The Mike Hosking Breakfast

There are tentative signs of recovery, as a troubled construction sector looks to turn the corner.  A new report shows the sector generated $94 billion in revenue in the year to March, down slightly from $99 billion the year prior.  Despite this, the report shows residential consents have levelled off, government infrastructure projects are restarting, and falling interest rates are supporting mortgage activity.  Combined Building Supplies Co-Op CEO Carl Taylor told Mike Hosking the Government is doing everything it promised to do to help.  He says he couldn't even get in front of the Construction Minister in the last government, but this government actually listens.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lack of surprise from the Education Minister over poor writing achievement in schools.  New data shows only a quarter of Year 8 students achieved their curriculum writing level last year.   The Government's launching a new digital tool for students sitting below the standard and introducing more professional development in literacy.   Education Minister Erica Stanford told Mike Hosking the figures are the results of years of decline and a poor curriculum, which is now being changed.  She says there's teaching practices where students have to guess words.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A senior economist says he'd like to see a series of OCR cuts.  The Reserve Bank will announce its decision at 2pm today.   Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr is expecting to see a 25 basis point cut.   He told Mike Hosking after a cut today, he'd like to see two more to get the OCR to 2.5%.   Kerr says that sort of stimulation is what we need to pull us out of recession.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A trilateral meeting between the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, and the United States is looking likely.  US President Donald Trump's been meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House today, following talks with Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Saturday.  Zelenskyy and Trump are now meeting with other leaders, including Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.  UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking Starmer is saying he thinks they can make real progress to end the war.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If Grant Robertson thinks the Covid inquiry is a "show trial", then what is about to unfold at the High Court as of the end of this month can't be far behind.  A bunch of unions are taking the Government to court over pay equity.  They are having several stabs at it – the Bill of Rights is in play and the democratic process is up for debate.  One of the things the unions claim may happen if they win, is a select committee would have to hear submissions and a debate in Parliament would have to take place.  That’s the "show trial" part. Select committees hear from the people you would expect to hear from: broadly, it's people opposed to whatever change of law is in play.  And a debate in Parliament hears both sides, one for, one against, with the Government of the day prevailing, given it is they who have the numbers and indeed that is why they are the Government.  Which is essentially why court is a waste of time, remembering of course the Government is the ultimate court and if they want to pass a law, they can.  Making it complicated is the whole pay equity calculation is a mess. Secondary teachers, for example, were one of the many claimants putting an equity claim forward before the law was changed.  To my eye being a high school teacher is not an equity issue. Men do it, women do it, there are lots of them and they aren't paid on gender.  It's not a profession where 99% of them are women and because they are women, they are poorly paid.  High school teachers are paid quite well. You could equally argue they are not paid as well as they could be because the union insists on them all being paid the same based on time in the classroom. If they got paid on merit it would be a different world.  Kristine Bartlett's case became famous because we could all see the care industry was mainly female and the pay was poor. I would still argue the pay was poor because the work, although kind and worthy, is not of great numerical value.  If it was, rest homes would pay more, charge residents more and we'd happily foot the bill. But we don’t.  Anyway, the upshot is the best the unions can hope for is a court win. The win can then be used to beat the Government about the head as big, bad meanies.  But it will still not get them paid under an equity deal because the court is not the Government. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been an incredible rise for Kiwi Supercars driver Ryan Wood.  Racing for Walkinshaw Andretti United last year, he helped the team to 3rd in the Teams Championship —their highest finish since 2016— and was widely considered the best rookie on the grid.  This year has already seen him claim a win in race 14, with multiple podium appearances under his belt, as well as a host of Top 10 finishes.   Wood told Mike Hosking he’s really happy with the improvements they’ve made over the last year since moving into the main game.  “It’s been a great year so far,” he said.  “Really excited for, obviously, the big races coming up, and it should be a huge challenge.”  “Hopefully we’re ready for it.”   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Times are challenging for the global honey sector.   Oversupply, inflated prices, and global volatility continue to drive sector woes.   Apiculture NZ CEO Karin Kos told Mike Hosking both domestic and export factors are contributing.  In 2019, New Zealand had a record 1 million hives and 10,000 beekeepers, but now there’s under 500,000 hives and 7,600 beekeepers, she says.   At the same time, Kos told Hosking, there was softening global demand post-Covid, particularly in some of our largest markets.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 19th of August, eyes are on the White House as Zelenskyy and EU leaders meet for peace talks. Our White House Correspondent is on the scene.  Contact Energy CEO Mike Fuge defends their big profit rise while the country faces rising energy costs.  Kiwi Supercars driver Ryan Wood is having a stellar second season so far, so we catch up with him during the mini break of the year.  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.

