The Mike Hosking Breakfast

One of our brightest musical talents is making waves across the ditch, just in time for some new music to drop.  Cassie Henderson arrived on our screens in 2014, competing on X-Factor at 14 years old, and making it all the way to the quarterfinals.  She stepped away from music for a while, before returning to the industry in 2023, quitting her job to pursue music fulltime.  Since then, Henderson’s won awards, released new music, and is currently competing on the The Voice Australia. “It was the biggest opportunity for me to grow, and rise up, and test myself,” she said of performing on TV.  “I get messages a lot from young people in New Zealand saying that I inspire them, which is always a huge dream, but it’s almost a little bittersweet because I know how long I’ve been working at this, and I know how long I haven’t had success for.”  “It’s a really tough gig, but it's always been my passion, and it’s what I love the most in the world, so it’s no question for me.”   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 30th of September, the Government is changing the earthquake-prone building system in a common sense move for this country that will free up billions.    We also have new data on our health targets and they are going, slowly, in the right direction – Health Minister Simeon Brown unpacks the results.   Kiwi singer Cassie Henderson is in for a song and chat - you'll love her!  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 Reserve Bank's conceded earlier or more aggressive OCR hikes may have reduced inflation sooner.  It's been reviewing its response to the recent three-year period of high inflation.  Chief Economist Paul Conway says the central bank was also required to maintain maximum sustainable employment.  It had limited data and less accurate forecasts due to Covid uncertainty.  ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner told Mike Hosking the bank will absolutely draw lessons from the report, just as they did with things like the Christchurch earthquake.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could a New Zealand-based team join the Big Bash T20 cricket competition?  NZC governing body chief executive Scott Weenink says they are investigating whether joining the Australian league is viable.  Cricket Australia is mulling over expansion options – Singapore, New Zealand, and Canberra have been deemed candidates.  Weenink told Mike Hosking they’ve been in talks for about a year about the potential of adding a men’s and women’s team to the Big Bash.  If it were to happen, he says it wouldn’t be at the expense of Super Smash, as it’s important to have a strong domestic competition in New Zealand as well.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It appears other countries are still thirsty for our wine.   The New Zealand Winegrowers 2025 Annual Report states exports are sitting at more than $2 billion per annum, fuelling investment in 42-thousand hectares of vineyards.  The US remains the major export market despite a 3% drop at $762 million, and newer Asian markets are doing well.  NZ Winegrowers CEO Philip Gregan says balancing supply and demand, and growing markets remain the two major challenges, which they're prepared to meet.  He told Mike Hosking there are lots of market opportunities out there for the industry.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police scrapped millions of dollars from crime prevention to meet the Government's savings expectations ahead of this years' budget.  The cuts were found in funding to burglary prevention programmes.  Documents show Treasury had warned funding cuts could lead to higher cost and more crime in the longer term.  But Police chief operating officer Andrea Conlan says difficult decisions had to be made in order to be fiscally responsible.  She told Mike Hosking prevention is a key focus across the organisation, so it’s not about reducing their effort or focus on prevention.  Conlan says the specific initiatives were identified as areas in which the money could be moved and reinvested.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Health Minister acknowledges more work's needed to ensure the Government's targets are met in every region.  Data shows there's been improvements around cancer treatment access, childhood immunisation rates, ED stays, and wait times.  But regional averages paint a different picture, with Counties Manukau and Auckland going backwards in ED wait times.  Simeon Brown told Mike Hosking that decrease is due to localized factors.  He says there's been a significant increase in people turning up to those hospitals' EDs, which has an impact on wait times.  Child immunisation rates have seen the biggest lift among the targets.   The proportion of children fully immunised by age two is up more than five points, to 82 percent.  Brown told Hosking significant work is going into lifting immunisation rates to avoid declines like those seen in the US.  He says they're investing more money and working with primary care, but adds that some regions need more work.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Building and Construction Minister says new earthquake building rules are more nuanced. Changes to the rules will remove Auckland, Northland, and the Chatham Islands from the regime.  Coastal Otago, including Dunedin, will be classified as a medium seismic hazard area, and will remain within the earthquake-prone building system  Building Minister Chris Penk says the rules are ultimately designed to protect life.   He told Mike Hosking under the current system some owners were unable to afford the upgrades.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday the 26th of September, the Corrections Association speak on almost running out of money already due to growing prisoner numbers. The Prime Minister joins for his regular Monday chat to talk the Palestine call and power reform coming this week. Andrew Saville and Jason Pine cover off the All Blacks test, the netball and plenty of other non-related sport chat too! 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.

