The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Gaming continues its upward trajectory.  New stats show that in Wellington alone, jobs in the sector grew 12.8% over the last year.  New Zealand now brings in $170 million more in revenue than Australia does.  NZ Game Development Sector Rebate Programme Director Chantelle Cole told Mike Hosking the $170 million figure is just from the rebate recipients, so they’re expecting the number to rise upon the announcement of the industry-wide figures.  She says revenue is predicted to reach a billion dollars by as early as 2027.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Black Steve Devine is hailing the launch of a new portable brain scanner that's set to revolutionise concussion diagnosis for rugby players in New Zealand.  The Nurocheck headset will be able to detect head injuries in just two minutes without the need for baseline testing.  Devine has suffered a number of head knocks in his playing career and says the device is especially beneficial for the amateur game.  He told Mike Hosking players are probably only getting a test if they’ve taken a reasonable hit and usually there’s a moment where you can tell they’re not well.  He says if a player goes back on and recieves a second knock, that can be fatal, and that’s the one they’re trying to stop.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 25th of September, a Swedish economist delves into the credentials of our incoming Reserve Bank Governor.  Pharmac is funding new medicines who should help our patients and hospitals – David Seymour discusses.  Kiwi golfer Ryan Fox is in studio to reflect on the year and talk about the upcoming Chasing the Fox event.  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.

Auckland Council is moving to allocate up to two million new homes in the coming decades.  The council's Policy and Planning Committee voted 18-5 to pass the plan, which will see more housing near transport hubs and less in natural hazard zones.   Councillor Maurice Williamson has compared it as a choice between a firing squad and lethal injection.  He told Mike Hosking he’s a fan of intensifying along rail corridors and busways, but it doesn't make sense to go into suburban streets and force the building of “ghastly pieces of junk” when they aren’t needed.  Williamson says there needed to be more consultation and negotiation around what the upper figure of builds would be.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour believes a refresh of Pharmac's operations is benefiting New Zealanders.  Its latest funding proposal includes five new medicines for breast cancer, multiple sclerosis, eye conditions, and lung cancer.  The Associate Health Minister says a board and leadership change has worked well, and the next step is ensuring strong budget bids.  Seymour told Mike Hosking that instead of Pharmac working within a set allocation, it will now go to the Finance Minister each year for funding.  When it comes to recognising Palestine, David Seymour appears to be backing a more cautious approach to the thorny question.  Foreign Minister Winston Peters is set to announce our decision at the UN General Assembly in New York on Saturday.   Doing so would mean our country joins the likes of Australia, the UK, and France.   Seymour told Hosking he has his own opinion on the matter but will support any Government position.   He suggests some countries are jumping up and down for political theatre, but New Zealand will consider all the facts.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police say recent cannabis busts show how widely cultivated the drug is.  Over the course of a month Operation Beryl busted 120 properties across Auckland, seizing 11-thousand illicit plants, estimated to be worth more than $58 million.  More than ten tonnes of cannabis from Vietnamese organised crime groups have been destroyed.  Detective Inspector Callum McNeill told Mike Hosking it's likely one of their largest cannabis busts ever.  But he says the crime groups have probably already found new locations to grow new plants.   McNeill told Hosking his main concern is the money going to trans-national organised crime groups, and going on to fund other criminal activities.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our next Reserve Bank Governor is being commended for her track record in Sweden.  Dr Anna Breman —the First Deputy-Governor of Sweden’s central bank— will lead our central bank from December.  