The Mike Hosking Breakfast

The Associate Energy Minister's suggesting domestic fuel producers could get special treatment, to shore up energy security.  The Government's asking for feedback on its draft long-term fuel strategy.   It focuses on resilience, domestic infrastructure, low-carbon alternatives, and security.  Shane Jones told Heather di Plessis-Allan special economic zones present a great opportunity.  He says in other countries they offer a range of incentives through tailored tax treatment and planning rules for the particular site, with areas like Marsden Point already an energy precinct.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's probably sensible, don’t you think, for the Blues to consider leaving Eden Park for Mt Smart?  It’s not going to fix the attendance issues, though they seem to be hoping it will.  In the consultation they’re doing, the question they’re asking fans is whether moving to Mt Smart will make them “more or less likely to attend Blues Super Rugby [mens] home games”.  The fans might say yes, but they won’t.  Mt Smart is no better than Eden Park.  It’s not easier to get to there with public transport, it’s about the same. If you drive you still have to find a park somewhere on the road, or on private property.  You’re still exposed to the elements in the stand. You’re still paying for your beer and chips instead of getting them out of your kitchen.  Maybe you could argue Mt Smart has a slight advantage in that you’re coming straight off the motorway instead of fighting to get down Dominion Road, but I don’t think that’s enough of a difference to supercharge the crowd.  Maybe you could argue that because the Warriors and Auckland FC are there, fans form a habit, so they go because they know how to go.  But again, I don’t think that’s the problem.  I think the problem is Super Rugby  You’re seeing poor turnout for Super Rugby regular season games around the country.  6000 are turning up for Moana Pasifika games.  13,000 for the Crusaders.    11,000 for the Blues.  11,000 in a 50,000 capacity stadium looks horrible. 11,000 in a 25,000 capacity stadium like Mt Smart looks less bad.  But it's giving up, isn’t it?  The Blues leaving the home of rugby is basically accepting that this is how it is, that the crowd size of 11,000 is simply how it's going to be.  What they should really be doing is finding smart ways to get us to come to Super Rugby games again.  Find ways to get families along. Eden Park's kid zone with the bouncy castle is the right kind of thinking.  Find ways to get us excited about the game of rugby. I’m sorry, but it's a boring product.  Unless they do that, crowds that only fill quarter of a stadium are the future, in which case, move to Mt Smart.  A smaller stadium will hide the empty seats better. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whenever there’s success at the top level of international rugby in New Zealand, more often than not there is one specific name involved.  Known as the ‘Scrum Doctor’, Mike Cron was an assistant coach for the All Blacks for more than 200 games, winning the 2011 and 2015 World Cups.  He then came out of retirement in 2022 to join the Black Ferns, helping them win a world title as well, before shifting over to join the Wallabies.  In the midst of all this, he’s written a book: ‘Coach: Lessons from an All Black Legend’.  Cron told Heather du Plessis-Allan that he’s always had a thirst for knowledge, and found ideas from looking at other elite sports.  “I’ve never been really interested in rugby coaching seminars,” he said.  “They left me a bit bland, so to speak. Y’know, they just showed you a new drill or something.”   Ballet and sumo are two sports he’s pulled ideas from, saying the key is to go in with an open mind.  “If you’ve got an open mind and you look and listen, there will be some, some bit of gold there for you.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 15th of July, the Government has revealed their plan to dissolve Te Pukenga and return 10 polytechs to regional governance.  The Blues are exploring whether they should move their home games away from Eden Park. Heather's onboard and details what she thinks the issues are.  Legendary All Blacks coach Mike Cron has a new book out, so we get the lowdown from one of our best rugby minds right before he helps Australia take on the Lions this weekend.  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 Blues are weighing up their future at the hallowed turf of Eden Park, with their contract coming to an end.  The Super Rugby franchise have asked for public feedback on moving their home games to Mount Smart Stadium for the 2026 season.   CEO Andrew Hore told Heather du Plessis-Allan they’ve seen an increase in broadcast numbers, but they’ve seen a much smaller increase in crowds over the last three years and they want to accelerate that.  He says that moving from Eden Park may not be the answer, but it could be, and they’ve got to investigate all avenues.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology is welcoming the dissolution of Te Pukenga.  From next year, ten of the formally 16 polytechnics across the country will be re-established into standalone institutes after being clumped into one governing body.  