The Mike Hosking Breakfast

There's disagreement as the Government toughens up its Three Strikes rule for offenders. It's lowering the threshold for a first strike warning from 24 months imprisonment to 12 months. It's also agreed to activate strike warnings for people who commit any of 42 qualifying offences. Law Association Vice President Julie-Anne Kincade told Mike Hosking there's no evidence this will help. She says everyone wants less crime, but this is going to put people in prison who shouldn't necessarily be there.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Minister holds the view that the Ihumātao committee's achieved nothing.   Documents seen under the Official Information Act show that Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka considered dissolving the committee.  It's now been almost four years since the previous Labour Government supported the sale of the land, after controversial protests.    Former Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson told Mike Hosking all this group is capable of doing is talking.     He says he wouldn't give them an ultimatum, he'd just boot them now.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says he can't fathom why Minister Andrew Bayly would make offensive comments to a worker during a visit.   A worker claims the minister told him to “go home... take some wine, and F... off”, and made an L sign with his finger on his forehead.   Bayly's apologised.  Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking Bayly didn't know the person, and he isn't aware of any connection between Bayly and the company.  He says Bayly genuinely feels like he was trying to engage in light-hearted banter but got it so wrong.  Luxon says it's not the language or behaviour he expects of his ministers – they hold the position 24/7.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce says widening the region's key road will benefit everyone.   The Hawke's Bay Expressway is being upgraded from two lanes to four as part of the Roads of National Significance programme.  The route carries 29,000 vehicles a day, including those transporting goods to and from the Napier port.  Chamber Chief Executive Karla Lee told Mike Hosking it's well past its use-by-date.   She says a lot of trucks use it to get to the port, which is incredibly important for their freight.  Lee says it's also huge for the commuters who go between Napier and Hastings every day.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Royal College of GPs says registration fast-tracks will mean someone coming to New Zealand won't have to wait months.  The Medical Council's introducing faster registrations for doctors with specialist qualifications from the UK, Ireland, and Australia.   It comes after Australia introduced something similar for GPs from here, the UK, and Ireland.   College of GPs President Samantha Murton told Mike Hosking New Zealand is an attractive option for people to come work.   She says there's a lot of people who want to come – 41% of medical professions are overseas graduates, and there are jobs available in certain areas.   Murton says there's plenty of roles in General Practice, psychiatry, and anaesthetics.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A very good victory on Friday for common sense. The Solicitor-General fell on her sword over the instructions to the prosecution service promoting race. It was Monday, this time last week we raised it because it seemed scandalous. How did this happen? How does a Government so explicitly state the race card is no longer being played in policy settings, and yet the Solicitor-General is saying what she is to the police, having been advised by a radical-sounding Maori group, drummed up out of Andrew Little's famously well-catered justice gab-fest a couple of years back. By Tuesday the media are still asleep at the wheel and no one has touched it. We raise it with the Prime Minister, who forgot his backbone, played the independence card and couldn’t really do what he needed to do, which was close it down. By Wednesday David Seymour wonders aloud on the tiles at Parliament why, when surrounded by the press gallery, he hasn’t been asked about it, given the question line was around the Tui billboards. By late Wednesday, into Thursday, the media, bless them, has finally been stirred, or embarrassed, into some sort of action. The NZ Herald tries an op-ed sort of piece, quite rightly asking a few questions around how the Solicitor-General got herself in this mess, given her experience. Radio NZ bumbles out of its slumber and gives it some coverage. Even TV3 finally slaps together a little something for their 6 o'clock effort. On Friday Judith Collins, as Attorney-General, turns up on ZB and says what the Prime Minister should have said - it's not on. By Friday afternoon, a very good time for a press release, the Solicitor-General says it came out all wrong, it shouldn’t have happened and sorry about it. So - a win! But here is the issue for the Government. 1) You can't promise policy and approach if you can't deliver. 