The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Aotearoa's joining the Minecraft world.  Tourism New Zealand's joined forces with developer Mojang to make six Kiwi hotspots playable locations within the game.  That includes destinations Abel Tasman National Park, Waitomo Caves, and Tekapo, and is expected to generate $50 million in advertising value.  It's a cross-promotion for locally-filmed ‘The Minecraft Movie’.  Tourism New Zealand Marketing Manager Brodie McLeish told Mike Hosking the pack is available to the game's 170-million monthly users.  She says the Kiwi sites are free for all to download and engage with.  McLeish says it aims to encourage people to play the game, then come and travel around New Zealand for real.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a belief better pathways to industry and trades training are needed.  A report from the New Zealand Initiative has found just 6% of 16-to-19 year-olds participate in workplace learning, while 11% are unemployed.  It states schools are geared toward university education, even though only about a third enrol in degrees.  Report author Michael Johnston says apprenticeship options need to be more visible to young people.  He told Mike Hosking part of the problem is apprenticeship training is viewed as being for the kids who don’t cope with the academic path.  Johnston says we need to rearrange the system so that young people, regardless of their background and propensities, look at apprenticeship training as a viable option.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A relatively minor breakthrough for the US in its attempts to end hostilities between Russia and Ukraine.   Russian President Vladimir Putin's agreed to pause attacks on energy infrastructure for 30 days and progress talks about a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea.   It follows a call with Donald Trump, who had been seeking a temporary ceasefire on all fronts.   Edward Lucas from the Centre of European Policy Analysis told Mike Hosking Putin's tardiness prior to the call could be perceived as a weapon.   He believes Putin doesn't show Trump a mutual level of respect, and perhaps the thin pickings out of the call reflect that.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Landlords offering incentives to entice tenants is said to be a simple supply and demand issue.  Rental listings in Auckland and Wellington have seen investors offer free weeks of rent, or bonuses like supermarket vouchers and even free moped scooters for people who sign on to a lease.  Residential Property Managers' Association Chair Tony Mitchell told Mike Hosking investors are fighting for tenants due to a lack of demand.  He expects it to be only a temporary thing and hopes the strong underlying demand factors will make a difference soon.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The war in Gaza appears to be back to square one.  Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says more than 400 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes overnight, ending a fragile truce that began in January.  Israel is vowing to ramp up the attacks towards Hamas.   International geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller told Mike Hosking it's been the deadliest 24 hour period since November 2023.  He says things are looking grim, with Israel's Defence Minister warning he'll open the gates of hell if the remaining hostages aren't released.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the New Zealand Labour Party wants to get real about re-election, they should look no further than the UK Labour Party.  Keir Starmer blew up the NHS on Friday because he said it doesn't work. He says the bloating of the numbers has not improved anything.  Jobs will be lost.  Before he blew up the NHS, he attacked the welfare system. He called it unjust and unfair because, essentially, there are too many people sitting on welfare doing nothing and there is no incentive for them to change their habits.  Remember, this is a British Labour Prime Minister.  We are also expecting the chancellor to slash more spending. Why? Because they don’t have any money.  If only a Hipkins or an Ardern or a Robertson were anything close to this.  What was close to this was Roger Douglas, David Lange, David Caygill, and Mike Moore - the proper Labour Party. The Labour Party many recognise as being a middle-of-the-road centrist-type party that a lot of New Zealanders could recognise.  If what Starmer is up to works, he is Tony Blair 2.0, and the lesson Blair taught us is the same thing Bob Hawke taught us in Australia – a Labour movement doesn’t have to be about wokeness and largesse and economic ineptitude.  It needs to be about common sense and the worker. Not a hardcore unionist, but a middle class New Zealander who gets up, makes their kid's lunches, heads to work and comes home late, a bit tired and ready for a beer and a BBQ at the weekend, living in their own home in suburbia with a belief that life is pretty good, New Zealand is pretty good and the future is moderately bright.  None of that is hard. But I bet you it's completely foreign to most of the current Labour lot who butchered the place between 2017-2023.  The old adage around votes and political support about the centre being large and the place to get a lot of votes, is real.  We wouldn’t mind some wider representation. National or Labour can occupy the centre. History shows it's possible and it's successful.  Hipkins needs to study Starmer and learn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi musician Blair Jollands has made a name for himself overseas.  