The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Economists say New Zealand’s outlook is improving, but we're not in recovery mode just yet.   SEEK NZ's latest Employment Report shows job ads dipped 0.3%, with weaker demand in retail, technology, and hospitality.  Infometrics Principal Economist Nick Brunsdon told Mike Hosking he's cautiously optimistic heading into 2026.   He says things are looking positive, but we're not in a roaring recovery just yet.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fonterra has new plans to expand.  It’s bringing its organics business to the South Island, inviting farmers to join, with certification and processing targeted for 2028.  Around 100 farms are already involved in the North Island programme as global demand continues to grow – driven by the US, China, and Europe.   Fonterra Co-operative Council Chair John Stevenson told Mike Hosking the key will be for Fonterra to grow at a rate where the demand doesn’t get swamped.  But, he says, it’s a really good news story for their farmers down south.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cryptic answers from Donald Trump around what his next steps will be to achieve his goal of buying Greenland.   World leaders are meeting in Switzerland for the World Economic Forum and using the platform to unite against Trump's tariff threats.   The US President has spoken at a stand up for almost two hours, talking about his claimed achievements on the first anniversary of him taking office.   To questions about how far he'll go to acquire Greenland, he's responded with 'you'll find out'.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking some of his latest statements have directly linked his failure to get a Nobel Peace Prize to his demand for Greenland.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are standing by for the election date today.  It’s not what it was, kind of like budgets. The suspense, the scuttlebutt, the guessing game – it’s all gone.  You might remember Albanese, not having learned our lesson, got himself into dreadful trouble last year and failed to forecast a date.  So they guessed, and guessed, and second guessed, and then the flooding and storms came, so it delayed what was supposed to be an announcement. But that’s what you get when you’re a power freak and you think holding the cards counts for something.  John Key put all that to bed some years back. Return from holiday, announce the date in the latter part of the year, and basically get on with life.  Short of a government falling apart, elections should be scheduled at the end of a three-year term.  Also today, apparently some policy —and perhaps this business of housing— is to be dealt with. Specifically, the thinking is the Auckland issue needs to be sorted.  Elections, rightly or wrongly, are won and lost in Auckland, and the Government’s two million house housing plan is one of those ideas that no one quite gets and freaks people out.  When we had councillor Maurice Williamson on last year, he suggested we ask Minister Chris Bishop just where the two million figure came from, because he couldn’t work it out.  What we do know is the council were forced into agreeing to it. If they didn’t, the “three houses, three storeys on a regular plot” plan was a goer, and no one liked that either.  And that sadly is the trouble with housing and big cities. No shortage of moaners and issues but a big shortage of solutions and agreement around them.  What I do know from personal experience is that having uncertainty in the market —which is what we have— kills enthusiasm and demand.  “What’s going up next door?” you ask the agent. The agent doesn’t know. No one knows. Could be nothing. Could be an 11-storey headache in suburbia.   Who is buying a house next to that nightmare? And that is what the Bishop plan has created, and that hopefully is what gets fixed.  And fast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another Kiwi success story.   Pic’s Peanut Butter has now hit a 41% domestic market share in New Zealand.  They’re forecasting 20% sales growth in 2026 after 20% growth last year, and plans to expand into commercial peanut growing in Northland are underway.  CEO Aimee McCammon told Mike Hosking Kiwis can taste the quality of their product, and they’re happy to be eating it and paying for it.   She says people are still looking for good, healthy food that is good to feed their families, and so Pic’s continues to grow.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 21st of January, we hear some more good economic news with the services sector in growth for the first time in nearly two years.  Mike finds out what the inquiry into the Tom Phillips case will look into and likely achieve.  There are record numbers of New Zealanders with bachelor's degrees, but Universities New Zealand's Chris Whelan tells Mike the numbers compare poorly internationally.  We have the first Politics Wednesday for 2026 and we get early election predictions from Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen.  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.

