The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Last week’s Budget announcement had National break one of their campaign promises. Christopher Luxon says he understands people's frustration with the lack of funding for cancer drugs in last week's Budget. National campaigned on spending about $280 million on 13 treatments in last year's election but was unable to include it in the Budget. The Government says it's now working on a plan to fund the medicines. The Prime Minister told Mike Hosking that the delay to funding is regrettable, but it's the result of the situation the Government has inherited from the last government. He says $1.8 billion of Pharmac funding had been switched off, which the Government had to switch back on again. Luxon's visiting Fiji and Niue this week, his first visit to the region as PM. He says the Pacific is an important part of New Zealand's foreign policy. He will meet with his counterpart in Fiji during a trip which will have significant trade and economic focus. Luxon told Mike Hosking that it's a chance to build rapport with Niue. He says Fiji is a chance to talk more about the security and economic interests we share. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a push for greater voter participation in local elections. Local Government New Zealand has established a new electoral reform group with hopes of increasing voter turnout. The group will also look at implementing four-year terms, consider the ways people can vote, and who should administer local elections. Nelson mayor and reform group chair Nick Smith told Mike Hosking that the current postal voting system isn't fit for purpose. He says 20% of households don't have a letterbox, so they need to find a practical voting system for local democracy to continue into the future. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Levin's Mayor is blaming outsiders for a violent boy racer meet over the weekend. Two hundred vehicles reportedly took part in the Saturday night gathering. Police say six vehicles were impounded and two officers were injured by boy-racers throwing bottles and rocks. Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden told Mike Hosking that Police were outnumbered. He says locals are outraged by people from outside the community coming in and causing violence in the town. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are more problems for struggling dairy processor Synlait. The Canterbury-based organisation told yesterday's Australian securities exchange that more than half of its 280 suppliers want to leave. It comes after the company posted a $96 million half year loss in April. Ashburton-based supplier Willy Leferink told Mike Hosking that it's a company problem, not an industry one. He says Synlait overstretched themselves when they built a plant in the North Island a couple years ago and made some other regrettable decisions. 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. Flybuys: 3/10 Out as of the end of the year, leaving the country so spend those points. The Budget: 6/10 It’s the usual in the sense it's never enough and those who didn’t want to like it, didn’t. But they did a lot with not a lot and the messaging, if you are of a right mind, painted a picture of some actual hope. The Māori Party: 1/10 They too are part of the aforementioned stench of the times. They're negativity mixed with arrogance, from the Parliament hijacking to the hijacking of the roads. In what way are we better off for any of that? The Warriors: 8/10 Two on the bounce, both against good sides and both achieved with second stringers. Johnson is back next time out, and we get two easy points this weekend. The Trump trial: 7/10 I'm calling a hung jury after five days. What's yours? Todd Stephenson: 4/10 Pub test failure. He should have flicked the shares before it became a thing. Air New Zealand: 6/10 The 4th best airline in the world. LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shayne Burke survived explosions and gunfire in the Iraq war, and has now survived an attack from a grizzly bear. The 35-year-old man from Wyoming, USA, was on his honeymoon when he stumbled across a mother grizzly and her cubs in the Grand Tetons National Park. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that grizzlies are very protective of their cubs, and within an instant Shayne was fighting for his life. He said that while he was carrying bear spray, he didn’t have time to use it and it was only upon the bear biting down on the can by accident that they fled. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It seems to have been a miserable week. We all seem miserable this week. The boss, who I complained to this week about a bunch of stuff, gaslit me by telling me it’s the time of year everyone gets a bit edgy. Smith & Caughey's told us they were done. That was profound that a multi-generational company that has survived wars can't survive downtown Auckland in 2024. Flybuys announced yesterday they are leaving the country. They join the tens of thousands of Kiwis that have already left the country. We have broken immigration records for leaving the country. A survey suggested 90% of us would look to leave our job if the work from home rules got changed. Let's be honest, working from home is about slackness. It's about taking the piss and skiving off. Or would the boss tell me that’s the time of year talking? There was a survey out of the U.S saying workers are less satisfied with their jobs this year in virtually every single