He works as a sound designer and composer in the film industry, as well as creating and releasing his own music.  Jollands has a wide range of film credits, but some of the most popular he left his mark on are Poldark, Shackleton, Midas Man, and Alien vs Predator.   He’s worked with a wide range of stars, including Madonna and Rhianna, and won praise from the late David Bowie and Boy George.  ‘Little Comet’ is his fourth album, which he recently released under his own name after performing under the pseudonym ‘El Hula’.   Jollands left New Zealand in 1995, spending awhile in the United States before winding up in the UK, where he’s remained since.  He told Mike Hosking that getting a job in sound design at the time was very much a right time, right place situation.  “I was a coffee barista, and I thought y’know, I really need to get something that pays a little bit more to help my music along.”  “So I actually walked in and gave them my CV, and a week later they said ‘will you come in because we had three people just, they’ve been headhunted and they’ve gone to another studio.’”  Although sound design and music production may seem like different areas, Jolland says these days the line between them is really fine.  “For example, the late Jóhann Jóhannsson, for say, his movie ‘Sicario’, it’s, I find it very hard to establish what is music and what is sound design – it's very tonal, it’s not as harmonic, less melodic.”  “But generally speaking, sound design is more organic, and we capture sounds and manipulate them.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 18th of March, there's almost a billion dollars' worth of Covid-era business loans that need to be paid back soon.  Christopher Luxon joins Mike from out of India, having just spoken with Modi about our potential Free Trade Agreement.  Kiwi singer and music composer Blair Jollands popped over from the UK to launch his new album, joining Mike in studio for a special performance.  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.

Nearly one billion dollars is still owed as the deadline for Covid-era loans approaches.  Inland Revenue says many Small Business Cashflow loans will default in June if not paid off.   About 130,000 businesses were issued the loans, totalling $2.4 billion.   ABC Business Sales Managing Director Chris Small told Mike Hosking he's not surprised so many owners haven't paid it back yet.  He says there were no personal guarantees or general security agreements, so it was a free hit for business owners.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Energy Minister is being urged to take action as a winter electricity price spike looms.  A newly released briefing to Minister Simon Watts shows supply is tight, and gas needs to be maintained until suitable alternatives are found.  It also warns some households and businesses are finding energy unaffordable.  Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie told Mike Hosking it's clear we need an energy system backed with coal or natural gas.  He says we can't keep relying on the weather and lurching from winter to winter without systemic action.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's adamant he won't be walking away from trade negotiations with India, even if they prove difficult.   Luxon's met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to explore avenues for deeper bilateral ties and make more headway towards a Free Trade Agreement.   Trade negotiations will commence next month.   Luxon told Mike Hosking there's sensitivity from the Indian side about dairy, as it makes up about 15% of its GDP. He says the Government wants to do everything it can to advance dairy with India, and that's been a key part of the conversation so far.  The Prime Minister’s hopeful they’ll be able to lock down an FTA by the end of the year.  Luxon told Hosking they haven’t put a time frame on achieving an agreement, but the two will be moving at pace.   He says given some of the work that's already happened and the relationships at the top level, we can expect to make good progress this year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Act Party is hopeful its foray into local body elections will provide greater candidate transparency.  Leader David Seymour is calling for expressions of interest of anyone keen to stand, saying it's time for a clean out of local councillors.  Act isn't considering challenging the mayoralty in any parts of the country.   Seymour told Mike Hosking it's about ensuring voters know what they're getting and how candidates are aligned.  He says voters often don't know their candidates —or their beliefs— and end up disappointed with their councils.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dairy farmers are being urged to pay down debt while they're in a good position to do so.  Fonterra's already forecasting a midpoint of $10 this season.  Industry organisation Dairy NZ expects the situation to continue, forecasting a payout above $10 next season.  DairyNZ Head of Economics Mark Storey told Mike Hosking it's a good chance to clear debt while payouts are rising, and interest rates are falling.  He says farmers have been making repayments in the last few seasons, and they should continue to do so.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 17th of March, in very exciting news we have officially started formal negotiations with India for an FTA so trade minister Todd McClay joins us out of India. Foreign Minister Winston Peters is in Washington DC ahead of talks with key Trump cabinet members. Andrew Saville and Jason Pine talk the F1, the Warriors and Super Rugby for the Monday morning commentary box. 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.

