran retaliating by hitting Israel's Haifa oil refinery.   Global oil prices are continuing to surge.   Donald Trump says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's been instructed not to attack these energy sites.    US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that Axios is reporting that one source told them the attack was coordinated between Israeli officials and the White House, whilst another says the US knew of the attack, but was not part of it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Obviously Chris Hipkins would disagree, but Donald Trump surely wins the "crap week of the week" award, given his week has material outcomes for all of us and Hipkins’ is just a personal mess gone ugly and public.  The war itself doesn’t appear to be any different at the end of week three than it was at the end of week two, or indeed week one.  Every indication is Iran is being obliterated. They have three major kills and the fact we have yet to actually see and hear the new Supreme Leader indicates the suggestion he is dead, or disfigured, rings more true by the day.  The attacks on Gulf facilities shows Iranian desperation. But the number of attacks continues to drop.  The marines are on the way and the B2's are dropping the massive 5000kg bombs around the Strait of Hormuz to presumably clear the way for them.  So, war wise there's nothing new to report. Trump could call it off any moment and claim victory, remembering claiming something is not always the reality.  But, and it's a massive "but", he asked for help on the Strait and short of the French possibly helping, once it's all settled and the sun is out, he got nothing. He got worse than nothing – he got the middle finger.  A world weary of his arrogance, threats and bullying told him to get stuffed. "It's not our problem.”  At which point he went straight to his baby act of whining and bleating and moaning.  The Strait is a problem and he made it so. Whether they never planned for it or thought about it doesn’t matter because they created it and his voters are paying.  They're paying a fortune for gas, the market is sinking, the two things he cares most about (the Dow and the bloke at the bowser) aren't working for him and that’s why this thing will still end sooner rather than later.  Small side note - when he says America doesn’t need the Strait, half of America's generics medicine comes from India. India gets their material through the Gulf. There isn't an American not on a pill or potion.  So he's hurt them at the pump, and he's hurt them at Walgreens. It's a disaster, so he has to fix it.  They said it'll be over in 4-6 weeks. They still say 4-6 but it'll be more six, than four.  But the stakes are too high, not in Iran, but in Ohio and Minnesota and Georgia. That’s where the real war is. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After two victories at home to start the season, the Warriors are heading across the ditch.  They’re facing off against the Newcastle Knights on Saturday – their first away game of the 2026 season.   Both teams are dealing with injuries, Chanel Harris-Tavita and Kurt Capewell missing from the Warriors side, and Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown from the Australian side.   Former Warriors Captain Monty Betham told Mike Hosking that the Knights are also entering the clash two for two, Ponga’s absence could be quite the blow, as they haven’t managed a win in the last ten matches he was missing.   He says that while it may be the Warriors’ first away game and there’s a few injury issues, but with the confidence from the last two weeks, they have a good chance of going three for three.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 20th of March, Finance Minister Nicola Willis explains what the Government is looking to do as fuel prices continue to rise.   New Zealander of the Year Sir Rod Drury joins us in studio after winning the 2026 award.  And Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson discuss some of this week’s guests on the show and the state of the world at the moment as they Wrap the Week. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The week has come to an end which means Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that Was.   They discussed cars, some of the guests that featured on the Breakfast show this week, and the unstable geopolitical environment.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cost of running a farm is surging.  ANZ's latest Agri Insights report, which used data from more than four thousand farms over five years, found costs across the board were 27% higher than before Covid.  It was driven largely by increased labour and input costs, such as fertiliser.  Lincoln University’s Dr Jacqueline Rowarth told Mike Hosking that the farmers who buy retail and sell wholesale are the ones feeling the pinch.   She says there are some sectors who, although their land may have cost more in the beginning, are getting better returns per hectare, and the gap between the top farmers and the average ones has increased.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Rod Drury believes it's New Zealand's time to step up and make a big difference in the world.  The Xero founder has been crowned the 2026 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year.  The judges noted in the ceremony last night his driving innovation, empowerment of Kiwi tech leaders, and his venture philanthropy.  He's involved in multiple projects including pushing for expansion of renewable power and electrified transport.  Drury told Mike Hosking the world is scary, and Kiwis need to stick together and use our values to contribute to the world.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Better Police visibility and increased community engagement are being credited for a drop in crime victimisation.  About 28% of Kiwis experienced crime last year – the lowest rate since the Victims of Crime survey began in 2018.  Numbers of people assaulted and robbed were down 33 thousand.  