The Mike Hosking Breakfast

The wool sector's prepared for price challenges as Kainga Ora backtracks on a previous ban.  The social housing agency will allow wool carpet providers the chance to tender for supply for carpet and underlay in its homes.  It's used synthetic carpet for the last decade.  Bremworth CEO Greg Smith says the industry can win on durability.  He told Mike Hosking their suppliers have seen wool business double in three years, and if they can get the price right, the sector will win more.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Officials say there are no survivors from the Potomac River plane crash.  An American Airlines flight and US Military helicopter collided mid-air near Reagan Washington National Airport last night.  The plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew, while the army helicopter was carrying three people.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that the situation was preventable.  He says American Airlines’ CEO Robert Isom appears to be blaming the military crew for being in the wrong place, while President Trump is blaming diversity and the Biden Administration for the circumstances.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Associate Education Minister believes the coverage of the new school lunches are blowing things out of proportion.  David Seymour told Mike Hosking that the media are taking the worst of the reviews and comments about the lunches to make it seem “terrible”.  “I read in the Herald this morning about a restaurant critic they had saying it was not the worst meal that I have ever had, it actually had a lot of vegetables in it.”  He told the principals complaining that they had to fork out school money for pizza yesterday to “take a step back”.  “This is a government with a $7 billion deficit, we spent $130 million on this programme while actually providing more meals for kids this year.  “We are doing something new, it is only day five, day four in some places. So we gotta get a bit of a reality check.”  Seymour argued that if there were to be a survey of the lunches 75% of students are still getting from their parents there would be “mixed reviews” as well.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A primary sector advocacy group says a review of new plant and animal products is critically important for New Zealand farmers.   A backlog of more than 100 applications are awaiting approval, and it could take up to four years to clear the queue.   Now, a dozen primary sector businesses and groups are calling for swift action to clear the backlog.    Animal and Plant Health New Zealand Chief Executive Liz Shackleton told Mike Hosking the Government has one chance to get it right.   She says it's a chance for the Prime Minister to put his growth agenda into action.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trade Minister believes New Zealand exporters will do well during the Donald Trump presidency.  The US has now overtaken Australia as the second largest destination for our exports.  Our Government remains in the dark about whether New Zealand will get caught up in Donald Trump's tariff plan.  But Todd McClay told Mike Hosking trade to the US rose under the last Trump term and should again this time around.  McClay says while there is uncertainty about what Trump may or may not do around tariffs, he predicts Kiwi exporters will do very well during this Trump term.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is little in life more nauseating than a sycophant.  These are people who do not what they believe is right, but bend to the whim, flavour, or mood of the day.  The corporate world is full of it.  The tech giants have been badly exposed as they decide fact checking is for losers now that big Don is running the place.  The battle is being fought locally as well. There is word New Zealand First are looking at a members bill to make banks do business properly.  Currently, and this is also a major debate in Australia, banks have taken the stance that there are some businesses that they don’t like. Those dabbling in fossil fuels is one of them.  They have made getting money hard work. They have not done this because there isn't profit or because these businesses default. They have done this because fossil fuels are out, and climate change is in.  The coalition in Australia, who at this stage are odds on to become the Government midyear, are going hard because fossil fuels are of greater importance to them than they are here.  But the role of the banks, once again, is being called into question.  In this country the Government is gunning for them over margins and competition. The last thing they need is another fight over their right, or predilection, for doing business with some people and not others.  As the former chair of our biggest bank John Key quite rightly pointed out on this programme a number of times said, banks have a very large social licence. They are a backbone of an economy. It is not their job to play politics, or trend setter to the groovy mood of the day.  