The Mike Hosking Breakfast

I asked Judith Collins yesterday, just what has become of us?  The “us” I was referring to is this country. But I amended that in my mind yesterday afternoon when I read the first review of Jake Tapper's book on Joe Biden.  What's become of all of us, is now the question.  "Biden didn’t recognise George Clooney at a fundraiser", was your headline.  Tapper is making money out of a book on a subject he should have been all over four years ago, but wasn’t. Most of the American media in particular weren't.  They knew Biden was what he was, but it didn’t seem to matter then. But now that they can make a buck, it’s a story.  This was raised at the White House correspondents dinner, so it's not like they aren't aware of how this looks.  Jacinda Ardern falls into the same category – destroy the country, run away to Boston, write a book and collect the money.  It's shocking.  Jannik Sinner, the tennis player in name, and act. He meets the Pope, having cut a deal with the doping authorities not to miss any majors and return to his home tournament a hero.  And the daddy of them all is the current American President. He offers White House tours and a dinner if you buy his crypto.  How is this possible?  He tells you "it’s a good time to buy" before he makes an announcement that he knows will move the markets. No one is seemingly doing anything about it.  He is about to collect a plane for God's sake! That is quite obviously illegal, and yet, who is it that is going to do something about it?  Winston Peters had his head in his hands when Brooke let the big word fly, and he lamented the lack of standards.  All around us are seemingly new norms.  There are more and more indicators that what was once the right way to go about business now doesn’t matter.  Punishments that once addressed indiscretions are now laughed at or negotiated away.  Moral fibre that kept you on the straight and narrow is not just gone, but jettisoned and replaced by contempt and arrogance.  If the President of America can bribe your crypto purchases, while flying on an illegal plane, former leaders can profit from negligence, and the Fourth Estate can pretend to be unbiased while ignoring the news and then cash in on their ineptitude, is it any wonder more and more of us long for the good old days? 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.    Trump: 7/10  It’s a circus most of the time, but what a watch. Turkey, Riyadh, free planes, mad sucking up, the Village People, trade, and the markets. Just another week.    Brooke van Velden: 8/10  Because she took her moment and ran with it, and quite possibly turned the dial her way.    Smoked salmon: 7/10  Revelation and story of the week. Letters from all over the world and a mad insight into eye-watering prices.    The police: 4/10  They promised 500 and they aren't going to deliver. That’s a loss.    Ryan Fox: 8/10  Living your dream is not only wonderful when it's you, but equally wonderful to watch.    The unions and their work from home claims: 3/10  Wouldn’t it be amazing if, just for once, they actually looked like they might like work and productivity and dedication and getting ahead, instead of their incessant misery?    Auckland FC: 9/10  The other part of the season starts this weekend. Whatever way you slice it, it's the sports story of the year domestically.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soaring food prices might be hard to swallow.  Stats NZ figures reveal prices rose 3.7% annually last month, with increases across all food categories.  Butter prices increased 65.3%, milk and cheese went up 15.1% and 24% respectively.  Foodstuffs North Island CEO Chris Quin told Mike Hosking there's pressure on products we're getting export success from.  He says it's a fantastic part of the story, but the impact on consumer is clear.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Half-year profit has more than doubled for New Zealand seafood company Sanford.  It's the best result in a decade for the company, which took home $34 million in profit in the six months to March this year.  It's seen improved salmon sales, especially in the US and China.  Managing Director David Mair told Mike Hosking he's been there for just over a year and has been working to increase productivity.  He says he's reviewing every process within the business and says it's important that if a company tries to add value, it doesn't exceed the added cost.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US is sharing its low expectations of current Ukraine peace talks in Turkey, with both sides backing out of sending their leaders.  Russia's sending low-level official Vladimir Medinsky, Ukraine's decided to send its defence minister instead.  Donald Trump was preparing to go, only if Russian President Vladimir Putin was there.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking Trump is now suggesting he expected this all along, saying he wasn’t planning on going in the first place.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The week has come to an end once more, and Mike Hosking was joined by Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson to Wrap the Week that was.  They discussed the new cheese produced by Fonterra, Mike's seemingly endless golf stories, and since today is Pink Shirt Day, they debate whether or not Mike is a bully. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 16th of May, yet another pre-Budget announcement – $275 million for the new Social Investment Agency headed up by Andrew Coster.  Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters laments the declining standards of Parliament and politicians.  Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson talk a new product from Fonterra, Mike's endless golf stories, and whether Mike's a bully or not 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.

