The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back to Wrap the Week with Mike Hosking. On today’s agenda: Did RNZ conspire to stop an interview from happening on the Mike Hosking Breakfast? Mike has the details and Kate and Tim offer their thoughts on the plot. Plus, they discussed whether you should let your 18-year-old travel alone to Manchester to catch a concert. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 6th of September, we've got new rules for building that the Government hopes will make things cheaper and easier to erect. Scott 'Razor' Robertson talks how they'll bounce back against the mighty Boks this weekend. Did RNZ conspire to stop an interview happening on the Mike Hosking Breakfast? Mike has the nefarious details. Kate and Tim offer their thoughts on the interview scandal and discuss whether or not to let your 18-year-old travel to Manchester for a concert 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.

Will the All Blacks be able to bounce back in their next match against the Springboks? Last weekend saw the All Blacks defeated 27-31 at Ellis Park, the South Africans taking the home ground win. They’ll be looking to turn things around this weekend, when they face them again at Cape Town Stadium. Coach Scott Robertson told Mike Hosking that it’s going to be another hell of a test. He said that even though it’s at a different stadium this time, it’s still going to be as fierce as it ever was. “The Springboks, you know, when they roll up, they roll up.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s outrage in parts of the capital over the price-tag of a new bike rack. Ratepayers have forked out $550 thousand to install a two-tier bike rack in central Wellington. Independent Wellington City Councillor Diane Calvert told Mike Hosking she's gobsmacked the project became so expensive. Calvert says costs snowballed due to work on the footpath, installation of CCTV, and wiring electricity to the bike rack. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's confidence most councils want to retain their Māori wards. There's a 5pm deadline today to have made a decision over their fate. Most councils have opted to keep them, with only Kaipara District Council deciding to scrap them, while Upper Hutt City Council has reversed its decision to establish them. Local Government New Zealand President and Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton told Mike Hosking that councils have shown that partnerships with Māori, whether through wards or council seats, has brought good results. He says it creates richer discussion. Far North District Council meets today to consider the fate of its ward. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Building Minister says new importation rules will increase supply and competition. The Government has introduced new legislation to make it easier to import building supplies from abroad. It'll enable recognition of overseas standards, and Building Consent Authorities will need to accept products already certified offshore. Chris Penk told Mike Hosking this is an important step to bringing down building costs. He says it goes alongside the work the government's doing in freeing up land to make it easier, quicker, and more affordable to build houses. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A health expert is calling a Hawke's Bay scheme targeting services for young Māori and Pacific people lazy virtue signalling. Health NZ in Hawke's Bay has amended the two-year scheme, which used to provide free GP and nurse services to all residents aged 14 to 24. From this month, young people must meet one-of-four criteria —including being Māori or Pacific— to be eligible for the scheme. Auckland University Emeritus Professor of Medicine Des Gorman told Mike Hosking it means they take priority over other young people. He says resources should be targeted on an individual basis. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new lending legislation seems like it will be a net positive for the banks. As part of the CCCFA reforms the Financial Markets Authority is set to become a one-stop regulatory shop, looking after licences to ensure consumers are taken care of. Banking Association CEO Roger Beaumont told Mike Hosking that while there will likely be minimal impact for customers, there will be definite improvements on the bank’s side. He said that one of the key changes is that the “draconian” personal liability legislation for managers and banks will be removed. Beaumont says the devil is in the detail, of which there hasn’t been much yet, but anything that simplifies and clarifies monitoring in the sector is a good thing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A seal of approval from former All Black Josh Kronfeld for the possible return of full rugby tours. New Zealand's governing body are reportedly close to signing off a three-test, eight-match itinerary away against South Africa in 2026. The Springboks would reciprocate in 2030. Kronfeld told Mike Hosking that these tours offer a fantastic opportunity for the younger players and creates competition within the All Blacks themselves. He said that South Africa are a fantastic rugby nation, living and breathing the game much like New Zealand does. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest carbon credit auction found little success, but the Climate Change Minister says there's still some positives. The Government’s auction attracted no bidders, increasing the chances of millions of tonnes of permits going up in smoke come December. The Government has announced measures to address the issue, shrinking the number of permits available over the next five years in an effort to flush out surplus credits. Minister Simon Watts said that there is demand for the credits, as there is an active secondary market that is trading with good liquidity. He said that the function of the government’s market is to introduce supply to the market if necessary, and the purpose of the credits is to reduce emissions, not generate revenue for the government. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 5th of September, tourism is slowly going up and the carbon auction is going nowhere. Does the Government have a proper fix for both? Mike has a gripe with ACC - and is this the morning we will hear about the infamous pool and council story? Our most successful Olympian Dame Lisa Carrington pops into the studio, bringing all nine of her medals with her to talk her career and the children's book she’s written. 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 produce providers are hoping for a bit more information regarding the supermarket industry. The Commerce Commission's first annual report into the grocery market, shows competition hasn't meaningfully improved. It flags increasing margins and high profitability. Vegetables NZ’s John Murphy told Mike Hosking that it would be great if growers got more of a slice of the pie, given the commercial risk they undertake. He said that better market information would be helpful, but if the government is to intervene, they need to be really careful to ensure the real world outcomes are of benefit to consumers and to producers. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arguably New Zealand’s greatest ever Olympian, Dame Lisa Carrington is the best in the canoe sprint game. She’s brought home a staggering total of nine medals across four Olympic Games, eight of them gold, and one bronze, dominating the water. Despite her massive success, Carrington doesn’t believe this is the best she’s capable of, telling Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking that you have to be able to look beyond the finish line or gold medal and set yourself other goals. “If I thought that winning a gold medal was my best, I would’ve stopped in London. I would’ve stopped after Rio, I would’ve stopped after Tokyo.” Carrington has been competing for over a decade now, but it’s taken her up until this year’s Games to have 100% joy and satisfaction in racing. “I think a lot of the time I’ve raced in the past, and it’s been out of just needing to win, just because that’s the expectation on me,” she told Hosking. “But for Paris, I’ve managed to get to a place where I was like, you know what, I’m just gonna do my best.” And doing her best panned out, with Carrington netting a total of three gold medals in the 2024 Games. Photo / Jason Oxenham There comes a point in every successful athlete's career where the question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next? Carrington is currently at the top of her game and has no plans on stopping here, but when it comes to the next steps, she’s unsure whether she wants to leave while on top or not. “Being in the position I am, you know, being the fastest I’ve ever been, strongest, whatever, it is hard to think ‘Oh maybe I’ll stop now,’” Carrington said. “Because well, what else is there?” Every competition is different, each Olympic Games different again from the last, and when it comes to the next steps, Carrington thinks it would need to be a different challenge once more. And when it comes to new and different challenges, Carrington has fulfilled a goal she’s had since Tokyo: writing a children's book. Lisa Carrington Chases a Champion is aimed at 4-9 year olds, and details the journey of eight year old Lisa having a goal, the journey of achieving it, and the challenges along the way. “There's so many little messages in there from, you know, about... a little bit about discipline or having a plan, but also that, you know, there are challenges, and you have to keep turning up.” It’s the first of what Carrington hopes to be a series, with her leaving the ending open for another journey. “Too many lessons to learn and relearn.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tourism Minister's upbeat as international travellers continue to spend more here. The latest International Visitor Survey shows overseas visitors added $2.6 billion to the economy in the June quarter, an annual increase of 17%. It comes a day after the Government's announcement that the International Visitor Levy will rise by almost 200% to $100 from next month. Matt Doocey told Mike Hosking there was no connection between the two announcements. He says tourism operators believe they have better product and experiences, which need to be celebrated. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labor Day in the US has come and gone, and the polls are as tight as ever. Seven states have emerged as battlegrounds, with Kamala Harris leading by slim margins in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, with Donald Trump ahead by slim margins in North Carolina, Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada. Harris is pulling ahead in terms of public favour, with 46% having a favourable impression of her and 53% viewing her as qualified to be president, compared to 33% and 47% respectively for Trump. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that the gender gap is significant and growing. He said that Harris leads among women by 13 points, up six since the Democratic Convention, while Trump is up 5 points among men in that same period. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are a number of things that stand out to me post-Covid that are disappointing. Obviously the recessionary state this place has been in and the carnage it has caused, and continues to cause, although they are all ultimately tied to the one major event. But tourism stands out as the most clear example of something we had and something we have now lost. Not literally. They still arrive, but not like they used to and not even close. Something happened between closing the borders and opening them back up. Initially it was a time thing and, apparently, it was a capacity thing because the planes weren't back yet. But four years on, what some of us saw a couple of years ago everyone now sees, and the truth has been laid bare. We are simply not up to it the way we once were. Bits are, like Queenstown and the general area, back plus some, and that’s awesome. But nowhere else is. We are marooned at about 80% and that doesn’t count the gap between the 80% and the 100%+ it could have been, should have been, and all those tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of people who should have been arriving in these past few years. They went elsewhere. Let's be blunt - it's not like the world hasn’t been travelling, they're just not travelling here. Enter the new entry fee to the country. It triples and it'll be $100. Industry operators don’t like it, and I don't blame them. Doing it tough is hard enough without heaping more cost on, but I assume the Government took that into account. They defend it by comparing us to the fees of other countries. But isn't that the point? We aren't other countries and the numbers show it. I still want to argue $100 should not be a barrier. If you spent three grand getting here, is $100 what tips you over? But here is the inescapable truth - tourism, along with dairy, was the golden goose. And if we didn't wreck it, we irreparably harmed it. I don’t see how making it more expensive improves our plight. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Kiwi AI firm has caught the attention of College Football in the US’s Atlanta. Designers from HyperCinema are turning the Hall of Fame into an immersive museum experience. This technology, developed in New Zealand, could soon be used in museums and entertainment spaces across the globe. CEO Miles Gregory explained to Mike Hosking that the experience places visitors into stories of college football, using AI to insert them into both video footage and static images. He said that the technology is entirely malleable, if you can dream it, they can create it. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A security intelligence analyst says our SIS is becoming increasingly transparent. It's released its second annual Security Threat Environment report. It identifies a person acting alone as our biggest terrorist risk, and expresses concern about the amount of online extremist content that young people are being exposed to. Former Intelligence Consultant for the US Government Paul Buchanan says the report doesn't mince words. He says the document names Russia and China as hostile, illiberal states. Buchanan says the report will probably rile the diplomats and Ministry of Foreign Affairs as they’re not being sensitive in their language, but good on them for giving an honest assessment of who is trying to meddle with New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 4th of September, will a tourist levy of $100 stop people from travelling here? The airports say yes, former Tourism Minister Stuart Nash says no. It was quite rare for the SIS to go into as much detail as they did over the threats to our country. Our security expert Paul Buchanan breaks down the data. Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell shake and make up over the police beat numbers and discuss how much weight is placed on official advice on any given day. 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.