NMIT Executive Director Olivia Hall told Heather du Plessis-Allan the organisation runs quite a tight stopping and starting of programmes, and has been very lean on all support functions available.  She says the community and local industries are very clear on their expectations for the industry, which is to be standalone.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concern the US President's given Russia too much breathing room in his ultimatum.  Donald Trump says the Kremlin has 50 days to reach a ceasefire deal for Ukraine or they'll introduce secondary tariffs of 100%.  He's also confirmed plans to sell billions of dollars of US weapons to Ukraine, through NATO.  International relations professor Robert Patman told Heather du Plessis-Allan Vladimir Putin will likely use the time to stall.  He says he'll hang in there and hope the Europeans become demoralised and Trump changes his mind again.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An expected uptick in the country's avocado production as the global market value smashes past $30 billion.  A Rabobank report reveals our avocado industry saw a strong recovery last year after crop losses in 2023, due to Cyclone Gabrielle.  NZ Avocado's forecasting a production increase of around two-million trays for the 2024/25 season, compared to the last.   NZ Avocado CEO Brad Siebert told Heather du Plessis-Allan they’ve got all the ingredients for a better season ahead. He says New Zealand avocados are harvested for over 10 months of the year – a unique window compared to many of our offshore competitors.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minster of Education says it's the teachers who have made the difference to improving NCEA literacy and numeracy pass rates.   Small improvements were seen last year with 57% of NCEA students achieving the numeracy standard, 61% achieving the reading standard, and 55% achieving the writing standard.  Erica Stanford told Heather Du Plessis-Allan she knows there's a long way to go but it's the schools, principals, and teachers who have done the heavy lifting.   She says they've moved heaven and earth since this has become compulsory, and it's made the difference.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister for Auckland's keeping positive despite a mixed annual State of the City report.  The third annual report shows the city rates strongly in sustainability, resilience, and culture, but is falling when it comes to prosperity, skills, and innovation development.   Minister Simeon Brown told Heather du Plessis-Allan Auckland's at a good turning point.   He says it will be a great year with the City Rail Link opening and the international convention centre bringing opportunities.   Brown says they're also addressing inherited challenges, with crime coming down.   He's also assuring that health workers and the government are working to ease hospital pressure, amid reports some Auckland ambulances were redirected from EDs. RNZ reports delays handing patients over to Auckland City and Middlemore Hospitals yesterday afternoon, with some assessed by phone or diverted to non-hospital clinics. Brown told du Plessis Allan patients with less severe symptoms are sent to after hours urgent care from time to time.  He says the reality is winter is a challenging time for the system, but they're continuing to focus on front line resources to make sure patients receive timely and quality care.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 14th of July, the Government has revealed their plan to double our international student sector to be worth $7.2b in 10 years. The Prime Minister is back from holiday in time to get a grilling from Heather on road cones, the economy and who he wants to win the Tamaki Makaurau by-election. Jason Pine and Andrew Saville covers off the All Blacks, the cheeky South Africans against Italy and the Warriors getting their season back on track. 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.

Christopher Luxon says all options are on the table when it comes to increasing competition in the grocery sector.  He hopes that more overseas operators - like Walmart – will expand their operations to New Zealand.   The Prime Minister told Heather du Plessis-Allan Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis is doing everything to establish new operators in the supermarket industry.  LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bullying, unmet special needs education, and system pressure appear to be some of the likely causes of a rise in homeschooling rates.    The Ministry of Education’s data shows 11,400 children had an exemption from school, favouring home education last year - twice that of 2001.  National Council of Home Educators government liaison Cynthia Hancox told Heather du Plessis-Allan resources are stretched, teachers are stressed, there are more children with additional needs, and the system isn't keeping up.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the world’s largest military exercises is underway in Australia.  Operation Talisman Sabre involves 35,000 military personnel from 19 different countries including NZ, the US and the UK.  Lieutenant Colonel Tim Tuatini says a large exercise with Australia is an important operation for the NZ military to take part in.   