Fossil fuels remain vital for keeping the lights on. You might not like that but it's true.  If it changes, that's brilliant. Right now it isn't, or hasn’t been, enough.  Morals are personal choices, not business ones, and certainly not in businesses with the influence banks have.  The thought that a Government might have legislate to make a business behave itself shows you how badly these places are reading the mood. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A reminder to concert-goers to prepare for cancellations and date changes.  Canadian rapper Drake is the latest artist to push out his New Zealand shows by two weeks, a month out from the original dates.  It follows the cancellations of Juicy Fest, the Timeless Tour, and Paradise Rock festival.  Consumer NZ senior investigative journalist Chris Schulz told Mike Hosking paying $10 dollars for insurance on a ticket can be worthwhile  He says it's a good idea for shows a year away, as a lot can happen in that time.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s shaping up to be a massive year for Kiwi IndyCar driver Marcus Armstrong.  He’s joined up with Meyer Shank Racing, joining Felix Rosenqvist in the team's lineup – competing on all the oval, road, and street races.  Armstrong comes from a background of F4, Formula 3 and Formula 2, and told Mike Hosking that over the years he feels like he’s grown better at working with his team.  “There’s 350 people that we work closely with, and making sure that we communicate properly and explain our thoughts of how we want the car to be developed without, y’know... involving your ego too much.”  “So, being very self-critical and honest about what we can do better from a team perspective, and communicating properly. I think that’s probably the thing I’ve improved in the most.”  In IndyCar, you’re often racing at speeds averaging about 240 miles an hour, a speed that’s hard for the human brain to keep up with.  “You need to keep your eyes 200 meters further ahead than what you’re used to,” Armstrong told Hosking.  “If you sort of look where you normally look, you’re already past that point.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 30th of January, it only took a year and a new minister, but the speed limits are going back up. Transport Minister Chris Bishop joined the show to discuss the change.  NZ First MP Shane Jones talks about standing up to the "woke" banks, and his comments in the House to Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March.  And, Kiwi Indycar driver Marcus Armstrong talks his new season with his new team.  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.

Sales teams are still bracing for some tough months ahead, according to consultancy firm Indicator's latest survey of sales team leaders.  Only 39% of respondents say they’re achieving growth – the lowest seen since the survey began in 2008.  Indicator CEO Mike Stokes told Mike Hosking four in five don't think we're out of the woods yet.  He says most say we'll recover in the second half of the year at the earliest, while some think we won't recover until next year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canterbury has been pinpointed as a prime apple growing location by a grower looking to expand.  Turners and Growers is opening up its commercial apple growing endeavours to the region, committing to 125 hectares thanks to an agreement with the New Zealand Superannuation Fund.   Chief Operating Officer Shane Kingston says they believe it's important to adapt and build resilience by growing varieties in different climates.  He told Mike Hosking Canterbury has excellent opportunities with its flat land, fertile soil, and reliable water sources.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Resources Minister is hitting out at banks for punishing "god-fearing regional businesses".  New Zealand First's Shane Jones has told The Australian newspaper banks are imposing "woke-riddled" costs on a productive sector, by reducing services to fossil fuel businesses.   Jones told Mike Hosking he has every right to fight this, despite banks struggling with things like margins and the commerce commission at the moment.   He says the fossil fuel businesses are doing nothing wrong, what they're doing is offending executives' luxury beliefs.  Jones says the coal industry is an “honest, legitimate industry”, and people will back electricity before they back chilliness.  Winston Peters and Shane Jones aren't backing down over their comments about foreign-born Green MPs.  Peters has told the MPs they have ideas "foreign to the country", and they should show some gratitude for the country.  Jones referenced U.S. President Donald Trump in his jeers, yelling, “Trump! Trump! Send the Mexicans home!”  