The Mike Hosking Breakfast

It's taken a while but we got there at last. Move-on orders. Clear lines of responsibility and delineation for police to actually fix a problem that has existed for too long in our central city areas. As the debate bounces back and forward this week have a look at those who ask "where do they go?" They ask that because it’s the easy question to ask. It’s the point-scoring question to ask. It’s the question you ask when you don’t actually have to deal with the problem. The previous Government, who will be one of the people asking that very question, stuck them in motels and ruined entire towns like Rotorua. They stuck them in social housing and ruined entire neighbourhoods, as the agency responsible evicted exactly zero people despite antisocial, and often criminal, behaviour. In other words they gave greater priority to troubled menaces than they did to wider society that simply wanted to get on with life. Downtowns, whether Wellington, Christchurch or Auckland, need help and have needed help for years. We were at lunch a couple of weeks ago in the central city for a birthday. The drugged-out woman screaming her head off on the bench outside was doing her best to ruin everyone's Saturday. The music in the restaurant had to be turned up to a level that you could no longer hear each other talk. But what was the proprietor supposed to do? What is any business supposed to do when you have to step over the down and out, the drugged out and the violent, simply to unlock your door? The apologists paint these people as harmless. They are not. They paint them as lost and wayward. They are not. They are law breakers who cause a disproportionate amount of trouble to people who don't deserve it. As a result of an apologist mentality no one has known what to do, like retail crime and Yaris' through windows a few years back. Toughen up the laws and you'll be amazed how quickly the problem gets solved. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was drama on and off the pitch for Wellington Phoenix this weekend. Following a 5-0 loss to Auckland FC, coach Giancarlo Italiano resigned from his role as coach. The team still faces eight games before the playoffs, with the team currently placed 10th in the A-League.  Former Wellington Phoenix and All Whites coach Ricki Herbert told Mike Hosking that time will tell if this is the right decision.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says visitors should be able to enjoy new investments in our city-centres - without feeling intimidated. The Government's introducing "move-on" orders - allowing Police to order people begging and sleeping rough,  to leave a public space for up to 24 hours.  They'll be slapped with a $2000 fine or up to three months’ imprisonment if they refuse. Chris Luxon told Mike Hosking that in Auckland alone, the City Rail Link will be up and running later this year - and the International Convention Centre's already bringing in visitors. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Association has concerns around newly announced "move-on" orders - to deal with disorderly behaviour and homelessness. The Government is moving to give Police the power, to order someone sleeping rough, or begging, to leave a public space for up to 24 hours.  They could face fines of up to two thousand dollars or spend three months in jail if they refuse. President Steve Watt told Mike Hosking that they know there's a problem there - but Police will have a lot of other call-outs. He says they don't have the staff to deal with this issue - as this is yet another job they'll have to do with already stretched resources. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's relentless push for tariffs has thrown yet another spanner in the works of global trade - but New Zealand exporters might fare okay.  The President's introducing temporary 15% tariffs to replace those enacted last year, after the Supreme Court outlawed them.  It's unclear if the mechanism he's using to justify the new levies stacks up, as it applies when the US faces a balance of payments deficit. Trade Minister Todd McClay told Mike Hosking that we were facing mostly 15% tariffs already, so not much has changed for our exporters.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business appears to be booming in most parts of the country. ABC's quarterly market report shows business sales are up 28 percent on this time last year, with average prices up three percent. It finds 507 completed sales over a 12 month period - a new historical high. ABS Business Managing Director Chris Small told Mike Hosking that there's a link between sales and the current state of the economy across the country. He says in line with the economy, the South Island is up 70 percent year on year in business sales, while Wellington is down 10 percent.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2500 job applications. That’s got clickbait written all over it, doesn’t it?  One job supposedly had 2500 applications. One headline added that the company boss was shocked.  Oppo is your company and in the story of their job they are looking to fill is some good news. Mainly, that the job is here and not long ago it wasn’t.  It’s a call centre job and the call centre has been relocated back to New Zealand, which is one of those weird job things.  I thought we went through this years ago when it was broadly accepted that call centres offshore did save you money, but language and actual help on the phone generally was so bad they gave up.  Anyway, they must have advertised the job globally through international sites because only 44% of the applicants were actually from New Zealand, so 2500 becomes a pretty misleading number.  