The Mike Hosking Breakfast

The Children's Minister says force can be used by boot camp providers, but only in very strict conditions.  The Government's proposing to allow the use of force for restraining youth offenders at military-style boot camps.  A leaked ministerial document suggests this could increase the potential risk of abuse in custody.  But Minister Karen Chhour told Mike Hosking the programme is being designed to keep young people and staff safe.  She says they would use restraint if a child was going to abscond, or hurt themselves or someone else, which already happens in some facilities.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the many things I have failed to truly understand about this election is just what is it they think Jennifer Anniston or Harrison Ford is going to do for your vote.  The celebrity endorsement has been a mainstay of the Democrat's campaign – mainly because there are very few so called “famous people” in places like Hollywood that aren't liberals. She has not been short of choice.  At some point I decided it started to look desperate.   LeBron, Jon Bon Jovi over the weekend with a song, Bruce Springsteen is an old favourite, Lady Gaga, and of course if they manage to roll out Taylor Swift its reached peak endorsement. Or peak panic – one or the other.  Swift has already endorsed, but it seems its better if you show up for a song.  Jennifer Lopez showed up but didn’t sing, but she did manage to look sensationally earnest.  My suggestion is this: celebs are a bust. They are not what they used to be.  I love LeBron, I love what he is about, I love how good he is, and he can vote any way he wants, I’ll still love him. But he is never going to tell me how to vote, no matter which way I vote.  Could he sway an impressionable 18 year old sports freak? Maybe. Maybe that’s why he’s out there.   But a lot of them aren't of LeBron’s weightiness – a lot of them are as shallow as a puddle. That is modern celebrity.  This isn't Carey Grant, Lucille Ball, or Shaun Connery; the days of mystery and intrigue. These are the days of TikTok, where these people are so omnipresent they could be our mail men, hence the star power is dimmed, the influence has faded.  The idea that we can't think for ourselves is preposterous.  If celebrities worked, this would be a land slide, and yet it isn't. It’s Trump and Hulk Hogan versus Harris and virtually the entire film and music industry.  Somehow the Dems have missed the memo and if they lose, what does that say about the entire film and music industry? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Place your bets – it's Melbourne Cup Day.  Three New Zealand-trained horses are in this year’s race: Sharp N Smart, Positivity, and Trust In You.  Sharp N Smart is the most favoured of the three Kiwi entrants and is owned by Graeme Rogerson and his wife.   Debbie Rogerson told Mike Hosking they’re feeling good about their prospects.  “We’re very, very happy with the horse,” she said.  “Couldn't be more than happy the way everything’s just fallen into place.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Germany's coalition government is on shaky ground.   The country’s struggling economy has sparked infighting between the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens, and the Free Democratic Party (FDP), with the coalition on the brink of collapse.   Europe Correspondent Jo McKenna told Mike Hosking the three coalition parties have been holding emergency talks to try to bridge policy divisions.  She says the Free Democratic Party's policy of tax cuts have been particularly unpopular.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday the 5th of November, on the eve of the US Presidential Election, so what do all the polls say is going to happen in about 36 hours?  The Prime Minister faces some questions over the Government's bootcamps and potential use of force by staff.  In an exclusive long form chat, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks to Mike about the US election, what he thinks of Trump, and his upcoming visit to New Zealand.  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.