Peters says MPs should go somewhere else if they're too soft for robust Parliamentary debates.  Jones told Hosking "it's a Mexican stand-off".  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Otago University's urging the government to raise the cap on how many students can study medicine.  It comes amid a GP shortage across the country.  Medical School Acting Dean Tim Wilkinson told Mike Hosking they're keen to train more GPs, but Government imposed enrolment limits are in the way.  He says the shortage goes beyond GPs and impacts many disciplines.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Transport Minister says the Government's more focused on drunk and drugged drivers than speed limits.   The Government has reversed the first of 38 speed limit reductions across the country's State Highways.   The rest are due to come into force before July, while another 49 sections of road are open for public consultation.   Transport Minister Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking his goal is to address what he claims is the number one killer on New Zealand roads: drugs and alcohol.   He says the country is being brought into line with other jurisdictions with roadside drug testing and increased breath testing.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A prominent former gangland figure was killed.  Sam ‘The Punisher’ Abdulrahim was shot multiple times in an alleged ambush in Melbourne.  Police believe a white Porsche SUV seen leaving the carpark immediately after the shooting was involved, the car later found burnt.  Australia Correspondent Steve Price told Mike Hosking that there’s been a number of attempts on his life over the years.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Chinese AI start-up's emerging as a threat to US tech companies and has sent their stocks in to a tailspin.   DeepSeek has revealed an artificial intelligence model similar to services like ChatGPT, but built for a tiny fraction of their cost.  It claims to have spent just $5.6 million on development compared to the billions ploughed into the tech by US counterparts.  Craigs Investments Partners Director Mark Lister told Mike Hosking that if DeepSeek’s model is everything it claims to be, they’ll be able to run on less powerful chips.  He says that the share prices for companies like NVIDIA had a huge amount of growth baked in on the assumption that everyone will need incredibly grunty chips to work, and DeepSeek’s claims bring that assumption into question.  Lister says that it means the share price is potentially a little overcooked.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The good people at OneRoof were hinting at it the other day.  They were reacting to what I know to be a bit of a buzz within the real estate community that the Government are going to move on foreign buyers this year.  I talk to a lot of agents. They range from telling me it's on, to those who hope it's on, to those who want it to be on but aren't holding their breath.  Currently you can buy a house if you are Australian or Singaporean. Apart from that there are hoops and hurdles for some foreigners, but mainly you are blocked.  This of course is nonsense and National had a very elegant solution that carved out houses under $2m, which is the vast majority of sales, so the American who wanted to open a company and invest in jobs and expansion could also fork out $9m for a lovely place at Lake Hayes.  Winston was having none of that, so we are stuck.  The hope is Winston can be moved. The rumour grows that Winston might be about to be moved.  I hope so.  The latest word is $5m. If you have $5m or above anyone is welcome.  What we have to fear from that I have no idea.  What we know for sure is we are desperately short of money. We have a pile of work that needs doing and we need all the help we can get.  In my area right now are a handful of $10m+ houses that have been on the market for over a year. They haven't sold because no one here has that money for a house and those who do already have houses.  If you open the foreign investment door they would be snapped up.  We either want to do business or we don’t. We are either open to the world or we aren't.  The irony for me is Winston Peters of all people in his role as Foreign Minister seems to get that, as much if not more than anyone else and yet on housing he remains the xenophobic old relic he played so well 20 years ago.  Let's hope the year brings a bit of enlightenment and we can at last get on with it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 29th of January, the Police force is set to see change in their middle management – Commissioner Richard Chambers shared the details.  Privatisation is back on the minds of the Government, so Sir John Key gave his thoughts as to whether it’d serve New Zealand well.  Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen round out the A-team, returning for 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.

