The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Donald Trump's doubling down on his plan for a US takeover of the Gaza strip.  Posting on social media, the US President says Gaza will be turned over to the US by Israel when fighting has "concluded".  He says by then Palestinians will have been already resettled in "far safer and more beautiful communities" elsewhere in the Middle East.  However, it turns out that Trump didn’t inform some of his top cabinet picks about the idea beforehand, which has lead to some backpedalling.  The new Secretary of State, Marco Rubio says that the only thing Trump has done is offer the United States’ willingness to step in and clean up the strip.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that in direct contrast to Rubio’s words, Trump said that he does see a “long term ownership position” for the US.   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.    Waitangi: 2/10  At some point the minority is going to realise the majority, i.e. us, tuned out years ago, and the circus that passes for a so-called National Day needs a massive rethink.    School lunches: 2/10  Well, the whining is a two anyway. General reports suggest the lunches themselves are fine, but the bitching and media clickbait superficiality has to stop.    The Warriors: 7/10  First trial game tonight in Sydney against the Sharks. Can it be? Yes it can!    Tariffs: 6/10  Lord knows where it goes and whether a full-scale war breaks out, but it’s a first early win for the Trumpster over Mexico and Canada.    The Trumpster: 6/10  If you ever want to experience Trump in full mad, unrestrained, "can this be real", "how nuts is he" flight, watch the presser with Netanyahu. It was mental.    The NZRU: 2/10  If you ever wondered why they are in the state they are, read the story about TJ's tantrum and their handling and there is your answer.    Dairy: 9/10  That lot are going stratospheric. Another blockbuster auction and the billions continue to flow. God bless the farmers, and that’s before we get to the apples. Go the Bay!    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The TJ Perenara performance and the reaction to David Seymour are both indicative of all that is wrong with this country in terms of race relations.  It is not harmonious, it is not well debated, it is not cordial, and it is not better than it has been.  The Prime Minister gets it, but Seymour doesn't. There is no point in heading north each year, you are simply treated poorly by rude people.  This year in Seymour's speech the mic was removed twice, backs were turned, and people tried to sing over the top of him. It's the same old, same old.  There is always a grievance and there is always someone to hate on. They defend it by telling you how angry they are and this year it's the Treaty Principle's Bill, but at no point does anyone accept that just because you disagree, it doesn't mean you have to be rude.  Rudeness is not justified simply because you are on opposite sides of the debate, or page.  It is why most of us have tuned out of the national day.  Then you come to the rugby union, the guardians of our national game.  The Perenara scenario unfolded because we live in a country where Māori issues are too often acquiesced to in an excessive manner.  Perenara is just a player and a player in a team. His race does not trump the team.  Yet it is very clear, as per the story on Wednesday, that he was allowed to blackmail a woke collective into a sort-of submission.  The NZR was woke, enamoured by the modern-day practices, because it is inept and has been for years.  Organisations, groups and businesses who are not sure of themselves sway in the wind and, as such, are captured by whatever is currently cool.  Māoridom in public life, or public service, or the zeitgeist, for a while got cool. Everyone had to say "kia ora", call it the "motu" and token it up to look like you were part of the gang.  That tide has turned, but because the NZR were submerged in it, the Perenara scenario was allowed to unfold, with all the indecision and panic so eloquently recounted in the story if you haven't read it.  It's as much about Perenara and his arrogance as it is about governance and ineptitude, whether in Waitangi or Turin.  It is this sort of nonsense that prevents progress, and we are all paying the price. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data has revealed the pay of chartered accountants in New Zealand lags behind that in Australia.  A survey by Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand has found members across the ditch took home a median NZ$177,000 compared to NZ$144,200 in New Zealand.  Chief financial officers were being paid around $336,000 to New Zealand's $265,000.  But Chartered Accountants' Charlotte Evett told Mike Hosking she's not surprised.  She says they've always seen higher salaries in Australia than New Zealand, and the big gap in economic performance has been there since the 70s.  However, there are reasons for accountants to stay in the country.  Evett says a third of Australian accountants felt they were unfairly paid compared to 20% in New Zealand, and New Zealand can also be more affordable to live in.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 7th of February, Mike was astounded at the youth unemployment rate reaching a record high, so Michael Reddell joined to break down the situation.  How concerned is Winston Peters about the potential deal between the Cook Islands and China? The Foreign Minister discusses the situation and whether the foreign buyers ban could be lifted.   Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson didn't take a long weekend, instead joined Mike to 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.

