The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Two entrepreneurs are bringing Kiwi ingenuity to the world stage.  Dan Wallace and Anthony Clyde, co-founders of Velduro, have won gold at the 33rd Annual China International Bicycle Fair.  Their ‘super light carbon’ e-bike beat out 600 other bikes for the prize.  Wallace told Mike Hosking they entered the bike in February in the hope they would get some recognition and to put New Zealand on a bit of a stage.  He says they found out the day they arrived that they’d won an award – and he got to stand up on stage surrounded by some pretty big leaders in the industry.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the NZR press release yesterday, Chairman David Kirk and CEO Mark Robinson did their best to infer that life financially for the sport is sensational.  Despite the fact it isn't.  They lost money, almost $20 million. And they lost money the year before that as well.  Kirk ran the line that it was not a cash loss and that they had $170-ish million in reserves.  They also spruiked the fact that they were pulling in record revenue.  Now, I am a conservative when it comes to money. The fact they pulled in record revenue and still lost money is your real news, because if you can't make dough when you're raking it in, your model is broken.  Mark Robinson admitted as much by saying "there was further work needed to achieve a sustainable financial model".  This is no different to your household budget.  You had a pay rise, brought some good coin into the house, but you are still not getting ahead. Then you reassure yourself that although you got a pay rise, but spent it all and then some, don't worry – we still have the savings account.  The trouble for people like Kirk and Robinson is everyone is an expert. We all run rugby and, in a way, that is a good thing. We are not short of interested parties.  But what you can't argue with is the market rugby plays in. The global sports market is booming. The money out there for elite sport is eye-watering and NZR's revenue uptick indicates they might be seeing a bit of that.  But the simple truth is if you can't bank the buck in the golden years, you will be killed in the lean ones.  The experts who text me will tell you Robinson is a fool, women's rugby is a drain, and the provincial unions are run by people called Bruce who still drink handles of beer every Friday night with their shirt fronts hanging out.  But what all of that florid verbiage from the well-intentioned doesn’t address is the really big important question.  If you can't make money from your national game, either no sport can make money (which we know not to be true), or something is wrong with the way the national game is run.  If you're still in the red when it's raining money and your press releases have a desperation about them, someone needs to be held to account. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 9th of May, we got the white smoke, and the cardinals have elected Robert Prevost to become the next Pope. He's the first American Pope and will take on the name Leo XIV.  NZ Rugby have had their third full year financial loss in a row, despite record revenue. CEO Mark Robinson is on to explain whether the model, or something else, needs to change.  Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson play a fun new game that Mike invented and discuss the new radio station that launched today 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.

Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was.  New Zealand finally has a radio station that caters to Mike’s taste in music, with iHeartCountry NZ launching this morning.   Plus, Kate and Tim played a game of Mike’s invention for the chance to win a cash prize.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby has posted a $19.5 million loss for 2024.  Since NZR brought US fund manager Silver Lake on as an equity partner in June 2022, the national body has posted total accumulated losses of around $76 million over three years.  NZR is trumpeting record income of $285 million dollars against the loss.  CEO Mark Robinson told Mike Hosking that much of the deficit is as a result of investment, and putting all those aside, the deficit is just under $6 million over the last four years.   He says that they’re making choices to fund investment and growth for the future, and you can see some green shoots coming through.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand banks are being asked to pay up in the next few months.  Kiwibank, BNZ, Westpac, ANZ and ASB will need to repay around $9.2 billion in cheap Covid-era loans to the Reserve Bank.  Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Mike Hosking that they have variety of options they can use to repay the money.  He says the banks knew when taking out these loans they’d have to pay them back eventually.  Olsen told Hosking that if they’re not ready to pay them back, they probably don’t qualify to be called bankers at this point.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's scraped the bottom of the barrel to find more money for the upcoming Budget.  Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's promising an extra $400 million for maintaining and upgrading assets, on top of the already projected $3.6 billion.  He says he wants to prioritise growing the economy.  