Today on Politics Wednesday Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen joined Mike Hosking to wrap the political week thus far. They talked the new jury duty bill, the increasing speed limits, and where the Government is at heading into 2025.  The Police Minister is welcoming a member's bill that could see more seniors serving on juries.  National's Whanganui MP, Carl Bates, has proposed raising the age when people can be automatically excused from jury duty from 65 to 72.  People could still be excused for other reasons like health issues or career experience.  Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking it would unlock lots of talent that the jury service needs.  He says there are many in that age bracket who would make outstanding jurors and have the time to dedicate to it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s less optimism from Mainfreight over the impacts of global shipping changes.   Two of the world's largest shipping companies Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk are joining forces, a move some commentators believe will reduce freight prices and provide arrival time reliability.   But Mainfreight Managing Director Don Braid told Mike Hosking he's not sure it will mean cheaper freight rates, adding it mostly operates on the East to West corridors anyway.  He says it's possible for cheaper freight to result from the Red Sea opening, meaning quicker shipping.  However, Braid says, the chances of this happening are low.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir John Key doubts asset sales would achieve much.  The former Prime Minister says cutting bureaucracy and allowing better foreign investment would have more of an impact.   National says it may campaign on state-owned asset sales next election, a policy New Zealand First is dead against, while ACT's floating privatisation of health and education.  Key told Mike Hosking people are opposed because of what he thinks is ideological mumbo jumbo.   He says they just want to say everything is fantastic when its run by the state and you can't trust the private sector, but most things are done by the private sector already.   Sir John Key says there's nothing much left to sell, anyway.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sky says its satellite headache will be solved by early April.  The broadcaster's apologised after hundreds of customers complained of repeated outages and technicians failing to show up.  An ageing key satellite is said to be to blame.  Sky TV Chief Executive Sophie Maloney told Mike Hosking it will be replaced in the coming months.  She said the team has been working very hard to ensure they’re managing the signal interruption as best they can.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Commissioner says a loss of 17 executive-level roles will have no impact on Police delivery.  Richard Chambers is opening consultation on a proposal to disestablish 37 executive and support service positions and create 20 new roles.   He says a restructure will result in a stronger police leadership which is fit for purpose and delivers on his priorities.   Chambers told Mike Hosking police executives are important, but there are too many of them.   He says trimming the number will make those left more visible and connected.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elon Musk has continued to weigh into German politics ahead of next month's election.  The billionaire has made a video appearance at a rally for far-right party Alternative for Germany.  Musk has previously written an op-ed supporting the party, and hosted its leader Alice Weidel in an interview on X.  Europe Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking that it looks as if Musk is having an effect, primarily due to his actions being rebroadcast on his X, which has a far greater reach than German mainstream media.  She says that there has been an acceptance among the mainstream parties that far right votes wouldn’t be accepted to pass legislation, but the leader of the centre-right CDU said he was prepared to accept far-right support in his crackdown on migrants.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have to talk about Donald Trump.  He is fantastic.  What I like about what he has done so far is none of it’s a surprise. He actually does what he said he would do.  The mainstream media still can't get their head around it. I watched CNN twisting themselves into a knot over the pardons and the fact a lot of what he says isn't true.  It's as though they still think by moaning about it anything is going to change.  The Trump era is the most legitimate democratic thing you will see anywhere in the world.  He won the presidency by way of the college vote and the popular vote, he has the House, the Senate, and he has the Supreme Court, but that was more luck and not tied to an election.  So what he has is a mandate. You can't argue with that.  He said he would deport - he is.  He said he'd get out of the Paris Agreement - he has.  Not all of what he said he would do will happen, because some of it like birthright citizenship is constitutional and changing that takes a lot of court and more than four years.  Melania has clearly had a come-to-Jesus moment, given she seems front and centre. I watched them in Carolina and Los Angeles on Saturday and Las Vegas on Sunday, and she said nothing but seems keen this time around.  I watched the inauguration. Kamala couldn't hide her misery; Barron couldn't hide his sense of humour. Who knew?  Much is being made of the fact he doesn’t have to face the voters ever again, as though that doesn’t apply to every President who gets a second term, so he'll go nuts.  He won't go nuts. He is already nuts, but a lot of people like that kind of nuts.  He comes off the back, as the Wall Street Journal so decisively portrayed, one of the great crime families of modern America: the Biden's. The senility hidden from day one, all the family pardoned, and Hunter singled out, despite Joe saying he wouldn't. What a liar. What a crook.  As I said last year, the first time Trump came and went the world didn’t end. It won't this time either.  But so far it's going to be a hoot watching and I, for one, am loving it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're being told not to be scared of the latest retirement savings figures.  The latest Retirement Expenditure Guidelines have found less than $500 thousand in savings is enough for most retirees.  Massey University Associate Professor Claire Matthews told Mike Hosking that research consistently shows that the amount people need to save for retirement is less than other people would suggest.  She says that if you start early, the amount you need to save isn’t as daunting, since you’re saving for a much longer time frame.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The richest man in the world, Elon Musk is a controversial man with a history of innovation and entrepreneurship.  