The Mike Hosking Breakfast

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 22nd of November, is the Government's desire for a third medical school at Waikato at risk after David Seymour raised concerns about the cost?    All Blacks' captain Scott Barrett pops in for a word ahead of their clash against Italy – the final game in the end of year international tour.  Tim Wilson and Kate Hawkesby talk Coldplay, Trump guitars, and the price of fish and chips 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.

New Zealand's relationship with the incoming Trump administration will be the main topic at a US Business Summit in Auckland today.   It will feature speeches from the Prime Minister, Trade Minister Todd McClay, US Ambassador Tom Udall, and a variety of business voices.   Auckland Chamber of Commerce CEO Simon Bridges says it will be a great chance to get the Government's perspective on the American relationship.   He told Mike Hosking that Trump’s win is hugely consequential, and it’s not enough for the Government to simply say they’ll wait and see.  Bridges believes there can be some optimism though, as New Zealand is generally good at riding the waves and trade with the US flourished after Trump ripped up the CPTPP during his last term.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After being clouded in sexual misconduct allegations, Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his name from consideration to become Donald Trumps' attorney general.  The former Republican congressman says he felt he was becoming a distraction, and didn't want to waste time on a "scuffle".  US correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking Gaetz had faced intense scrutiny over a House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and illegal drug use.  He says this is the first loss from Team Trump, who has been issuing threats to keep Senators in line.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks have stuck with the tried and tested for their final fixture of the year against Italy in Turin on Sunday morning.   Changes are minimal from Paris – the team is relatively close to what could be termed a first-choice 23.  There are five changes to the run on-side that lost to France, four being injury related.  Captain Scott Barrett told Mike Hosking they had a focus on improving each game they played in the end of year tour. He says that while the narrow loss to France hurt, the team will be better for that.   “Hopefully we can get through this game and, you know, that’s an 80 minute performance that we can, you know, hang our hat on and be proud of.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Councils are celebrating the government's decision to lift the debt cap, allowing them to borrow more money.  It follows an average 15% rates increase this year across the country.  Local Government New Zealand President Sam Broughton told Mike Hosking that councils currently have two options - borrow or lift rates.  He says they have to borrow more because residents can't afford to fund the infrastructure deficit councils are in.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A paediatric endocrinologist believes the Health Ministry's puberty blocker stance is sensible.  The Ministry's brief shows a lack of good quality evidence backing the drug's effectiveness and safety for treating gender dysphoria.  It says they should only be prescribed by a clinician experienced in gender-affirming care, as part of a team offering a full range of support.  Paul Hofman told Mike Hosking puberty blockers are safe and reversible, and have been used by hundreds of thousands of kids in the last 30 years.  He says data on its efficacy is poor, which is down to doctors not following up on the treatment, and assuming it will work as intended.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour's concerned about the rationale behind the new Waikato medical school.  National campaigned on the idea of a new medical school with a greater focus on rural and primary healthcare.  The ACT leader wrote to Health Minister Shane Reti saying he was dissatisfied with a cost-benefit analysis on the school, which must be presented according to the coalition agreement.  Seymour told Mike Hosking they have to be sure this is the most efficient way to get doctors.  He says they had not counted the cost of training specialists and they'd made a lot of assumptions.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand aren’t the only ones suffering from healthcare struggles.  Italy released their 2025 draft Budget, and medical professionals in particular are unimpressed.  Nurses and doctors went on a nationwide strike, drawing 85% of support according to trade unions.  Italy Correspondent Jo McKenna told Mike Hosking that they’re saying not enough money has been allocated to healthcare, and they have insufficient resources to pay staff and keep the system functioning.  She says the system is rather rundown, and waiting lists are a big problem in the public system, which a majority of the population uses.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's ironic that we mention the Commerce Commission yesterday and here we are today, indulging in a bit more of its madness.  Lines charges, the cost of getting power to your house, is going to get more expensive.  Your bill will rise for the next handful of years by up to $85. That’s over $1,000 a year.  Is your power better? No.  Do you get more power? No.  You just pay more. Why?  Because the Commerce Commission decided they are going to let Transpower and local lines companies charge more so they can invest in new infrastructure.  They will be allowed to raise just shy of $6 billion.  