The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Kaylee Bell has been busy since she last popped into the ZB studio.  The Kiwi country singer has released a new single, has a new album ‘Cowboy Up’ on the way and a five date tour coming later in the year, but she’s also become a mother.   Her son, only six months old, has already been around the world – Bell taking her family along as she performs in America, Australia, and around New Zealand.  “He’s definitely just getting chucked in and taken for the ride,” she told Mike Hosking.  Motherhood wasn’t necessarily something Bell had on her agenda, revealing that it’s not something she thought she’d get the chance to do.  “But it’s just so nice,” she said.  “I love that I get to go and, you know, play a show and I walk off the stage and he’s there now, or I get to come home to him at the end of the day.”  “In this industry, it’s so nice to have something so grounding.”  Pregnancy is not an easy experience but Bell’s schedule remained packed, the singer working right up until 34 weeks, at which point she could no longer fly.  “I cut a record here in New Zealand,” she explained to Hosking.  “And then I had James at the end of January, and we were back on stage after six weeks for CMC Rocks in Australia.”   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rising unemployment is expected to add to the case for a lower OCR.  Unemployment's hit a five-year high of 5.2% and is expected to rise further.  Economists now broadly expect the Reserve Bank to cut the Official Cash Rate by another 25-basis-points to 3% in two weeks.  BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones told Mike Hosking further cuts now seem likely.  He says his team have been forecasting a neutral rate of 2.75% for years, but there's a chance the OCR could get to 2.5 percent in the current cycle.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 5th of August, the unemployment number wasn’t as bad as predicted, but it could still go up from here – plus, the Government has announced a shift to Road User Charges.   We can't be too worried about the economy since we all seem to be overseas on holiday, and then a record number of us are making travel insurance claims for overseas injuries. It's been too long since we caught up with Kiwi country singer Kaylee Bell, so she's in to play us her new single and talk the upcoming album and tour.  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.

Grocery prices will continue to hit Kiwi consumers and our economy hard.  A report by the Commerce Commission shows prices are increasing again this year after appearing to stabilise last year.  It's revealed we now pay the fifth highest grocery prices in the developed world.  Grocery Action Group Chair Sue Chetwin told Mike Hosking the competition in New Zealand isn’t particularly healthy.  She says that unless the two major supermarkets know that they’re going to face proper regulation or something big will happen to them, they can continue to charge high prices.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwis are becoming a liability when travelling in Europe.   New data reveals 1Cover New Zealand has paid out more than $2.7 million in travel claims to customers travelling to Europe since May.  The biggest claim was more than $96 thousand.   Vincent George Travel Agents co-owner Rosann Connolly George told Mike Hosking with weather disruptions and uncertainty around the world, travel insurance is crucial.  She says the demographic heading to Europe is the middle age to older group, so claims stack up.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tax expert says there is a concerning trend as businesses owe more and more to Inland Revenue.   Businesses owe more than $1.4 billion in unpaid GST and PAYE from the 2025 tax year.  Only $66 million of that is from businesses or individuals that are bankrupt or in liquidation.  Deloitte Tax Partner Robyn Walker told Mike Hosking the construction sector alone owes about $1 billion.   She says it is difficult to say how it stacks up against other industries.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says anxiety about tariffs will be playing a part in slowing down New Zealand's economic recovery.  Unemployment's reached a five-year high of 5.2%.  Economists think it could rise even higher before it starts turning around.  Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking tariffs aren't great, but some people may have been more worried than they should be.  She says the tariffs will have affected confidence and investment intentions, but it's important to remember that New Zealand is doing okay compared to the rest of the world.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The AA is onboard with the switch from petrol tax to electronic Road User Charges, but says there are a few issues to sort out.   The change is expected to come in by 2027.   Transport Policy Director Martin Glynn says it's likely there will be devices actually in vehicles to make the measurements.   He told Mike Hosking it will be easier to implement with modern cars.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The stark reality of linear TV in New Zealand, if Irene Gardiner was right on yesterday's show, is fairly simple.  Here is how the calculation works: you make a product, you stick it on air, you get an audience, and you sell advertising based on that audience.  