He’s one of the most talked about men in America, and after hitching his ride to Donald Trump in the election, now one of the most influential players in US politics.  Musk was the largest donor in the 2024 election cycle, spending at least US$277 million to back Trump’s run for the White House, as well as putting his social power behind the candidate.  Former Managing Editor of Forbes and host of the “What’s Bugging Me” podcast on Ricochet, Dennis Kneale has written a book about Elon Musk’s journey as a CEO. 'The Leadership Genius of Elon Musk' distils the businessman's success down into 11 lessons, breaking down his philosophies, successes, and controversial standing. Kneale told Mike Hosking he believes Musk got involved in politics reluctantly.  “I truly believe he never would have gotten involved if he hadn't felt that America was about to tumble down into the woke mind virus and never come back from it.”  Backing a specific political party or candidate can be a risk for a business, as it runs the risk of alienating potential customers.  “He knows that he turns off half the audience, and he wants 100% of the audience buying Tesla cars,” Kneale said.  However, Musk’s passion for free speech and a lack of censorship seems to have outweighed the potential loss of customers.  “He has more appreciation for the First Amendment right to freedom of speech and free expression than most Americans do.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 28th of January, the digital nomad tourist visa change was long overdue, so why is it only being done now?  The Prime Minister spars with Mike about actually putting spades in the ground instead of just lip service.    Former Fox and CNBC anchor Dennis Kneale has written a new book on one of the most interesting men in the world —Elon Musk— so he joins us 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.

Christopher Luxon's defending the Government's handling of its new stand-off with Kiribati.  New Zealand's relationship with the central Pacific Island nation appears to have reached an all-time low.  Aid to the country has been put on hold pending a review after the Kiribati President pulled out of a pre-arranged meeting with Foreign Minister Winston Peters last week.  The nation continues to form closer ties with China, and the New Zealand government is responding to the "radio silence" by suspending aid to the central Pacific island nation - aid that amounts to more than $100 million over three years. Luxon told Mike Hosking we can't keep sending aid money into Kiribati if we don't have a relationship or dialogue with them.  He says the Government has been putting tens of millions of dollars a year into Kiribati, and it needs to be spent effectively.  When it comes to tourism, the Prime Minister is hoping the new digital nomad visa reform will boost the industry back to pre-Covid levels.  He told Hosking it’s something they talked about in opposition, but had other things on their plate to deal with first.  Luxon says the sector hasn’t bounced back, and is actually turning off growth, which is absolutely unacceptable.   The next step, he says, is to ensure New Zealand is at the top of tourists’ bucket lists and to strengthen the relations that “went cold” through Covid.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are more tariff threats from President Trump after a tense standoff with Colombia.  The South American nation rejected US planes of deported Colombian migrants, but has now had to backtrack after Trump threatened large tariffs.  The President has floated imposing tariffs on a number of trading partners as part of his 'America first' economic policy.  But New Zealand International Business Forum Executive Director Stephen Jacobi told Mike Hosking that while it's making many countries anxious, he's yet to act on the threats.  He says Trump appears to be taking his time.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's signalling more visa changes could be on the way to encourage overseas travellers.   There's been a loosening of visa settings, allowing tourists on holiday here for up to nine months to work remotely for an overseas employer.   Tourism Minister Louise Upston says the tourism sector continues to fall short of pre-pandemic visitor numbers.  She told Mike Hosking they're looking at how to make New Zealand an easier place to visit, including reviewing the visa rules.  Upston says the changes have to be balanced by risk, but people want to know if they apply to come here, that they'll likely get in.  The Tourism Minister says the change will attract digital nomads and is part of the ongoing work to get tourism numbers back to pre-pandemic levels.  She Hosking Australia will be her initial focus, as it's very easy for Australians to come visit.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The news is continuing to get better for Canterbury milk company Synlait.  Its share price climbed 16% yesterday off the back of news it's expecting to return to profitability in the first half of the financial year.  That follows a bail-out by major shareholders, Bright Dairy and a2 Milk.  Acting Chief Executive Tim Carter told Mike Hosking the bounce-back is good, but they still have a lot of work to do.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A first of its kind University of Otago study has revealed worrying misconceptions among our teens about vaping.  The study found widespread belief that vaping will help with stress and anxiety, prompting people to use it as a coping mechanism.  Is vaping as popular with young people as smoking was as its worst?   University of Otago Senior Research Fellow Jude Ball discusses the issue with Ryan Bridge, if young people are pressured by their peers to pick up the habit, and whether we are drawing too much attention to vaping as whole.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australians came out in their thousands yesterday when protesting to change the date of Australia Day.  Melbourne saw around 25,000 people turn out for the event, and proactive speeches calling Australia "a racist nation," and a "coalition nation."  Australian Correspondent Steve Price talks to Ryan Bridge about the protests, what the polls are indicating for this year's election, and Australian of the Year Neale Daniher.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ohakune is basking in the closure of Desert Road, as businesses are reaping the benefits of a detour.  The Mountain Rocks Café & Bar owner Karl Christensen said his business hasn't been so busy since post-lockdown.  "We've got this flow of traffic, nose to tail through town most of the time, and it's just blown us away really," he said. Maintenance is projected to take two months.   LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday 27 January. 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.

