The Mike Hosking Breakfast

A weak construction industry's done nothing to help low completion rates among apprenticeships.  Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds says more than half of apprentices in training are dropping out.  She's seeking extra funding so new industry bodies can investigate the number of dropouts.  Building and Construction ITO Director Greg Durkin told Mike Hosking there's been a significant drop in building work since 2023.  He says this has had an impact on people completing their apprenticeships, when they can go down the road and maybe get a couple dollars more in a different role.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is how we end up in trouble. Things are said that aren't challenged.  Here's the headline: "NZ will be dumping ground for high emission cars".  That was a claim from an EV lobby group. I wonder why they would say that?  Chris Hipkins said, or was allowed to say, that we had one of the highest uptakes of EVs in the world and the Government stopped it.  Now, let's deal with fact and context. The Government in their announcement over car import charges has a mess on its hands and it's a mess because the previous Government invented a set of rules that don't work, didn’t work and were never going to work.  They gerrymandered a market and that is rarely smart economics, or politics.  Hipkins' reference was to his subsidy scheme for EVs when the taxpayer gave thousands to middle class Tesla buyers.  Now, was it one of the highest uptakes in the world? I don’t know, but it certainly helped sales because discounted stuff and stuff paid for by other people tends to help sales.  If the Government offered to renovate your bathroom, I reckon bathroom renovations would explode.  As for a dumping ground? How about less snobbery and more acceptance that New Zealanders are allowed to buy the sort of car they want? A lot of people don’t have $50,000-80,000 (or even $30,000 if you go Chinese) for an EV.  Even if they do a lot of people simply don’t want an EV – some people want a hybrid and that’s fine.  But you direct people through taxes towards outcomes at your peril. The climate obsession has upended markets and driven a level of complexity through charges that the Government literally doesn’t know how to get out of.  They have importers bringing cars in they can't sell. What's the point of that?  People will buy what people will buy. This isn't China where you are told what to do and when you are cajoled, allegedly through tax and fees, look what happens.  The biggest irony is supply is an issue. The importers can't get the stock they need. Why not?  Well one reason is because we drive on the opposite side of the road than a lot of countries. And the other is that manufacturers are pulling back on production of the cars that the Government scheme wants you to import.  Why are they doing that you ask? Because they can't sell them!  Obsession, interference, meddling and stupidity will trip you up every time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK Government's confirmed plans for a major overhaul of the country's immigration system to stem the flow of illegal immigration.  Asylum seekers will need to wait at least 20 years for permanent residency and won't be guaranteed financial support.  Failed asylum seekers and their families may face deportation to countries like Syria.  The UK Government claims the country's immigration rules haven't kept up with a changing world.  UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking there’s a lot of devil in the details.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, welcome back Opportunity. I think I have that right.  Opportunity is the former "The Opportunities Party". Now it's just "The Opportunity Party".  It has a new leader and a new tax policy. They have been looking for a leader for ages and they even advertised.  None of this is a good sign.  Their biggest problem is the market is full – there is no room for another political party.  There was no room 10 years ago and there's even less room now.  Now, I don't, but you could argue that as the MMP environment evolves and matures some nuance is sought by a frustrated electorate. A boutique operator if you will.  The major parties have faded and the days of National and Labour cracking 40% are gone.  The days of a two-party Government might well be gone as well. So as it all fragments, surely there must be room for a small operator wedging its way in between, say, National and Labour as a sort of mid-way, subtle alternative.  The trouble is, and I argued this years ago when Gareth Morgan was running the joint, 5% is actually a lot of votes and very few, if any, crack it.  Look at ACT's journey – for years they needed a deal in Epsom to work the system and the coattail.  There is a reason United vanished.  What they should have done is run Morgan in an electorate. Name recognition would have helped, and he may have got the seat, got 2%, and had a party of 2-3 MPs. Being in and staying in is easier than getting there in the first place.  Here is their other issue: nuance is not what we do. That’s why radicals are gaining support all over the world, from Pauline Hanson in Australia to the minor players who make up Government's in the likes of Holland and Germany.  You need to be more left, or right, than centre.  Could we also argue that New Zealand First is centrist, given they are the only party that can legitimately claim the ability to deal with either National or Labour?  So good on them for keeping the Opportunity dream alive.  They're still here after a decade. They're either visionaries whose time is yet to come, or dreamers who can't read the room. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