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters is in the United States this week, meeting with members of the Trump Administration. On Wednesday he will meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.  Peters says he is approaching the administration with "eyes wide open and prepared to listen." LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've received another one of these “the Government went against official advice“ stories. This one was around bowel testing. The Government has recently announced that testing has dropped in age from 60 to 58-years-old. The money to pay for that extra testing has come from the separate Māori and Pacific testing, which cuts in at 50-years-old. The official advice is that more lives could be saved if you tested more Māori and Pacific Islanders. The new health minister said in response that what we need to do to save more lives is test more people. He is of course unquestionably right, because the word "people" is critical. We are all people and, given we all contribute to the system that tests us, exempting some from access i.e a non-Māori , is not right. Yet again, this is part of the race-based system we have in this country, which hopefully is slowly but surely being dismantled. Adding to this official advice part of the story is my increasing concern based on the Brian Roache report into the public service and the Deloitte report into Health NZ. It's possible this so-called "official advice" is either pointless or politically motivated. If you start with a system that anyone at anytime can get a test, and then work backwards because that is not effective or affordable, at some point you come to a hap-ish, affordable medium. Age will be a factor because there's no point in bowel testing a 29-year-old. So what is the magic number? They have decided 60years-old, until they decided 58-years-old. Breast screening mammogram have gone through the same debate. But at no point should race be a factor. Yet, it has been. Having just completed my first state participant bowel screen I would be deeply offended if I was bumped, delayed or stopped simply because I am not Maori or Pasifika. I am a taxpayer and a New Zealander. My right is no more or less important or relevant than anyone else's and yet there are those that would argue otherwise. By prioritising race, you are saying one life is worth more than another. You can't do that That's what makes the official advice wrong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has announced New Zealand will enter into a free trade agreement with India.  The announcement came overnight as the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has travelled to India this week.  What does the agreement involve?  Trade Minister Todd McLay talks to Mike Hosking about the development.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chaotic weather didn't get in the way of a great race in motorsport at the Melbourne F1 over the weekend.  McLaren's Lando Norris was the star of the show coming in first, but Kiwi Liam Lawson had a disappointing run.  Motorsport expert Bob McMurray talks to Mike Hosking about the event. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's agriculture industry has the potential to become a $3 billion earner.  Land-based Kingfish farm in Northland is contributing to the prospect, as the only facility of its type in the country. The farm has already received international interest and is projected to be bigger than salmon in less than 10 years.  NIWA Aquaculture Chief Scientist Andrew Forsyth talks to Mike Hosking.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the past 12 months, there has been a rise of 22,000 people claiming the job seeker benefit.  Economists are predicting the numbers are set to continue rising.  Associate Social Development Minister Penny Simmons says she is not surprised by the statistics.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States democratic party has reached record low numbers in favourability polls.  Many within the party have said their leaders should publicly stand against President Donald Trump.  The party is polling at just 29%.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold talks to Mike Hosking about the reason for this, and the fatal tornadoes that ripped through six states.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States consumer sentiment is the lowest it's been since 2022.  Like investors, consumers have growing concerns about the uncertainty of tariffs.  Devon Funds Management Greg Smith talks to Mike Hosking about the stats, an update in New Zealand's food prices, and A2 Milk's big rise.  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.     New Zealand: 7/10  Between the investment conference, the India trip about to unfold, and the huge boost in visa interest from wealthy foreigners, that’s not a bad week's work for a small country trying to get its mojo back.    Tariffs: 2/10  The idiocy driving the ideology has been on full display. Random numbers, multiple threats, increased costs - all it has done this week is tank markets, decrease value, freak people out, provide uncertainty, and generally reinforce the idea that the U.S President is random as, if not dangerous.    Whanganui: 7/10  That council with the payment for meetings and dumping the food scraps is rolling. It's not often a council does two good things in a week.    Liam Lawson: 8/10  It's early days and the pressure is real, but F1 is as big as sport gets anywhere and he is at the pointy end of it.    