Dietary fibre could soon receive a long-overdue promotion.  Otago University researchers want it recognised internationally as an essential nutrient, as it's proven to lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.  But New Zealanders average just 20 grams a day – below World Health Organisation guidelines.  Professor of Medicine and Human Nutrition, Sir Jim Mann told Mike Hosking that classifying it as an essential nutrient changes the emphasis it’s given in nutritional recommendations.  He says it would encourage people that sell and prepare food to increase the amount of dietary fibre in their products. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fletcher Building's sale of its construction arm is being welcomed. It will sell to French construction firm Vinci for just over $315 million. The Combined Building Supplies Cooperative says it will create more competition, and expects a boom for the sector. Chief Executive Carl Taylor told Mike Hosking that global companies have worked in New Zealand before. He says examples of that include Te Kaha Stadium and the Metro Pools in Christchurch. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell is skipping today's National Party caucus retreat in Christchurch to deal with the unfolding weather situation in the upper North Island.  Watches and warnings are in place for several parts of the country.  Heavy rain is now battering Northland and the Coromandel Peninsula causing flooding in many places and completely cutting off Whitianga from both the north and the south.  Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking he'll be based in Auckland, so he can travel to where he needs to go.  He says he and the Prime Minister have agreed it's best if he stays there, as most of the severe weather is expected to hit the North Island's eastern seaboard.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's thought New Zealand is lagging behind international trends in university education.  Ministry of Education data shows 39% of adults aged 25 to 64 hold a bachelor’s degree or above in 2024 – up from 17% 20 years ago.  Universities NZ Chief Executive Chris Whelan told Mike Hosking compared with 65% in Canada and 54% in the UK and Australia, we’re trailing.  He says the New Zealand economy hasn't developed perhaps as quickly as others, but almost two-thirds of jobs now require at least two years of post-school training.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lawyer says documentary evidence will be considered in the inquiry of Tom Phillips' disappearance.   Him and his children were missing for four years when the saga ended with a shootout in September, killing the fugitive.   An inquiry into how agencies handled the case will begin hearing evidence today.   Lawyer and former police officer Matthew Hague told Mike Hosking he doesn't think there is obvious fault on the part of the police.   He says there will be things they could've done better, but it was a very complex situation.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are hopes our services sector is finally starting to turn a corner.  The latest BNZ – Business NZ Performance of Services Index shows the sector's growing after almost two years of contraction.  The sector accounts for more than two thirds of businesses, employing almost three quarters of Kiwis.  Business NZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich told Mike Hosking while this isn't a trend, it is a positive sign.  She says what was good about the result was the positive change came from indicators that mattered, particularly a rise in new orders.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Of all the nutty stuff Trump is up to, the most egregious is the DOJ-Jerome Powell investigation.  Powell —I have not one shadow of doubt— makes, along with his board members, decisions based on traditional economic or monetary thinking.  Trump does not.  Of course you can debate, as we have in this country, whether a governor or chair of a central bank is doing the right thing or a good thing. But what you don’t do is weaponize the law to hunt him down.  A central bank’s independence is the cornerstone of how a lot of the world’s economy works. It matters.  Which is why so many central bank chiefs came out in defence of Powell — one of which was our newly minted Reserve Bank Governor, Dr Anna Breman.  She is now, it seems, in trouble for doing so. Winston Peters I didn’t take that seriously, but Nicola Willis I do. And together I most certainly do. Both have now spoken out against her move. Willis says she should have taken advice.  Breman says she didn’t want to wake Willis at 3 in the morning. That worries me. I have woken the boss here at 3 in the morning because my computer password didn’t work. I would have no hesitation ringing Willis at a similar time. I worry about her weakness.  But more importantly — advice on what? Breman is independent. The irony is that the entire debate around Powell is about independence and the defence of it. Can Breman now only be independent if the government says so? And if that’s the case, how far removed from the Trump view of the world are Peters and Willis?  Are Willis and Peters scared of America and the White House? Would the advice have been: “Look, obviously you are independent, but please keep in mind we are scared witless of the nut job in Washington, so anything you can do to stop things getting messy would be appreciated”?  