44% is still a lot of applicants. But here is the other thing you will have learned in this tight job market of late.  A lot of people apply for literally everything, whether they want it, can do it, or not, they apply. They waste people's time, are not genuine applicants and are a nightmare for HR.    Just for the record, this is not to say jobs aren't tight because we all know they are.  But the inference in these stories is that times are desperate, and they are not. Jobs are available if you're determined.  Which is the next point – those who have dealt with call centres, and that is most of us, don’t get what you would loosely call a world class experience.  Like a lot of jobs that are front facing, they are filled with —how do we put it nicely— gormless people, people who have bad attitudes, don’t want to help, don’t know how to help, don’t know what you're asking, don’t have answers and are not empowered to basically do anything.  A lot of useless people have work. It’s a frightening fact. Are all the people without work better than the useless ones with work? Or are they even worse?  Also, tragically, that many applications for a low skill job tells you the decay of our economy; too many people with too little to offer.  Answering a phone is not a career path.  So 2500 people and shock. Like too many stories, it's not the real story.   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.    Red meat: 9/10  It's so good, so record breaking, you honestly start to wonder just where is the ceiling?    Dairy: 9/10  Ditto. Four auctions, four runs batted in. We are rolling.    Warriors: 6/10  Early days, good crowd in the Bay, bad injury already, but the seeds of success are there.    India: 3/10  This is the stuff that ankle taps us. Between Labour and Winston, doofuses and xenophobes, we are a two step forward, one step back country.    F1: 8/10  The fact testing is being covered on New Zealand TV tells you how far that sport has come.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was the fish that summed it up for me.  The Infrastructure Commission report was profound in its nature this week.  Chris Bishop was dead right on this programme when he talked of its importance and, yet, its dryness.  Big picture, infrastructure building and planning and funding isn't sexy. It never has been and that in some respects is why we are where we are.  And what a place that place is.  We, in parts, are a broken down, tragic, second-hand little nation that has let ourselves go.  We were fighting fit once. We paid our way, had cash in pocket, did the job properly and had big dreams.  In 2026 we are in hock up to our eyeballs, bitching, moaning and complaining, wanting everyone else to wipe our bums and solve our problems.  But the fish is your real clue.  The fish is in Rakaia and it's the town's mascot. It was in the news this week for being defaced and yet, in another irony, that wasn’t actually the story, or it shouldn’t have been.  The other problem with small-minded, myopic New Zealand is a defaced town mascot is what passes for news these days, when the real story was the fish that was defaced had just had a $200,000 renovation job.  $200,000 thousand dollars to polish up a fish?!  Now, if Rakaia has perfect water and footpaths of gold and record low rates and a spare few hundred grand lying about looking to do luxury jobs, no problem. But guess what? It doesn’t.  It will be like a lot of small-town New Zealand; in the hole with big picture issues that have been ignored for years.  Yet a group of people who clearly aren't up for the real work thought it was appropriate to rejuvenate a fish.  Did they have the dough? No.  Was there a shed load of proper work to be done? Yes.  But all that can wait because doing a fish up is easy, it’s a headline and you can bang on about civic pride.  Until of course it gets defaced, at which point the media can't get hold of it fast enough and you can complain some more about crime and the irony that you now need even more money to fix the fish up again.  When fish are the news the country's real issues don’t stand a chance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Friday, which means Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that Was.  They discussed intermittent fasting, after a global review found it might not be the magic bullet it’s said to be, the earlier chat with Angela Strange about Te Huia, and how much you spend when given an unlimited restaurant voucher.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A big weekend in Central Otago, as Arrowtown hosts the Ayrburn Classic.  Hundreds of vehicles will be on display, from vintage to luxury, plus the new additions of motorbikes and boats.  They’re also hosting New Zealand’s largest live car auction, adding a bit of serious money and competition into the mix.  Director of Sunday Drive, Taylor Campbell told Mike Hosking the event is now in its second year, and has grown about three times the size.   He says it’s almost sold out to capacity, and the stunning setting, the hospitality, and the cars make for a great mix.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 20th of February, the Government has watered down it’s housing intensification plan for Auckland, and is halting the requirement that Army leaders know waiata and karakia from memory.   Te Huia is getting another year of funding to prove itself and Angela Strange tries, and fails dismally, to defend it.  Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson talk intermittent fasting, the Angela Strange interview, and how much you spend when you get given an unlimited restaurant voucher 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.

