The Mike Hosking Breakfast

US President Donald Trump's confident the momentum will continue beyond the first phase of a Gaza peace plan.   The Israeli Government's voting this morning on whether to implement the terms agreed with Hamas yesterday.   It would see hostages released early next week and Israeli troops withdraw to agreed lines.   US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the remaining hostages are believed to be held by splinter groups, so getting them all together will be challenging.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I argued it because I thought it was the right thing to do.  Winston Peters entered the Fonterra brands sale debate yesterday, I suspect because he thinks there are points to be scored.  Not because he is wrong, because he isn't, but if you really cared about the sale that Fonterra has been involved with for some period of time, you might have stumped up a bit earlier.  In a way it's none of our business, neither mine nor Peters’. We aren't farmers and we don’t have a vote.  The people who do have a vote are in that process as we speak.  My guess is it will romp home and each farmer on average will be several hundred thousand dollars better off.  But there is also, as it's always been, the Fonterra social licence. Although the average punter doesn’t own them, or have a say, they are so big that their role in the New Zealand economy is outsized to the point that what they do has national implications.  I have always argued that their argument for sale is wrong.  There is, and never has been, any reason they can't and don’t run their brands successfully. They say it's not their core business.  Isn't it?  Milk turns into cheese and ice cream. Cheese and ice cream are the brands they are selling.  The French company, also in the same business as Fonterra, doesn’t seem to see it that way either, otherwise they wouldn’t be stumping up over $4 billion for it.  There is an agreement, and this is Peters' main point, that the new owner uses Fonterra products. But, says Peters, how long for, and when the clock stops, which it will, our milk will be in just another in a long line of milk jugs.  Peters tosses in a bit of conspiracy about Fonterra executives and bonuses. But that’s the politics of it all.  But then that’s always been the Peters way, hasn’t it?  At its core he makes sense. He values New Zealand and New Zealand products, so his view is consistent. But then there is always a little conspiratorial spice for the headlines.  If this sale was to be debated properly, far less halted, he needed to be front and centre ages ago.  So overall, the Peters' foray – good point, just too late.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Friday, which means Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that Was.   They discussed Dolly Parton’s not-dead announcement, the art Mike and Kate bought over the weekend, and whether or not they could pass a practical drivers test nowadays.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bathurst 1000 returns this weekend.  The first practice has seen New Zealanders Ryan Wood, Matt Payne, and Andre Heimgartner sit first, fourth and eighth respectively.  Brodie Kostecki is the current champion, looking to obtain back-to-back victories.  Former Supercars driver Paul Radisch told Mike Hosking at the end of the day, everything just comes down to luck.  He says that even if you’re leading the race and make all the right preparations, someone else could still claim the win.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 10th of October, the first stage of a peace deal in the Middle East is in progress. Whether it holds is the next question.  We announce the winner of our brilliant trip to Melbourne – you won't want to miss her reaction!  Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson talk about the art bought over the weekend and whether or not they'd pass their driving test these days as they Wrap the Week.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Public Service Minister believes cuts within the sector aren't the slash and burn they're made out to be.  The Government has reduced its contractor and consultant spending across the public service by more than half its target.  It says spending has fallen $915 million, compared to its goal of $400 million, and frontline roles in the public service have also increased.  Judith Collins told Mike Hosking redundancy costs from job cuts also need to be seen in the context of overall savings.  She says some agencies immediately got rid of some jobs because they realised they were coping without them.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's thought there are fundamental issues with the new methamphetamine contamination laws.  Properties with meth residue exceeding 15 micrograms per 100-square centimetres will be considered contaminated and require treatment.   Landlords and tenants will be able to quickly end tenancies with excessive levels.  Residential Property Managers Association Chair Tony Mitchell told Mike Hosking it's great to have clarity, but it's out of step with the rest of the world.    He says we shouldn't be accepting any meth in properties, and we now don't have the ability to enforce a zero-tolerance policy.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An ACC lawyer says there's a simple answer to the insurer's deficit problem.   The Scheme's recorded a net deficit of $1.5 billion, blowing the total out to $13.8 billion.  ACC lawyer and researcher Warren Forster told Mike Hosking tackling this issue requires looking at it over a generation.  He says they need to be careful about value for the money they collect and stop changing how they calculate the amount needed.   Forster says ACC did really well with its return on investment this year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The next phase of the Gaza peace talks could test Benjamin Netanyahu's loyalty.   His Government's voting today on approving the first phase of a ceasefire plan, agreed with Hamas.   