Infrastructure New Zealand Policy Director Michelle McCormick told Mike Hosking things are looking up after the investment summit earlier this year.  She says things are happening in the background, including creating a more positive investment environment.  McCormick says that while it's breadcrumbs, it's positive news.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new Pope's experience around the globe has hoisted him above front-runners for the papacy.   69-year-old Robert Prevost, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV, is the first Pope to come from the United States.   While he was born in Chicago, he's also a naturalised Peruvian having lived there for about 20 years, and speaks English, Spanish, and Italian.  Newstalk ZB's Jo McKenna is at the Vatican and told Mike Hosking his history in Peru would've drawn support from South American cardinals.  She says he’s strongly pushing messages of connection, talking in his speech about peace and maintaining the message of Pope Francis of reaching out to all corners of the earth and creating an inclusive church.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's planning to increase ventilation requirements in new homes to address overheating in townhouses.  RNZ reports Auckland homeowners have complained of 30-degree temperatures overnight due to poorly ventilated buildings.  Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says changes are needed so people don't get cooked alive in their own house.  Property developer and investor David Whitburn told Mike Hosking the problem's driven by cost and design.  He says the building code has changed for insulation standards, while ventilation rules have stayed the same.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's tariffs continue to loom over the film industry.  The New Zealand Film Commission is embarking on an international trade mission of its own.  The team is headed to India, the UK, and France to look for new investment partnerships and international productions.  Chief Executive Annie Murray told Mike Hosking co-production is on the rise, despite the tariffs.  He says there's a lot of business happening and they're looking ahead to Cannes, where they'll conduct more meetings to grow the industry.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Red meat exports are setting records.  The country's March export sales were $1.26 billion - a new high.  China's beef demand dropped 35% by volume and value compared to last March, due to their growing imports from South America.  Fed Farmers President Wayne Langford told Mike Hosking there's still room to expand.  He says there's work to do for farming marketing and trade teams to get deals across the line with Chinese red meat importers.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An organised crime expert believes New Zealand's failure to curb criminal activity isn't due to a lack of trying.   A ministerial advisory group has released its second report criticising our response to modern crime and money laundering.   It shows the cash and assets seized by police is just 4.2% of the $1.6 billion in criminal profits each year.   Group Chair and top lawyer Steve Symon told Mike Hosking Police are doing an excellent job addressing the problem and just need more tools.   He says the number of seizures is fine by international standards, but not enough to properly disrupt operations.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 8th of May, our unemployment numbers look to have peaked, and we have the latest report from the advisory group for organised crime.  Would you be happy if Mark Lundy moved into your neighbourhood? Should we know where a high-profile prisoner is reintegrating back into society?  Outgoing Air NZ CEO Greg Foran gives his first in-depth interview since announcing his resignation.  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.

Greg Foran knew his time with Air New Zealand was limited from the get go.  The outgoing CEO announced his resignation in March, planning to stay on until October.   He began at Air NZ in early 2020, replacing Christopher Luxon.  Foran told Mike Hosking he knew in the back of his mind he’d probably only do about five or six years with the company, as he has other things he’s keen to do.  He says it’s been one of the peak learning experiences he’s had, and he’s a far better leader today than he was before he took the job.  He also weighed in on the country's tourism numbers. He's been in Rotorua this week for the national tourism industry summit, TRENZ.   Foran told Hosking overseas visitor arrivals last year were only 87% of pre-Covid levels in 2019.   He believes by this time next year, numbers will be back over 100% compared to pre-Covid.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A $1.4 billion upgrade could be on the way for Transpower's Cook Strait electricity cable.   The 610 kilometre link is a transmission system connecting the North and South islands, installed in 1991.  The existing cables are likely to reach their end of life in the late 2030s.   Energy Resources Aotearoa CEO John Carnegie told Mike Hosking the Commerce Commission will need to review that.  He says they’ll need to ensure the numbers are robust and the programme executable.