International relations and geopolitics have become increasingly complex in the last few decades, many countries in the Pacific pulled between China and the United States – the two superpowers at odds with each other.  But former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull believes the relationships with the two are equally important.  “The relationship with the US is obviously the bedrock of our security relationship,” he told Mike Hosking.  “Whereas the relationship with China is, you know, much more focused on economics and trade, but the two, these two superpowers are absolutely critical partners.”   China has been working to grow its influence in the Pacific, the area presenting several strategic opportunities for the nation – but is it a cause for concern?  “The reality is that China is a superpower,” Turnbull told Hosking.   “It is, you know, an economic peer equal or close to an equal of the United States, and they’re seeking to exert influence around the world and in our region.”   He says they want to maintain strong relationships with their Pacific Island neighbours, and one way they did that while he was Prime Minister was through the funding of the Coral Cable, which links Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands.  “We thought that was a better outcome from a security point of view,”  “But also, it was a better outcome for them because they weren’t in debt.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 18th of November, the Government is slashing emissions charges for bringing in new cars and launching a full review of the Clean Car Standard. Uber drivers have had a major win in the Supreme Court with four drivers now ruled to be employees, not contractors. Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was in the country, so we took the time to catch up about his calamitous former party and the state of our country's relationship. 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 Northland holiday park's scrapping its TVs to allow nature to take centre stage.  Russell–Orongo Bay Holiday Park is one of the first holiday parks in New Zealand to go completely TV-free.  It's encouraging guests to unplug from screens and reconnect with the natural world.  Park Manager Shane Maddren told Mike Hosking they have plenty of activities to keep guests occupied.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police say their new approach to mental health callouts is working.   They're now in phase three out of four of the programme, meaning there's a higher threshold for officers to attend calls from mental health workers.   Officers will also assess the appropriateness before responding to missing persons reports for those with mental health concerns.   Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson told Mike Hosking there's been a 75% reduction in mental health patients in their cells.   He says there have also been 900 fewer calls-for-service in the past month, compared to the same time last year.  Johnson says the previous system was not a good use of resources, as sitting in EDs with patients wasn’t advancing community safety.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canterbury is paving the way for the country's first rubber road.   Selwyn District Council is planning a rubber road surface trial at Glentunnel on State Highway 77 in January.   Treadlite New Zealand is the only company providing the recycled rubber granules for use in pavements in the country.   Chief Executive Brad Pierce told Mike Hosking this isn't new technology, it's just New Zealand catching up.   He says adding 10% rubber into the road makes it quieter, last 20% longer, and takes a valuable resource out of landfill.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geopolitics could be increasingly dictating the future of agriculture.   A Rabobank report is warning tensions between the United States and China means agricultural exports are at risk of "becoming pawns on a geopolitical chessboard."  It suggests 2026 could mark a new era of geopolitical influenced agriculture sector.  Lincoln University Adjunct Professor of AgriScience Jacqueline Rowarth told Mike Hosking the more unstable the planet is, the more unstable business is.   But she says New Zealand is in a good position as a small nation who are the best producers of low impact, high quality animal protein.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changes to the Clean Car Standard has been partly caused by supply problems out of Japan. The Government is slashing charges on importers who don't meet carbon targets by almost 80% and launching a full review. It is expected to save about $264 million in costs to consumers and will keep imported cars cheaper. Transport Minister Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking it's been tough getting EVs into the country. He says importers are racking up penalties and don't have the supply to get credits. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Workplace Relations and Safety Minister says there's currently too much grey area about what defines a contractor, following the Supreme Court's Uber ruling.  Four drivers are now legally employees, with the highest court rejecting Uber’s bid for the court to overturn a 2024 Court of Appeal ruling.  The Government's seeking to clarify the distinction in law.  Brooke van Velden told Mike Hosking we need clear rules in this increasingly online platform based world.  She says we're going to see more people with flexible work and multiple agreements, so businesses and contractors need more certainty.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 17th of November, Trump has pulled back on some of his tariffs which is a $2 billion boon for NZ Inc. and makes Trade Minister Todd McClay's job slightly easier. The Prime Minister talks the tariffs, Net Zero, polls and whether the Capital Gains Tax is something credible he'll be up against at next year's election. Jason Pine, Andrew Saville and special guest Kate Hawkesby talk the big sports topics over the weekend - and whether Mike is a grunter on the court. 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.