It involves Israeli troops retreating to agreed lines, a cessation of fighting, and the release of hostages.   Israeli journalist Haggi Matar told Mike Hosking the Israeli Prime Minister has effectively promised his base he'll continue the war and eradicate Hamas.   He says it's pretty certain that's not what Qatar and the Trump administration are after, so hopefully they will continue to press both sides to agree.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington mayor went out, not really in a blaze of glory yesterday, but more a fireball of misery and bitchiness.  Tory Whanau is probably the local body poster child for ineptitude. She's given her bye-bye speech.  She was a shambles. She may still be back, as she is standing in the Māori ward.  She seems like a person who if she wasn’t in local politics, might have trouble finding work.  She admitted, after it was too late, that she really should have done her homework before chasing the big mayoral job.  She won because too many people stood for mayor and split the vote, so by the time you deal with the appalling turnout and split the vote several times over, you need not a lot of support to get a job you weren't even qualified for any way.  But that’s local body politics, isn't it, at least at national level. Whether list or electorate, a group of experienced operators give you the once over.  Locally literally anyone can have a go and that, if you haven't worked it out yet, is a problem.  It wasn’t all her fault of course. A mayor is not a president and is but one vote. But a mayor's job shouldn’t be a "funsies" party trick because you are bored or unemployable.  There were the personal issues. That is another problem in the lack of vetting. Some people are basically just a shambles and she is clearly one of those.  That's not a crime, we all have issues. It's just advisable not to have them on display while you are trying to run things like a city.  The city is pretty much a reflection of her leadership – a mess.  Infrastructurally it's an embarrassment; level one water restriction when we are barely out of autumn, a devastated CBD and angst, fury and backstabbing having been a feature of decision making. That particular trait aired yet again in her farewell speech.  We seem to be in an era where quality in so many parts of life has gone by the wayside.  Tory Whanau is certainly an example of that. She came, she cocked it up, she flailed and flapped about like we were her psychologists as she aired her many and varied problems, then poof! She's off! Until she wasn’t.  They, sadly, rarely are.  But honestly, in a city of Kitts, Fowler, Belich (maybe even Wilde and Prendergast), ol' Tory is hardly one for the record books. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The time has nearly come for Jeffrey Archer to put down the pen.  The prolific author and former member of Lords has sold over 350 million copies of his books, and has just wrapped up the William Warwick series with the release of the eighth book ‘End Game’.  He has one more book left to write, which he’s aiming to finish by Christmas and release in September next year.  But although this will be Archer’s final book, he’s not stepping back from writing altogether, telling Mike Hosking that he still plans on writing short stories and perhaps a screenplay.  “This book is, frankly, bigger than ‘Kane and Abel’ as a story,” he said.  “I’ve got to see if I’ve been able to write it, and frankly, I won’t want to follow it.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 9th of October, the Reserve Bank did what the market, and the Government, wanted and cut the OCR by 50 basis points. Is this the move Nicola Willis needs for growth?  The CEO of the International Rugby Players’ Association Omar Hassanein talks the threat of R360.  Author and former member of Lord's, Jeffrey Archer is back to talk the last book in the William Warwick series and second last novel he will ever write.  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 landmark deal has been announced for sports sponsorship in New Zealand.  Crypto company Swyftx has signed a new partnership with the Warriors, the first of a multimillion dollar spend across the sporting landscape.  Crypto sponsorships are surging globally, up 20% over the past year to US$565 million.  Warriors CEO Cameron George told Mike Hosking they were approached by Swyftx, who want to grow their hold in the New Zealand market.  He says both parties believe there is a lot of credibility in their growth and opportunity, and the Warriors are there to help them get there.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could R360 take legal action against the eight unions who will deem any player that signs with the Saudi-backed league as ineligible for international rugby?  New Zealand, England, Ireland, France, Scotland, Australia, South Africa, and Italy have joined forces against the competition, which is set to launch next year.  While NZR has a policy to avoid selecting overseas-based players, other countries regularly pick from outside their domestic competitions.  International Rugby Players' Association boss Omar Hassanein told Mike Hosking this precedent is likely to be explored by R360's lawyers.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fears a proposed bylaw to combat freedom camping in the Queenstown Lakes District could be a headache for Kiwis.  The new bylaw goes before councillors this week and proposes 15 designated freedom camping sites for the district following a surge in freedom campers.  People freedom camping in other areas could face fines of at least $400.   New Zealand Motor Caravan Association's James Imlach says there was consultation from the council, but it wasn’t done well enough to get a plan that both protects the community and allows law-abiding people to camp in the district without causing harm.  