Labour’s Ginny Andersen and National’s Mark Mitchell are back with Mike Hosking for Politics Wednesday. Today they discussed Ginny’s numerical mistake when it comes to the number of police on the beat, the tourism levy, and the amount of weight given to official advice on any given day. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's optimism around businesses as they look ahead over the next 12 months. Employment agency Hunter Campbell's survey of Chief Financial Officers reveals that 42% expect challenging conditions over the next year, but still see growth opportunities. Only 16% are feeling fully pessimistic. Hunter Campbell Managing Director Lee Marshall told Mike Hosking there's a surprisingly strong outlook. He says there's a lot of focus on internal matters as well, like work culture and talent. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tourism groups aren't pleased with the increase to visitor fees. The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy will rise from $35 to $100 from next month, an increase of nearly 200%. Airports Association Chief Executive Billie Moore says that airports and airlines are pretty united in wanting the levy to remain at $35, especially in light of all of the other cost increases that are coming through. Moore told Mike Hosking that the problem is that the International Visitor Levy hasn’t been used where it’s meant to have been since 2019. She said that it was expected to be used to address visitor pressures in the regions, but no money from this fund has ever made its way to local government. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A second Commonwealth Games in Christchurch is unlikely for now. Mayor Phil Mauger requested a report on the viability of bidding for the event on the 50th anniversary of the 1974 edition's opening ceremony. It recommends Christchurch doesn't host a standalone event until a national bid is considered. Christchurch NZ's Head of Destination and Attraction, Loren Aberhart told Mike Hosking there's accommodation and transport constraints associated with hosting, and many extra costs. She says the city would need to invest in sporting infrastructure that it doesn't need in the long term. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government appears to have found an unlikely ally in former Tourism Minister Stuart Nash. It's increasing the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy from $35 to $100 next month, an increase of nearly 200%. Nash wanted to bring the levy up by as much as $200 back in 2022. He told Mike Hosking that anyone saying these fees will deter visitors is wrong. Nash says they're dreaming if they think an extra $65 US will be the difference between coming here or another country. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The letter from the energy industry yesterday got less coverage than the call last week for a bipartisan approach to big infrastructure. So I am not sure what that means. Did the media not notice the letter? Or did they notice the letter and not think promoting a bipartisan approach was useful? Or had we given up, given last week's call fell apart the moment it got uttered publicly? A 30-year plan, a new agency, and the first thing that happened was Chris Hipkins pooh-poohed it, citing the treatment they got on light rail and cycle bridges. I think at least part of the lesson is that it's easy to call for a bipartisan approach, which is what the energy users are asking for. Indeed offering a few starters for ten, which is what they do in their letter, isn't that hard either. It's the next bit where things fall apart. Is it possible we have become a divided country? We cite America and its blocked and broken system as the premier example of a country being unable to get anything done, but are we any different? Last week it was infrastructure, this week it's energy. And what's the outcome? When it comes to infrastructure you've got a party that cancelled roads and built cycleways and bus lanes, and the other party who cancelled the bike paths and will build the roads. You've got a party that liked to pay for projects through debt vs a party that likes PPPs and congestion charging. When it comes to the energy crisis one party that thought a $16b dollar lake was an answer and another that thinks gas should be looked for and coal burned. The question, which is where a new agency or more cohesive approach would come in, is where is the middle ground? Where is the commonality? The trouble with this country, like America, is we come at it from not only two different sides, but with a very large gap to close and a long-held belief that we are right, and the other guys are out to lunch. But unlike America, where you find moderate versions of Democrats and Republicans in both parties, here you are not allowed to think outside your party's mandates, far less actually vote against them. So, the conclusion would appear the twain shall never meet, because we are black and white, and the answer isn't. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 3rd of September, Transport Minister Simeon Brown talks the unveiled $32.9b National Land Transport Programme and what's happening with the cycleways. Finance Minister Nicola Willis fills in for the Prime Minister and talks bipartisan support for a range of issues, and whether politics can be put aside for the good of the country. The one and only country music superstar Luke Combs joins the show to talk the changing face of the genre, his latest album - and whether he's coming back to NZ. 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.