Some programs can never hope to get the sort of audience to pay for the cost of the show. Enter Government support or brand sponsorship – in other words, a financial support mechanism to make a show that would not have otherwise been made.  I made a show called ‘Sunday’ years back. It was on TV3 on the weekend off peak. It didn’t rate very well, but it was never going to, but it rated fairly well for what it was, which was a niche program talking about the arts.  It was made with NZ On Air money.  Now, does Treasure Island attract more viewers than that? Yes.  So if you are going to toss money at something why not that? You get more bang for buck.  But the money tree hasn’t got more money, so someone loses. Maybe it's an arts program.  The really scary thing is the calculation around peak time i.e. prime time.  This show makes money and quite a lot of it. Newstalk ZB is profitable. TVNZ and TV3 are not.  So what about pay-per-view? SkyTV is profitable, but they have sport.  What does TV3 or TVNZ have that you would pay for? Would you pay to watch Treasure Island? Of course you wouldn’t.  So prime time linear TV is not profitable because the advertising dollars have vanished to Google and TikTok and Meta.  That is not changing and that’s the problem, because all that's left is the taxpayer.  The big question is to what extent should the taxpayer fund your evening's entertainment? And when I say you, I mean those who are left watching the TV as opposed to YouTube or Netflix.  If linear TV can't make a buck at 7.30pm on a Wednesday, how long before the lights get switched off? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former US President Bill Clinton and wife Hillary have received subpoenas from a congressional committee to testify about Jeffrey Epstein.  The Republican committee chair has also called eight others, including former FBI directors James Comey and Robert Mueller.  The committee's looking for more information about the deceased sex offender after the Trump administration decided against releasing further files.  US Correspondent Charles Feldman told Mike Hosking we’re unlikely to see any great revelations come from this.  He says it doesn’t seem like there’s anything that will come out about Epstein that hasn’t already been leaked over the past few years – but that hasn’t stopped either the Republicans or Democrats from pursuing the files.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been a busy start to the week and Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen joined Mike Hosking to delve into some of the biggest topics thus far.  The Government is completely overhauling secondary school qualifications, aiming to completely replace NCEA over five years. Is this a sensible plan?  The criteria for Māori claiming Customary Marine Titles will be tightened as the Government forges ahead with the changes to the Marine and Coastal Area Act – is pushing forward the right decision?  And the National Party President has made some bold claims at the party conference – does she have a point?  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s wine industry is facing some troubles.   The industry is facing hundreds of millions of dollars in extra tariffs, Donald Trump imposing a 15% rate on New Zealand while many competing markets will continue to face only 10%.  Along with this, there is an oversupply issue and declining global demand, with nearly 100,000 tonnes of fruit remaining unharvested this season alone.  Winegrowers NZ’s Charlotte Read told Mike Hosking that despite the challenging times, there is a very strong demand for New Zealand wines, which will continue to be sought after around the world.  She says they have no long term reason for concern.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 6th of August, we look forward to the unemployment figures due today, and the Government pushing ahead with the foreshore and seabed law.   Mike looks at our wine industry and all the grapes going unharvested. Are the golden days of Sauvignon Blanc over?   Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell cover some of the major announcements of the week 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.

Last year's recession is still being felt in the job market.  Stats NZ data —due out this morning— is expected to show unemployment reached a nine-year high of 5.3% in the June quarter.  The economy's been back in growth since the latter part of last year.  But ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith told Mike Hosking the economy has lost about 40,000 jobs since the late 2023 peak.  More full-time roles have been lost than part time, he explained, and the labour market is getting that much weaker.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Triathlon New Zealand's claimed hosting rights for pinnacle events in Tauranga over the next three years.  A World Triathlon Cup will take place in the Bay of Plenty next year, before a top-level Championship Series race in 2027 and the Series' Grand Final in 2028.  Triathlon NZ chief executive Pete de Wet says they could see upwards of 3000 Kiwis racing across age groups and the all-comers race in 2028.  He told Mike Hosking there’s a big interest in the sport from an age group perspective, and it’s great for the athletes to be able to compete at home instead of having to chump on a plane.