He told Mike Hosking it seems to have been a bit of a token gesture, as the proposed bylaw is very similar to what they’ve been trying to push for a number of years, and it seems like the council’s just trying to find a new way to get the same outcome.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a push to make the wool industry the backbone of New Zealand again.  A cross-sector alliance has been formed between four major organisations, aimed at driving economic growth and consolidating efforts.  It wants the industry to deliver decent returns and remove existing duplications.  Independent Chair John Monaghan told Mike Hosking the price of wool is substantially increasing right now.  He says synthetics have been the biggest opposition to wool, but thinks the time is right for the natural product.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says she's okay with a short spike in inflation.  The Reserve Bank has slashed the cash rate 50-basis-points to 2.5% and is leaving the door open to further cuts.  It expects inflation to reach or surpass 3% in the short term but believes the economy is weak enough to push inflation back down again next year.  Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking we won't see another long-period of sustained much-higher inflation.  She says a little blip's okay, but the three years of high inflation under the last government is not okay.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The biggest upshot of the latest OCR cut is likely to be the boost to consumer confidence.  The Reserve Bank's slashed the cash rate by 50-basis-points to 2.5%.  Major banks are responding by lowering floating and flexible rates after already lowering their fixed-term rates in recent days.  ABC Business Sales Chief Executive Chris Small told Mike Hosking businesses will benefit more indirectly from increased consumer spending, than directly from falling interest rates.  He says interest costs are only a small portion of a person's actual business costs, and businesses will always prefer for revenues to rise than for costs to fall.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I would have thought the NZIER numbers yesterday sealed the deal for the Monetary Policy Committee and today's call. The NZIER was the last substantive look at the economy, and what it shows is we have real trouble. Quite possibly recessionary trouble. They think Q3 was certainly flat, if not in contraction. If it is contraction, you can add that to the Q2 contraction and that, once again, is a recession. How many of these do we want? In the Reserve Bank's case how many do they want, given they can actually do something about it? They are two particularly poor, if not concerning, parts of the data. 1) More jobs are being cut. So that’s your unemployment rate heading higher still, shattering the idea that we may have reached peak. 2) Inflation expectations are heading north of 3% – remember the band is 1-3%. The trouble with that is the 3% isn't coming from growth, which is traditionally what you want. The term for no growth but increasing inflation is stagflation. We could re-litigate, again, how badly the bank have handled this, how they missed Q2 despite that being their job, how they kept telling us the stimulatory effects of lower interest rates were here, or just about here, or here any day now, and if in fact they were ever here they got swallowed by the councils, power companies and insurances giants. Anyway, surely 50 basis points is a given. It isn't of course. There remain those who argue 25 points should do it today and another 25 next month and we can all head off to Christmas, fingers crossed. My argument today is about more than stats and numbers, it's about the psychology of an economy and a country. The Government have tried, but largely failed, to jolly us along and to sell us the story of recovery. The Reserve Bank have spectacularly failed. But they can help today with 50 basis because it says we got it wrong, we missed it, we need to fire this joint up and here is our shot. And it’s a big one. Go on Christian – be bold.  It's your second last time. Don't die wondering.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People are making tough choices at the supermarket to keep costs down.  A new report reveals the average weekly spend per household is now $240 – an increase of only $2 from 2023.  To cut costs, 31% of are buying less groceries, 48% are downgrading on brands, and 30% are looking for specials.  Head of Sustainable Business Development at Rabobank, Blake Holgate told Mike Hosking the results are unsurprising, as wage inflation has not increased at the same rate as food inflation.  He says people have had to make cuts or choices, and that’s what they’re seeing come through in these results.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Minister says officers don't have the laws they need to move protesters from MPs' homes.  The Government introduced the legislation to ban protests outside homes in August, and it's now before a select committee.   A 29-year-old man's turned himself in and been charged, accused of smashing a window at Foreign Minister Winston Peters' house earlier this week.  Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking every single Kiwi would agree the one place they should feel safe is in their own home.  Labour’s Ginny Andersen agreed, but says the law as proposed is really unclear in terms of detail.  She says people have the right to protest but if they’re breaking the law, then they should get prosecuted, just as the person who was charged with smashing the window was.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 8th of October, what is the Reserve Bank going to do today? Cut 25 basis points or 50?  If I told you that on average we're only spending $2 more per week on groceries compared to 2023, would you believe me?  Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen talk the Government's benefit policy and protesting outside MPs’ homes 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.

