The Mike Hosking Breakfast

The days of having your flight delayed by fog could soon be over.  Every year, the airline industry loses a collective $13 billion as flights are delayed or cancelled due to foggy conditions.   Pyper Vision is aiming to solve this problem, with new technology that predicts fog and prevents delays.  Founder Emily Blythe told Mike Hosking that they’ve built an initial model that can predict fog more accurately than traditional models, although they it still has a way to go in terms of lifting performance.  She says they’ve teamed up with a team at Attentive Technologies to collect the data sets they need to improve accuracy.  Blythe says it should be making an impact for the public in early 2026.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 5th of December, the farmers are happy with the changes to the farm to forest conversion rules and the plans the government is considering for methane emissions.   Mike evaluates all the public sector’s Christmas parties for this year, so if you value an end of year do, he has the place for you.   Country music star Jordan Davis is winging his way to NZ next month along with Luke Combs, and popped on the show to talk about his journey.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Citizen's Advice Bureau says it isn't a surprise that MSD incorrectly processed 1-in-4 benefit entitlements.   The Ministry of Social Development's revealed its accuracy has slipped over the past few years, largely due to system and resource challenges.   CAB Deputy Chief Executive Andrew Hubbard says the stat stacks up with inconsistencies it's hearing from clients.   He told Mike Hosking it creates stress for those who have been overpaid and are facing debt they shouldn't be held responsible for.   Hubbard says mostly it's to do with a change in circumstance, like they've been a week late or it's taken MSD time to catch up with the change they've told them about.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The French government has collapsed.  Prime Minister Michel Barnier has been ousted in a no-confidence vote just three months after he was appointed by President Emmanuel Macron.  Newstalk ZB's Paris correspondent Catherine Field says the right and the Government are warning the no confidence vote will result in chaos, and plunge France into the "unknown".  Field says it's the first time since 1962 that a French prime minister has lost a vote of confidence.  She says Macron last week began asking around to see if anyone wanted the job, and there are four names who are ready to step into the role of Prime Minister.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hopes new legislation will protect the most productive farmland.   The rule change will stop Category 1 to 5 land being converted into forestry.   Those with category 6 land will only be allowed to convert 15 thousand hectares.   Federated Farmers forestry spokesperson Toby Williams told Mike Hosking that it restores the balance between farming and production forestry, and makes sure they’re playing on an even field.  He says they’ve been working on for three or four years with the National Party, and it’s really answered their calls.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland University's keen to work with Immigration New Zealand in a bid to boost international enrolments.  Data shows enrolments are up year-on-year but lag around 7% behind pre-Covid levels.  Auckland University Vice Chancellor Dawn Freshwater told Mike Hosking there's already some work going on in terms of automation and support for international applications.  She says visa processing times are critical.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's paying little attention to global action around climate change.   A coalition-appointed panel's suggesting New Zealand weaken its current 2050 climate target of up to 47% less emissions than 2017.  It's offered a new target of just 15%.  Agriculture Minister Todd McClay told Mike Hosking the rest of the world needs to step up, but we only need to focus on New Zealand.   He says we don't need to lead the world or do more than others, and the Government will likely just focus on our obligations.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s more trouble with Donald Trump’s cabinet picks.  Allegations have come out about Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nomination for Secretary of Defense.  Reports reveal that he was twice ousted from military organisations he led for financial mismanagement and improper behaviour, as well as allegations of sexual assault from 2017.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that in an email following Hegseth’s divorce in 2016, his mother wrote that she has no respect for any man that belittles, lies, cheats, sleeps around, and uses women for his own power and ego – saying that he was that man.  Arnold says that she says she retracted her remarks a day later in a separate email, having written it “in anger”.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From our “it worked fine, even though many didn’t think it would” file, there are two things to mention.  Thing number one is the benefit sanctions the handwringers argued were unfair and not nice.  