One of the country’s major electricity companies is defending their increased profits amid rising energy prices.   Contact Energy’s full year net profit is up 41%, with revenue up 20%.  Their underlying profit also climbed 17%, bolstered by a strong lift in geothermal generation as well as improved sales and customer numbers.  CEO Mike Fuge told Mike Hosking the profits are the result of their investment in major projects that benefit the country, such as geothermal.  He says they’re actually investing more than what they earned in profit last year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chef at the country's best restaurant says they're always improving to stay top of the game.   From more than 300 contestants, Queenstown's fine dining hotspot Amisfield has once again been crowned 'Restaurant of the Year' at the Cuisine Good Food Awards.  Executive Chef, Vaughan Mabee told Mike Hosking being in Central Otago helps them in many ways.   He says the combination of their team and the area's amazing wine country, tourism, and product brings the success of the restaurant and vineyard.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's focussing on a peace deal rather than a ceasefire as talks with Ukraine's President get underway.  Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the White House for talks with Trump and several European leaders today.   Trump also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday and says he'll have a phone call with him after today's talks.   Channel 9 US Correspondent Lauren Tomasi told Mike Hosking the meeting has been quite warm so far, with it appearing to be a room full of friends as opposed to heads of state.   She says that it’s a good thing for Europe, who has come into this supporting Zelenskyy, as they know the security of Ukraine will have ramifications on Europe.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taking some of the pressure off councils is expected to make them more willing to consent buildings.   The Government will shift liability for building defects based on responsibility.   Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says councils will still have responsibility for their consenting.   He told Mike Hosking liability will be decided by the courts.   Penk says we could see some cases where the various councils and designers share 50% liability.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Financial results are coming in thick and fast.  a2 Milk is reporting a 21% rise in profit alongside announcing it has bought the Yashili  plant in Pokeno.  It's also sold its majority stake in the Mataura Valley plant in Gore to Open Country Dairy.  Contact Energy's profit is up 13% after a surge in geothermal generation.  Freightways' profit is up 12.9%.  Chief executive Mark Troughear is putting it partly down to strong growth in Australia.  He told Mike Hosking he’s been through three recessions in this business and they’re all a little bit different, but he thinks we may have just broken the back of this current one.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 18th of August, we've got conflicting reports on the cost of food at the supermarket - but none of it helps the fact our country's debt is nearing $1trillion. The Prime Minister says whether or not he would appear at a Royal Commission if called upon and how close we are with a deal with Winston Peters about foreigners being able to buy a home. Jason Pine and Andrew Saville talk the Warriors, the All Blacks and whether they have better dance moves by the PM. 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 Warriors defeated the dolphins 14-10, finishing off an impressive comeback from 0-10 down.  The All-Blacks defeated Los Pumas in Argentina to secure a strong start in the Rugby Championships. And Chris Wood starts the new season of the Premier League with a bang, netting multiple goals on opening day. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You may have read a report commissioned by Radio NZ to look into why their operation has become such a dumpster fire. It said a bunch of stuff that was obvious. One thing that surprised and saddened me though was that most people within that organisation thought radio was dying and audiences were bailing. That's not true. In fact it’s the opposite. Radio is robust and, comparatively speaking, thriving. So my question is, how is it you can have a company of people who don’t understand their own industry? Where did they get their view from? Why has no one corrected the view? Where is management in that process? Their audience has shrunk, but it hasn’t vanished. It's gone to, well mainly, here to Newstalk ZB. The customer is still spending, they’ve just changed shops. The fact they don't know that I would have thought should set off alarm bells, most ironically because the place is full of journalists who once upon a time had inquiring minds. They asked questions and they wanted to know things. If you have such a mind you would have quickly discovered what was actually happening and what the reality of your medium was. How can you be a journalist and be that bewildered? And if you are that bewildered on your own doorstep, how bewildered are you about the rest of life and the