Or —if we are universally agreed Breman should have taken advice— is she in fact a loose unit? Have we hired the wrong person? A person who has put her foot in it having only been in the job 15 minutes?  So which is it? She is independent, and good on her? Or she is a puppet of government and she’s trouble waiting to happen?  Answers please. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conservative MPs are continuing to jump ship to Reform UK.  Andrew Rosindell is the second MP to defect in the span of a week, following on from Robert Jenrick, who was sacked as shadow justice secretary last week.   UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking it’s unlikely to stop until Reform starts showing signs of sagging in the polls.  He says there has been some resistance within the Party to the influx of Tories, as they don’t want it to become the Tory Party Mark 2.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Europe is split on how to handle Donald Trump's escalating attempts to take control of Greenland.   The US President's said he will impose tariffs on eight European countries unless he can buy the Danish territory.   Newstalk ZB's Paris Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking the bull is in the china shop, and leaders can't agree on next steps.   She says for example, the Germans want a combative approach behind closed doors while appearing conciliatory in public.  Field says on the other hand, the French President wants to use what they're calling the bazooka, which would see the US hit with $190-billion worth of tariffs.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People can’t get enough of Sail GP.  There was an average of 18 million dedicated broadcast views per event in 2025, with both social media and the events themselves continuing to grow.   Black Foils co-CEO Blair Tuke told Mike Hosking the model’s proven itself.   Tuke attributes the sport’s growth to the fact that it’s a race that hasn’t been seen before, and it was built for the fans from the outset.   Because of that, he says, the league and teams have been able to pivot and adjust to follow what the fans and commercial partners want, which has helped with the trajectory.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday the 20th of January, Education Minister Erica Stanford downplays the number of teacher vacancies at our schools.  Mike finds out more about the new oil and gas exploration being proposed for some parts of the country.  Outgoing Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson talks the Prime Minister's comment the superannuation age will inevitably rise.  And Black Foils Co-CEO Blair Tuke joins Mike for an extended chat about the success of Sail GP and to look forward to the Auckland regatta.  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.

A couple of green shoots beginning to emerge in the energy sector.   US owned oil and gas company JETEX has applied for a permit to extract coal seam gas near Huntly, and Australia-based EnZed Energy has lodged an application for an offshore petroleum permit in Taranaki.   Energy Resources Aotearoa CEO John Carnegie told Mike Hosking this is what the restart of an industry looks like.  He says we’re seeing a rebuilding of a pipeline of prospects for the future, which means new entrants, new work programmes, and new possibilities.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A timeline of sorts for the new $15 million ASB Classic roof in Auckland.   2027 is the “dream date”, with a more realistic timeline being before the 2028 tournament begins.   Tennis Auckland CEO Rohan West told Mike Hosking the consenting and planning phase takes a while and the construction is logistically challenging.  He says the ASB Classic starts its temporary build in the first week of October, taking about three months to put everything in place.  This means they have to stop construction on a roof, or have it completed, before that, and while completing the project in seven months is possible, West says, it’s probably unlikely.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Retirement Commissioner is asking for a careful and considered approach for changing the retirement age. During his State of the Nation speech yesterday, the Prime Minister said increasing the retirement age was inevitable. Christopher Luxon says as life expectancy rises, the pension age of 65 is too low. Jane Wrightson told Mike Hosking it's good it is now on the political agenda, so the people can hear ideas from all parties. She says political parties will need to discuss what the next decade will look like, and they need to carefully look at how all people will be affected by any changes.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some relief is being felt by Auckland's local boards as the Government looks to back-track on its housing requirements.   The Government has mandated intensification plans for the city to open the door to two million potential homes over the next 30 years.  But Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says feedback clearly shows change is needed.  Orākei Local Board Planning Portfolio Lead Troy Churton told Mike Hosking he'd like to see a slower, more considered approach.   