2) They clearly have a major issue with the public service and pushback, so they need to do something about it. Rightly or wrongly, the Government are the Government, and they make the rules. They won the election, rightly or wrongly, in no small part because of their race direction policies. There is an expectation from voters they get delivered. But although this has been a win, it should not have had to have been the fight it was.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt joined Mike Hosking to discuss the America’s Cup, Auckland FC’s maiden victory over the Brisbane Roar, the Everest, Chris Hoy’s cancer announcement, the White Ferns winning the T20 Women’s World Cup, the Black Caps’ win in India and the NPC semifinals. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 21st of October, Peter Burling and Grant Dalton are on the show to talk the America's Cup win and where it will be held next. A World Cup win for the White Ferns - Craig McMillan joins amidst the celebrations. And what a weekend for sport overall! Auckland FC, the America's Cup, Black Caps, White Ferns, Silver Ferns just to name a few! Guy and Sav wrap it all. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former President Donald Trump's crude remark of legendary golfer Arnold Palmer is raising eyebrows. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are on the home stretch to election day in under three weeks. US correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking Trump has spent time talking about the late golfer's genitalia during a visit to Pennsylvania. And Elon Musk's daily voter lottery is gaining attention. The tech billionaire is giving away US$1 million a day to a registered voter in the key swing state of Pennsylvania until election day in November. Musk has emerged as a Trump supporter over the past few years. Arnold says the winner will be chosen at random from those who sign a pro-constitution petition. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hopes new technology can help predict busy periods in emergency departments. Auckland University research has found artificial intelligence algorithms can predict surges in admissions for respiratory illnesses - weeks before they happen. Computer scientist Steffen Albrecht told Mike Hosking it finds recurring patterns in data. “It’s really a database using data that goes back to 2012.” Health New Zealand says there are processes in place to minimise risks - when considering using this type of technology. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's undoubtedly been one of our greater weekends of sport, from sailing, to the Silver Ferns, football and of course, the cricket. The White Ferns beat South Africa by 32 runs in Dubai to win the T20 World Cup for the first time in their history. Woman of the match and tournament Amelia Kerr top-scored with 43 runs and bagged figures of 3-24 in a crucial performance to secure the team's first international silverware since the 50-over title in 2000. Assistant coach Craig McMillan joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Land Information Minister says there needs to be a way to build key infrastructure projects without years of litigation and arguments. An independent panel reviewed the Public Works Act, which allows government agencies to force people and businesses to sell their land, to complete big infrastructure projects. An amendment bill is likely to be introduced mid-next year. Minister Chris Penk told Mike Hosking it goes with the fast-tracking work. He says when it comes to roads for example, they sometimes need additional land the Crown doesn't own, and they don't want to fall at the last hurdle of trying to get that. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Team New Zealand's boss has confirmed they'll battle Britain's INEOS Britannia team in the next America's Cup. The Kiwi squad has won a historic third cup in a row. Grant Dalton told Mike Hosking they'll face the British side once again.  “Yes, it is INEOS – or the British team – so we’ve accepted that challenge.” On whether that event will be in New Zealand, Dalton says it could happen. “It is not off the table, it has never been off the table. But if our main team can be kept together, and we believe that we can win, and we can put on a rival event at home – we're coming home.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A long-awaited rethink of local body elections is underway, as Local Government New Zealand seeks feedback on how to tackle poor voter turnout. Little over 40 percent of the population had their say in 2022. A bordering on ancient postal system could be the blame. Electoral reform group member and Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Team New Zealand's skipper says his team's historic America's Cup win feels surreal. The sailing crew have now won the event three times in a row. Peter Burling says they're still in celebration mode. He told Mike Hosking they've been working hard and the victory's incredibly special. “It’s, I think, incredibly hard to compare it to any of the other ones, to be honest. They’re all just so different and special in their own unique ways. They’ve all got plenty of curves in the road and the challenges and the joys that go along with that.” 