The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold joined Andrew Dickens to discuss the economic news in New Zealand and around the world.  They discussed European interest rates, the global dairy trade, and the US job market and dollar. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A number of politicians, including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, were heckled during Waitangi speeches with conflicts surrounding treaty principles interpretations remaining the primary contention point.  Although, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says that, despite the evident tension, progress is being made. "We attended the National Iwi Chairs from a couple of days ago on Wednesday, and there's a real constructive and positive vibe, and appetite to do things together," he told Andrew Dickens.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all.    The economy: 7/10 Overall, a good news week, but a reminder that until we get the jobs right we ain’t properly right.    Foster and Hansen: 9/10  The wackiest story of the week by a mile. Could it be real? Could it be fantasy? Are the union completely mad, or completely brilliant?    Epstein: 3/10  It needs to lead somewhere tangible. Having a lot of emails and photos of underwear and sleaze and tawdriness is not a crime, it's just yuck. Where is the crime?    Brian Tamaki: 7/10  An application for a bridge too far. No more protests, no more closures, no more madness. We thank you Brian. You broke the camel's back.    Melania: 7/10  An interesting insight into our times. It's an example of how the camps are the camps, and the gap has never been wider. It was rubbished, ridiculed and written off and, yet, for a documentary it did excellent business. Everything is political and very little has any nuance. It's sad.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It could have been a coordinated knife to the Government's heart.  On the day the unemployment rate went up, the Warehouse offered a real world example of the problem by announcing another 270 jobs would be added to the pile as they look to save and outsource and generally reorganise themselves.  The irony, well lost in the throng of those who look to use the headline for political gain, was the fact the number of people employed is up. It's up by 15,000.  But the headline is the headline and 5.4% is not 5.3%, or 5.2%.  So it makes Gareth Kiernan at Infometrics more right that any Government member had hoped.  5.4% is deja vu. It's February of 2025 all over again. There's a lot to be pleased about but the big prize, the tail at the end of the economic dog being jobs, did not come to the party.  And that old chestnut of Auckland is back to haunt us as well. They've got the highest jobless rates to be found in big cities with close to 6%. Wellington and Hamilton are close to 6% too. If the cities don’t fire, the country doesn’t fire.  It will of course. The vibe in Auckland is palpable in a variety of different areas. Positivity is well and truly back, but it takes time.  And in election year time is of the essence.  Luxon's pitch so far this year is the right one. But talking about recovery is one thing, you've got to actually feel it.  The real trouble in these numbers is not the headline.  1) It's those who need more work. Why? The cost of living. There is a big uptick of women back in the workforce. Ask yourself why.  2) The young people aged 15-24 is over 16%. It's always high but this is too high. Anyone with offspring in this age group knows the struggle. Our youngest has work but she hustled.  3) Australia. Say what you want about the price of a house and the inflation rate, and they are real issues and Australia is in trouble overall this year, but apples and apples, jobs to jobs, they kill us.  This is not a stat for nuance and subtlety. You can't pick out some vague highlights like a region, or a sector, or an industry and try and milk it.  Unemployment got worse. Full stop.  With all the rest of it in place and looking so much better there is a recovery on and it will come right.  But right here, right now, this week, the jobs stat for a government relying on economic credibility took a right hook and will be dazed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest Jeffrey Epstein files release is developing into a political scandal in the UK, with MPs voting to release papers relating to Lord Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador.  He's being investigated over allegations he shared internal government information with the convicted sex offender.   UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's confirmed he knew Mandelson had ties with Epstein, but claims Mandelson lied about the extent of their relationship.  UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking there’s no explanation Starmer could give for the appointment, the only thing he can do is apologise.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Waitangi this weekend, the week is coming to a close a little earlier than usual. So Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike Hosking to Wrap the (short) Week that Was.  They discussed jobs and unemployment, and with Producer Sam is jetting off to a wedding right after the show, Mike was shocked at what has become the go-to gift for the newly married.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 5th of February, Finance Minister Nicola Willis tries to put a spin on a headline unemployment number that doesn't help the Government in an election year.  There’s a sewage disaster in Wellington, so Mayor Andrew Little joined to discuss the situation.   Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson discuss jobs, and Mike can't believe that money is now the gift of choice for a wedding on Wrapping 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.