Instead of taking a long weekend after Waitangi Day, Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was.  They discussed homeownership and Winston Peters’ potentially changing stance on foreign buyers, the number of kids going to school today, and if you should be able to have a helicopter pad in the suburbs.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Young people continue to bear the brunt of job losses.  The latest Stats NZ figures reveal the unemployment rate among those aged 15 to 19 hit 23%, the highest in more than a decade.  The age group also lost more than 70% of the 32,000 net jobs lost last year.  Former Reserve Bank economist Michael Reddell told Mike Hosking young people typically bear the brunt.  He says it's never got below around 13% even when the economy is at its strongest.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters says New Zealand's not the only one in the dark about a potential deal between the Cook Islands and China.  Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown is heading to Beijing, where he's expected to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership.  He says it's part of a broader strategy to strengthen relations with all of its key partners and expand economic opportunities.  MFAT says it would have expected to be fully consulted on such a deal - but wasn't.  Winston Peters told Mike Hosking New Zealand's been blindsided, and we're not the only ones.  He says they've asked for information over a number of months, but it hasn't been shared with them or the Cook Island people.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Minister says recent incidents where vehicles have been driven into officers are part of a rise of anti-Police violence.  An officer has moderate injuries after being struck by a vehicle in Huntly on Wednesday night.  It comes weeks after Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming was killed, and another officer was injured after being struck by a vehicle in Nelson on New Year's Day.  Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking these kinds of incidents are happening more often around the world, including here in New Zealand.  He says overall, the type of violent offending Police and first responders are having to deal with has been growing over the years.  The Government is promising tougher sentences, Mitchell saying he’ll be introducing a bill to address these types of incidents by the end of next month.  He says the bill will introduce tougher sentences, require cumulative rather than concurrent sentences, and clearly define emergency service workers.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a hope US President Donald Trump's attention isn't drawn to the Cook Islands-China saga.  Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown will travel to Beijing in the coming days, where he's expected to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership.  He says it's about expanding economic opportunities.  MFAT says it would have expected to be fully consulted on such a deal but wasn't.   Auckland University international relations expert Stephen Hoadley told Mike Hosking Trump's been taking a hard line with China.  He says Trump will want his allies to do the same, so New Zealand allowing one of its realm countries to slide into China’s orbit could reflect badly on New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I don't mind telling you, I've kind of been dreading making any sort of editorial comment or opinion on Waitangi Day.  Not because I don't think it's significant, but because I feel an expectation to say something about its importance in our calendar, how it's an opportunity to reflect on our history, and how we should use it to think about the way ahead.  Or something like that.  I'm not about to deny that it's an important day - especially for iwi and the Crown within the context of Treaty settlements and Crown-iwi relations.  But if I am honest - I'm kind of over it.  And I'd hazard a guess that for many people, the first think on their minds isn't politics or history - it's: What's the weather doing for our day off?  So, I'm not about to offer a lecture on what Waitangi means or should mean. There's no shortage of that if that's what you are seeking.  I guess I've just seen enough news coverage that either lectures us on what we should be thinking or pushes the most inflammatory images or stories they can get their hands on.  Of course, it's understandable that the feisty stuff will be what makes the news, but should we really be surprised that so many people are tuning out? I think that many of us have just grown weary with the predictable news cycle around Waitangi.  It's our own version of Groundhog Day - where we have the same pattern of event, the same dramas, the same tensions. Then, when the day itself rolls around, we're told what a wonderful occasion it is and how you really have to visit Waitangi to appreciate it as our national day.  Essentially, I don't think events in the lead up to Waitangi represent us very well.  They don't reflect how we relate to each other as New Zealanders. And they certainly don't make us feel united as a country - or even particularly good about ourselves.  