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black smoke has billowed from Rome's Sistine Chapel, signalling a new pope's failed to be elected.  The 133 cardinals will now reconvene tomorrow to choose a successor to Pope Francis.  Jo McKenna, who's in St Peters' Square, told Mike Hosking they went up until about 9pm local time.  She says many of the cardinals are elderly and have to come back in the morning.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's expected twice-convicted double-murderer Mark Lundy will be slipped back into the community.  He's been released from prison after more than 23 years for the murders of his wife Christine and 7-year-old daughter, Amber, in their Palmerston North home.  The now 66-year-old has always maintained his innocence  Criminal lawyer Steve Cullen told Mike Hosking where parolees are released is never made public.  He says there'd be a risk of vigilante groups or media throngs if it was.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister admits many Kiwis aren't getting as much work as they'd like to be.  Unemployment has remained unchanged at 5.1% in the March quarter, despite most economists predicting a rise.  However, 21% of employed people are now working part time.  Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking the ongoing rise in the under-utilisation rate is a concern.  She says it's clear that some people are going into part time work rather than full time work, and aren't working as many hours as they'd like to be.  Willis says she'd like to see those numbers improving.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kristine Bartlett was, to many, a hero.  She was a very likeable woman. She was a caregiver who argued her work was undervalued and she deserved more.  The Labour Party who love “feels” and are not exactly unfamiliar with the unions leapt all over it and the Equal Pay Act 2022 was born.  The downside was how to compare this so-called "underpaid work" like in nursing homes, where women dominate and a comparable profession dominated by men.  They decided at the time comparing mechanics to rest home workers made sense, even though it didn’t, and doesn’t.  That's why Brooke van Velden has announced pay equity is going to be, quite rightly, tipped up and sorted out.  Now, whether you can sort it out sensibly is your next issue.  Under current law the job must be performed by at least 60% of the same sex. That will rise to 70%.  On grounds that lead you to believe that the work is historically and currently undervalued you will need evidence, and they are looking at comparators. That's your apples and oranges, or rest home workers and mechanics.  The trouble with the Bartlett issue was twofold.  1) Part of the argument was if you paid people more you would recruit more easily. Turns out that’s wrong as after huge pay rises rest home gaps are still a disaster  2) The bill to reach this so-called equity was $2b. That's a lot of money then and a lot of money now.  I wish van Velden well. But the simple truth is the moment you try to engineer something, you tend to strike trouble.  Work is worth what work is worth, no matter who does it.  Some work pays more than other work. It's based on demand, or skills, or sales and revenue, or scarcity, or demand, or a combination of them.  Given no one makes anyone work in any given area, you strike extraordinary complexity in trying to gerrymander it.  It also singles out just one element of work —money— as being the sole reason for work. Which it isn't.  What we have doesn’t work, hasn’t solved anything and was done for poor reasons.  So reform is good. But reform to what is a bigger trick than they may realise. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

135 cardinals from around the world will take their picks on who the new pope should be.   They'll be locked in Rome's Sistine Chapel from tomorrow to decide who will replace Pope Francis.    There's no timescale for how long it'll take, but the last two papal elections lasted for two days.  Australian Catholic Journalist Mark O’Connor told Mike Hosking the cardinals know what they're looking for.  He thinks the cardinals want to have someone with charisma, who can connect with ordinary people.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's acceptance banning social media for under 16s may be easier said than done.   National has put forward a members’ bill to prevent under 16 year olds having social media accounts, with large corporations being responsible for technically regulating age verification.   The author, Tukituki MP Catherine Wedd told Mike Hosking she knows anyone can use a fake age to set up a social media account, but if companies fail to manage it, they'll face significant penalties  She says it's not going to be perfect, but this is a direction from the government that we need to do more to protect kids from online harm.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 7th of May, Brooke van Velden talks improving the pay equity process and why it isn't, apparently, all about the Budget.  And we've got a National bill that wants to ban social media for under 16s. Possible or not?  Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen talk pay equity and the feasibility of the social media ban – and can we get through a whole segment without Mark putting himself on mute?  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.