It turns out virtually no one has hit red. Remember it was the green, orange, red system? All the Government ever asked in introducing them was for you to do your bit.  You are not sanctioned for not having a job. You are sanctioned for not trying.  Virtually everyone is doing their bit, as only 1% are in red. Those are the ones you can't help. They don’t want help, they don’t want work, and they don’t want to contribute. That’s on them.  The most interesting thing the Prime Minister said on Monday, as they announced their new support programme for those looking for work, is in many respects we are down to the nitty-gritty. The current rate of a bit under 5% jobless isn't high, historically.  Mostly, if you lose your job, you get another one.  So, is moving town reasonable? I answer, yes.  If you are 62 years old and laid off, maybe not.  But I noted with interest when the mill in the central North Island closed, a lot instantly said they are off to Australia. A lot of people have been off to Australia lately.  So moving for lifestyle, or work, or finances clearly isn't a major hurdle, so why would we think it would be one to find work locally?  The simple truth is you either want to work or you don’t. You are either driven, or you aren't.  So some sanctions and the threat of a kick in the pants is not really the end of the world that it was made out to be.  The second thing is Te Papa. Remember the debate about charging tourists? This was bad news apparently. We would put people off, apparently.  Reality? $750,000 in two months. They've sold pretty much exactly the number of tickets they thought they would. They are now filling a funding gap by letting people know, especially internationals, that nothing is free.  So, once again, it's not really the end of the world.  My guess is the new entry visa will be the same. The price is going up so it will be "the end of the world".  A cost to enter the national parks will be the same. They start charging and it will be "the end of the world".  The cost of a visa will be the same. The price went up so "they won't come".  We need to break the mentality that the Government i.e. you and me, pay for everything. It isn't real, but it is a habit.  What is real, is a few rules and a few charges are only an impediment if you think they are. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New AI technology is giving farmers an insight into the eating quality of their lamb and beef.  Alliance group-shareholders can now use Meat Eating Quality technology to analyse the tenderness, juiciness and flavour of meat.  Chief executive Willie Wiese told Mike Hosking the tool predicts the performance of livestock using genetics.  He says they've tested and validated the outcomes of the predictions against chemistry tests.  Alliance will have regional benchmarking data on the new technology by the end of the year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 4th of December, our health debt is coming down, but Health NZ Commissioner Lester Levy says there is more work to be done.  We finally get some good news on tourism - international visitor numbers and spending is up, so is the industry seeing the benefits?  For the last time of the year Mike, Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen cover off the big topics on Politics Wednesday, as well as the people they've met that like Mike.  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.

In the final Politics Wednesday of 2024, Labour’s Ginny Andersen and National’s Mark Mitchell joined Mike Hosking to dig into this week’s biggest political stories.   With just one sitting session left for the year, Parliament has shifted its focus to examining Government agencies for this year’s Scrutiny Week.   Ginny Andersen told Mike Hosking that it’s important to hold people accountable – if people are saying things that aren’t true, then they need to front up and explain where they got the numbers from.   Mark Mitchell agrees the week is a good idea.  He told Hosking that it’s another way of having scrutiny and transparency around what agencies are doing.   Mitchell says we've got one of the most transparent systems, and we should keep improving it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tourism operators are reaping the benefits of a boost in international visitor spending, but believe there's more work to do.  International visitor spending has risen by 30% in the year to September.  It's grown to just under $11 billion.  Tourism Holdings Chief Executive Grant Webster told Mike Hosking it's around 85% of pre-Covid levels, and they have to focus on growth.  He says that there have been some barriers put in place with increases in the visitor levy, but 2026 is where they're going to get their market share back.  Webster says they can manage it more effectively, with more digital capability and companies doing more.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Transport Minister says changes to Auckland Transport have been a long time coming.   Auckland Transport will have its right to make decisions about policy, planning, and strategy taken away.   A new regional transport committee will be formed with the goal of creating a 30-year transport plan.   Simeon Brown told Mike Hosking AT took the news well.   He's spoken with the Chief Executive who's keen to help make the transition.