Which is a shame, because the endless politicising of race in New Zealand betrays how well New Zealanders get on with each other.  We've been meeting, marrying, forming friendships, and building families together for generations. New Zealand today is a truly multicultural society.  In a few weeks' time, the netball season will be underway, and as I've said before on my show, if you want to see the New Zealand I relate to - you'll find it there.  Every night of competition, hundreds of kids and adults gather to play, compete, and have fun.  The faces you'll see are from a multitude of races, backgrounds, and cultures - all just getting stuck in and enjoying themselves.  That is the face of New Zealand today, and not one that is represented by what we often see unfolding in the lead up to Waitangi Day, when once again, we're defined and divided by race - Pākehā vs Māori. And frankly? I'm bored with it.  Now, there will be people who say: Oh, but you really have to go to Waitangi to appreciate what a wonderful occasion it is! That may well be true. But if the meaning of our national day can only be fully grasped by physically being in one place, then it's hardly the unifying celebration it's supposed to be.  That's a tough sell to five million people.  So, when it comes to the 6th of February, I'm probably with most people - I'll just be looking out the window, hoping for sunshine, and asking: How's the weather looking? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Funk pop duo Foley have been nominated for three Aotearoa Music Awards alongside two APRA Silver Scroll Awards. Their new album That's Life, Baby! drops on February 28th.  Gabe Everett is a vocalist from the duo.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three million trays of Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit will be available this season - double last years quota.  That's 10,800 tonnes being shipped this year.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. President has laid out a plan to relocate Palestinians to neighbouring countries, and redevelop the war-torn region into what he described as the 'Riviera of the Middle East'. Former U.S. State Department Middle East Negotiator Aaron David Millers says he doubts Trump has a strategy to execute his plans.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1News reports Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown is travelling to Beijing on Friday to sign a deal.  Foreign Minister Winston Peters seems to have been caught off guard - given New Zealand's long-standing free association agreement.  Otago University international relations professor Robert Patman says the partnership has potential security and foreign policy implications, so New Zealand should have been consulted.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"A circus". That is how NZ First's Shane Jones described the powhiri for parliamentarians at Waitangi yesterday. However, the minister has now found himself in hot water after threatening to pull the Waitangi National Trust's funding.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the destined backlash, ACT Party leader David Seymour still fronted up to Waitangi.  Greeted by turn backs, waiata, and protest - he spoke on behalf of the ACT Party, tapping into parts of his Treaty Principles Bill.  Apart from a microphone getting taken away on two occasions, it seemed to go relatively well by Waitangi standards.  LISTE ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America's tariff tiff with Canada and Mexico may have cooled, but tension with China is escalating.  Beijing has announced a package of economic measures targeting the US after President Donald Trump imposed 10% tariffs on Chinese imports.  The response includes a 15% tax on coal and liquefied natural gas, and 10% on crude oil and types of vehicles.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that United States depends a lot on China for critical materials like gallium and germanium among others, and limits could cause serious harm to the US economy.  He says that prescription drugs are also a point of concern, as about half the generic drugs used in the US are manufactured outside of the country.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawke's Bay apple growers are reaping the rewards of their recovery after Cyclone Gabrielle.   The region grows two-thirds of the country's apples but was badly affected by the cyclone in 2023.  They say a warm and dry spring has led to one of the earliest picking seasons in decades.   Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers Association President Brydon Nisbet told Mike Hosking that everything is set for a fantastic harvest.  He says there’s a huge volume of fruit of good quality, size, and colour.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buckle up, it looks like I might agree with a trade union.  CTU policy director Craig Renney is worried about the same thing I am, and I think he is right to be worried.  What he is worried about is the possibility that we will become a net exporter of population.  Oh the irony that as an exporting nation, one of the growth industries is people.  If you have followed the migration story these past few years a couple of large, and some would argue alarming, things have happened:  1) A huge number of people arrived.  2) A huge number of people have left.  Things are sort of starting to settle. The arrival numbers are tailing off.  But the departure numbers, although not breaking records the way they were, are still large.  