MPs across the political spectrum are fired up over the latest proposal to overhaul —under urgency— rules around pay equity.   The proposed law, which would lift the threshold of pay equity claims of gender-discrimination, is expected to have its third reading this morning.   Labour's Ginny Andersen told Mike Hosking the Government was boasting about savings.    She says the women in these jobs need to know their wages have been undercut to pay for the Government’s budget.  Mark Mitchell says it's not that simple.  He says taxpayers are the ones funding the pay equity system, and so they need to ensure it’s sustainable.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An observation the recession hasn't been felt evenly.  Stats NZ data out this morning could show unemployment has hit its highest point since 2016 during the March quarter – reaching around 5.2%.  ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner told Mike Hosking she expects it will have bigger impacts on different age groups and communities.  She says young people as well as Māori and Pacific communities have always been on a bigger rollercoaster when it comes to the labour market.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US President and Canadian Prime Minister have had some tough conversations today.   Donald Trump and Mark Carney met at the White House and vowed to bring up tough points that are dividing their countries since Trump won office.  On Trump's desire to make Canada America's 51st state, Carney stated the country is not for sale.   US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking Donald Trump says the countries have a good relationship, and love each other.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The more vape stores near schools, the more young people vape.   Fresh research from Auckland University shows almost half of schools across New Zealand are within a ten minute walk from a vape store  The government passed a law in 2023 banning specialist vape shops from opening within 300 metres of schools, but the laws didn't apply to hundreds of existing suppliers.  Study lead Ronan Payinda told Mike Hosking that walking past vape shops on the way to school increases the risk of vaping for those who have never done it before.  He says he's concerned this introduces a new generation to addictions that may last a lifetime.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says its new tough rules for pay equity claims will result in major taxpayer savings.   The proposed law, which would lift the threshold of pay equity claims of gender-discrimination, is expected to have its third reading this morning.   It's caused an uproar, with many women and union groups opposed to the idea.   Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden told Mike Hosking she can't yet disclose the exact financial impact.   However she says the Crown will save billions of dollars, if passed.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I always find it amusing when officialdom is confused, and they seem confused, as to why so many of our brightest minds have bailed and gone off overseas.  This is the group of top achievers at NCEA level and the ones with international qualifications.  More of them than ever have left the country. Officialdom here doesn’t know if they are enrolled offshore or, and here is the critical point, why they left.  Fortunately, I can help. Well, at least a bit.  We had one leave the country to go off and study. We have a niece currently studying offshore and we also have a nephew who left, studied and graduated last year.  They were, or are, all bright and all got top marks, and here is officialdom's answer: all wanted to get the hell out of here.  Studying at an overseas university has become a “thing”.  In one way it is no different to the vast swathes of other New Zealanders who set records exiting in the past few years.  In simple terms, the brighter you are the more prospects you have. Part of your brain power and academic success will have led you to the realisation that there is a big world out there with a lot of opportunities and you want a slice of this action.  Anecdotally, as regards higher study post-secondary school, I can tell you the amount of Māori indoctrination at high school these days is not just absurd, but counter productive.  I know it isn't PC to say so and I know it's not scientifically fact-based. But I know what kids tell me and even in this current generation, which is far more willing and open to this type of bilingual Māori-based approach to learning, by the time you have had five years of it, you are done.  What they failed to grip when they went hell for leather, and this applies to broader life in New Zealand ranging from Māori names of Government departments to news greetings on the TV at night, is if you over-egg it, you get push back, which is where we are right now.  But I think there also must be some acceptance that as a small, insular country at the bottom of the world, when times are tough the world remains shiny and brains gets you access.  I would have once said that most come home.  But I look at our wider family and I'm not sure that’s actually true anymore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's recent election has sparked talks of the 'Trump effect' coming into play.  Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Labor Party's had a landslide win, securing a historic second term.   It's widely thought Trump's volatility influenced the outcome.   