There are a few ironies with this:  1) We also, says the Commission, understand the importance of incentivising business to invest and improve and meet consumer demands. What?! You don’t think they would charge this and more if they could?  And what incentive? Transpower are a monopoly. They have no incentive to improve anything.  2) The $6 billion is way more than it should be. What should it be? Under $3 billion.  Why? Because 55% of what Transpower is doing is because of higher inflation and interest rates. And what is 55% of $6 billion, roughly?  Now, how did we get those? That’s right - Adrian Orr.  If you want yet another tangible example, as the Labour Government and Adrian Orr years of incompetence roll on, then here you are. $3 billion worth, that is for nothing other than admin and fees.  Stuff that should not have happened if the approach in Covid hadn't been as grandiose and wasteful and plain idiotic.  More inflation than we ever needed, leading of course to interest rates we shouldn't have had to try and bring back to Earth, entirely as a result of the Covid approach that crippled the country.  Yes, there are plenty of intangibles like morals, behaviours, mental health and school attendance. But we are also paying Transpower $6 billion to do what they should have done anyway.  Awesome economics in an awesome economy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A researcher believes international drug smugglers are flooding the New Zealand market, bringing prices down and availability up.  The New Zealand Drugs Trends Survey found cocaine use is increasing, with 48% of respondents reporting they've used it at some point in their life.  It finds meth's also dropping in price, with a gram becoming 36% cheaper over the past six years.  Massey University drug researcher Chris Wilkins says the majority of Australia's meth comes from Mexican cartels.  He says there's now an overlap for smugglers, importing meth and cocaine together.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 21st of November, the new Police Commissioner Richard Chambers reveals his plans for the next five years, and touches on the gang patch ban that came into effect overnight.  Just how much meth, cannabis and cocaine are we consuming? We look at the annual drug trend survey.  The Naked Chef Jamie Oliver hasn't done a New Zealand interview in eight years, so after the launch of his new cookbook, he joined Mike for a chat about his 25 years in the industry.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a view Netflix isn't paying enough attention to New Zealand's screen industry.  The movie and TV streaming corporation is setting up an office in Sydney to take care of Australia and New Zealand.  So far, the content and commissioning has been heavily based across the ditch.  Screen Production and Development Association President Irene Gardiner told Mike Hosking that some international productions have been shot in New Zealand, and they’ve bought the odd pre-existing show, when it comes to commissioning a local production they’ve had nothing but silence.  She says that commissioning gives us intellectual property and export dollars - which is good for our economy.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Oliver has built a culinary empire.  He’s a household name in the kitchen, writing 23 cookbooks and selling over 46 million copies.  Oliver sprung into the spotlight 25 years ago with ‘The Naked Chef’, a BBC Two cooking show that ran for three series.   He landed the role after he appeared in the background of a BBC documentary about The River Cafe in Fulham, where he was working as a sous-chef at the time.   Oliver told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking that he got lucky.  “It was never planned,” he said.  “I was never even supposed to be there that day ... Someone called in sick.”   25 years on, Oliver says time has given him a bit more perspective, and he tends to lean more towards experience and wisdom a little more than just enthusiasm.  Oliver is currently on tour in Australia, performing live shows to promote his newest cookbook ‘Simply Jamie’. Coming from a humble background, the chef told Hosking he never thought he’d be able to travel internationally in this way.   “I never thought I’d get here,” Oliver said.  “I just thought it was out of my reach.”  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's released a new child and youth strategy, with a focus on supporting children and their families in the first 2000 days.   It aims to lift 17,000 children out of material hardship by 2027.   2000 days is just over five years.  Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston told Mike Hosking the Government needs to focus its efforts – if they attempt too many things, they won't achieve anything.   She says this is a plan to work across government ministers' departments to get things done.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Transport Agency's spending is in the spotlight.  The Transport Minister's calling NZTA's costs “eye-watering” and excessive after revealing a near $800 million spend on traffic management over the past three years.  Simeon Brown says a new framework is coming to reduce costs.  Traffic Direct General Manager Dev Strause told Mike Hosking it will be made, but change doesn't happen overnight.  He says it takes a bit of fine tuning to be able to redevelop and retrain all the workers, especially when some have been in the industry for over a decade.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police have already acted on the new gang patch ban.  The Gangs Act 2024 came into effect at midnight last night, banning the public wear of gang patches and insignia.   New Police Commissioner Richard Chambers told Mike Hosking that at three minutes past midnight, Hastings police stopped a vehicle displaying gang insignia, and they are now facing prosecution.  