Fonterra: 9/10  Yet another payment upgrade. Those guys can't stop giving away money. We like that too.    Malcolm Turnbull: 7/10  Sort of my hero of the week. If you give into bullies, you get more bullying. In politics, and life, it's sage advice.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I suppose technically it is only halfway through, with today still to go, but the Investment Summit looked good to me on day one.  There seems no doubt that a lot of people with a lot of money turned up and some of them spoke of their desire to bid for projects.  The Prime Minister, who needs some runs, I think has some and he hasn’t even left for India.  His pitch that we are a shelter from the storm was smart. He looked like he had done this before. Perhaps we are seeing a little bit of what all the other delegates on the international sojourns see - that this is what he does well.  He networks, he presses flesh, he pumps ideas, and he has a plan.  Nothing specific as in “sign on the dotted line” or "write a cheque here and now” will come out of this.  But already you can see, given the thing is oversubscribed, that the Prime Minister is right - the world is awash with cash, and they are keen to invest.  $6 trillion is a stunning amount of money and if only a small chunk of it comes our way, and if only a tiny slice builds some roads or future proofs some infrastructure, this will have all been worth it.  Eventually the proof will be in the pudding. Someone needs a signing ceremony and maybe a spade or two to be stuck in some ground.  But I got the sense, as a frustrated punter, that it is these sorts of days and events that make us look like we might be on some sort of path back.  We looked a bit professional and interested and that we might just have some decent adults about the place looking to put our stake in the global game and bring the world, so long locked out of this place, back into the room.  If Luxon leaves this and can come back with something tangible post India, then it may well be we feel things are starting to roll.  As I have said many times, it is hard to overstate the economic carnage they were handed and it's still far from over.  The immigration numbers just yesterday reminded us of this. No, they are not leaving in the numbers they once did, but they are still leaving, and the arrivals are slowing as well.  Fewer people means less economic activity. But you fix all that with reputation - a reputation of a rock star, of a success story or of a go-getter.  Yesterday, and hopefully today, it looks like they are part of that bigger success story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A potential government shutdown in the US as the deadline to fund federal agencies looms.  Congress lawmakers have until the end of the day on Friday US time to fund its Government, or agencies will have to halt all non-essential functions.  But the Bill will require the support of some democrats.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that's not guaranteed.  He says while Democrats have supported Republicans in the past to avoid a shutdown, this time may be different given it's come in the midst of the Elon Musk sackings of government workers.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 14th of March, a major investor with over $1 trillion in assets talks our Investor Summit and its success so far.  Act leader David Seymour is pushing for the removal of a compulsory Maori course for international students, keeping them from taking a paper they would prefer to pick up.  Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson try to explain Minecraft Cubeez to Mike and debate whether any of them are good enough to get into the singing jingles business 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 joined Mike Hosking once again to Wrap the Week that was.  They discussed clothes shopping and quiet luxury, Mike’s problem with some supermarket collectables, and who has the best voice for advertising jingles.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Manager David Higgins has speculated on the timing of Joseph Parker's chance to fight unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.  The World Boxing Organisation has ordered Usyk to take a mandatory defence of his WBO title against Parker, which would also likely put his remaining alphabet soup of belts on the line.  The news came hours after reports of Usyk's camp negotiating for an undisputed bout with IBF champion Daniel Dubois, who allegedly pulled out of last month's fight with Parker due to illness.  Higgins told Mike Hosking that at the end of the day, who Usyk fights will be up to him.  But he says if he chooses to ignore the order by the WBO, he’ll be stripped of his title.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shihad front man John Toogood says he wants to spend more time with his children as he prepares for his final show.  The iconic Kiwi rock band will play its last ever performance at Wellington's Homegrown festival tomorrow.  Toogood told Mike Hosking now is the right time to end.  He says it's something they've been thinking about for a while, and he just wants to put his family first.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A push for more infrastructure growth through foreign capital has piqued offshore interest.   The Government's Investment Summit is in its second day in Auckland.   More than 100 investors from around the world are attending to hear from ministers about potential projects and partnerships.    