More shock in Germany after the far-right secured its first post-war victory in state elections. Alternative for Germany, or AFD, has won almost 33% of the vote in the eastern state of Thuringia yesterday. However, it's believed rival parties will cooperate to keep it out of power. Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking AFD goes against everything Germany has stood for since the Second World War. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Combs is a country music megastar. The 34-year-old is one of the biggest names in the world right now, consistently battling it out against Morgan Wallen for the number one spot. He’s broken records, gone platinum, and earned a range of awards, including three Grammy nominations. It all started when he dropped out of college to pursue his musical career, moving to Nashville and making it big. Combs told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking that he got really lucky in having his career take off the way it did. “Yes, I worked really hard at it, but there’s a ton of luck involved as well,” he said. “I don't know how it never dawned on me until, until I picked the guitar up. Like, man, I could really, you know, maybe there's a chance that this could be what my life is, is gonna be.” While he doesn’t take his success for granted, fame was never quite what Combs was after. “I never put any pressure on myself to be a certain way or achieve certain things,” he told Hosking. “Anything beyond just being able to be happy and have a good life was always more than I had ever asked for.” “To have ended up here is an insane blessing.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister has a simple message for anyone who doesn't like their rates bill. A new IRD report shows New Zealand's council rates are almost double the OECD average, with most councils opting for double digit rates rises this year. Most affected households didn't vote in the last local election. Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking that if people don't like how much they're paying in rates or how it's being spent, the power is in their hands. She says if people don't like their rates bill and they don't like the decisions their local council is making, they should make sure they vote. She also disagrees with the outgoing Treasury boss on her calls for a Capital Gains Tax. Dr Caralee McLiesh has made it clear there's a need for such a tax and superannuation changes as her five-year term comes to an end. Willis says she's wrong on tax, but right on retirement age. She told Hosking that while they're supportive of lifting the age of eligibility, they've agreed with NZ First it won't make the change. Willis says something will have to change eventually, as the population is going to continuing to get older. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israelis are becoming desperate for new leadership following the deaths of six Gaza hostages. The deaths sparked protests across the country against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not securing a deal sooner. Netanyahu is also facing criticism from US President Joe Biden, while the UK is suspending some of its arms export licenses. Political analyst Ori Goldberg told Mike Hosking that Israel's emotional attachment to the war is waning. He says its citizens reluctantly support it because there is no better option being proposed. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are calls for more investment for graduates as confidence hits a new low. Talent Solutions' annual survey reveals only 19% of university students feel very confident about their job prospects. Just over half were concerned about competition for early talent roles, while 40% believe there are fewer roles to apply for. Director Seren Wilson told Mike Hosking the Government and industries need to continue to invest in programmes for young people. She says we will continue to lose graduates to Australia if they don't. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Transport Minister's focused on getting back to the basics. Road maintenance and building new roads and public transport infrastructure are at the centre of a $32.9 billion National Land Transport Plan. There's a $5.5 billion investment for pothole prevention, and $7 billion for state highway improvements. Minister Simeon Brown told Mike Hosking that too much complexity has been delaying projects. He says standardisation and fast track consenting will ensure they're delivered on time and within budget. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a belief overseas workers could be the answer to potential construction worker shortages in Canterbury. The Workforce Development Council for Construction and Infrastructure estimates more than 23 thousand additional workers will be needed over the next three years. Business Canterbury CEO Leeann Watson says it's not a unique problem for the region. She told Mike Hosking that changes to the vocational system need to be aligned with immigration policy as it plays a major role in meeting New Zealand's workforce challenges. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the news last week that a lot of people are changing banks as they re-finance their mortgages, we once again ask ourselves whether the problem we think we have is actually a problem. We seem, at least in part in this country, to be caught up in the idea that if you are big and profitable there might be an issue. Banks have taken heat for years, so much so that Governments past, and indeed this current one, are asking some fairly serious questions about the way they do business. The rural sector is not short of an opinion on the way they are being treated. But the recent Commerce Commission report into the sector tells us very clearly there isn't enough competition, despite the fact that there is no shortage of actual banks with which to do business. Open banking has been touted as a good move forward and in theory it might well be. But the Australians will tell you it is hardly a game changer. Technically it's easier to swap banks. That's good, but do they? It seems no more than they have previously. So the figures produced last week by the Reserve Bank are instructive because they are a real world example of banking in action. At the moment the banks are busy offering deals, they want money out the door, they're cutting rates (multiple times so far), and that story isn't over. As a result of the deals on offer people are shopping around, people are moving banks and people are taking the arrangement that best suits them. That is what's called the market working. Now, if you run a poll and ask whether people are happy or you're paying too much or would you like things to be cheaper, you will always get the predictable answer. Even at supermarkets, as prices drop, people will tell you they aren't. Once again I offer the rider that this is not a defence of banks, banking or big business. But it is an observation on the real world, based on real facts and real events. So just how bad is the perceived problem vs what's actually happening? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A coffee company director argues consumers should be paying more for their morning fix. Hospitality venues in Wellington are weighing up raising prices, potentially cutting hours, or even shutting up shop as costs rise. Flight Coffee Managing Director Richard Corney believes the current climate is worse than Covid. He says if the price of a cup of coffee increased at the rate of operating costs - they should be charging eight dollars a cup. The Hangar on Dixon Street is having to raise its flat white price to six dollars and ten cents - saying it can't afford not to. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says it has a clear focus on reducing cancellations for planned surgeries. Health NZ analysis shows about eight percent of elective surgeries are cancelled within 24 hours by a hospital. One in five elective surgery cancellations are caused by an acute or emergency case, needing to take precedence. Health Minister Shane Reti told Mike Hosking there's a number of things to work on. He says they include, ensuring theatres are being used properly, with the right surgeons, and making sure they're working on time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyres are set to be turned into industrial fuel, concrete mix and even roading as part of the country's first ever national recycling scheme. The Government backed scheme called Tyrewise will let tyre shops and members of the public get rid of them for free. At the moment, just 40 percent of the 6.5 million tyres imported into the country, are recycled. The scheme will be managed by sustainability group 3R. CEO Adele Rose says it's a much better option than having them illegally dumped or ending up in landfill. She says it will reduce the cost and damage of tyre fires substantially. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 2nd of September, two-thirds of people paying child support have defaulted and court action is non-existent. This has been a problem for decades so why don't we do anything about it? If coffee cost $8 would you pay for it? Cafe owners are arguing that is the cost they would need to make it to make any money. Was it a try or not for South Africa against the All Blacks? Guy Heveldt and Andrew Saville don't have to be as diplomatic as Scott Robertson and have an answer. 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.

A warning there'll be problems, if no changes are made to superannuation. Outgoing Treasury boss Dr Caralee McLiesh has made it clear there's a need for a Capital Gains Tax and changes to super, as the population ages. She points out an increasing share of Government transfers are going to the wealthy. Former Reserve Bank economist Michael Reddell told Mike Hosking there's a need to increase the age of eligibility. He says however, it could take another crisis for someone in elect policy circles to make the move. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Calls for a review of New Zealand's child support system, which is being described by some as broken.. Figures released under the Official Information Act reveal just 0.05 percent, or 36 of 66-thousand New Zealanders in breach of child support responsibilities have been referred to court, in 12 months. Family law barrister Sharon Chandra says the general tenor of feedback she gets, is that the system is broken. She says that's not solely because of a lack of enforcement action, but also because of the assessed amounts that IRD direct parents to pay. The total that New Zealanders are currently in arrears by is 663-million dollars. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A property boom in the Coromandel. OneRoof figures show demand for properties in the area is up 113 percent on last year Bayleys Coromandel General Manager Shaun Paterson told Mike Hosking it's a huge shift and the OCR cut is a huge part of the change. He says potential buyers have been waiting in the wings waiting for something to bring confidence. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the insurance market the last to get a good going over from the regulatory authorities? Having become a country that loves a good market study, we've had petrol, banks, supermarkets – so surely insurance, and while you are at it, Air New Zealand, would be a good next stopping point. Australia isn't overly happy with the way their insurance industry works either, and the regulator last week hinted inspections of some sort were coming. Like banking, a lot of the insurance game there is run by the same people as it is here. And like the banks, they have the same line up of excuses as to why they are so profitable. IAG, for example, made a profit in the last year of about $1 billion, and they did it off the back of rising premiums. It was an 8% rise in profit and the dividend was 27 cents. Premiums are up because of climate change. Payouts, risk, and reinsurance are the usual excuses. Don't get me wrong, we need profitable and stable companies, but in this cost of living crisis, councils and insurance companies seem to be the last ones standing when it comes to passing costs on at rates a mile higher than inflation. IAG say we are starting to see inflation easing. Excuse me? It's eased. It's in the band. Central banks all over the world have or are about to cut rates based on the fact inflation is under control. And not only have premiums gone up, they’ve flagged they will be up another 9 percent next year. Reinsurance is part of their excuse. Here's a fun fact one of the biggest reinsurers in the world is Swiss Re. Guess how much their profit is up? 17%. To what, I hear you ask, a bit under $4 billion. So where is the line? A strong and profitable company versus taking the mick and simply passing on costs because they can and seeing massive profits with big dividends while still milking the old idea that everything is bad, storms rage, and payouts drain resources. Now if that isn't a market study waiting to happen, I don’t know what is. 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. Ginny Andersen's Police Numbers: 2/10 Bust of the week. Numbers don't lie, Ginny. Was it careless? Was it Machiavellian? Or was it just lazy? The Police: 8/10 When you arrest every single Comanchero, now that is policing power. The Greens: 2/10 What a s***show. Darleen Tana takes them to court, so they cancel a meeting. God help us if they ever end up actually having to make a decision about anything important. Boeing: 2/10 Making two people go to space for a week and then leaving them there till next year. Great form. Labour and Tax: 2/10 If that really is their plan for 2026, we can probably reliably place our bets now. Kirstie Allsopp: 8/10. My hero of the week, reminding us trust is good. Being old-fashioned isn't to be sniffed at and standing your ground is to be admired. Shaun Johnson: 8/10 Weird night, given the rain, the loss, and the season. But the crowd showed up and there was no shortage of love and admiration. LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ANZ's latest report shows businesses are feeling more optimistic for the future than they have in years. The monthly update shows business confidence is at its highest in a decade, rising 23 points to 51. Expected activity jumped to a seven-year high, increasing 21 points to 37. However, actual business activity rose only one point to negative 21. Chief Economist Sharon Zollner says many businesses are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. She says we'll have to wait and see if this hope actually impacts business decisions. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back again to Wrap the Week with Mike Hosking. They discussed the tribulations of getting council approval for pools, Father’s Day plans, and touring music acts coming to New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kamala Harris is about to give her first and possibly only interview before the November election. The sit down with CNN’s Dana Bash is expected to air around 1pm. The Vice President hasn't done an in-depth interview since becoming her party’s presidential candidate. US correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that normally an interview like this wouldn't draw massive amounts of attention. He says because of Harris's sudden rise to leadership, she missed months of solo interviews in the lead up to her campaign. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 30th of August, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster speaks after police secured a couple of major wins over the gangs this week. Winston Peters talks his members bill to disband Auckland Transport - and defends Shane Jones' comments about the judiciary. Beauden Barrett previews the All Blacks v Springboks test at Ellis Park this weekend. And Mike gives away $5000 to a worthy winner, thanks to Chemist Warehouse. 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 All Blacks are embracing their Johannesburg welcome as they prepare to play at one of the toughest rugby venues on Sunday morning. Several members of the playing squad and staff are on their first visit to South Africa. New Zealand coach Scott Robertson played in the 46-40 test defeat at Ellis Park in 2000, but secured the 2017 Super title at the venue as Crusaders mentor. Beauden Barrett told Mike Hosking that they haven't been overtraining early in the week, but by the time they hit the ground on Sunday, they’ll be ready to go. He said that the game will likely go right up until the 80th minute, and the win will go to whoever is going to work the hardest. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A sudden shift to road user charges may mean a fairer system for all drivers. Fuel excise tax could be gone —and petrol cars hit with the charges from 2027— under the Government's Revenue Action Plan. It's also exploring tolling for all new roads, including the Roads of National Significance. AA Transport Policy Director Martin Glynn told Mike Hosking it amends a system which isn't as efficient as it could be. He said with vehicles becoming more fuel efficient, a widespread tax will also mean more revenue for the government. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters has found a strong ally in his bid to disestablish Auckland Transport. The New Zealand First leader's proposed a bill to give the city's Council full control of the agency. AT currently operates somewhat independency. It already has the backing of Mayor Wayne Brown, who says anything putting control of Auckland’s transport back in Aucklanders' hands is a good thing. Peters told Mike Hosking that if common sense prevails, it will go hosing through Parliament. He said that AT was set up in 2009 and has been a serious failure, with massive complains continuing year after year. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.