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The minister responsible for the Marine and Coastal Area Act says the Government would have passed the bill even if the Supreme Court had agreed with a lower court's ruling against it.   The Government will proceed with the bill which will tighten criteria for Māori claiming Customary Marine Titles.   Justice and Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith told Mike Hosking he thinks the settings will be right after the legislation's passed.   He says they want Māori to be able to apply for the titles but there has to be a high bar.  Goldsmith says they want to move on this quickly, and he’s hoping to have the legislation introduced in October.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Power companies are warning the road to fully renewable energy will be a bumpy one.   The big four power companies will co-invest in an energy stockpile which will include 600-thousand tonnes of coal.   Mercury Chief Executive Stew Hamilton says power companies have a commitment to renewables.   He told Mike Hosking Mercury has invested a billion dollars into geothermal and wind power, but there needs to be a backup.   Hamilton says when the wind isn't blowing and the sun isn't shining, there needs to be a more solid source of energy.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A digital education expert is cautious of blanket adoption of artificial intelligence for exam marking.   Education Minister Erica Stanford says AI is already partly used for marking and expects it could do almost all assessments by 2028.   It comes as the Government plans to scrap NCEA for an entirely new qualification.   Canterbury University Associate Professor Kathryn MacCallum told Mike Hosking AI comes with its own complexities. She says it will solve one problem, but won't address how it affects education overall.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The leader of the Reform UK Party has called for police to release more information about those charged with crimes.  Nigel Farage believes details such as immigration status should be made public, saying it’s not in contempt of court for the British public to know the identity of those who have allegedly committed serious crimes.  UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking it comes after the arrest of two men in connection with the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl in Warwickshire.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several interesting bits out of the NCEA changes for me.  Firstly, the "New Zealand Certificate of Education” actually sounds like something, doesn’t it? The same way an “A” tells you something.  The New Zealand Certificate or Advanced Certificate of Education is a “thing” you can get your head around, as in do you have one, or do you not?  NCEA is an acronym.  Under the changes you need to pass things. How wonderfully old-fashioned.  If you don’t pass you don’t advance, therefore when you do pass it actually counts. It means something and you have achieved something.  Having watched NCEA in action with five kids, it has been shocking. Virtually anyone could get it and that was, and is, never a good thing.  Under the new regime you take five subjects, and you need to pass four. There's nothing too complicated about that.  The compulsion around maths and language I am, in a way, sad about.  Choice is good and freedom is good, if you know what you are doing. If you're aiming somewhere specific a tailored approach is vastly more appealing.  But in a mass system you are vulnerable to chancers and the weakest links, and they were always going to take the joke subjects, the easy gets. And as such, wreck any reputation you might have hoped for around your qualification.  The vocational aspect is years overdue. Gateway and versions like it sort of touched on the trades and specific careers or jobs. But this fascination, if not obsession, we seemed to have had with university has been ruinous for too many.  Being a tradie is actually to be admired. It is not second place. The snobbishness around a university degree has got so absurd, you’ve ended up with any number of bewildered teenagers chasing arts degrees and Bachelors of Communication for no discernible reason other than that’s what they thought they should do.  I'm dreadfully sad though for the thousands of kids who have been messed around with NCEA. What's its value? What weight does a generation of kids place on a thing that’s been binned?  For some they got locked down in Covid and given a crap qualification, thanks for coming.  But onwards and upwards. It's a little bit back to the future.  But along with the mad open classrooms, isn't it fascinating how forward the old days appear now to be? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another Kiwi is plying their trade overseas, aiming to make it into top level racing.  Rianna O’Meara-Hunt grew up karting alongside the likes of Liam Lawson and Matt Payne, winning her titles before deciding to focus on endurance racing.   She was the first junior female to become an Australian State Karting Champion, the first female winner of the Rotax Max Challenge Rounds in NZ, and has won the NZ Super Kart Grand Prix multiple times.  After competing for Aston Martin in GT4 and racing in their academy, O’Meara-Hunt has set her sights on the F1 Academy.  