Supercars season is officially underway this weekend.  Chaz Mostert is defending his title in the Sydney 500, now in the new Toyota GR Supra.  Ryan Wood and Matt Payne are leading the Kiwi charge, with five rookies also entering the fray.  Kiwi motorsport legend Greg Murphy told Mike Hosking that last season was competitive and very, very close, and no doubt it will be the same this year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Te Huia train service is hoping it can prove its critics wrong as its existence is extended for another year.   The service, which connects Auckland and Hamilton will run at least until June next year, with NZTA picking up 60% of the bill.   It's been criticised in the past for low passenger numbers and revenue.  Waikato Regional Council Transport Committee Chair Angela Strange told Mike Hosking that in terms of farebox recovery, the service is actually doing really well when compared to other public transport in New Zealand.  She says they’re sitting at close to 16%, and it’s closer per kilometre than the metro trains and ferries in Auckland.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A positive outlook for Chinese tourism as a new visa pathway delivers results.  The trial allows Chinese and Pacific travellers with a valid Australian visa to enter New Zealand for up to three months.  Arrivals have nearly tripled since December, with Chinese tourists injecting about $210 million into Kiwi businesses.  Tourism Holdings Limited Chief Executive Grant Webster told Mike Hosking the trial is absolutely working and New Zealand's responding faster to growing demand from Chinese visitors.  He says this just gives more options for these travellers, adding we're fortunate to have this system as it doesn't work the other way around.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An urban planning specialist is advising the Government to be careful changing a development plan he believes was already working. The Government's revising the city's housing capacity number in its new plan from just over two million to 1.6 million. It is focusing more on building in the city and by transport hubs, rather than suburbs. Mt Hobson Group Director Hamish Firth told Mike Hosking you're creating fear from something that people don't get. He says you create paper capacity, but also community backlash, land value distortion and probably not any extra homes. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Defence Minister says possible requirements for Army leaders having to know waiata and karakia from memory is unacceptable.  Act MP Todd Stephenson wrote to Judith Collins about the cultural skills framework with concerns it went beyond normal expectations of the Public Service.  She says the force hadn't raised it with her, but after speaking with army leaders they had decided to pause implementation.   Collins told Mike Hosking a soldier's ability to serve their country has nothing to do with their ability to recite waiata.  She says it would be nice for people to do it, but as evidenced in her visit to the Munich Security Conference there's more pressing concerns, like ending up speaking Russian.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This time around the Brooke van Velden-led employment law changes have been described as a shake-up, even a major shake-up.  But as someone who well remembers the Employment Contracts Act and Bill Birch, what is being offered is merely a righting of a badly out of whack employment market.  The usual whining from unions has ensued. In a nutshell, there is a limit on personal grievance procedures. It defines what a contractor is, as opposed to an employee, and the 30-day trial rule is gone.  If you earn a lot i.e. over $200,000 you can't go to an employer for wrongful dismissal.  I have experience in this area. I was effectively sacked by TVNZ about 25 years ago and I was on over $200,000. Under this new law I couldn’t have gone after them.  But guess what? I didn’t go after them anyway. Why? Because who wants to work for people that treat you that way?  And in that is a lot of what the workplace is about.  There are bad employers and good employers and a lot of employers in between. Rules are based on worse-case scenarios.  It has never been a better time to be a worker in this country. Yes, jobs are tight as of late. But if you're good and determined you can get work, because good people are hideously hard to find, and you can succeed quickly.  Most people, and I cite 45 years in the workplace here, at the very least mean well. Many are actually quite good.  Work should be about enjoyment and learning and development of skills and the climbing of ladders. If you are bogged down in worse-case scenarios, you go nowhere.  Equally as an employer, how do you grow your business when you are ankle tapped by a mindset that infers you are bad news, so all sorts of guard rails need to be enacted in law?  Bill Birch's law was not the end of the world. Brooke van Velden's won't be either.  The workplace recipe should not be complex; if you work hard, you do well.  If you're slack and entitled, you need to be sacked. If you're young and inexperienced you don’t get to be the boss in your second week. Not all your personal problems are your employers' problems, and not all employers are out to get you.  By and large unions are trouble, negative, and potentially ruinous and I have yet to see one that has the country's best interests at heart.  We're all in this together. Too much employment law pits us against each other, and no one wins.  Brooke van Velden's laws are fine. No one is going to die. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another country star on the rise.   Jason Aldean is performing at Spark Arena tonight, and he’s bringing with him Corey Kent – the latest Red Dirt star, according to Rolling Stone.   Despite having been performing since he was a kid, it was a bumpy road to reach this point, complete with a happenstance performance with Willie Nelson, a change in jobs, and a lot of dedication.   Kent’s since gone triple platinum, released four albums, and had over a billion streams.  He joined Mike Hosking for a chat about his career to date, and regaled him with stories of country legends Willie Nelson and Paul Simon.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 19th of February, we cover the OCR, yet another report reinforcing our inability to protect our most vulnerable children, and the rising use of hard drugs.   Reserve Bank Governor Anna Breman explains her OCR call and whether she or the economists got it right.    Country music star Corey Kent is in the country with Jason Aldean, and popped in to regale us with stories of Willie Nelson and Paul Simon.  