Boris Johnson is praising the presidency of his friend and ally Donald Trump.  The former British Prime Minister has spoken exclusively to Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking on the eve of the US election, as final polling shows key battleground states could still go either way.  Johnson is commending the unpredictability of US democracy, compared with countries like China and Russia.  He says he has a good relationship with Kamala Harris, but he disagrees with the public perception of Trump.  Johnson says the former president was robust on Syria, Iran, and Russia.   He told Hosking that if Trump is a “nutjob”, there is definitely a method to his madness.  Johnson says another Donald Trump presidency could ease the war between Russia and Ukraine.  He says Trump has opposed aid to Ukraine only to separate himself from political opponents like Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden.   If elected, he says Trump would be stern on Putin and wouldn't allow NATO and the United States to be humiliated.  Johnson will be offering more of his insights as the the International Keynote Speaker at a one off “Long Lunch” event in Auckland this December. For more information, click here.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister is standing by the Government's military-style boot camp programme.  Under the programme, children are spending three months in a youth justice residence and nine months getting community support under the current pilot programme.  A leaked document from Children's Minister Karen Chhour has suggested giving military-style academy providers the power to use force could increase the risk of abuse.  But Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking there are psychologists and social workers involved who are looking after the interests of young people.  He says they are up at 6:30, in uniform, with a high level of physical training, but they're also writing resumes, thinking about job interviews, and have all the support they need.  Luxon says that comparing the programme to abuse in state care is disingenuous.  He told Hosking there was no oversight or monitoring decades ago, but they are now focused on care and rehabilitation.  He says they have multiple layers of protection, and the checks and balances are there.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An education expert says the Government's targeted maths trial will help catch a lot of the students currently slipping through the cracks.  The Government's announced a trial programme to accelerate the skills of about 2000 Year 7 and 8 students who are behind in maths.   It will run in the first two terms of next year, with small-group tutoring and supervised online tuition up to four times a week.  Education Hub Founder Nina Hood told Mike Hosking everyone can get maths, it's just about being taught in a way that builds skills.  She says when people don't get those basic skills, it prevents them from doing more advanced maths.  Hood says the tutoring pairs well with the new incoming curriculum, and if it’s done right, there’ll need to be less intervention over time.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris remain neck-and-neck on the eve of polling day, but one top polling expert is picking the election for Trump.  Trump is spending the day in North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Michigan.  Harris is focusing on Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state with 19 Electoral College votes.  Polling analyst Henry Olsen told Mike Hosking he believes Trump will narrowly win more Electoral College votes.  He says the country has shifted to the right, and Harris isn't winning enough independent voters to offset that.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The boss of Westpac's New Zealand arm insists our banking market is competitive.  Westpac is reporting a 10% increase in net profit in New Zealand while being hit by "intense market competition" in Australia.  It comes as the bank bosses are being hauled before a banking inquiry at Parliament.  Catherine McGrath told Mike Hosking the bank is positioned to support Kiwis as the economy starts to grow.  She says as the smallest of the big four banks, Westpac believes any way to make competition easy is a good thing.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support for the Australian Labor party and the coalition has dropped.   Australian correspondent Steve Price tells Mike Hosking a new poll published in The Australian shows Prime Minister Anthony Alabanese is seen as incompetent and useless.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt join the Commentary Box to discuss the Black Caps incredible whitewash, the All Blacks close win over England, the first kiwi derby in the A-League, and the Kiwis loss to Tonga after a 75th minute goal.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Election week has arrived for the United States with both candidates spending the weekend drumming up last-minute support for their respective campaigns.   NZUS Council Chairman Jonathan Mason joins Mike Hosking to discuss which candidate would best benefit New Zealand.  Mason says the fear with a Trump election win is the 10-20 percent tariffs he is set to impose on New Zealand imports such as wine and meat. This would make a targeted hit on the New Zealand economy possible.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps did the unthinkable over the weekend, securing a 3-0 test series win over India.  New Zealand have become the first team to whitewash India at home in a series featuring three or more tests.  Black Caps coach Gary Stead tells Mike Hosking winning in India is “incredibly special”.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kemi Badenoch has been elected as the UK Conservatives new leader.  The 44-year-old is vowing to turn the Tory’s around.  Badenoch’s election marks the first time a woman of colour has led a major political party in the UK.  UK correspondent Rod Liddle tells Mike Hosking there is a suspicion that the public will like Badenoch, bucking the trend of a big party cycling through several leaders before the next election.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 4th of November, it's day one of the new rollout for how police deal with mental health callouts, so how are officers feeling and will it go off without a hitch?  It's Trump vs Kamala - but what does it mean for NZ and trade if either candidate win the presidency? The NZUS council is on the show.  Another amazing weekend of sport, starting with the Black Caps and capped off by Liam Lawson in the points again in F1. Guy and Sav give us their highlights.  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.

