
The Mike Hosking Breakfast
8,903 episodes — Page 67 of 179

Mark the Week: Joe Biden is a liar and inexcusable
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. Yoon Suk Yeol: 2/10 What the hell was that about? Joe Biden: 0/10 A liar and inexcusable, with any amount of damage not just to his reputation but to the party for Lord knows how long. Labour and AUKUS: 4/10 Having run with it in Government, nothing changes in between, and now it's off with no real explanation as to why. Notre Dame: 8/10 Five years and look at it! That is a restoration. Zelenskyy: 6/10 The first sign of concession. This thing will be negotiated away by this time next year. Eden Park: 9/10 More events! Gosh, who would have thought that was a good idea? Fonterra: 9/10 Come on! $10! And I am not sure there isn't more where that came from. LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike's Minute: Insights from putting five kids through school
We paid our last school fee last week. One more term and the high school years at our house are over. One of the great insights we have been lucky enough to have over the years is in having five kids you see a lot of school and schools. We have pretty much touched every part of the New Zealand education system. We have been to private school, public and integrated, single sex, and co-ed. We have been to primary, intermediate, and high school. We have been to good schools, ordinary schools, and exceptional schools. The overarching view is several-fold. 1. Principals make or break a place. We have seen a school who's reputation had been good, suffered badly when the principal left and the replacement wasn't seen as particularly good, only to see it markedly improve when a new one came along with a fresh focus and a firm determination. 2. Private school buys you options. In things like extra help and facilities, money buys choice and expertise. 3. Teachers vary dramatically. In all schools we have seen a selection of everything, from lazy to brilliant, from effective to hopeless. 4. All kids are different. This is possibly the most enlightening thing of all. A school isn't a one-stop shop. We had kids at a school you might have thought would do it all. For one child it was brilliant and for another it was a mistake. 5. A lot of it is down to the child. I am convinced a child who is determined will succeed in any school. A brilliant kid who can't be bothered, won't. 6. Parents have to be engaged. Schools have become a whipping boy and a social welfare department. They are expected to take on any kid, with any problem, from any home and fix them. That attitude is criminal and too often it's led by shocking parenting. 7. There is too much wastage. If you take the stuff out of a day that isn't needed, you'd be at school I reckon about two hours a day. We can do way better. 8. I am not sure it's all that different in 2024 from when I was there in '81. Good teachers are rare, most schools are fine, and most kids would rather play sport. It's essentially like life – you get out of it what you put in. The only major difference is you pay a shed load more now, than you used to. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Becker: Auckland FC CEO on the success of the Black Knights in their inaugural A-League season
Auckland FC’s CEO is blown away by the team’s success. The Black Knights have won their first five A-League games without conceding a goal, and now sit at the top of the table. Saturday will see them clash against the Wellington Phoenix once more, this time at Mt Smart Stadium. CEO Nick Becker told Mike Hosking that coach Steve Corica has done a great job pulling together a squad of young guys who want to go out there and play for each other. He says it’s a cohesive unit, and you see it when they fight for every ball. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Full Show Podcast: 06 December 2024
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 6th of December, has scrutiny revealed some broken promises from the Government regarding the police and prison numbers? Police Minister Mark Mitchell fronts up. The Prime Minister joined Mike in studio as we bring back the infamous gift exchange at the end of the year. For the final time of the year Mike, Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson talk Christmas plans, work Christmas parties, and Spotify Wrapped 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.