Swedish economist Selva Baziki says the Swedish economy is similar to New Zealand's.  And she told Mike Hosking Breman and her colleagues successfully reined in inflation without too much economic impact.  Baziki says they've done quite well in the tough job of balancing growth and employment with inflation.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's some things we can do to help the economy through jobs.  Firstly, compulsory arbitration. I'm sick and tired of teachers and nurses and doctors striking.  The current strike this week by doctors, they claim, has been a result of more than a year of negotiation.  Surely at some point —and Health NZ have finally pulled the trigger— it becomes apparent that two sides aren't going to cut a deal, and some heads need to be banged together.  So, Health NZ have asked for arbitration.  A simple law that is time-lined would save the hassle. Whether it's time, or meetings, offers and counteroffers, it doesn’t matter. Give it your best shot – if it doesn’t work, let a mediator do the business and make it binding.  Secondly, the migration pathways announced yesterday. It seems to have taken an age to realise that the simple truth, rightly or wrongly, for this country is we need a shed load of people.  Yesterday's settings were hardly for rocket scientists. But that’s the sad truth about our economy – a lot of the issues around jobs are the bread and butter of daily life.  The Chocolate Fish Café in Wellington has written to the Minister. They need a pathway for people to work in hospitality. Should they? No. Should jobless be keen to fill the gaps? Of course.  But that’s our lot – a bunch of lazy people more interested in skiving than working. So migration is the answer.  They took an age on foreign houses as well, but we got there.  I'm big on immigration. People bring skills and culture, and they generally work hard, they earn money and pay taxes. There is growth in numbers.  The other truth for now we can't ignore is that too many really good New Zealanders have bailed. We need a skill and talent reset.  The world is a competition. Everywhere is a landing spot. The previous Government made us a place to leave. The current lot may change that.  I pray they do, but for now talent is still an issue and good people are still hard to find. The 'here and now' answer is immigration. Find those that like the look of us and make them a deal.  Residency is a deal. Yes, some may go to Australia, so Peters is technically correct. But if we are good some may not, so we win.  We need all levers, all ideas, more productivity, more pace, less mucking around, fewer strikes, more attitude, more determination, more deals and more pathways.  It's not hard. You just have to want to do it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Secret Service has dismantled a massive network of electronic devices that could have been used to disable New York City’s cellphone network, officials say.  Investigators found devices in vacant properties within 55km of the UN General Assembly meeting that’s taking place in Manhattan this week.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that allegedly foreign governments and criminals located in the US are using this network to run their organisations.  He says they appear to have identified links to at least one foreign country and links to some known criminals, but have not said who.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been a busy start to the week, and Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen are back with Mike Hosking to delve into the political happenings so far.  The Government has announced two new residency pathways for skilled migrants, which Winston Peters has raised concerns about. Is he right to be concerned?  The Herald’s annual Mood of the Boardroom survey has been released – how is the Government faring?  And there’s a decision on the way about whether New Zealand will officially recognise a Palestinian state.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 24th of September, the promised Holiday Act changes have been announced. Who knew you accrued sick leave whilst on ACC or even if you only work an hour a week?  The annual Mood of the Boardroom survey has been released and a majority of the Government has not been rated favourably – Nicola Willis responds.   And on Politics Wednesday Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell talk the immigration changes, recognising Palestine, and who can give the best shout out.  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.