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 America's Cup and Spanish tourism: 7/10  Despite the protests and locals telling everyone to go home, more people than ever showed up.    Wellington City Council: 1/10  Now that is a scandal.    The Local Government Minister: 4/10  He has to act, given he's pulled the trigger and made the threat. Reputationally, you can't go round threatening people then doing nothing.    Luxon: 4/10  Out of touch, according to the poll. It's not that he ain’t okay, I think it's really just because he isn't John Key. It's a looooong shadow.    The Solicitor General and her prosecution guidelines: 2/10  Doing exactly the opposite of what the Government wants. Explain that.    Liam Lawson: 8/10  Right up there in terms of debut expectations. Love it or not, F1 is the pinnacle and it’s a truly global event and we are once again flying our flag through a brilliant talent we wish all the very best.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Americans seem to love New Zealand wine.  Grafton-based Invivo was flying off US shelves, selling more than 40,000 cases of sauvignon blanc in 2024 alone.   It’s set to be on show in Times Square at an exclusive wine exhibition this week, run by Wine Spectator.   Co-founder Tim Lightbourne told Mike Hosking that both New Zealand wine and sauvignon blanc are growing as categories in the US market.  He said that wine as a whole is relatively flat and driven by cabernets and chardonnays, so there’s room to NZ sauvs to grow.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the beginning of a new era of football in New Zealand.  Auckland FC is set to kick off their A-League career tomorrow at Mt Smart Stadium, backed by big names in the industry.  Bill Foley, Ali Williams, Anna Mowbray, and more recently, Steven Adams, have put their money behind the team.  CEO Nick Becker told Mike Hosking that the team is super ambitious, and while he won’t say straight away that they’ll win, it’s what they’re intending to go out and do.   He said that they’ve invested in the team, and it’s come together really well.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The week has come to an end and Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was.  Kate had a few gripes with Mike and the show this morning, airing out her grievances on air while Mike and Tim spent some time sitting on the fence.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 18th of October, the Greens have voted to oust Darleen Tana, falling on their own sword regarding the waka jumping legislation.  It’s a new era for football in New Zealand with Auckland FC's first game taking place this weekend. CEO Nick Becker joins the show.  Kate Hawkesby has some gripes with Mike and the show today, airing out her grievances as she and Tim Wilson 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 Government says New Zealand's now standing up for itself against Canada in an ongoing dispute over our dairy exports.  Trade Minister Todd McClay has launched mandatory negotiations with Canada to address its failure to comply with agreements by blocking the ability for New Zealand dairy to be sold in the country.  He told Mike Hosking an independent panel has already ruled in our favour, and Canada will now have to act differently.  McClay says they will either have to change their process or pay our Government compensation, but can't do nothing.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former One Direction star Liam Payne was active and posting on social media just hours before his death.  The 31-year-old and father-of-one died after a fall at a hotel in Buenos Aires.  He's famous for being a member of one of the world’s best-selling boy bands at the time, then developing a solo career.  Entertainment reporter Josh Rom told Mike Hosking that online activity showed Payne having a good time in Argentina, supporting former bandmates Niall Horan’s tour.   He says that picture being painted around Payne’s death is filled with mixed messages, as he had been struggling with his personal life, but also seemed to be having a fun time in Argentina.    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chlöe Swarbrick is confident in the Greens' argument about proportionality of the House being affected by now independent MP Darleen Tana.   Party delegates have voted to ask Speaker Gerry Brownlee to oust Tana from Parliament, invoking the waka-jumping law it has previously opposed.   It's now down to Brownlee to decide if Tana's resignation from the party —but not Parliament— affects the proportionality of the House.   The Green Party co-leader told Mike Hosking she's proud the 185 delegates representing thousands of members all came to the conclusion.  She says it was a unanimous and resounding consensus, which demonstrates that the party's moving forward together on the issue.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concern in the health sector over medicinal cannabis being treated as a one-stop-shop for illnesses.   