world? Also of concern was management's response to the report. By the way the report basically says the place is shot, it needs a bomb and some genuine talent. The response suggests what Radio NZ management do quite well is commission reports, then ignore them. So the exercise as a whole appears a waste. They got told some obvious stuff they should have known, an alarming thing about their staff they should also have known, but now they do know they need to fix and the rest seems a bit tricky. For me, they can do what they like. But what I care about is that this industry is actually successful. Some of us are having the time of our lives. Some of us know what's going on and understand proceedings. Some of us still ask a few questions. The future is bright and it's there for anyone who wants it. But to want it you've got to be keen and you've got to be awake. That might be their biggest problem of all. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says Auckland won't be getting a bed tax this parliamentary term,  despite a renewed call from the city's mayor.  Last week Wayne Brown again called for a bed night levy, saying it wouldn't cost the Government anything.  He claimed they were cheeky for not putting one in and believed they would eventually cave.  Chris Luxon told Mike Hosking that now is not the time to be putting in another tax.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks have defeated Argentina in the Rugby Championship.  They dispatched a 24-41 victory over Los Pumas, who hosted the All Blacks at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba.  Former All Blacks coach John Hart told Mike Hosking that the dominant display still needs improving, citing a lack of discipline.   ‘You wouldn’t want to be doing that against South Africa’ he said in regard to the All-Black’s big matchup in three weeks.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government's debt has shot up as our collective total gets closer to one trillion dollars.  The country's overall debt rose to $870billion dollars for the year to May, 5.4-percent higher than last year’s $830billion.  Central Government debt sits at nearly $239billion, rising 11-percent on last year.  ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner says it's worrying if it's getting frittered away, instead of going into key things like infrastructure.   She says the trouble with the increase is the Government doesn't have a lot to show for it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest Stats NZ figures says food prices in our 15 main cities have increased five-percent in the past year -- with grocery prices rising much faster than restaurant and takeaway prices.  But Foodstuffs says prices in its stores have only increased 3.4 percent.  Foodstuffs North Island Managing Director Chris Quin told Mike Hosking that much of that rise is being driven by beef, lamb and butter.  Quinn says consumers can get good value with frozen chickens, leg roasts and many winter vegetables.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand could secure a place in the global AI economy with a sustainable data centre Research by the Maxim Institute has looked at leveraging the country's renewable energy, cool climate, and strong privacy laws to become a hub in the Asia–Pacific.  Researcher Thomas Scrimgeour says high energy costs must be tackled in order to seize the opportunity.  He told Mike Hosking AI servers use huge amounts of energy - but some large players are already investing in New Zealand.  Scrimgeour says Amazon and Microsoft are investing heavily, and is expected to count for about 10 billion dollars in GDP over the next 15 years.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It never takes long to find the bank of the taxpayer.  The Green Building Council has lined the Government up for Lord knows how many millions so we can all ditch our gas heaters, buy heat pumps, and save money and the gas industry.  We talked during the week with businesses who use gas. Some are looking to convert, and some want discretionary loans from you-know-who.  Major gas users met the Minister last Friday to, I assume, state the obvious that we don’t have enough gas, so “something” needs to be done.  Just what the "something is" no one seems to know, given I haven't been given a clear answer to a fairly simple question.  At the big level like Methanex or Ballance, I don’t know if there is an answer. You either pay the price, and presumably pass it on, or you don’t and close down.  At the smaller level, does a grower of something need a government loan or hand out? Should a grower have seen the price of gas and thought to themselves that they might like to inquire about an alternative?  I guess you get that interface between a business being for personal good versus wider good, like jobs and produce and what role a government might play in that.  At a personal level we use gas. The price is a joke. We may or may not need to look at something different, but in the meantime, I'm prepared to foot the bill, and I have no desire to seek help from the government.  If the Green Building Council are right and we all switched to electricity as supplied by rain, wouldn't life be great? But we all know it's not that easy.  