A decent haul from Mike Hosking’s cherry tree.  Last year he was gifted a tree to ‘adopt’ by the team at Electric Cherries – who run everything without the use of fossil fuels.  The ‘Mike Hosking Tree’ has now been harvested and six kilos of cherries are ready to be eaten.   Founder Mike Casey told Mike Hosking that it’s been a pretty rough season down in Central Otago, with a lot of wind, rain, and a lot of damaged cherries.   But there’s a consolation prize, he says, which is that prices have remained high since there’s been much fewer cherries on the market.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s cautious optimism New Zealand could achieve the country's largest medal haul at a Winter Olympics.  17 athletes, all in various snowboard and ski disciplines, will compete at the Milan-Cortina Games starting this weekend.  Chef de Mission Marty Toomey told Mike Hosking that recent form points towards a new frontier of success.  He says the Snow Sports NZ crew have come off an X Games with six medals, and New Zealand took three medals in the Beijing Games, so he’s hoping they’ll get north of that.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington Mayor Andrew Little says critical damage to the city's wastewater treatment plant couldn't come at a worse time.  Heavy rain flooded the building's lower floors causing sewage to leak into Tarakena Bay, writing off equipment and forcing the plant to shut down.  Wellington Water says it could take months to fix and urges people to stay off beaches along the south coast, and avoid collecting seafood.  He told Mike Hosking the failure appeared to be a “freak thing”, and since becoming mayor, nobody had ever indicated to him that the treatment plant was at risk.   He says there’s been ongoing investment in it, and they have contractors looking after all the rest.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are hopes things will gradually turn a corner for Canterbury milk processing firm Synlait.  It's revealed it expects to report a $77 to $82 million half-year loss, due to the ongoing impact of previous "manufacturing challenges” at its Dunsandel plant.  Ashburton-based supplier Willy Leferink says suppliers are worried, but they have supply contracts to honour, and what really matters is that they continue to get paid.  He told Mike Hosking the company seems to have a good plan to get things back on track.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Economic Growth Minister says things are picking up in some regions sooner than others.  Unemployment's hit a ten-year high nationally, reaching 5.7% in Bay of Plenty, 5.8% in Wellington, 5.9% in Waikato, and 6.4% in Auckland.  But it's fallen to 3.7% in Canterbury and just 2.3% in Otago.  Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking employment is rising in many sectors, but it's not even around the country.  She says Canterbury in particular has seen a big rise job numbers.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it a bombshell?  A moment too weird to properly comprehend and, because of that, is that why it isn't real? And if it's not real then it's not worth speculating on.  And yet here I am speculating.  The NZ Rugby Union has approached Steve Hansen and Ian Foster and asked them to apply for the coach's job.  Is that the most absurd, bizarre, nutty, unbelievable, possibly stupid thing you have ever heard around rugby, or perhaps even sport?  And yet it's suggested it's true.  In a way I hope it isn't, unless it is. But first I'll deal with the 'isn't'.  I hope it isn't because the union already have enough reputational issues without adding to them, like the panel, the rules and the criteria. For goodness sake, just go get a rockstar. Surely the All Blacks coaching job still has enough prestige that getting great talent isn't an issue?  That's if you haven't already targeted someone, which they should have!  But then I hope it is true because I love Hansen and I love Foster and I'm an old romantic who fizzes over the edge of the glass in excitement at what would be/could be one of the great redemption stories in all of sport.  Both have issues with rugby and rules and unions. Foster especially got treated abysmally. How good could it feel to march back into the dressing room and say "Hello lads. Now where were we before I was so rudely interrupted?"  But for the union, this is why it can't be true. You don’t go to a Hansen or a Foster and say have an application form and see what you think.  You beg for such talent to frequent your business! And if you're asking them to apply, what are you saying to Jamie Joseph and Co. who might be asking why they're looking for reheats when they're there. Not a bad point.  See? It would be way better if none of this were true.  Mind you it would be way better if they hadn't sacked Scott Robertson mid-term with a mass pay out and a restraint of trade with no clear plan going forward.  This is almost so good it can't be real, while also being so bad it shouldn’t be real.  The key of course is to win the world cup and if we do that no one will care who the coach is.  But that bit seems a long way off when we currently have no coach and in front of us what could be a stroke of genius, or sheer insanity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has called for the Republican Party to nationalise elections.   He made the statement during his appearance on the podcast of former deputy FBI director Dan Bongino, saying the Party should seek to take over voting in at least 15 places.  Elections are primarily run by state law, with voting administrated by local officials across the United States.   US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that nationalising the election would go against the Constitution, which says elections are governed by state law, not by any party in power.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 4th of February, Transport Minister Chris Bishop delves into the overhaul of the drivers licensing system.  Mike runs through what words he can, can't, and shouldn't say after the BSA's latest swearing report.  And Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell discuss Peeni Henare’s resignation, the messy press conference with Labour and the Greens, and Waitangi 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.