Jannik Sinner has defended his Grand Slam title in Melbourne overnight, beating German Alexander Zverev. Saturday evening saw Madison Keys throw a spanner in the works to world number one Aryna Sabalenka's Grand Slam plan.  Tennis journalist David Worsley talks to Ryan Bridge about the dramatic scenes that unfolded across the ditch.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Major clean up is happening today in Mangawhai after a severe tornado rolled through the Northland town.  Fire and Emergency Northland District Manager Wipari Henwood said emergency crews were not expecting the tornado.  "I've had a look at the MetService reports and there was nothing mentioning severe thunderstorms," he said. Henwood said the emergency was also understaffed.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament is back to business today and straight into it with oral submissions for the Treaty Principles Bill.  Today's speakers, including Andrew Little, Denis O'Reilly and David Seymour, have 10 minutes each to speak.  Political commentator Karl Christensen talks to Ryan Bridge about what to expect, and how the contentious topic will be handled over the coming weeks.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cost of dairy is climbing for consumers - the Global Dairy Trade auction seeing a 1.4% across the board.  Why are the prices continuing to trend up?  Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen discusses this with Ryan Bridge.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

California's secretary of state has approved an effort to gather signatures for a vote in 2028 on whether the state should leave the US and become an independent country.  It comes as Donald Trump is not slowing down on his presidential orders and proposals.  The NFL's final playoffs are underway in preparation for the Superbowl next week. Who is the team to watch?  US Correspondent Richard Arnold talks to Ryan Bridge about the major US news, including the fallout of Trump's first week in office, and his claims around the conflict in Gaza. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States has stood out as the only major economy experiencing significant expansion amid Global PMIs.  The economic health indicator was a mixed bag for manufacturing and service sectors.  Meanwhile, luxury brand Burberry has soared 10% on its quarterly update.  And back home, why are things are looking up for the red meat sector?  Devon Funds Management representative Greg Smith joins the show to talk all things business.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve reached the pointy end of the Australian Open.  Aryna Sabalenka will meet American Madison Keys in the final of the Australian tennis Open women's draw on Saturday, Keys eliminating Iga Swiatek in dramatic circumstances.  The men’s semifinals play out this evening, their championship taking place Sunday.  Australian Open Commentator Craig Gabriel told Ryan Bridge that it was an extraordinary clash between Swiatek and Keys, with Swiatek the favourite to continue through to the finals.  Keys saved a match point, Gabriel said, and the game went the complete other way than expected.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Oscars nominations have come out and guess what? Wicked the Musical with Ariana Grande is on the list for Best Picture.   It's two hours and 40 minutes long. It doesn't have an ending because there's two parts. So you get half a story, and it takes half your life to watch. We should not be encouraging this type of time wasting. Cinemas are not comfortable places. I've got a bad back, I've got a low tolerance for people bursting into song – sitting in a cinema seat for almost 3 hours, listening to Ariana Grande singing her feelings is like, well, it's like being held in a small torture chamber.   In three hours you can achieve many things. You can fly to Australia, you could run a marathon, hell, you can even get an operation in three hours. My grandma's knee replacement she had done recently took less than three hours. Actually, I would rather get my knee replaced than listen and watch Wicked. Because it's a two-parter, you could actually get both knees done.   And it's not just Wicked that's dragging on - Dune. Did you see that the sci-fi space thriller that’s approximately 600 hours in length?   