The Mike Hosking Breakfast

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.

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.

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.

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.

The dream continues for a teen running sensation, Sam Ruth. He became the fastest ever 16-year-old to run the mile following this weekend's Cook's Classic.  He stopped the clock at 3:53.83, but he was beaten by fellow runner Sam Tanner, who is 25. Father Ben Ruthe told Andrew Dickens that, "we just want to keep giving him the opportunity to do what he loves." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some renters across the country feel they're still being unfairly rejected for owning pets, despite recent legislation changes. New rules came into force in December, making it easier for renters with pets,  by requiring reasonable grounds for refusal if landlords don't want animals on their properties. Some renters fear nothing has changed, and enforcement of the rules is needed. Aspire Property Managing Director Mike Atkinson says landlords can always choose lower risk tenancy applicants. He says there's nothing in the new laws that say landlords can't just choose someone without a pet. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global tourist hotspots like Barcelona and New York are banning or restricting the use of short term accommodation, like AirBnB to try to free up housing. Now , Sydney is looking into it.  Queenstown is also interested - with a third of homes empty every night due to short term rentals.  Opes Partners Resident Economist Ed McKnight told Andrew Dickins that it makes sense for Sydney but not necessarily Queenstown.  He says if  you take away Airbnb in Queenstown - it doesn't mean there's more housing for sale - because a lot of them are holiday homes anyway.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tauranga's Mayor says they're hopeful recovery work can resume today,  after Thursday's slip at Mount Maunganui. Six people remain unaccounted for and are presumed dead. Recovery work was paused yesterday after a crack was found on the maunga, making the site unsafe. Tauranga City Council has ordered an independent review into the slip - and what happened leading up to it. Mahe Drysdale says specialist equipment was flown in from Wellington last night - to help with recovery operations.  He says geotechnical engineers are up Mount Maunganui at the moment - to ensure it's safe for work to continue today.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queenstown's seeing a surge in ultra wealthy overseas buyers looking to purchase houses. A luxury real estate agent is reporting a 600 percent increase in overseas enquiries for properties across the lakes district. There's increased interest from former Soviet bloc countries, suggesting buyers are trying to get away from the conflict in Europe. Oliver Road Luxury Real Estate Founder and Managing Director Cam Winter told Andrew Dickens that the issue of affordable accommodation in Queenstown is separate from the luxury real estate market. He says buyers don't want to buy a home here and spend so little time in it that they feel like aliens. 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.    Trump: 6/10  An infuriating mix of effective and insane. It's rare for a single person to dominate news everyday all week, but there you go.    Iceland: 2/10  Was Iceland his Biden moment and no one called it out? Can you threaten to invade a place who's name you can't even remember?    Tony Brown: 8/10  Appeared on the show this week and set the cat amongst the pigeons.    The rugby union: 2/10  When you look at Razor and listen to Tony, where do you reckon the real issues are?    Anna Breman: 6/10  The Dr vs Winston vs Nicola. I side with Anna. She is either independent or she isn't.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACC is in crisis.  I'm not sure if that’s news to you or not.  They are sinking in a sea of debt. They are forecast in four short years to be in the hole to the tune of $26 billion.  Now there are side issues like court cases, which make decisions that envelop the organisation into a fiscal level of responsibility they can't calculate, and in that I feel sorry for them.  But their turnaround plan, which has just been launched, involves them getting back to black in four years.  That, if done, will be well worth applauding. Now, I have no doubt it can be done, mainly because the problem is one of will and determination.  But it does involve tough decisions, a bit of backbone and a whole new attitude.  A couple of key figures give the story away.  Figure 1: The number of people in the past decade who are on long term payments. It's gone from 12,000 to 24,000. In other words, it's doubled.  Has the population doubled in that time? No.  Have we fallen over a lot more? Not necessarily.  Have we milked a system able to be milked? Of course.  Figure 2: The cost of rehab. In the same period, it's gone from $2 billion to $4 billion, so it's doubled.  Has inflation doubled? No.  Have people seen ACC coming and adjusted their costs accordingly? Yes.  The whole thing is not a lot short of a scam.  It's an industry in which if you take your eye off the ball, make the rules convoluted and look to scrimp and save in the wrong areas, is ripe for the sort of calamitous outcome that has clearly eventuated.  Literally half the country claims ACC each year. It's astonishing.  It's not normal.  Recently a family member was a recipient of ACC. Without boring you with the details, at times ACC seemed determined this person should not return to work.  There was a rigid inflexibility in their approach. Rules were rules. Ironically this family member was desperate to get back to work, but, said any number of doctors and specialists, not before just a bit more treatment.  Do that two million times over and you're $26 billion in the hole.  The good news is there is no reason it can't be fixed. The question is, do they have the gonads and the wherewithal to do it? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greenland's been kept in the dark over discussions between Donald Trump and NATO about its future.  The US President claims he’s laid the groundwork for a potential deal involving the Arctic island, while also backing down on proposed tariffs on NATO countries.  Greenland Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen says nothing can proceed without Greenland’s clear support.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that Denmark is open to Greenland being used as part of the Golden Dome anti-missile system and an extension of US-controlled military bases.  However, he says, the US has had basing rights in Greenland under an agreement reached in 1951, so there’s a question of if this is anything other than the status quo.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday has come and Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back for the first time this year to Wrap the Week that was. They discussed ACC and Kate’s pickleball injury, marriage and anniversaries, and Tim’s gift.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 23rd of January, Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell provides an update on the slip in Mount Maunganui and the recovery efforts.  ACC has a plan to turn around its multibillion-dollar debt, and it seems to be bearing fruit.   Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back to Wrap the Week for the very first time in 2026.   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 tourism rebound continues.   New figures from Stats NZ show 3.48 million arrivals in the year to November – up 214 thousand on last year, and the highest level since March 2020.  November alone saw 347,600 visitors, with arrivals from the US, Asia, Europe, and China all up.   Tourism Holdings Ltd CEO Grant Webster told Mike Hosking there’s more to come.  He says January and February are going to be even better than what was seen in November.  Webster says recovery is naturally happening, and we're expected to inch back up to pre-Covid numbers within the next 12 months  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The forestry sector is set to pay less, more efficiently.   The Government is proposing further cost reductions on carbon credits, Forestry Minister Todd McClay saying they’re lowering payments from forest owners to $10.25 per hectare.  It's the second reduction since the coalition took office, and proposals would see costs go down from $14.90 a hectare.  Forest Owners Association CEO Dr Elizabeth Heeg told Mike Hosking they’ve been looking for efficiency in the government processes, and MPI has done a good job in finding ways to bring those costs of operations down.   She says they also looked at moving some of the things in the annual charge into targeted fees, so if someone uses a service multiple times, they don’t all have to pay for it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank isn't expected to change its course, despite inflation remaining higher for longer.  Stats NZ is providing its latest CPI update at 10.45am.  Economists expect the inflation rate to remain about 3% – the very upper end of the Reserve Bank's target range.  That's higher than forecast, reflecting a higher-than-expected rise in travel costs.  ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith told Mike Hosking it’s a little too soon to be thinking about hikes to the OCR, which is likely to be conditional on inflation.  He says the Reserve Bank likely feels that there’s still a bit of spare capacity in the economy, and that should be sufficient to push down domestic inflation, which should contribute to overall inflation going closer to 2%.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACC believes it's already seeing results from a new plan to dig itself out of a fiscal hole.  The plan's been released after a critical report that found its deficit would balloon to $26 billion by 2030.   It focuses on getting people back to work more quickly and significantly increasing the number of clients who have their own case manager as a single point of contact. ACC Chief Executive Megan Main told Mike Hosking it comes down to everyone playing their part.  She says ACC is having early conversations with people to manage cases that may be getting off track.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