The America’s Cup is headed to Italy for the first time.   After a successful campaign in Barcelona in 2024, Emirates Team New Zealand will again defend the Auld Mug in European waters, with Naples to host the next edition, which will also include the return of the Youth and Women’s America’s Cups.  Exact dates for the regatta are still to be determined, however, the next edition will be held in 2027 during the New Zealand autumn and winter – the northern hemisphere spring and summer.  AUT Sailing Professor Mark Orams told Mike Hosking Naples will be a wonderful location for the next Cup – it's a great city and sailing venue.   He says the announcement of the venue gives teams that certainty, allowing them to look at if they can make it work.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters says behaviour in Parliament has become degrading.  It comes after a recommendation three Te Pati Māori MPs be suspended for their haka in the house, and Minister Brooke van Velden said the c-word.  Yesterday he launched a broadside on X against the actions taken in Parliament, saying the House of Representatives has become a House of Chaos.  The Deputy Prime Minister told Mike Hosking standards have slipped, and it's the Speaker's job to rein it in.  He says the rot started under former Speaker Trevor Mallard, when he loosened dress standards.  “As Steven Maharey, the former MP and Minister from Palmerston North said, once you let down dress and other standards, everything else will be let down as well and to be debased – and that’s exactly what’s happened.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Social Investment Fund CEO says their new approach will help address New Zealand's social issues.  It's receiving $190 million in this year's budget, aiming to invest in social services early to prevent future harm and save costs.  The first three initiatives to benefit will be Autism New Zealand, Emerge Aotearoa —which works with young offenders— and an iwi wraparound service provider.   CEO Andrew Coster told Mike Hosking the fund has a long-term and wider focus.  He says its portfolio neutral and will focus on creating change in families where it needs to occur, instead of dealing with the day-to-day symptoms of problems.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First, a small update on what I said yesterday on pay equity.  My gut says it won't damage the Government.  Don’t get me wrong – if I was the opposition I would be prosecuting this as hard as I could, the way they are, because they have a genuine issue and ongoing issue, at least until the Budget, that they quite rightly believe is there for the taking in terms of points, headlines, and moral high ground.  I don’t think that ultimately is true. But I fully get they think it is.  The tide turned yesterday though in Question Time. Not because Brooke van Velden dropped the c-word.  Watching it live, it was quite the moment. Question Time has become dour, there is limited talent on display, and the Speaker is cantankerous and ruins the fun.  But yesterday was alive with frisson. Brooke van Veldon's mic drop moment was pointing out that Jan Tinetti, the questioner, a former Woman's minister, a woman who railed against misogyny, was using misogyny by quoting a misogynistic article, authored by a woman to make her point.  That led to applause and rightly so.  It further exposed the Labour Party, and in fact most of the opposition benches, as frauds who are arguing the pay equity issue using bogus material and fake facts.  The more this is debated the more hope you have that a wider grouping of us will tune in and get into the detail, because it is in the detail the truth lies. The equity laws, or rules, were a shambles and being milked by unions.  But the tide turned because there seems genuine anger within the Government over what Andrea Vance was allowed to do.  When I say allowed, I assume she is edited and therefore cleared.  The odd thing for me is I struggle to get upset at being attacked.  Being a public figure, you are open for this sort of stuff, and I have received more than most. It's water off a duck's back, especially from an angsty journalist.  But van Veldon, Collins and, as Vance calls them, the "hype squad" seem genuinely outraged and it is that outrage that turned, or at least will turn, the dial.  If they argue on fact, and the other side argue on emotion using lies, bogus material, and foul language, they will eventually lose.  Hence the dent so many thought was coming for the Government will never arrive. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major milestone for one of our most iconic tourist attractions.  The Skyline Luge has surpassed 100 million rides across its eight tracks around the world – including the ones in Queenstown and Rotorua.  The company is also looking to continue their expansion around the world, with a brand new gondola and luge set to open in Swansea, Wales.   Director of Skyline Enterprises, Grant Hensman told Mike Hosking one of the successes of the luge is the repeat business.  He says they have people who have been coming back for the full 40 years they’ve been operating in Rotorua – started as kids and are now bringing their own kids.