If you watched Winston Peters speech in New York late Saturday morning you can see why he did so well last week in the Herald's boardroom feedback. For the bloke who has been the epitome of aggro and grumpiness, in his better moments he is as good a foreign minister as this country has ever had. Politically, the announcement and its build-up got dragged out way longer than it ever needed to and therefore took up too much oxygen at a time when we really should be focusing on vastly more pressing local issues. No matter what we said the eyes of the world were never really on us, despite the hysteria of too many in our media landscape who have little or no grip on perspective. But given we were to say something, what we did say was logical and sensible, unlike what was said by many far larger countries earlier in the week. The United Nation's greatest weakness is its reliance on hot air as opposed to substance, which is why we landed where we did in our declaration. Just saying stuff counts for nothing. It's too easy, which is why too many people do it. By the time Peters had finished the week, he had done some excellent truth bomb work. On climate he is indisputably right - we make a lot of promises we know aren't going to come to pass. On Gaza we are all appalled at the outworkings of hate. But recognising things doesn’t stop that hate, or the war, or have the food flow, or the hostages released. Essentially we should expect more of both Israel and the Palestinians. Don't ask for recognition while you still refuse to release hostages. When there is something a lot more tangible New Zealand is ready to recognise progress. Progress is tangible. Words aren't. The idea that a lot of people saying stuff builds momentum is simply untrue and we have seen that in the past week. A peace, if there is to be one, will be driven by the Americans, who will corral the Israelis to a point of some sort of submission or agreement. Albanese and Starmer and Carney and all the rest of them played true to the usual lightweight, verbal frippery that’s made the U.N famous. We at least told it like it is. It was a good moment for a small country.  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 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.

The Prime Minister says Winston Peters has articulated New Zealand's position on Gaza well.  Over the weekend the Foreign Minister announced that New Zealand would NOT recognise Palestinian statehood,  yet.  Chris Luxon says Hamas is the de facto government and a designated terrorist organisation in New Zealand.  He told Mike Hosking that New Zealand's also called out the excessive response of Israel.  Luxon says we're a friend to both groups and are focused on peace.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kiwi dollar continues to weaken against the Australian dollar, hitting a three-year low last week. The NZD is currently trading at 88 cents off the back of soft GDP growth and rate cuts, and concerns are raising as China's economic rebound could widen the gap further. Investment director for Craigs investment partners Mark Lister told Mike Hosking that New Zealand's rate cuts are having a stronger impact on the economy than Australia's. 'We are obviously looking at more rate cuts than we expected and not for the right reasons.' LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has decided against recognising a Palestinian state. Foreign minister Winston Peters argues that the move would be counter-productive, but he retains the "when, not if" stance.  CBS News correspondent in Jerusalem Linda Gradstein told Mike Hosking that Israelis are worried about a 'diplomatic front turning against Israel.'  She said that the public want the war to end as the international community's opinion of Israel grows increasingly negative. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

International students are loving their time in New Zealand, as new data shows a steady recovery in enrolments. The 2025 International Student Experience Survey shows the number of students enrolled in domestic institutes, has increased 16% to almost 64,000 since 2024. It found 87% of students gave a positive rating of their overall experience. Education New Zealand Chief Executive Amanda Malu told Mike Hosking that students value the connections they make, the overall living experience, and the visa process. She says there's a 10% jump in students finding the via process positive. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The argument over our Corrections Minister's looking through rose tinted glasses continues, as the organisation begins to run out of new money.  A $98million boost in this year's Budget was expected to last until June, when the population was projected to hit 10,800 - but that milestone is already nearly met. Despite this, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says there's no looming crisis. Corrections Association President Floyd du Plessis told Mike Hosking says this is a rosy version of the truth as staff are well and truly short. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are apparently going to hear about major electricity sector reform from the Minister this coming week.  The final touches are being sorted.  Simon Watts calls them fundamental. He refers to the last time it was this major as being in the 90's.  So are they going to split the gentailers?  The Government's history would suggest no. They have been talking big on banks and supermarkets, and they've made plenty of announcements, but little has actually happened.  Why would this be any different?  This Government has also argued, rightly, that business likes consistency. When the last lot talked about Onslow and the lake and the hole in the ground, the industry stopped investing.  