The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Meta's Global Head of Safety is calling a social media ban a bit of a fool's errand.  More than five million social media accounts have been deactivated or restricted in Australia since its world-first ban for under 16s took effect in December.  Our Government's been mulling its own ban, with a parliamentary select committee investigating the issue.  Meta's Global Head of Safety Antigone Davis told Mike Hosking parental controls are the better approach.  She says teens will find a way around a ban, as you can't restrict the whole internet.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many Kiwis re-fixed their mortgage last year and will be re-fixing their mortgage again this year too.  Four in five borrowers have re-fixed in the past year – a 13-year high.  And more than two-thirds of fixed rate loans are due to come up for renewal this year.  Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Mike Hosking most people have been opting for one-year or 18-month terms, instead of longer periods.  He says those terms have the best interest rates and would have allowed people to benefit from any further OCR cuts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's keeping a closer eye on kids' achievement across primary and intermediate school.  It's announced nationally consistent assessments and reporting will be rolled out this year for reading, writing, and math.  Reports are also planned to give advice to parents on how they can help out at home.  Education Minister Erica Stanford told Mike Hosking the reports will be filled with intense detail, for example, the maths report will actually show results in algebra, geometry, and measurement.   She says parents will now know in detail exactly where their children are at.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 2nd of February, as of today GP's can now diagnose people with ADHD. We speak to a man who has worked on this for over 10 years. The Prime Minister joins Mike Hosking to talk Winston and his immigration issues, the Board of Peace and our critical minerals talk with the U.S. Jason Pine and Andrew Saville talk Sam Ruthe, the Australian Open and the motorsport over the weekend.   Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Things have got worse for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor - as fresh Epstein files show how deeply he was involved with Jeffery Epstein.  Photos of Andrew crouched on all fours and touching an unidentified woman have been released.  The British Prime Minister's suggested Andrew go to the U.S.senate to explain himself.  Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Mike Hosking that Keir Starmer has toughened his line.   He says some of Andrew's emails with Epstein occurred when he had previously claimed publicly he hadn't been in touch.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teenager Sam Ruthe has broken Sir John Walker's 1982 New Zealand mile record. He clocked a time of 3:48.88, which is the fastest indoor mile ran by a high school student.  He told Mike Hosking that consistency is key when it comes to running, and he's confident that he can get close to his record-breaking time again.  'I try and always feel the same going to a race, I reckon if it was set out perfectly and it was the exact same race each time I'd probably get within...a second of that time again.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon says the Government had major "up front" concerns about joining Donald Trump's Board of Peace. New Zealand has joined other western countries in declining an invitation. The Prime Minister says the one-billion-US-dollars required to join the Board of Peace would be better spent on schools, roads and hospitals. He told Mike Hosking that it will be better for Middle Eastern countries to be on the board, since it will be focused on the Middle East. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's expected those with ADHD will have an easier time getting treatment with changes to prescribing law.  GPs and nurse practitioners no longer need specialist involvement to start treatment for the disorder.  ADHD New Zealand spokesperson Darrin Bull says current wait times are forcing people to go private.  He told Mike Hosking that the changes are being handled carefully with those prescribing needing to upskill.  Bull says about 600 GPs have been through additional training put on by the Royal College.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tower has become the 5th major player to drop these multi-party discount deals, for both new and renewing customers. The company says it's shifting focus to 'personalised pricing.'  However, Consumer NZ Investigative Team Lead Rebecca Styles told Mike Hosking that this is more likely to be a reaction to recent penalties that the company received for not charging customers the correct amount.  "They are moving to personalised pricing so at a health level they can tell what the risks are at your place and price accordingly." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forget Greenland – in our own backyard we have growing action in the Pacific between America and China.  This is not breaking news, but the US is trying to renew its strategic compact ties with places like Palau and the Marshall Islands, and testimony in front of the House Committee on Natural Resources suggests China is waging a sustained influence campaign aimed at weakening democratic institutions and strategic alignment in the Pacific.  Now this is all good news for us, given it felt like America wasn’t that overtly interested in the Pacific these past few years.  But Trump seems active everywhere, so the more they are alert to what's going on, the better.  