Business leaders aren’t sugarcoating their messages for the Government.   The Herald's annual Mood of the Boardroom survey shows business leaders are less optimistic about the economy than they were a year ago.  Only a third of respondents back the Government's current growth agenda.  Forsyth Barr Managing Director Neil Paviour-Smith told Mike Hosking concerns are being expressed about the need to tackle the difficult problems and long-term issues.  He says there’s a need for the Government to be much clearer around the plan to tackle things like infrastructure, long-term savings, and the Crown’s fiscal position, which acts as a ball and chain around the economy.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pickleball is taking the world by storm.  Originating in the United States, it’s now one of the fastest growing sports globally – the biggest growth being among 18-35 year olds.  The NZ Pickleball Open is taking place this weekend, with 443 players registered for the event.   NZ Pickleball Association Chair Ange Brady told Mike Hosking the growth is super exciting.  Gone are the days where it was perceived to be the sport tennis players went when they could no longer play tennis, she said, with more young people attracted to the fast and athletic sport.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a belief there's more that needs to be done to smooth immigration processes in New Zealand.  The Government's revealed two new pathways for skilled migrants to secure Kiwi residency.   One is for skilled work experience and another for trades and technicians.  Immigration Minister Erica Stanford told Mike Hosking there's a lot more announcements to come, but they're often held up by IT changes.  She says they're working on a start-up visa while more needs to be done in the RSE space, and there's a whole list of other things.  Stanford’s also standing by her decision to miss the PPTA's annual conference in Christchurch.  The Education Minister had been scheduled to speak to the secondary teachers union yesterday for months but abruptly cancelled due to an 'unavoidable clash.'  She told Hosking it was because the Prime Minister's office gave her a date for yesterday's skilled workers' announcement in Auckland.  She says authorities also advised her it wasn't the best time to give a speech due to the ongoing pay bargaining.  Stanford adds she is frequently meeting with the PPTA, and this is the first conference she's had to miss.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicola Willis admits the economy isn't where the Government would like it to be.  The Herald's annual Mood of the Boardroom survey shows business leaders are less optimistic about the economy than they were a year ago.  Only a third of respondents back the Government's current growth agenda.  The Finance Minister told Mike Hosking they're hearing the call for harder, faster action, loud and clear.  She says business leaders broadly think the Government's doing the right things, but she accepts the Government isn't there yet when it comes to economic growth.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are still grey areas in the Government's proposed leave legislation.  The Government's announced a new system to replace the 2003 Holidays Act.  Coffee Club Director Brad Jacobs told Mike Hosking while some parts still need clarity, the proposal appears to solve many issues.  He says as long as he's been in New Zealand, the Act has caused problems, and he's concerned by the long timeline ahead.  Government systems may be slowing down the implementation of the new leave legislation.  Jacobs told Hosking it will likely be three years before the new system —including an hourly accrual— is used.  He says massive payroll providers should be able to build these systems faster, and it may be government systems that are the handbrake.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Salvation Army says more than a quarter of kids are struggling for food.  They talk of food security. According to the 'Sallies' it's bad and it's getting worse.  Are they telling us over a quarter of kids, 27% of kids to be precise, can't get food?  The definition they use is the United Nations one: "people having access to safe and nutritious food towards a healthy life".  That’s the problem with people like the 'Sallies' quoting groups like the UN. What the UN mean in that circumstance is the sort of food security you have in Gaza, i.e. none.  Or they mean food security in flood prone regions, or drought prone regions. That definition is not designed for wealthy, first-world countries, of which we are one.  So I fear the Salvation Army are misinterpreting what the UN means, either deliberately or not, and using it for political purposes, like the idea that we can't get access to foods.  They then make claims around cost, which is of course different to access. Cost can prevent access in the sense you can't afford it. They sight meat, dairy, fruit and vegetables.  In this they are, in part, wrong as well.  But, just quickly, they argue that the food we sell to the world should be prioritised first to locals here. They don’t for a moment suggest who would pay for that, but I am guessing the Government.  So the major income earner for the country should be adjusted until we all get all the meat and butter we want, should it?  Anyway, to their claim on dairy, meat, and vegetables. Yes, we know why dairy prices are high – that’s actually good for the country.  Meat can be expensive but doesn’t have to be that expensive and fruit and vegetables are not up in price. In fact, the latest numbers show it's down and in any given season fruit and veges can be a bargain.  So the upshot of their plea is it is, as always, driven by emotion, not fact, and to be blunt, I don't actually believe in excess of a quarter of all kids in this country don’t get food.  Part of it will be bad parenting and bad choices.  To solve a problem, if there is indeed a problem, you need fact, an understanding of the fact and logical, sensible solutions, not emotive, clickbait alarmism that doesn’t stand up to scrutiny. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France has formally recognised the state of Palestine, joining the likes of the UK, Canada, and Australia.   President Emanuel Macron has made the announcement at the UN General Assembly, where the US and Israel are absent.    France Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking that they know this won’t change much, but it could eventually be part of a pathway to a two-state solution.  She says it’s more of a way for France to stand up and make the statement that something has to be done.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An update from another of New Zealand’s talented musicians – Harper Finn.  Finn is finally releasing his debut album, ‘Silo Park’ coming out at the end of next month.  The album is a journey through change, isolation, and discovery, set against the dual backdrops of his homes in New Zealand and New York, recorded in the Woodstock region upstate.   He moved to the US in 2022, which was sparked by a desire for a change of scenery, Finn saying he felt like he was plateauing in the years since being named Breakthrough Artist of the Year in 2021.  “I needed to have another experience, a sort of substantial experience to write about.”   “Three months there is a year’s worth of activity,” he told Hosking.  “So those three years I’ve spent there, I felt like I’ve been there for close to a decade.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday the 23rd of September, the money tree from the Government continues to provide, this time for school infrastructure.  Genesis Energy has struck a deal to provide more coal for Huntly to keep the lights on.  Kiwi singer Harper Finn is in for a chat and to give us an exclusive sneak peak of his new single 'Satellite' ahead of the release of his debut album.  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.