A study published in today's Medical Journal reveals the products are becoming more psychoactive, with higher THC levels.  The lead author says many GPs aren't confident in prescribing medicinal cannabis themselves.  Massey University Researcher Chris Wilkins told Mike Hosking it is an evolving market, still in its early stages.   He says patients should have multiple treatment options outside of medicinal cannabis.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A divisive bill has had its first reading in the UK’s House of Commons.  Labour MP Kim Leadbeater has introduced her Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, setting off an emotional debate.   It would allow mentally competent, terminally ill adults with six months or less left to live the right to choose to end their lives with medical help.   UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking that there’s a “fairly clean” split in the House, the left largely in favour of the bill, and the right largely against.   He says the bill is controversial, difficult, and very emotive, and will be debated at the end of November.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I assume you are as excited as I am, for today is Decision Day.  It’s Meeting Day, Deal with Darleen Day.  Darleen is off to court, as you do, but her former party is going to have another meeting, and it is suggested they may even make a decision.  They need 75% to boot her out of the Parliament via the waka jumping law – I have no idea whether they will get that or not.  If you haven't followed this, and I don’t blame you, trying to understand the way the Greens think requires tremendous patience, and quite possibly a lot of cannabis, but they don’t like the waka jumping law.  So, to have to use it would rub a lot of them up the wrong way. But Darleen, with her actions, has already rubbed them up the wrong way, so it is just a matter perhaps of working out what feels less rubby: Tana or the law you dislike.  At some point, as I have suggested before, they might like to look at their candidate selection process. Because I assume at one of the preceding meetings someone has had the wherewithal to say something like ‘Hey guys have you noticed how many halfwits we have ended up selecting that have gone on to make fools of us?’  A couple of procedural things: you must never forget the party has never released the full report into Tana. You might want to ask why not.  Also, you might have noticed how astonishingly long it has taken them to get to this point, and that might be a warning as to what sort of approach to matters they may take, should they ever be in power in a cabinet that actually requires adults to make sharpish sort of decisions.  As for today, well they have to boot her out. 1) Because she is a reprobate, but 2) because they have made such a meal of her performance and behaviour, not to boot her out is to see her win, and to see her win would make absolute fools of the party.  That’s not to say that won't happen, because it’s the Greens, and they aren't like the rest of us.  But it might just be that one of Parliament’s bigger embarrassments is about to, and not a moment too soon, get her comeuppance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The story of self-made millionaire Tony Quinn is fairly well-known, but there’s more to the tale.  Quinn made his fortune through pet food and confectionary but is a keen motorsport driver and the visionary behind Highlands Motorsport Park in Central Otago.   Originally released in 2016, his book ‘Zero to 60’ is getting a facelift, ‘Zero to 60 and Beyond’ sharing new stories in ten new chapters.   Quinn told Mike Hosking he was inspired to write down his life story by his grandfather.  “My Grandfather, who was Irish, got involved in the IRA when he was a young fella, and he had a fantastic, interesting life,” he said.  “And when he died, there was nothing written down. And so there was no official record, if you like, of his life.”  Quinn’s book started off as a personal project, a record for future generations as opposed to an official biography.  “I was just gonna write my story so that the generations behind me could read all about why I did the things that I did, and that’s how it started.”  It wasn’t until he found a freelance author to write his story out properly that the idea of publishing it came into being.  “One thing led to another,” he said.  ‘Zero to 60’ became a number one best seller in New Zealand, flying off the shelves and going through several reprints, and after seven years, Quinn decided to revise it.   “There has been so much happened in the last seven years."  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 17th of October, inflation is at its lowest level since 2021, which Finance Minister Nicola Willis sees as a win. But have we overcooked it?  How is it that ACC has gone from $1 billion in the black to $7.2 billion in the red in the span of a year? ACC CEO Megan Main joined the show to explain.  Entrepreneur and racing enthusiast Tony Quinn is back on the show to talk his new book 'Zero to 60 and Beyond'.  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.

