The Mike Hosking Breakfast

The Prime Minister says he wants to ensure there's trust and confidence in public institutions. Christopher Luxon's announced the Public Service Commission will investigate allegations of data misuse by Te Pāti Māori at Manurewa Marae. The Privacy Commissioner, Electoral Commission, Police, and Stats NZ are already investigating. Luxon told Mike Hosking that it's about having an all of Government response. He says he wants to know if the agencies did the right thing in managing conflicts and the data appropriately. Chinese Premier Li Qiang is visiting New Zealand this week, and the Prime Minister says he’ll agree to disagree during meetings. He says that New Zealand and China cooperate where we can, particularly on trade. But, he says, we'll never see eye-to-eye on every issue. Luxon says New Zealand and China have different political systems, cultures, and histories, and therefore have differences of opinion. But he says we also have differences with all other countries as well. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews has been awarded the highest honour – the Companion of the Order of Australia this Australian King’s Birthday. Andrews has been recognised for his service to the people and Parliament of Victoria, public health, policy and regulatory reform, and infrastructure development. Australia Correspondent Steve Price told Mike Hosking “There will be a lot of angry people.” Price said “It’s supposed to be awarded by an independent body, but it has the Labour government stamped all over it.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors may play their 2025 NRL season-opener at Las Vegas, as the NRL courts US sports fans. The Manly Sea Eagles, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos - opened the current season at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, in March, the first of a five-year commitment. Warrior CEO Cameron George told Mike Hosking “There’s a big chance, but we’re not confirmed.” George said “We’re an away team, which impacts on our home game schedule – that's non-negotiable.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Act party leader David Seymour believes that Act can get at least 15 percent of the vote in the next general election. Seymour set the target while speaking at their annual rally in Auckland. David Seymour told Mike Hosking “You’ve got to find a balance of being a constructive partner – but also show you can make a real difference.” Seymour said “We have a government that’s slashing red tape – but the government has not gone as far as Act would go.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 10th of June, it was signalled but the Government is finally reserving the ban on oil and gas exploration. Resource Minister Shane Jones is on the show. In a move that came out of left-field, Emmanuel Macron called a snap election of the national assembly after unfavourable EU election exit polls. Guy Heveldt and Andrew Saville covered the Warriors huge win, plus all the motorsport over the weekend. The less said about the Black Caps, the better. 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.

Shall we open the week with a prediction? This is the week the Government will call an inquiry into the accusations around the Māori Party, the marae and the use of Covid and census information. The trouble is if the Government doesn’t call an inquiry, too many questions start to get asked around transparency and trust. The allegations are too specific. They are not hearsay from people who heard from people. They are very specific, detailed allegations from people who were there. The denials are fine. But the questions remain un-investigated and they are too serious not to be. Whether a Privacy Commissioner and Stats NZ hiring a bloke to do it is enough, but I doubt it from the Government's point of view. Do remember, although this goes directly to one party in Parliament, it potentially involves everyone in Parliament. If those running the country can't be seen to be scrupulous, then that’s trouble. The Māori Party themselves haven't helped, with the president John Tamihere rolling out his standard line about this all being about race. John is too angry to be credible these days. He has this enormous chip on his shoulder and everything is a conspiracy around race. The irony here is that the people making the accusations are Māori. So it's not about Māori, it's about rules and laws and whether they have been broken. Not helping is the food and voucher giveaway. Although Māori can argue this is koha, the previous Government set a damning precedent where bribes, because that’s what they are, were handed out for vaccines and Census participation and they muddied the waters. But what is clear is using Census and vaccine information to campaign and/or recruit for elections is illegal and that is what we need to find out - did it happen, or not? There is also the matter of said information then being used to contact people via text for votes and not following the prescribed electoral laws. So does the Government pull the trigger? And when they do, why? Does it pass the pub test? Not even close. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called a snap election after his party suffered a heavy defeat in elections for the European Parliament. Exit polls put Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally party well ahead of Macron’s pro-European centrists. France Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking “The reason this came so out of nowhere – is that it’s not meant to be about local politics.” Field said “Macron’s felt he had no choice but to call these elections.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government decided to cut back on emergency housing motels in Rotorua. While contracts for seven motels are being extended until the end of next year - there's hope three could be dropped before then, as residents are prioritised for new Kāinga Ora homes. Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell told Mike Hosking the current government was very clear in their election campaign that they needed to address it. Tapsell said “Our community were expecting this to end in December. But we are realistic, people need to go somewhere.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A report from Auckland Council’s boarding house inspectors shows out of 44 properties suspected to be breaking the law, 40 were “operating unauthorised transient accommodation or boarding houses”. Many had issues with fire safety, gang-affiliated guests and owners questioning council authority. Professor of Construction at AUT, John Tookey, told Mike Hosking there’s been a selection of 44 – most of which turned out to be crap – and that’s not entirely surprising. Tookey said “It’s a tough economy to deal with – people are not necessarily prioritising upkeep.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Key Israeli Cabinet member Benny Gantz has announced he's withdrawing from Benjamin Netanyahu's emergency government. Gantz has said he will also withdraw from the National Unity party he chairs. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking “He was demanding some plan on ending the war.” Arnold said “His departure will not instantly collapse the Netanyahu coalition – but most of the remaining members will be hard-liners.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government will look at ways to set up long-term security for investors, when it reverses an oil and gas ban. Critics say this will be detrimental to the environment. Resources Minister Shane Jones told Mike Hosking “No one is going to make a long-term capital commitment to New Zealand in the face of short-term commitments.” Jones said “Potential investors are concerned there will not be confidence or security going forward.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America’s employers added 272,000 jobs in May, accelerating from April - despite persistently high interest rates. Devon Funds Management Head of Retail, Greg Smith, told Mike Hosking “Despite all this, the unemployment rate has ticked up to 4 percent.” Smith said “We’re seeing plenty of new jobs, but some of the old ones are going – I suppose some industries are cutting back as the economy softens.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Court of Appeal begins a second appeal into the Scott Watson murder case, today. Friends Ben Smart and Olivia Hope were last seen getting off a water taxi onto a yacht in the Marlborough Sounds on New Year's Eve more than 26 years ago. Watson was convicted of double-murder in 1999 following a three-month jury trial in the High Court in Wellington. It's accepted the pair met their deaths after boarding a stranger's yacht with a man -- the Crown says that man was Watson. Watson's always denied killing or even meeting them. This appeal is of his conviction -- and Watson's team can include new expert evidence about the reliability of forensic evidence. Criminal defence lawyer John Munro told Mike Hosking “Transference of DNZ is much more understandable now, so is hairs.” Munro said the key issue is whether he’s had a fair trial. It won't just ‘turn on the hairs’ – the judge will focus on whether he was in fact spotted on water taxi. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What a weekend in sport! The Warriors beat the cowboys 42-12, Carlos Alcaraz beats Alexander Zverev in five sets to win the French Open – plus, Afghanistan beat New Zealand in the T20 World Cup in Guyana. Newstalk ZB sports anchor Andrew Alderson told Mike Hosking “New Zealand has poor preparation for this tournament, I’m afraid.” Alderson said “Afghanistan is a good side – particularly the bowling attack. But New Zealand should be able to beat them all the same.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World leaders and surviving veterans of the Normandy landings gathered on both sides of the Channel on the 80th anniversary of D-Day. In France, Joe Biden, Emmanuel Macron and Princess Anne have been taking part in commemorations. And in the UK, King Charles, Rishi Sunak and Prince William have been paying tribute to those who fought to "replace tyranny with freedom", in a service at the key departure point of Portsmouth. Biden delivered a speech at the commemorations linking the allied efforts on D-Day with the challenges posed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that he then said in a separate interview that Vladimir Putin is “not a decent man” and is struggling to keep his country together while continuing the assault. 