The downside though is that there appears nothing we can do. Despite the efforts of us and Australia, too many Pacific nations have gone, to a degree, with China and that is for the simple reason of money in whatever form.  Places with no dough tend to like a large cheque and when our moderate sized cheques got replaced with much bigger cheques the writing was on the wall.  The Cooks is your best and closest example. We can withhold aid until we are blue in the face, it is not going to make a jot of difference.  Enter Winston Peters, who I always thought has got the advantage of experience in matters like this and it has, and is, making him a very able Foreign Minister.  But he has come on this show a number of times and argued the value of friendship.  As I have pointed out the cold, hard reality of Chinese money and promises, he has countered with what seems to be the genuine belief that friendship matters.  I fear that’s an old man talking. His view is muddled by a bygone era, hope and good vibes.  It would be nice to think friendship was a thing, but it doesn’t beat dollars.  Some in the Pacific will still say it could have been different if we and Australia had been more generous over the years, but I don’t believe that for a minute either.  China is here and they are shopping. The upside is America, at last, has not just woken up, but they might just be awake and alarmed enough to do something about it. 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.    Trump's week: 2/10  Outside the usual madness came the NATO soldier Afghanistan insult and a dead man in Minneapolis, followed by the usual flannel about domestic terrorists. This time the backlash was real, forceful, and might well stick.    The rugby union: 4/10  Too many rules around the coach. It's a classic case of overthinking it – just go get the best.    NZ Post: 6/10  Yes, we would all like a post shop in the lounge, but it's not real so at least good on them for telling it like it is and defending a tough, but realistic, decision.    Fees Free: 2/10  Data that shows why the polls are where they are. Very few are keen on a repeat of that level of fiscal carnage.    Judith Collins: 8/10  Not just time (24 years) but a workload and a legacy. You don’t get 18 portfolios without leaving an imprint.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We end the week with a reality check.  I was a bit underwhelmed by the Government's response to the last couple of week's weather events.  $2 million is not a lot of money, which in a way is good because it indicates the damage isn't that bad.  The damage is that bad. It's just the big stuff, the roads and bridges and infrastructure, is being paid for out of contingency budgets in various Government's departments.  Fine. But as I asked, and got no real answer to, is that the plan, is it?  Build it, watch it get destroyed, patch it up, watch it get destroyed and patch it up? It's not my favoured plan.  I asked Penk, Mitchell, and Luxon what the big picture is. There is one, they reassure us. Not sure of a timeframe, which is political speak for "it's on the never-never".  Yet in the Post from AA Insurance to the Buller District Mayor is the news they will be suspending cover for the region. No new business in the postcode of 7825, Westport, Carters Beach, and Cape Foulwind.  This is where this goes. Just how many letters from how many insurance companies do you want before the big calls need to be made?  Matata should have been the red flag and that started 20 years ago. Already Wellington, for other reasons, has insurance issues.  The Upper Hunter Valley in New South Wales has been dealing with it for years. Even if you can get cover, it's at least $50,000 a year.  There are, rightly or wrongly, sadly or not, chunks of the country that look problematic. Ignoring them or relying on an ever-increasing contingency budget is not going to make them any less so.  The Government.is always the last port of call in crisis. The taxpayer will always be the one asked to provide the accommodation and bridge and food when the climate tips life upside down.  Federated Farmers said it's not acceptable to have State Highway 2 to Waioweka cut off. Correct, it isn't.  But the Government's answers are more band aids. AA Insurance's answer is no more cover.  One of them is missing the point. One of them is showing you how this unfolds.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's border chief is working on an eventual draw-down plan of immigration agents in Minneapolis.   The US President sent Tom Homan to the city after two protestors, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were shot dead by federal officials in Minneapolis.  He's told a news conference he wants to see common sense co-operation, which allows the number of ICE officers in the city to reduce.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking details for the wind-down plan are scarce, but it would involve having ICE agents seek more access in jails.  This would mean they’re rounding up criminals, instead of people on the streets or in front of home supply stores, he says.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 30th of January, Trade Minister Todd McClay responds to Winston Peters’ comments on the Free Trade Agreement with India.   Liam Sceats joins the show to talk his wildcard entry into the 70th NZ Grand Prix this weekend.  Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson Wrap the Week and talk Judith Collins and smashing rackets.    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, so Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was.  They discussed music and Bruce Springsteen's new song, Judith Collins, and smashing rackets.