He told Hosking the person staff dealt with was respectful and followed the orders of police.  “I’m happy with how that went, and I suspect there will be more to come,” he said.  When asked whether he had enough resources to get the job done, Chambers said they will do their best with the staff they have.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister of Justice Paul Goldsmith says people who are convicted of sexual crimes getting name suppression is “a massive issue”.  “Particularly for the victims, they can’t talk about what’s happened to them and they can’t warn others," Goldsmith told Mike Hosking.  “We’ve decided you only get permanent name suppression if you’re a convicted sex offender if the victim agrees. And if the victim doesn’t agree? Well, tough luck, you’re not going to get it and you should own up to your crimes.  “That’s the current law, that the views of the victim are taken into account. Sometimes it doesn’t get very far and the person who has been convicted continues to have their name suppressed forever. I just fundamentally disagree with that.  “Our focus in government is to reduce the number of victims of violent and sexual offending.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An additional two charges have been laid against former Australian broadcaster Alan Jones.  The 83-year-old is now facing a total of 26 indecent assault charges, relating to nine alleged victims over the span of two-decades.  Jones was granted conditional bail, and has been scheduled to appear at Downing Centre local court in Sydney on the 18th of December.  Australian Correspondent Steve Price told Mike Hosking that the complainants now include a prominent Olympian, a 17-year-old, and several men who were under his employ.  He says that it’s one of the most high-profile cases of its type they’ve ever seen, with two very prominent Australians —former Prime Minister John Howard and James Packer— both backing Jones.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I think at times the Commerce Commission has an easy job in the sense it starts out life, in appearance anyway, as being on “our side. "Our” side being the people's side.  We need a hero, a protector to keep the big bad boys away from our lives and wallets.  Lately though, they look like they might have a large legal budget that someone has told them to spend or else they will lose it.  So out come the lawyers to take on Starlink over their claims about being able to text anywhere in the country.  This case looks literal. You can't say you can text from anywhere if I can literally find a place where you can't.  The room for adult interpretation appears to be devoid of presence in this case.  Then we get to Foodstuffs, who are to appeal a ruling by the Commerce Commission on its merger.  The interesting bit about Foodstuffs is that they unfortunately are a supermarket, and supermarkets are hated because they sell stuff at prices we have decided are too high.  They are in the same category as banks, telcos, petrol stations, and airlines, who are all out there to rip us off, bleed us dry, and generally make life miserable.  Foodstuffs have two bits in the North Island and the South Island. They want to join the two bits together. From a business perspective it makes perfect sense because you are playing with scale and scale is generally good.  But scale also reduces numbers in the market, and it may well reduce competition.  Where we appear a bit stuck in this country is that very fine and, quite probably, indefinable line between letting people get on with business, creating an environment in which business prospers, more businesses wanting to open, and killing business by over regulating it, driven in part by fear over lack of competition and the punter being ripped off.  What will be interesting is whether Foodstuffs can argue their case on fact, or on what clearly is an overarching zeitgeist.  The banks appeared in front of the Government committee into banking. They made a very plausible and reasonable case around their profits. It will make no difference though because the Government doesn’t want to hear it.  Maybe Foodstuffs are the same. What is a decent price? What is a decent margin?  What is the choice for a punter who sees a can of beans at a higher price in one place, so goes elsewhere?  Is a court even required if the zeitgeist around business and its success is predetermined, whether sensibly, logically, or not? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seasons are changing when it comes to secondary school sports.  In just over a year’s time, basketball is set to become the most popular sport, with participation jumping 61% since 2000.  However, there’s now concerns that New Zealand is 500 courts short to support the growing popularity.   School Sport NZ CEO Mike Summerell told Mike Hosking that while schools have great facilities they can only cater for the smaller games, and national competitions are maxing the current facilities out.  He says they also have to share the courts with other sports, and while they want the games to be played indoors, space is hard to come by.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 20th of September, MPs want to change the standing orders in Parliament so that rules are followed and punishments are properly handed out. What can actually be changed?  The Prime Minister is back from APEC and joins the show for a chat the day after 42,000 people marched onto Parliament grounds.  Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen discuss when it is and isn't appropriate to protest and break the rules in Parliament on Politics Wednesday.  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.