He told Heather duPlessis-Allan that this exercise, ‘finishes off our training and allows us to exercise our combat readiness.’   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has its eyes on boosting international student numbers.  It's looking at extending "in study" work rights with the hope of doubling the sector’s economic contribution to 7.2 billion dollars by 2034.  Universities New Zealand Chief Executive Chris Whelan says it won't get us back to the highest numbers seen back in 2016.   He says it will make sure international education gets to a level where it's making a significant contribution to the economy.  LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ball is now in the Government's court following calls for bold action to fix a broken energy market.    An open letter, signed by several influential groups including Consumer NZ and Auckland Business Chamber, has been sent to the Prime Minister.   Major Electricity Users' Group Executive Director Karen Boyes told Heather du Plessis-Allan an independent review is also now with Energy Minister Simon Watts.   She says there are lots of underlying issues that need to be addressed as soon as possible, such as increasing prices, market power issues, and the lack of an energy strategy.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winner of the week has got to be NZ First.  In the latest Taxpayer's Union Curia poll, they are the third biggest party now, overtaking Act and the Greens.  If you’ve been watching the polls lately that’s not a surprise. This has been coming for a while.  National has been up and down, Act has been pretty flat, but NZ First has just been heading up most of the year.  There are a bunch of reasons for this.  Winston is very statesman-like. He manages to disagree with his coalition partners without being quite as bratty as David Seymour can sometimes be.  NZ First are choosing their battles. They stayed out of the pay equity kerfuffle, so they didn’t cop the blowback.  But mainly, it’s because they’re being refreshingly blunt.  Shane Jones doesn’t care if the lizard-lovers get upset that he wants to dig a mine where the lizards are. He just says it.  Winston doesn’t care if Grey Lynn and Aro Valley are offended that he wants transwomen kept out of women’s sport. He just says it.  He doesn't care if wool carpets into state houses is likely a bad financial decision. He got it done.  This party is unashamedly appealing to a group of voters no one else really is, which is working class New Zealanders – people who see things simply and often more correctly than elites would care to imagine.  It’s the same thing playing out in the UK with the rise of the Reform Party. It’s the same reason Trump is back in the White House.  Of the three coalition parties NZ First is the only one hitting the same vein of voters.  Now, we’re still only talking about 10% and 10% doesn’t a major party make.  But it’s only been headed in one direction lately, and that tells you something. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Mike Hosking off on holiday, Heather du Plessis-Allan was joined by Tim Wilson and Trish Sherson to Wrap the Week that was.  They discussed the situation with the gold mine, lizards, and Department of Conservation, the company working to resurrect the moa, and ask the question of if it’s better to be smart or dumb.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks utility back Damian McKenzie has responded to scrutiny around the side's ability to secure possession off contestable kicks ahead of tomorrow's second test against France in Wellington.  Les Bleus peppered New Zealand's back three in the air at Dunedin last week to good effect.  McKenzie —who played almost all of the game at fullback after Sevu Reece came from the field with a head knock— told Heather du Plessis Allan the penalising of escort runners has made things trickier.  He says it’s definitely a skill they need to work on, but it’s not an easy one to nail.   However, McKenzie is confident they’ve got the kicking game to match France.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many Kiwis are studying or training in skills that aren't needed in the job market.  That's the warning from Business NZ as the Government reviews New Zealand's vocational education system.  The lobby groups say graduates are being held back from gaining employment because they've trained in the wrong area.  They're calling for an industry-led vocational system, with more focus on work-based training and relevant, up-to-date skills.  Business NZ Education Specialist Rachel Simpson told Heather du Plessis-Allan that many of the current qualifications and programmes haven’t been changed in years.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 11th of July, the Government is creating an anti-scam alliance to try keep New Zealanders from falling victim.  Damian McKenzie comes off the bench to tell us how the All Blacks will perform much better against the French this weekend.  Tim Wilson and Trish Sherson join Heather to Wrap the Week that was, talking lizards, moa, and whether it's better to be smart or dumb.  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.