Today on Politics Wednesday, Labour’s Ginny Andersen and National’s Mark Mitchell delve into the biggest political stories of the week so far.  They discussed the proceedings at Waitangi, the joint press conference between Labour and the Green Party, and the resignation of Labour MP Peeni Henare.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More good news on the tourism front.  Auckland Airport has reinstated its partnership with Thai Airways, bringing back non-stop flights between Auckland and Bangkok.   The route reconnects New Zealand with one of Asia’s major aviation hubs, and is expected to bring in around $250 million a year in visitor spending.  Auckland Airport Chief Customer Officer Scott Tasker told Mike Hosking not only will it make it easier for Kiwis to visit Thailand, the flights also make New Zealand a much more attractive destination for Thai tourists.   Also, he says, Thai Airways has a network of 56 international destinations from Bangkok, so this route will help bring in more high spenders from places like the UK, Germany and India.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A chance to open next year's Rugby World Cup with a blockbuster Wallabies-All Blacks clash has been passed by.  Organisers have opted to kick-off the tournament with Australia taking on Hong Kong on October 1, with the All Blacks facing Chile the following day.  The move is being labelled as a play to keep interest levels “alive”.   International Rugby Players’ Association CEO Omar Hassanein told Mike Hosking getting a mostly guaranteed win in the first match is important, and while one would like to hope Australia could beat the All Blacks, form over the last decades indicates they may struggle.   He says the opening match in Peth is likely to sell out regardless of opposition, so it was a tactical ploy to ensure Australia stays in the tournament and momentum continues.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The wine industry is trying to stay positive.   It's facing an oversupply of sorts after around 100 thousand tonnes of grapes —about a fifth of the crop— were left on the vine last year.  Some growers put it down to people changing their drinking habits globally, others blame the pandemic, tax increases, and US tariffs.   New Zealand Winegrowers Chief Executive Philip Gregan told Mike Hosking there are issues, but they will keep making quality products.  He says long term, the industry is confident it's producing the types of wines people want to drink.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economists are divided on whether unemployment is finally starting to fall.  Stats NZ is releasing its latest employment update at 10.45.  Economic conditions are improving, but that's also prompting more people to re-join the labour market.  Most bank economists expect the unemployment rate to remain unchanged from three months ago at an historically high 5.3%, but ASB economists think it will fall slightly to 5.2% – the first fall in unemployment in four years.  Senior Economist Mark Smith told Mike Hosking that hiring is starting to pick up after being on the backburner for so long.   He says the economy has some underlying momentum, and after waiting on the sidelines last year, firms are going to convert those intentions into actions.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says it's modernising the drivers licensing system, with the key change being the end to full license practical tests.    After passing the restricted license test, drivers under the age of 25 will have to wait out a mandatory 12-month period as a restricted driver before they can apply for a full licence.   Those aged over 25 will have to wait six months.   Transport Minister Chris Bishop says it'll save time and money.   He told Mike Hosking most countries don’t make drivers do a second practical test, so they’re bringing New Zealand in line with that.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Building townhouses and apartments is becoming increasingly popular, with Auckland leading the charge.   More than 36-thousand building consents for new homes were issued nationwide in the year to December, up 9%, with multi-unit homes making up the majority of those.   Master Builders Chief Executive Ankit Sharma told Mike Hosking this is likely to continue in the long term due to infrastructure constraints and population growth in big cities like Auckland.  He says it's better to build before demand comes or else there will be shortages.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A small tip on news coverage.  The media can go some small way to redeeming its reputation by asking more questions.  One of the current obsessions is the closure of hospitality outlets.  A café only needs to announce their closing, and the media can't swoop fast enough with a doom and gloom headline.  To be fair, The Hospitality Association doesn’t help. They roll out no shortage of misery stories.  Ruby in Auckland got headlines the other day after they announced they were leaving downtown Auckland. Now, Ruby isn't hospitality, but the same fetish for bad headlines applies.  Get into the detail and, yes, the Auckland vibe isn't what it might once have been, but the real reason they were leaving is the space didn’t suit them anymore. They were off elsewhere and days later their original space was snapped up by a business that was keen to expand.  