Assistant Commissioner Jeanette Park told Mike Hosking officers can feel the change on the ground.  She says teams have been using their initiative, talking to people, and the morale is high, which all drives results.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is looking into ‘doing something simple’ to get cash into Kiwis' wallets as fuel prices increase, refined oil proving a challenge.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking they need to balance the cost of living with the books.  “We need to be conscious of debt and borrowing.  “We need to look at working people in the low to middle income specifically and ask ‘what’s the way we could provide targeted relief’ without a blanket solution.”  Willis said cutting wider costs like fuel excise tax could drive inflation up.  “We are looking at doing something simple to get cash into bank accounts on time. Cash provides people flexibility.”  She said her desire is for no paperwork to be involved.  “I’m sorting advice from Treasury and IRD as we speak but I have a plan in front of me ready to go.”  Willis said the challenge now is getting refined oil, with government in conversation with fuel suppliers.  “We have shipment locked in for several weeks, but we are looking ahead to future challenges of how to actually source diesel, jet fuel and other things out of refineries.  “This could create a limitation in the future.”    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does the Talbot Mills poll out yesterday blow wide open the overt and corrupt actions of the parts of the media that went to town last week, and the week before, on the Prime Minister?  Does the Talbot Mills poll out yesterday with National on 32% also build on evidence that they are not 28%, nor were they ever 28%, therefore there was never a need to go to town last week, and the week before, on the Prime Minister?  As we count the number of polls, and I have at least six, if not seven, that have National well into the 30's vs the one that has National at 28%, can we conclude the 28% was an outlier, should have been seen as one and, therefore, treated as such?  Given large swathes of the media didn’t treat it as such, we can very confidently say those parts of the media showed an unprofessional bias against the Government.  Can we also say that if the polls continue to show National in the 30's (and not the 20's) and polls continue to show as yesterday's does a hung Parliament (at worst) but more realistically, based on the Māori Party assumption, a re-elected Government, that rolling a leader of a party destined for a second term is not actually a realistic prospect, or anywhere close?    The less realistic it is the more absurd their agenda-driven, brain explosion looks.  Hipkins too was asked this week whether his leadership is safe. Safe from what? Furious ex-wives?  Is that the problem? The political media only have a grab bag of questions around the same theme – are you quitting? Are you safe? Is a coup brewing? Are you going home to consider your options?  The problem with so many of them being as inexperienced as they are, is they lack any form of institutional knowledge and, as such, haven't really seen proper political drama. A rogue poll and a rogue ex aren't it.  Mix that with the fact they are overtly biased against the Government and all you need is one ropy poll at 28% and it's Operation Epic Fury: Gallery style.  In a world where news cycles turn at an increasing rate of knots this crime, and it is a crime committed by those charged with political coverage, deserves ongoing attention simply because it's election year.  Yesterday's poll starts to expose very clearly that the Government has two oppositions – one made up of Labour, the Greens, and the Māori Party, and the other made up of a decent chunk of the media, some of whom are funded by the taxpayer.  If that doesn’t worry you in election year, nothing does.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

British pop legend Robbie Williams is coming to entertain New Zealand this November. The artist behind Angels, Rock DJ, and Let Me Entertain You has confirmed two New Zealand shows for his BRITPOP world tour, opening at Eden Park on November 24.  He'll follow it up at the new Christchurch Te Kaha Stadium on the 28th, becoming the first international artist to perform there.  BRITPOP is the 16th album of Williams’ solo career and its success saw him surpass the Beatles, becoming the artist with the most number one albums in UK chart history.   “I’ve had 16 number one albums, which feels mind-bendingly incredible,” he told Mike Hosking.  “But because I’d had 15 number ones, you know, I think there was an exhale that there was a 16th number one, and I think the panic and the worry was, what if it isn’t, what if I don’t get to experience that again?”  “I suppose the intoxication is not in the experiencing 16 number ones, it’s the exhale at not being number two.”   Williams has been performing since 1990, first as a member of Take That, and then launching his solo career in 1996, and despite his awards and success, there’s something pushing him onwards.   “The hole is unfillable, but still I persevere,” he told Hosking.   “I’m not quite sure 100% of what it is that I’m running from and what it is that needs to be, you know this hole that needs to be filled, but what I am enjoying now is the journey.”  Speaking of the journey, Williams is heading back on the road later this year for the BRITPOP tour, and he takes the responsibility of performing “incredibly seriously”.  “Every show is the most important show – the next show is always the most important show.”  “I don't wanna let me down and I don’t wanna let my audience down.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 19th of March, the GDP figure for the December quarter will be announced today – 12 days out from the end of Q1. While it might be positive, the conflict in the Middle East looms over it.   An exclusive chat with outgoing Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell, who talked about his next moves, the future of the dairy giant, and the rumours about NZR.  