She told Mike Hosking she backs her ability to get into the academy, and is really looking forward to being able to prove her adaptability and skill on the track.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A glass half-full mindset for All Blacks coach Scott Robertson after naming a group of six players as injury cover for the start of their Rugby Championship campaign.  Uncapped trio Kyle Preston, Leroy Carter, and Tevita Mafileo, along with Finlay Christie, George Bower, and Josh Lord comprise the back-up unit in the 42-strong wider squad.  Ahead of their tournament opener in Argentina next weekend, Robertson says injuries are a reality of the game.  He told Mike Hosking you never know how things will play out – you could get two or three years with a player, and then two or three injuries in a row.  Robertson says that when you get a double break in one position, it provides an opportunity for a less experienced player.   He says that you always want your best players, but sometimes it doesn’t happen.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 5th of August, we talk to the vocational sector and Education Minister Erica Stanford about the NCEA overhaul.  Should New Zealand On Air be using millions of our tax dollars to fund reality TV shows that aren't making money themselves?  Rianna O'Meara-Hunt is a Kiwi name to watch in racing, and talks to us about her big push to get into the F1 Academy.  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 NZ On Air funding announcements provide some hope in a tough time for Kiwi made TV shows.  Their latest non-fiction funding includes more than $1.3 million for Celebrity Treasure Island and $750 thousand for Country Calendar.  Screen Producer's Association President Irene Gardiner told Mike Hosking with so little ad revenue, it's a high pressured, intense time for NZ on Air.  She says the New Zealand version of Treasure Island is thought of as one of the best in the world and is selling, so if we get more international sales, NZ On Air contributions can reduce.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Education Minister says balance of choice is a priority under its new qualification system.   The Government is proposing to throw out NCEA for two certificates in Years 12 and 13.   Level 1 will be replaced with a foundation test in numeracy and literacy.   Erica Stanford told Mike Hosking that after Year 11, students are free to choose the subjects which engage them.  She says the key difference will be when students study English, math, or physics, it will be against a world-leading benchmarked curriculum, and children in Invercargill will be learning the exact same thing as those in Auckland.   The Education Minister’s also looking at trimming down the variety of subjects available to students.  Stanford told Hosking they’re taking a look at the number of subjects and the amount of students taking each one.   But she still wants the option for children to take classes which excite them, like dance and drama.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland house prices have held firm through a busy July.  Real estate agency Barfoot & Thompson's revealed it sold 957 properties across the Auckland region last month – its highest July total in four years.  More than 46% of sales sat at more than a million dollars and new listings rose more than 14%.  Managing Director Peter Thompson says the market's holding steady and is ready to take-off when interest rates come down further.  He told Mike Hosking things are starting to move again with more first-time home buyers entering the market and more activity from developers as a result of the fast track legislation.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Excitement from the trades sector for a better pipeline for high school students.   The Government is looking to phase out NCEA over five years – replaced with a foundation test in Year 11 and certificates in Years 12 and 13.   It also wants to improve vocational pathways for students entering the workforce.    Motor Trade Association Advocacy Head James McDowall told Mike Hosking NCEA is an absolute mess.   He says it isn't effective when students only pick up occasional credits in vocational pathways.   McDowall also says NCEA has far too much flexibility – saying credits for changing a car's oil doesn't give someone the experience to be an automotive engineer.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's disappointment Canterbury communities weren't consulted on a proposal to shut down rural Police stations.  Police are looking to reduce personnel, disestablishing some rural roles in favour of larger 24/7 hubs based in Rolleston and Rangiora.  Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green told Mike Hosking the community's heard about it via the media.  She says their Police live in their area and know their people, and if you lose that in a rural community it has a huge impact.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 4th of August, could we have done anything to ensure we got 10% instead of a 15% tariff hit? The Prime Minister joins Mike in studio to talk humanity, tariffs and when we are getting the NCEA announcement. Andrew Kelleher and Jason Pine talk everything from a dismal Warriors team to a good Wallabies side to a good Liam Lawson race. 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.