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The most coveted crown in New Zealand motorsport is on the line this weekend.   Highlands is hosting the 70th edition of the NZ Grand Prix, which is running under the new NextGen NZ Championship banner  And the 2024 winner, 20-year-old Liam Sceats, has been handed a last-minute wildcard into the field.   The championship has been running for the last three weekends, but he told Mike Hosking he’s only jumping in for this one.   Sceats says it’s not going to be easy jumping in at this stage, but he’s spent two years in these cars and won in 2024 on this exact track, so he’s feeling confident.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a belief there may come a point when insurers’ goodwill runs out in areas most exposed to climate risk.  AA Insurance has told Buller District Council it’s temporarily stopped offering new home and landlord cover in Westport due to flood risk, though existing policies can still be renewed.  MinterEllisonRuddWatts insurance partner Andy Horne told Mike Hosking it’s unusual for an insurer to be this open.  He says the reality is insurers are increasingly making risk-based decisions about where they’ll offer cover.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National and Labour are joining forces in support of legislation to tackle modern slavery.  Their bipartisan backing means the Bill can be introduced in Parliament, bypassing the ballot system.  The proposed law would require large companies to report their measures to avoid slavery conditions in supply chains, and fine those not complying or acting to mislead.  National's Greg Fleming told Mike Hosking they’ve taken learnings from overseas, particularly Australia, and will be going with template forms and the like to ensure this does add value, rather than just cost.   He says a lot of responsible businesses are already looking into the working conditions in their supply lines, so this is just aimed at the recalcitrants.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister for Trade's attempting to put to bed concerns about our Free Trade Agreement with India, repeatedly voiced by the NZ First leader.  Winston Peters claims it will let tens of thousands more Indian migrants enter the country.   The Prime Minister has denied the assertion.   Todd McClay told Mike Hosking there are no rights around migration in the agreement – instead it allows skilled workers to come to New Zealand for a limit of three years.   He says trade deals are complicated and complex, but we do very well out of this deal.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The economy is still struggling to gain momentum.   Infometrics says a lot of the indicators suggest that economic recovery is looking unconvincing. Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan says most have taken the possibility of further Official Cash Rate cuts off the table, and some are forecasting a hike. He told Mike Hosking that things are improving, but the problem for households in particular is that you’ve been told things are going to get better, but you still have all the cost of living pressures.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bit of 'rubber hitting the road' research on unsold real estate for you.  A real estate consultancy company looked at the amount of unsold stock when it came to apartments in Auckland.  There are a record number. 541 to be precise, which is 20% of everything that has been built in the past three years.  I love apartments, I live in one, I own them, I have owned them.  They are not everyone's cup of tea, but what I have learned over the years, like most things in life, there is always nuance to the story.  I bet you anything you want that the ones that aren't sold, aren't sold for very good reasons. They are crap.  An apartment is no different to a house. A good one will always sell, in a good market or bad. A bad one won't.  The trouble with research and stats is they deal with averages and they round things out.  The apartment market, sadly, has been driven in some respects by ideology.  The apartment would be part of the new, groovy Auckland where you stepped out of your trendy “town pad” onto your public transport, before taking your Lime scooter the final mile to the office.  Now, that's apart from the fact there is no public transport in a way that any first-world city would expect, and because the cost of building went through the roof your apartment, which of course was supposed to be affordable, it now isn't. Well, unless you want to live in 80 square metres, which very few do.  You will not have a car park, because cars are bad, except you like your car, but you've got nowhere to put it.  And that’s before we get to the quality of the build. Unbelievably we are still dealing with leaky buildings, almost as though we are determined not to learn a lesson.  Mix in the mad rush we saw for consents where you build a lot of stuff no one wants, and three years down the track all the good stock got snapped up and what's left is 541 boxes that might, if you're lucky, make a passable rental.  The lesson is do things properly. Give people what they want, not what you want them to have.  Location, size and quality. Get that right and it's hard to go wrong. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 29th of January, new data reveals how effective Labour’s Fees Free university scheme was.   National MP Judith Collins discusses her 24 years in Parliament and her decision to retire from politics.   Former rugby union and league great Brad Thorn discusses his success, what drives him, and his new book ‘Champions Do Extra’.   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.