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. Elections: 8/10 Democracy in action is always good, especially in a world where democracy doesn’t reach all corners and not everyone gets a say. The Crusaders: 3/10 A year to forget and a dynasty undone. Plenty of work-ons as they say, but that old hackneyed "sack the coach" thing reminds us how trigger happy and superficial we can be. The Trump fundraising record: 6/10 Does that mean crime pays? Labour asking for your tax cut: 2/10 Surely in Opposition when you are not actually doing anything, you can keep the stupidity down to a minimum. The Māori wards submissions: 3/10 Yet more angsting around race. We already have the best system and it's called democracy, and anyone can run, and everyone gets a free and fair go. Try it. It works. The hunger striker: 0/10 He had three demands and not one was met, nor were they ever going to be, obviously. Which simply reminds us that the self-absorbed know no bounds. The Radio Awards: 8/10 ZB station of the year, Niva newsreader of the year, the people who produce this were producers of the year, and so it went. It turns out in a media landscape littered recently with casualties there are still quite a few who have it together, deliver the goods, make the profits and revel in a future that’s pretty bright. LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lack of access to specialist healthcare is having a significant effect on patients and health professionals. An Otago University report has found that between 2018 and 2022 the risk of being declined following a GP referral increased by 5.2% per year. Co-author Professor Robin Gauld told Mike Hosking that it's more than 17,000 extra people being denied over that time. He says there are longstanding issues with workforce, availability of staff such as theatre technicians, and funding. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's important I think to end the week with the good news. The good news from an industry, you might have read, that has been creating a bit of bad news lately. The media has troubles, newsrooms are being closed, programmes are being cancelled, people are being laid off, losses are mounting, hands are out for help and pleas are being made for you to see what some do on the local landscape as being important. So yes, it has been a bad year. But against that backdrop the radio industry got together last night to hand out a few gongs and remind us all that there are no shortage of success stories. This is the best station in the country. Not just that but we were awarded the title for the 4th year in a row. This show has the best producers in the game. This show has the best newsreader in the game. This station has the best sport bloke on the weekends. The eclectic guy at night from Bluff won for about the 8th year in a row and the news team were recognised for their Cyclone Gabrielle coverage. More broadly, this company picked up an outsized number of awards given the competition. That is a bit not to be forgotten. Radio in New Zealand is still, as far as I know, the most competitive market per head of population in the world. We have a pile of radio stations all chasing the audience and all chasing the dollar. What radio is, is an example of how a market evolves. While some in the media grapple with change, radio did a lot of its changing a couple of decades back with deregulation and the arrival of FM. We worked out what the audiences wanted and gave it to them. It's ever evolving of course. But in a media landscape of so much upheaval there are plenty still doing fine thank you, and that needs to be better told. Part of the problem with the media, in an irony of ironies, is their predilection for the negative. There are more media stories of success than there are of woe. This show, on this station, in this company, is killing it. That’s not skiting, it's balancing the ledger a bit. So you're listening to the best in the business. But you knew that. A few judges just backed you up with silverware last night. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Kiwi wine company has a unique approach to blending their new vintage. Invivo is currently in New York where they, along with their partner Sarah Jessica Parker, will be blending their new vintage in the middle of Citi Field. The field is the home stadium for the New York Mets, who have given them exclusive use of the empty stadium. Co-founder Tim Lightbourne told Mike Hosking that they wanted to open their brand up to a wider audience instead of being enclosed in a room somewhere at a winery. He said that in a market like America, you have to do things really different, and you can’t just sit at home with your fingers crossed. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 7th of June, we looked at the billions allocated to fixing potholes and the move to sort out the ridiculous amount of traffic management in this country. Forgive us for indulging ourselves as we give you a highlights package of the big night at the Radio and Podcast Awards for Newstalk ZB. Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson cover the week, the Radio Awards, and a particular green suit. 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.

Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was. On the agenda today was everything from Mike's Radio Awards acceptance speech to Producer Sam's green suit, to the demise of the little coffee kiosk outside of NZME. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are fears the illegal sale of vapes to young people will continue unless more restrictions are implemented. A study's found half of vape retailers aren't checking ID when young shoppers buy disposable vapes. Action for Smokefree chairman Robert Beaglehole told Mike Hosking that it's not only about increasing retail compliance, but also encouraging young people not to vape at all. He says we need better enforcement of the rules but says it won't stop underage vaping all together. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Transport Minister's confident the pothole prevention funding boost will result in more roads being fixed. The Transport Agency's confirmed it'll put more than $2 billion into prevention on state highways, and nearly $2 billion for local roads. It'll cover resealing, rehabilitation, and drainage maintenance. Simeon Brown told Mike Hosking that they're focused on getting the cost of traffic management down so more money goes towards actually fixing the infrastructure. He says the Government's already been working with NZTA on this issue and found 145 of 800 traffic management sites were not needed. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Corrections is acknowledging an inquiry into the Waikeria Prison riot which has found multiple issues with preparedness and communications. The department commissioned the report after the near week long violence left a building engulfed in flames in late December 2020. Commissioner of Services, Leigh Marsh says it's important to remember the event was a deliberate act by a group of violent individuals who put lives at risk. Despite the findings, he told Mike Hosking that he praised his staff on the scene. Marsh suggests the report points more to system processes and training issues, which they've invested in in recent years. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The European Parliament Election kicks off today, the first since Brexit. The Parliament acts as a co-legislator for the European Union, the body directly elected by EU voters every five years. In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is seen as a frontrunner for the Parliament. Italy Correspondent Jo McKenna told Mike Hosking that they’re looking to young people to really make the difference when it comes to voting. She said that there are indicators that younger people are shifting to the right, which could work in Meloni’s favour. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a fiery debate in the UK ahead of the election. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour party challenger Keir Starmer have gone head-to-head in the first face to face. Starmer's questioned the Conservative's leader's belief his economic plan's working. He says Sunak knows inflation's going up and energy prices are going up in the autumn, and if he'd thought the plan was working, why's the election being called now. Sunak says that's ironic, because Starmer's called for an election since he got the job. He says the plan is working, people are only starting to feel the benefits now, but inflation is normal, wages are growing, and taxes are being cut. UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking that Sunak won easily and convincingly. He said that his win wasn’t enough to reverse the polls, but it’s maybe enough to shove 2-3%. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local body politics is having a bit of a week in the sun. They have formed a group, as we told you Tuesday, to look at ways of pumping up voter turnout and the possibility of a four-year term. The Government's change of rules around Māori wards has also seen the local authorities front up and have their say at a select committee. On that specifically they are bogged down, and they don’t even seem to know it, by something that never had to be as problematic as it has turned out to be. The old rule was if councils decided to introduce Māori seats or wards, the locals who hadn't been consulted got to run a vote if they got 5% of the ratepayers backing one. When they did hold the vote, it was a landslide win telling the councils Māori wards weren't wanted. Labour changed that rule without consultation. You weren't allowed to vote anymore. Councils could do whatever they wanted with no checks and balances. This Government wants to flip the law. Mistake number one as argued this week, is that it's central Government overreach. They forget they are the same councils who cry poor to Government's over everything from infrastructure to storm damage to GST collection. You can't have it both ways with central for the money and local for the power. The second mistake is that the answer has been in front of them all along. It's called democracy. Before they started gerrymandering the system anyone could stand, and still can. If they got enough votes they were elected. Because not many Māori stood some bright spark argued race-based policy was an answer. Stack the rules, Māori get a different deal and it's been downhill ever since. When the rule is that anyone can stand, there are no barriers and you have no problems. The freedom to stand, the freedom to debate and the freedom to contest the vote is a good, clean, clear system and, most importantly, a level playing field. It's fair. When you mess with it you strike trouble and here, we are years later trying to untie the mess that race-based bias creates. Keep it simple. Listen to the people. Value democracy. You might find more people actually turn up to vote. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been an intense year politically in the United States, with both the presidential election and Donald Trump’s trial and conviction. His sentencing is next month, but before that is the first debate between Trump and Joe Biden, taking place June 27th. Nick Bryant, a former US Correspondent and author, has written a book about the hate and decisiveness in the States and the role it plays in its history. The book is titled ‘The Forever War: America’s Unending Conflict with Itself’. Bryant told Mike Hosking that the past reflects the current times, and Donald Trump is as much a product of American history as Nixon, JFK, or Ronald Reagan. He said that a lot of presidents have had surprisingly authoritarian tendencies, and the American people like this kind of president, the strong man type. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A review of Early Childhood regulations is said to be long overdue. Regulation Minister David Seymour says the sector needs a closer look, to better affordability, access and regulation for the sector. Early Childhood Council CEO Simon Laube said that the system they have is just not fit for purpose. He told Mike Hosking that it’s so complex, and some of the regulations are conflicting with each other. Regulations get applied inconsistently, Laube said, and one minor infraction could mean the loss of their licence. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 6th of June, the man representing the whistleblowers in the Te Pāti Māori Census and vaccine allegation scandal joined to discuss the details. The Government is looking to change the rules around leave, so both the employers and the union gave us their thoughts. Famed former American correspondent Nick Bryant was back on the show to talk his new book, Trump's conviction, and the upcoming first debate. 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.