So would splitting the big players not cause the same trouble?  But in the report that is driving the Government's thinking we have seen an astonishing increase in the basic power bill.  In 2021 we spent $4.4 billion. The next year was $4.5 billion. In 2023 we spent $4.8 billion on power bills. In 2024 it was $5.2 billion.  So it's increased from $4.4 billion to 5.2 billion, and you wonder why you don’t have any spare cash.  On average the basic household power bill since 2023 has gone up $400 each and every year.  We can explain some of it on renewables. We need investment but we still haven't closed the gap. We still panic in winter, and that’s before you get to all the AI and data centres that will presumably suck us dry.  By the way, on the renewable front, Contact Energy are looking at pulling more water out of Lake Hawea. That’s if they can get past the locals, who of course hate it.  In that is part of the New Zealand problem – nimbyism. You can't moan about the bills and also moan about the solutions.  Everyone wants utopia, but don’t want to pay for it, or have any of it happen in their backyard.  So, stand by. Maybe it's fundamental, maybe it's a government looking to spin some more PR.  I think though what we all agree on is we need more power, and the damage the current scenario is doing to the economy can't go on. 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.    Donald Trump: 2/10  Possibly his worst and easily his maddest week yet. Tylenol, the war, Jimmy Kimmel, James Comey, the visas, the escalator, and the teleprompter. Unhinged doesn't even come close.    Jimmy Kimmel: 7/10  Won the moral ground on free speech.    Disney: 2/10  Lost the morale ground by being spineless, and putting their prices up.    Fonterra: 9/10  The numbers and the success are amazing.    The Ranfurly Shield: 7/10  It's changed hands four times this season and the last two have been sensational games.    Palestine: 4/10  Are you as surprised as I am that after all those pledges of recognition the war hasn't stopped, the food hasn't flowed, and Hamas are still open for business in Qatar?    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has had as bad a week as any he's had.  The difference that made it stand out was that he looks increasingly unhinged.  It was not the UN speech. That was classic Trump – a lot of made-up stuff and grandiose pomposity.  It sort of wasn’t the visas, given at its core it's also classic Trump. They want Americans hired, not immigrants, which is on brand. Chaotic, but on brand.  It wasn’t even Jimmy Kimmel. Celebrating the demise of someone is a sad trait but, once again, on brand, even though Kimmel is back and Trump's stance on free speech looks decidedly mad or non-existent.  The real turn of events was the war and Tylenol.  For a bloke who was sorting Putin out on day one, and who told Zelenskyy he didn’t have any cards, the about-face seems astonishing, if not worrying.  The pivot hands the problem to NATO and the EU, but what was he thinking taking it on in the first place?  Putin has schooled him, spanked him, and humiliated him. He has that, as yet, unexplained hold over him that no one can understand.  Then we come to autism. In watching the heavily touted announcement, the one we had been waiting for for 20 years, he didn’t seem to have a clue as to what he was talking about.  The Amish were raised, the ingredient was mispronounced and stumbled over, and as a result pretty much anyone in health globally called it a pile of nonsensical rubbish.  The basis of Trumpism is making America great again – there are too many migrants, too many bad trade deals, and an economy that isn't performing up to scratch. All of that is understandable and it's what got the votes.  Yes, there was a chaotic, comedic, braggadocios style to it all. But at its base, if you were of a certain disposition, it kind of made sense, and you can't argue against the electoral success.  But as the months have unfolded, it's gotten madder and more unhinged and wandered off into areas of extreme improvisation.    It all culminated this week in complete humiliation over the war and a pronouncement in an area, i.e. health, that he clearly has zero experience and expertise in, and clearly has listened too much to his nutty friend with the odd voice.  Disagreeing with his policy approach is politics, but being seen as a global clown undermines his reputation and that of the entire country.  And that’s where he took it this week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a belief a shooter in Dallas, Texas, was motivated by violent ideology and divisive rhetoric.   One detainee is dead and two more are critically injured after a rooftop sniper fired indiscriminately at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Facility, also known as ICE yesterday.   The gunman later died from a self-inflicted gunshot.   Dallas ICE Director Joshua Johnson says it's being investigated as an act of targeted violence.    US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the shooter reportedly left behind notes including a game plan of the attack and target areas at the facility.  One note reportedly says he wanted to give ICE agents a sense of “terror”, the shooter describing ICE employees as "people showing up to collect a dirty pay check".  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday has come which means it’s time for Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson to Wrap the Week with Mike Hosking.  They discussed Mike’s interview with Scott Roberson, whether or not Producer Sam should hit confirm on his holiday booking in Asia, and whether it's time to cancel your streaming subscriptions.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 26th of September, we've got new, encouraging court figures to show the backlog is steadily depleting.  