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s confidence All Black Sevu Reece was not given special treatment after charges against him ended in a discharge without conviction.  The 27-year-old Crusader crashed a car into a garage door after being asked to leave the post-Christchurch Cup Day party last year.  Reece initially pleaded not guilty before admitting a reduced charge of wilful damage yesterday.  Rugby Players' Association chief executive Rob Nicol told Mike Hosking we have to trust the judicial system.  He says anyone with a high profile is held to account when police are involved, as there's pressure on officers to get it right.  Reece was granted a discharge without conviction in 2018 after he admitted a single charge of common assault following an incident involving his then-partner.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Commissioner Lester Levy says a lower health deficit than expected is a sign of progress.   Health New Zealand's revealed a $1.1 billion deficit – well short of the $1.76 billion it initially reported.  The Opposition's accused the Government of manufacturing a crisis to justify its cuts.   Levy told Mike Hosking he's confident Health New Zealand will be at zero deficit in three years, assuming nothing unexpected happens.   But he says that's a temporary and fixable problem, unlike the real problem of long waiting times.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wool sector advocates are disappointed with housing agency Kainga Ora for saying no to pricey wool carpets. A prior directive suggested Kainga Ora should choose wool over synthetic fibres for carpets, but the state landlord has chosen the latter as it's around 34% cheaper.   Bremworth Chief Executive Greg Smith told Mike Hosking they were not asked to participate in the procurement process.  He says nylon and wool are often comparable in price, and is unsure where Kainga Ora got their numbers from.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France’s Government seems to be on the brink of collapse.  It looks likely to fall apart later this week after far-right and left-wing parties said they will vote for a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Michel Barnier.   The move comes after Barnier pushed through the 2025 social security budget without a vote.   France Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking that even if Barnier wins this vote, it’s only part of the battle, as he will still need to get the rest of the budget through.  She says that if he loses, the Government falls, and the best-case scenario is financial and political uncertainty – which could impact the entire Eurozone.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fluoride is a funny thing.  I like it. Not too much, but just enough to help out in the water.  Not everyone shares the view, but science is on the right side.  Before he left his job Ashley Bloomfield (remember him?) issued an edict to a number of councils to fluoridate the local water. He had the power to compel them to do it.  Most have, some have had a bit of an angst about it. Tauranga wasn’t thrilled, but the problem was if you didn’t, you could be fined a couple of hundred grand and then $10,000 a day for each day after that if you don’t follow the rules.  On Friday Whangarei voted not to.  Their argument was several fold. It was a tight vote of 7-6. The public gallery was full, and I can bet who it was full of.  The mayor says fluoride won't help the local area's dental hygiene, which is of course complete nonsense and probably why we have people specialising in the health area as opposed to councillors who generally specialise in nothing.  They also argued the area doesn’t want it. A decent question to ask is - does that matter?  Are there areas and issues where the locals actually don’t get a say, kind of like how we don’t get to set our own speed limits or whether we pay our taxes?  Or do you argue at local level democracy is everything?  Mind you, even if you did argue that, they didn't poll everyone so who knows what the locals think in totality.  The interesting thing for me is, is this an issue you really want to die on a hill over?  If you're a council in the northern part of this country, are you honestly telling me this is as pressing as it gets?  Forget the dilapidated state of the place, the fact it gets cut off from the country too often, or the grinding poverty and health issues. How long do you want that list to be?  No, we will defy Wellington and get fined over fluoride.  Too many councils nationally of late are not giving local representation a good name and this lot aren't helping. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ivan Cleary is the most successful sports coach in Australia.  A former Warriors coach, Cleary has led the Penrith Panthers to victory, claiming the NRL Grand Final four times in a row.   He’s now co-authored a book all about leadership and success, detailing, as Cleary puts it, what he’s learned and how he leads.   ‘Not Everything Counts but Everything Matters’ reflects on the decades he’s spent on both sides of the game, as both a player and a coach, his mental health, and the time he spent coaching the Warriors.   He told Mike Hosking that he’s enjoying every minute of the NRL success.  “I was a head coach for 14 seasons, and also played for 11, so that’s 25 years of being in the NRL before I experienced winning a premiership.”  “It’s been a long time coming.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 3rd of December, the benefit numbers are up, and the lower target set by the Government is the one most at risk of not being hit.  The Prime Minister talks the Supreme Court decision on the Foreshore and Seabed Act, autopilot on our ships, and what's happening with the CRL.  Ivan Cleary is currently the most successful coach in Australia and has a new book out around leadership and expertise. It piqued Mike's interest, and he had to ask him whether he wants to come back and coach the Warriors!  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 a chance for the Government to reset, with a successful appeal from the Attorney-General offering more clarity on Māori customary rights to the foreshore and seabed. The Supreme Court's rejected a Court of Appeal judgment as a narrow interpretation of criteria. It's unanimously ruled applicants must use and occupy an area, and maintain this use without substantial interruption. Thorndon Chambers barrister Max Harris told Mike Hosking the Supreme Court's cleared up a lot of the details. He says the Government probably needs to go back to the drawing board on its legislation now that the position's changed. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A variety of barriers still exist for some people looking for work.   The number of people on the Job Seeker benefit increased by 8,000 in the September quarter to sit at 70,000.   Whangarei New Focus Career Guidance Service founder Muriel Willem says some people are missing skills in areas like computers.   She told Mike Hosking that at the moment, even people without those barriers are finding it tough.   Willem says that's because there just aren't that many jobs out there.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's reconsidering amending customary marine titles legislation following a landmark Supreme Court decision.    The court's rejected a Court of Appeal judgment from October last year as a narrow interpretation of criteria.  It's unanimously ruled applicants must use and occupy an area for customary rights to the foreshore and seabed, and maintain this use without substantial interruption.   Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking it was a quick decision from the court.  He says it actually takes a lot of time to go through those rulings and understand the nature of them.   Luxon says Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith will go through it and have more to say in due course.  The Prime Minister is commending the Navy's handling of the fall-out from the Manawanui sinking.  An inquiry has found the sinking was the result of a series of human errors, including the autopilot being left on.  Luxon has confirmed he's discussed potential compensation with the Samoan Government after locals were prevented from fishing in the area.  The Prime Minister has laughed off a question from Hosking about whether Navy personnel should have known what autopilot was.  He says it's incredibly frustrating for everyone involved, but the Navy has done a good job of fronting.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health New Zealand says it's committed to reaching a settlement with nurses.  About 36,000 nurses, midwives, and health workers walk off the job between 11am and 7pm today.  They say they're overworked and understaffed, which is threatening patient safety.  Health New Zealand Deputy Chief Executive Mark Shepherd told Mike Hosking he's disappointed nurses are striking so early in the bargaining process.  But he says hospitals are fully prepared to manage the strikes.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's confidence from the Ministry for Primary Industries that a bird flu strain will be eradicated.  Around 80,000 chickens are set to be slaughtered after the disease was found at a Mainland Poultry-owned property at Moeraki in Otago yesterday.  A second barn tested positive last night, but neither is the strain circulating in wildlife globally.  MPI Director-General Ray Smith told Mike Hosking they're mapping half a dozen properties with links to the farm.  He says it'll take a couple of weeks before the outer limits of the virus are confirmed, and expects it to be relatively contained.  Live or raw poultry exports have been stopped for the time being.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Public Health Service is exactly what's wrong with this country. The Health Minister, who shouldn't have had to, intervened in their submission to the district council looking at the application for McDonald's in Wanaka. Why was the health service offering a submission? Because the council asked them to. So who is more at fault (the answer is of course both of them), the council for creating work and waste, or the service for creative work and waste? The health service, among other things, talk of health. They talked of health in the wildest of contexts, like the World Health Organisation context, which essentially means anything can be dragged into the health sphere if you are determined. And my word, were they determined. They won't be in future because Shane