Growing outrage in Italy after it was announced ICE agents would be in attendance at the Winter Olympics next month.  The US Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that they will serve a security role, supporting the US diplomatic security service at the Games.  Current and former politicians within Italy are urging Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to block the agents’ presence in the wake of two fatal shootings by ICE in Minneapolis.   Italy Correspondent Jo McKenna told Mike Hosking she wouldn’t be surprised to see major protests over this, as people are pretty unhappy with the news.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A once in a generation player, Brad Thorn has achieved great things on the field.  He’s arguably the greatest code swapper rugby league and union have ever seen, winning the World Cup with the All Blacks, Crusaders titles, NRL titles, and he represented the Kangaroos and played in State of Origin.   Thorn’s had an immense amount of success across his 30-year career, and he’s detailed the lessons he’s learned in his new book, ‘Champions Do Extra’.   The book’s title stems from a sentiment expressed by Thorn’s father when he was younger – encouraging them to take that one extra step when applying themselves to anything.  “If you ask me who was my best coach, I’d say my dad,” he told Mike Hosking.  “A lot of it was around mindset, and y’know, having a positive mindset and putting in the work, bringing the work ethic and then being able to have the belief, to having earned the belief to be able to, y’know, achieve the things you want to achieve and the potential you have.”   While some measure of natural ability is always useful, Thorn believes it's the work you put in that allows you to become great.   “There’s many times with Richie McCaw, there’s different parts of the game that I didn’t initially think he was natural at,” he explained to Hosking.  “But he just worked hard, y’know, and you saw those parts of his game develop.”  “Hard work takes you a long way.”   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new domestic exchange programme will soon let students swap cities as easily as they swap courses.  Otago, AUT and Victoria University of Wellington have launched Uni Exchange Aotearoa, giving second-year undergraduates the chance to study at another university for a semester.  The scheme offers students a taste of travel without the challenges of going overseas.  Victoria University Vice-Chancellor Nic Smith told Mike Hosking New Zealand can actually offer a real diversity of experience within its universities.  He says the programme is designed to be at no cost to the students, so the decision can be made on the experience they want to have instead of a financial barrier.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economists are expecting the Official Cash Rate to rise sooner rather than later, flattening forecasts for the property market.  Cotality's latest report shows almost three quarters of local respondents expect house prices to rise this year.   Meanwhile, ANZ's slashed its house price inflation forecast for 2026 from 5% to 2%.  ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner told Mike Hosking the economy can't grow too fast.  She says two hikes are already expected this year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

St John is dealing with its biggest ever workload.   National ambulance data shows there's been a 30% increase in 111 calls for ambulances over the past five years and a 17% jump in attended incidents.  They fielded over 700 thousand calls last year, and attended more than 550 thousand incidents.   Health Commentator Ian Powell told Mike Hosking ambulance services are mirroring the public hospital system in terms of acute admissions – things that cannot be deferred.  He says that since 2011, the rate of acute admissions has increased at a higher rate than population growth.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judith Collins is leaving politics on a high note.  The former National leader and senior MP is stepping back from politics after 24 years, taking up a new role mid-year as Law Commission President.  Since Collins was first elected in 2002, she's held 18 ministerial roles, and is currently the Minister for Defence, Public Service, Space, Digitising Government, and the GCSB and NZSIS, and also the Attorney-General.  She told Mike Hosking she’s become the Mother of the House, and dealing with Parliament is like having 120-something naughty children.  Collins says she feels like it’s time to go, and with 12 years in Opposition and 12 in government, there’s a good symmetry.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's thought the fees-free university scheme was theory vs reality.   New data suggests the previous Labour Government policy failed to reach the students it meant to.  Of the 26 thousand students who went straight from Year 13 into study in its final year, just 1.3% came from the most disadvantaged schools – around 230 students.  Universities NZ Chief Executive Chris Whelan told Mike Hosking in their hearts Labour believed it would make a difference, but it hasn't.   But he says but it's been very popular with students because it means there's less of a financial burden on students as they enter the workforce.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are reasons to ignore political polls this year.  And some reasons not to.  1) There have been two polls since the election was called, the RNZ-Reid Research one yesterday and the Taxpayers-Curia poll last week. Both tell you the Government, as it stands, will be re-elected, so there's a consistency to them.  2) Both tell the same story, and both don’t. Labour is on 35%-ish in both polls. That reassures you in terms of accuracy.  