Big win for NZ Inc. and a lesson for everyone who doesn’t understand tariffs. Donald Trump has cut tariffs on beef and the beneficiaries are largely New Zealand, Australia and Brazil. Brazil has had a 50% tariff so they will be thrilled. We are at 15% and it's 10% for Australia. We may not benefit as much but given we are “balling”, as they say anyway, anything that gives us a chance to sell more has got to be welcome. The latest figures show that we have had a fall off in volumes of beef to the U.S. What's helping us is the value. Volume is one thing, value is another. If the value offsets the volume you are still winning. Of course if the world only understood the true value of a tariff-free environment we would all be better off. But that debate seems, for now, to be losing ground globally as more and more economies retrench. Anyway, the reason Trump moved is because he is in trouble. He is in trouble on a lot of things and unless the tide turns this time next year in the midterms it's all going to come home to roost, and the Republicans will lose their ascendency, and if that happens, they will turn on the president and the latter part of the president's term will be what they call a "lame duck". In some respects it's been a surprise that his line of abstract economics has lasted so long. There is nothing particularly complex about tariffs, and to be fair to Trump, if China charges you 30% on something then a reciprocal tariff is not out of order. But the “slap them all” approach he used on a place like New Zealand and Australia, not to mention Switzerland that only just got sorted over the weekend, was bizarre, if not completely nuts. All that crap about importers and countries paying tariffs was never real and as Americans lined up at the butchers to pay more for New Zealand beef they got angry, and they got angry to the point trump has had to acquiesce So the tariffs fall and places like NZ Inc. cash in. It's good to be on the right side of the argument. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Pine and Andrew Saville join Mike Hosking this morning to discuss the weekend's sports. On the table today: The All Blacks lost to England at Twickenham - is it time to question Scott Robertson's leadership?  And Kate Hawkesby joins the show to recount some of Mike and Andrew's history playing tennis together.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks lost to England 33-19 - a defeat that ends their hopes of an unbeaten Grand Slam tour.  The game at Twickenham saw the All Blacks start the match strong, but England's strong momentum in the second half, and a last minute try to rub salt in the wound, secured victory.  The crushing defeat has raised questions around Scott Robertson's coaching of the team.  Former All Black sir John Kirwan told Mike Hosking that, 'it's a lonely place being head coach and they'll have to ask him some hard questions.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon is standing firm on his opposition to a capital gains tax. A New Zealand Herald-Kantar Poll shows New Zealanders are evenly split on Labour's proposal for a tax on gains on commercial and investment properties. Opposition is strongest in Auckland, while support for the CGT is stronger in every other region. The Prime Minister told Mike Hosking Labour's proposal is ultimately a bad idea, that will harm businesses and leave everyone's KiwiSaver worse off. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is planning to increase fines for breaching the Fair Trading Act - from 600-thousand dollars to five-million. It is announcing a swathe of changes to crack down on businesses and individuals breaking consumer laws.  The cases could also be moved from the criminal court to the Civil Court to make prosecution easier.  Consumer NZ Chief Executive Jon Duffy told Mike Hosking that it is one of the most consequential changes to the act in a generation.  He says it will be a deterrent for many companies - but $5million is a drop-in-the-bucket for large multi-nationals.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trade Minister's cautiously welcoming a rollback of US tariffs on food imports including New Zealand beef, offal and kiwifruit. US President Donald Trump's signed an executive order reducing the tariffs. The affected New Zealand products represent around 25 per cent of our exports to the United States, worth more than two billion dollars annually. Trade Minister Todd McClay told Mike Hosking that it's still a very uncertain time for Kiwi exporters. He says he's concerned about the changing nature in the White House and even though it's been reduced, the tariffs could be brought back. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are growing concerns around a possible duopoly forming in our primary health sector.  General practice owners are calling out what they see as bloated bureaucracy, and are moving to form a breakaway nationwide Primary Health Organisation (PHO).  GenPro chair Dr. Angus Chambers told Mike Hosking that doctors, 'see that we're heading towards the supermarket-like situation.' He said that some PHOs are good, but they are usually more local, community-driven groups.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a slightly odd message from Labour over the Māori Party as they try and work out how to deal with them.  The truth is they will need them to form a government if they get their own numbers to a point of victory.  There is no way the Greens and Labour alone will come close to crossing the line first.  Small reiteration, in case you missed it a month or so back; none of this matters because the current Government will be re-elected on what I'm calling November 7th, 2026. Election day.  But for argument's sake, the Hipkins comments that they are going to campaign vigorously in Māori seats, with no concern of wiping the Māori Party out, rings awfully hollow, given I watched them campaign vigorously the other day in the Auckland Māori seat and two things happened.  1) No one turned up.  2) Those that did, voted for the Māori Party.  