Reti told them to stop wasting everyone's time. The irony of the outcome is the submission wasn’t even correct, hinting perhaps that these people have little, if any, knowledge of what they are actually doing and simply fill their days with pointless exercises. They sighted Te Tiriti of course. What Te Tiriti has to do with fries and a chocolate shake, I have no idea, and I suspect they don’t either. But that is why all this is so criminal. Te Tiriti is everywhere for no particular purpose. Its overreach has reached the point of absurdity. So hundreds of submissions, days of hearing, the Treaty and a Government department admonished by the minister. That is why nothing gets done and that is why the country is in the state it is. These people want to sell a hamburger. They want to employ locals, they want to contribute to the growth of the community and they want to pay their tax. They simply want to do business. Why is the industry and apparatus in not doing business so vast, so complicated, so expensive and so wasteful? And who is blowing it up? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government wants to launch the first satellite controlled by New Zealand. Currently we rely on satellites from "friendly countries" - such as the US and the UK. Options are now with MBIE – but what would a sovereign satellite mean for us? Auckland University physics professor Richard Easther joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 2nd of December, Labour leader Chris Hipkins on what the party tax plans are, pulling out of AUKUS and rebuilding Dunedin Hospital.   Mike couldn't believe the report that came out of the Manawanui handling and you won't want to miss his thoughts on it! And he speaks to Guy and Sav for the last time this year and gives his pick for the overall Halberg Awards winner. 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.

Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt joined Mike Hosking to wrap the weekend in sport – including fielding errors by the Black Caps in their eight-wicket loss to England, the Breakers signing former NBA centre Tacko Fall and Auckland FC continuing their historic run. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine and Russia look to be heading towards a ceasefire - but it could be messy. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hinting he'd temporarily cede territory to Russia – if the whole country's extended an invite to NATO. Former UK Defence Attaché in Moscow John Foreman told Mike Hosking both Ukraine and Russia seem to be trying to influence Donald Trump ahead of him taking office – but Trump's kept his cards close to his chest. He says the only clarity we have is from Trump tapping General Kellogg to serve as special envoy – who wants to delay NATO membership, but offer Ukraine security assurances. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An early Christmas present for the Coromandel Peninsula as the walking track to Hahei's Cathedral Cove reopens. It closed in Feburary last year because of damage caused in Cyclone Gabrielle. Thames-Coromandel Mayor Len Salt says combined with the reopening of State Highway 25A, the region is ready for a busy summer. He told Mike Hosking the next step will be repairing other tracks in the area. “Not just down to the Cove, but the other bays. We’ve got Gemstone Bay and Stingray Bay which is still closed to access.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins believes AUKUS is not in New Zealand's best interest. His party has ruled out joining the transnational pact between Australia, the UK, and the US. The current Government's considering joining pillar two of the agreement - with non-nuclear aspects. Chris Hipkins told Mike Hosking we should continue to have good, strategic relationships – and recognise some other partners are not happy with AUKUS. “If you look at the way it’s perceived internationally, including in our region, it’s perceived as part of the polarisation of geopolitics in our region.” Meanwhile, the idea or a capital gains tax was also talked about. Hipkins says we're closer to seeing public appetite for reform. “When we started talking about this 15 years ago as the Labour Party, we were the only people talking about it. Now everybody’s saying actually New Zealand’s tax system needs reform.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's nomination of loyalist Kash Patel for FBI director could be his most contentious yet. Patel's widely considered controversial for his comments about shutting down the FBI headquarters and ceding all power to the President. He's also spoken about coming after the media – and offering retribution to his enemies inside government. US correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking one of the issues is the post isn't open – with current head Chris Wray still having more than three years left. “Wray was appointed by Donald Trump during his first term, but their relationship soured early on. And then things worsened when the FBI issued that search warrant for classified documents.