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine and Russia are set for the first direct talks since the war began.  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is personally attending the talks in the coming hours in Turkey.  The Kremlin's sending a delegation, and has confirmed it will not include Russian President Vladimir Putin, instead being led by Vladimir Medinsky.  Former Australian Major General Mick Ryan told Mike Hosking Ukraine is likely to remain pretty pragmatic in negotiating a ceasefire.  He says a war termination agreement may see them accept that Russia is temporarily occupying Ukrainian territory, but they’ve been clear they won’t accept that they’re parts of Russia.   Ryan says while they want peace, they’ve made it clear they won’t accept peace at any price.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 15th of May, Privileges Committee Chair Judith Collins is on to discuss the punishment suggested for the three Te Pati Māori MPs.  Will the meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin in Turkey happen? Former Australian Major General Mick Ryan gives his thoughts on how it will go, if Putin will turn up, and how much of a role the US plays.  Auckland FC owner Bill Foley is on to talk A-league ahead of the semifinals this weekend - and if his Vegas Golden Knights can turn around a 3-1 deficit in the NHL playoffs.  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 FC owner Bill Foley's revelling in his side's inaugural A-League football season success.  The Black Knights won the Premier's Plate for finishing top of the regular standings.  They begin their two-leg semi-final with Melbourne Victory away on Saturday, before the home fixture on May 24.  Foley told Mike Hosking the business model he's used at Bournemouth in the Premier League, and the Golden Knights in hockey's NHL has worked again.  “We knew we were going to have a very competitive team, and we overachieved.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Net migration is expected to stay low, with global affairs keeping many people where they are.   Stats NZ data shows there was a net migration gain of only 26 thousand in the year to March, down from more than 100 thousand the year before.  It says the fall is mainly due to fewer migrant couples arriving, with a slight increase in departures.   Massey University Sociologist Paul Spoonley told Mike Hosking a big question mark hovers around the migration figures.  He says he’s unsure whether the numbers will keep, or if it’s going to keep dropping and New Zealand will see something similar to the net loss seen during the global financial crisis.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The presidents of Russia and the US are both down as “maybes” for attending the peace talk with Ukraine, due to start later today.  Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy is personally attending the talks in Turkey and the Kremlin's sending a delegation – it remains unclear whether it'll include Vladimir Putin.  Donald Trump says he might turn up if the circumstances are right.   Former Foreign Minister Sir Don McKinnon told Mike Hosking Trump's involvement in the talks could be a bad thing.  He says he'd be prepared to give too much away, which undermines what liberal democracies like New Zealand believe in.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doubts over the PSA's arguments on work from home policies.  The union's heading to the Employment Relations Authority after mediation didn't resolve differences with the Government on the issue.  The PSA claims a move to get more workers in the office will have a big impact on women.  Employment Law specialist Jennifer Mills told Mike Hosking she doubts the authority will side with the PSA.  She doesn't believe there's an argument that any changes are indirect discrimination.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judith Collins calls for “civility” in Parliament after suspending three MPs and attacks on female MPs. Collins praised Act MP Brooke van Velden for standing up for herself after using the c-word. Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi face 21-day suspensions without pay. Parliament Privileges Committee chair Judith Collins is calling for “civility” in the House after the decision to suspend three MPs without pay and attacks on female MPs. Collins said she was proud of Act MP Brooke van Velden for “standing up for herself” yesterday when she stirred major controversy by using the c-word in the House while attacking Labour for not condemning a column that used the word “c***” against female ministers. Yesterday, her committee’s decision was handed down to three Te Pāti Māori MPs after last year’s controversial haka. The committee recommended 21-day suspensions for co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi, saying they should be “severely censured”. Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer face a heavy censure. It also recommended a seven-day suspension for MP Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke. Collins told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking this morning the suspension also meant the MPs would go without pay during this time. She confirmed the suspension would be carried out consecutively. Collins said the committee had been “collegial” through the six-month-long process and only butted heads in the end when it came to handing down the penalties. “Even [the Green Party and the Labour Party] are differing from each other. “It’s a very severe penalty compared to what has been awarded in the past, it’s not only a suspension from the House, it’s a suspension of salary. “But then, we haven’t seen that level of behaviour before.” She said the committee’s decision would be tabled today before it was voted for on Tuesday. She said she expected it to pass. On Brooke van Velden’s use of the c-bomb in the House yesterday, Collins said she was proud of the Act MP for standing up for herself and the other women in the House being attacked. “I would say to Brooke, that I wouldn’t have used the word myself but I did feel that she did stand up for herself and all the rest of us and I am waiting for someone of the left persuasion… one MP, just one, to come out and say it’s not okay to attack someone just because you are not okay with what they do." She called reading the language in the column, which was written by Andrea Vance and published in the Sunday Star-Times, one of the “lowest points” in Parliament she has seen in her 23 years of service. “That and what happened on the 14th of November in Parliament. “It’s just the sort of behaviour towards each other that is despicable.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The newly elected pope's preparing to deliver his inaugural mass this Sunday.  A number of world leaders are expected to attend, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US Vice President JD Vance.  Newstalk ZB's Jo McKenna is in Italy and told Mike Hosking Pope Leo has been very active in his first week of his papacy.  She says he's made a number of unscheduled visits around Rome, repeating his message of world peace.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here is another example of the way the pay equity game is played by the media.  If you choose not to call a minister the c-word, you run a headline like this - "Ministers set to take big pay rises right after wiping 33 pay equity claims".  That’s the headline in Newsroom. It is dishonest in its inference.  It's emotive and it misrepresents what is happening. In that is the Government's battle to try and convince the casual observer there is merit in what they have done in changing the law.  First, a minister's pay and an equity claim are two completely different things.  Second, a minister's pay is not equity based because a woman minister gets what a male minister gets. Always has, always will.  Making it slightly more complicated, is a minister's pay is not merit based. They all get the same no matter how hard they work, how many portfolios they have and how good they are, or aren't.  Third, although the 33 equity claims were wiped, it doesn’t mean they were stopped from going ahead under new rules. It doesn't mean they won't succeed under new rules. We have yet to see how that unfolds.  Fourth, and part of the reason for the rule change, is a lot of the claims were not equity claims. They were bargaining, masquerading as equity from unions.  Fifth, the fact a minister gets a pay rise is not of a minister's doing. It's an independent body, over which a minister has no control.  Like an equity claim, the body looks at similar work to a minister's and makes a call based on those numbers. The irony is, who can you compare to a minister? You can't of course. A Prime Minister is also unique, so it’s a muddle. It's a system that is okay, only because we can't think of another one.  But at no point is it about equity.  The emotion of the debate overtook the rationale of the debate the moment Brooke van Velden made the announcement and it’s gone downhill ever since.  Sixth, the headline uses the word "claim". In ministerial pay there is no claim, just an occasional decision, independently reached.  So overall in terms of discourse around a detailed, if not complex, issue, apples and apples is what you might hope for, not immaturity and muddied waters.  Which is what we've got. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sussan Ley has become the first woman to lead Australia's Liberal Party.    She's been deputy for three years and has been appointed leader in a tight ballot, edging out Treasury spokesperson Angus Taylor.   It comes after former leader Peter Dutton lost his seat in the recent election.   Australia Correspondent Steve Price told Mike Hosking Ley's switched on, as a qualified commercial airline pilot.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 14th of May, Finance Minister Nicola Willis is on after announcing the first Super Fund withdrawal will come years earlier than expected.  The Government is planning on investing $140 million into improving school attendance – Associate Education Minister David Seymour elaborates.   Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell discuss Jevon McSkimming, missing the new 500 police targets, and pay equity 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.