But is NZ First on 10% or 11.5%? And in a crowded field where a point matters, far less being inside or outside the margin of error, that makes polls look ropey.  3) A theme. This is where polls are effective.  Both polls have NZ First materially going up. Whether accurate or not, that creates noise, and noise is momentum and momentum is gold in election year.  4) The imponderables of Te Pati Māori. All polls are based on the idea that Te Pati Māori has six seats i.e. they are in Parliament.  But given their current state, will they even survive? And from what we know of the sort of shift we have seen historically, both with the Māori vote generally and Te Pati Māori’s vote specifically, it's entirely possible they will be gone.  Unless you win a seat your 2-3% support is put in the bin. That is Labour's worst nightmare and, I'm assuming, Te Pati Māori aren't that keen on it either.  5) The other commonality between polls is the Greens are down, and their hopeless and hapless disposition easily explains that.  6) Just to back up what I was saying yesterday, TOP would need to more than double their vote to get in. They won't do it.  Can things change? Of course. That's what makes this year so exciting.  The real figure to watch is the right way, wrong way numbers. Governments don’t win elections, they say, when more people think things aren't going well.  Hence the runway, hence the date of November, and hence the hope stuff gets material and fast and the mood changes with it.  But that’s the great reminder all pollsters give you – these are snapshots of a moment, the here and now.  So look at it this way: if the Government can be re-elected when the majority think we're heading in the wrong direction, which both these polls show, what will their margin be like when that mood has turned?  Or this: if Te Pati Māori can't resurrect themselves and the mood swings positive, will November 7th even be close? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scorching heatwave conditions continue to grip much of Australia's southeast, keeping authorities on high alert as fire conditions grow increasingly unpredictable.  Temperatures soared across parts of Victoria and South Australia yesterday, breaking nearly a dozen local heat records and nearing 50C.  And the scorching temperatures are set to continue, with forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology indicating that the heat is set to linger until the weekend in areas away from the coast.   Australia Correspondent Steve Price told Mike Hosking that one fire officer said that the radiant heat is so extreme it can kill you before you even get hit by a bushfire.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump says his administration is reviewing the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis nurse by immigration agents.  Alex Pretti was fatally shot while protesting against the immigration crackdown in the city this weekend, three weeks after mother Renee Good met the same fate.   The facts around the incident including whether he was wielding a gun have been hotly contested, setting up a fresh confrontation between state and federal officials.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that while Pretti was carrying a concealed weapon, legally, the only thing he had in his hands at the time was his phone.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 28th of January, the Government is set to adjust the Auckland housing plan – Chris Bishop gives a few details.  The Broadcasting Standards Authority is calling for a change in the laws around media broadcasting in this country.  Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen talk MPs leaving, the Mount Maunganui tragedy, and whether they pay attention to the 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.

Landslide experts say it was a matter of when, not if, the slope overlooking the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park failed.  Speculation has swirled online about the slip, where the recovery of the six people missing could still take weeks.   Canterbury University's Tom Robinson says the slip was going to happen regardless if trees had been removed from the mountain.  Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking misinformation doesn't help the mental health of those impacted by the disaster.  He says they have to do an inquiry, but they don't want to force more mental health issues.  Labour agrees there’s a need to do an inquiry, with Ginny Andersen telling Hosking it’s important people are able to get the answers they need.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Kiwi company's been selected by the UK Ministry of Defence to design a futuristic helicopter drone programme.  SYOS Aerospace is among seven companies shortlisted for Project NYX to design 'wingman' drones to accompany British Army Apache Attack helicopters.  CEO Sam Vye says it's great recognition of a young New Zealand company leading the way in un-crewed vehicles.  He told Mike Hosking they have a number of competitors all around the world, but they strive to have a solid, unique selling point being a Kiwi company.  “We’re really focused on rapid development and delivering capability at a very affordable cost.”  SYOS signed a nearly $67 million drone contract with the UK military last year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Broadcasting Standards Authority says the current laws it operates under are obsolete.   A Parliamentary paper on the BSA's annual review notes the watchdog's definition of a broadcaster is 35 years old.  The authority says it's been asking for legislation reform for about 15 years, as media companies produce more online content.   