Hospitality owners are getting hit with a large bill for outdoor dining.  Queenstown District Council's increased its alfresco dining fees after pausing rises during the pandemic.  One hospitality business has seen their per square-metre cost rise from $160 to $600.  Queenstown Mayor Glyn Lewers told Mike Hosking that $600 is 30% of the rental rate of the CBD, which is a standard industry practice shared by other cities such as Christchurch.   He says rates haven’t been increased since 2006, and after pausing the plans for Covid, they’re now picking them back up.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says there's more work to be done to get the economy growing.  New Zealand's inflation rate is officially back on target at 2.2%, its lowest rate in more than three years.  Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking she's already focused on looking ahead to the next Reserve Bank decision in November.  She says they’ll be looking at how the economy is functioning and how monetary policy is transmitting through, and reducing interest rates further will be good for many businesses.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More men and women are set to be remembered on Anzac Day.  Veterans Affairs Minister Chris Penk has announced the public holiday will soon officially recognise veterans from conflicts after 1966.  The bill's expected to be introduced before Anzac Day 2025 and passed before the following year.  Head of Veteran Affairs New Zealand, Bernadine MacKenzie told Mike Hosking the legislation will be catching up to what's already happening.  She says people have increasingly used Anzac Day to remember and honour those who've served in recent conflicts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The head of ACC says they're working hard on improving rehabilitation performance.   The government agency has reported a $7.2 billion deficit a year after posting an almost $1 billion surplus.   It says the cost of services and compensation rose 16% over the year.   It's proposing to hike levies for vehicle owners, workers, and business owners.   ACC Chief Executive Megan Main told Mike Hosking levies have been held flat or reduced in the last decade, while costs have been increasing.  She says they need to make sure over the long-term the settings are right, to balance costs with how much money is coming in.  Main says the big driver of the deficit is the re-calculation of the lifetime costs of injuries that have already occurred.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's confusion over the size of Wellington City Council's fiscal hole.  The council is scrambling to fill a $400-600 million shortfall in its 10 year budget to mitigate its insurance risk, amid threats of Government intervention.  But Councillor Nicola Young told Mike Hosking the council doesn't have a clue how much money it actually needs.  She says they've been told by council officers figures like $200, $400, and $600 million, so the council is aiming to find $500 million.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hopes new legislation helps ease the often rocky path of divorce for abuse victims.  A bill passed by Parliament means survivors can end their marriages if they have a protection order against their spouse.  The Bill's nicknamed 'Ashley's Law', and is championed by Ashley Jones.  Jones told Mike Hosking she didn't expect it to be passed unanimously, and can't believe she was fundamental in changing a law.  She said it’s a huge reminder that one voice can make a change, and if you fight hard enough you can change things you think are not right.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's told supporters to get out and vote for him - two months late.   The oldest-man-to-run-for-the US President mixed up the date when telling Pennsylvania voters to turn up on Election Day, which is actually three weeks from today.   He says everything would work out if everybody votes on January 5th, or before.   US Correspondent says that in contrast, Kamala Harris has told her supporters Trump is unstable and unhinged.   She says a second Trump term would be a huge risk for the US and dangerous.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is a shake-up needed for the Supreme Court?  That's the question posed by a New Zealand Initiative report, which suggests the court may be straying into Parliament’s domain by granting itself the power to rewrite legislation it deems unfavourable.  It believes Parliament needs to reassert its sovereignty, to stop what it sees as the current drift towards judicial supremacy.  Author, Roger Partridge proposes a maximum judge term of five to seven years, which will see them returned to the Court of Appeal and rotated around.  He told Mike Hosking it’s Parliament’s prerogative to intervene when the court steers out of its lane.  Partridge says the report is a call to Parliament that it’s their job to set the law straight.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Hosking was joined by Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell to touch on some of the biggest political stories in Politics Wednesday.   They discussed the current state of Wellington City Council, our dislike of wealthy politicians, and whether Christopher Luxon is as out of touch as the polls think he is.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 16th of October, we discuss what will happen with the inflation number today, plus the struggles businesses are facing trying to have tables out on the street.  We explore a new report from the NZ Initiative about Supreme Court creep when it comes to rules and regulations.  Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell talk about why we don't like rich politicians and whether Luxon is getting the cut through needed 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.