It was the most shockingly inept display of modern campaigning, or lack of it, seen in many a long year.  My guess is what is happening to the Māori Party will not affect the vote for the Māori Party.  Waititi and Co. are clearly liked in their seats, and there is no reason to believe they won't get back.  Further, most of the Labour candidates will be on the list anyway, so why not get two for one?  Which brings us back to this week's so-called announcement: it's a sham.  Talk tough, get a headline, and hope it flies.  The big, big issue for Labour, apart from the fact they are still poisoned by their last stab at power, is the fact their so-called partners are nuts and most of us know it.  Vote for Labour all you want if you can stomach the incompetence. But having done that, stand by for the circus that comes with the Greens and the Māori Party. It's calamitous, with a capital 'C'.  At some point Hipkins will have to face the fact we need some detail. Who's in, who's out, what are the bottom lines? That's where the real rubber hits the road for a voter.  This week's hot air exercise is seen for what it is. 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.    NZ Inc: 7/10  A pretty good week. This Wednesday Auckland hotels will be at 100% and yesterday the visitor arrivals showed yet another upward movement. Slowly but surely, there is more and more that is positive to embrace.    Winston: 6/10  "We" and asset sales. You see how he operates one year out? The stirring has begun.    The politics of firearms: 4/10  What you thought was coming and what actually arrived had a price and Nicole McKee had to swallow at least a small-ish rat.    Kim: 7/10  As in Kardashian and SKIMS. One of the biggest capital raises for apparel this year and a market cap now of $5 billion. Laugh all you want at that family, but it's an industry.    The BBC: 1/10  Game, set and match on the argument over balance and impartiality.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once again we find ourselves in the midst of an excellent economic week.  It's excellent, if you wish to see it that way.  100% of hotels will be full this coming Wednesday in Auckland. Broadly speaking, you can't get a room.  Auckland hasn’t been full in years.  Along with the broad-based cruise season and the warmer summer travel period, we have a large conference and a major concert.  This can only get better when the convention centre is open and Eden Park can actually open its gates under proper first-world rules.  So, a record for hotel rooms.  A record also for first home buyers – never have there been more young people getting into their first home. This is the real celebration.  Despite many people's best efforts to steer money elsewhere, nothing beats real estate. It’s a multi-generational obsession in this country and nothing will ever shift it.  The owner of a home. A place to call home. The ability to adjust and mould it to your life and aspirations is not to be underestimated and people will bleed for the pleasure.  Money is cheap-ish. Money is readily available and people are buying. Good on them.  What drives all this is a few simple economic truths – if you get the basics right you can't lose.  This country must be a destination. It must be open, and it must be welcoming, hence the importance of sorting our downtown's out with the homeless and trouble.  The fundamentals must also be right. If you get inflation under control, you earn your way instead of forever borrowing and you set the economic table for the country to be able to spend and take risk and believe that they have a chance and a future.  There is still plenty to do. Jobs needs to come right, but the ads are up.  The media could play their part and drop the misery obsession. News can be neutral and positive, as well as negative.  And the funk brigade could try, just try, to accept that actually there is a decent shaft of light at the end of that tunnel.  Business confidence in the SME sector also had a good week.  Oh, and the All Blacks won and will win again this weekend, if that stuff moves your needle.  In simple terms, this country is going places.  I'm bullish on 2026. This week has been a good building block. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi ingenuity at its finest coming out of the University of Canterbury.  A group of engineering students believe they’ve set a New Zealand human-powered land speed record.   Their three-wheeler, named Mako, hit 82.6km/h – entirely by pedal power.   The record is expected to be confirmed by the International Human Powered Vehicle Association within a month.   Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Digby Symons told Mike Hosking it was done as part of a final year project in the department.  He says some projects have students working on problems that come from companies, but some, like this one, have the students addressing a challenge they set themselves.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday has come once again, which means its time for Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson to join Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that Was. Today's chat had a bit of a health theme, as they discussed hayfever, pickleball, and Kate's knowledge of creatine.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 14th of November, the controversial Regulatory Standards Bill has passed its third reading in Parliament, David Seymour joining to discuss.   Beauden Barrett joins out of London as the All Blacks look to get past the England hurdle on their way to a Grand Slam.  Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson talk pickleball and creatine 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 All Blacks are adamant they have the juice left as they prepare for England and the cauldron that is Twickenham on Sunday morning.  The last two weeks they've been forced to dig deep late to come away with wins over Ireland and Scotland.  All Blacks First Five Beauden Barrett told Mike Hosking England is a powerhouse, one they’ve always had a tough encounter with.  When England toured last year, he says, each match was a close tussle, and they expect the same at Twickenham.  “It’s a hell of a fortress.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our tourism levels are continuing to rise, reaching 88% of pre-Covid numbers.  Australian visitors continue to dominate the market, with 1.48 million arrivals in the September quarter – up 12% on last year.  The US was the next biggest at 381,000 —up 21,000— while visitors from China remained flat at 246,000.  In New Zealand, Queenstown and Christchurch remain the tourist hotspots.  Tourism Minister Louise Upston told Mike Hosking the numbers show the work they’re putting in are delivering some results, but there’s still work to do to attract even more international visitors.   She says they just have to make sure New Zealand is top of mind for countries that normally choose us – Australia, the US, and Canada all being a big focus.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new Secretary of Education believes it’s not all doom and gloom in our education system.  Ellen MacGregor-Reid has been given the green light for the next four and a half years.  She’ll continue to drive the new curriculum alongside Education Minister Erica Stanford.  MacGregor-Reid told Mike Hosking New Zealand does have some strengths in education, however they know they can do better.  She says she’s ambitious for the kids, for the education system, and thinks we can get to the top.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Government is business as usual after the longest shutdown in US history – but only till January. US President Donald Trump's signed a bill to end the shutdown and fund the government, while providing back-pay to federal workers. It's caused a divide among Democrats, as it doesn't ensure access to Affordable Care subsidies. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the shutdown costs are estimated to be around NZ$24.6 billion per week, or as much as 1.5% of the GDP. He says the National Economic Council is estimating that 60,000 non-federal workers lost their jobs during the period. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's being urged to take urgent and decisive action on our banking sector.  Ministers have accepted most of the recommendations of a select committee inquiry into the industry, including directing the Reserve Bank to focus on more competition.  But banking expert Andrew Body says Nicola Willis needs to go further.  He told Mike Hosking the Minister should be seeking law changes and a harmonisation of Australian and New Zealand banking rules.  Body says the Minister should be ringing Treasury Secretary Ian Rennie, asking for a proposal for legislative change by 8am Monday.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Regulation Minister says a small number of groups have hijacked the public submission process. ACT's Regulatory Standards Bill has passed its third reading at Parliament. The policy, which provides principles for lawmaking, received 156-thousand public submissions – 98% of those opposed. David Seymour told Mike Hosking there have been more select committee submissions in the past two years than in the history of Parliament. He says organisations like Greenpeace spread mistruths and automate submissions for people. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In America at the moment there is a lot of talk about the “K” shaped economy.  Car dealers see it. If you have a good, safe job, good income and you're in the markets invested in AI (before it all pops) you are feeling good.  You are the upward bit of the “K”. You're buying a flash new car with carbon add-ons.  If you've been laid off, or about to be by a robot, you hate AI because you never earned enough to buy stock anyway and your SNAP payment hasn’t come through because of the shutdown and you're holding onto your car, not to mention sweating on making ends meet, you are the downward bit of the “K”.  It looks like we have a similar story here. Recruiters Robert Walters are already warning of the increased cost of labour in the recovery because people with the skills that are going to be in demand can charge more.  Why?  Because we are short of them. Why? Because the others are in Australia.  In ideal times, as an economy recovers you hoover up those who have lost their jobs when times were tight.  This time anyone who was marketable left and what we have, sadly, are a group of people who it would appear are not available to take part as growth returns.  Yes, there are plenty of unemployed – 5.3% as of last week. Not to mention a growing number of so-called "underutilised". But as far as skills go, that’s where we have an issue.  Not everywhere or everyone of course. But it's becoming increasingly obvious that there are too many under-skilled, under-qualified people in this country.  That is sadly what eventuates when you have system that spits kids out at 15, 16, or 17-year-old without a pathway to success.  When times are good any number of people get swept up for bits and pieces-type jobs that lots of employers can afford to fork out on.  But they are also the first to go. And when the rest of the talent bails, the ones without the skills aren't the ones to fill the growth areas, hence we will once again rely on imported labour, which this time around may or may not be available depending on whether they see us as a cool place to be.  If they don’t, that weighs on recovery and the speed at which we pick up.  Robert Walters seem to suggest it's an issue.  For those who stayed and have the skills though, you will be in a new car before you know it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 13th of November, Public Services Commissioner Sir Brian Roche speaks on McSkimming, Coster, and what’s next for the investigation.  Health Minister Simeon Brown discusses the rollout of 12-month prescriptions, private cancer patients gaining access to publicly funded medication, and the cutting of red tape around medical conferences.   Acclaimed author John Grisham is back on the show for a chat about his latest book 'The Widow'.  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.