McDonald’s finally has the green light to build its golden arches in Wanaka, more than two years after first floating the idea.  The fast-food giant’s secured consent for a new restaurant in the town’s Three Parks commercial area.  It's almost a year after an earlier proposal was knocked back amid widespread public opposition.  Queenstown Lakes Deputy Mayor Quentin Smith told Mike Hosking the bid might’ve gone through first time if McDonald’s had aimed for a commercial zone from the start.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Destruction and tragedy have come in the wake of slips caused by record rainfall in the upper North Island.  Police have confirmed two bodies have been found following an early morning landslide on Pāpāmoa's Welcome Bay Road.  As well, a man is still missing after being swept away by the Mahurangi River north of Warkworth on Wednesday.  Hundreds of homes remain without power and there's widespread closures on the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne District on State Highways 2, 25 and 35.  Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking unfortunately tragedies like this happen with the amount of rain we received.  He says the ground loses its ability to soak up any more water, which is why slips have been so widespread across the eastern seaboard.  Rescuers at the base of Mount Maunganui have been working through the night and into the morning to find campers buried by a landslide.   A source has told the Herald there could be up to nine people unaccounted for —including children— after the hill gave way and smashed through a popular campsite and hot pools.   Mitchell told Hosking there's no timeline for how rescue efforts will unfold.   He says a lot of earth has come down and destroyed buildings, campervans, and caravans.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A nod to Dunedin.  The place of my birth and a bunch of fairly happy years in the early part of my radio career.  We were back last month for the graduation of a daughter, now plying her trade in the medical profession.  Everything about it was awesome. It is what every city in this country should aspire to.  Christchurch has, rightly, got a lot of headlines for doing things well. And Dunedin is not Christchurch.  It has not been rebuilt or re-imagined and many bits of it are the same as when I worked there 30 years ago.  But a lot of bits are better.  The Ebb hotel is brilliant. It's perfectly placed and you walk everywhere.  Perhaps most importantly, everywhere we went, and I mean everywhere, people were friendly.  Not just friendly, but inquiring and helpful.  Not a shop was entered where we got anything but help and interest and advice and service. It was like New Zealand used to be, or that’s the way it seemed when you live in Auckland.  From restaurants to cafes, to an art gallery, to hotels and bars and rental car operators, every single interaction delivered. I honestly cannot remember the last time that happened.  I asked my daughter whether she would miss it. She said six years was plenty, so maybe living and visiting is different.  Mind you, the lady at Michael Hill said she had moved from Auckland and would never be back.  The airport is still too far from town. They built it with a vision, ironically, that the city would spread across the Taieri. It didn’t, well not enough, and I think we can conclude it never will.  It was sunny that weekend and 23 degrees and everyone told us how unusual all that was.  So maybe we got lucky – good weather, nice hotel, we bought three paintings, plane arrived and took off on time, daughter won some prizes so we were full of pride, food was good and service was professional and friendly.  So maybe we were lucky. Or just maybe, Dunedin rocks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s an appetite for live comedy in New Zealand at the moment.   Major international players such as Jimmy Carr and Matt Rife have had their success, and now attention is shifting to local acts.  And Jeremy Corbett is a big part of that – headlining the upcoming ‘Weekend Laughs’ comedy showcase, is the star act for a show in Matakana next month, and is the host of our longest running comedy show ‘7 Days’, which is setting up for its 18th season.   He’s been doing comedy for over thirty years, telling Mike Hosking the real success is sticking around.   When ‘7 Days’ first went to air in 2009, Corbett had much lower expectations for its longevity.   "If you’d asked me, I would have gone, I reckon we could get five years,” he explained.  "Someone said to me, how, y’know, what’s the success?”   “And I think just sticking around, much like yourself Mike, if you stick around long enough, they can’t get rid of you.”   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 22nd of January, we go to Davos to react to Trump's speech on Greenland at the World Economic Forum.  We get the word from Tony Brown as to whether he is still interested in the All Blacks coaching job, and if he'd leave his South Africa contract early for it.  Comedian Jeremy Corbett talks the 18th season of 7 Days and headlining a couple of upcoming comedy shows.  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.