Fast forward to this week and it’s the Rice Bowl Burger Bar in Wellington.  Cue the Stuff headline: "Another Wellington hospo business announces closure".  Here is what I know: every story has a story. It is not always the economy. In fact, often it isn't the economy. In some cases, it's wrong place i.e. they took the car parks away, or sometimes it's bad luck i.e. they built the CRL around you and didn’t compensate you.  Sometimes it's because you aren't very good at your job i.e. your food is crap and there are better places down the road.  Sometimes it's about migration. Hospo is an easy way to buy work for you and the family, but that doesn't mean you're any good or understand the culture. But it is a ticket to work and a visa.  The evidence, for those who want to look at it, shows hospo for those who work hard, offer good food and good service, does well. The country, sadly, is over hospo-ed.  And irony of ironies, despite the closure and woe and misery headlines, we actually have more hospo outlets than we ever have.  One closes, but at least another one, if not more, open. But they don’t write about the start-ups.  Because that would be just a bit too upbeat, wouldn't it? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 3rd of February, Education Minister Erica Stanford unpacks the new reporting system for junior education.  Meta VP and Global Head of Safety Antigone Davis is in the country and discusses what they're doing to protect kids online and her thoughts on the social media bans gaining traction around the world.  9News Finance Editor Chris Kohler puts both our and Australia’s financial concerns in humorous light and discusses his book ‘How They Get You’.  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.

Fresh allegations have emerged linking former UK-US Ambassador Lord Mandelson to Jeffrey Epstein.  Newly released files suggest Mandelson shared internal government information with the convicted sex offender.  The revelations follow the release of photographs showing Mandelson in his underwear.  Mandelson was sacked as the ambassador last year and is now stepping down from the UK Labour Party entirely.  UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking the Labour Party’s leadership is tainted, as Sir Keir Starmer made him the Ambassador having known he had connections with Epstein.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finances can be a bit of a struggle.   Costs are constantly rising, and in an era of auto-payments and forgotten subscriptions, it can sometimes be difficult to keep on top of everything, or even know that you’re getting the best deal.  9News Finance Editor Chris Kohler is becoming increasingly popular on social media for incorporating dry wit into usually boring economic news and has written a book called ‘How They Get You’.  ‘How They Get You’ covers “sneaky” everyday economics and what you can do to outsmart the systems and save your money.  Kohler told Mike Hosking the intent of the book is to take a good thorough look at something that tends to be boring and is often pushed to the side.  “I think people are really smart actually, I think that they just are presented with information in a way that makes them feel like it’s nebulous, or it’s above their heads, or they don’t have the right education.”  “For most people, they’re, their radar of when something isn’t fair, and when something is a bit off is really good, but I think that they’re not given the tools to argue with financial institutions in a way that might help them.”   Kohler very much subscribes to the mentality that if you look after the pennies, the pounds will take care of themselves, though he says it’s more than pennies at the moment.  “The difference between the best and the worst mortgage rate out there at the moment is a couple hundred a month for people.”  “I think it’s very important to, to have a good hard look at the money that we’re spending and whether or not we can be spending less.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New entrants are needing more help than ever.   Primary schools are reporting record levels of children arriving without basic skills such as talking, eating and toileting.  Data from the Auckland Primary Principals’ Association shows 92% of schools report new entrants don’t know the letters in their own name.  Director of New Shoots Children's Centre Kelly Seaburg told Mike Hosking there isn't good data on what kids have learned prior to attending school.  She says they know whether children have attended Early Childhood Education, but they have no idea how many hours they’ve spent there.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Current liquor licensing rules are overzealous, according to Nelson's Mayor.  Nick Smith says it felt odd that he was unable to buy a bottle of wine at the Ready to Roll concert on Sunday, at Neudorf Vineyards in Nelson.  Patrons were only able to buy it in cups.  Nelson Mayor Nick Smith told Mike Hosking the licensing authority would make the organisers of the event agree to strict conditions if they want bottles, which is a bit over the top.  He says he's gone to similar events for decades and he's never seen any trouble.  Smith told Hosking it's not just concerts where this is happening – earlier in his term as Mayor, they had to use a screen to block people being seen drinking at tables on Trafalgar Street.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.