There’s an expectation coal will become more popular as gas supply diminishes.  Genesis Energy's signed a two-year agreement with BT Mining to supply 240 thousand tonnes of local coal to Huntly Power Station amidst electricity shortages.  It's expected to boost the local economy and reduce reliance on Indonesian exports.  CEO Malcolm Johns told Mike Hosking they've bought all the local coal for Huntly until now – about ten thousand tonnes a year.  He says they now have a supply for ten thousand tonnes a month, economically competitive with Indonesian coal.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unreliable weather forecasts could become a thing of the past.  Earth Sciences NZ has unveiled a new supercomputer called Cascade, which uses AI to predict the weather patterns.  It can now make a five-day forecast as reliable as a two-day one.  Chris Brandolino, Principal Scientist at NIWA, told Mike Hosking this supercomputer is about three times more powerful than its predecessor, with computing speeds of 2.4 petaflops.  He says they’ll be able to expand the area they monitor, and then over the next year or so they’ll be looking to grow longer range predictions from 5-days to 10-days.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changes to the rules around leave will be revealed today.  The Government is announcing their overhaul of the 2003 Holidays Act, which includes annual, sick, and bereavement leave regulations.  Employers and Manufacturers Association's Alan McDonald told Mike Hosking hourly accrual of leave is expected to come in.  He says this will simplify processes and take the sting out of the back-pay issue employers have at the moment.  McDonald says the overhaul is a long time coming, and while there may be some political tradeoff, both employers and employees will benefit.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A much-needed boost to rural schools' infrastructure, which has been neglected for many years.  The Education Minister's unveiled a $413 million package to get maintenance and improvement jobs at schools underway sooner.  More than half is for improvements on all isolated, rural, or small schools.  Rural Schools Leadership Association President Andrew King told Mike Hosking it will predominantly go towards basic infrastructure.  He says in the past, rural schools haven't had work done simply because of the cost to get trades people out there.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economic difficulties across the ditch appear to echo the struggles felt in many New Zealand households.   The Reserve Bank of Australia has delivered a brutal reality check to the nation on the cost of living, as it expects the situation to worsen.    It warns prices will never return to pre-pandemic levels.   Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Mike Hosking it's the same story here.   He says it would be a sign of very tough economic times if businesses were cutting their prices so drastically.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 22nd of September, we know where $100m is going for our hospitals. But is it a band-aid, or substantial money for infrastructure? The Prime Minister answers whether he's feeling embattled, is fast track really fast track and when we're getting news about reform in the electricity sector and the new Reserve Bank governor. Jason Pine and Andrew Saville discuss Liam Lawson's best F1 finish and the Ranfurly Shield switching hands, again. Plus the Black Ferns loss in the World Cup. 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.

When Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson are raging against their President, you know a line has been crossed. Cruz said the FCC threat from Brendan Carr was straight out of Goodfellas and it's got mafia written all over it. It's important not to forget we have the confluence of several stories here in the Jimmy Kimmel scrap; 1) The absurdity of defending free speech while closing it down. The First Amendment is critical, until it isn't, apparently. 2) The lack of corporate spine. Both Kimmel and Stephen Colbert have been dumped, mainly because the companies that own the networks were looking for FCC approval to do business. The fact they were being compromised by stand over tactics didn’t appear to bother them. It reminds me a lot of Covid in this country. The number of corporates who privately raged at the Government were nowhere to be seen publicly. It's amazing what power-driving fear can do to a business. 3) The simple reality that despite number one and two, these late night shows have in fact dug their own grave. They are a broadcasting failure. Their arrogance to ignore the mood of the audience has seen their ratings crater and, along with it, advertising revenue. Where once Jay Leno and Letterman kept it light and fun, Kimmel and co have turned their shows into angst fest's, with less humour and more campaigning. No one wants to be lectured at 11 o'clock at night and they failed to see that. Like it or not the Trump train is rolling and their fury belongs largely in places like California. The rest of America isn't interested. So in the midst of the mess, who is the biggest criminal? Is it the President for being a hypocrite? Is it the networks for being spineless? Or is it the shows for being out of touch with their audiences? While you work that out, the indisputable bit is the biggest losers are the shows. The President aint returning and he is time limited. The networks will move on with their FCC permissions but the shows are gone. The landscape is irrevocably changed. The big question left is - who's next? 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 AFL semi finals draw 100,000 fans to each game. Liam Lawson finished 5th in Baku to secure his best ever finish in F1. And what should the Black Ferns take away from their defeat in the Rugy World Cup semi finals? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frustrations are growing around the fast-track process in Taranaki, which has grounded to a halt due to bureaucracy.  215 parties are now having their say in the ‘VTM’ seabed mining project.  Resource Minister Shane Jones told Mike Hosking that the discourse around the project is responsible for hindering its progress.   ‘We're dealing with a substantial reduction in earnings, not only from manufacturing, but from oil and gas.’  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cabinet expects to make a final decision later this week, on whether New Zealand will formally recognise a Palestinian state. Australia, the UK and Canada have all formally announced their recognition of Palestine. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned their moves, saying a Palestinian state would be a "huge reward to terrorism" and "will not happen". Chris Luxon told Mike Hosking that New Zealand will make its own decision. He says irrespective of the decision New Zealand makes on state recognition, the bigger issue is how to make the region calm and peaceful again. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands have gathered in Arizona for the memorial service of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk. Among those in attendance is a number of Republican politicians and high-profile names including The President, Vice President and Elon Musk. US Correspondent Richard Arnold says that the rise of political discourse around free speech has grown alongside the grieving. 'Seen by most as completely abhorrent alongside the grieving, we've also seen a growing political debate over freedom of speech.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Demand is outstripping supply when it comes to luxury accommodation. New Zealand agents say they're turning away half of high-net-worth travellers due to a shortage of properties. Some are fielding up to 50 requests a week. Co-founder of Stay Luxe Accommodation, Greg Owen told Mike Hosking that there's a real shortage in Auckland, so hotels are being used instead. He says they're looking to stay in larger hotels - which are often owned internationally, so the profits are going offshore. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A rural doctor says the government's hospital investment is still not enough. Health Minister Simeon Brown's announced a $100million boost for 21 local projects, aimed at improving clinical spaces and support services. General Practice Aotearoa chair Dr Buzz Burrell told Mike Hosking that the investment will be only for touch ups. He says there will only be $5million per project over two years, it's not going to be world changing. Health New Zealand's also allocating $20million dollars to increasing frontline ED staff. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If only nostalgia paid the bills.  But when it comes to peaches, it doesn’t.  Wattie's is out. Pams do a good line of imported stuff, and those who buy peaches in tins like it cheap.  