Phase One of the new Police approach to mental health callouts takes effect today. Police Association President Chris Cahill tells Mike Hosking that 11 percent of jobs that Police attend are related to mental health. Police will still attend to people who are at risk of harming themselves or others. Overseas, the removal of police from mental health callouts has lead to better outcomes for patients. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The clock is ticking on the US election, as the final polls have come in. More than 75 million Americans have already cast their ballots. US correspondent Richard Arnold tells Mike Hosking that polls show Kamala Harris has picked up support in the Republican red state Iowa, to lead Donald Trump. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report suggests a fully funded dental system could cost less than the current approach. Lost productivity and life satisfaction is costing New Zealand around $5.6 billion, prompting fresh calls for universal dental healthcare. NZ Dental Association Policy Director Dr Robin Whyman tells Mike Hosking the association wants to increase the free dental care scheme to include those into their mid-twenties. The scheme currently covers those up to 18 years of age. 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.    Wellington: 7/10  As in the NPC team. A brilliant final, overtime and high drama. It's good for rugby.    The haka: 6/10  I know Joe Marler is a boofhead, but doesn't he make a not unreasonable point? By the time we show up, sing the national anthem twice and then the haka, that's a lot of indulgence asked for, isn't it?    Anthony Albanese: 2/10  "Hi Alan, can you stick us in first class?" What could possibly go wrong?    Ginny Andersen: 3/10  "Hahahaha look at that, I'll share that." What could possibly go wrong?    Australia and their Covid report: 7/10  Obviously a lot more efficient than us, but what theirs says ours will say. Sadly for both, the trust is gone, and lessons will never be learnt. But good to see some honesty at last.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back to the review of the last election result we mentioned this week from the political brains trust at Victoria University.  Just to remind you, they analysed our votes, our issues, and our voting intentions and, and as a result, what sort of mandate they thought the current Government has.  My point was they overthought the whole thing, given we only have one vote and it doesn’t specifically buy a lot, or guarantee any sort of outcome, or even influence.  So it is on that note I pose this very simple premise - if and when Labour get back to power, they are going to need most likely not just the Greens, but the Māori Party too.  It’s the Māori Party that will potentially lead to a flurry of analysis and a lot of hard questions that I'm not sure anyone has even thought about yet.  The Māori Party are radicals.  When the police raided the Mongrel Mob the other day in Opotiki, Rawiri Waititi called it "state sponsored terrorism" driven by a race agenda.  How do the Labour Party live with that? How do they explain it? How do they justify being in Government with that?  To their credit, the Māori Party I think are long-termers, given Waititi seems to have a lock on his seat and that is far more reliable than 5%, which they will never get because they are radicals.  They are single issue zealots. But democracy allows this if you can find 5% to agree with you, or a seat where that sort of rhetoric sells. Waititi has that seat.  So when you vote for Labour or for the Greens do you think about a Government grouping that has the Māori Party radical element in it and, if you do, what do you think that will lead to?  What if the Māori Party have the NZ First card, i.e. the balance of power where you can't form a Government without them?  What do you think their price for that will be? How radical do you think that will be?  When the political wonks at Victoria University get to analyse that, their heads will explode.  What you thought you were voting for and what you got, will be unrecognisable. And yet in 2026 it's possible.  In 2029 it might even be likely. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Horticulture New Zealand is pushing the government to follow through with its veggie production commitments.   A new Institute of Economic Research report reveals prices could skyrocket under proposed regulations to reduce nitrogen runoff, with broccoli potentially jumping to $9 a head.   Horticulture New Zealand Strategy Manager Michelle Sands told Mike Hosking that at the moment fresh fruit and vegetable growing and supply isn't recognised as a matter of national importance for New Zealanders.  She says the current rules would prevent growers from rotating their crops, which would negatively impact soil health and could seriously threaten vegetable production.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a dominating win over Japan last weekend, the All Blacks are preparing to take on England.   It’s a rather different side playing this weekend, with only three of the 15 players retaining their spot from the last match and prop Ethan de Groot being dropped from the selection.  Coach Scott Robertson said the team was preparing for a boisterous Twickenham atmosphere and a determined England side.  Patrick Tuipulotu told Mike Hosking that they’ve got a fairly good sense of what the opposing side is about.   He says England will be a bit fresher than when they last faced off at the end of their season, but they’ll probably play quite similarly.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Capping off a short week, Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was.  They debated the amount of sport someone can watch over the weekend before it starts to cause problems in their marriage, what people can do for their spouse to alleviate the damage, and touched on the Travis Scott concert debacle.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 1st of November, we've secured a new free trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council, so Trade Minister Todd McClay joined from Doha to discuss it.  We give you a sneak peek of former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's exclusive chat with Mike.  Kate and Tim debate how long is too long to watch sport in the weekend as they Wrapped the Week, and speaking of sport, Patrick Tuipulotu joined for a chat ahead of the All Blacks vs England clash.  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.