Auckland looks to be leading the pack in the downwards property market. CoreLogic's latest House Price Index reveals property prices have dipped 0.2% around the country in May. Auckland dropped a notable 0.8% on the back of a 0.6% fall in April. Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson says it's pretty striking to see our largest city having a weakness in prices. He says Auckland has gone backwards in the past two months and that's something to keep an eye on. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some Toyota owners may be regretting their purchase. It’s a struggle to insure one Toyota car model, with annual insurance costs reaching nearly three thousand dollars. The Toyota Aqua is the most commonly stolen car in the country, which has caused insurers to hike prices. Consumer NZ Chief Executive Jon Duffy told Mike Hosking that while the Aqua is cheap to run, the fuel savings may not be worth it. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a belief that changes to holiday laws will benefit employers. The Government's drafting legislation to change the Holidays Act 2003. It'll include proposals to pro-rata sick leave and move annual leave from an entitlement system to one using accrual. Employers and Manufacturers' Association's Alan McDonald told Mike Hosking that an accrual system is favoured because a single calculation is needed. He says employees will know what they're getting from day one, while employers just have to do the calculation and get it right. But Unite Union Assistant Secretary Gerard Hehir says that the changes will affect many Kiwis. He says over 40% of employees work part time. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An employee advocate says whistleblowers have been vilified for raising allegations against Te Pāti Māori. It's alleged information collected at Auckland's Manurewa Marae was used to help the party's election campaign, something Te Pāti denies. Stats NZ has appointed an investigator, Police have received a complaint, and the Privacy Commissioner's considering what to do next. Allan Hulse represents marae and MSD workers who he says have been wrongly blamed for the misconduct. He told Mike Hosking that there's evidence showing MSD essentially funded the election campaign of the Tamaki Makaurau candidate. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christchurch Council is being urged to back the bid for a South Island NRL team. It’s said the team could bring in $50 million in revenue for the city each year. The call’s come from South Island NRL Bid ltd, led by Canterbury Rugby League Chairman Tony Kidd, and is a rival bid to David Moffett’s South Island Kea. Former Warriors Coach Frank Endacott is a member of South Island NRL Bid Ltd, and told Mike Hosking that the two bids prove that there’s interest in the South Island having a team. He said the main thing is not who wins the bid, but rather getting the bid in. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although Auckland gets the headlines, it is not alone when it comes to the destruction and degrading of downtown areas. The bus facility in Dunedin has been dealing with a death, but as my daughter who lives there told me, it's been a mess for years and you avoid it. Quick question: what's the point of a public transport facility if it is famously bad, so you don’t get near it? New Plymouth I read is having growing issues, and good old Auckland once again last night had the Police Minister as their guest, as a series of business owners told their story yet again. I know he is a regular here, but you can't fault Mark Mitchell on engagement. If the government has one bloke who is determined to sort some stuff, its him. He fronts, he listens, and he explains. Trouble is, we get impatient around issues like crime and thuggery and we are triggered by the one event that went pear shaped, not the 37 that were contained or quelled. Which is not to say any of it is acceptable, but the downtown Auckland story is one of despair, and deprivation, and dishonesty. Leader after leader, from mayors offices, to business groups, to police, to ministers, to councillors have all had plenty to say over the years. But its failed. And in that failure actually might be a bit of hope, if this government has the fortitude to act. The reason we are here is because we wanted to try hugging people. We would let them out of prison, we would give them home detention, we might not even charge them at all. And if we did, we could rely on a nice judge to wag his finger and tell us not to do it again after he read the cultural report. The advantage of that is we know what doesn’t work. Is tossing them in jail the answer? Probably not long term. But surely its reached the point where it’s the best we have. As Levin showed us over the weekend, the respect for law and order is gone, and it's gone because we got soft, and thugs love soft and take advantage of it. When the centre of a countries biggest city is a no go zone and there is an industry in meetings of anger, despair and exasperation from businesses going broke because of fear... Time is up on excuses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Biden has taken a strong stance on immigration, restricting migrant numbers at the Mexican Border. The US President has signed an executive order barring asylum seeker requests. He says the action will be paused when migrant numbers reach a 'manageable' level. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that the decision has political motives for Biden, with Trump holding the stronger stance on immigration in the polls. Trump's campaign team has criticised Biden's action, and a migrant advocate group says it will challenge the new policies in court. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 5th of June, we took a look at our mental health services in a big five-year report, and the Aussies seemingly stealing our NZDF personnel. Police Commissioner Andrew Coster wants a change to our alcohol rules. Plus, Mike was curious what bike he drives. Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell joined for Politics Wednesday, digging into the business meeting and youth crime on the rise. 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 research is underlining the public appetite for news by local journalists. Commissioned by the News Publishers' Association, it surveyed just more than 1500 New Zealand adults. Association Director of Public Affairs Andrew Holden says 93% of respondents access the news at least once a day across a range of different sources, and over 80% trust news provided by local outlets. Holden told Mike Hosking that when it comes to trust and the media, there tends to be a low level of trust reported as most people are thinking about media giants such as Fox News or the DailyMail. He said that when it comes to specific local outlets, people tend to trust them more as they have a connection to it. It comes as discussions continue around legislation to force social media giants to pay for using news media. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell is sympathising with a man who heckled him during a tense public meeting in central Auckland last night. The man claimed he'd recently broken his arm trying to stop a shoplifter. Mitchell told Mike Hosking that he completely understands where the man is coming from with his frustrations. He says although trends are heading in the right direction and Police are starting to get on top of crime in the CBD, there's still a long way to go. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Commissioner says a fifth of the jobs they go to involve alcohol. Internal documents obtained by RNZ say alcohol causes 20 times more social harm than meth. Andrew Coster told Mike Hosking that 'lolly-water' is often the culprit when they are called to harmful events. He says a crackdown on the availability and price of booze would make a difference. Andrew Coster says family harm and youth offending also sit around alcohol. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent recruitment change by Australia's Defence Force may be reflective of a bigger issue. From July New Zealanders who've lived in Australia for a year will be able to join the military. They'll also let residents from the UK, US, and Canada join up from January. Massey University security expert John Battersby told Mike Hosking that it can be a struggle for defence forces to get new recruits. He says for most people, working in the uniformed services isn't very appealing and it's a global problem. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Workforce issues are resulting in fewer people accessing specialist mental health services. A Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission report shows more people are receiving community-based care. But access to specialist services dropped from 3.8% of people in 2018 and 19 to 3.4% in 2022 and 23. Board chair Hayden Wano told Mike Hosking that workforce impacts are across the whole sector. He says community providers and GPs are finding there's a higher threshold for their patients to be referred to specialist services. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local grocery store owners are supporting Foodstuffs' merger. The country's biggest supermarket operator is a step closer to merging its North and South Island divisions after 99% of owners voted in support. The future co-op's designated CEO, Chris Quin, told Mike Hosking that they're not surprised at the result. He says they've done a lot of work to ensure the families who own their stores understand why the merger would be good for their customers and community. The merger's still subject to Commerce Commission and High Court approval. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nigel Farage has made a U-turn regarding the UK’s general election. The former Ukip and Brexit party leader initially had no plans to stand during the election but has decided to now stand as an MP in Clacton as well as lead the Reform party for the next five years. This could’ve dealt a potentially damaging blow to the faltering campaign for the Conservative party. UK Correspondent Enda Brady told Mike Hosking that Farage has been lighting fires around the place for a few weeks now and has now been bounced into running. He said that while it will certainly cause problems for the Tories, it’s unlikely to change the outcome of this election. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year marks 80 years since the World War II D-Day landings, commemorations taking place in France this week. At least 25 Heads of Government or State are expected to attend, including US President Joe Biden and King Charles. The ceremonies began this morning with parachutists jumping from World War II-era planes into the skies above Normandy. Europe Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking that the main focal point of the commemorations will be on Thursday, the actual anniversary. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The word according to reportage was ‘ire’. The Prime Minister of New Zealand called the Prime Minister of Australia to express his ire at the Direction 99 changes that involves crooks and reprobates being booted out of Australia and sent back to New Zealand because they're not Australians. The key here, ire or not, is that they are New Zealanders and not Australians, and the reason they are not Australians is because we have, as Kiwis, basically unfettered access and as such, many don’t get around to doing the paperwork. If you haven't followed the Direction 99 story, I can tell you for nothing it is a mess that has sunk the reputation of the minister concerned. The only reason he hasn’t been sacked is because it would give the opposition a scalp and he is the Prime Minister's mate. But make no mistake, the damage this has done and is doing to the Government is not to be underestimated and although they have until May next year to call an election, the vast majority of modern Australian Governments don’t get close and it's entirely possible a vote will be called this year. This is the sort of issue that sinks Governments. So look at it from their point of view. You have criminals you can boot out of your country because they are not Australians, so, why wouldn’t you? Between the boat people that arrive illegally and have since been let out of jail and the New Zealander who, instead of taking advantage of a great country like Australia and making the most of it, turns into a thug, it's a nightmare the Government doesn’t need. The answer is to change the entry laws, i.e. we need a visa to stay in Australia like other countries. The deal we have historically by way of access is unique and we are lucky to have it. The downside is some people abuse it. A lot of people argue we should reciprocate and should do the same to them. Maybe we should, maybe we shouldn’t. But either way, it doesn’t solve the problem of Kiwis who break the law in Australia getting sent back here. What we have had until now is Australia being nice. The Direction 99 was a favour to us. The favour has backfired on the Government of the day. In politics, anywhere you look the golden rule is survival. Being nice is one thing but survival trumps it every time. Ire or no ire, Albanese won't be helping us out again. If you're a Kiwi and a crook you are our problem, not his. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 4th of June, hooligans in Levin are the latest case of boy racer issues for rural New Zealand, and why are we spending so much on lockdown plans for schools? The Prime Minister was in to defend the Government not putting the money in, yet, for new cancer drugs. Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt digested the long weekend of sports and how well our motorsport drivers are flying the flag for New Zealand. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt joined Mike Hosking to dig into the latest Super Rugby results, the Black Ferns taking the bronze at the Madrid round of the World Series, the Black Sticks' success at the Nations Cup Hockey Tournament, Ryan Fox's place in the US PGA Tour, and the Kiwis' success in the motorsport field. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Schools are paying third party contractors to develop emergency lockdown strategies. They're responsible for creating emergency management plans for their schools which includes such protocols. The principal of Auckland's Glendowie School Paul Crowhurst told Mike Hosking that they spent about $5000 on a full emergency management plan and on-site training. He says school staff aren't experts in emergency management and the personalised plan for the school included the third-party coming in and assessing risks. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.