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A belief Labour missed out on opportunities when announcing its position on AUKUS. The party has promised not to sign up to the international security pact – a partnership between Australia, Britain, and the United States. Former Labour leader Andrew Little told Mike Hosking he wants more of an indication on how those relationships would be managed in the future. “So if we’re not signing up to that, we still have to have a relationship with them – or we’re going to – and still need new defence kit.” But Little is confident relationships will remain strong, believing the nuclear part will likely collapse. He says the other part was joining with our traditional partners on developing technology of use to New Zealand, like remote maritime patrolling. The current Government's exploring options for the non-nuclear aspect of the pact. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lower numbers of drownings are a blip and not yet a trend. 61 lives have been lost in water-related incidents this year – 26 percent down compared to the 10-year average. Water Safety New Zealand says there needs to be more education in schools and a standardisation because each school is learning something different. Chief Executive Daniel Gerrard told Mike Hosking there are still massive gaps. “27 percent of eight-year-olds can’t even float for two minutes. That’s in a nice warm pool, you put them out in the difficult conditions – maybe a chop, maybe a swell – how long will people survive?” He says there needs to be a consistent approach. He says most schools are doing something, but there should be a greater alignment with international standards. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three American citizens detained in China have been released after several years. U.S Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the prisoner swap comes after 'many months' of negotiations from the Biden administration to bring the prisoners home to their families. One prisoner, Mark Swidan, spent 12 years detained on drug related charges and was sentenced to death. Swidan, alongside a fellow prisoner, was declared wrongfully declared. In exchange three detained Chinese nationals will return to China.   LISTEN ABOVESee 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.    The war: 6/10  A ceasefire is reason for hope and not a lot of that has been floating about the place recently.    The UK election petition: 4/10  Small clue, they already had one of those. It's called an election.    Capital Gains Tax: 6/10  The debate and the vote this weekend. If Labour wants to enhance their chances of two, if not three, terms in Opposition, yes is the way to vote.    The Covid Inquiry: 4/10  Because the coverage of what I would argue is as big a deal as anything this year, was scant to say the least.    The coalition's first year: 7/10  Some good progress, some good co-operation and not a lot of fall out. But it's lacking the real bite that is needed to turn this shambles around. They must try harder.    TJ Perenara: 4/10  We didn't talk about the game or the tour and that is why it's a problem.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I am glad the Covid report has been released.  Why wouldn’t it be? It's ours, we lived it and are living through it.  It says a lot of stuff you thought it would say; compulsory mandates were one of the most controversial measures. No kidding.  The country was not prepared for border closures or MIQ. Really?  They run the line that we had fewer infections and therefore fewer deaths than other countries.  I note Chris Hipkins yesterday was still rejecting the idea that vaccine mandates were a mistake. And in that is the problem.  Incompetent Governments lead to incompetent responses. Arrogance leads to an inability to do things differently, which is I think in part, the point of the report, to give us a blueprint for next time.  The blueprint says mandates were a mistake. Hipkins, who could be Prime Minister as soon as 2026, seems to think he is more right than the inquiry. So are we any further ahead?  You need to also factor in that phase one, despite what Tony Blakely told us yesterday, is not the full picture. It’s a comprehensive picture within the guidelines he was given.  The guidelines he wasn’t given are why we are having phase two.  I still argue it would have been better if we had taken the British route, the adversarial approach. Put Ardern and Hipkins and Bloomfield on the stand and ask some penetrating questions.  It doesn’t have to be a court to illicit material this report hasn’t found.  The really important part for me is not what we did then, but what the outworking of what we did then produced what we have now.  What we are still living through and why, because what we have now is so badly damaged. We must learn not to do what we did last time.  The kids not at school, the behaviour of so many that has been out of control, the moral fatigue, the social decline and the malaise. That is not measured totally in statistics.  But the overarching feeling is this country is a shadow of what it once was. That's the real story of Covid.  But I still maintain that you can write all the reports you want and inquire until you are blue in the face, but a pandemic is luck.  If the Government that’s in on the day the pandemic arrives is good, you will be OK.  If it's Labour 2017-23, well, you don’t need the report.   Just look at us. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s becoming easier to order alcohol online, with fewer checks being conducted.  