Importing liquefied natural gas could potentially require one billion dollars in capital investment.  Major energy companies Clarus, Contact Energy, Genesis Energy, Meridian Energy, and Mercury have commissioned two studies looking into the option.  Data out last month shows New Zealand’s domestic gas supply is reducing faster and sooner than previously forecast.  Clarus chief executive Paul Goodeve says it would be expensive.  He told Heather du Plessis-Allan that the most important thing is not what it costs, but the value it brings, and last winter we saw the cost of not having a stable fuel supply.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Privacy laws may need to be tweaked to allow for a new alliance to combat scams.  The Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister has announced the Anti-Scam Alliance, which joins government, industry, and consumer groups.  The alliance establishes a formal structure for industries to share data about scams and shut them down in real-time.  Minister Scott Simpson told Heather du Plessis-Allan the Government is exploring ways to ensure all laws are complied with.  He also believes Facebook has a role to play in cracking down on scams.  Meta is involved in the alliance, and Simpson says Facebook should ensure scammers don't use their site.  He told du Plessis-Allan rules are in place to control advertising in print media but not in the digital world.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A potential change of heart from the Department of Conservation, which rejected a bid to expand the country's largest gold mine in Otago.   It initially declined Macraes' permit because details were missing on rehoming endemic lizards, a decision heavily criticized by Resources Minister Shane Jones.   DOC now says there was a miscommunication, and it will work to progress the application.    Conservation Minister Tama Potaka told Heather du Plessis-Allan DOC and the company which owns Macraes, OceanaGold, worked on the matter yesterday.   He says they had a very productive meeting, and he expects they'll process the application swiftly.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More volatility for some of our best-known magazines.    The Listener, Woman's Day, and New Zealand Woman's Weekly are among a range of New Zealand and Aussie titles going up for sale.   Publisher Are Media —which purchased them five years ago, in the chaos of Covid-19— is now on the market.    Former New Zealand Women's Weekly Editor Alice O'Connell told Heather du Plessis-Allan a lot of these brands have a strong heritage, and she hopes they will live on.   She says maybe it won't be in a magazine format, but there are different ways to consume information, and they could live online.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hasn’t the AI and Wimbledon drama taught us exactly the same lesson we keep learning with technology and sport: it’s great - if it doesn’t disrupt the game.  And if that is the lesson, why don’t we learn it already?  Wimbledon has not used AI properly.  First problem was it missed a ball out. By a foot. The match got stopped and everyone waited four minutes. Yes, it was confirmed the AI got it wrong, so the match resumed.  It turned out someone turned the AI off.  Then we’re at the quarter finals. AI calls a ball out. It's not. It’s a metre inside the baseline.   The match is stopped, the umpire calls the tech people, or whoever, and everyone waits. Yes, it's confirmed it was in and the match resumes.  It turns out a ball boy was crossing the net at exactly the moment the ball was moving and the AI can’t handle that.  Players are cross. The waiting has broken the game’s momentum.   The crowd is cross. They’ve paid to watch the play, not sit around waiting for tech to be checked.  On the other side of the world, here, we are again complaining about the TMO in last weekend’s test involving itself too much.  Even Wayne Barnes is complaining that the TMO is ruining the continuity of the game.  Other sports have already learned this lesson.  League has limited what the bunker can look at, football is thinking about limiting the VAR, ice hockey has limited video review and it's the same with volleyball.  They all know what Wimbledon hasn’t quite managed to do and rugby can’t quite seem to accept, which is that technology is great.  But don’t let it disrupt the game. Don’t let it keep fans waiting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Antonia Prebble is a mainstay of New Zealand’s evening TV viewing.  She had just hit her 20’s when she was cast in 'Outrageous Fortune', becoming a household name.  They’re now celebrating the 20th anniversary of the iconic comedy-drama show, plus the 10th anniversary of the prequel series 'Westside'.  Prebble has expanded since then, and while she still partakes in international productions, she also runs a successful podcast ‘What Matters Most’, which is now on its 4th season.  She told Heather du Plessis-Allan it’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since 'Outrageous Fortune'.  “I just turned 41, so I started Outrageous when I was twenty and a half – literally half my life ago.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 10th of July, Finance Minister Nicola Willis talks the Reserve Bank decision to hold the OCR steady and what that says about our economy.  Shane Jones has had enough of lizards, DOC, and progress being stalled on a mine that would provide 700 jobs for the Otago region.  Kiwi actress Antonia Prebble joins to talk the 20th anniversary of Outrageous Fortune and the latest season of her podcast What Matters Most.  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.