And I know what you're thinking: If you don't like a movie, Ryan, just don't go and see it. Ah. I never wanted to see Dune – my partner did. And as a married man, as you will know if you're married, some things you do even though you don't want to, and directors arrogant, self-indulgent Hollywood types, don't think about us.  They just think about themselves. They just think about this amazing emotional movie that they've created, inspired piece of art that they'll happily dump on the world's cinemas and expect everybody else to love.   The Brutalist. That's also on the list – three and a half hours long, nominated for Best Picture. Poke me in the eyes, Brutalist by name and brutalist by nature. I estimate half of cinemas are filled with people who don't want to be there, trapped in their own little torture chambers, battling through musicals and romcoms and war biopics, all for the sake of their marriage or to please a friend.   Our attention spans are far too short for this now. We have TikTok, we have Instagram, we have small brains, we have Twitter. What used to be a novel is now 140 characters. People abbreviate their speech because we can't be arsed with full sentences.   Hollywood and today's Oscars nods have totally missed the public mood. I propose a new category: Best Picture in under 90 Minutes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025 is underway, and Trish Sherson and Tim Wilson joined Ryan Bridge to Wrap the Week that was.  They discussed the growing lengths of films, Donald Trump’s first week back in the Oval Office, and whether New Zealand has a culture of saying ‘no’.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s encouraging Jobseeker data for the long-term.   Just over 33,000 people cancelled their benefits after finding work in the six months to December, up 22% annually.   The Government's also looking at more changes, including non-financial sanctions on jobseekers.   Former WINZ boss Christine Rankin told Ryan Bridge that young people cannot be left to get into the habit of relying on the benefit without taking action, which the Minister and department have done well to mitigate.   She says the benefit is designed to help you get through a really tough time, it’s not to pay you for the rest of your life in style.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 24th of January, Resources Minister Shane Jones tells Ryan Bridge the Government wants to open up conservation and stewardship land for mining.  The Government is establishing a new agency to attract a foreign investment - but an expert tells us there's much more to do to make New Zealand attractive again.  The Oscar nominations are out, but Ryan has something to say about the growing show-time of movies.  While Wrapping the Week, Tim Wilson and Trish Sherson discuss whether New Zealand has a growing culture of saying ‘no’.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's belief a new agency focused on driving up foreign investment is well overdue.  The Government is creating Invest New Zealand to attract overseas investors into infrastructure and other key sectors.  It aims to streamline overseas investment by providing tailored support.  Queen City Law Managing Director Marcus Beveridge told Ryan Bridge it was what New Zealand Trade and Enterprise was always meant to do.  He says if they do adopt an all of government approach, it could put the country back up to where it should be in terms of OECD rankings.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour is making it clear the country can't just wait around for change.  The ACT party leader is delivering his State of the Nation address in Auckland today.  Our newsroom understands he will use his speech to ask whether New Zealand should move towards privatisation in the health and education sectors.   Seymour told Ryan Bridge it's time to be asking the bigger questions.  He says the government owns $570 billion worth of assets and yet can't afford the core infrastructure to build more homes for the next generation.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The largest snow sports event in the southern hemisphere is no more.  The Winter Games have been held annually in Queenstown and Wanaka over the last 15 years.  But organisers have announced it can no longer continue in its current format, due to escalating costs.   Snow Sports NZ Chief Executive, Nic Cavanagh told Ryan Bridge it shows sport isn't immune to the current economic woes.  He says everyone in the industry is finding it incredibly challenging to raise commercial partnerships and sponsorships.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.