A senior legal professional wants Parliament to intervene in what he considers the politicisation of the judiciary.  It comes amid controversy over compulsory Tikanga Māori courses for law students.  Gary Judd KC has complained to the Government Regulation Review Select Committee.  He told Mike Hosking Tikanga shouldn't be infused in legal process, and he wants Parliament to take a stand.  He says if the committee agrees, it would send a signal that the current rules are unacceptable.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A young New Zealander has created a tool to reduce healthcare worker injuries when opening glass ampoules.   The Cap Snap is a multi-tool for safe opening of steel caps on glass vials and cracking open ampoules.  It also helps separate each component for better waste management.   Jack Pugh won the national James Dyson Award for the invention and has been shortlisted in the global top 20.   Pugh told Mike Hosking the hope is to get it as mechanically simple as possible so it's cheaper and easier to make.   He says if it takes out the top spot in the award, Dyson would inject money into the project in the hope it'll assist the commercialisation process.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most economists are forecasting the latest inflation rate to be well within the target band.  There’s a widespread expectation that it will fall within the 2.2-2.3% range.  The latest Stats NZ Consumer Price Index number will be released just before 11 this morning.   As it cut the Official Cash Rate last week, the Reserve Bank said it was confident inflation was now below three percent.   ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner told Mike Hosking they're picking another OCR cut in November.   She says they're picking 50 basis points, but this is a really important check point and there's also labour market data three weeks before that decision.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's ongoing concerns for the construction sector, with fewer new builds being considered.  Corelogic's latest construction index shows just a 1.1% increase in cost during the September quarter.   Overall cost growth remains subdued, reflecting an easing of pressure for labour and materials.  Combined Building Supplies Co-op chair Carl Taylor told Mike Hosking the increase in land costs isn't aiding the industry.  He says a 400-square metre section at Preston's Subdivision in Christchurch was $250,000 two years ago, and is now half a million.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alfresco dining's coming at a high cost to hospitality owners.   Outdoor dining fees in Queenstown are being hiked almost 1600%, in some cases costing businesses $51,000 dollars a year.  Meanwhile, the Tauranga City Council's introducing the fees at $150 per square metre, just below Auckland's highest fee of $154 dollars per square metre.   Hospitality NZ chief executive Steve Armitage told Mike Hosking that public spaces allow businesses to expand and attract more customers.   He says businesses aren't arguing against paying fair charges to use public spaces, but can't weather these increases at this current time.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions are running high at the Paris Motor Show.  The industry is struggling with weak demand as European automakers aim to defend their position in the market.   The EU is gearing up to impose hefty import tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, as the rival automakers attempt to get a foothold in the competitive market.  France Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking that the Chinese Government subsidises their EV industry, so this is the Europeans attempting to even the playing field.  She says that there are warnings the tariff could result in Chinese companies setting up plants in Europe, which could lead to local manufacturers getting forced out of the business entirely.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From our “you wonder why we are where we are” file, there's a note from the Solicitor General to the Police Prosecution Service about the new system they will have in place as of the start of next year.  The Solicitor General updated the prosecution guidelines. This is what she said:  "The goals remain to ensure New Zealand continues to benefit from prosecution processes, which are underscored by the core values of transparency, equality and fair application of the law to all participants and reflect the legitimate public interest in prosecuting criminal offending."  So far so good. But then they get to this bit:  "The guidelines ask prosecutors to think carefully about particular decisions where a person is Māori, or a member of any other group disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system... This does not promote different treatment based on ethnicity or membership of a particular group, it instead alerts prosecutors to situations and factors that may deliver inequitable outcomes for some people in those groups."  