New research from Alcohol Healthwatch suggests 73% of orders are being delivered without ID being checked, and 49% were contactless deliveries.  In some instances, it’s arriving on doorsteps within 17 minutes.  CEO Andrew Galloway told Mike Hosking that the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 was developed for a brick-and-mortar style arrangement.  He says that New Zealand has high levels of harm as a result of alcohol, and so the regulations need to be adjusted to better suit online orders.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 29th of November, we get an expert’s reaction to the full Covid-19 Phase 1 report.  We did the push-ups a couple of weeks ago - now we have the fitness margin for how many star jumps you should be able to do. How does Simeon Brown hold up?  Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson answer the "hypothetical" question of whether Mike is a snob for buying a $600 bottle of wine as they Wrap the Week.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian senate's passed world-first laws preventing under 16s from using social media.   The ban will come into force at the end of next year, and social media companies will face fines if they fail to take reasonable steps to keep children off.   The ABC reports the late vote last night came as the government rammed through most of its legislative agenda on the final sitting day of the year.   Australia correspondent Murray Olds told Mike Hosking that messaging apps will be exempt.   He says the onus will be on companies to check the ages of users, and he questions what's stopping a 14-year-old saying they're older.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the end of the week, and Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was.  They chatted about star jumps, spending habits, and whether Mike is a snob for buying a $600 bottle of wine.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retailers are hoping for bumper Black Friday sales today.    Retail NZ says Black Friday and Boxing Day are the biggest shopping days of the year.  It comes at a time when retailers are struggling, with 70% not meeting their sales targets in the September quarter according to the Retail Trade Survey.   Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young says it would be good to see Black Friday generate more foot traffic down the line.  She told Mike Hosking that retailers are considering shorter sale periods next year, to concentrate the number of people who come in during that time.  Young says there’s a mixed appetite for spending at the moment, but Black Friday is a good time for people to be thinking about Christmas shopping.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Minister says gangs are showing a high level of compliance with the new laws.   Police are expecting large numbers of Mongrel Mob Barbarians in Nelson over the weekend, and will be deploying officers from Tasman and Canterbury to check for breaches.   Yesterday, six people were arrested for allegedly breaching the patch ban at a Tauranga tangi.  Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking that leaders of the gangs in particular are trying to respond, and fundamentally don't seem to want to draw attention to themselves.   He says there will probably be some younger members who won't comply because they're not thinking about it, but police will respond to that.  Mitchell says that typically those respectfully attending a funeral won't have any contact with police.   But he says if people are taking over public roads, intimidating people, and carrying illegal weapons, then police will respond to make sure the public is safe.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Transport Minister says councils have other options to increase revenue, not just through higher fares.   NZTA's ordering councils take a higher revenue share and agree to new targets by December 19th.  Public transport authorities have requested an urgent meeting, saying the targets would see bus, train, and ferry prices surge.   But Simeon Brown told Mike Hosking it's a lazy approach to just increase fares.    He says councils have a range of tools including increased advertising, sponsorships, corporate fare schemes, and renting out space at train stations.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Workers earning over $180,000 will lose the right to raise unjustified dismissal claims under a new policy. Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden said the change allows more flexible dismissal processes for high-income employees. The policy aims to enhance labour market flexibility and will be introduced through the Employment Relations Amendment Bill next year. Workers making over $180,000 a year will no longer be able to raise an unjustified dismissal claim if they lose their job once a new Government policy takes effect. The upcoming change to the Employment Relations Act “will enable employers to ensure they have the right fit for their high-impact leadership and specialist roles”, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden said. The policy, described as a “more flexible dismissal process for high-income employees”, delivers on the Act-National coalition agreement