We all know the renewable journey has been, and remains, a cluster. We all know a variety of circumstances have coalesced to provide the sort of business environment that leads to big bills, big cutbacks, job losses and lack of growth.  It's an open question as to how much of the lack of gas is about Labour and the killing of an industry versus what we already had, running out faster than we thought.  But is it possible we could have a mindset change, whereby the taxpayer isn't always the first cab off the rank to cover yet more lack of foresight and planning? 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.    Visas: 7/10  One of the bright spots of the week. Two more visas and access to labour that solves problems. More please.    Recognising Palestine as a state: 3/10  Talk about angst for no result. Around and around we go.    Disney Cruises: 4/10  Can you blame them? You make this the most expensive place in the world to bring a ship – who needs to deal with that?    Mystery meat: 3/10  What idiot thought of that?    Ardern and her henchpeople: 0/10  I don't know what else there is to say when you have sunk that low. More fool us. I can only imagine what the 50% of voters who wanted a chunk of that arrogance in 2020 think now.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The battle of duelling responsibilities is unfolding before our eyes and I can't work out whether it will all end in tears.  On one hand you've got the Local Government Minister off to Cabinet with his rates cap plan for councils. The average rate rise is almost 10%. Inflation isn't.  It's not good enough. They are out of control and Wellington is going to do something about it.  But then on the other hand we have Local Water Done Well, the new Government's replacement for Three Waters.  You can buddy up with a group of councils and areas, or you can go it alone.  For example, Gisborne District Council has decided to go it alone. Is that a good idea? Not according to Internal Affairs, who have written to them, having seen their plans.  They have also written to five other councils with similar ideas and said to them that you don’t seem to have the capacity and wherewithal to pull this off.  So, what if they're right?  What if they don’t and the whole thing goes tits up?  How is it a Central Government on one hand is setting the rules of engagement on rates for fear of things getting out of control, yet letting councils, who their own people are suggesting aren't up to it, loose on water infrastructure that may well end up putting them in the poor house?  It's that complex, angsty line between freedom and control, local and central. Where is that line drawn?  If you don't trust them on rates, is water so simple and cheap and easy that they should be fine?  Then you get to the bit about voters and local democracy. Gisborne claim they’ve consulted and the community is behind them.  That almost certainly isn't true, given the consultation would have involved the usual handful of those actually interested, as opposed to the majority who wont be remotely aware, or care, until of course it all goes wrong. At which point there is all hell to pay.  So who is right?   Central Government getting control of the out of control, or letting the out of control dabble elsewhere and going into it with a red flag?  There seems a stark inconsistency in approach from Wellington because both approaches can't be right. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors’ season hinges on tonight's match against the Dragons, crucial for playoff chances.  Injuries and missed opportunities have plagued the Warriors, who have won only two of their last seven games.  A win at Mt Smart would make them a shoo-in for a playoff spot, while a loss could see them slip as low as seventh to finish the round.   Former Kiwis Captain Richie Barnett told Mike Hosking the injury crisis has done a number on the team this season, but they need to get the chemistry back and this is a perfect opportunity.  He says the Warriors have to bring their old game back —their discipline, their aggression— and they need to play a bit more football.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

The All Blacks have named a predictable side for their Rugby Championship opener against Argentina in Cordoba.  Captain Scott Barrett is returning to the side, with Beauden Barrett returning to No. 10 and Cortez Ratima starting at halfback.  There are no new faces on the team for the first time in 2025.  Will Jordan is playing at No. 15, and told Mike Hosking that Argentina seems to be primed and ready to go for a couple of big tests, particularly since they’re defending their home patch.  He says the key for the All Blacks is to come out and try get on top in the first twenty minutes of the match.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 15th of August, all eyes will be on Trump and Putin in Alaska tomorrow – what will likely come of it?  The Rugby Championship is upon us, so Will Jordan tells us by how much the All Blacks will beat Argentina in the first match.  Kate Hawkesby and mystery guest Sir John Key Wrap the Week - listen to Kate's description of John as she tries to guess the guest.  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.