Netball officials are at the whim of the Commonwealth Games scheduling as they explore player eligibility options.  Pressure is mounting on the New Zealand governing body to allow overseas-based athletes to feature for the Silver Ferns.  The players' association has suggested moving the domestic tournament before or after the Australian competition, so their members can compete in both.  Netball New Zealand boss Jennie Wyllie told Mike Hosking they don’t control the Commonwealth Games, and it becomes difficult from a broadcast and commercial perspective when it keeps moving.  She says that ideally, they’d have some certainty, and the Games would sit outside of the window, but they’re at the whim of how the Federations plan it.  Wyllie's open to shifting the local competition from 2027.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A planned $3 billion inland port in Otago hopes to support soaring freight volumes in the region.  Construction of the Milburn Quadrant, north of Milton, is expected to start within two years.  It comes as forecasts predict freight volumes from Central and South Otago are expected to grow 30-40% over the next decade.   Project Developer Mark Johnston told Mike Hosking the development will include a 55-hectare inland port, offering freight storage and connected to the South Island’s main trunk rail line.  He says it will be similar to Hamilton's Ruakura inland port and offer land for other industrial development.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's conceded it'll likely miss its November target for 500 new police.  Under the National-NZ First coalition agreement, it aimed to reach the recruitment target within its first two years in office.  Police bosses say they've been facing challenges, with more trainees failing training and more people leaving the force.  Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking they're not going to get hung up on the target.  He says they're going to deliver the 500, but standards matter, and they won't compromise.  Labour’s Ginny Andersen told Mike Hosking that the closer they can get to what they promised the better, but they’re currently only sitting at 17 extra officers from when they started.  She says getting to 500 by November is virtually impossible. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fears social media is exposing more young people to drug use.  The latest Drug Trends Survey reveals apps like Facebook and Snapchat are used to arrange sales, and drugs are also marketed on gaming apps.  It finds there's been an overall rise in the use of social media purchasing for all drug types, particularly cannabis and MDMA.   SHORE and Whariki Research Centre Professor Chris Wilkins told Mike Hosking the market's moved online.   He says there's an algorithm phishing for engagement, which means there's a cross section of young people who are exposed.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A significant funding boost for attendance services across the country.  The Government's investing $140 million into improving school attendance over the next four years, in Budget 2025.  It includes $123 million on a new attendance service, with more data monitoring than currently exists.  Associate Education Minister David Seymour told Mike Hosking a lot of the funding will go towards more people in these roles.  He says about 80 regions will have a single attendance service that schools can call on.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warehouse is pushing for potential 'right to repair' legislation to hold overseas manufacturers accountable.  The retailer's among companies taking part in the select committee process for the Right to Repair Amendment Bill.  It aims to reduce waste, create a repair workforce, and cut costs for consumers.  Warehouse Group Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing GM Phil Cumming told Mike Hosking the Commerce Commission isn't doing enough when overseas products don't meet expectations.  He says consumers are often turning to retailers instead of manufacturers, which is why clearer, stronger rules are needed.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis says changes to KiwiSaver will be revealed at next week’s Budget. The NZ Super Fund will cover only 20% of future Superannuation costs, with withdrawals starting in 2028. The fund will continue growing despite withdrawals, but Superannuation costs are expected to reach $29 billion annually. There will be changes to KiwiSaver announced at next week’s Budget, with the Super Fund only expected to cover – at best – 20% of the cost of Superannuation in the future, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Willis wouldn’t say what the changes would be, but they would be “positive”, she told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking Breakfast this morning. The minister has previously not ruled out changes – including means-testing – to the $521 given to KiwiSaver members who contribute at least twice that amount each year. “[Changes will be positive] because I want to see people’s KiwiSaver balances grow. KiwiSaver has become particularly important for those saving to buy their first home – we had more than 40,000 people use KiwiSaver to do that in the past year," she told Hosking. “And it’s become an increasingly important supplement for people’s retirement income.” Willis announced yesterday that the Government was forecast to make its first withdrawal from the NZ Super Fund in 2028, five years earlier than forecast at last year’s Budget. Superannuation costs are expected to reach $29 billion a year in a few years, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Photo / 123rf The fund was set up in 2001 to subsidise the future cost of Superannuation, easing the burden on taxpayers. The date of the withdrawal – forecast to total $32m in 2028 – isn’t at the Government’s discretion and is written into the Fund’s governing legislation. The first withdrawal would be followed by some “bouncing around between withdrawals and contributions”, but from 2031 onwards, withdrawals were expected every year, Willis said yesterday. Despite withdrawals, the Super Fund won’t shrink in the short-term. It will