to set an income threshold above which personal grievances cannot be pursued. “This policy is about offering workers and employers more choice when negotiating contracts. “Employers and employees are free to opt back into unjustified dismissal protection if they choose to or negotiate their own dismissal procedures that work for them,” van Velden said. She said the policy was “paving the way for the next generation of leadership” when she spoke to Mike Hosking on Newstalk ZB. “One of the classic cases of grievance from businesses is you want to take a chance on someone, but you’re too afraid if something goes wrong, how on earth will it work out.” “You’ve got someone in the workforce who is maybe quite skilled, got a good attitude, but if you push them up to that next leadership level into management, you know, if it doesn’t work out and they aren’t a good fit, this allows you to move them on.” Van Velden said many people would have worked with a manager “who has led to poor productivity, low morale, and the boss and the workers are just sitting there and waiting for this person for years and years to want to move on”. The change would provide greater labour market flexibility and would benefit employers and workers, she said. “This policy allows employers to give workers a go in these high-impact positions without having to risk a costly and disruptive dismissal process if things don’t work out.” The income threshold of $180,000 will cover about 3.4% of the workforce. The threshold will be adjusted annually to match increases in average weekly earnings. “The change will be progressed through the Employment Relations Amendment Bill, which I aim to introduce in 2025,” van Velden said. The income threshold refers to a regular base salary and excludes other income such as incentive payments and benefits like vehicle use. Employees earning over $180,000 will still be able to raise other types of personal grievances. Jaime Lyth is a multimedia journalist for the New Zealand Herald focusing on crime and breaking news. Lyth began working under the NZ Herald masthead in 2021 as a reporter for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A business think tank is critical of the first part of New Zealand's Covid-19 review, believing it's not comprehensive enough.  Phase 1 of the pandemic response report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry brings 39 recommendations.  They include planning for quarantine measures, allowing movement of public sector capability during a pandemic, and assigning a minister to lead implementation.   New Zealand Initiative Senior Fellow, Murray Horn told Mike Hosking the report misses some areas.  He says it doesn't explore whether damage to the economy and people's faith in government was more serious than needed.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I am more knowledgeable about the Pike River tragedy than Tony Gibson's Auckland Port court case.  But out of Pike River came the law that got Gibson, as former boss of the Port of Auckland, over the death of a worker.  He has been found guilty. He may appeal.  You would imagine if the verdict stands and a penalty is imposed, it would have a severe chilling effect in the world of CEOs.  Just where is the line for a boss in looking after the safety of the staff, beyond the broad-based and widely understood rules?  Do court cases like this now reset those boundaries as to what you must, or might do, in regards safety in a large workplace?  Some workplaces are inherently dangerous because of their nature.  Rules will be in place, but how tight do those rules need to be? And it's out of that sort of expectation that life in general can sometimes be brought to a sort-of standstill by the “just in case” mentality.  Work and safety is driven by good intention but is stifling in the real world.  In taking the very specific responsibility right up the chain to the corner office for a person falling off, or falling over, or into something, that's a tremendous amount of very specific expectation – especially in a large company when the numerical gap between the boss and a bloke on the floor, or the machine, might well be large. It's an interesting concept, to judicially skip any number of people between the victim and the CEO. What I know about Pike River was it was a top-down mess. If you were looking for blame, there was no shortage of it to spread around. A lot of people wanted Peter Whittall to pay, but that was more predicated on him being an easy target, not because he, and he alone, was responsible. How much of the new law came out of the same mentality?  "Don't worry about the detail or fairness, let's just look to have someone pay". And if that is what drove it, is that good law? Or is it a lot of potential trouble and a reason not to be the boss?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 28th of November, we get reaction from the Reserve Bank and Steven Joyce after our last OCR cut of the year.  Phase 1 of the Covid inquiry is complete, and inquiry chair Professor Tony Blakely has some surprising comments about vaccine mandates and lockdowns.  Mike couldn't believe Mitch James was quitting music, so had to get a friend of the show on for one last time as a musician.  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.