He says the plan was made to accelerate housing change, but the scale and bluntness has undermined the system.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Education Minister's unfazed by a rise in sector vacancies, saying these aren't the right figures to be looking at.   Around 450 teaching and principal roles remain vacant – 12% more than this time last year.  Minister Erica Stanford told Mike Hosking most of these aren't full time.   She says it doesn't mean there are 450 classrooms without teachers, and she expects a higher vacancy rate at this time of year.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions over why our largest bank has hiked its floating home loan rate.  ANZ's lifted its rate 10 basis points to 5.79%.  It says the move, which brings ANZ in line with most other banks, reflects changing global and local conditions.  But Squirrel Mortgage Brokers Chief Executive David Cunningham told Mike Hosking it's raising interest rates because it can.  He says its floating rate is much higher than its one-year fixed rate.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I don’t think there’s a scriptwriter in Hollywood who could out-dramatize real life right now. It seems the show is back just in time for a year of… who knows what. Venezuela - was it illegal? Probably. But the key question is: who is going to do anything about it? And if you protest, you look like you’re backing a dictator and a thug. Greenland? I think a deal where NATO boosts resources should have been done years ago - remembering the thinking behind it: if America doesn’t plant a flag, China might. Cuba? Colombia? Also linked to the China obsession Trump has. But they’re small fry - they’ll ultimately get settled and sorted. Minnesota? Proof there’s angst locally as well as internationally. Trump is rewriting the world. Note that Rubio keeps using the term 'Western Hemisphere' - that’s deliberate. It goes back to President Monroe in the 1800s. All of this is fascinating - not necessarily good or bad, but gripping nonetheless. If you’re watching the new Night Manager season… the overthrow of a government - is it fiction or a documentary? You don’t know these days. Locally… apart from being bored witless as local media obsessed over endless weather warnings and crime, we actually have a lot to look forward to. In case you forgot - this country is actually on a bit of a roll. The pre Christmas GDP number - Q3, so July, August, September - was gangbusters. While so many moaned about our lot, we were in fact going and growing very nicely, thank you. And there’s no reason to believe Q4, when we get it, won’t be about as good. So that sets the year up - an election year, with a Government that has delivered. We haven’t even got to Iran, or the astonishing cock up Albanese managed to make of the Bondi tragedy. The Supreme Court and tariffs - speaking of which, our India FTA came too late for the good news coverage it deserved. Oh - and the Federal Reserve DOJ scandal that dragged our Reserve Bank Governor into the political world of Winston Peters. You can’t make a lot of this stuff up - and yet it’s all happening. It’s all changing. It’s all on. What a year it’s going to be - awesome.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 19th of January, the Prime Minister joins Mike in studio to talk the state of the economy, the coalition and when the election date will be announced.  We find out about the New Zealanders who are moving to Australia who are finding out the grass isn't always greener.  The Commentary Box talks Scott Robertson's depature as All Blacks coach and the Blackcaps historic ODI series win in India.  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’m a bit exercised about Scott Robertson, because I like him and I thought he was a good coach. His record at Canterbury spoke for itself. The trouble in this country is that we can’t have a sensible conversation about All Blacks coaches, because so many of us come to it with myopic, emotional views driven by idiocy like geography and personality expectations that have nothing to do with the actual job. Hansen had pro and anti camps, as did Foster, and now Robertson. It all wastes too much energy. Also, we might just be a bit too energised because we’re a small country with not a lot else to think about. In the NFL at the moment, there are nine head coach vacancies — after eight sackings and one resignation. Over a quarter of all jobs in the NFL are up for grabs, and that isn’t unusual. As for the EPL, there’s a sacking every second day. What I can’t quite work out is this: when David Kirk says we aren’t where we need to be at this point in the cycle, what does that even mean? Where specifically do we need to be? Once upon a time, when the All Blacks won every test as of right, we still didn’t win the World Cup. So presumably, when we won everything, we must have felt in a good place. Also, how is it that Robertson is banned from going elsewhere? Not good enough to coach us, but too dangerous to ply his trade offshore? Apart from paying him to not work… I wouldn’t have taken that deal. I also can’t quite work out how much of this is player driven — and of that player feedback, how much is personal versus professional. How much responsibility does a player have for what happens on the field, as opposed to the coach? Back to the NFL — a bloke called Vrabel was sacked from Tennessee because they weren’t winning. After he left, they still aren’t winning. But the team he went to, New England, were hopeless until this year… they might be in the Super Bowl. So was that him? Luck? Or other factors? Someone always seems to have to pay the price whenever someone decides things aren’t right. Which is the other weird bit: the All Blacks’ winning record, in an increasingly competitive world, wasn’t that bad. So why the panic? Loyalty, consistency, and longevity are all traits of value. But you have to recognise them. If you don’t, you tend to make mistakes by going around sacking people with no real, obvious next step in place. 