BSA Chief Executive Stacey Wood told Mike Hosking the jurisdiction framework is not clear.   She says it doesn't have the resources to regulate every audio-visual programme transmitted to the public, as it is defined in the Act.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Emergency Management Associate Minister says it's vital we understand exactly what went wrong leading up to the Mount Maunganui landslide.  The Government led inquiry will investigate the events surrounding Thursday's deadly slip, where recovery of the six people missing could still take weeks.   Meanwhile, it's dishing out $2.4 million to help storm-hit communities.  Chris Penk told Mike Hosking it's a high stakes event, with low information and lots of emotion.  He says the lessons we learn about avoiding preventable disasters won't be worth its weight in paper if we don't know what happened at Mount Maunganui.  There’s also an assurance that the Government's funding for storm-hit communities is just the start.  About 500 people have been displaced across the North Island, nine left dead, with one still missing.  The Government's funding $200 thousand to Rural Support Trusts, $1.2 million into mayoral relief funds, and $1 million into reimbursing marae helping out.  Penk told Hosking the funding's on top of Government investments into flood resilience.  He says it's not about just giving a small amount for this incident, it's about getting the cash flowing.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Privacy Commissioner's pushing for strong incentives against cyber criminals in the Manage My Health data breach.  Michael Webster's unveiled the initial Terms of Reference for his inquiry into the data breach affecting 127 thousand users that came to light early this month.   The first phase will focus on the scale of the breach, its impacts, and Manage My Health's responsibilities and safeguards.   Webster told Mike Hosking he's concerned nothing will come from his recommendations on how to prevent this from happening again.   He says unlike other privacy regulators around the world, we don't have the ability to seek financial penalties or fines for those who don't do enough to protect our personal information.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is confirming it is making changes to Auckland's housing intensification plan.  It has been considering watering down controversial planning rules allowing two million homes to be built over the coming decades.   Chris Bishop says that target is nothing more than a modelling number on a spread sheet, but he will be changing it over the coming month.   He told Mike Hosking most Aucklanders seem to agree there needs to be more housing in the CBD and along transit routes.   Bishop says the plan will allow that while restricting up-zoning in suburban areas.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A possible sign of the economic recovery with Michael Hill's New Zealand operation reporting its first positive result in more than two years.  In the six months to December the jeweller made $62 million worth of sales, increasing by 2.4%.  First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson says jewellery's a good sign of discretionary spending and consumer confidence.  He told Mike Hosking there are also positive economic signs elsewhere.  Wilkinson says there's a lot of benefits in areas where these large projects are taking place and provinces are doing well, with agriculture also strong.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another country is looking to ban social media for children: France.  The French Parliament is due to vote on a bill that would block social media platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok for those under the age of 15.   Another clause would also ban the use of mobile phones in senior schools.  France Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking the bill is on a fast-track procedure, and it looks as though it will pass.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kudos to Phillip Mills.  He of the gym empire and, as it turns out, this election year's star turn in the donation department.  His money for the Opportunity Party is the first large declared donation.  I like it for a couple of reasons. Business owners and leaders too often display a fear when it comes to views and support and commentary.  I learned it sadly during Covid. The anger privately never matched the anger publicly from some of the nation's biggest names and businesses, because they feared retribution from the Government of the day.  Mills, like any owner, especially in this day and age, risks pushback from a public he wants to give him money to turn up at his place to pump iron.  It's way easier to keep your head down, so good on him.  Sadly, he has wasted his money. But that is the beauty of election year and democracy – we are all free to do the same.  TOP will not make it the way Mills thinks they will.  Personally, I kind of hope I'm wrong. The whole MMP “thing” was about greater representation and if TOP cracked it, I would be pleased to see another player.  Sadly, it is not to be because TOP are too nuanced and there is no obvious gap to fill. They are the middle of the road music station looking to find a spot between the Hits, Coast, and the Breeze. Except unlike radio where entry is free, in politics you need 5%, and 5% is a lot.  As I have said before, the Gareth Morgan era was their opening. The easier route is an electorate with plenty of choice already, get a high profile player like Morgan, split the vote, win the seat and the coattail at about 2% might get you not one, but two MPs.  They have no Morgans. Even Raf Manji, who ran in Christchurch last time and had some profile, didn’t do it.  