The Prime Minister is hoping to refocus secondary schools on literacy and numeracy - like the Government's done with primary schools.  A major announcement on the future of NCEA is expected in the coming moments.  It's understood public consultation will be launched on proposed changes -- in which teachers and parents can give feedback. Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking that the country needs an internationally competitive education system.   He says students can get through the current system without proficiency in the basics.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Disappointment, at the lack of people putting their name forward for October's council elections. Several people have been elected unopposed around the country. They include three of Christchurch's 16 councillors, two of Auckland's 20 councillors, and five of Lower Hutt's 13 councillors. Lower Hutt's outgoing mayor and the Vice President of Local Government New Zealand Campbell Barry says it's a less-than-ideal situation. He says the environment may be putting many people off standing, but a high-profile mayoral race can help drive interest. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A housing spokesperson warns homelessness is the worst it's been in several years.  The Government is seeking urgent advice as communities report rises in rough sleeping across the nation.  Auckland outreach providers alone reported a 90 percent spike in homelessness.  Salvation Army Senior Policy Analyst Paul Barber says it could come from issues with both resourcing and delivery.  He suggests a solution could be re-investing the hundreds-of-millions of dollars taken out of emergency housing support.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was little this country could do to dodge the latest  tariff - this from a former trade minister Donald Trump's raising tariffs on New Zealand goods to 15 percent, while keeping tariffs on Australian and British goods at 10-percent. Tim Groser has dealt with the US extensively -- as our trade minister during the Barack Obama administration, and ambassador to the US during the first Trump administration. He told Mike Hosking current trade minister Todd McClay couldn't have prevented this, even if he'd camped outside the White House. Groser says our tariff rate rose, because New Zealand exports more goods to the US, than we import from the US. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The direct line between Wellington and Washington will see material results on tackling crime in New Zealand. The FBI has set up a Wellington based office - meaning it now has an office in each of the capitals of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. It will work on combating terrorism, organised crime, and foreign intelligence threats. Assistant Police Commissioner Mike Pannett told Mike Hosking the FBI has specialist capabilities and having a NZ presence is a testament to a longstanding partnership. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are being urged, again, to "break up with property".  We are urged this way once every few years.  It's based, not unreasonably, on the idea that we could take our money and make it work differently, if not more productively, than it does stuck in a house.  The latest iteration comes from a bloke at Craigs Investment Partners, who suggests if you put $100 into a house, in 30 years it's worth $600. But if you had done it with shares, it would be worth $1,100.  Not just that, but the country would be better off. Those dollars would have been out and about investing in stuff, growing stuff, creating jobs, opening markets, and making the world a better place.  That may well be true.  Trouble is, that’s a long-term view and most of us don’t have long term views.  The view most of us have is: what's happened to New Zealand shares so far this year? Answer: they have gone backwards. In the year to date they are down 1.4%.  Mind you, housing is hardly booming.  And if you want a glass half full, shares in New Zealand in the last five years are up almost 10%. Houses are most certainly not up 10% in the past 5 years.  It may change with the time. One child of ours started buying shares while at university. They are of the generation that believes they will never own a house.  That’s not true of course – they will, but they also have a portfolio.  But the perception could be the key. If housing is perceived to be unobtainable, what is obtainable? Maybe shares.  But credibility is also an issue. Shares can be blue chip or meme-type stock. You can invest, or you can punt.  Stock can be priced to perfection, or it can be solid as a rock. You can be in Fisher and Paykel Healthcare when Covid arrives, or Air New Zealand when Covid arrives.  It requires a lot, whereas a house is a roof and shelter and a thing you can show your mates and have a BBQ at.  Houses are easy and they hardly ever lose you money over time.  To get people to shift, especially when it comes to money, the pitch has to be compelling.  In an uncertain, crazy world, is a stock market compelling? 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.    August: 6/10  Is it just me or is this year moving at pace? Where did seven months go?    The recovery: 4/10  Yes, by August the recovery was supposed to be here. The greens shoots were to have flourished, and stuff was supposed to be better.    The payWave charge ban: 6/10  Not perfect, but a practical move that should help.    Rob Penney: 7/10  Glad he is back, and why not? One bad year and one great year. You want another dose of great, don't you?    Shane Jones: 8/10  Move of the week. Had a couple of glasses of red, turned his phone off, and missed the alerts. Now that is a plan.    The Warriors: 7/10  A loss to the Titans and we lose James Fisher-Harris for a couple of weeks as well. If you are a doubter there is a bit of material for you to angst over. But I'm still a believer and this is our year.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If a council gives a media outlet some numbers and the media outlet simply re-posts those numbers, is that reportage? Or propaganda?  