The key part of that numeric equation is we are at a tipping point. It is more than possible that if the arrival numbers drop just a bit more, but the departure bit doesn’t stop, we will have more people leaving than arriving.  We will be a net exporter of people.  The really scary thing about that is the one in, one out idea isn't in and of itself a good thing if the “out” is a brain surgeon and the “in” is an uber driver.  The overall picture, i.e. a shrinking population, is a disaster as well because for every person who thought too many arrived and they had no houses etc, having a shrinking population is as bad, if not worse.  Reputationally it's catastrophic. We are the country no one wants to live in. That's not normally a portrait of a robust, successful, prosperous nation, is it?  What it says is those looking to move here don’t fancy it. They pick somewhere else.  In the meantime, those already here look to leave for brighter, more appealing pastures.  We are the ugly girl in the corner of the school dance.  It’s a reminder, as if we needed it, that this country has a series of problems of size and severity that we have not faced in many a long decade. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington's feeling the property slump, with new figures showing a dramatic dip in house values.  The council's QV rating valuations show the average house has dropped in value of nearly 25% since 2021.  Pipitea was the worst hit neighbourhood with a 29% average drop.  Labour’s Ginny Andersen told Mike Hosking that the feeling in the central city is that it’s had the guts kicked out of it.  She says that when the public services were culled, the local economy went down with it, which has had a real impact on confidence in the local economy.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 5th of February, Housing Minister Chris Bishop has a plan to shake up Kainga Ora, and we take a look at what our unemployment rate is likely to show today.  A real estate agent is likely be banned from working for five years after refusing to do a Tikanga Māori professional development course – Janet Dickson joined the show to explain her stance.   Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell talk Waitangi Day and the bloating of the public service 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.

Unemployment's expected to peak in the middle of the year.   Stats NZ will release the labour market data for the final quarter of last year at 10.45 this morning.  It's widely thought the unemployment rate will rise to about 5.1%.   ANZ economist Henry Russell told Mike Hosking it's a lag statistic, so we'll see last year's economy reflected in the unemployment numbers today and into this year.  He says their current forecast is for it to peak at 5.5% in the middle of this year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Schools are preparing for a dip in student attendance the day after Waitangi Day.  Westlake Girls High School's holding an online learning day this Friday, requiring students and teachers to work remotely.  Other schools like Westlake Boys and Auckland Grammar are closed.  Secondary Schools Principals' Association's Vaughan Couillault told Mike Hosking they've seen abysmal attendance on days like Friday in the past.  He says that's parents turning those days into a long weekend.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A real estate agent who refused to take a compulsory Tikanga Māori course now faces a five-year ban after a failed court bid.  The High Court's turned down Janet Dickson's request for a judicial review of decisions about agents' professional development requirements, which required taking a 90-minute class.  Those who don't complete the module risk having their licences cancelled.   They then can't reapply for five years.   Janet Dickson calls it brainwashing and told Mike Hosking it has nothing to do with her work.  She says she's grown up amongst Māori, and taught in a Māori school, so does not need to take the course.  Dickson told Hosking that as a Christian, no one can make her worship Māori gods.  She says after the legal approach failed, she's tooling up to fight for a law change, and won't be stepping back.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Briscoes Group says despite a difficult retail environment, it's had positive sales results.  The owner of the Briscoe Homeware and Rebel Sport brands says sales reached $245.3 million in the three months to January – up 0.96% annually.  Homeware sales went up 1.27%, and sporting goods rose 0.44%.  Managing Director Rod Duke believes tough trading conditions will continue and be especially challenging in the first six months of this year.  Duke told Mike Hosking he believes the second half will be better, hopefully driven by initiatives from the government.  He says it will be marked seriously if nothing is seen by the end of March.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's set to sell off high-priced Kainga Ora homes in an effort to bring its books down.  It's reviewing state housing stock, focusing on expensive areas.  Its new cost-saving plan includes the sale of around 900 homes a year, with the money to go to more low-cost, denser places with greater demand.  Housing Minister Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking they want to be more deliberate with their purchasing.  He says 50% of people on the register just need a one-bedroom unit, so they don't need to be building lots of three bedrooms.