So as we sit here this morning, dollars to donuts, you can't even name the leader or any member of the party.  And as for their polices, they are a mix of obscure and overlap. In other words, a lot of what they think is already in the Parliament if that’s what you want.  In simple terms, our Parliament is full. Six parties are all we want.  Phillip has $50,000 that says I'm wrong. But of all the predictions I will make this year, this is right up there on the confidence scale. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been a summer to remember for L.A.B.   Last year they announced a run of three outdoor concerts over the summer, with one in Tauranga, one over the ditch in the Gold Coast, and the final one in Auckland.  The first two shows saw rave reviews, and this weekend will see L.A.B return to Auckland for the first time in four years, performing alongside Stan Walker.  Four years is quite a stretch, but L.A.B Frontman Joel Shadbolt confessed he hadn’t realised it’d been that long.  “We’ve been doing lots of stuff overseas, so we’ve been over to the States a couple of times,” he explained.  “But in regards to New Zealand shows, we just, we’ve been hitting the, y’know, the smaller cities, the smaller towns.”  “This year we thought, yeah, we’d better come back up to the big smoke.”   Shadbolt described the band’s partnership with Walker as a “good musical marriage”.  He told Hosking that their bands complement each other, and they’ve got a good crossover with the demographic.  “He’s just an incredible singer, and you know, a great guy to jam with.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 27th of January, we take a look at what’s happening with the Government’s retail crime advisory group after three of its five members resigned.   The Prime Minister is on after Auckland Anniversary to discuss the response to the severe weather damage, Winston Peters’ comments on WHO, and when electioneering will begin.   And L.A.B frontman Joel Shadbolt is back to talk their summer of concerts and this weekend’s performance in Auckland – the first in four years.   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.

New Zealand Rugby interim boss Steve Lancaster has clarified the organisation's position on the appointment of a replacement for former coach Scott Robertson with less than two years until the World Cup. The successful candidate must be a New Zealander with international experience in a head role. Lancaster says that with only two years until the World Cup, they simply don’t have time for someone to find their feet at this level, so they’re looking for someone that can hit the ground running. He told Mike Hosking it’s very much a point in time criteria given where we’re at in the cycle, and the overall context. Lancaster says assistants will be decided once the initial set-up is in place. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says today's the day the Government's preparing a support package the areas severely damaged by recent weather.   Recovery efforts are in their sixth day at Mount Maunganui, where six people are still missing in the aftermath of a large landslide.   Local states of emergency remain in place for the Tairawhiti regions, Whangarei, Thames Coromandel and Hauraki Districts, and the Bay of Plenty.   Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking he's meeting with Cabinet this morning to discuss funding that's needed immediately.  He says different areas need different support, and they will spend whatever they need to.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report's found New Zealand could reduce peak electricity demand by as much as a quarter by moving to off peak hours.   The analysis by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority found $3 billion could be saved without changing how people live and work.   Chief Executive Marcos Pelenur told Mike Hosking it's done using new technology that anyone can use, including industry.   He says with "smart controllers" people can shift when they use energy.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New passport rules for Brits living in New Zealand are causing some angst.   Dual nationals will now be required to have a UK passport to enter their home country and can no longer rely on an electronic travel authorisation.   Managing Director and Immigration Lawyer at Queen City Law, Marcus Beveridge, told Mike Hosking the UK Government is pulling their socks up on security.  He says they will have a better idea of who is crossing the border, all of which has biometric and biographic and contact details attached to it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Justice Minister's dismissing suggestions there's an issue within the Ministerial Advisory Group for victims of retail crime amid resignations.  Three of the five members have resigned in recent weeks including Michael Bell, Lindsay Rowles, and Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young.   Young says her relationship with its chairman Sunny Kaushal became untenable.  Kaushal's refused an interview but says it's well known himself and Young have different views on the group's recommendations.   Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith told Mike Hosking it's a total beat-up.  He says the group's been very productive with two of the five promoted into higher jobs, with one member not happy.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 26th of January, we get the latest from Tauranga mayor Mahe Drysdale on the slip and the review. Should retail stores be changing their hours to better serve customers? Andrew Saville and Jason Pine cover Sam Ruthe, Wayne Smith and why the All Blacks are playing a game in Baltimore. 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.