Global Political Expert Nick Bryant told Mike Hosking it's become more apparent the country wanted to elect an authentically Australian Prime Minister, with the landslide win's a rejection of Americanisation.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 6th of May, free trade negotiations are officially underway in India, and our film industry could be left reeling after Trump announced 100% tariffs on foreign films.  Sir John Key is on to talk business growth in New Zealand, as well as everything else Mike throws at him.  Nick Bryant is an expert in global politics and is on to talk to us about the recent elections around the world and Trumpism.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s livestock numbers are on the decline.   Latest figures from Stats NZ show a 21% drop in sheep numbers over the past 10 years – a total decline of 6.2 million sheep since 2014.   The number of dairy cattle also fell 13% over the same period, coinciding with the increase in land being converted for forestry.  Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard told Mike Hosking he believes the costs around RMA and other rules and regulations are partially responsible.  He says one farmer he visited gave up and converted entirely to forestry as dealing with the wetland rules and requirements were too hard and costly.   Hoggard hopes the work they’re doing around RMA will allow farmers to make smart decisions on their farms as opposed to giving up and planting trees.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir John Key does not believe US President Donald Trump intends to keep tariffs on most of the world.   The former Prime Minister is speaking at the Ignite 25 Growth Summit business event in Auckland today.   Key, who's supported Trump in the past, says the President is only focused on China in his new trade policies.   He told Mike Hosking the stock, bond, and currency markets are not convinced that Trump is going to leave them where they are.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tourism organisations from across the North Island are working to put a spotlight on it.   Fifteen operators have teamed up and signed a Memorandum of Understanding.  It aims to generate interest from key tourism markets particularly Australia, North America, and China.  Auckland Unlimited Destination Director Annie Dundas told Mike Hosking both islands have different offerings, so tourism shouldn't be merged as one.  She says they're getting back to just being the North, and are acknowledging how well the South Island has done.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The film industry is being asked not to push the panic button.  There's a lot of uncertainty after US President Donald Trump's announcement of a 100% tariff on films produced outside the US.  In a post on Truth Social, he says the US film industry is ‘dying a very fast death’ as countries offer incentives to lure filmmaking away from Hollywood.  Screen Production and Development Association President Irene Gardiner told Mike Hosking his terminology is quite confusing.  She says she doesn't know how Trump will be able to do what he's talking about, but that might become clearer in the next few days.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The state of foreign affairs across the globe could play into New Zealand's hands as it enters free trade negotiations.   A Government delegation has landed in the Indian capital to begin the process of securing an FTA.   Former Trade Minister Tim Groser told Mike Hosking he's never loved our chances, but the odds have changed.   He says the landscape has changed because of Donald Trump's approach to trade - which could make a deal easier to pull off.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is live in studio with Mike Hosking to talk the big issues of the week.  Luxon has confirmed the plan to commit $12 billion to defence, backing the decision for five marine helicopters.  He says the defence plan will make New Zealand well connected to global partners.  The Prime Ministers disagreeing with his soon-to-be Deputy Prime Minister, saying he doesn't think New Zealand has too many ministers.  "It's not about the number of ministers, it's actually about the size of the ministries that are supporting those ministers and more importantly, the effectiveness of them."  Luxon has spoke with re-elected Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after a hugely successful win for the Labor Party on Saturday. He says despite differing views, the two have a 'great friendship.'  LISTEN ABOVE OR WATCH BELOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I was very sad to hear of the passing of Bob Jones - Sir Robert Jones. The last contact I had with him was last year when he sent me a copy of his latest book. They always came with a personal note. When I say personal, it was a letter that he would have dictated and had typed up and then signed himself. He was from a different era of sorts. I never received an email from him, only letters. The last time I dealt with him in person was in his office in Wellington overlooking the harbour. That too was from an “era”  - beautifully set up, but in a time-and-place kind of way. It was a lot of panelling, a lot of staff, his office was large and on a corner, and he smoked. That became a thing in the Helen Clark days when she was busy making rules around smoking in doors. Bob was having none of it because in his office he was the boss, if not the king. So last time I was in his office we had wine and sat amongst