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We adjusted our climate target, or one of our climate targets last week.  Which in and of itself is part of the whole climate debate malaise. There are so many targets involving Paris, or not involving Paris, or timelines.  Is it 2030, 2035, 2040, 2050? Is it 5% down on 1990, or on 2000? So many numbers and so much noise, it's no wonder so many of us have turned off.  It's not that the broad idea doesn’t have some merit. It's just how to kill the buzz. Obsession like the Green Party, with anger, fury, and too many numbers is the classic recipe to lose the room.  Anyway, we adjusted one of our targets. It's not as high as it was so cue the usual outrage.  But is it time to ask, even if reluctantly, the question as to whether playing our part if not leading the way, as laudable as it might be, is now just a pointless exercise?  It has always been true that no matter what we did it would literally make no difference to the planet. But doing our bit was important.  With Trump and America out of Paris, and China and India and Brazil and others doing nothing but boosting emissions, what, here at the bottom of the world, is the point?  What has become indisputably clear is that Paris will not be met, because none of the targets are ever met, and the price seems high, economically.  Read the piece over the weekend in Britain where it was announced 9% of farmland has to go, where it will be eventually 20%. A fifth will need to be interfered with in some way so they can meet their climate targets.  You'll have nice clean air. You just can't feed the people. It’s a hopeless ask and it's just not real.  Hopefully science will save us because its increasingly obvious you have the lethal combination of the countries that don’t care, made worse by the fact they tend to be the large ones, and the economic sacrifice made by everyone else that is simply increasingly beyond the pale.  In simple terms, you need to give up economic growth in order to freshen the air or clear the atmosphere.  That, to my eye, is an argument that as more and more evidence of failure mounts, is not only never going to be one, but harder and harder to even start. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of New Zealand’s musical greats is winging his way back over for a special celebration.  Greg Johnson has been making music and touring for nearly 40 years, and this year marks the 30th anniversary of his third album ‘Vine Street Stories’.  The album is home to many of Johnson’s most enduring hits, including ‘Don’t Wait Another Day’, ‘If I Swagger’, and ‘Pleasure and Overdose’.  He’s returning to New Zealand in April and May for the 30th anniversary tour, performing up and down the country.  Johnson told Mike Hosking that he has fond memories of the record, as it was a great time and was his first one to go gold.   He says they’ll be playing the whole record, start to finish, as the first set on the tour.  “The second set we’ll play a bunch of stuff, I guess, from the newer albums and other older realms, but that is, that’s the exciting thing.”  “Some of these songs have never been played live before, even when they were recorded.”  “It’s a fun challenge,” he said.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 4th of February, it doesn't look like a surplus is coming anytime soon, and David Seymour is floating the idea of pulling out of the Paris Agreement. Should we?  The Prime Minister pops into studio for the first time this year to talk what's happening with our ferries and clear up some diplomatic stoush with the US.  Kiwi singer-songwriter Greg Johnson is stopping by New Zealand in a few months, and whenever he comes back, he comes on for a chat.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The European Union is focusing on who will be the best voice to respond to Donald Trump's threat of tariffs.  Leaders have been meeting in Brussels over the US President's return to power, who’s already floating the idea of imposing tariffs on the bloc.  Trump has today delayed 25% tariffs on Mexico by a month, while Canada has already imposed tariffs of its own in response to the US.  Europe correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking one option is Italy, who's hoping to play mediator for both sides.  She says another option is Germany, who's reluctant to impose tariffs because they export so many cars to the US.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a pared back event last night as the 67th Grammy Awards took place in Los Angeles.  The Recording Academy reformatted the awards show to help victims of the wildfires that destroyed more than 14,000 buildings and displaced tens of thousands.   More than $10 million was raised for those impacted.   Many award-winners also used their time to make statements about the current climate, with Best New Artist Chappell Roan calling out the working conditions for emerging artists.  Channel Nine US Correspondent Reid Butler told Mike Hosking that some people hated the speech while others loved it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s taxes aren’t as competitive as they once were.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis has floated potential tax cuts for corporations in the wake of the latest Treasury report.  Speaking to Ryan Bridge on Newstalk ZB last night, she says our corporate tax rate is reasonably high compared to the rest of the world.  Former Treasury Director Bryce Wilkinson told Mike Hosking that it could be a good move.  