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson offers his thoughts on the UK’s latest financial policy as part of an interview with Mike Hosking. Catch the full-length interview next week on the Mike Hosking Breakfast.   Boris Johnson is condemning the British Labour Government's moves to hike taxes on the wealthy.  High earners, wealthy foreigners, and businesses are facing $86 billion of extra taxes to fund public services like the National Health Service.  Speaking exclusively to Mike Hosking, Johnson —the British PM from 2019 to 2022— says Sir Keir Starmer's government should be looking to cut the public service instead.  He says putting up taxes, without reforming the public service, at a time when the UK state has already expanded massively, is "insane".  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mental Health Minister says he disagrees with Mike King's comments about alcohol but supports his wider work. The Gumboot Friday co-founder told Newstalk ZB alcohol is a solution for mental health problems, as it can help stop negative thoughts. Labour wants the Government to stop providing funding for Gumboot Friday, an initiative that supports young people with their mental health. Minister Matt Doocey told Mike Hosking the Government investment gives an extra 15,000 young people timely access to mental health support. He says at the end of the day, it's about young people getting the support they need. Doocey says King is allowed, as an advocate, to have his own views. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand is getting a leg up in the competitive market of global exports.  A free trade agreement has been made between New Zealand and the Middle East countries belonging to the Gulf Cooperation Council.  It comprises Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain.  Trade Minister Todd McClay told Mike Hosking New Zealand will be able to trade more with these countries.  He says the tariffs weren't high, but bringing them down to zero gives exporters a competitive advantage.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up to 20 thousand football fans are expected to turn out at Wellington's Sky Stadium tomorrow for the country's first ever professional football derby.  The A-League match will see Wellington Phoenix play Auckland FC.  Sky Stadium Chief Executive Warrick Dent told Mike Hosking with fine weather forecast, it's shaping up to be a good time.  He says there's hype building both in the capital and amongst fans in Auckland.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Auckland start-up is making waves in the United States.  ListAssist has won a contract with real estate firm Howard Hanna, the largest independent firm in the country.  They’ve created an AI tool that allows you to type your specific requirements into a search bar, which will then bring up the relevant options.   Founder Chris McGoldrick told Mike Hosking that they essentially overtake the existing search bars on real estate websites and enriching the data.  He says they build upon the information given by the agents, adding their own to build as comprehensive a picture as possible.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If this Government wants a money saving idea then they should cancel the two Covid inquires and simply adopt Australia's.  Australia's review released this week is damning, as indeed will ours be.  Ours will be pretty much the same as Australia's because, within a margin, we did pretty much the same thing.  If there was any irony, it's that they had “versions” of theirs, and in that is a major lesson. Even with versions, it is broadly accepted none of them turned out to be much chop.  If we were a state of Australia we would have come in at the tighter, or more restrictive, end of the Australian version.  Places like Victoria were very much like us because they were run by two very similar people: Dan Andrews and Jacinda Ardern.  They were hard-left control freaks.  Western Australia was an outlier in the sense they had a lot of rules but not many of them applied inside the state. In other words, they locked themselves off, but because they were self-reliant, they got on with life.  New South Wales, run by conservatives, had the most lenient response.  But this is the biggest out-take - no matter what the response, faith and trust has been lost.  The rallying cry post-Covid has been to learn the lessons, so we are ready for next time. Are we ready for next time? No.  Will we ever be? No.  Will it be worse? Yes.  Why? Because, as the report suggests, the big lesson we have learned is that the people who run us aren't up to much, and they did a lot of things we would never go along with again.  Which does of course present a very real issue because it's entirely possible there will be a next time.  These reports are also predicated on the idea that those who ran it all learn their lessons. Will they? Of course not.  The public service is full of Ashley Bloomfields, and Jacinda Arderns, and Dan Andrews and Gladys Berejiklians, and if it's them or their ilk running things, next time will look exactly like this time.  