John Grisham is back, but with a bit of a twist.  His legal thrillers made him a bestselling author but his latest novel is a bit of a departure, a whodunnit murder mystery titled ‘The Widow’.   Grisham writes his novels in a slightly unorthodox manner, starting with the end and looping back around.  “I learned the hard way years ago,” he told Mike Hosking.  “I wasn’t sure how to end the book, and so you keep writing, and you can’t get to the end, and you boxed yourself in a corner.”   “I’m not gonna waste time like that, I’m gonna know the ending when I start, and if you know the ending, it’s hard to get lost.”   Despite starting with the ending, the conclusion to ‘The Window’ is not the one he initially wrote, as his wife wasn’t a fan.   “It was risky,” Grisham explained.  “This one just didn’t work, and my wife said, hey buddy, this is not gonna work."  “I sent it to my publisher and to my editor in New York, and they agreed and when all three of them lined up against me, I can't, I can't argue.”  So he changed the ending, writing 25,000 more words in the month of January in order to get the novel finished on time.  “I think it’s important to listen to people you trust,” he said.   “You’ve gotta have a reader you trust, somebody who loves you and wants to see you succeed, but will be brutally honest with you.”  Grisham has written over 50 books in his career, all bestsellers, and he says the secret is writing what he likes.  “I write for myself, because I know what has worked,” he explained.  “I know the stories I want to tell, and so far, those are the stories people want to read.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new festival is launching for the wine industry.  Titled ‘Sauvignon 2027’, it will celebrate the innovation and diversity of New Zealand’s most iconic wine.   It'll be welcoming global industry leaders and trade influencers to Marlborough in February.  Chair Natalie Christensen told Mike Hosking that although Sauvignon Blanc is a popular wine around the world, there’s still lots to talk about and they want to get that word spread far and wide.  She says there’s a lot more depth to Sauv that a lot of people don’t know about, things like the subregional stories and different characters you get from different parts of New Zealand, and they want to share that.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A million dollar compensation deal with Watercare is only short-term relief for Auckland oyster farmers, who've lost income from a massive sewage spill in the Mahurangi River.  The issue caused by a power surge at the Warkworth pump station has meant an almost month-long halt on harvesting.  Watercare's now paid out one million dollars to Aquaculture New Zealand for distribution to 10 impacted oyster farmers.  Matakana Oysters owner Tom Walters told Mike Hosking they’re feeling relieved, but it’s only a start.  He says this cheque is just for the event that happened two weeks ago, and the payout would need to be much larger to fix the damage caused by the spillages that happened throughout the year due to outdated infrastructure.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More convenience and savings are being offered for those on long-term treatments.  From February, people will be able to receive 12-month prescriptions.  Patients will still collect their repeats from the pharmacy but will no longer need to return to their doctor each time for a new script.  Health Minister Simeon Brown told Mike Hosking this could save patients up to $105 per year in reduced GP fees.  He says it will also free up appointment space.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Port of Auckland's pushing back against criticism of its move to raise fees.  The port's increasing peak time fees from $130 per container to $180 next year, and $350 the following year.  Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says it's one of several cost pressures facing businesses, alongside rising fuel excise taxes and soon-to-be-introduced congestion charges.  Port boss Roger Gray told Mike Hosking the fees are fair and Kalasih should come visit the port to understand why.  He says he's never met Kalasih, who's never accepted invitations to visit to the port.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Public Service Commissioner is saying little on the details of Andrew Coster's ongoing employment after his involvement in the Jevon McSkimming scandal.   A scathing IPCA report has found the former Police Commissioner was among those in senior police leadership who failed to properly address sex allegations against the then Deputy Police Commissioner.   Coster is now head of the Social Investment Agency.   His employer, Sir Brian Roche, says an employment process is underway for Coster and can't mention details.    But he told Mike Hosking someone can be let go for behaviour at a previous job.   Roche says the key issue is whether the information would have been relevant at the time of employment.  The Public Service Commissioner says a review into the employment process of Jevon McSkimming was a little unfair to the commission.   The independent review has been released into McSkimming's reference and probity checks before his 2023 appointment as Deputy Police Commissioner.   Last week he pleaded guilty to having child sexual exploitation and bestiality material on his work devices.  Sir Brian Roche says the review raised some valid points for improvements, which the commission is embracing.   But he told Hosking it would have detected Jevon McSkimming's behaviour had it been given the right information from the right people.   He says the man was living a double life which he was hiding from his family, his employer, and the Commission.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 12th of November, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers responds to the damning IPCA report into the handling of complaints against Jevon McSkimming.  Did we get anything out of the Arms Act announcement?  Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen give their thoughts on the police and their culture and how much damage has been done to their reputation 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.