A lot of us like cheap.  Cheap has never been more appealing in a cost of living crisis. If I was in the business of patriotic purchases, I would close my door and go home.  It does work to a degree overseas. Australia is running an "Australian Made" campaign which has had traction.  Canada gave it a good push post the tariff debacle. The French are into it. But a place like New Zealand, despite the rhetoric, has never really excelled at being good at backing local.  Pams do peaches at $0.99. Wattie's is $3.90. They would have to be some pretty spectacular fruit for that price, and that is why Wattie's is out.  They told us yesterday demand is down. Who needs Brian down the road in Hawke’s Bay when you have fruit from Lord-knows-where at a fraction of the price?  Peaches are also out of favour. As Greg my hairdresser and I were talking during the week, who buys cans of peaches anyway?  It's school camp food, he suggested. But he might just be one of those trendy urbanites.  I walked him down memory lane with my childhood canned fruit salad that had peaches and pears and apples and two cherries. The cherries were the prize. I'd happily burn a whole can of syrupy crap to land the two cherries.  But here is the thing – one of the tricks in life is honesty.  When we face these issues, we burn a lot of energy and time on things we know aren't going to work, or are past their used by date, or are a waste of time.  Marching for Gaza is not saving a single life or stopping the war.  Turning up at COP30 isn't getting an inch closer to Net Zero and Helen Clark is never going to think more concerts at Eden Park is good.  We don’t like local anything if we have to pay more than some cheap crap from Vietnam or on Temu.  It is 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.    Farmer confidence: 8/10  In an economic world of woe, it's good to see a decent chunk of people doing well and enjoying it.    GDP: 2/10  Sort of the turgid, rank, icing on the rotten economic cake. How does a Reserve Bank not see a contraction of that size?    Eden Park: 7/10  Best news of the week as reality finally arrived in suburban Auckland. Have a massive facility and actually use it? How novel.      Shane Jones: 6/10  Didn’t we already think he was the deputy?    Jimmy Kimmel: 3/10  If they stuck with being light and entertaining, not angsty and angry, they might not be getting yanked off air or sacked.    Benjamin Doyle: 2/10  What a hapless, self-aggrandising waste of time. The Greens have got a massive credibility issue when it comes to candidate selection.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Was this the final nail in the Adrian Orr coffin?  Can we add Christian Hawkesby and the entire monetary policy committee? After all, it's easy to blame a governor, but it’s a committee that votes on what to do with the cash rate.  After the famed Q2 finished (remember April, May and June), we come to the next committee decision in July. Orr is gone, Hawkesby is up, and they have just witnessed the previous three months.  And what do they do? Nothing. No change. They held.  Why? Because they felt things were in hand.  They also said the economy would contract 0.3%.  Yesterday came the proof that it's hard, when you are actually paid as a so-called expert, to get it more wrong than they did.  We all felt it and knew it. Most of us wouldn't have been able to put a number round it like the banks have to, but most of us don’t have the data they have access to.  But what we all knew was it was bad, it was tight, it was ugly, and it wasn’t going in the right direction.  But the gap between -0.3% and -0.9% is inexcusable.  The same way it is inexcusable to stand there in July and tell us more stimulus wasn’t needed.  At some point someone has to be held to account. Yes, Orr is gone, but only because he packed a sad. Yes, Quigley is gone, but only because he got found out.  No one has actually been held to account for a spectacular failure to do the job. Why are the Monetary Policy Committee members still in work? How many of them are there because of their so-called "expertise" versus being appointed for the so-called “right” reasons?  Results count. Facts matter.  And here is the issue for the Government: as the poll showed us this week, a lot of New Zealanders blame the Government for the economy.  They have been let down in no small part by the Reserve Bank and when the Prime Minister the other week on this show fired off a bit of advice, all the pointy heads wrote op-eds whining about independence.  Independence is fine. But not if you're useless. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Friday so Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that Was.  Mike decided to end the week with another pop quiz – this time on things that were covered on the programme this morning. Kate was not enthused.   Plus the school holidays are coming up, so they had to touch on everyone’s plans.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 19th of September, Sir John Key has some advice for Finance Minister Nicola Willis, who has some tough questions to answer after that Q2 GDP result.  The Government is flying the flag for the wool industry in China.  Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson take a pop quiz and discuss school holidays plans 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.