ABRDN Infrastructure Head Bill Haughey told Mike Hosking his firm has the capacity to invest globally, but New Zealand's been relatively quiet in recent years.  He says New Zealand's a place where the firm can do business if the pipeline is right and the Government's coming forward with the right kind of projects.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Act Party's putting the pressure on Auckland University to say goodbye to its compulsory ‘Waipapa Taumata Rau’ course.  The near $6 thousand paper covers the Treaty of Waitangi and traditional Māori tikanga for first year students.  Leader David Seymour told Mike Hosking students within his Epsom electorate are upset.  He says constituents have told him they aren't interested in the course and view it as a perversion of academic freedom.  The university says the course offers core knowledge and skills to help transition students into tertiary reduction, and set them up for success.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A sociologist isn't worried about net migration inching closer to zero.  New Stats NZ data shows there was an annual net migration gain of around 32,000 in the year to January, down on December.  Migrant departures also rose 18% to almost 123,000 in that time, the highest on record for an annual period.  But Massey University's Paul Spoonley told Mike Hosking we don't know about the skills of those departing.  He says we also need to ask if we're also seeing unskilled and semi-skilled workers leaving and therefore exporting part of our unemployment rate.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Health Minister is looking to ensure procurement rules were followed in a big Health New Zealand contract.  The agency awarded a $2 million contract to MBI Healthcare Technologies in April 2023.  It was partly founded by ACC senior executive John Bennett, who left the company in 2020, but had been an advisor to Health New Zealand since 2022.  Simeon Brown told Mike Hosking he also wants to ensure procurement rules are being followed today.  He says this is taxpayers' money – they expect to be getting value for money from every dollar and every contract.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, here we go and welcome to International Investment day.  I found it somewhat bewildering, if not sad, that Ginny Andersen on this show yesterday said foreign investment wasn’t the answer to our problems.  Because, actually, it is.  What we don't have as a country is size and scale.  If we want to participate in the world, we need the world involved in what we do.  We are not like America where you can, at least partially, pretend that you can produce everything you need locally and whatever it is you do produce is sold to a local market.  In fact, Ginny's lack of basic economic understanding may well give some insight into why we are having the event we are over the next two days.  Labour's view of the economy is so small and insular. It is why the borders were closed for so long, why tourism has not bounced back, why the world has moved on without us and why this new Government has had to travel so many miles to knock on so many doors, saying "don’t forget about us".  It could also be a clue, if you have noticed, as to why they are currently exercised in Parliament over the idea of the public health system using the private health system to churn through some elective procedures.  Forgetting of course that even they did the same thing and that it has in fact been common practice for ever, and if you have a bed and a team sitting there with capacity, do you really care whether the place you get the knee done is public or private?  Anyway, the Prime Minister will be relishing this next week, given he is pitching not just here but India as well and will be able to get back to doing what, by all reports, he does best - hustle and sell.  The polls might be problematic for a variety of reasons, but you can't possibly mark this lot down for not getting out into the world and re-engaging both trade and foreign policy-wise.  Between the Prime Minister, Winston Peters and Todd McClay, many circuits of the globe will have been completed. He is also right that the world is awash with cash looking for a place to land.  We once were that place to land. We were once that rock star economy. We once had our act together.  Today and tomorrow, hopefully, is about restoring our rightful place as progressive go getters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 Formula 1 season is underway, kicking off this weekend with the first Grand Prix in Melbourne.  The season is set to be intense, with Lewis Hamilton in the drivers seat for Ferrari, Liam Lawson making his fully fledged debut as Max Verstappen’s new wingman at Red Bull, and McLaren looking like the team to beat.   Luke Smith has chased the sport for over a decade, currently working as the Formula 1 writer for the Atlantic.  He told Mike Hosking this year looks so competitive, and it’s very hard to call who’s going to be quickest.  “We go into a lot of seasons kind of thinking like, there’s normally one team that should dominate,” Smith explained.  “But this year, it really feels like anybody’s game.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 13th of March, it's international investment day, so the big players are out to play.    Sky Sport are hiking their prices... again.  Athletic F1 writer Luke Smith is as excited as Mike about this weekend, and can't wait to kick the F1 season off in Melbourne.  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.