continue growing for some time as withdrawals will be smaller than the overall growth in the fund, the Herald reported yesterday. Treasury’s forecasts, which were based on a complicated formula relating to how much is in the fund, GDP, taxpayer numbers and other factors, confirmed help was needed to pay for superannuation, Willis told Hosking this morning. “We’ve all talked for several years about at a certain point, the cost of superannuation will get very high, and then we’ll need the Super Fund to help. We’re now at that point.” Asked how much of the cost of superannuation the fund would cover “in its golden moments”, Willis told Hosking: “In its golden moments it’s only going to be about 20% of the total cost”. “There’s no getting away from the fact that superannuation is very expensive … just in the next few years, it’s going to leap up to $29 billion a year, because there are a lot of people over the age of 65 and superannuation is pegged to the after-tax average wage, so that number keeps going up. “That’s the commitment that we have as a country, is to fund that entitlement, and we then need to pay for it. And there are fewer taxpayers, of course, in the future to help pay for it.” -Cherie Howie  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The social media ban is like the pay equity debate.  It's not hard to drum up a lot of emotion and it's not hard to find people who would argue passionately for it.  So in this sense, perhaps unlike the pay equity debate, the Government is on the right side of this.  For the record, my gut says the pay equity debate is somewhat of a risk, but is more beltway and union-based than many think, and won't ultimately damage the Government.  The social media ban won't damage them either, even though it won't work, which it won't.  It's not like a school phone ban. A phone ban is black and white. You either have no phones in class, or not.  That has been successful because the Government played the bad guy allowing schools to do what schools should have done all along.  The social media ban is designed to help parents be the bad guys, backed by the Government.  We are looking to Australia for guidance.  In Australia they are exempting YouTube, they are exempting Telegram, they are exempting gaming, and as part of that, the game Roblox. There are confirmed reports of paedophile rings using Roblox.  So the Government are now the arbiters of what's good, what's bad, what's right and what's wrong.  Libertarians will be having a field day. No wonder Act are not on board.  Act also, according to their leader who was listening to the Prime Minister on this show, have not moved their position on backing the idea. Because they don’t.  So the moment you go down the “Meta is bad, but YouTube is fine” pathway, that's lawyers, or possibly threats of lawyers, or possibly the pulling of a service from a country.  The Government was also looking at big tech paying our local media for content they take and make money off. We were following Australia on that too.  What happened to that? Trump did, and tariffs, and threats of services being pulled. Has any of it come to pass? No, it has not.  Will this come to pass? No, it will not. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spark’s weighing in on the topic of kids on social media.   The telco is launching the country’s first mobile plan for kids, aiming to help parents ease them into the digital world.  The plan will allow parents to control usage and data, and limit users to low-data apps such as bus apps and find my phone.  Spark Corporate Relations and Sustainability Director Leela Ashford told Mike Hosking parents are trying to balance the benefits of giving their kids a phone, such as connectivity, but aren’t wanting to open the internet floodgates all at once.  She says the plan is suited to low levels of data use, and isn’t designed to let kids off the tether to do whatever they want.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 13th of May, Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming has resigned after being on suspension for months amid “very serious” allegations. Former Police Minister Stuart Nash details his dealings with him.  Kiwi golfer Ryan Fox joins for a quick chat whilst en route to the PGA Championship that he just qualified for by winning his first PGA tour event.  Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully discusses the aviation industry and what it’s like for a player truing to become the low-cost operator.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A maiden PGA Tour win for golfer Ryan Fox at the Myrtle Beach Classic has guaranteed him long-term security.  His US PGA Tour win at the Myrtle Beach Classic in South Carolina yesterday has gained him entry into this week's PGA Championship at Quail Hollow in North Carolina, the year's second major.  The spoils also include a two-year tour exemption and $1.2 million dollars.  Fox told Mike Hosking it means a lot to get that first win on the PGA Tour.  He says having job security on the tour is big – they don’t get a lot of that in this game.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More people could be set to fly Jetstar due to ongoing angst around aviation prices.  This comes following a Commerce Commission complaint from a man who was stunned by the cost of an Air New Zealand direct flight to Wellington.  The airline defended its prices, saying their fares reflected the 'true cost of flying'.  Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully told Mike Hosking travel remains important to people, and they play an important role.   She says most people are feeling a cost of living pressure, and that's where Jetstar becomes a good choice.  It’s also seen an uptick in reliability.   Tully says that based on their operational performance report, they were more reliable than Air New Zealand in March. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A proposal to give iwi first right of refusal on surplus council property sales in Horowhenua is being labelled unfair and divisive.  The policy amendment —brought by a group of councillors— would effectively see iwi offered council property at market value before it's listed publicly.  Horowhenua district councillor Sam Jennings told Mike Hosking he's against it and doesn't like that it's been kept behind closed doors until now.  He doesn't like the idea of inserting privilege into council policy.  The proposal will be voted on tomorrow.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Principals' Federation is unsure where specialist teachers in maths will come from as schools grapple with staff shortages.  The Government's injecting $100 million into maths education over four years, as part of Budget 2025.  More than half the money will go into 143 new full-time maths intervention teachers.    President Leanne Otene told Mike Hosking we don't have enough teachers as it is.  She says to take that number out of the school system and get them to deliver this programme won't solve the problem in the long run.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is yet to confirm if he'll attend direct talks with Ukraine this week.  It comes after western allies in the 'Coalition of the Willing' offered a US backed 30-day cease-fire proposal to Russia, alongside the threat of sanctions.   Ukraine President Zelenskyy's asking for a ceasefire before they begin talks but is willing to meet in Turkey on Thursday.  Europe Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking Putin requested the meeting, without preconditions.   She says he may not even attend and instead could send his Foreign Minister.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Police Minister says watching porn on a work computer is a pretty dumb thing to do.  Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming had been suspended on full-pay since December.   He was under a criminal investigation by police on unrelated different allegations, the nature of which can't be reported.   Our newsroom understands while investigating the original complaint, detectives allegedly discovered porn on one of his electronic work devices.  Stuart Nash told Mike Hosking he struggles to understand McSkimming doing this.  He says every bloke knows there are ways to watch porn without watching on your work computer.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Former Local Government Minister's not taking issue with the Auckland Mayor's new manifesto.  Wayne Brown has laid out his thoughts and a Beehive to-do list ahead of the 2025 Budget.    He scored the Government a B+, saying they're too distracted by mega-projects and press releases.  Simeon Brown told Mike Hosking Wayne Brown is just doing his job.  He says he's the mayor of our largest city and he's advocating for what he believes is needed, even if they don't agree.  The Government's refusing to budge on an Auckland bed tax.   Brown’s manifesto also includes calling for the government to reconsider an Auckland bed levy, adding a small fee on short term accommodation.  Brown told Hosking they don't want to lump Aucklanders with the tax.  He says in fact the council should be looking for efficiencies in its own budget instead of new taxes.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Am I right to inquire just what it is that Tama Potaka has been doing for a year and a half? How many times have you heard me ask the Prime Minister on a Monday, when is the Waitangi Tribunal decision being made? What is Potaka doing with this activist tribunal? Well, on Friday we got the answer. He is going to have a review. I thought that's what he was already doing. That’s why I thought we had been waiting so long. The impatience I was showing in asking the Prime Minister is not "when is he announcing a review"? It's, when is the Government snipping the wings of taxpayer-funded activists that have lived well past their use by date? The tribunal was set up 50 years ago to settle historic grievances. To a large extent, they have done that. The fact some remain outstanding is an indictment on the people who haven't settled and various Governments who have refused to put deadlines in place. But the majority of the intent of the tribunal is over. Having ticked that box, they saw a future in a lot more money and work offering increasingly radical views for anyone who was bored and angry and wanted to take a case, so they could get a judgement to beat the Government of the day over the head with. This current Government, perceived by the aggrieved as a particularly nasty lot, have kept the tribunal flat out filing complaints and receiving damning reports. None of it means anything because the tribunal has no real legal standing. None of this is complex. Yet Potaka has been sitting there doing Lord-knows-what, to finally muster up a press release on a Friday to tell us at long, long, long, last we'll get a couple of people to wander off for a few months and come back with an opinion the Government wants, so they can do what they should have done all along - call a halt to the circus. Once again we remind you - no small amount of the support that got this Government to power was predicated on the idea that enough was enough on the Maori overreach front. Delivery has been painfully slow. Potaka has been dragging the chain. Is it possible part of the reason this Government has failed to fire more, is simply because their talk was a lot more attractive than their action?