It seemed like a thing, until it wasn’t.  Guns are like fluoride and the MSM – they get people angsty.  Out of the Christchurch mosque attack came the idea that gun law needed amending. The amending got another look when ACT came to power because they are libertarians and people with, broadly speaking, a common-sense view of the world.  The idea that the more you restrict weaponry the less likely you are to have a massacre is, of course, nonsense.  Like so many things the Ardern and Hipkins era was responsible for, real world policy for real world behaviour wasn’t one of them.  Nutters get guns. The fact Brenton Tarrant got his legally didn't change the equation, and that’s before you get to the bit that this is not a country of hot-head crazies with a long list of violent massacres.  It's true that we have a lot of guns per head of population. But that reflects our outdoors and rural lifestyles, as opposed to an American-type view of defending yourself.  Anyway, Nicole McKee, straight from the gun side of the equation, was going to have a look and from that came the expectation that some sort of major liberalisation was coming.  But it was not to be. Yesterday was more dabble than revolution.  The fact McKee and ACT have invoked the agree to disagree is either a sign of political maturity, seething anger, or possibly both.  If you listened to Mark Mitchell around the Police's role and the Firearm Safety Authority, National were never budging.  There is some stuff there about 3D printing, which makes sense. But overall, it puts this whole exercise into the category of a review, not an overhaul.  I personally never thought a loosening of access to these so-called "mass weapons" was a major, but I get a lot of people would have.  In a way it’s a good example of the disconnect between the country and city. The city would be aghast because the city doesn’t use guns or get it.  Most gun owners are regular people, burdened by the irregular thinking of the Arderns, who wouldn't know one end of a gun from the other.  McKee was from the other side of the argument but ultimately lost.  So carry on then. The angst was wasted. Nothing to see here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Division within Democrats as US Senators approve the final version of a Bill that could end the weeks-long Government shutdown.   The deal from a group of Democrats and GOP leaders will go to the House of Representatives, then will need signing into law by the President.   Under the deal, the Government will reopen in exchange for a future vote on extending Affordable Care subsidies.  Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley told CNN it's unlikely that vote will go anywhere, because Republicans have vastly different healthcare ideals.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that the Democrats who flipped say that they’ve at least set the table for the debate in the midterm elections.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transporting New Zealand warns increases in Auckland port fees will be passed on to consumers.   Fees per container at peak times will increase from $130 to $180 in January 2026.   They'll then jump to $350 in January 2027.   Transporting New Zealand CEO Dom Kalasih told Mike Hosking that it would be one thing if the port was seeing productivity gains from the increases, but they’re not.  He says there comes a point in time where you have to wonder if this is just a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The implementation of roadside drug testing is being hailed as a huge step in the right direction.  From December, Police across Wellington can do random roadside saliva tests – screening for cannabis, methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine.   They'll spread to cover the whole country by mid-next year.  Drivers testing positive will need to do a second test that checks for 25 substances.  Drug Detection Agency Chief Executive Glenn Dobson told Mike Hosking data shows 30% of all road deaths now involve an impairing drug.  He says it’s not going to be a game changer, but it is a massive move in the right direction.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A damning report into the handling of complaints against Jevon McSkimming reveals interference and cover-ups during the "Commissioner-appointment" process.   The former Deputy Police Commissioner is awaiting sentence after pleading guilty to having child sexual exploitation and bestiality material on his work devices.  A watchdog report finds some of the nation's highest ranking officers ignored a young woman's anonymous complaints against McSkimming and prosecuted her for harassment.  Gagging orders were put in place to ostensibly protect the reputation of McSkimming - who was a top candidate to replace outgoing Police Commissioner Andrew Coster.  It has been revealed that emails regarding the subject were also sent to the office of Police Minister Mark Mitchell, but he was blocked from seeing them.  “They put a protocol in place whereby I was not to have visibility on it, or any of my political staff, and they were going to be handled by PNHQ,” he told Mike Hosking.  “So I had no visibility on any emails that I received, you know, that came through my office.”   