Robotic surgeries are taking off, bringing positive outcomes for the health sector.  Evolution Healthcare says it's more than doubled the number of robotic surgeries in the past two years at Wellington's Wakefield Hospital.  It says it's on target to complete more than 300 this year, up from 243 last year.  Evolution CEO Michael Quirke told Mike Hosking efficiencies are increasingly being found as the technology develops, with new generations becoming less invasive.  More importantly, he says, the enhanced outcomes are creating an outstanding result for both the patients and broader health systems.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s little sign of recovery soon for the country's sheep numbers as they continue to drop.  Beef + Lamb NZ shows breeding ewe numbers are down nearly 2% on last year, with this season's lamb crop forecast to be down nearly 120 thousand lambs.  However, beef cattle numbers are showing positive signs, rising 4%.  Beef + Lamb NZ Chair Kate Acland told Mike Hosking the lower numbers are driven by the continued afforestation in big traditional sheep areas like Southland.  She says sheep prices are phenomenally good at the moment, and if we weren’t seeing pressure from carbon forestry, the rebuilding would be much stronger.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump estimates his high-stakes diplomatic talks with Russia's Vladimir Putin have a 25% chance of failure.  The two presidents will meet in Alaska tomorrow to discuss an end to the war in Ukraine.   Trump's previewed the summit as setting the table for a second meeting, inviting in Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky.   New Haven University international affairs expert Matthew Schmidt told Mike Hosking public opinion in Ukraine is strong, on a need to stop the bleeding.   But he says they're not willing to give away everything or be humiliated to get there, so Trump will have to navigate that.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are fears limited information sharing is hindering authorities efforts to tackle transnational crime.  A report from a Ministerial Advisory Group focused on organised crime says there's sparse coordination between agencies, technological limitations, and people are fearful of sharing what could be useful information.  It's recommending a new sharing framework and tweaks to the Privacy Act to make it easier.  Chair Steve Symon told Mike Hosking change is needed.  He says he's been a prosecutor for 20 years and it's been the bane of their existence, which has worsened over time as agencies become more siloed and risk adverse.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm assuming the instigators of the second Covid Inquiry are deeply disappointed in what is unfolding, in terms of accountability.  Inquiry Part 1 was a Labour Government stitch up. It was an exercise in smoke and mirrors.  Inquiry Part 2 is a coalition deal driven by ACT and NZ First, and was designed to look into areas not touched on in Part 1: access to vaccines, lock downs, economic damage, and so on.  I have argued since the start that we needed an advisorial approach. In other words, we do it like the Brits, who called people to a witness stand and held them accountable.  We didn’t do that and now we're paying the price.  Ardern and Hipkins, along with Robertson, have declined to appear.  No kidding. What a surprise. I wonder why?  Grant Illingworth KC, who is in charge of the current work, has the power apparently to pull them in. He is choosing not to do so, hence my assumption of disappointment at political party level.  The Illingworth justification is the aforementioned operators are cooperating with proceedings.  That's not good enough in my book, or indeed anywhere close.  Simple question: is there a broad expectation among ordinary, everyday New Zealanders that those who made life-changing calls in a life-changing period of New Zealand owe it to us all to front and be questioned under oath about why they did what they did?  Another question: what does it say about the morals and characters of said people, who seek public mandate and public support and approval, that when things get a bit awkward they are nowhere to be seen?  Where is the courage of their conviction? Where are their spines and gonads?  Can a person like Hipkins, and indeed Verrall, who I also understand is refusing to front, possibly present themselves to the voting public next year with a straight face and ask once again for the power to run the land, having been the same people who in august of the year before ran for the hills when accountability came calling?  The rules of engagement were lacking. We were let down.  As the head of this with power to do better, Illingworth is letting us down.  But nowhere near the level of Ardern, Hipkins, Robertson, and Verrall, who should be ashamed of themselves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US has accused the UK of backsliding on human rights over the past year, claiming it’s not a free country.  The US State Department says the UK’s Labour government ‘repeatedly intervened to chill speech’, their annual assessment also highlighting laws limiting free speech around abortion clinics.  UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking it’s something that both Trump and Vance have said before, and it has a certain resonance with people like Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage.  He says the claims are causing a problem for the Government, who are already under fire for being a two-tired government that seemingly penalises the right for saying things, but lets the left go scott-free.