There have been a wide range of responses to Te Pāti Māori’s haka in the House last week.   Speaker Gerry Brownlee has confirmed he’s received complaints, and both David Seymour and Shane Jones have asked him to consider changes.  National's Mark Mitchell says he doesn't know of any rule change that could rein in Te Pāti Māori.  He told Mike Hosking that he doesn’t think they care about any sanctions that will be applied in Parliament.  “They just think that they can do what they like.”  Labour's Ginny Andersen says Te Pāti Māori's rule-breaking needs to be understood in context.  She says this issue means a lot to a lot of New Zealanders, to the extent that it brought tens of thousands of Kiwis to the steps of Parliament to protest.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hopes New Zealand's efforts to stop smoking don't go up in smoke.   The latest New Zealand Health Survey shows daily smoking rates have remained steady over the past year.   They were just under 7%, which is down from 13% five years ago.   Auckland University health economist Paula Lorgelly told Mike Hosking we might be tripping at the finish line.  She says we're seeing more steady drops which could have continued if New Zealand had passed legislation the previous government introduced.  However, the survey found that 1 in 4 18-24 year olds are vaping, as Kiwis seemingly replace cigarettes with vapes.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says there needs to be rules in Parliament to ensure there's debate about difficult issues, without it degenerating into chaos.   Speaker Gerry Brownlee's confirmed he's received complaints about Te Pati Māori's haka in the House last week. David Seymour and Shane Jones have both asked him to consider changes.   Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking there has to be respect for rules.  “You’ve got to be able to have proper conversations in a Parliament without it just degenerating into, you know, fisticuffs,” he said.  “We just don’t need any of that.”  He also believes just 'a piece' of the mass Hikoi was focused on the Government as a whole, rather than just the Treaty Principles Bill.  Police estimate around 42 thousand people joined yesterday's Hikoi, making it one of the largest protests to ever take place in the capital.  A large number of signs called out David Seymour, the architect of the Bill, by name.  Luxon told Hosking it seemed to be pretty focused on the Bill.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane Jones says Parliament's standards are slipping.   The New Zealand First MP and David Seymour have both asked Speaker Gerry Brownlee to consider changes in light of Te Pati Māori's haka in the House last week.   Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke was 'named', suspended for a day, and had her pay docked for a day.   Jones told Mike Hosking the penalties have historically worked, but we live in a world of Tik Tok now.  He says we live in a world where, as a consequence of Jacinda Ardern and Trevor Mallard, the rules have been inverted.  “I mean, what the hell’s happening to New Zealand?”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions are being raised as to whether Aotearoa should take a page from the United States' book when it comes to our roads.  Concrete New Zealand-commissioned research shows road maintenance costs using the material are up to 62% lower than asphalt.  It also shows that, on average, concrete roads are 17% cheaper over 40 years.  Chief Executive, Rob Gaimster told Mike Hosking America has a good model, with half of their roads concrete.  He says New Zealand has a pothole crisis and is spending billions on roads but is still building in the same way.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The good news about the arrival of the protest is that after today, it's over.  This has been one of the more misrepresented activities in recent years.  It's hard to know what it is actually about, or whether those taking part even know what it's about.  Is it about the Treaty Principles Bill? Is it about a general attitude towards the Government and their Māori policies? Is it a PR stunt for the Māori Party?  And perhaps most importantly of all - what does it achieve?  The answer, of course, is nothing.  If it is about the bill, it dies after the select committee process and, even if it didn’t, although you are more than justified to protest, a protest doesn’t change the right of a Government to do what they promised they were going to do.  It's called democracy.  Democracy is slightly complicated by MMP, which may or may not produce what you thought it might. But democracy was what led to MMP in the first place because we voted for it.  The two winners out of this so far are the Māori Party, who have got a lot of attention and drummed up good numbers in various parts of the country for their campaign.  They have of course alienated themselves from many, but they don't care, and you were never voting for them anyway.  The other is David Seymour who, whether you agree with him or not, has argued coherently and eloquently.  Not performing so well includes the media who, yet again, have sided too often with the protest. I saw a reporter literally singing as part of her reportage. I saw a reporter dispute official figures from the police for the turn out, as though a dispute is fact.  Jenny Shipley talking of civil war was as astonishing as anything. At least Chris Finlayson, in weighing in, kept his head.  In a country with real and serious problems, a bill destined for the waste bin is not worth the energy this has been given.  Our priorities are all over the place. We have looked shabby, unhinged, violent, and low rent.  We are not living up to expectation, or our potential. This is not the country I grew up in, or indeed love.  