Despite record hydro inflows, the average Kiwi is unlikely to see any savings on their energy bills.   Inflows into the lakes hit 123% of the historical average in December – marking the second highest July-December period on record.  Generation volumes are also up 13% on the same time last year, pushing wholesale prices down.   Meridian Energy CEO Mike Roan told Mike Hosking the country’s energy stores are in better shape than they were in 2024, and compared to that period, we might even have the lowest wholesale electricity prices in the OECD.  However, while wholesale customers will see some savings, he says residential customers will see increases in their bills driven by Commerce Commission approved increases to the lines, and distribution and transmission charges that will flow through in the next few years.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump may have turned down the heat by pledging no force will be used to take over Greenland, but he remains determined to control it.  The US President told a large audience at the World Economic Forum in Davos he wants immediate negotiations for acquiring the Danish territory – at one point calling it 'our territory.'  Nine News Europe correspondent Mimi Becker told Mike Hosking he's still sending a strong and pointed message to Europe.  She says Trump says they have a choice – saying yes and the US will be appreciative, or saying no and the US will remember.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony Brown has admitted to frustrations around the vacant All Blacks coaching role.  The former first-five has confirmed he intends to honour his contract as an assistant with South Africa, rather than make himself available for inclusion in any New Zealand group.  Brown was a part of Jamie Joseph's pitch for the job in 2023, which lost out to Scott Robertson.  Brown revealed to Mike Hosking that Robertson sounded him out about joining the All Blacks a couple of months ago.  But he says his commitment to South Africa was four years and he’s always wanted to honour that.  “I’m just so frustrated that no one talked to me two years ago.”   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.