We’re in the business end of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, but a former Black Ferns captain is warning against getting cocky.  The Black Ferns have made light work of Spain, Japan, Ireland, and South Africa, leading them to the semi-finals.  Saturday morning will see them face off against the World No 2 team – Canada.   Former Captain Dr Farah Palmer told Mike Hosking that although it’s likely we’ll make it through and face England in the final, she wouldn’t take Canada lightly.  She says the last time we played Canada was a draw, and the time before that was a loss, so we need to focus on Canada first, not the finals.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The axing of Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show has sparked debate around freedom of speech.  Kimmel has been pulled off air indefinitely by ABC over his comments relating to the Charlie Kirk killing.  The late-night host suggested Kirk, who was shot at a Utah University last week, was killed by a pro-Trump Republican.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking reactions are sharply partisan.  He says that some, like former Fox host Geraldo Rivera, believe Kimmel’s statements were inappropriate and it’s wrong to overthink the suspension and make it about government, censorship, and other issues.  But on the other side, Arnold says, is people like former President Barack Obama, who says cancel culture has been taken to a new and dangerous level.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Negotiations between senior doctors and the Government have broken down.   They've rejected a $160 million offer and are set to strike for 48 hours next week.   The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists had put a proposal which would have cost about $300 million.   Executive Director Sarah Dalton told Mike Hosking doctors are playing catch up.   She says doctors haven't had pay increases lower than inflation since the pandemic.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis says a new Reserve Bank Governor will be announced “very shortly” as she comes under growing pressure to tackle New Zealand’s economic woes. Economists are calling on the Reserve Bank to cut the Official Cash Rate more aggressively after yesterday’s shock GDP result. New Zealand’s gross domestic product (GDP) fell by 0.9% in the June quarter, a reduction well over market expectations. Expectations were for a 0.4% decline in GDP, while Reserve Bank forecasts were for a 0.3% drop. The worse-than-expected outcome could mean the Reserve Bank will cut its Official Cash Rate (OCR) more aggressively than was previously thought, economists said. In an interview with Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking this morning, Willis was asked what she expects from the Reserve Bank to address the situation. “I will very shortly be announcing a new governor for the Reserve Bank. Obviously, we’ve had a chair change at the Reserve Bank. We are refreshing that institution and I think that is very good indeed,” Willis said. She would not give a specific date for the announcement, instead describing it as happening “very shortly”. She confirmed she knew who the new Governor is. Christian Hawkesby is the current Acting Governor of the Reserve Bank. He was appointed to a six-month term in April following Adrian Orr’s resignation in March. Willis told Hosking Kiwis shouldn't get down about the latest drop in GDP and we mustn't talk our way into a recession.  She says we shouldn't overreact to a bad quarter – we've got to keep playing the full game, dig in, and do the things that are needed to grow the economy.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Associate Agriculture Minister believes wool is making a comeback and New Zealand could double its exports over the next decade.  Mark Patterson is in China for the country's largest wool conference, where he'll meet with industry representatives, wool growers, and processors.  It's our largest trading partner for wool, with $176 million of $446 million in total exports heading there last year.  Patterson told Mike Hosking farmers can be confident with how the market's moving.  He says the price is at an eight year high and steadily increasing, and while supply has been declining, demand has been ramping up, which is what's really needed.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir John Key says the Reserve Bank deserves much of the blame for the latest sharp drop in GDP.  Our economy's contracted 0.9% in the June quarter.  The Government says international turmoil and uncertainty over tariffs have driven the fall, which was much larger than expected.  Key told Mike Hosking the OCR was also a major factor.  He says two months ago he was criticised for calling for the OCR to come down 100-basis points, but that will probably now happen by Christmas.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having argued the other week for compulsory KiwiSaver, it was sort of ironic, but probably lucky, that several reports came out post the comments that wanted the same thing.  