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: Australian cricket legend Usman Khawaja announced his retirement from the sport in a moving address,  Darryl Mitchell continues to impress for the Black Caps, and the Australian Open: $40,000 just to get eliminated immediately? Is it worth it? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says his State of the Nation speech will focus on his plan for setting up the country's future  Chris Luxon is set to make the address at the International Convention Centre in Auckland this afternoon.  Newstalk ZB understands he will try to draw attention away from turbulent affairs overseas - and to the Government's successes back home.  Luxon told Mike Hosking that he won't be announcing policy - but will reveal a framework for going forward.  He says the speech is a chance to lay out where we're at,  and what's going on.  Chris Luxon says he will announce an election day shortly. LISTEN ABOVE OR WATCH BELOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

European leaders are meeting to work out how they can talk Donald Trump down from attempting to force the sale of Greenland.  The US President's announced increasing tariffs starting next month, against six European countries, the UK and Norway, unless he gets a purchase deal.  Observer Foreign Editor Andrew Rettman told Mike Hosking that Trump is known for flip-flopping on decisions, so leaders are working out if there's wiggle room.  He says there's still hope this is just Trump's crazy way of negotiating.  But Rettman says others are concerned a trade war could just be American soft power - with greater force to come.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Finance Minister says many people aren't feeling economic relief despite positive markers.  The Prime Minister is giving his State of the Nation speech at the International Convention Centre in Auckland this afternoon.  Newstalk ZB understands Chris Luxon will try to draw attention away from turbulent affairs overseas - and back to the Government's successes at home.  But Steven Joyce told Mike Hosking that it's important for Luxon to level with the public.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A shock for some New Zealanders moving across the ditch - as they face hidden taxes and fewer benefits they didn't expect. Record numbers are moving to Australia for work opportunities and higher wages - but growing numbers are struggling with housing and financial stresses. New Zealand Immigration Partners Chief Executive David Cooper told Mike Hosking that he estimates 20 to 25 percent of people move over without doing their homework - and are unpleasantly surprised.  He says there are people who think Australia is the lucky country, there are jobs everywhere and things will work out - but it simply doesn't.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"We've answered every question": Hipkins defends decision not to front Covid Inquiry  Labour leader Chris Hipkins says he's already answered the Covid Inquiry Commissioner's questions, negating any need for him to appear publicly.  Hipkins and former Ministers Dame Jacinda Ardern, Grant Robertson, and Ayesha Verrall declined open hearings, leading the second part of the inquiry to be called off.  Hipkins says lawyers raised several issues around them appearing, including setting a precedent and possible abuse. He told Mike Hosking he doesn't see the point in repeating the process.   Hipkins says the Commissioners themselves have said former ministers have answered every single question put to them and they are seeking no further information.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hasn’t working from home become funny?  Seek have produced a thing called Money Matters, and they look at work-life balance.  Actually, hasn’t that become a thing as well – work-life balance. I can't place it exactly, but it seems like a Covid thing. The world changed and so did we.  Working hard is now so last year, or so last decade. We all long for work-life balance with a good sprinkling of mental health days.  But working from home is a scam because according to Money Matters if you got a pay rise you would go back to the office quick as you like.  So is it about work-life balance or is it about money?  Everything is about money. We just like to pretend it isn't. You feel more virtuous if you pretend it isn't about money.  But Money Matters spills the truth. Working from home is easier, we save on the commute, you claim you are more productive, blah blah blah. "Hey, how about 20% more?" Then you're out of there.  