He says the Government is trying to attract foreign investment and capital to try and compare with Singapore and Ireland, who have corporate tax rates within the 10-20% range compared to our rate of 28%.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Climate Change Minister says it would be a mistake to withdraw from a global climate deal.  ACT Leader David Seymour's floated the idea of New Zealand leaving the agreement, saying it's perhaps a discussion for a future election.  Labour’s calling on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to recommit to the deal.  Nick Smith told Mike Hosking it would be great if we could hold a consistent stance on this.   He says the problem with an issue like climate change is if Government policy is flip-flopping all the time, you're not going to make any progress.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's open to corporate tax cuts in this year's budget.  Nicola Willis told Ryan Bridge on Newstalk ZB last night that our corporate tax system isn't competitive enough with other countries.  She confirmed the corporate tax rate, currently sitting at 28 percent, is being looked at as part of the whole business tax system. Christopher Luxon confirmed with Mike Hosking they're willing to make changes, and there's a lot of possible options.  He says any announcement would be part of the May budget.  Luxon says lower tax rates are one way to encourage growth, as well as incentivising investment in things like technology.  Auckland’s Mayor Wayne Brown is urging the Government to ease the visa restrictions for Chinese tourists.  China has a policy that allows New Zealanders visa-free access if they’re visiting for less than 30 days – a policy Brown says we should be reciprocating.  Luxon says there are some challenges involved in powering up the number of Chinese tourists coming into the country.  He told Hosking that there are genuine immigration concerns to consider, and they need to ensure there’s a good policy in place.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Centrix is keeping positive despite rising financial hardship and almost half a million Kiwis behind on loan repayments. The credit reporting agency's latest Credit Indicator report shows consumer arrears are 1.3% higher year on year, with financial hardship up 19%. But Managing Director Keith McLaughlin told Mike Hosking the figures are seasonal and have been impacted by Christmas and the school new year for the last 15 years. He doubts this is worth reading too much into, and trends show households have things under control. McLaughlin says the situation is better than last year. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A suspected antisemitic terrorist attack is being investigated by Police in Sydney after a caravan packed with explosives was discovered.  Officials have said the incident would have killed "a lot of people" had the van blown up.  Why was the Prime Minister not immediately informed of what could have been Australia's largest terrorist attack?  Australian Correspondent discusses the details with Mike Hosking.  LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A submission portal and an awareness campaign have been launched today as part of phase two of New Zealand's COVID-19 inquiry. The initiative is looking into all aspects of the pandemic, and is set to receive many submissions.  Chair of the Covid-19 Royal Commission inquiry Grant Illingworth KC joins the show to discus phase two of the inquiry.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has announced more sanctions for those receiving an unemployment benefit.  A new job search initiative requires individuals to complete a minimum of three employment searches a week and reporting to the Ministry of Social Development.  In addition to this, a mandatory upskilling course has been implemented for five hours per week. Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston talks to Mike Hosking about what the new sanctions involve.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been a busy week for US President Donald Trump, who is only a fortnight into his second term.  Tariffs are on the way for Canada, Mexico and China, off the back a major plane crash in Washington D.C., and an ISIS project in Somalia.  Former New Zealand Trade Negotiator Charles Finny said the new tariffs are more extreme than those during Trump's first presidency.  "He's undercutting his legal basis for justification for for these for these tariffs, and it's very worrying indeed." Where does New Zealand fit into this picture?  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday 3 February. 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 Far Out Convoy is bringing together leading founders and international investors for a road trip from Auckland to Queenstown, with half of the attendees coming from Silicon Valley in the US.  Venture Capitalist Rob Coneybeer said New Zealand "has done a great job at attracting foreign talent."  What potential are investors seeing in New Zealand?  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian sport is celebrating a major touchdown as the NFL heads to Melbourne.  The league will host multiple in-season games at Melbourne's MCG beginning next year.  This comes as the sports championship game, the Super Bowl, takes place in a weeks time.  Australian Sports Journalist Jim Dolan talks to Mike Hosking about the impact of this major sporting decision.