Then enter Winston who wants it as well, and will pay for it, apparently with tax cuts.  Of course the tax cuts are completely unaffordable, but it doesn’t make the compulsion a bad idea.  I personally am not for compulsion, but it seems the only way to solve our never-ending inability to save.  Here is what possibly is the defining argument: a bloke called John O'Malley, who works for Deloitte, has written a paper on creditor and debtor nations.  That is when you take all of a country's financial dealings with the world and work out who owes what.  Places like Germany and Japan and Switzerland are what they call "creditor nations". They are owed money.  The debtor nations owe the money. It will not surprise you that New Zealand is a debtor nation.  Australia, which is where the paper originated, is what they call a "switcher nation". In other words, Australia has been a debtor, but the numbers have reversed dramatically. Net foreign liabilities have gone from 63% of GDP in 2016 to 32%, to now 24%.  If it keeps going, you're a creditor nation.  How have they done this? Well, it's through a number of things because economies are complex, but no small contributor has been superannuation.   Former Labor Treasurer Paul Keating introduced compulsion in 1992 from employee and employer, and they have never looked back.  Yes, they had the usual arguments – it cuts into pay rises, it's unaffordable, etc. But 30-something years later the proof is in the numbers. We have an average KiwiSaver of $30,000-ish. They have an average of $130,000-ish.  Recently, for the first time, they could say a person starting work and working for 40 years on an average salary could look forward to retiring in comfort.  So, a problem solved. They don’t debate retirement and its cost, and the wealth created makes them on the verge of being a creditor nation, joining the heavyweights like Japan and Germany and Switzerland.  So New Zealand or Australia? Who would you rather be?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US President's been treated to a day of processions, gifts and flypasts in his second state visit to the UK.  Donald Trump's attending a state banquet at Windsor Castle, hosted by King Charles, with about 150 other guests.  The King is cherishing the close ties between American and British people, saying the ocean may divide the two countries, but they're the 'closest of kin.'  UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking they’re flinging every bit of royal regalia that they can at Trump in order to curry favour, and it seems to be working.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another case of a Kiwi punching above his weight.  Hailing from Christchurch, 20 year old motorsport driver Jacob Douglas is currently competing in the USF Pro 2000 Circuit over in the States.  He’s on the road to IndyCar, and has just wrapped up the season, finishing 5th overall and securing a win and eight podiums.  At age 16 Douglas made the move to America in order to chase his dreams, and told Mike Hosking at the time he didn’t realise how big of a deal it was.  “I was kind of just, y’know, another Kiwi going off overseas to chase my goals in sports,” he said.  “But it was a great experience, and yeah, I loved every minute of it.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hamilton's first domestic jet service in 25 years will connect thousands of people to Christchurch every year.  Air New Zealand's Airbus A320 service will operate alongside two smaller planes, to be deployed to other parts of the regional network.  From today the 171-seat domestic jet will leave Christchurch at 3pm five days a week and return from Hamilton just after 5pm.  Waikato Chamber of Commerce CEO Don Good told Mike Hosking Air NZ wouldn’t have put a plane on that route if there wasn’t demand.  He says they’ve seen the opportunity and believe that it will grow.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 18th of September, we look at the predictions of how bad Q2 was economically, and whether this is the worst of it.   Some extraordinary new numbers when it comes to youth crime that shows the Government is starting to get the issue under control.  Young motorsport driver Jacob Douglas details his path to IndyCar and why he moved to the US by himself at only 16 years old.   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.

Top musicians are taking their music off Spotify and leaving the platform behind – but why?  Kiwi musicians like Tiki Taane and The Bats have joined overseas acts like Deerhoof and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard in boycotting the platform, accusing it of exploitation, poor royalties, and subsidising big international acts.  As it stands, each stream earns an artist around one-twentieth of a New Zealand cent.  Tech commentator Paul Spain told Mike Hosking artists are making a fair point, as Spotify has been increasing their prices, but not artist payouts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.