Wrapping the Week with Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson: Christmas plans, work parties, and Spotify Wrapped
For the final time this year, Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was. They discussed their plans for the holiday season, the tragic state of public sector Christmas parties, and the best stats from their Spotify Wrapped. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard Arnold: US Correspondent gives an update on the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
There are hints of a potential motive in the shooting of a top US executive in New York. UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot in the back in a premeditated attack on his way to a conference in Manhattan yesterday. Police have been investigating nearby hostels, while it's also reported the bullets had the words "deny" "deflect" and "depose" inscribed on them. US correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking they seem to reference ways health insurance companies seek to avoid paying patients' claims. He says UnitedHealthcare has come in for fierce criticism at times from both patients and lawmakers for denying claims. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Quickenden: Easy Crypto Chief Commercial Officer on the increased value of Bitcoin after Trump's victory
Donald Trump's US election victory has been a big factor in Bitcoin hitting record numbers. The cryptocurrency has hit US$100 thousand in value – the highest trading price in its history. Bitcoin has grown by 70% since the start of the year, buoyed by political campaigns and an increased confidence in digital assets. Easy Crypto chief commercial officer Paul Quickenden told Mike Hosking the rise has transcended geopolitics. He says Trump has openly said he wants the US to be the world's crypto-capital, and both the UK and China want to get involved. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister's last in studio chat with Mike Hosking for 2024
2024 is coming to a close and with it the Coalition Government’s first year in power. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined Mike Hosking for the last time this year to reflect on his first year as Prime Minister. In response to the reports that say New Zealand faces an investment gap with a growing population, Luxon says that it's a marvellous set of challenges. "The last 30 years, what we've had is a productivity disease," Luxon said. He said countries with similar populations are wealthier than New Zealand. "I've studied this for about 20 years and it comes down to about five things, it's education, science, technology, innovation. What you're seeing at Fonterra, they're really adding a lot of value to their product services, it's definitely infrastructure..." Luxon said as a country we are bad at attracting foreign investment. Hosking asked Luxon if he thinks people "truly understand how troubled this country is." "No," Luxon responded, referencing the past six years of previous government policy. "We run the country like it's 1975," Luxon said. Hosking said the mentality in the country is "the government will wipe my bum." There needed to be a "better quality economic engine" in place for New Zealand to be able to fund its public services better, Luxon said. In regards to his first year as Prime Minister, Luxon said it's been a great 12 months, but you don't really have time to digest it while you're in it. Hosking said his criticism of Luxon was that he hasn't gone hard enough, but the Prime Minister says problems are often more complex than they seem from the outside. "You can get very lost in it if you don't have great clarity," he said. "This Spotify wrapped of yours, are you a fraud?" Hosking asked, referencing that Luxon had previously said he was a country music fan and there was a lack of country music on his list of most listened-to songs and artists. "That was quite an accusation..." Luxon responded. Luxon defended himself by saying Post Malone and Dua Lipa have created a country song together and is one of his favourites. He called Post Malones new album the "best album of the year." He gave a shout-out to "Day of the Jackal," a TV series he was enjoying and joked with Hosking that they were supporting TVNZ+ by doing so. While the Prime Minister was in, Hosking gave him a Christmas gift that was "one of one" and a "prototype." It was a book titled "The Complete Guide to Surviving a Mike Hosking Interview." "That is genius," Luxon said. Luxon gave Hosking a Christmas card with a family photo on it and some "furikake seasoning," a Japanese seasoning typically made with toasted sesame seeds and nori. "People like me, who are men of the people, just use salt, I mean I come from a very humble background. "This is what really posh people do," Luxon said. "Absolutely love it," Hosking said in response to the gift. Luxon also gave Hosking a "special energy Voost" that was described as "posh Berrocca." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Mitchell: Police Minister on the police officer training target
The Police Minister is adamant his government will deliver on its promise of 500 new cops by the end of next year. New police commissioner Richard Chambers warned yesterday they're unlikely to meet those numbers until 2026. But Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking they're going to get as close to the target as they can. He says that they’re not dropping standards, and though they always knew the target of 10,711 officers trained by November 2025 was ambitious, they remain committed to it. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Barker: Scarlatti Director and Trial Evaluator on the benefits vs risks to facial recognition tech in supermarkets
There’s a view the benefits of facial recognition tech in supermarkets outweighs potential risks. Data analyst firm Scarlatti has found a trial of the new technology at 25 Foodstuffs North Island supermarkets reduced harm by 16%. Security were alerted to offenders early, and could intervene to prevent harm from escalating. Scarlatti Director and Trial Evaluator Adam Barker told Mike Hosking there was a balance to be struck around privacy impacts. He says they found the 16% reduction in harm was more than enough to justify the use of the tech in the views of the public. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike's Minute: Our farming land is our calling card
An interesting, but good, move on forestry and farming. It is another example of practical thinking and application in an area that relied, to be frank, on laziness to solve a problem. Ever since we became obsessed with climate change and we became obsessed with things that might or might address climate change, the low hanging fruit has been trees and carbon markets. Carbon markets, as we have seen yet again this year, don't work. The government has mucked with the rules, changed the prices, freaked the market out, and all the credits that go up for sale by and large don’t get sold. They all pile into the next auction and don’t get sold until they get to the fourth auction of the year where, after they aren't sold again, they then get dumped. Dumped as in they never actually existed in the first place. It’s a mad, invented idea that only works if people believe it works. So far they don’t. Then we plant trees. Why? Because it's easy. So a paddock of trees - or a paddock of sheep, or crops, or cows. In a country where we already build too many houses on productive land, planting trees on that sort of land is criminal and stupid. What this country does is feed the world. Our ability on quality in many areas is unmatched, and we get the price return for it. But, and here is where the old freedom of movement thing comes in, if you have 100 hectares and you want to sell it and the person who wants to plant trees is offering more than the bloke next door who wants to expand his farm and keep sheep, you are now potentially limited by a government that has decided for you what you do with your property. That’s always a tricky area. Ultimately though governments must act in these circumstances on behalf of the nation and if we weren't so reliant on food production, if we were a tech centre, or a space centre, or an oil centre of a strategic global base like Singapore or Dubai, it might be different. But land is our calling card and one day we will work out trees aren't the answer to climate change. But by the time we work that out re-converting wont be possible, so in that sense this decision has saved us from ourselves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan Davis: Country music singer on his career, opening for Luke Combs at Eden Park
Country Superstar Luke Combs is winging his way to New Zealand next month, and his opener isn’t someone to sneeze at. Country-pop singer Jordan Davis has had multiple number one hits, two platinum albums, and won multiple awards at the Country Music Awards. He has a significant fanbase in the US, and Kiwi audiences will be able to get a taste of him live. Davis told Mike Hosking that visiting New Zealand has definitely been on the bucket list for a long time. “I thought it would just be me travelling to see the beautiful country that I’ve seen growing up, but now, being able to mesh that with going over and working some is awesome.” The two first toured together about two or three years ago, Davis revealed, and after headlining a tour of his own, he agreed to do another stadium tour with Combs this past year. “I think Luke knows that I’ll jump at any chance to get out and play shows with him,” Davis said. “I love him to death, and he’s been really good to me, so I’m excited to continue playing music with him.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emily Blythe: Pyper Vision Founder on the new fog prediction model for the airline industry
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.