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 Reserve Bank's kept the OCR unchanged at 2.25% and isn't forecasting any change until the end of the year.  Governor Anna Breman says inflation should be back within target this quarter.  She says the economy fundamentals are consistent with inflation falling to, and remaining at, 2% over the medium term.  Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Mike Hosking the Governor is playing with a pretty straight bat.  He says it’s a tricky balance, as the economy doesn’t quite feel like it has recovery momentum, and they don’t want to cut that off at the knees by spooking anyone, but they do have to be focused on inflation.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Independent Children's Monitor says it's clear our child protection system is under immense stress.  Its review shows carers killed 24 children between December 2021 and June 2025.  It finds no improvement, despite recommendations in a review of the murder of five-year-old Malachi Subecz in 2021.  Children's Monitor CEO Arran Jones told Mike Hosking that while there are deep-seated issues that go beyond what the agencies can respond to, there are certainly things that can be improved.   He says the lack of progress up to this point is an issue of prioritisation, and it’s about making sure the problem is front of mine not only for Oranga Tamariki, but for all the agencies that have a role to play.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New workplace testing results reveal cocaine detections have sharply risen across the country.  The Drug Detection Agency's results for the three months to December show cocaine was present in 3.7% of positive tests – more than double the amount from last quarter.  Bay of Plenty, Auckland West, and Waikato were identified as the regions with the sharpest rises.  Chief Executive Glenn Dobson told Mike Hosking that New Zealand already has a strong use base of methamphetamine, and now they’re starting to see a real increase in cocaine usage, which is a real concern for them.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Signs the job market is on the up.   New Seek data shows job ads have grown by 1.5% since October and are now 11.7% higher year on year.   Gisborne's led monthly growth with an almost 4% increase, while Marlborough's the only region with a record annual decline in ads, at -6%.   However Seek Country Manager Rob Clark says the fact growth stretches across regions and industries is a marked improvement on this year.  He told Mike Hosking they’re hopeful the growth will continue.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our new Reserve Bank Governor says she has full confidence in the people making OCR decisions.  The Monetary Policy Committee, chaired by Anna Breman, has decided to keep the OCR unchanged at 2.25% for now.  It says while inflation is above the target band, the economy still needs some time to recover.  Breman told Mike Hosking the committee will make the best decisions it can, based on the data and forecasts it has access to at the time.  She says something might look obvious in retrospect, but they're dealing with lots of global shocks constantly hitting the New Zealand economy.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As I watch Chris Hipkins, presumably gleefully, mess about with the India Free Trade deal, I'm reminded this is not the Labour Party that did the FTA with China.  Hipkins is no Helen Clark and in that is a great sadness.  For all those who occasionally contact me and ask of the possibility of a so-called “grand coalition” —a relationship between the Labour and National parties— before you ask, next time look at the way Hipkins plays these games and there is your answer.  Even in areas of broad agreement, they still can't act like grownups.  It's also a lesson in name vs substance.  The Labour Party of the past few years is nothing like Labour of the late 90's and early 2000's. That was a centrist version.  Yes, they still handed out free money to people like students to bribe them in election year. But the rest of the time they actually ran the economy in growth. Compared to Barbara Edmonds, Michael Cullen was a conservative.  In the early parts of 1984 Labour, with David Lange, was similar, and here is your irony that Hipkins fails to recognise: when Labour are, broadly speaking, middle of the road they are actually popular.  Ask Bob Hawke or Paul Keating or Tony Blair – centrist Labour is successful Labour.  By the time you take modern Labour with Hipkins and Sepuloni, and add the Greens in the mix, you are seeing the left wing “group think” that not only keeps them out of office, but leads to the sort of game playing we have with an FTA.  Yes, the Government probably shouldn’t have to rely on them and for all the games Labour plays, New Zealand First is just as bad with their xenophobic nonsense. But Labour once had a global view.  It's not like the Chinese weren't thought of with great suspicion prior to 2008. But the bigger picture was at play. The realisation that large countries and their economies could be good for everyone was a driving force.  What Labour would do well to do is put this country first. Not score points, not look like children, and not pretend they actually had anything to do with negotiating this thing at all.  FTAs are big picture, not a three-year electoral cycle game.   I don’t think I'm alone in wishing there were more adults in the room. Labour 1999-2008 put the current lot to shame. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reverend Jesse Jackson is being remembered as a leader who served the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world.  The famed US civil rights campaigner has died aged 84.   In a statement posted to social media his family say he died peacefully surrounded by family.  After being mentored by Martin Luther King Junior he went on to become one of the most influential African-American leaders.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking Jackson was a singularly powerful speaker.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi company OpenStar Technologies has taken a serious step forward in the global race towards nuclear fusion.  Backed by $35 million in government funding, they’ve successfully levitated a half tonne superconducting magnet, confining a cloud of ultra-hot plasma.   It’s a key milestone in recreating the same process that powers the sun – ultimately producing carbon-free energy.  CEO Dr Ratu Mataira told Mike Hosking now they’ve proven the engineering can be done, it’s time to push for performance and see just how hot they can get the plasma.  He believes they’ll definitely be able to reach nuclear fusion within his lifetime.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.