And British superstar Robbie Williams joined for a chat about music, performing, and his New Zealand tour.   Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's potential for the immigration system to become bogged down in bureaucracy as the Government pushes a harder line stance.   It's proposed a series of reforms, involving a greater use of deportation and harsher penalties for migrant exploitation.  NZ Immigration Law Principal Lawyer Aaron Martin says by making more people potentially liable for deportation, we'll likely see the number of cases and investigations going up.   He told Mike Hosking one issue that hasn’t really been explored is the low threshold of offending that makes someone liable for deportation, which needs to be reviewed.  Martin says that an incident a citizen would be fined for would see someone on a visa put through the expensive exercise of deportation liability investigations, and potentially appeals, which ties up taxpayer resources.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Italy’s Government is holding emergency talks tonight to introduce legislation to hold down fuel prices, potentially introducing fines for speculators, Italy correspondent Jo McKenna says.  She told Mike Hosking the Government is concerned with gas up and diesel prices up around two euros a litre.  “I don't think it's translated fully yet into the economy, but we will see some trickle down or some impact in the next couple of months for sure.”  Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had aligned herself with other European nations, endorsing a statement from Canada, the UK, France, and Germany saying they were gravely concerned about US President Donald Trump’s activities in the Middle East and calling for peace talks.  The far-right Meloni was initially pro-Trump, but one newspaper was now calling their relationship “The Big Freeze”, McKenna said.  “She’s very prudent. She's worried about this impact on the war on her popularity here in Italy.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economists are predicting promising economic results from the last quarter ahead of the ongoing ripple effects caused by war in the Middle East. GDP data for the December quarter is being released just before 11 this morning. Both Westpac and ASB are anticipating 0.4% quarterly growth. ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Mike Hosking exports have largely been the driver.  But Tuffley says recovery has been uneven, pointing to a weaker construction sector.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scrapping rugby fees for kids is boosting grassroots participation.   Counties Manukau was first to fund junior fees three years ago, with Nelson and Wellington's Newland clubs following suit.  The interest from a million-dollar grant from NZ Rugby's Silver Lake deal covers junior fees for five of Counties Manukau's 16 clubs.   Head of Community Matt Megaw told Mike Hosking they're seeing good numbers.   He says rugby is on a steady incline in their area, despite there being lots for kids to do these days.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The departing Fonterra boss says he was never meant to be in the role as long as he has been.  Chief executive Miles Hurrell has announced he will step down as the dairy giant completes a significant shift in strategy.  That includes the sale of its global consumer brands —including Anchor and Mainland— to French dairy giant Lactalis.  Miles Hurrell told Mike Hosking getting over the line was a big part of his departure.  He says last year, he could see that sale would get over the line in quarter one, which meant they had a clear strategy in place and he could leave.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Defence Minister Judith Collins says it’s vital New Zealand's able to look after a vast area, stretching from Antarctica to Tonga.  The Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces have laid out their plans for a combat-capable ANZAC force by 2035. Defence Minister Judith Collins told Mike Hosking it makes absolute sense for us to be closer with Australia.  She says it's not as though our two countries will be a threat to anybody, but it means we can make use of our assets and people in a much more clever way.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I suppose the ultimate question is, what do you want in a leader, or more specifically, the Prime Minister?  Chris Hipkins is immersed in a growing mess around social media and an angry ex-wife.  Hand on heart, if it hadn't been sent to me I would not have asked, because I genuinely don’t care.  I still subscribe to the broad idea that personal lives are off limits, unless you decide they're fair game.  Social media has changed all the rules. Did the post of me at the pub or the charity run give you clearance to troll through every detail?  Does a political figure asking for your vote entitle you to know everything about them and, if so, where is the line? And is the line not different for each and every one of us?  Equally, it has a chilling effect. For everything that may be/could be said about you that isn't true (or is said with malice with a bit of added spice that isn't strictly true but designed to damage) it must put people off public office, there but for the grace of God.  Who needs that grief? No one is squeaky clean.  If the Parliament is supposed to be representative, I suppose you could argue Hipkins and his ex represent a large slice of the New Zealand countryside; married, divorced, things got messy – that's life experience.  You could argue she's toxic. You could argue he's a prick. You could argue a lot of stuff, which is why it is probably best left, given it doesn’t cross the threshold of requiring the authorities.  In others’ words it's domestic, it's not illegal, it's not involving police, or authorities, or courts, or charges, or investigations. It's she said, he said.  