Sky TV is hiking their prices.  A near-12% increase will come into effect for Sky Sport viewers this May.  The company says the rise in price will allow it to keep investing in local and global fixtures, and it comes as Sky fights to keep its New Zealand Rugby rights.  Octagon Asset Management Equities Analyst Paige Hennessy told Mike Hosking that while no one likes a price increase, investors see it as a reflection of reality.  For Sky to make a profit, they have to reflect any cost increases in their prices – especially if NZ Rugby is unwilling to see rights deflation come through in their space.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a view that if businesses aren't on social media, they aren't being seen.  Tataki Auckland Unlimited has spent $103,000 on influencer created-content in recent years, while ChristchurchNZ's dispensed $27,000.  Neither DunedinNZ nor WellingtonNZ have jumped on the bandwagon, but won't rule out doing so if the right opportunity arose.  Tourism Industry Aotearoa Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram told Mike Hosking use of influencers is important.  She says it's important for the sector to operate in this space as it relies on people seeing and feeling what there is to offer, which social media provides.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Revenue Minister's confident changes to the Foreign Investment Fund will greatly benefit tech and startup companies.  The Government's working on changes which would see new migrants taxed on a realisation basis for interests not easily disposable and acquired before coming to New Zealand.  It applies to migrants who became tax residents here on or after April last year.  Simon Watts told Mike Hosking this has been on the radar since he assumed the portfolio.  He says the system hits migrants —particularly returning Kiwis and those who are wealthy unfairly— and they've been getting good feedback on the changes.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's thought Police efforts to get back to their roots is connecting with New Zealanders.  Data from the latest Crime and Victims Survey suggests public confidence and trust has risen to 69%.  Acting Deputy Commissioner Mike Pannett told Mike Hosking there's been a concerted effort to get back to basics and ensure things are done well.  He says measures like the Community Beat programme is proof of efforts to increase officer visibility and public reassurance.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot's riding on the Government as it opens the country up to more offshore investment.  Representatives of more than 100 foreign entities are in Auckland to eye up potential opportunities at the Infrastructure Investment Summit.   The Government's hoping for more project funding and public-private partnerships.   Chief Executive with infrastructure investor Morrison, Paul Newfield told Mike Hosking New Zealand needs to be painted as a great place to invest.   He says the Government needs to present a multi-decade pipeline, a vision for what infrastructure could be, and a commitment to maintain work over successive governments.   Meanwhile, Australian investor Plenary's already confirmed to BusinessDesk it intends to bid on the first stage of the multibillion-dollar Northland Expressway.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Housing affordability is improving, but it's not the same story for renters.  New CoreLogic data for the fourth quarter of last year shows falling property values, rising incomes and lower mortgage rates have seen affordability at its best level since pre-Covid.  It says the median home value is around seven times the median annual household income, well down from the market peak in 2021.  But renters are still facing some strife, with the rent-to-income ratio at a record 28%.  Chief property economist Kelvin Davidson told Mike Hosking this is due to previous increases in rents.  He says rents tend to flatten off more than fall, and that's what seems to have happened over the past year and a half.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US economy is in chaos as Donald Trump continues to push ahead with his tariff plan.  The US President's confirmed Australia won't be exempt from new 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, and has announced 50% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium imports.  This is in response to Ontario's now-suspended 25% surcharge on electricity exports.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that investment giant Goldman Sachs says there is now a 1-in-5 chance of a recession in the US.  Arnold says that while the average American is yet to feel this in full, they certainly will.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We should give a shout out, or at least take a few moments, to read Lyric Wairiri-Smith's account of the Treaty Principles Bill submissions.  She works for The Spinoff, and she sat through virtually all of the 80 hours of submissions and cast a series of observations by way of a “50 things I learned” list.  The 37th thing she learned was the lack of media interest.  You may recall at the start of the process it was a mad wall to wall, blow-by-blow account of what was one of the country's most contentious/outrageous/heinous acts of the modern age.  Fast forward a few days and she was the only one left, along with Māori TV.  There is a lesson in that.  On one hand you can mount an argument that the media is so trimmed down that resource for lengthy procedures is limited.  