The Mike Hosking Breakfast

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

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

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

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

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

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 7th of October, there are new measures from the Government to improve attendance rates, with dozens more schools signing up for support.   Health NZ’s buying thousands of vapes —including flavoured products— for those trying to quit smoking, and Mike is incredulous.   Chelsea Winter discusses her new cookbook and answers questions on that wellness retreat.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A researcher says all she can do is laugh about the Government ordering more vapes for those wanting to quit smoking.  Health New Zealand's been providing vape kits to smokers for almost a year as part of a pilot programme, initially ordering three thousand kits.   Newstalk ZB has revealed it's ordering more, including flavours like cinnamon and blueberry.   Auckland University researcher Kelly Burrowes told Mike Hosking the Government seems to be promoting and supporting vaping as a healthier product.  She says there's many studies coming out showing there are negative short and medium-term impacts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

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

Listen to the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday 6 October. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

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

You wondered how long it would take for someone to work out that the injunction over Tom Phillips and the various bits and pieces we are not allowed to talk about, would be talked about.  Maybe this is widely understood. Maybe it isn't.  But an injunction, as imposed by a New Zealand court, is applicable only to New Zealand.  It was an effective mechanism in 1979, or even 1999. But post the internet, and especially social media, it borders on pointless.  So what we have post the injunction on Phillips and the various issues around his family, is everyone knows what's in it and have done from the start.  Offshore operators are spreading it about the place like no tomorrow, which led some people to raise it with the Justice Minister who is "having a look at it" as though that means anything.  But he is "not optimistic". No kidding.  Which leads to the obvious question: why go for an injunction, and also why would a judge offer an injunction knowing no one internationally is going to adhere to it?  The answer to the first question is: I don’t know. The answer to the second is: my guess is no judge wants to state the obvious by admitting defeat.  Because in turning it down, because it's pointless, you are in effect setting a precedent and every application going forward would be open to that precedent and therefore you don’t want to be the person who blew it up.  Also, do not underestimate the egos associated with the judiciary who, despite the modern world, still hold the idea that they count for something and they hold sway over the discourse of matters in their courts.  The other major issue, international outlets or not, is of course the vacuum. If you create a vacuum, it gets filled with nonsense.  I know what's in the injunction. I have been told by people who know so I know the weirdness that’s out there that isn't real, or indeed close to it.  All in all, the whole thing is a monumental mess. Gossip rules the roost.  The real story is there to be had.  It's all over the world and the judiciary might want to think about how they handle these matters going forward because the horse has bolted and the Justice Minister, I can assure you, will not be offering anything by way of solutions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all.    The All Blacks: 8/10  That was the best match of the Rugby Championship. In a competition where everyone has beaten everyone, we have seen a sign that quality rugby is on the up.    Winston Peters: 7/10  It took too long to get there but his speech in New York was logical and devoid of the emotive nonsense that has clouded too much of the debate.    The power industry reform: 4/10  The weak point for the Government this week. Not that any of it was bad because it wasn’t. But what it also wasn't was what they had built it up to be.    Jimmy Kimmel: 7/10  He's back, ratings are up, and all the stations have backed down in a sign free speech wins, which is ironic given those who shut him up pretended they liked free speech until, clearly, they didn’t.    The Ryder Cup: 2/10  Sport's low point of the week. When golf looks like WWE and Rory's Mrs is in tears, something has gone dreadfully wrong.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 3rd of October, what is going on with Te Pati Maori? In fights, out fights, and one of the biggest Māori-led activist groups has severed ties. And all of this comes before they “reset” in a week or so.   All Black vice captain Jordie Barrett says we're in for a good chance of reclaiming the Rugby Championship, so long as we beat the Wallabies and South Africa loses to Argentina.  And as they Wrap the Week, Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson celebrate Tim turning 60 and Mike shows his empathetic side... he thinks.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's electric car market is reaching a tipping point.  Five new Chinese car brands have entered the market in the last two months – Dongfeng being the latest.  Its launch lineup includes three fully electric models, and dealerships are set to open in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch later in the year.   Auto Distributors NZ CEO Simon Rutherford told Mike Hosking the market has shifted over the last few years to be more accepting of EVs.  He says people who are looking to buy a second car are increasingly more likely to consider buying electric, and even in the last year there’s been a shift of about 10% out of pure ICE vehicles into something electrified.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