It is a wayward place in desperate need of some serious leadership and even more discipline. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington business owners are expecting a peaceful protest.  The Hīkoi mō te Tiriti march has arrived in Wellington and will soon march to Parliament, protesting ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill.  Up to 30,000 people are expected to join the protest, disrupting traffic in the city.  Business Central Chief Executive Simon Arcus expects a "low impact" day.  But he told Mike Hosking there is some anxiety, particularly for businesses in the area around Parliament and the Wellington Railway Station.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rhys Darby is returning to his roots.  In the last decade, Kiwis have gotten more used to seeing the comedian on the big screen than on the stage, but that’s about to change.  Darby has announced his first comedy tour in more than a decade, returning to Kiwi stages next year with ‘The Legend Returns’.  He told Mike Hosking that he can’t wait to hit the stage again.  “I had the most fun, like in the last six months, getting ready for the show,” Darby said.  “I’m still working on material, and now I’m really, really confident.”  Darby’s been doing a few gigs in the US as he prepares, but the show he plans to bring our way is still being created and workshopped.   “I found out recently that I’m really good at creating stuff on the spot for my shows,” he revealed.  “A lot of my previous shows were quite scripted, and they would have a narrative and I, you know, but this one... I’m really feeling much more loosey goosey and having fun with the audience.”  Tickets for 'The Legend Returns' are on sale from today.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 19th of November, the hīkoi has finally hit the capital. Police District Commander Corrie Parnell joined to discuss the numbers they're expecting and their preparations.  Mark Mitchell has officially avoided having to resign after the crime numbers went down in his first year as Police Minister. He gave an insight into what to expect for the next two years of the term.  Kiwi comedian Rhys Darby has announced his first comedy tour in more than a decade and joined Mike out of LA for a chat.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN LIVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Minister says it’s important for police to be politically neutral.  There have been reports on social media of police officers helping to paint signs for today’s hīkoi.  Up to 30,000 people are expected to join the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti marching on Parliament in opposition to ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill.  Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking he’s aware of the reports, and has discussed the matter with the Police Commissioner.  He says that in order to maintain public confidence, it’s critical that the police are seen as politically neutral.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hīkoi participants are beginning to arrive in Wellington's Waitangi Park where they'll travel to Parliament.   Police say traffic on State Highway 1 is starting to build and people should avoid travelling this morning.   Traffic management plans are in place, but people should also expect delays around central Wellington.  Wellington Police District Commander Corrie Parnell told Mike Hosking that a month's work of planning has gone into it.  He says there’s been a lot of meetings across different departments, but they’re well prepared for today’s events.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Biden's approval of long-range missile use for Ukraine has been met with a mixed reaction in Europe.   Hungary's Foreign Minister has called the decision desperate, but Poland's President says it's a decisive move which will allow Ukraine to defend itself from Russian aggression.   Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is being criticised for a call he made to Russian President Vladimir Putin.  Europe Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking he didn't strike the right tone.   She says it was felt that the phone call hadn't been approved by other allies.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian broadcaster Alan Jones has spent his first night on bail after having 24 indecent assault charges laid against him.  They relate to eight alleged victims over the span of two decades, with the youngest being 17 years old at the time.  The 83-year-old has been under investigation since March.  Channel 9's Jack Hahn told Mike Hosking that Jones is a polarising and powerful figure in Australia.  He says the news will be a surprise to many, given how the situation unfolded yesterday.  Jones returns to court in a month's time.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Industry professionals feel it will take more than a tipline to uncover where the problems lie in infrastructure.   The Ministry of Regulation has created a red tape tipline, where people can report their 'regulation horror stories'.   Infrastructure New Zealand Chief Executive Nick Leggett says it's a good way to get the public involved.   He told Mike Hosking regulation is adding massive cost to projects.   Leggett says in projects under $200 thousand, almost a fifth of the cost is in consenting.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the past week we have been dealing with three houses currently for sale.  They are what you would loosely call "high end" houses.  As you wander around with the agent, the usual exchanges take place about size and quality and renovations and street and area, talk about the market, what's the vibe etc.  But the question we always ask, is why are they selling?  