Students' attitudes towards truancy are said to be turning around.  A new Education Review Office report has found six out of ten students attend regularly – back to pre-Covid levels, but still down on 2015.  It also found 80% think education is important for their futures, and 75% think attending every day is important.  Deputy Chief Executive Ruth Shinoda told Mike Hosking there's still more work to do.  She says seven in ten children went to school regularly in 2015 and the government wants to increase that to eight in ten by 2030.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 300 people in Auckland have been ordered to re-sit their practical driving tests.  It followed allegations VTNZ officers took money in return for giving passes.  Five officers at VTNZ's Highbrook branch have been sacked and police have launched an investigation into potential fraud.  The wrongdoing's alleged to have taken place over a few years.  President of the Institute of Driver Educators Mark Revill-Johnson told Mike Hosking there can't be any faith in the results of the tests.  He says it's unknown if they were properly conducted tests according to the rules.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economists are split on how far the Reserve Bank will go with slashing the Official Cash Rate.  The central bank will reveal its latest monetary policy decision this afternoon.   There are strong expectations of a cut from three percent, but debate over its size.   ANZ says a 25 basis point cut could be strategic at this point in the cycle, with the OCR near its bottom.   But ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Mike Hosking he favours a 50 basis point cut.   He says you can make a case either way, but he thinks it's time to give it a firmer nudge than what we've seen recently.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The stars are aligning for the red meat sector with record returns and global demand.   Rabobank's latest report suggests two-million underutilised dairy calves are born each year, at a time when beef prices are hitting record highs.   It's calling for a coordinated effort across breeding, rearing, and value chains to add an alleged $1.2 billion to the economy.  Meat Industry Association Chair Nathan Guy told Mike Hosking there's a lot of system change that needs to occur.   He says farmers know the demand is there, so it's an exciting time.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi Chef Chelsea Winter is all about making a practical resource for Kiwi families, having written nearly ten cookbooks over the years.  Her last few books have been focused on plant-based recipes, many of them dairy-free, egg-free, and refined sugar-free, but her 8th book, ‘Nourish’ is a return to the basics.   “My books have always been created with the intention that they are to be used,” she told Mike Hosking.  “It’s not a coffee table book.”  ‘Nourish’ is filled with recipes designed not only to taste good, but to feel good, Winter says, adaptable recipes that allow a family to thrive.  “It’s a culmination of everything I’ve learned over the last 13 years, but also the person I’ve become.”  “There’s a purpose behind this book now, it’s not just like, oh look, I won MasterChef, I’m going to put out a book,” she said.  “I’m doing it to empower people in the kitchen, to uplift and inspire them, to help them nourish their families in a way that’s accessible and useful and joyful.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 7th of October, there are new measures from the Government to improve attendance rates, with dozens more schools signing up for support.   Health NZ’s buying thousands of vapes —including flavoured products— for those trying to quit smoking, and Mike is incredulous.   Chelsea Winter discusses her new cookbook and answers questions on that wellness retreat.  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 researcher says all she can do is laugh about the Government ordering more vapes for those wanting to quit smoking.  Health New Zealand's been providing vape kits to smokers for almost a year as part of a pilot programme, initially ordering three thousand kits.   Newstalk ZB has revealed it's ordering more, including flavours like cinnamon and blueberry.   Auckland University researcher Kelly Burrowes told Mike Hosking the Government seems to be promoting and supporting vaping as a healthier product.  She says there's many studies coming out showing there are negative short and medium-term impacts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 200 people have won by default in this weekend's local election, but that's an improvement on decades prior.  Newstalk ZB analysis of the thousands of council races over five consecutive elections have found more than one in seven roles have been won by the only person who stood.  Unopposed elections have fallen by about a third since 2001.  Gisborne Mayor and Local Government NZ Vice-President Rehette Stoltz told Mike Hosking there are two sides to the story.  She says that while in some areas the lack of people standing for office may be caused by apathy, it could also be that the people who are already there are believed to be doing a great job.