When asked who is the bigger criminal in this case, McSkimming for his behaviour or Costa for covering it up, Mitchell told Hosking they’re as bad as each other.   "It’s atrocious behaviour,” he said.  “They have put the rest of our outstanding police officers in an awful position – who turn up every day and quite simply do outstanding work.”   The concern for Labour’s Ginny Andersen is the impact this situation will have on public trust and confidence in the Police.  “New Zealanders should have every confidence that if they take a complaint to the Police, that it is investigated fully,” she told Hosking.  “It does erode public trust and confidence that taking a complaint forward will be taken seriously and investigated.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland businesses are gearing up for a busy Wednesday next week - as hotel occupancy reaches 100%.  Forty thousand are expected from Metallica fans alone, with the rock band set to perform at Eden Park.  Meanwhile, nearly 3,800 international delegates are gathering at Aotea Centre for New Zealand's largest ever academic conference, celebrating Indigenous education over five days.  Auckland Unlimited Destination Director Annie Dundas told Mike Hosking the city will probably average 80-85% occupancy over the summer.  She says these nice big event spikes lift them up for certain parts of the year, giving the accommodation and hospitality sectors a boost.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a belief New Zealanders are no safer than they were before changes to the gun laws.  A rewrite of the Arms Act simplifies rules for licensed owners for storage, repairs and visitor use, and adds harsher penalties.  Gang members also won't be able to own a gun and semi-automatics will stay banned.   Council of Licensed Firearms Owners spokesperson Hugh Devereux-Mack told Mike Hosking they were promised overwhelming reform but have only got a re-tweak of the existing law.  He says the things that are mentioned are pretty good, but it’s what is absent that is going to annoy a lot of licenced firearms owners who were expecting more.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Commissioner says he only became aware of an investigation into Jevon McSkimming two days before taking up the top job.  The former Deputy Police Commissioner is awaiting sentence after pleading guilty to having child sexual exploitation and bestiality material on his work devices.  A watchdog report finds some of the nation's highest ranking officers ignored a young woman's anonymous complaints against McSkimming.   They then went after her for digital harassment.  The Government has installed an Inspector-General of Police to ensure there is stronger oversight than the IPCA alone.  Commissioner Richard Chambers told Mike Hosking the report points out about five top cops who are at fault.   He says most of them have departed the organisation, but he is also launching employment investigations for other members.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm trying to work out what the ratio would be.  How much squeaky clean, beyond doubt, rock solid truth would the BBC need to deliver to offset the one gargantuan cock up that has seen the Director General and Head of News quit?  Or in this day and age, where doubt and mistrust is so high, is it a futile exercise and the damage is permanent?  Like all these stories you can dilute its seriousness – the Panorama programme wasn’t actually made by the BBC, it was a contract company, so was the bias external not internal? Obviously I am clutching at straws.  Does a resignation mean the organisation is no longer biased, or perceived as biased? I would have thought not.  How do you prove inherent bias? Which is an ongoing charge not just at the BBC but a number of public broadcasters all over the world.  I cited the Radio New Zealand example yesterday, out of the boot camp report, their headline read the conclusion was of a ‘rushed’ exercise.  That wasn’t the conclusion. It was an observation, not a conclusion. But even if you argued the observation was a conclusion, that would mean there were many conclusions. Why pick that one when there were positive ones to choose from as well? And is that inherent bias or just a busy journo looking to publish a story?  Are we the punter inherently biased and therefore whatever we see and we don’t like must be biased?  The BBC bit is of course indisputable. It's not about inference or emphasis, it is about making something seem real which factually wasn’t – they made it up.  Why would you do that unless you had an agenda? Why would the BBC not spot it? Too busy or too biased?  The Culture Secretary said now more than ever the need for trusted news is essential to our cultural and democratic life. Which is what they say when they have carnage to deal with using taxpayers' money.   The BBC were already booked in this week, ironically, for a parliamentary inquiry into their coverage of trans rights and Gaza, cementing in many people's minds what they already suspected.  My summation is basically: it's over. The jury is in, the verdict is guilty, and the people are always right. Whatever the media might once have had by way of respect and trust is largely, if not completely, gone.   And two resignations cemented any remaining doubt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.