the swirling tobacco smoke coming out of his pipe. The art work was worth the trip alone. He had fantastic taste and a fantastic collection. He also had one of the best brains you will ever encounter. What was often lost by many in the barrage of cantankerous verbiage was the amount of knowledge and wisdom he had gleaned from a lifetime of reading and travel. There wasn’t a place he hadn't been. He had more stories than you ever had time to hear, or he had time to tell. I noted a small irony on Friday night when I watched TV1 and their coverage. They made much of the Rod Vaughn helicopter encounter, the irony being no one these days hires a chopper to go looking for a fisherman. And Three reflected the modern malaise as his passing was the second story behind the weather, even though the weather was the day before's news. It showed a lack of understanding of who Jones was and what he contributed to the country. That’s the problem with modern newsrooms - the institutional knowledge had left the building. From business, to politics, to public discourse, Jones was an invaluable addition to the national psyche. Unafraid, bold, brilliant with the language and fantastically funny because he was fantastically irreverent, even when irreverence was wildly more tolerated than it is these days. It was a great life. And he was a great man.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony Albanese's lead the Australian Labor Party to a back-to-back run in Government.  Peter Dutton has lost his seat as well as losing the election, making him the first federal opposition leader to do so.  Australian Correspondent Steve Price talks all things election with Mike Hosking.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 5th of May, we're spending $2b on helicopters for the defence force. Is that expensive? Or just the cost of defence these days? The Prime Minister is in to talk whether we have too many portfolios and ministers and if we've gone too skint for the Budget. Andrew Saville and Jason Pine cover the beginning of the latest F1 race, the Warriors and Steven Adams big contribution so far in the NBA playoffs. 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.

The Government's launching a new tool to give parents greater access to what their children are learning at school.  Education Minister Erica Stanford introduced the 'Parent Portal', yesterday, designed to provide a "clear, easy-to-understand year-by-year guide" to topics in English and maths.  More subjects will be added as the Government continues its curriculum refresh.  Secondary Principals Association president Vaughan Couillault talks to Mike Hosking about the initiative.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Organised crime groups are using mainstream resale platforms like Facebook Marketplace for the sale of tobacco.  Research shows up to 25 percent of all cigarettes in New Zealand are sourced illegally.  Auckland University Public Health Professor Chris Bullen says he doesn't believe the data is that high, but rather sitting somewhere between five and 10 percent.  He says selling online is an issue, however.  "They're using these platforms now to advertise quite brazenly products, but they're tricky because they keep changing what they're calling them."  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government will spend $12 billion on defence spending. Two billion of that will be allocated to helicopters and deployment. Defence Minister Wayne Mapp talks to Mike Hosking about the budget. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a busy week for politics around the world - with elections taking place in Australia, Singapore and the UK.  Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's lead the Labor Party to a triumphant win, securing a majority Government.  Sky News Correspondent Laura Jayes talks to Mike Hosking about the election, what went wrong for Peter Dutton and how the Greens performed.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Non-farm payrolls - a monthly statistic released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, shows concerns over the Trump administrations policy blitz.  In April 177,000 jobs were added to the US economy and unemployment rates are stable at 4.2 percent.  But business and consumer surveys are still sending warning signals. Andrew Kelleher of JMI breaks down the data with Mike Hosking.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A revealing interview has taken place between US President Donald Trump and broadcaster NBC.  He made headlines when talking about contentious issues such as the economy, immigration and the potential of seeing through a third-term.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold talks to Mike Hosking about the interview.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I think I'm encouraged by the numbers of submissions into the Covid inquiry.  This is Covid inquiry part two.  The second part is to try and rectify the stitch up that was Covid part one from the previous Government, who were determined to set criteria that would not expose the true damage they wrought upon most of us.  31,000 have had their say this time. It is pointed out they came from all ages, all locations and were both positive as well as negative.  Given Health NZ submitted on whether Wanaka should have a McDonalds, do not underestimate the establishment's ability to spend an indecent amount of time and money in putting a best-case scenario forward in a butt-covering exercise.  