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 12th of May, the Government are going back to crushing cars. Will they be more effective than Judith Collins and her three crushed cars in eight years? The Prime Minister is in studio to talk the Coalition of the Willing call over the weekend, the Waitangi Tribunal review and Act agreeing to disagree on guns. Andrew Saville and Jason Pine give their highlights of the sporting weekend and the future of the NZR after bringing in record revenue but still losing $20 million. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is in studio with Mike Hosking to discuss all the big issues of the week. The Government’s announced plans to work on restrictions banning social media use by those under 16. ACT isn't supporting the bill, but the Prime Minister says that could be changing. "They sort of started to shift their position a little bit on the weekend, which is good," he said. The Prime Minister discusses the war in Ukraine after talking with leaders on the issue recently. He says Russia started the war, and they can finish it. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon discusses all this and more with Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been revealed that New Zealand’s hidden economy costs us around $13 billion a year in unseen taxes. It comes out to around 11 percent of our GDP. Independent tax expert Geof Nightingale talks to Mike Hosking about our black market. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drivers who participate in street races will have their vehicles destroyed or forfeited in the majority of cases under new legislation announced by the Government today. On Sunday, Transport Minister Chris Bishop said the current penalties “aren’t strong enough to deter this appalling behaviour”. He said police reporting found the frequency of anti-social road events was increasing and “enough is enough”. Presumptive sentences are coming, meaning more power for the police to monitor and close areas like roads. Assistant Police Commissioner Mike Johnson talks to Mike Hosking about the crackdown. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday could be a big day for developments in the war in Ukraine. Vladimir Putin’s proposing direct talks between Russia and Ukraine on Thursday, as a counteroffer after being faced with an ultimatumof agreeing to a 30-day ceasefire today. Trump has told Ukraine to accept the proposal. Geopolitical Analyst Geoffrey Miller talks to Mike Hosking about the tense situation. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is rejecting an initial ceasefire deal with Ukraine, and instead proposing direct talks to start in Istanbul this week.  The leaders of Britain, France, Germany and Poland visited Ukraine over the weekend, setting tomorrow as a deadline for Russian to accept a 30 day ceasefire or face additional sanctions. The Trump Administration said it will impose additional sanctions on Russia if they don't comply.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold talks to Mike Hosking about the deal, the new royal jet for Washington and the latest on China-US trade talks.  LISTEN ABOVE.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says the Government is making work on restrictions to social media for New Zealanders under the age of 16 part of its official programme. It will sit with Education Minister Erica Stanford, whose portfolio will be expanded to allow her to commission advice and direct officials from a range of departments on reducing social media harm for those under 16. As it’s a Member’s Bill, it needs to be drawn from Parliament’s ballot before proceeding.  Education Minister Erica Stanford talks to Mike Hosking about the bill.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Developments are being made in the US and China trade talks.  A top Trump economic adviser says about two dozen trade deals are in the works with the country.  Talks took place in Switzerland over the weekend.  Greg Smith of Devon Funds Management talks to Mike Hosking about the negotiations, British Airways buying billions of dollars worth of planes and why BP's in the crosshairs of a takeover suiter.  LISTEN ABOVE. 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.    Anthony Albanese: 8/10  Better than anyone, and I suspect even he, expected.    Nigel Farage: 8/10  Better than anyone, and I suspect even he, expected.    Donald Trump: 6/10  Between the redecorating tips, the movie move, the GDP going backwards, Mark Carney, whatever the Middle East announcement is, the deals he wants to do, the deals he doesn’t want to do, his withdrawal of another nomination, defunding of public broadcasting, his outrage over the Emmy nod for the interview he's suing over, plane loads of illegal's to Syria, Lord knows how many court cases - and that’s just this week! Have you ever seen a more omnipresent international player?    Erica Stanford's email: 2/10  The biggest time-wasting nonsense of the week.    Adrian Orr's farewell: 4/10  The saddest thing you ever heard. $6,000 for water, juice and biscuits.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.