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uncertainty whether a potential law criminalising protest action near private residences will be effective.  Legislation is currently before Parliament that would give the Police greater power to move protesters in residential areas along – submissions on the bill closing yesterday.   At the same time, an arrest has been made after an alleged vandalism at Winston Peters' Auckland home, which saw a window smashed and glass shattered over his dog.  Peters says a number of pro-Palestine protests have been taking place outside his house recently, blasting loudspeakers just metres from his door.  But Constitutional Law Expert Graeme Edgeler told Mike Hosking there's some confusion in the way the new legislation has been drafted, and he suspects people and police won’t be sure what’s covered.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Airlines are backing the Commerce Commission's decision to stop short of a formal inquiry into airport regulation.  It's instead looking at changing how much information airports should provide airlines about major upgrades.  This follows Air New Zealand writing to the regulator, raising that the costs it was facing from airports were growing out of control.  Board of Airline Representatives Executive Director Cath O'Brien says a formal inquiry wasn't worth it.   She told Mike Hosking the process is complicated, expensive, and not fit for purpose, as if they ran it, they’d have to apply the findings to all airports, not just one.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France is farewelling its fifth Prime Minister in under two years as it enters a fresh political crisis.  The country's new Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has resigned just hours after appointing his new cabinet.  His ministerial line-up has been heavily criticised by parties in the National Assembly.    Newstalk ZB's Paris correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking Lecornu believed negotiations between other parties had stalled.  She says he believed other parties just wanted to push their own programme on to the government, without making any compromises.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour says the Government's winning because attendance is improving.   The Associate Education Minister's putting $140 million towards improving attendance over four years, promising to reach twice the number of students.  Extra support is going to 170 schools with chronic absence.  Seymour told Mike Hosking when defining our long-term future, the thing that matters most is getting kids into class.   He says throwing money at the problem helps, and this is a better use of taxpayer money to make sure children stay in schools.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday 6 October. 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.

Jason Pine and Andrew Saville join Mike Hosking this morning to discuss the weekend's sports. On the table today: The Broncos defeat Melbourne Storm to win the NRL final. The All Blacks beat the Wallabies in Perth, finishing second in the Rugby World Championship. And the struggle continues for the Silver Ferns as Dame Noeline Taurua and Netball NZ enter a legal battle. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Netball NZ and Dame Noeline Taurua are headed for a legal showdown after both sides have failed to reach an agreement.  Yvette McClausland-Durie will continue as coach for the Constellation Cup.  Former Silver Ferns head coach Yvonne Willering told Mike Hosking that this is now an employment matter, therefore the Players Association isn’t involved in the matter.  She said that Taurua had strong beliefs in her style of coaching, which is suddenly being questioned.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon says the Government's taking steps to ban further protests outside politicians' homes. Protesters gathered outside Foreign Minister Winston Peters' Auckland house on Thursday, in support of the Kiwis detained by Israel, while travelling in a flotilla to Gaza. The Prime Minister says legislation is currently before select committee to ban such activity. He says [told Mike Hosking] there is a time and place for protests. Luxon says there is lots of places to protest a public figure, but you don't need to do it outside their homes, impacting their families. He says these protests outside homes are "not the Kiwi way". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's thought that new beneficiary initiatives make huge financial sense for New Zealand.  The Government's announced from November next year, parents who earn more than 65-and-a-half thousand dollars must support their 18 and 19-year-olds. There's also a thousand dollar bonus for certain people who stay off benefits for a year. Blue Light Youth Chief Operating Officer, Rod Bell told Mike Hosking we want to break the cycle of young people staying on the benefit for decades.