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years, the All Blacks were praised for their mental fortitude.  When it came down to the wire, fans could expect the team to handle the pressure, trained and prepared for all scenarios.  Much of that fortitude can be attributed to Gilbert Enoka – our national team’s mental skills coach for 23 years.  He retired at the end of 2023, and has now written a book that covers his mentality and philosophy during his tenure: ‘Become Unstoppable’.  Though some of the techniques used changed over his nearly three decade long career, Enoka told Mike Hosking that the underlying principles are the same.  “Pressure wears a new face every season, every year,” he explained.  “But the principles for managing and navigating your way through, I believe, are timeless.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a belief many farmers will be feeling disappointed and betrayed after a report to Parliament on the ban of carbon forestry.  The Environment Select Committee’s recommendations show carbon farms across productive farmland, won't be coming to a stop.  Currently under the Emission Trading Scheme there's a ban on whole-farm conversions for land that's not used for beef and sheep farming.  Federated Farmers forestry spokesperson Richard Dawkins told Mike Hosking this still puts beef and sheep at risk of full conversions.  He says there's less export income without a productive meat industry.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 14th of August, then-Covid Minister Chris Hipkins defends his decision not to appear publicly for the Covid-19 Inquiry.   Public Service Minister Judith Collins responds to the latest strike action from both nurses and secondary school teachers.    All Blacks mental skills expert Gilbert Enoka imparts his wisdom and philosophy from his 23-year career with our top side in his new book 'Become Unstoppable'.  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 exporters are remaining upbeat.  The latest Export New Zealand DHL Export Barometer shows about four in five have maintained or increased export volumes over the past year.  Exporters say it's been getting cheaper to do business, but they're getting more worried about trade wars.  NZ International Business Forum Executive Director Felicity Roxburgh told Mike Hosking the impact of tariffs will take some time to flow through.  She says some of the goods impacted are still on the water and wont be paying until the 5th of October, so while there’s currently a lot of positivity, time will tell.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is blasting the secondary teachers union for calling a strike.  Post Primary Teachers' Association members will put down the tools next Wednesday, rejecting a three-percent pay increase over three years. Tens of thousands of healthcare workers are also preparing to walk off the job on two separate days next month. Public Service Minister Judith Collins told Mike Hosking it seems the union spent more time on its marketing, than it did at the bargaining table. She's urging teachers to stop using kids as political footballs and get a union that actually cares about them.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Education Minister says our NCEA achievement results are ticking up as we climb out of Covid.  Last year Level 1 achievement dropped slightly to its lowest level in a decade, and Māori fell further behind.  There were improvements though in NCEA Levels 2, 3, and University Entrance for the first time in five years.   Erica Stanford told Mike Hosking these students also came through after she became Minister.  She says they've had that hour of reading, writing, and maths which has helped this incline, but she's really worried about Level 1.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Chris Hipkins came undone yesterday, twice.  You would hope, given there is literally no pressure on him right now and he basically gets to spend his days bagging the Government, he might want to sharpen up, given next year is a whole different kettle of fish.  Mistake number 1: He attempted to gain points on Palestine by suggesting David Seymour was holding the Government to some sort of ransom and if it wasn’t for the veto they would have declared support for statehood by now.  What Seymour said was Hamas would need to be demilitarised.  Now, apart from the fact that’s not radical, new, or an already widely held view by many who want to recognise Palestine – what is it Hipkins is saying?  He doesn’t mind Hamas or Hamas being a terror group? Would he be happy with the two state solution, with Hamas at the control panel? If he does, no problem, just say so.  Mistake number 2: For reasons best known to himself he got trapped in a discussion about his tax policy. What tax policy, you ask? Exactly.  But he somehow managed to suggest that even though there isn't a tax policy, what there is, is broad agreement around a wealth tax and a capital gains tax.  And then the bullet in the foot – he couldn’t rule in, or out, the possibility that the family home was part of that tax capture.  Tip number 1: Drop the Middle East. No vote is moved in this country on a place that has been a disaster zone for decades and the more you look like you tolerate terrorists the more you put middle New Zealand off you.  Tip number 2: If you are stupid enough to even hint that a family home could be part of a new tax, give up right now because you are toast.  