You ask that for a clue. Are they downsizing, what's changed, have they been there their whole lives or have they transferred?  The three houses all had the same reason - they are leaving the country.  This was not good because, as I expressed on the programme last week, I am finding the immigration figures depressing.  I read over the weekend that suddenly universities in Australia are closing their book for internationals because they are inundated.  We are not inundated.  I read that the Anthony Albanese Government is under pressure on immigration because they promised to curb it.  They haven't curbed it. One of the major reasons they haven't curbed it is because shedloads of us are bailing from New Zealand and arriving at their place and, given CER, there is nothing they can do.  In the case of the three houses, one have their kids already ensconced in Australia and the parents are looking to join them and the other two families are off to Europe.  That's good news for the agents because all three houses will sell. The issue after that is, who buys them?  Our immigration figures will be a discussion of some angst sometime next year. Because as things stand, there is no sign of the departures easing but there is a very real sign of the arrivals stalling.  The arrivals are mainly from India, Fiji, Indonesia and China. Culturally, the face of New Zealand is changing dramatically.  As we learned last week, a bit over 1% of those arriving applied for a skilled visa. The rest, presumably, are baristas, chefs and construction workers.  The demise of this country is alarmingly real. Most haven't woken up to it yet. The Government knows the problem and they are working hard to, at worst, stall it but, hopefully, to reverse it.  But as we have said for years, the numbers don’t lie.  And I can show you three houses for sale right now that tell you the trend is real. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony Albanese attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, speaking on the importance of free and fair trade to lift living standards of people throughout the region.  Australian correspondent Steve Price tells Mike Hosking Albanese is working closely with Chinese President Xi Jinping to maintain trade.  Plus, the unveiling of department store Christmas windows has gone down without a crowd as anti-war protestors disrupted the tradition. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks suffered a narrow defeat to France, their third straight loss to Les Bleus.  Jake Paul has beaten former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in a unanimous decision.   And, the All Whites recorded their biggest win in 20 years, taking Vanuatu down 8-1 in the World Cup qualifier in Hamilton.  Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt join Mike Hosking for the Commentary Box.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An education provider has “significant concerns” about the charter school application process.  Operator Education 710+ is asking for a formal review of the process, believing the system is worse now than it was before.  Associate Education Minister David Seymour tells Mike Hosking there were always going to be people who were disappointed, due to 78 applications for new charter schools where there is only budget for 15.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Auckland taxi firm has been accused of exorbitant fares for short trips in metered taxis.  A pensioner was charged more than $160 for a journey less than 10km after attending a Coldplay concert.  Multiple complaints have been made over the years and Crown Cabs has built a reputation for taking advantage.  Small Passenger Service Association Executive Director, Warren Quirke tells Mike Hosking the rule around pricing for independent operators is that a “fee should be agreed prior to the trip commencing.” This is not happening in most cases.  Quirke believes the legislation allowing room for these exorbitant prices needs tidied up.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 18th of September, this Government were supposed to be dropping consultancy spend, yet it's going up in health. So what do Health NZ say about it?  On the eve of the hikoi reaching Parliament David Seymour has some thoughts about meeting the organisers - and speaks out against his detractors, including Dame Jenny Shipley.  Guy and Sav cover off the All Blacks vs France, Tim Southee's career and Chris Wood flying under the radar.  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.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has wrapped up his whirlwind trip to the APEC summit in Peru.  At the summit, Luxon met with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time. The meeting was one of many bilaterals to take place.  Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls tells Mike Hosking the main takeaway for New Zealand is to get face time with international leaders.  “The Prime Minister needs to be there to let people know how we can be relevant.”   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Contractor and consultant spending at Health New Zealand has increased – by $85 million in the financial year to June.  The increase comes despite a government directive to cut back.  Health New Zealand’s Chief Clinical Officer Dr Richard Sullivan tells Mike Hosking the bulk of the spending increase covers vacancies and gaps in rosters, with focus on delivering clinical care to communities.  “We would prefer to have permanent staff [...] but it is the reality of the market at the moment.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President-elect Donald Trump has quickly begun forming the list of people he wants to serve in his cabinet.  Cabinet comprises of at least 16 positions – the Vice President and head of 15 executive departments.  