This part of the inquiry looks into masks and mandates, vaccines and lockdowns, and 31,000 submissions tells me we are still very much exercised about the historic nature of the event and our keenness to try and come up with something that sees nothing like a repeat of the last exercise.  I note the other day poor, old Chris Hipkins still tries to walk that very fine line between admitting they were in charge of a balls up and pretending it went mostly well.  He is in an unwinnable place. As the last sap left standing, given Jacinda Ardern and Grant Robertson are long gone, he has the sorry task of defending what really were some astonishingly poor decisions.  But that doesn’t mean the inquiry will come up with answers.  Answers such as will a pandemic be the same, or similar, or not similar at all? What sort of Government will be in? Will that Government be competent or experienced? What roll will the public service play?  Will epidemiologists become household names again?  Will New Zealanders sink into a myopic funk again waiting for a leader to tell them what sort of stuffed animal to put in the window?  What made last time so bad was the control, and out of the control, followed the anger and fear.  I'm not sure an inquiry can dictate answers or solutions around emotion.  But 31,000 submissions tells you the emotion is still very, very real.  At least in putting the second part of the inquiry on, we attempt to recognise how profound those dark and troubled days really were. 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.    Tory Whanau: 9/10  She scored it herself and why wouldn’t you, shouldn't you, when you are as brilliant as her? God, she deserves a holiday.    Donald Trump: 7/10  For the sheer madness, calamity and unbelievable amount of bullshit he has spouted in 100 days. You will never see the likes again, unless of course he runs for a third and fourth term.    Auckland FC: 8/10  You can't argue with that execution of success. Have a dream, get a team and win the competition. That's brilliant!    Canada: 7/10  Election of the year so far and will almost certainly beat tomorrow's in Australia, unless Dutton does a Morrison. And I'm not running odds on that.    Toyota: 7/10  The All Blacks deal is a nice fit. How good will Tamaiti Williams look in a Yaris?    James Meager: 3/10  For saying random stuff like he's looking into helping Air New Zealand into the regions and getting fares down. He's also looking to get butter under $4 a block.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three prizes for three good calls this week by the Government.  1) Financial literacy coming to a school near you in 2027, and not a day too soon. In many respects it’s the more valuable end of the education spectrum. It's education you can actually use.  2) Nicola Willis and her cutting of the operating allowance from $2.4b to $1.3b. The $2.4b number already had headlines for being skinny, or unrealistic. $1.3b is rabbit out of a hat material.  I assume she is telling the truth when she says she has found billions in savings, because you can't run a country on thin air.  3) David Seymour, with more reality check reminders that we have too much Government. In his speech he alerted us to just how much - 82 portfolios, 41 departments and 28 ministers.  If ever you wanted an example of bloat, there it is.  The portfolio joke is about appeasing people. There isn't an issue or pressure group you can't appease by inventing a label.  The real issue is ministers. The good news currently, as Audrey Young in the Herald pointed out this week in her famous marking of ministers annual outing, is most of them are getting good scores and most of them are decent operators.  But it is not always the case and too often, with the last Government being your classic example, portfolios are used and/or invented to reward loyalty and/or give people pay rises. Whether you can do the job is secondary.  Good governments are run by a handful of talent. In David Lange's day it was the Prime Minister, Roger Douglas, Richard Prebble and David Caygill.  With Helen Clark it was the Prime Minister, Michael Cullen, Phil Goff and Annette King.  With John Key it was Key, Bill English and Steven Joyce.  This time its Christopher Luxon, Chris Bishop, Nicola Willis and Simeon Brown - multiple portfolios at the heavyweight end of the index.  Unlike the real world, you will note Cabinet and Government never downsize. The public service can be downsized, but the Government never is.  Sadly for Seymour, unlike the other two ideas this week, his isn't real.  Financial literacy will materially improve our kids’ future.  Willis and her austerity will materially improve our economy.  If Seymour somehow trims a single minister or ministry, it won't be an idea - it will be a miracle.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 2nd of May, Health Minister Simeon Brown is forcing doctors back to the negotiating table via the ERA.  Just what is happening with the Indian Panthers basketball team? The team was suspended and the CEO is on to tell us their plans to fix it.  Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson discuss Mushroomgate, Suzanne Vega, and a new whisky infused manuka honey 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.

Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back today to Wrap the Week that was.  They discussed the latest to come out of Mushroomgate, Suzanne Vega, and a new whiskey-infused manuka honey the show’s producers received.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.