Full Show Podcast: 05 December 2024
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.

Andrew Hubbard: Citizen's Advice Bureau CEO on the Ministry of Social Development incorrectly processing payments
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.

Catherine Field: France Correspondence on the collapse of the French Government, no-confidence vote
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.

Toby Williams: Federated Farmers Forestry Spokesperson on the new farm to forest conversion limits
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.

Dawn Freshwater: Auckland University Vice Chancellor on the need for fast visa processing to maintain international student numbers
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.

Todd McClay: Agriculture Minister on the panel recommending New Zealand reduce its 2050 climate target
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.

Richard Arnold: US Correspondent on the Pete Hegseth allegations
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.

Mike's Minute: We told you, it would work fine
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.

Willie Wiese: Alliance CEO on the new AI Meat Eating Quality technology
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.

Full Show Podcast: 04 December 2024
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.

Pollies: Labour's Ginny Andersen and National's Mark Mitchell on Scrutiny week, Jobseeker benefits, Labour Party conference
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.

Grant Webster: Tourism Holdings CEO on the boost in international spending, focus on growth
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.

Simeon Brown: Transport Minister on the changes to Auckland Transport, the new regional transport committee
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.

Rob Nicol: Rugby Players' Association CEO on the discharge without conviction of Sevu Reece
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.

Lester Levy: Health Commissioner on Health NZ's deficit decreasing by $660 million
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.

Greg Smith: Bremworth CEO on Kainga Ora's decision to use synthetic carpets over wool
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.

Catherine Field: France Correspondent on the shaky standing of the Government and its likely collapse
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.

Mike's Minute: Councils should stop playing games with fluoride
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: Penrith Panthers Coach on the team's success, his new book 'Not Everything Counts but Everything Matters'
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.

Full Show Podcast: 03 December 2024
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.

Max Harris: Thorndon Chambers Barrister on the Supreme Court ruling on customary marine titles
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.

Muriel Willem: Whangarei New Focus Career Guidance Service founder on the rising number on the Jobseeker benefit, barriers to work
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.

Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister on the Supreme Court ruling on customary marine titles, the Navy's handling of the Manawanui sinking
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.

Mark Shepherd: Health NZ Deputy CEO on the striking nurses, midwives, and health workers
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.

Ray Smith: Ministry of Primary Industries Director-General on the strain of bird fly found at Kiwi poultry farms
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.

Mike's Minute: Who is breaking up the industry stopping us from doing business?
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.

Richard Easther: Auckland University physics professor on the Government wanting to launch a fully NZ-controlled satellite
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.

Full Show Podcast: 02 December 2024
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.

Commentary Box: Black Caps vs England, Tacko Fall, Auckland FC
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.

John Foreman: Former UK Defence Attaché in Moscow says both Russia and Ukraine seem to be trying to influence Trump into how the end the war
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.

Len Salt: Thames-Coromandel Mayor says next step after Cathedral Cove is repairing other tracks in area
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.

Chris Hipkins: Labour leader says AUKUS is perceived internationally as part of the polarisation of regional geopolitics
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.

Richard Arnold: US correspondent on Donald Trump nominating loyalist Kash Patel for FBI director
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.

Andrew Little: Former Labour leader says the party missed out on opportunities in promising not to sign up to AUKUS
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.

Daniel Gerrard: Water Safety NZ chief executive says there are still massive gaps despite lower drowning numbers
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.

Richard Arnold: US Correspondent on the release of detained citizens
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.

Mark the Week: A ceasefire is a reason for hope
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.