We would work more hours for more money, we would take on an increased workload for more money, and we would commute further for more money.  There isn't much we wouldn't do for more money.  The work from home thing, by the way, is funny because before Covid there was virtually no such thing. The idea that you could invent a thing and then having invented it, because we were all locked down anyway, turn it into a permanent thing that could only be broken by a pay rise is the ultimate in farce. It's an insight into how quickly a habit can form if it suits you.  Anyway, the only other thing that can make us blow up our precious work-life balance is more time off.  But it still doesn’t beat money.  It's why lotto is popular I guess – money solves everything.  Do we value work-life balance? My word we do.  But do we value it more than money? Don’t make me laugh. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined Mike Hosking once again to Wrap the Week that was.  On today’s agenda was the gender pay gap, the Tom Phillips situation, and Kate finally got her chance to call out Mike’s behaviour from the week.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dame Noeline Taurua gives her first interview since the saga began Dame Noeline Taurua has broken her silence, following her suspension and reinstatement as Silver Ferns coach. The 57-year-old and her coaching team were stood down in September after player concerns emerged from a Sydney training camp. Interim coach Yvette McCausland-Durie is leading the team on next week’s Northern Tour. Speaking to Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking in her first interview since the saga, Taurua says the suspension was horrific, and she feels partly vindicated, but not fully back in the job. She says her happy place is on court, training with the players, so there's still a bit to go until she's really back. LISTEN ABOVE FOR PART 1 AND BELOW FOR PART 2 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Friday once more, but Mike Hosking’s panel for Wrapping the Week looks a little different.  Tim Wilson is off on holiday, so a special guest was brought in to replace him – Sir John Key.   It took a while for Kate to guess the "rando" calling in, but once she did they got stuck in discussing clothing, wine, and whether or not Sir John can join Kate’s pickleball league.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The A-Team is back to Wrap the Week, with Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joining Mike Hosking to discuss the week that was.  They discussed Mike’s coffee woes, how being 60 differs to being 40, and a wayward delivery of cherries.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Finding the balance”: Ed Sheeran talks fame and staying grounded, 2026 tour   One of the world’s bestselling artists, Ed Sheeran is one of the most influential artists of his generation.  He’s sold almost 200 million albums and is one of only a handful of artists on Spotify Billions Club with more than ten tracks with over one billion streams.  Sheeran last toured New Zealand’s stages back in 2023, and he’s returning three years later, with 2026’s ‘Loop Tour’.  Despite his global musical success, Ed Sheeran has a reputation for being down to earth and humble, shrugging off the trappings of stardom in favour of a much more grounded presence.   He alternates between projects – huge stadium tours and local gigs, painting and podcasts, parenting and performing.   While the most enjoyable period of his career was the first two years after the release of Plus in which the world opened up to him, Sheeran explains that nowadays he prioritises balance.  “It's about finding the balance and not going nuts,” he told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking.  “Not being like, I am just a popstar and that is all that I am, I think it’s really nice to be a dad, and also be a popstar, and have a balance of the two.”   Stardom and fame can take its toll, some people becoming jaded and disconnected from the world around them, however, Sheeran believes that only happens if you live in a bubble.  “I think you get jaded when things start getting very self-centred, and you think like, oh this is happening to me, and this is this, and this is that, and it’s very me, me, me, me, me.”  Sheeran tries to keep himself grounded, surrounding himself with regular people, getting out into the world, and taking public transport at his wife’s strong encouragement.   “I do remember playing shows where no one wants to come to them and releasing music that fell on deaf ears,” he told Hosking.  “So I feel super grateful to be, you know, people are still interested in my music, people are still coming to the shows.”  “I don’t think you can get jaded with that.”  ‘Loop Tour’ is Sheeran’s sixth major concert tour, and although he still performs in the occasional pub, stadium tours are on a completely different level.   Although there’s definitely a pressure to match and even outperform his previous tours, Sheeran has faith in his music and what it means to his audience.  “I know I can create special moments.”  “I think that when you’re doing these shows, it’s an understanding that it’s not about me, it’s about the community and about the couples that are coming to the gig, the families that are coming to the gig, and what the songs mean to them.