Red Bull have waved the chequered flag to team principal Christian Horner.   The 51-year-old had been in the role since 2005, overseeing eight drivers' world championships and six constructors' titles.  The syndicate sits fourth on the teams' ladder this season, and four-time defending world champion Max Verstappen has won two of 12 races with reports suggesting he is considering a shift to Mercedes.  F1 Journalist Chris Medland told Heather du Plessis-Allan that while no definitive reasons have been given yet, there are multiple possibilities.  He says that the team’s form on the track has been in decline over the last 18 months, and Horner also faced controversy off the track during that time.   Verstappen’s future could have also been central to the decision, Medland says, with Verstappen also wanting to see change and not getting it under Horner’s leadership.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The video game industry's going gangbusters, with the number of people employed up by more than 20%.  This is due to a four-year, $160 million sector rebate, offering 20 cents back for every dollar eligible studios spend.   Forty studios will receive a share of $22.4 million this year, including RocketWerks Games.  Its CEO, Stephen Knightly, told Heather du Plessis-Allan $40 million is available yearly, but the Government's put a cap on it.   He says any one studio can only get up to $3 million, but thinks it should be increased as there's obviously money there.  Knightly says the scheme has delivered on what it was intended for, keeping studios from moving overseas.   He says he looked at starting a team up in Australia, but instead they're now staying in Auckland, and hiring more people.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's reluctant to give work opportunities to beneficiaries outside of emergencies.  It's activated a beneficiary task force in Tasman and Marlborough, with beneficiaries able to get paid for helping clean up debris and slush.  Social Development Minister Louise Upston says the initiative is just for Civil Defence emergencies at this stage.  But Upston told Heather du Plessis-Allan she's open to suggestions about how to reduce the number of people on the Jobseeker benefit.  She says this takes a significant amount of funding, and the Government's coffers aren't a bottomless pit.  Upston told du Plessis-Allan it's estimated 30 people are needed for the work.  She says there'll be three clean-up crews, and understands there were 10 people interested within a few hours of putting the message out.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are expectations the Government continuing to step in to cover natural hazard costs for homeowners could create a moral hazard.   An independent climate adaptation report reveals annual losses from weather-related events over the next 25 years could increase by a quarter.   It warns the later we respond, the more disruptive the adjustment will be.   Chair Matt Whineray told Heather du Plessis-Allan the best way forward is for people to understand what they can get and for the Government to move away from buyouts.   He says this needs to be done over a period of time so the market has time to adjust and so people have fair warning and an opportunity to respond.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Resources Minister says a setback for expansion of the country's largest gold mine could result in the loss of up to a thousand jobs.  Central Otago's Macraes gold mine applied for a permit under the Wildlife Act to clear vegetation on its site in a bid to expand its operation.   Last month the Department of Conservation declined it, stating the company hadn't made clear how it would relocate more than 10 thousand lizards.  Shane Jones told Heather du Plessis-Allan the lizards are as common as acne on a teenager.   He says they're scattered throughout Otago, and farmers don't need special permits when carrying out work on their land.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says businesses should be more confident about the economic recovery.  The Reserve Bank's been weighing up lower-than-expected growth and higher inflation in its decision to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 3.25%.  Nicola Willis says businesses have been battening down the hatches.  But she told Heather du Plessis-Allan they’re maybe more wary than they should be.  Willis says all of the fundamentals in the economy are good.  She says the Government is business-friendly and is on the side of those wanting to invest, make money, create jobs, and export overseas.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let me tell you what Chris Hopkins is busy doing to the Covid Inquiry.  Let me tell you, when he says that the Covid Inquiry is providing a platform for those who have conspiracy theorist views, he is trying to undermine it, and he's doing that. So it doesn't matter what the outcome of the inquiry is, people have already written it off as a nut job investigation.   I suspect Chippy already knows that he's not going to come out of this flash. Neither is Jacinda. Neither is Ashley. Neither is Grant.   Because we already know what went wrong. We can see that the lockdowns went too long. We know that the border was done badly. We know how much money was printed, to name just a few things that they did wrong.   It's kind of rich of Chris Hipkins to complain that the terms of reference have been deliberately constructed to achieve a certain outcome, because that's coming from the guy whose government did exactly the same with the original Covid Inquiry.   They set up such a limited set of terms of references that we had to set up a second inquiry after they lost the election just to get to the stuff that we actually care about, which is the mandates and the Auckland lockdown, and so on.   They set up an inquiry, deliberately designed their words to only learn lessons, not assign blame when actually blame, or you can call it just taking responsibility, is exactly what a lot of us affected by all of this stuff would like to see.   But what really bothers me about what Chris Hipkins is doing is the continual demonising of conspiracy theorists. Now, look, I don't love a conspiracy theorist. They're a bit nutty. I've had to sit through lectures about the world order hours on end, trying to be polite and pretending that you care because you love the person, right? A lot of these people went down the rabbit hole because Labour forced to the jab on them, so they went off to do their own research and they came back a bit strange.   They shouldn't be excluded. They may be conspiracy theorists, but they're still our friends and our brothers and our uncles, even if they're a bit slightly different at the moment. Conspiracy theorists or not, they were as affected by these decisions as everyone else, therefore, they get a say too.   And whatever, by the way, happened to “they are us”? Or does that only apply when it suits Labour? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Details have emerged about the career-ending night former Minister Kiri Allan was arrested in Wellington for drink driving.   Allan resigned immediately after crashing into a parked car and testing over the legal limit in mid-2023.   Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Heather du Plessis-Allan her behaviour was unacceptable, but he believes in redemption and everyone makes mistakes.   Labour's Ginny Andersen says there is public interest in knowing what happened, but it must be difficult for Allan to have everything playing out again.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 9th of July, will the Reserve Bank act in line with consensus and hit pause on OCR cuts?  Why have Auckland Arena’s billionaire backers pulled out of the Western Springs stadium deal? Why is a free stadium now off the table for ratepayers?  Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell debate mandatory sentences, whether Jacinda Ardern should come back for the Covid inquiry, and if $230,000 is too much to get the Government's FamilyBoost money 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.