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland city centre store owners believe homelessness, anti-social behaviour and not enough police is crippling their trade. Heart of the City surveyed 102 business owners - with 91 percent saying rough sleeping and begging was affecting their business. Seventy-two percent weren't satisfied with the standard of Queen Street's cleanliness. Chief Executive Viv Beck says enough is enough - and it's important the needs of businesses, like the enforcing of public by-laws, are met. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You wondered how long it would take for someone to work out that the injunction over Tom Phillips and the various bits and pieces we are not allowed to talk about, would be talked about.  Maybe this is widely understood. Maybe it isn't.  But an injunction, as imposed by a New Zealand court, is applicable only to New Zealand.  It was an effective mechanism in 1979, or even 1999. But post the internet, and especially social media, it borders on pointless.  So what we have post the injunction on Phillips and the various issues around his family, is everyone knows what's in it and have done from the start.  Offshore operators are spreading it about the place like no tomorrow, which led some people to raise it with the Justice Minister who is "having a look at it" as though that means anything.  But he is "not optimistic". No kidding.  Which leads to the obvious question: why go for an injunction, and also why would a judge offer an injunction knowing no one internationally is going to adhere to it?  The answer to the first question is: I don’t know. The answer to the second is: my guess is no judge wants to state the obvious by admitting defeat.  Because in turning it down, because it's pointless, you are in effect setting a precedent and every application going forward would be open to that precedent and therefore you don’t want to be the person who blew it up.  Also, do not underestimate the egos associated with the judiciary who, despite the modern world, still hold the idea that they count for something and they hold sway over the discourse of matters in their courts.  The other major issue, international outlets or not, is of course the vacuum. If you create a vacuum, it gets filled with nonsense.  I know what's in the injunction. I have been told by people who know so I know the weirdness that’s out there that isn't real, or indeed close to it.  All in all, the whole thing is a monumental mess. Gossip rules the roost.  The real story is there to be had.  It's all over the world and the judiciary might want to think about how they handle these matters going forward because the horse has bolted and the Justice Minister, I can assure you, will not be offering anything by way of solutions. 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.    The All Blacks: 8/10  That was the best match of the Rugby Championship. In a competition where everyone has beaten everyone, we have seen a sign that quality rugby is on the up.    Winston Peters: 7/10  It took too long to get there but his speech in New York was logical and devoid of the emotive nonsense that has clouded too much of the debate.    The power industry reform: 4/10  The weak point for the Government this week. Not that any of it was bad because it wasn’t. But what it also wasn't was what they had built it up to be.    Jimmy Kimmel: 7/10  He's back, ratings are up, and all the stations have backed down in a sign free speech wins, which is ironic given those who shut him up pretended they liked free speech until, clearly, they didn’t.    The Ryder Cup: 2/10  Sport's low point of the week. When golf looks like WWE and Rory's Mrs is in tears, something has gone dreadfully wrong.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Every three years the political goalposts move".  Indeed, we call it an election. But the quote is from the infrastructure industry.  Their report out this week tells you the usual tale – that the pipeline, or lack of it, is an issue and politics gets in the way. It holds the country back.  The Treasury report we featured this week as well tells pretty much the same story. Their report spanned out over 40 years and talks of the fear that our debt will be at 200% of GDP if we don't do something about it.  We have a lot of big picture issues that we know are issues and yet we haven't been able to crack them.  To be fair this Government has tried the big picture talk. They've announced a pretty decent pipeline of longer-term work and they have cited various countries that have a greater level of political cooperation than we do.  Certain sectors and projects are handled by independent bodies that operate between Governments; a project is agreed to and that project is not interfered with if a government changes.  This week's example gave little hope that we have the maturity to try and change the way we continue to shoot ourselves in the collective foot.  Luxon wrote to Hipkins about oil and gas exploration inquiring as to whether we can get cross party agreement.  The problem is that although exploration and applications are back open and we have $200 million of taxpayer money to get skin in the game, the fear is that no one is signing up if you don’t know the rules stay the same.  Hipkins said the letter was desperate, so that’s that then.  Which is a shame and Hipkins should know better, act better, and ask himself whether he serves the country well with such a myopic response.  