The headline was "more cyclists get on their bikes", which is true. But at no point in my reading of the cycleways of the nation's major cities, was any definitive analysis done as to whether the cost of the infrastructure to get people on their bikes was worth it.  In Christchurch some popular routes clocked 2000 trips a day. Is that a lot?  Well, remember to halve those numbers because trips are each way. So it's 1000 trips going to and from something, and this is in a city of 400,000.  In Wellington there are four key corridors. They racked up 87,000 trips in a month.  So if you have 87,000, you actually have roughly 43,000 trips to and from. Divide it by four for the corridors and you have roughly 10,000. Divide that by 30 (for days of the month) and you have 333 people a day.  That's not a lot of people for cycleways that would have cost many millions of dollars.  In Christchurch they were claiming a 40% increase in usage, except that was from 2017. So in eight years it's about 5% a year. Not really a booming number.  Newtown in Wellington is one of their most popular routes. They do, they claim, between 8,000-12,000 trips a month.  So let's average that. It's 10,000 divided by two so we are down to 5,000. Divide that by 30 and we end up at 166 a day for one of the most popular routes.  So is cycling booming, or has the council PR department cobbled together their best numbers and passed it off in press release form to a gullible newsroom in the hope no one has a calculator?  Don’t get me wrong – there's nothing wrong with cycling. Cycling is fun and good for you, but when you add the cost of specialist infrastructure and do the math, it's got a very EV-type vibe about it, doesn’t it?  It's a lot of hype that is never quite matched by the reality.  Numbers and percentages are easily messed with to paint the sort of picture you want.  The favourite is the huge percentage increase, but you're not supposed to ask from what, to what. One to two is 100%, but it's still only two overall.  Beware the bandwagon and the machine, normally tax or ratepayer funded, that pushes this stuff.  And, sadly, the media who peddles it. No pun intended. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's latest tariff deadline is rapidly approaching.  The US President has reached 11 deals, and agreed to pause tariff increases for Mexico, ahead of his deadline of 4pm today.  He's indicated he'll raise the baseline tariff faced by most countries, including New Zealand.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that at the same time, the trade wars are facing a critical court test within the United States.  The Trump team is being sued by a coalition of states and businesses who claim Trump has been overstepping his powers when it comes to some of the steepest tariffs.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plenty has happened this week, so Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was.  They discuss Mike's interview with Jeremy Piven yesterday – was it awkward or just realistic?   Plus, they talk about Kate’s pickleball league and the Government’s decision to axe card surcharges.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The opening of a standalone FBI office may be putting New Zealand in a bit of an awkward position.   The bureau's establishing a permanent presence in Wellington, focusing on trans-national crime like terrorism money laundering, child exploitation, and foreign intelligence threats.  FBI Director Kash Patel has also said it would counter China’s influence in the Pacific.  Geopolitical Analyst Geoffrey Miller told Mike Hosking Patel’s statement has ruffled feathers at the Chinese Embassy in Wellington, who put out a statement condemning “groundless assertions and vilification of China”.   He says the Government is loath to upset the apple cart when it comes to China and our trading relationship with them, but they also have to take the United States’ desires into account.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 1st of August, New Zealand has yet to receive an updated tariff rate from the US as the deadline looms. Trade Minister Todd McClay joined to discuss the situation.   The FBI is setting up an office in Wellington – citing concern over China’s increasing influence in the Pacific.   Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson talk awkward interviews and paywave surcharges being dropped as they Wrap the Week.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An announcement on the future of NCEA is imminent and the whole system could be in for a shakeup.   A Government briefing from June shows an over-reliance on internal assessments and suggests students are gaming the system to accumulate credits.  It's also revealed NCEA doesn't support coherent pathways for students into the likes of trades or hospitality.  Tertiary Union National Secretary Dr Sandra Grey told Mike Hosking there’s no doubt that all systems can be tweaked and made better, but it needs to be done carefully.  She says that we need to make sure teachers and students are at the heart of the review process.  When it comes to vocational pathways, Grey says that schools don’t have the capacity to show kids what they're like, so we need a coherent, working system that gives kids a taste of what things like trades are like.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Food Minister's backing the move to remove the labelling of genetically modified food, despite concerns.  Andrew Hoggard's given the green light to rules meaning food produced using new breeding techniques, including gene editing, will not need to be labelled as genetically modified unless it contains new DNA.  The change will see New Zealand mirror the genetic technology legislation in Australia.  Group GE Free says it's unfair for consumer choice.  Hoggard told Mike Hosking mandatory food labels should only be for safety concerns.  He says adding more labels adds cost, and everyone is concerned about the cost of food right now.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The country's largest music festival, Electric Avenue, has been bought by Live Nation.  The multinational entertainment company announced the acquisition of festival producer Team Event, which owns the two-day summer festival held in Christchurch's Hagley Park each February.   