There's a belief a plan to resurrect the extinct Moa will have ample roll-on effects.  US company Colossal Bioscience has partnered with Ngāi Tahu in a $50 million project to revive the flightless bird through gene editing.  Canterbury Museum's Senior Curator of Natural History Paul Scofield says it's a great eco-tourism opportunity.  He told Heather du Plessis-Allan people could come and see Moa roaming the hills in a reserve.  Scofield says scientists would also be able to see how these birds affected the ecology of New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The death toll from flash floods that struck central Texas has now climbed to at least 108 people.  Search and rescue efforts have reached their fifth day, with the dead including 28 children due to flooding west of San Antonio.  Dozens of people are still missing.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Heather du Plessis-Allan hundreds of volunteers have joined in.   He says searches along the Guadalupe River are slow and dirty.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministerial Advisory Group believes the community is a vital part of the solution in stomping out organised crime and drug use.  The group has released its third report which highlights being tough on organised crime means also focusing on drug users.  Advisory Group for Organised Crime Chair Steve Symon says it requires early intervention and community-based treatment.  He told Heather du Plessis-Allan it no longer involves just patches and motorbikes - it's about organised crime reaching in as a business and affecting communities.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confusion over the billionaire-backed Auckland Arena proposal being withdrawn from options for Western Springs.  Businesswoman Anna Mowbray, her husband and former All Black Ali Williams, and Auckland FC owner Bill Foley withdrew their 12,500 seat proposal, which wouldn't have cost ratepayers a cent.  It follows news Aucklanders don't have a clear preference on an option for the site.  The group cites unique challenges.   Chair of the Stadium Venues Working Group Shane Henderson told Heather du Plessis-Allan they've been left largely in the dark.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's making moves to ensure we'll no longer lag behind when it comes to Artificial Intelligence.  Science Minister Shane Reti's announced the Government's first strategy for using AI - claiming it'll reduce barriers to adoption and promote responsible use.   He says it could lift our GDP by $76 billion by 2038.   Reti told Heather du Plessis-Allan the strategy's a signal to both businesses and the community over what policy settings the Government will follow.  He says modelling suggests AI use could free up an hour a day of working time for businesses.   Reti says that's an hour that can be better spent on other high value tasks.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economists say pausing the OCR could be prudent as we wait to find out more about the state of global trade.   The Reserve Bank will make a call today on whether to cut the Official Cash Rate for a seventh consecutive time or hold it steady at 3.25%.   There's much to consider, including uncertainty about the US tariffs.   ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Heather du Plessis-Allan we'll have more information next month about inflation and inflation expectations.   He says hopefully all the trade deadlines will be dealt with and we'll have more clarity about what tariffs countries face.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A view that current family trust laws have too much red tape.  The Government's making it easier to sell property held in a family trust in its latest revamp of anti-money laundering policies.    It means realtors won't need to collect extensive information about a trust's history to make a sale.   Family Trust Services' managing director, Janet Xuccoa told Heather du Plessis-Allan people have to provide the same information to realtors, lawyers, and accountants.  She says the changes are a relief to most providers, as the legislation is complex, time-consuming, and repetitive.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Government considering minimum sentences, I would have no problem with this. I realise the judiciary aren't going to love it because it's tying their hands. But frankly, that is the point. Because some of the sentencing discounts that have been handed down by judges are frankly outrageous. The worst case that I've come across is the case of a rapist who attacked a woman in Albert Park in Auckland three years ago. He was given a discount of 77% by the judge for being young, for pleading guilty, for being good before that and for trying to be better after that. The defence lawyer had sought discounts totalling 110%. Discounting to that point feels like nothing more than trying to get as light of a sentence as possible. Now, I know the Government has already amended the law