US correspondent Richard Arnold tells Mike Hosking Trump is rolling out names in rapid fire, picking oil industry executive-climate denier Chris Wright as energy secretary and Robert F Kennedy Jr as health and human services secretary.  Plus, there is a big pile of trouble for former Mayor of New York Rudy Giuliani.  Giuliani has been required to hand over some personal property to election workers who won a $148 million defamation case against him.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Churches appear to be hot property on the real estate market.  One Roof Editor Owen Vaughan tells Mike Hosking there will always be a market for quirky spaces with a sense of reverence.  However, while converted churches are easy to move into, buyers face a battle on older buildings that are yet to be converted into dwellings.  LISTEN ABOVE See 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 trifecta: 8/10   He got the White House, the other House and the Senate. That is as comprehensive as it gets.    The reaction: 7/10  Because people are nuts. Elections always have winners and losers and there is always another election. Social media has shown us how often people forget that.    Fonterra: 9/10  Right now it's as good as it gets. $9.50 could become $10, a sale worth billions, and an effect on the economy that is so fantastically welcome.    The All Blacks: 7/10  It looks increasingly like the Robertson era is going to be a very good thing. Beating England and Ireland, with France for good measure, that’s a good way to head to Christmas.    The apology: 7/10  Because it was heartfelt and came from the right place. But that was the easy bit.    The protest: 1/10  More depressing than the immigration numbers.    The media covering the protest: 2/10  Between singing reporters and reporters making up numbers, it's not hard to see why the media is where it is and is held in the sort of contempt it is. They have brought it on themselves.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you watched Parliament, as I did yesterday afternoon, you could feel it building.  Question Time focused largely on the Treaty Principles Bill. There was a growing angst, Gerry Brownlee the Speaker spent far too much time calling for order, it was low rent, which isn't unheard of, but full of needless aggro.  Then came the so-called debate.  There were 11 speeches, lead off by architect of the bill David Seymour who spoke, as he has through this whole shambolic process, very eloquently.  He was followed by Willie Jackson, who also spoke very passionately, until he called Seymour a liar and got booted out of the House.  Most of the rest of the speeches were boring and said what you thought they might say, depending on what side of the House the speaker came from.  National were in the invidious position of defending their position while not defending the bill. They can blame Christopher Luxon for this because how he let it find its way to the place it has is beyond me.  As a coalition deal you either let it ride or kill it before you sign a deal in the first place. But this half-way House is the worst of all possible worlds, and it looked like it, as he was on a plane to South America and the poor sods, he left behind had to do their best.  The whole affair, sadly, was not what you might want, or expect, from our House of Representatives.  Beyond anything else, we appear to have lost the ability to debate cordially, to agree to disagree, to listen to other views, to be mature, to be adult and to accept that we don’t all have to be on the same page.  By the time the Māori Party burst into a haka and wrecked it all, Gerry rolled his eyes and suspended proceedings for the day.  I caught up with the fall out on Sky TV. God knows what the Australians make of it. This sort of stuff also goes global, so more embarrassment there as well.  We look ridiculous. We look like amateurs, we look like petty, little children b*tching at each other.  We look like Kamala Harris supporters on TikTok.  I think, and hope, we are better than this. That lot yesterday in the House of Representatives is not us. It's not representative.  Because if they are, we are buggered. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It looks to be a still but chilly night as the All Blacks take on France.  They’re entering the pitch with two major wins under the belt, after defeating both Ireland and England.  Newstalk ZB’s Voice of Rugby Elliott Smith told Mike Hosking that if they get through this week, the pressure valve releases a little.  He says there’s a bit of a steely resolve in the team now that they’ve got a couple of wins behind them.  “I don’t think they’d want to leave the tour with the old rocks and beach towels over summer.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the week comes to a close, Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was.  They discussed jury duty, clap backs, and what is and isn’t appropriate for the leader of a state-owned company to do in their free time.  And, Tim and Kate break out the defence for Producer Sam, who, in Tim’s words, is a prisoner of the Hosking Regime.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's considering charging more for visits to national parks and conservation areas.  The Department of Conservation has released two documents for public consultation on modernising conservation.  It's seeking feedback on questions like who should pay visitor fees, including both domestic and international tourists.  Conservation Minister Tama Potaka told Mike Hosking he understands there will be some concerns.  He says there are some people who believe it's their right to go to these places for free.  Consultations closes in February.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.