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Palmerston North Council is calling for an extension on the ban of sugary drinks at sports grounds.  That brings a total of 8 venues targeted in the ban, including the Trusts arena, which is the home of the turbos, as well as the Speedway. National Superstock Speedway promoter Bruce Robertson talks to Mike Hosking about the impact of such a ban on his industry.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs over the weekend to Canada, Mexico and China - Canada has retaliated with 25% tariffs on the US, and Mexico and China also have counterattack plans.  Andrew Kelleher of JMI Wealth told Mike Hosking that this will add to the cost of many household items.  What does New Zealand have to do to ensure security amidst a potential trade war?  ANZ Consumer Confidence was released on Friday, falling four points to 96.0.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump says he intends on using Guantanamo Bay, a detention camp on the coast of Cuba, to house deported immigrants.  The President instructed the Pentagon and Homeland Security to prepare 30,000 beds on the site.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold said at the height of the detention centre's use, 800 accused terrorists were kept there.  "I have seen these cells, there are no windows in the building," he said.  Arnold joins the show to discuss what is involved in this order, and the tariffs that have had the world talking all weekend.  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.    Donald Trump: 8/10  Yes, there's some madness and puffery and stuff you know will never happen, but he has a lot of energy and “buy in”. This will be a dramatic and, I think on balance, successful four years.    Our economy: 2/10  While we distract ourselves with frippery over Mexican barbs and asset sales that aren't happening, listen to the Reserve Bank or HSBC or any financial commentator of note. We are in deep, deep trouble, with no growth and growing debt. It never ends well.    Charter schools: 7/10  One of the good news stories of the week. Not only did more schools apply than they had money for, but more pupils applied to those schools than they had desks for.    Jobs: 6/10  Another good news story. We grew jobs at the end of last year, not by much, but we didn’t go backwards.    Speed limits: 6/10  This week is a start but really, does it have to be this hard and slow for the rest?    Sail GP: 7/10  One of the highlights of the holidays. That thing is slick, it's well run, and it makes New Zealand look great. Coutts is awesome.    Winston Peters: 4/10  The race thing I thought he had moved on from. He looks better than that these days, until he doesn’t.     LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Proving life is what you make it, I walked into a local restaurant over the holidays.  It's Italian and very good, and they have a new owner.  Who was this person, I inquired?  He came from hospitality, had worked in the city, but he and a mate had decided to, as he put it, take a punt. "It's better to be an owner than work for someone," he said.  I immediately admired him.  The restaurant had been put up for sale because it wasn’t making any money.  That's a familiar story in hospitality and yet I can tell you why this place hadn't made any money.  It was because it was only open five days a week. For dinner. For limited hours.  The first thing our new owner did was open seven days a week and open for lunches.  He even opened on Christmas day and did 20 covers on short notice.  By the time we left town he was more than happy with how things were humming.  So, is hospitality in trouble, or are there too many owners who don’t want to do the work?  Over the holidays I noticed too many people who weren't open, or weren't open long enough, then the cafes that close at 4pm and when you walk in at 3.40pm they say "sorry, the kitchen is closed".  Sorry, the sign on the door says, we are having a well-earned break. "Back on the 3rd of January", or the 6th of January or whenever. This was in tourist country and, let's be honest, I thought all of New Zealand was supposed to be tourist country.  So how much pain is real and how much of life is made harder simply by not trying hard enough?  Is David Seymour right? There are two camps these days - the change makers and the ones who sort of open, but not really, then wonder why things are a bit slow.  Our mate at the restaurant, my bet is, will make a good go of it because he is invested and he is determined and he did a couple of simple things the others could have done but didn’t, so they had to bail.  Winners and losers. Most of it is about choice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The A-Team is back to Wrap the Week, with Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joining Mike Hosking to discuss the week that was.  They discussed Mike’s coffee woes, how being 60 differs to being 40, and a wayward delivery of cherries.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 31st of January, we have years of backlogged primary industry health products in need of approval – David Seymour responds to the situation.  A leaked letter has revealed that BNZ is dropping a fuel company from their bank and closing their accounts, Todd McClay digs into the situation. The Wrapping the Week A-team is back with Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson, who sneak in an appearance before the end of January.  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.