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Everything to keep you guys safe": New CEO of Air NZ comments on mass cancellations In the North Island, Red Wind Warnings are in place for Wellington and southern Wairarapa. There are extensive public transport and flight cancellations. Air New Zealand says it's already cancelled almost 100 flights today. CEO Nikhil Ravishankar says told Mike Hosking that it will only operate flights if it's safe to do so. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Such a joyful thing": Jimmy Carr talks comedy, upcoming NZ tour  Jimmy Carr is well known for a couple of things, his controversial comedy and distinctive laugh chief among them. And he’s bringing both to Kiwi audiences early next year, travelling right across the country, stopping in 13 different cities.  He’s got a prolific career in standup, as well as being a household name in UK television, not only hosting an array of panel shows, but a regular guest on many of the rest.  Carr has a busy schedule, and he told Mike Hosking that he works as much as he possibly can, as his work is such a joyful thing.  “If I have a night off, what am I doing? I’m sitting at home having my tea,” he said.  “If I come out and do a show, it’s such a joyful thing."  “I also think I do have a propensity to get cancelled once in a while,” Carr confessed, the comedian having seen his fair share of controversies.  “So you never know when your last one’s going to be.”  When it comes to cancel culture, Carr is a big advocate for freedom of speech.  “I’m not for everyone, and edgy jokes, there’s you know, limits of it, sometimes it’s not for everyone,” he told Hosking.  “But the whole cancel culture thing, you go, well, as long as you don’t get cancelled by your own audience, I think you’re golden.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Longevity: What's the secret to living longer, healthier lives?  People are becoming increasingly more interested in living longer.  Health, wellness, dieting, and fitness are more and more prominent on social media, and health monitoring technology are becoming increasingly popular.  Cardiologist Dr Eric Topol has been researching longevity for decades, and is considered to be one of the top five voices on the subject.  He’s just released his latest book, ‘Super Agers’, a detailed guide to living a longer, healthier life.  Topol told Mike Hosking it’s not necessarily about living longer, but rather extending the years someone lives with intact health.   He says living to 90 and being perfectly health throughout ought to be more important than trying to live to 110 and having many years of dementia, or profound frailty, or poor quality of life.   Although there are revolutions happening in regards to anti-inflammatory and hormonal medications, Topol says it’s never going to be as simple as a pill.  Things like lifestyle factors, environmental pollution, microplastics, and forever chemicals also need to be controlled, he explains.  Listen to the full interview for a detailed explanation of health, longevity, and the new developments in the medical sector.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is an iron deficiency holding you back? Dr Libby Weaver discusses  A common deficiency could be holding you back.  Iron is the most common nutritional deficiency, both globally and in New Zealand, and it plays a role in everything from energy to brain function and development, thyroid function, and anxiety prevention.  Dr Libby Weaver is biochemist, nutritionist, and author, and her latest book ‘Fix Iron First’ delves into the role of iron in the body, and how a deficiency could be impacting your life.  She joined Mike Hosking to discuss her research.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"A wild, unhinged romp": Annie Murphy and Murray Bartlett talk 'Nine Perfect Strangers'  Kiwis will be able to experience the drama as ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ returns for a second season.   Nicole Kidman’s Masha Dmitrichenko has invited a new cast of characters to join a transformational wellness retreat in the Austrian Alps, pushing them to the brink over the course of a week.   Annie Murphy and Murray Bartlett are among the cast, playing alongside Henry Golding, Lena Olin, Christine Baranski, Lucas Englander, King Princess, Dolly de Leon, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, Mark Strong, Aras Aydin, and of course, Nicole Kidman.  For Murphy, the ensemble nature was a huge draw, telling Mike Hosking she was thrilled by the prospect.  “We were there for six months Munich, with a whole bunch of really talented, really theatre, dorky actors... I was thrilled.”  Bartlett was also excited to be a part of the show, having watched and “devoured” the first season.  Season 2 will be releasing on May 22nd worldwide on Amazon Prime.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Time to move": Mark Robinson unpacks resignation from NZ Rugby Outgoing New Zealand Rugby boss Mark Robinson believes he's leaving the game in a better place than he found it.  He's confirmed he will leave the job at the end of the year, bringing to an end a six-year tenure that started just before the Covid-19 pandemic.  Robinson says he's proud of what's been achieved during a turbulent period.  