You can also argue, and this is my argument, that the media are too magpie-ish and fascinate themselves with shiny things, lose interest too quickly and, as such, enhance their reputations as fly-by-nighters interested in clicks, not knowledge. Cover it properly or don’t cover it all.  Some of the 50 things are lightish in nature. This is not a criticism of the piece, in fact we should be grateful someone bothered to give us this overarching insight, hence it behoves us to absorb it.  But some basically tell you what you thought they would - namely, that a lot of people turned up, as you would expect, to hate on it thus drawing into question the whole submission process.  Most importantly for me, was my suspicion was confirmed that there remains great debate over the Treaty and its principals and, as such, David Seymour was more than right to do what he has done.  The high and mighty turned up and basically argued with each other. The Treaty is not settled, or anywhere close to it, and it is not defined. You can find scholars and lawyers and experts who will tell you one thing with full vim and vigour and eloquence, then you can find another equally qualified lot who will say that is wrong, hence we are where we are.  Where we are, sadly, is the end of the road because the bill, as we all know, will be voted down.  Which is a shame, given as Ms Smith's list surely shows, a definitive understanding is well and truly overdue.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Politics Wednesday, Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell joined Mike Hosking to delve into the latest drama surrounding the Government’s school lunch programme, the Treaty Principles Bill submissions, and the upcoming Infrastructure Investment Summit.  Representatives from some of the world's largest banks and investment firms are arriving in Auckland for the summit.  Delegates will be formally welcomed by Ngāti Whātua Orākei and Christopher Luxon this afternoon.  Cabinet Ministers will then front a raft of sessions over the next two days.  Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking there's some announcements coming tomorrow around infrastructure, aimed at attracting much-needed foreign capital.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 12th of March, the Government is slashing requirements, making it easier for Kiwi businesses to win Government contracts worth over $50 billion.  NZ Rugby is shaking up the junior rules with a proposal that would see kids play with smaller sides until they reach high school.  Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen talk school lunches and the Treaty Principles Bill submissions 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.

Junior Rugby is potentially in for its biggest shakeup in decades.  Under a new proposal, kids wouldn’t play 15-a-side until they reach high school, playing 10-a-side until year 7 and 13-a-side in year 8.  The changes are aimed at improving enjoyment and confidence levels.  NZ Rugby Participation Development Manager Mike Hester told Mike Hosking they want to provide opportunities for kids to continue their skill development, so they have the skill sets and experiences they need to play locally or pursue a professional career.  He says having a smaller side gives younger kids more opportunities to get their hands on the ball and be more involved and engaged with the sport.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An expectation less red tape for Kiwi businesses bidding for Government contracts will benefit the economy. The Finance Minister's slashing 71 requirements in the Government's procurement rule book down to 47 – including scrapping a company's requirement to pay their employees a living wage. It's also introducing a new economic benefit test. Building Industry Federation chief executive Julien Leys told Mike Hosking this will help growth. He says we're going to see better deals, more work for local companies, and a move towards outcome driven decisions. Leys says some of the current rules are very prescriptive, often creating a burden rather than focusing on what the company has to offer. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Economic Growth Minister is making it easier for New Zealand businesses to win government contracts.  Nicola Willis is scrapping 24 requirements in the Government's procurement rule book, including a requirement for the company to pay cleaning, catering, and security staff a living wage.  She's also adding a new economic benefit test.  Willis told Mike Hosking they're encouraging agencies to not just choose the cheapest option.  She says they want the billions of dollars the government spends on these contracts to generate jobs, incomes, and economic benefits.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Belief from David Seymour that the collapse of a school lunch provider is a non-story.  The Libelle Group, which is sub-contracted by Compass Group to deliver about 125,000 meals daily, has gone into liquidation.   The Minister in Charge, Seymour says that won't impact lunch deliveries.  He's admitted the Government knew Libelle may have been in strife when it signed the deal, but had no reason to believe it would fail.  Seymour told Mike Hosking the issue is a contractual matter between two companies, neither of which is the Government.  He says its issue is making sure Compass delivers on its contract to the Government.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.