Except, and this is where the carnage will ensue, we won't be along for the ride. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Antonia Prebble has been busy.  The Kiwi actress has just recorded the second season of ‘Double Parked’, the second season of her award-winning podcast is releasing soon, and she also has three other TV shows currently in development.   Prebble's husband, Dan Musgrove, is a writer by trade, and she revealed that the three shows were a collaborative effort between the two of them.   One of the projects is a black comedy, another is a psychological thriller, and the third is a horror movie, Prebble revealed, and the latter two are genres she’s personally not a fan of.  “I don't like watching things like that because I find them too full on and violent,” she said.  “Whenever we work in it, I’m like, why are we doing this?”  The television and film industry is going through a bit of a rough patch, and while Prebble generally tries not to buy into the rhetoric about the state of the industry, she admits it isn’t looking great.  “It’s a lot harder to find those premium style shows,” she told Hosking.  “If you want to make something that costs around $8 million you, generally speaking, have to have international support.”  “It’s pretty hard to get.”  It’s also becoming more and more uncommon for shows to be renewed and picked up for multiple seasons, so the second season of ‘Double Parked’ came as good news.  “We were so thrilled.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 31st of October, Social Development Minister Louise Upston discusses the shocking new figures that shows how long young people spend on a benefit on average.  Rally king Hayden Paddon is the first Kiwi to be invited to compete in the Race of Champions and joined Mike for a chat about the event.  Kiwi actress Antonia Prebble is in studio to talk the new season of her podcast and the three TV shows she has in development. And who needs an excuse to catch up with Antonia anyway!  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand will have a two-driver team for the first time at motorsport's Race of Champions in Sydney in March.  Rally driver Hayden Paddon's been selected for the event which pits top competitors across Formula One, Indycar, Le Mans, Supercars, Nascar, and rallying against one another in a one-versus-one elimination format in identical vehicles.  Another Kiwi will be announced in due course.  Paddon told Mike Hosking that it’s surreal to be a part of something he always watched as a kid.  He says there will be up to 20 drivers with a lot of top names included, so they’re up against the best of the best.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Social Development Minister says beneficiary figures are dire.   Jobseeker Support beneficiaries who are 'work-ready' spend an average 13 or more years on a benefit over their lives.   People under 25 on Jobseeker spend an average of 18 more years on a benefit – 49% longer than in 2017.   Those under 20 who were receiving a youth benefit spend an average 23 more years receiving one.   Social Development Minister Louise Upston told Mike Hosking 23 years out of work is half one's working age.  Their income and opportunities are far less than someone who’s been in employment, she says, which is something she’s not willing to tolerate.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's Mayor admits there's no way to guarantee the safety of passengers on public transport.  Figures released exclusively to Newstalk ZB show Auckland Transport is dealing with about 83 incidents a week on trains, and an increasing number of those incidents are violent.  Emergency services are being called to incidents on buses nine times a week, including stabbings, beatings, and other attacks.  Wayne Brown told Mike Hosking he's asking Police to hop on buses during their regular patrols, but there can't be cops and security on every bus.  He says they've set aside money to start caging drivers to protect them, but they can't cage passengers.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An abuse survivor says it should be no surprise to the government that Lake Alice survivors aren't jumping up and down with delight.   The Government's announced it will reimburse survivors' the millions of dollars worth of legal fees from a 2001 Crown settlement.   It's still considering forms of redress for what happened at the child psychiatric unit, which a Royal Commission investigation found amounted to torture.  Jim Goodwin told Mike Hosking that while it's a start, the survivors are a cynical group.  He says they've been mucked around for decades and had to battle for things that should be a right.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's mixed emotions over the decision to move Auckland's speedway from its home of 95 years.   This summer season will be the last raced at Western Springs.  Councillors deliberated for seven hours before voting 11-8 in favour of an $11 million upgrade to Onehunga's Waikaraka Park.  