He told Mike Hosking that the next six months are critical for their role both domestically and internationally, with both their involvement in the establishment of international calendars and competitions as well as the opportunity they have to reset the financial model for the New Zealand game.   Robinson likes to think those would both be signed off by the end of the year, and that in conjunction with his family moving over to Australia, makes him feel it’s time to move on.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Absolutely no idea": Joseph Parker uncertain of his next opponent  Joseph Parker’s next fight is still up in the air.   The Kiwi boxer was set to challenge Daniel Dubois for the IBF Heavyweight belt, before pulling out last-minute on medical advice.   Since then, Parker has called out Oleksandr Usyk, but Dubois may be first in line for that fight.  Parker told Mike Hosking that there’s a lot of different ways the timeline could play out.  He says he has no idea what’s happening next, and for now, is just focused on training, spending time with family, and finding a good balance in life.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined Mike Hosking once again to Wrap the Week that was.  They discussed clothes shopping and quiet luxury, Mike’s problem with some supermarket collectables, and who has the best voice for advertising jingles.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"You can't rewind": James May takes to the stage with 'exciting' new show  When you hear the name ‘James May’, it’s likely you think of cars, Top Gear, and The Grand Tour, but much like his co-stars, May has plenty of other projects.  He owns his own pub and gin line, and has done countless shows visiting other countries, rebuilding toys and machines, and exploring life’s questions.  May’s now onto his next journey – a live theatre performance that brings the stories of explorers to the stage.  It’s called ‘Explorers: The Age of Discovery’, and May’s bringing it to Kiwi audiences in August.  It’s been quite a busy year for May – something he told Mike Hosking was quite unintentional.  “This year was going to be my, what I called a ‘dry run at retirement’, to see how much I liked it,” he revealed.  “But I’ve ended up doing a live tour, a couple of TV shows, various other odds and ends – it's actually the busiest year I’ve had for probably a decade, in terms of demands on my time.”  “But maybe that’s a good thing,” he said. “Maybe if I was left to my own devices, I’d sit in the garden and rot.”   Despite his vast experience in the entertainment industry, May isn’t terribly experienced with live performances.  “We used to do Top Gear Live and then Clarkson, Hammond & May Live, but there were three of us doing it, plus our stunt driving team and various other circus performers,” he explained.  “This one is quite intimidating because it just me."  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast with Heather du Plessis-Allan Full Show Podcast for Friday 19th of December, we cover off the better-than-expected Q3 GDP number, which is signalling some hope for next year.  Jennie Wyllie has resigned as the CEO of Netball NZ, but does it need to go further than that?  And for the final time for the year Kerre Woodham and Tim Wilson joined Heather to Wrap the Week and discuss their Christmas plans.  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.

It’s that time of the year where we pick our politician of the year.  For me, it's the same person as last year.  Political commentators, myself included at times, have an unfortunate tendency to sometimes choose politicians because they’re good at playing the political game.  And if you’re into that, you might pick Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke for collecting her Time magazine award.  Or Chris Hipkins for resurrecting his party’s fortunes from a horror 2023 election result.  Or Labour’s Arena Williams for giving good speeches, or Shane Jones for getting attention.  But at a time when we all acknowledge our country is in a bit of a polycrisis, slipping further behind the pack, I think the most important measure is not whether a politician is good at politics, it's whether a politician is making a difference.  And no other politician is making as big a difference as quickly, in an area as important, as Erica Stanford.  Already kids are learning more than they have been for years. The results from her phonics changes a couple of months ago were so dramatic a staff member in her office burst into tears.  She’s doing this despite increased resistance from teachers' unions.  Parents are raving and teachers themselves are noticing the difference.  Nothing is more important than our kids and educating them properly.  And on the politics, she can play politics as well as anyone. You watch closely as her opponents learn that lesson.  Just ask Willow-Jean Prime.  So, Erica Stanford it is.  Because nothing beats having a good idea, being brave enough to execute it and helping to turn this country around. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the final time this year, Heather du Plessis-Allan was joined by Kerre Woodham and Tim Wilson to Wrap the Week that Was. They discussed the Vanity Fair photoshoot of the Trump Administration, festive clothing, and their plans for the Christmas holidays.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.