so judges are limited to handing down discounts of no more than 40%. But that doesn't fix the problem entirely because there are still ways to game that, for example by simply beginning with a low starting point, so that by the time you've discounted to the max of 40% you end up at the low point you want. We seem to think if you're in jail for murder that's a bit much and I don't think it is. A minimum sentence sets a bar below which even the craftiest judge can't fall. The problem with it is obviously the risk that it becomes the default sentence but if that starts happening then that can be dealt with. Also, this is not a novel idea. They do this in the U.S, in the UK, in Australia, in Singapore etc. And I see a case for us doing it too. If you're discounting three quarters of a sentence, you've got a problem. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you listen to parenting experts, you'll hear the same thing time and time again about raising kids properly.  They need love, but just as importantly, they need boundaries.  They need to be told no, they need to be disciplined, and they need to learn what they can and can't do.  And if you don't do that, you basically ruin their chances at success.  Now, bear that in mind when you hear people like the Children's Commissioner arguing that kids should be off limit on citizen's arrests.  At the moment the Government is proposing a law change to allow retailers, or security guards, or you and I, to hold a shoplifter until the cops can get there and take over.  The Children's Commissioner is well-meaning because she just doesn't want kids hurt.  These things can go badly, especially if you've got the worst case playing out like we've seen, which when you've got weapons involved with kids turning up with hammers and knives and so on to raid a store.  But while she means well, she is wrong.  Because a loophole like that will be exploited by adults.  Gangs already use kids to commit their ram raids and their thefts because they know that kids get off more lightly than they would.  If you make a rule that kids are allowed to escape but adults get held down, you only make it more likely that they send the kids in, thereby making it more likely that kids end up ruining their life.  Which brings us back to the very start - kids need boundaries.  Not just from parents. But also from the state. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand can’t get enough of Bill Bailey.  The UK comedian last came to our shores in 2023, tickets to his ‘Thoughtifier’ tour selling out.   He’ll be back towards the end of the year, bringing a celebration of comedy, songs, and skills by the name of ‘Vaudevillean’ to Kiwi audiences.  Bailey joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to delve into comedy, technology and AI, the resurgence of people seeking out live shows and performances, and just why Kiwis love him so much.  “Most of life is just showing up, and so if you turn up somewhere and you show willing, then I think you draw people along with you.”  “Plus the fact I think there’s quite a lot of similarity between our senses of humour. I think there’s a sort of shared love of the absurd, and a love of language, and a love of the general sort of oddity of life.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday the 8th of July, we look at the changes to the FamilyBoost scheme and if it makes the policy a boom, or if it's still a bust.  Mushroom murderer Erin Patterson was finally found guilty, after days of deliberation from the jury.  World renowned comedian Bill Bailey is winging his way back here for another nationwide tour, so we need to find out why he's so popular with Kiwis.  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.

Wellington waits with open arms as anticipation builds for the arrival of Welsh football club Wrexham.  Owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, Wrexham AFC is due to visit the capital for a friendly against the Phoenix on July 19.  New data from Booking.com shows Wellington is the most searched NZ location on the site, with interest in accommodation up 600%.  WellingtonNZ Events Manager Heidi Morton told Heather du Plessis-Allan the city offers a great opportunity for a unique location.  She says there's still rooms and tickets available.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand isn't likely to get a better deal than we're currently getting, when it comes to trade with the US.  Almost all goods to the US now face a 10% base tariff rate.  Donald Trump's announced a 25% tariff rate for Japan and South Korea from the start of next month and may also raise tariffs on other trading partners.  Business NZ Advocacy Manager Catherine Beard told Heather du Plessis-Allan New Zealand probably can't negotiate a tariff rate below the 10% rate we're facing.  She says if that's the best rate going, it's probably not worth New Zealand trying to get into a "David and Goliath" battle with the US.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.