An ex-Māori party co-leader suspects problems within the current cohort as an influential former supporter cut ties.   Toitū Te Tiriti's Eru Kapa-Kingi's described the party's leadership as "effectively a dictatorship model".    The party's emailed members overnight, saying it remains committed to transparency, accountability, and unity.  Former co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell told Mike Hosking he's not close to the leadership but based on the last few weeks there could be issues.    Flavell's pointing to the fall out around Takuta Ferris and the removal of Mariameno Kapa-Kingi as whip.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hopes new welfare requirements for pig farming will streamline how things operate.  The changes include requirements for the use of farrowing crates and mating stalls, as well as requirements for space to grow pigs.  They won't come into force until the end of 2035, so farmers have time to prepare.  Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard told Mike Hosking] this gives the industry certainty in how to move forward.  He says they've been living in a bit of a limbo land for the last five-to-seven years, and it’s affecting confidence in the sector.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forget the detail of the power reforms, because we dealt with them yesterday, let's deal to the politics of it and a habit the Government has that is hurting them.  There is a pattern.  The pattern is the Government tells us there is something wrong, it could be banks, it could be supermarkets, it could be power, or it could be airlines.   The last Government had the same issue – they took on petrol stations.  Their concern is partially real. It's real because 1, there might be bits and pieces of the sector that could do with some tightening or tidying and 2, there is almost always consumer concern.  The consumer angst is part of the problem, because the consumer will always see a problem whether there is one or not. That’s why lazy journalists do vox pops – is butter too expensive? The answer will always be yes. Doesn’t mean that’s a problem a government can solve.  So having stated the problem, you have then created the expectation that you will do something about it.  The trouble with yesterday's power deal was the obligatory report suggested more than what actually eventuated by the time the final decisions were made.  Hence the reputation, and the reputation is of a government that talks a lot, does a lot, but the “a lot” doesn’t amount to much.  Yesterday was your classic example: the Electricity Authority gets clearer riding instructions, big deal, the industry has the perception removed that the government don’t want to get into big projects, a phone call could have done that.  We are to import, in several years time, some LNG – great. Nothing wrong with any of it and it would have landed well if they hadn't given you the sense that Reform —capital letters— was on its way  Personally I never thought the industry was that broken. Labour and their oil and gas debacle hobbled us for several years while we wait for the windmills – bit of coal bridges the gap. Like butter, and indeed airlines, there is generally logic as to why things are the way they are.  The report fell flat not because what was in it made no sense or hurt an industry, but because it had an “is that it?” feel about it.  And it had that feel about it because the Government haven't worked out the balance between hype and reality.  Of their passion projects, where trouble sits, banks, airlines supermarkets, or power – name me the one that’s materially different because of what they did, not what they said.  Politically, that’s their failing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new cookbook and a celebration of the farming sector.  Kiwi Chef Nadia Lim has spent over five years designing her new cookbook, which she says is about paying tribute to the farmers, land, and sustainable food.  ‘Nadia’s Farm Kitchen’ is filled with seasonal recipes, as well as offering a glimpse into life on Royalburn Station with personal stories and anecdotes.  She joined Mike Hosking to discuss the book and for a bit of a trip down memory lane, telling him that looking back, their journey on the farm is quite different to what they originally expected.  “I would describe the whole journey, if I could sum it up, as starting from quite an idealistic place,” Lim told him.  “You know, oh, we’re going to be on this farm and we’re going to diversify and we’re going to have a full farm to plate model, to being chipped away, chipped away at slowly over the years, to definitely becoming a whole lot more realistic.”  “It’s really a game of you win some, you lose some.”   However, despite some mixed results, Lim says they love living on Royalburn Station.  “It might not be the best financial return, but I can tell you it is the best lifestyle return, and you can’t beat that.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 2nd of October, the Government is teaming up with banks to try deliver more social housing – Minister Chris Bishop unpacks the scheme.   Pharmac’s new Chief Executive Natalie McMurtry speaks for the first time on how she plans to lead the entity.  Beloved Kiwi chef Nadia Lim has been working on her new cookbook for about 5-6 years and is on to talk about it and the value of the farm.  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.