Western Springs Speedway Manager John McCullum told Mike Hosking it's a tough pill to swallow.  He says normally an $11 million council investment is great, but it's coming at the cost of losing their home.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is rugby union having a revival?  Player registrations were up by 6% in 2024, with the critical bracket of teenage boys experiencing a 5% in of itself.   There were 156 thousand registered players across the country, with Heartland provinces setting new records.   NZR Community Rugby GM Steve Lancaster told Mike Hosking that enjoyment drives registration and retention.  He said that their focus is on ensuring their participants, whether they’re a player, coach, referee, or volunteer, are enjoying their experience.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's kind of odd that it took Jeff Bezos to explain what I would have thought was the bleeding obvious. There is a 'to do' in the US election among the elites over a couple of newspapers not endorsing a candidate. This is an American thing – we don’t do it here and we are wise not to. It started with the LA Times, who decided no endorsement would be made. This led to one of the editorial board quitting and a lot of whining. Then came the Washington Post, which is the paper Bezos owns. The editor said it was their call not to endorse a candidate, this was disputed and several board members walked, and allegedly a couple of hundred thousand subscribers quit the paper. Enter Bezos, who wrote a couple of self-explanatory things. Firstly, he wished the no-endorsement move had come earlier, not in the heat of the battle. He then pointed out, quite correctly, not a single undecided voter ever, anywhere, had their mind made up by a newspaper. Then most importantly of all he suggested, once again quite correctly, that the media is not trusted by the American public and wandering around pretending to be neutral while endorsing people is not going to help their reputation. Not surprisingly both papers were going to endorse Kamala Harris and whether from a point of view of true balance or not, a media already seen to be hopelessly left-leaning and in the Democrat's pocket was not going to tilt the balance their way by further enhancing their reputation as anti-Trump. The endorsement business comes from a different age. An age when papers actually mattered. Some still do, but not many, and as the media is diluted it matters less and less. The problem with this problem is those in the middle of it still clearly suffer from another of the age-old problems of the media – too many take themselves too seriously. I bet many of them actually believe that people don’t make up their mind until they are told to. Many of them will think an endorsement swings the race or moves the needle. Many of them will think that Bezos, as owner, really doesn’t get to make the calls. Guess what? He does. The upside might just be a tired, old habit of an endorsement by paper might just have died in the race of 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's Prime Minister is facing increasing scrutiny for allegedly asking the boss of Qantas for personal flight upgrades.  Anthony Albanese is accused of asking for upgrades on 30 flights, dating all the way back to a flight from Christchurch to Sydney in 1999.  Albanese claims he's doing everything by the book.  But Australia correspondent Steve Price told Mike Hosking he's failed to answer questions about his contact with former Qantas boss Alan Joyce.  He says the ones that are causing him trouble are private flights on holidays that are nothing to do with Government business.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour says homeowner protections will need to go hand-in-hand with Government's proposed building consents scheme.  The reforms will allow tradespeople to consent their own work for basic housing, foregoing inspections.   Criteria is also being considered for businesses with a track record of delivering bigger projects to access streamlined consenting.   Labour's Housing Spokesperson Kieran McAnulty told Mike Hosking customer protections like indemnity insurance are key.  He says homeowners need confidence and if the legislation is wishy-washy, it won't work.  National’s Mark Mitchell agrees, saying that there is a balance to be found, but we have to look at sensible ways of making it easier and cheaper to build houses.   He says they have world-class tradespeople who can be trusted to self-certify.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 30th of October, we get the pros and cons of the Government's self-certified building consents scheme from different industry professionals.  The lab-grown diamond business is booming in this country. So, can you tell the difference? And will they flood the market?  Kieran McAnulty and Mark Mitchell cover off Ginny's social media faux pas, the building consents, and whether the Speaker is ruining Question Time 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.