I would love to know (and AI will tell us one day) how many have reacted to the allegations strongly because they hate Hipkins and want him taken down, versus how many reacted strongly because of the accusations in isolation, versus how many haven't reacted at all, versus how many have reacted against her for seeking revenge, versus how many have gone out of their way to track down the comments because they are nosey.  What a mix – public life, social media, gossip, innuendo, anger, broken hearts, revenge, toxicity, and sticky beak-ery.  Who would be an MP? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politicians from across the spectrum are steering clear of discussing claims made by Chris Hipkins' ex.  The Labour leaders' denied allegations made by his ex-wife in a now deleted private Facebook post.  None indicate unlawful conduct.  Labour's Ginny Anderson told Mike Hosking it's sad, and as a mother her first thoughts are with the children.   National's Mark Mitchell says he understands the public interest, but he's staying right out of it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

British pop legend Robbie Williams offers his thoughts on the increasing scale of live performances and concerts as part of an interview with Mike Hosking. Catch the full-length chat here. Robbie Williams is coming to entertain New Zealand this November.  He’s confirmed one show in Auckland and another in Christchurch for his BRITPOP world tour, and he’ll be the first international artist to perform at Christchurch’s new Te Kaha Stadium.   Musicians have been putting more and more effort into their performances and concerts of late – ramping up the visuals and touring much more frequently.   Williams reckons the reason why is that all artists “shat themselves” when the experimental experiential market “fell to shit” as a result of Covid.  “I reckon it did something to all of our psyches,” he told Mike Hosking.  “We realised on a conscious or subconscious level that this could all be taken away at any moment, and we shall never ever take this for granted again.  “I think everybody came out of the traps going, quick, do something! And I don’t think that we’ve caught up with the fact that were alright right now – we can maybe chill.”   “I don’t think I’ve worked as hard in the last four or five years as I’ve done since I was in ‘Take That’, since I was in the boyband.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 18th of March, we talk food prices, geothermal investment, and chat with the legendary Robbie Williams.  The debate around private versus public life is back after Chris Hipkins responded to allegations from his ex-wife yesterday.   And Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell discuss Chris Hipkins and leadership, plus Mark's wedding this weekend 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.

Should a politician’s private life impact their political career?  Labour Leader Chris Hipkins’ ex-wife Jade Paul made allegations against him on a private Facebook post on Sunday, none of which allege unlawful conduct.   They've since been deleted.  Political Commentator Grant Duncan told Mike Hosking whether or not the allegations would move a vote depends on the person.   He says that some people separate someone’s private life from their suitability for a particular role, while others will draw a direct line between their conduct in their private life and their suitability for public office.  “That’s the question of trust, the trustworthiness and the consistency between their party values and what they do in private.”   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is aiming to bolster our geothermal supply. It announced $50 million in new funding, with $23 million has been committed so far – including two $10 million loans for new plants near Rotoma and Kawerau.  The aim is to cut upfront risk whilst doubling generation by 2040. Contact Energy CEO Mike Fuge told Mike Hosking that New Zealand is a world leader in geothermal, and if we can maintain that edge, that’s a good thing.  He says what excites them is the potential growth in the electricity market, which could supply new industries and attract new investment.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pressure is mounting for the country to retain Chinese students.  A new NZ China Council report shows they make up 35% of international enrolments, contributing $3.6 billion a year.  But competition is intensifying, with around 14 countries now vying for the market.  Chair John McKinnon told Mike Hosking New Zealand has a strong story to sell.  He says the quality of our education and being in an attractive, safe country are big draw cards.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cost increases from the war in Iran haven’t hit supermarket shelves yet, Foodstuffs North Island chief executive Chris Quin says. The latest food price index, published on Tuesday, showed food costs up 4.5% in the year to February, largely driven by red meat, but those increases came prior to the first attack on Iran on February 28th. Quin told Mike Hosking Foodstuffs was trying to anticipate what the conflict would mean for New Zealand food prices. "We are definitely seeing… dramatic increases in the cost of diesel, which is all about our supply chain fleet. And we're seeing our suppliers start to tell us that they really are seeing component costs like plastics start to increase pretty rapidly," he said. The good news was that supply was not a risk. "Our supply comes down through around the bottom of South Africa rather than coming through the Straits of Hormuz. So we are not concerned about having products on shelf. What we are keeping a very careful eye on is what is happening to cost. "The company's own truck fleet, which moves product from warehouses to Foodstuffs stores, would see a multi-million dollar impact from diesel prices in the next few months. "We're absorbing that at this point to try and do everything we can to have it minimise the impact on New Zealanders on shelf. But there is, if this continues, it is going to be very difficult to suppress.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.