Natalie McMurtry says Pharmac's model drew her to the agency's top job.   She is just three weeks into her five-year-contract as chief executive at the drug-buying agency.  The Canadian is tasked with continuing efforts to improve the agency's standing with the New Zealand public after years of degradation.  McMurty told Mike Hosking she’s happy to keep moving forward on the reset plan that’s been put in place.  She says she saw an opportunity to make an impact, and a board that has a great plan in place – one she could get behind.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A big headache for NRL bosses ahead of the grand final.  10 stars are reportedly lined up to leave league, defecting to rugby union’s Saudi-backed ‘R360’, including Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomaz, and Warriors winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.  The competition is targeting an October 2026 start date.  But Australian Sports Journalist Jim Dolan confirmed to Mike Hosking that no one has officially signed onto the project yet.  He says there’s no coaches, no venues, and while there’s plenty of talk of money coming in from around the world, no one’s actually put their hand up and confirmed they’re investing.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a view the property market will continue to be in buyers' favour for some time, despite values edging up.  Cotality data shows property values in New Zealand ticked up by 0.1% in September, following a cumulative 1.6% drop over the five months to August.  Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson says regional New Zealand properties are faring better.  He told Mike Hosking that 2026 is looking better, but right now things are pretty flat.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Corrections says a steep increase in prison assaults is due to better reporting of incidents.  New data shows there were more than 2600 assaults in the last financial year.   It includes more than 1500 prisoner-on-prisoner assaults, and more than 1000 on staff.   Custodial Services Commissioner Leigh Marsh told Mike Hosking they've been working hard to improve how they deal with these incidents.  He says the encouragement of reporting assaults has seen an increase in the number of non-injury assaults being reported, which where the biggest number lies.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Housing Minister's working to strengthen our community housing sector with a new loan scheme.  The Government will take on some of the risk of bank loans to eligible community housing providers.  It says the move should lead to more social homes with better lending conditions and lower priced loans.  Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking Kāinga Ora currently borrows through the Government's low rates, which gives them a competitive advantage.  He's trying to create a housing system that delivers warm and dry social houses, no matter who owns them.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mercury Energy says the Government's new energy plan gives it confidence to keep investing in projects.  It's offering Crown-controlled companies more capital to invest in generation projects, establishing a Liquefied Natural Gas import facility, and giving the Electricity Authority greater power.  CEO Stew Hamilton told Mike Hosking businesses now have some form of clarity.  He says it allows them to keep building at pace, adding they're on the right track, as more power projects have been delivered in the last 18 months than the past 15 years.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dixon Street building debacle surely allows us to ask some questions of the Treaty process.  If you missed it, Dixon St Apartments sold for a million dollars to local Māori under their Treaty deal – the Treaty deal had a first right of refusal clause.   Now my assumption, clearly incorrect, is you would get first right of refusal based on the idea that something of cultural or historic significance was coming to the market, and as local iwi you wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity.  I didn’t realise this was a commercial free for all, where anything and everything for sale goes to local Māori first.  Further, I had assumed, clearly wrongly as well, that in having a first right of refusal, that meant that long lost treasure, whether historic or cultural, would be returned to said iwi to be honoured and looked after in perpetuity, not flicked off for quick profit.  So obviously nothing like that is remotely part of the Treaty deals. So first question: why not?  Next question is: if it isn't, is it commercially acceptable to have a race-based clause when it comes to real estate?  And even if it is, is it commercially acceptable to sell stuff cheap?  For if you haven't followed the story, five minutes after buying the building, the new owners sold it on for $3 million.  So under a special deal signed for, on our behalf, by our government, we, the taxpayer, lose $2 million on one building.  Next question: how could a Crown agency, i.e. Kainga Ora, think $1 million was a good price for something that was clearly worth $3 million?  And in that is the problem with not involving the free market.  Next question: did anyone involved in the cloistered deal know what they were doing, and if not, given its taxpayers’ dosh, why not?  Another question: was the Treaty process designed so tribes could get into real estate speculation? At what point was a Treaty settlement about putting past wrongs right versus turning tribes into speculators?  This was a bad deal. The original owners of Dixon St, us, got stiffed.  And we got stiffed because of a race-based real estate clause that arguably should never have been part of an historic arrangement in the first place.  Final question: what are we going to do about it? Or more worryingly, is there anything we can do about it? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Politics Wednesday, Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen are calling in from airports in Italy and Auckland to delve into the biggest topics of the week so far.  Local body elections are looming – how can we raise the involvement rate?  Plus, a raft of changes to both the earthquake-prone building system and the energy sector were announced in the last two days.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 1st of October, we get an insight into whether Hamas is likely to accept Trump’s proposed peace plan.  The Government has announced their plan for energy reform – boom or bust? Energy Minister Simon Watts unpacked the announcement.   Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen join us from airports in Italy and Auckland for Politics Wednesday, discussing local body elections, changes to the earthquake-prone building system, and the electricity announcement.  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 Government’s opting to provide capital to Crown-controlled power companies instead of reshaping its role in the energy sector.  Genesis, Mercury, and Meridian have been assured funding is available for major infrastructure projects.  A procurement process for a Liquefied Natural Gas facility has also been launched, which Energy Minister Simon Watts says will start on Monday.  He told Mike Hosking Cabinet will aim to make a decision by Christmas to get supply into the country as soon as possible.  Watts says their shortest timeline has supply arriving by Winter of 2027, but if a more traditional route is used, it’s more likely to come by 2028 or 2029.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's revealed progress is being made towards their mental health and addiction targets.  The latest data shows 80.3% of New Zealanders are accessing specialist mental health and addiction support within three weeks.  However, that percentage is carried by eight of the 20 regions, leaving behind Northland, Gisborne, and Canterbury.  Clinical Psychologist Dr Dougal Sutherland told Mike Hosking the access to specialist services was a positive surprise, as it’s not necessarily what he’d heard.  He says he’s cautiously optimistic about the progress, but there is still room for improvement.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fresh blueprint has been developed to boost Dunedin's future.   Business South's new targets include delivering more than 15 thousand high-value jobs by 2034, welcoming 150 new businesses a year by 2029, and growing Māori-owned businesses by 129% in four years.   CEO Mike Collins says the goals may be stretched, but are going to be remarkable, with many motivated people backing the growth.   He told Mike Hosking they're firing up some wraparound support services that would identify the gaps in a business’ practices and match them up to what they need.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pharmac believes it makes sense to leave the day-to-day stuff to Health NZ.   The Associate Health Minister and Minister Simeon Brown have jointly announced the national agency and drug-buyer can both procure medical devices.  Pharmac will focus on more-technical equipment —due to its level of clinical input and assessment— and Health NZ on bulk-buying standard items.  Pharmac Chair Paula Bennett told Mike Hosking it clears up uncertainty around who does what.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trade Minister says uncertainty around Donald Trump's tariffs is most concerning, following threats he'll impose a 100% tariff on all movies made outside the US.  The US President didn't confirm when or how it could be enacted in a post on social media, which followed an initial threat on foreign-produced movies in May.  Todd McClay told Mike Hosking he was in Malaysia last week with other trade ministers, who are all dealing with the rolling wall of announcements with no clarity.  He says Trump's social media announcements are creating a lot of uncertainty, and Hollywood won't know what's going on.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's proposed peace deal for Gaza is bringing some hope and optimism.  The deal would end the war, and requires all hostages to be returned, Israeli troops to be pulled out of Gaza, and would allow Trump to lead an interim Government.   It's being supported by our Foreign Minister Winston Peters as well as European and Middle Eastern leaders.  The Economist Middle East Correspondent Greg Carlstrom told Mike Hosking it's good to see a serious proposal.  He says it's an actual plan to end the war, unlike Trump's wild suggestion in February to depopulate Gaza and turn it into a beach resort.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hopes that investment will flow into the energy sector once Government reforms are announced.  Energy Minister Simon Watts will unveil the changes this morning, targeting issues the market hasn’t been able to resolve on its own.  The Government ordered the review last year after gas supply issues and soaring wholesale prices.  Contact Energy CEO Mike Fuge told Mike Hosking the industry needs support for renewable investment already under way as no one wants that momentum lost.  He says the most important thing for the country is continued investment.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a move you could have seen coming from the moment it was first announced, or if you couldn’t see it coming you hoped it would come, Auckland University has decided its Waipapa Taumata Rau course will now be optional instead of compulsory.  For a generation who have been appallingly let down over the Covid period by Government and education decisions, the Auckland University desire to force you into Māori courses seemed not just ill advised, but cruel.  Kids of the past half dozen years have been soaked, to the point of drowning, in Māori issues and doctrine in their schooling and they are sick of it.  The Labour Government's obsession with race has had the opposite effect intended. It didn’t cajole and encourage, it rammed and forced and overwhelmed us with condescending overlord-type instruction.  University is not about being told what to learn, it was supposed to be the opposite.  From our personal experience this year it appeared to us that the course was not just ill conceived, but shonkily run by people barely qualified to deliver a curriculum that seemed largely made up with no real focus or discipline.  Students hated it, resented it, and were dragged kicking and screaming through it.  Not just that, but to add insult to injury you had to pay for it. They forced you into it, then sent you a bill.  As in all these areas of race the trick has always been that if you seek it, want it, desire it, whether broader study or the specific language, it's freely available and fill your boots.  But the determination to square peg it only ever led to pushback and resentment.  The last thing I would have thought universities wanted to do was put people off study.  Once again from personal experience, we know people who not only avoided Auckland University, but in fact ended up studying offshore. None of this is a desirable outcome for the country.  The upside is when asked by the university the feedback was as you would have expected. And to their credit they have at least read the room and backed off.  But not before another year for thousands has been lost in a whirlpool of woke-enforced nonsense that never had to be. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.