As history shows, a CGT with the family home exempt has been trialled and rejected multiple times by his own party. The irony of ironies being it was Hipkins himself with a captain's call that dropped it last time.  So not only is he clearly not committed or convinced, he seemingly may have been hijacked by some left-leaning radicals inside his own camp to get the family home involved.  So, a party that can tolerate Hamas and tax your family home.  What could possibly go wrong? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cost of New Zealand’s homes are beginning to fall.  The latest QV Quarterly data reveals that average prices have fallen by 0.5% over the three months to July.  Auckland is down by 1.2%, while Queenstown and Invercargill continue to rise by 2.4% and 1.2% respectively.  The average price is now 13.1% cheaper than the artificial Covid peak in 2021.  Brad Olsen, Infometrics’ Principal Economist, told Mike Hosking with about half a year’s worth of sales currently on the market, there’s a lot of supply.  On the flip side, he says there aren’t as many buyers, with employment uncertainty and the hit many people’s KiwiSavers took earlier in the year influencing buying habits.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Much has happened in the political realm since last Wednesday, so Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell are back to cover it on Politics Wednesday.  The military-style boot camps have seen mixed results – is it still a success with a 80% reoffending rate?   And what’s happening with Willow-Jean Prime? Is there any excuse for her ignoring the briefing invitation for the NCEA changes?  Plus, Mike offers up some advice regarding Question Time.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The newly announced America’s Cup rules are shaking up the competition.  The confirmed protocol includes a requirement for a female sailor on board, batteries replacing manual power, the introduction of a cost cap, and a reduced number of sailors on board.  It also outlines a new partnership between all teams, establishing equal authority among those involved.  Team NZ CEO Grant Dalton told Mike Hosking it’s been a pretty torrid six months getting the changes across the line, but anything worth doing is not necessarily easy.  He says people are focusing on the obvious changes, but the seismic shift will be the America’s Cup moving from a boom-bust cycle into a more even cycle.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 13th of August, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour comments on the debate around recognising Palestine as a state.   New rules have been announced for the next America’s Cup – Team NZ boss Grant Dalton gives the lowdown.  Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell discuss the success rate of the boot camps, Willow-Jean Prime, and Mike’s advice for Question Time 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.

From a PVC pipe in a Taranaki shed to international success, Huski Coolers has seen its overseas exports surge.  The company's renowned wine cooler had its largest overseas order, shipping 76 thousand units to the UK as heatwaves rip through Europe.  The NZ firm is on track to double its eight-figure annual revenue this year.  Huski Co-Founder Simon Huesser told Mike Hosking they wanted to create a sleek, useful, and stylish item to help keep drinks cool over summer.  He says you take a cold bottle out of the fridge, put it in a Huski and that's it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament is becoming increasingly divided over the situation with Palestine.   Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick was barred from Parliament yesterday when she suggested MPs not backing her bill to sanction Israel were spineless.  She believes an apology from her isn't needed, and is engaging with Speaker Gerry Brownlee about returning to the House today.  Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour raised the question to Mike Hosking of how can you call for an international rules-based order when you can’t follow the basic rules in your own workplace.  Swarbrick has been a Member of Parliament for more than half her life, he said, so she should be able to debate on the issues – and if she can’t, she should be asking why she’s not persuading people.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More businesses are reporting losses but things may not be quite as bad as the numbers make it seem.  Inland Revenue data shows one in five businesses aren't turning a profit.  But ABC Business Sales Managing Director Chris Small says most of those are businesses structured to make a loss, like trusts and property companies.  He told Mike Hosking the situation he's seeing is far more positive.  Small says 90% of businesses that are coming to see him are making a profit, with others making a paper loss.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An uptick in heat pump use could ease pressure on the energy system and cut costs.  A report by the New Zealand Green Building Council reveals if more households opt for heat pumps, it could save Kiwis more than a billion dollars a year.  It's also revealed this could protect thousands of industry jobs, with three mills closing in the last year due to soaring energy prices.  Green Building Council CEO Andrew Eagles says more heat pumps in the country will reduce these demand pressures for the gas sector.  He told Mike Hosking they’ve got an opportunity to free up gas from a sector that doesn’t need it.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.