Promoters Association President Layton Lillas told Mike Hosking that given the tough environment festivals are facing, this is good thing for New Zealand.   He says Live Nation is going to put some financial might behind the event and secure big name acts.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of people behind on payments in June fell slightly from May, but is largely unchanged compared to the same time last year.  Latest Centrix data shows there were 478 thousand people in arrears, representing more than 12% of the credit-active population.  Managing Director Keith McLaughlin says they'd normally expect the figure to fall further over winter - but people are being impacted by things outside their control.  He says the costs of insurance, rates and power are leaving their mark, and that's why arrears are a bit sticky at the moment.  He told Mike Hosking there will be an ongoing improvement in household budgets as interest rates continue to fall.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has yet to hear from the US ahead of Donald Trump's latest tariff deadline – 4pm today, New Zealand time.  The White House says all countries will have heard from the US by that time.  The US President has indicated he'll raise tariffs, including the 10% baseline tariff imposed on goods from New Zealand and most other countries.  Trade Minister Todd McClay told Mike Hosking our Government is still waiting to hear what that increase will be.  He says there are indications that the new minimum base line tariff rate will be 15%, and it's an anxious time for exporters.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you want to talk about doing stuff that matters, this week will produce one of the great ones.  Repealing the oil and gas ban, as the Government are about to do, puts right an egregious wrong – possibly the most egregious wrong of the last Government.  What gives this current Government a better than even chance of a second term is the fact the damage done to the economy was done by the very same people who are still in Labour, still running Labour, and presumably will still argue for the same recipe of destruction next year.  Megan Woods drove the oil and gas ban under the instruction of you-know-who. There was no warning, no consultation. Just a fateful announcement in Taranaki.  It was idealism at its very worst. If we had all the windmills and solar panels and batteries in place it might have made more sense.  But as we have seen and felt for the past handful of winters, we don’t. Not even close.  What has made it particularly galling is that Australia has doubled down on gas. It understands gas is the transition fuel, while the so-called renewable transformation takes place.  Australia's gas industry is run out of Western Australia, which is run by a Labour Government, and fed to the rest of Australia, which is run by a Labour Government.  And that, as I have said before, is what can make Labour palatable. A centrist Labour party is electable i.e. Albanese's version or Hawke's.  The Ardern and Hipkins version look like a bunch of wonks who never met an economy they couldn't wreck.  Now, the repeal won't solve everything overnight. Our reputation is so damaged that a lot of face time and explaining has had to be undertaken with potential investors, hence the Government's $200m stake in the game fund.  If you ever wanted a living, breathing, tangible example of a Government that simply didn’t get it, think back to your last couple of winters where the coal pile is a mile high, the rain may or may not have come, the gas reports keep getting worse, the spot price heads to the stratosphere and your power bill continues to head to the roof.  That is Labour's energy policy.  That is the Labour Government's idea of a fun winter.  Getting that repealed is rectifying a shockingly shallow, ill-conceived idea and a monumental mistake. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An instantly recognisable face and name, Jeremy Piven is hitting New Zealand shores for the first time.   The actor and comedian is best known for the roles of Harry Selfridge and Ari Gold – the latter of which he won a Golden Globe Award and three consecutive Emmys.  But it’s not film or television that’s brought him here, instead Piven is bringing his stand-up comedy tour to the stage.   Piven has been performing from a young age, with both his parents being actors in their own right, and practically raising him in a theatre.   “I've been butchering some of the great writers of all time, I’ve been butchering it since I was eight years old.”  Piven’s foray into stand-up comedy came from a desire for balance, stretching and developing his performing muscles.  “I make that transition and get up there and do my thing with that, and then go back to acting, and it makes you a better actor,” he told Hosking.  “Most actors are sitting idle, they have a lot of rust on them ... with standup, I’m performing all the time.”  “There’s no rust on me.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 31st of July, Kiwibank has been given the go-ahead for their capital raise. So will another $500 million help them compete with the big Aussie banks?  Air traffic control costs are going up 17.7% over three years, so who will be bearing the brunt of those costs?  And Actor and comedian Jeremy Piven pops into the studio for a chat ahead of his Auckland stand-up show.  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.

An appointment sure to pique the interest of many New Zealand football followers.   Olympic gold medal-winning coach Bev Priestman's penned a two-year deal to take charge of the Phoenix women's side.  Priestman —who led the Canadian women's team to Olympic glory in 2021— has just finished serving a one-year ban from the game for her role in the Canadian team’s misuse of drones at last year’s Olympics.  She told Mike Hosking that it’s a long suspension and not something she’s proud of, but in that time she’s had a chance to learn, reflect, and grow.  Priestman says she can’t wait to get on the grass and do what she loves every day again.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.