Scott 'Razor' Robertson details his plan to beat the table-topping Aussies in the first Bledisloe Cup test this weekend at Eden Park.  Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson Wrap the Week and discuss whether producer Sam got scammed with his Vietnam accommodation.  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 Food and Fibre sector claims the education system is letting it down.  Leaders from farming, forestry, horticulture, and seafood have joined forces to launch a Food and Fibre Workforce Capability Strategy.  They’re pushing for tertiary education reform —with an employer-led, work-based learning model— to match real industry demands.  Horticulture NZ Chief Executive Kate Scott told Mike Hosking the current model isn't working.  She says it tends to favour the volume of learners rather than the value.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks are returning to Eden Park to defend their record.  Coming off the back of the worst-ever defeat just 12 days ago against South Africa, they're set to host the Wallabies in the Bledisloe Cup opener on Saturday.  There are six changes to the side, with Ardie Savea taking over the captaincy from an injured Scott Barrett.   Coach Scott Robertson told Mike Hosking the pressure of performing at Eden Park is still there, but he would describe it as a gift.  He says people care so deeply about performing in a place with so much history, and their gift is to earn it again.  “You’ve just gotta rise to it – that’s the key.”   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our largest company has been seeing profits surge, despite a period of contraction in the economy as a whole.  Fonterra's confirmed a 13% rise in annual operating profit.  Its final farmgate milk payout to farmers has reached a new record high of $10.16 and its cash return to shareholders is up 30.6%.  Fonterra Chair Peter McBride told Mike Hosking we need dairy to do well for the country to do well.  He says dairy is a critical part of the New Zealand economy, and the Government can't grow the economy without growing dairy.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says its changes to the court system are making a real difference.   It has released figures showing civil cases in the District Court have dropped 20% in the year to July to over 10,200.   The Disputes Tribunal cleared 900 more cases over the same period.   Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee told Mike Hosking there are fewer cases coming to civil court.   And she says the cases which are coming through are being resolved more quickly.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank Governor appointment is not to be underestimated.  We have never had a foreigner. Well, we have (the first was British) but that was in 1934 and that’s the sort of thing you would have expected given colonialism.  Obviously, the fact she is female should not be a thing. I think we have seen plenty of examples that essentially woman can, and do, do anything and the more we continue to isolate out appointments on gender, the more we remind ourselves how little in our minds we have moved forward.  But the fact we seem to have attracted what they suggested was a good line up, both numerically and in talent, from offshore is a good tick for this country's reputation.  Anna Breman may well use this as a springboard to big banks, who knows. But moving your family halfway around the world is no small thing and you have to believe that the place you are landing isn't a dump, and you can make a difference.  I don’t think I'm reading too much into the Willis comments at the press conference when she said Christian Hawkesby had done an admirable job. Admirable... is that glowing? I don’t think so.  He applied for the job but sadly, given his proximity to Adrian Orr, he didn’t stand a chance and is now to leave the bank.  That in part may have played a role in someone from outside the joint getting the gig. If you're from Sweden you had nothing to do with what has been a hopeless time for the bank, riddled with incompetence and secrecy.  Breman said our bank is widely and highly regarded. If I take her at her word that's reassuring, but you can equally suggest she would say that, wouldn’t she?  What I am interested in is whether she can get a grip on the country and its economic culture.  I remain convinced that at least part of the reason the Reserve Bank have messed the recovery up so badly is they don't get out of Wellington. There are too many spreadsheets and not enough real world, not enough vibe, not enough on-the-ground readings.  It’s a challenge for a Northern European to soak up something like New Zealand and get a gut feel for it and flip it. How long would it take anyone of us to suss out the subtlety of Sweden?  But given where we are, she starts from a low base, and the only way is up.  Let's hope she's a rockstar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Fox has had an excellent run this year.  He’s back in New Zealand off the back of a season that includes two PGA Tour wins and a Guinness World Record.   The end of the year also brings with it the return of the increasingly popular ‘Chasing the Fox’ event, which is now into his fourth year.  Despite his major success this year, not much has changed in regards to Fox’s mentality.  “I’ve always believed my golf was good enough to beat the best players in the world,” he told Mike Hosking.  “Especially in that Canadian Open, I did beat a decent chunk of them that week, and you know, you’ve always got that in the back of your mind that, yeah, I’ve done it once, I know I can do it if I’m in that situation again.”  “It’s easier once you know you’ve done it.”   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.