Not everyone in the industry is on board with the Government’s proposed building consents scheme.  Businesses with a track record of delivering bigger projects, will be able to access streamlined consenting.  Qualified tradespeople will be able to forego inspections for low risk builds through the opt in 'self-certification scheme'.  Institute of Building Surveyors President David Clifton told Mike Hosking consents are there for a reason, as not all builders are perfect and there's still a high failure rate with consents.  Clifton told Hosking we need to get our foundation right before moving forward on this.  He says if we get our education, building and consenting processes right, then this can happen.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government’s proposed building consents scheme is being hailed as a ‘common sense’ approach by one construction company.   Qualified tradespeople will also be able to forego inspections for low risk builds through the opt in 'self-certification scheme'.  Businesses with a track record of delivering bigger projects will be able to access streamlined consenting.  GJ Gardner General Manager Olly Sundstrum told Mike Hosking with this scheme, they could deliver homes 50% more quickly.  He says they could easily return to this because product, material, and labour supply are not an issue.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lab-grown diamonds are dulling the sparkle of the real thing.  The jewellery trend is taking over the traditional diamond market, mainly due to their cheaper price.  Auckland's Holland & Co Fine Jewellery owner Greg Holland told Mike Hosking people can't tell the difference between lab grown and real with the naked eye.  He says someone would need strong magnifying equipment to see the growth lines on manmade ones.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Education Review Office says there's a chronic absence crisis.   This Term 2, one in ten students were chronically absent.   Chronic absence has doubled in secondary schools since 2015, and almost tripling in primary schools.   By age 20, chronically absent students can cost the state three times more than a student who went to school.   ERO Ruth Shinoda told Mike Hosking the education they're missing out on damages their life chances.   She says less than half get NCEA level two, and by age 25 almost half are receiving a benefit rather than working.   Shinoda told Hosking the contributing factors are long-standing.   She says half of schools don't refer to attendance services because they're often not effective as they're overwhelmed, with some having 500 students to one worker.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small businesses want the Government to rethink regulations it describes as a burden.  A new report from Business NZ claims small Kiwi businesses are bogged down by compliance hurdles and complicated regulations, which it says cost time and money.  Business NZ CEO Katherine Rich told Mike Hosking politicians need to ease the burden, and not politicise it.  She says too often the debate around small business involves politicians promising to cut red tape, but she says they need to be more specific about what will actually change.  Rich says they've provided a practical shopping list of possible regulation changes that would help businesses almost immediately.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh off the back of new Labour Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer accepting free suits and glasses (is it just me or is accepting free glasses even weirder than accepting free suits?), the Deputy Leader of the British Labour Party accepted a free apartment in New York.  I can understand that a little bit more readily. You're in New York, a donor says, "I've got a place, stay there", you needed a place to stay anyway, so it kind of makes sense.  Whereas most people who need reading glasses buy them for themselves.  Clothing is tricky, to the extent a spouse gets added to the mix and you are expected to look a certain way. It is expected you can't turn up looking the same every time, so you need more clothes than normal people. But where is the line between an allowance and simply taking the mickey?  MPs aren't paid all that much here, or in Britain, or Australia, which is where their Prime Minister now finds himself in his own hole after the revelations he organised a bunch of free upgrades on Qantas by allegedly going directly to then-CEO Alan Joyce.  This was for personal travel for himself and his family. As Prime Minister you travel first class, if not on the Airforce jet, but your son travels like anyone else. Or they do unless Dad has been on the phone to the CEO.  How these people think this is normal I have no idea. How they think they will get away with it is beyond me.  Public life these days is transparent. You can't do anything without a snitch, or a leak, or a WhatsApp going astray.  Is it a Labour thing? A left-wing thing?  How does Starmer and Albanese explain freebies you and I would never get?  How do they defend freebies from an already exulted position?  Back here Luxon got a bagging for doing nothing wrong, apart from being successful enough to own a few houses. What would we have done if he had been upgrading himself, or accepting free suits and Amanda turns up in new eyewear paid for by party supporters?  Public service once meant serving the public, not using your position to upgrade yourself, whether for aviation or sartorially. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt joined Mike Hosking to discuss some of the biggest sporting news from the weekend.  They discussed the Black Caps history-making win in India, the Silver Ferns claiming a win over Australia and taking the Constellation Cup, the latest from Formula 1 and Liam Lawson's eyebrow-raising behaviour, and Auckland FC's second A-League win in a row.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.