Quick question - what do you reckon that means?  Does it mean what you think it means, without the meaning being out so explicit that you go "what the hell, I thought we were getting rid of all this nonsense?”  And all this nonsense is the problem the Government has with race-based ideology.  They say a lot of one thing but are facing a tremendous amount of pushback on it.  As the universities collapse in global rankings, as published last week, at least surely in part because of their obsession with race, we now find the justice system is instructed to “think carefully”.  What is this disproportion they speak of?  Well, obviously when it comes to race, Māori are over-represented in crime. Ask a simple question - why? The answer surely is because, sadly, they commit too much of it.  Another simple question - is by "thinking carefully" as instructed by the Solicitor General perhaps going to lead to lesser charges, whether in severity or numbers, and therefore the disproportion is balanced out a bit?  No reduction in the crime, just a reduction in the consequences.  Here's a final simple question - if the Government says we should not be having policy based on race, how do they explain this? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oranga Tamariki is having to face up to potential back office blunders.  The Auditor General has launched an inquiry into the agency’s funding decisions, as earlier in the year there were instances of social service providers having their funding cut with little to no heads up.   The inquiry will look at the processes, criteria, and planning Oranga Tamariki had in regard to its decisions, the communication involved, as well as other related matters.   Social Service Providers CEO Belinda Himiona told Mike Hosking that the reason the sector is so concerned is the rapid nature of the decisions.  She said that there seems to be no plan for the children and communities who are being left without often vital services.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Buxton is one of the big names in Formula 1 reporting, the unofficial presenter of ‘Drive to Survive’.   He’s been on the circuit for nearly 25 years, starting off as a staff writer for the official Formula 1 magazine and working his way up.  “It’s been a wonderful twenty, yeah, twenty, nearly twenty-five years in Formula 1,” Buxton told Mike Hosking.  “I’ve loved every second of it.”  Two decades of experience in the industry have led Buxton to release an introductory book, ‘Grand Prix: An Illustrated History of Formula 1’, covering the 75 years the sport has existed.   “I wanted to do something that was quite a gentle introduction,” he said.  “I wanted to open it up and describe and explain the sport to new fans in a way that wasn't too scary, because F1 can get like that. It can get very intense and very detail driven.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 15th of October, Jobseeker numbers are up on last year, so is this the last cab off the rank for the growth this country needs?  The Prime Minister was asked about the new prosecution guidelines that call for prosecutors to take race into account, and whether or not he has issues with fast track plan.    F1 reporter Will Buxton has become a household name thanks to Drive to Survive, and his new book looks at the sport over the decades.  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 former WINZ boss says a jump in Work Ready Jobseekers is no surprise.  The Ministry of Social Development's September figures show the number of people on the benefit has increased by almost 12% in a year.  It means more than 12,000 people are receiving the weekly payment.  Former WINZ boss Christine Rankin told Mike Hosking the increase was predicted by economists.  She says it's obvious it's going to get worse before it gets better.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister is signalling potential intervention in Wellington City Council.  It comes after the council has been forced back to the drawing board on its Long Term Plan, after a $400-600 million budget shortfall from backtracking on its airport shares sale.  Mayor Tory Whanau says she hasn't heard anything from the Government about intervention.  But Luxon told Mike Hosking they're keeping an eye on the council.  He says if they need to intervene, they will.   Luxon is also standing by the decision to pour $24 million into Gumboot Friday.   Auditor-General John Ryan has found the project was funded without an open and transparent process.  Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey has pointed to the Ministry of Health as being responsible for its implementation.   Luxon told Hosking that National had campaigned on backing Gumboot Friday and agreed to the investment with New Zealand First.  He says the Auditor-General can write its report and say there are things that could be done better, but the bottom line is he's backing it.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.