No one is really a fan of oil and gas, but surely, we all agree it’s a big help between now and whenever all the windmills, solar panels and batteries are up and running.  Does he really prefer coal? Can he not see that keeping the lights on is kind of important? Can he not be a bigger person about it?  America is closed down currently because the two sides hate each other. We aren't as bad, but we could be an awful lot better.  Surely it can't be so hard to put common, economic interest beyond simple, party politics?  Surely two major so-called centre parties can't be so far apart that a basic like power supply can't be dealt with in a civil and collegial way, right? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White House Press Secretary's confirmed federal layoffs could happen within days thanks to the latest United States government shutdown.  Federal funding expired yesterday after Democrats and Republicans failed to get their respective bills through the senate, furloughing thousands of government workers.  Donald Trump is blaming the Democrats, threatening to follow through with mass layoffs in an effort to pressure them to back moves to end the shutdown.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that analysts are estimating approximately 750,000 federal employees will be furloughed.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Friday, which means Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was.  It was Tim’s birthday yesterday – the big 60. Did he do anything fun to celebrate?  They also touched on All Blacks and injuries ahead of this weekend’s clash, and a very expensive brand of plush toys.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bledisloe Cup is back in storage for another year but the Rugby Championship remains up for grabs for all four teams going into the final round.  The All Blacks are taking on Australia at a sold-out Optus Stadium, while South Africa clashes with Argentina at Twickenham.  Seven changes have been made to the side, with Scott Barrett returning from injury to his position as captain.  Vice-captain Jordie Barrett told Mike Hosking a week is a long time in international rugby, as the game has become so competitive and the margins are so small.  He says they’re making a few adjustments after last week’s game, but the Rugby Championship is there to win if they really want to.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 3rd of October, what is going on with Te Pati Maori? In fights, out fights, and one of the biggest Māori-led activist groups has severed ties. And all of this comes before they “reset” in a week or so.   All Black vice captain Jordie Barrett says we're in for a good chance of reclaiming the Rugby Championship, so long as we beat the Wallabies and South Africa loses to Argentina.  And as they Wrap the Week, Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson celebrate Tim turning 60 and Mike shows his empathetic side... he thinks.  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's electric car market is reaching a tipping point.  Five new Chinese car brands have entered the market in the last two months – Dongfeng being the latest.  Its launch lineup includes three fully electric models, and dealerships are set to open in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch later in the year.   Auto Distributors NZ CEO Simon Rutherford told Mike Hosking the market has shifted over the last few years to be more accepting of EVs.  He says people who are looking to buy a second car are increasingly more likely to consider buying electric, and even in the last year there’s been a shift of about 10% out of pure ICE vehicles into something electrified.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A more analogue type of vacation at a new retreat.  Created by Kiwi Michelin Star Chef Toby Stuart and his wife Sabina Bronicka-Stuart, ‘Slow Stay’ is a luxury retreat over the Abel Tasman.  The idea is to switch off technology and relax, recuperate, recharge, and reconnect with one another and the world around us.   It’s tapping into the global wellness tourism market, which is projected to hit US$2.1 trillion by 2030 – growing at 12% per year.  Stuart told Mike Hosking that while it’s not cheap, there is value for money.  Some of the things included are dinner, breakfast, yoga classes, and wellness facilities, and he says it’s up to guests whether they want to embrace the wellness elements or embrace a bit of indulgence.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's launched an NZTA-backed freight action plan, which will link big airport projects with road and rail.  It'll look at national demand and set up a freight advisory council after calls from the industry to make exports more competitive, and imports more affordable.  Airports Association Chief Executive Billie Moore told Mike Hosking that although the plan focuses on roading, it needs to bring all modes of transport together.  She says there's only so much that can be achieved through airports investing in cargo, if the road connections aren't good enough.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.