area of it. It's gone up for ten years in a row but this year it's down. The Budget didn’t help. Although the Government are working hard, a lot of this country is broken. It is profoundly broken. - Teachers who never passed exams are teaching kids, who fail their own - Students are on rent strike - There are protests on motorways and Parliament proceedings are being hijacked -The bloke from the NZ Herald who took 1 hour 50 mins to drive 500m because everyone panicked, because as a country we obsess about weather and the MetService has taken to telling us how to live and when to leave the house and when to take shelter. Small tip - you take shelter in a tornado, not when it rains and a southerly comes in and everyone panics. The census told us of the thousands who have left the centre of Auckland. The census also told us how the census, yet again, wasn’t done properly because the computer was stuffed. A lot of medical people went on strike, yet again. Rugby had a massive scrap that has left a lot of people fuming and the sport no better off. Auckland Council put forward the two options for a national stadium. Why? We aren't building either. More people got laid off. Consultants did OK though as Government departments hired them to help lay people off. Adrian Orr made it harder to buy a house with his debt-to-income ratios. Katie said to me "how's it feel living in changing times?" She's convinced this is a moment in history. She also wants to move. But it might just be the time of year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The health sector is getting a $16 billion boost over the next three budgets. It’s part of the Government’s plan to invest in frontline services. $12.2 billion of that will go towards primary health care, $31 million is going to increasing security in emergency departments, and $22 million will be used to train 25 more doctors each year. Buzz Burrell, Interim Chair of General Practitioners Aotearoa, told Mike Hosking that overall, they like what they saw. He said that they’ve got a baseline budget of $30 billion, and to an additional half of that coming over the next three years, they’ve got to welcome that. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was. It’s been an action-packed week, with the release of the Budget, Flybuys announcing its demise, and the continued cost of living. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 31st of May, Finance Minister Nicola Willis joined to talk everything to do with the Budget and the tightening of the Government’s purse strings. How long are you waiting for a doctor's appointment in your town? And does Taupo even have a supermarket? Tim Wilson and Kate Hawkesby covered everything from loyalty schemes to the price of snapper. 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.

Rob Nichol has reiterated his disappointment in the NZ Rugby outcome. It comes after the provincial unions' Proposal Two won the majority vote in yesterday's Special General Meeting regarding NZR’s governance structure. The Players’ Association CEO believes the new model isn’t in the best interests of the game in New Zealand, but rather the best interests of the provinces. He told Mike Hosking that the game is in crisis and in desperate need of a reset. They needed expertise to come in and solve the problem, and they’ve lost that opportunity now. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says the recent culture of spraying the money gun with reckless abandon has come to an end. Nicola Willis released the 2024 Budget yesterday, confirming the long-awaited tax cuts and announcing funding for various sectors and industries. She confirmed that the tax programme is fully funded by the baseline-savings exercise of rooting out waste in government departments. Willis told Mike Hosking that they’re funding it responsibly, without needing to borrow funds. The economy’s forecasts have degraded in recent times, the Government books not predicted to return to surplus until the 2027/28 financial year. If they hadn’t made those cuts and changes, Willis said, they wouldn’t be back into the black until 2031. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A saturated reward scheme market is likely to blame for Flybuys' demise. About 90 jobs will be lost when the scheme and its parent company Loyalty NZ close down at the end of the year. Members can still earn Flybuys points until October 31 and have until December 31 to redeem them. Retail and marketing expert Juanita Neville-Te Rito told Mike Hosking that most partners of the scheme will just set up their own reward system now. She says it'll be better for customers who want to be rewarded and recognised, rather than given points. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former National Government Finance Minister says Nicola Willis did well with what she had. The Government's Budget includes changes to tax thresholds for three and a half million people. Funded through a suite of scrapped spending initiatives, all workers on more than $14,000 a year will receive between $4 and $40 a fortnight. Steven Joyce told Mike Hosking that the Finance Minister took a solid first step towards rebuilding the Government's finances. He says it also gets the balance right between the private sector and families versus the large and increasing government spend. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tax cuts are expected to be front of mind for many people in today's Budget. Finance Minister Nicola Willis is releasing the 2024 Budget from 2pm today, unveiling the final shape of the promised tax cuts and how the Government plans to pay for them. Independent tax expert Geof Nightingale told Mike Hosking that he expects the Government to adjust the thresholds for the first time in 14 years. He said it’ll be a good thing because it will lower the tax burden on middle income Kiwis, but how its funded will be the fascinating thing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Education sector is hoping today’s Budget will address the staff shortages. $53 million was allocated to the training and recruitment of new teachers in a pre-Budget announcement, but NZEI’s Mark Potter said that it’s not going to be enough. He told Mike Hosking that they need both staffing and financial support, as well as specialists, therapists, psychologists, and so on to address the desperate needs around the country. They’re hoping to see some increase in the Operational Funding Grant, as the increased cost of living as increased the cost of education, Potter said. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s hopes today's Budget will go some way to addressing staff shortages in the health sector. The Budget’s release comes amid strike action from both junior doctors and blood workers. Sarah Dalton from the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists told Mike Hosking that it’ll take an extra $1.8 billion just to keep the health system ticking over as it is. She said that they would love to see funding tagged specifically to staffing increases, to ensure it goes where it needs to. Dalton told Hosking that there’s plenty of services who need more staff, and the employer agrees, but they're not willing or able to do anything about it. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 30th May, a variety of sectors told us their hopes and wishes for today's Budget. Assistant police commissioner Mike Johnson joined to discuss how they are going to handle the Te Pati Māori backed protest clogging up major roads. Comedian Dai Henwood was in for an exclusive chat about his new memoir 'The Life of Dai'. 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.

Kiwi Dai Henwood is one of the country’s most prolific comics. He's popped up on the screen in a number of programmes including Family Feud, The Project, Dancing with the Stars, and more recently, Taskmaster NZ. He went public with his battle against bowel cancer last year, and since then is now the healthiest he’s been in his life, he told Mike Hosking. Henwood joined Hosking to discuss his new memoir The Life of Dai, which is releasing next month. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Traffic is being disrupted around the country this morning with thousands of people joining motorcades and hikoi against the Government's positions on Māori issues. A campaign group named Toitū Te Tiriti (Honour the Treaty) planned a strike today to “demonstrate a unified Aotearoa response to the Government’s assault on tangata whenua [Māori people] and Te Tiriti of Waitangi”. Protesters were expected to meet around New Zealand from 6.30am with marches and vehicle convoys planned along motorways, main streets, and rallies in town centres. Te Pāti Māori, alongside the Toitū Te Tiriti, said in an online post that the action was intended to “prove the might of [the Māori] economy by disconnecting entirely from it”. Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson told Mike Hosking that the largest protests are on Auckland's Northern, Northwestern, and Southern Motorways. He said that while they recognise the right to protest, they are there to minimise disruption and deal with people who break the law. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's population growth is slowing. Last year's census data shows that while the population did increase by 300,000 people since the last census five years ago, the rate of growth has slowed considerably. But Otago University sociologist Byrndl Hohmann-Marriott told Mike Hosking that it's not a concern. She says our population is expected to keep growing for the next 50 years. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The infrastructure sector wants to see certainty in today's Budget, in the form of a construction "pipeline". Upgrades are needed across a majority of the country’s infrastructure, and the sector wants a program that will give a coherent delivery over the coming years. Infrastructure New Zealand Chief Executive Nick Leggett told Mike Hosking that the Government needs to prioritise money in the right places. He said they aren’t looking for massive spending, but rather the right kind of investment. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health New Zealand says it's deeply concerned about today's dual strike action from junior doctors and blood workers. It's junior doctor's third round of strikes and the beginning of a week of action from Blood Service lab workers. Health New Zealand's accusing the unions of scheduling action at the same time, compounding patient impact. But Chief People Officer Andrew Slater told Mike Hosking that contingency planners have worked hard to ensure as much care as possible goes ahead. He says emergency departments are open, hospital patients will receive safe care, and unless you're contacted directly, still go to your outpatient appointment. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Condemnation of the Reserve Bank's latest change to mortgage rules. The central bank has confirmed it's going ahead with plans to introduce "debt to income" restrictions, preventing home buyers from borrowing more than six times their pre-tax income. The changes will be partially offset by the easing of LVR restrictions, to allow for more low-deposit lending. But property commentator Ashley Church told Mike Hosking that the restrictions are a mistake that will be reversed within three years. He says this will be the "stupidest" move the Reserve Bank has ever made and will "screw up" the housing market at a time when it should be recovering. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part of the day of upset, or protest, or whatever the Māori Party are calling it tomorrow, is about the way they feel they are being treated by this new Government. So, although it's Budget Day, it's not really about the Budget. It's about section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act and the right to vote if councils unilaterally invoke Māori seats and the move to replace or repeal references to the Treaty in legislation. One important thing that is worth remembering is the image that has been created by the coverage of the Māori Party that they somehow speak for all Māori, when they don’t. They speak for a small section of Māori. How do we know this? The first is their vote, which is tiny. The second is that 66% of the leadership of the Government is Māori. Winston Peters and David Seymour are Māori and want nothing to do with the Māori Party way of approaching how this country is run. Shane Jones, who is also Māori, is doing the business with the Treaty references. The references in law are a vague sprinkling of virtue signalling as pedalled by the last Government. They are not prescriptive, or specifically helpful, in just what it is you need to be looking at or doing when it comes to Māori and any given bit of law. That is partly down to the fact the Treaty itself is a very broad-based document open to a lot of interpretation. But by sprinkling references to the Treaty all over the place like pick n mix, you can be seen to be doing the right thing, as long as the right thing doesn’t come with too many questions. That was the Labour Government wasn’t it? Lots of feels or vibes and not being too strong on the ol' detail. By having a reference in everything it allows those who use taxpayer money to support themselves to activate a bit of legal advice, or legal action, if you perceive the Treaty isn't being appropriately nodded to. To cover themselves, those who have to adhere to these sort of practices then go about falling over themselves trying to second guess what an appropriate nod might look like in the hope they don't upset anyone. No one is better off, apart from those who make a living off the gravy train. Everyone is confused, if not angry and angsty, and a lot of time and money has been wasted in the ensuing period. So, if the Māori Party want to waste some more time tomorrow moaning, that’s OK. It's also a small price to pay if Shane is successful in ending the circus. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's no clear end in sight for student protests over accommodation fees at Auckland University. Members of the Students for Fair Rent group haven't been paying rent since the start of this month. They're demanding a blanket rent reduction and safeguards against future rises. Group founder Matthew Lee told Mike Hosking that the university has a responsibility to provide safe, secure, and affordable accommodation for students, which they’re not doing. He said that they also have the responsibility to engage with students and have explicitly refused to do so. Lee told Hosking that striking is the only way they have to show the university that this is a significant issue. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Napier wine has been deemed the best in the world. The city's Church Road Winery has won Best Chardonnay at the International Wine Challenge. Chief Winemaker Chris Scott told Mike Hosking that they've already been struggling to keep up with demand, and he reckons this will exacerbate the problem. Despite the local vineyard getting the accolade, France, Australia, and Spain remain top of the medal table. Kennedy Point Vineyard, based in Waiheke Island, has won Best Syrah, taking the title off France. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 29th of May, will the Reserve Bank's recently announced alterations to the debt-to-income ratio help or hinder the economy and housing market? Is the protest organised by the Māori Party for Budget Day actually legal? We look at the potential consequences that may come of it. Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen cover Politics Wednesday and what gifts the Budget will give. 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 Police Minister is condemning protesters' plans to disrupt major motorways tomorrow. Toitu Te Tiriti is urging people to protest tomorrow as a demonstration against government action towards Māori and Māori matters. Police are preparing to deal with planned slow-moving motorcades on major roads in a bid to disrupt morning traffic. Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking that it's illegal. He says the right for peaceful protest will always be protected, but it doesn't mean others can trample all over the rights of law-abiding Kiwis. Labour’s Ginny Andersen said that while she doesn’t agree with the unlawful protest, Māori do have a lot of reasons to be angry right now and have the democratic right to speak freely and protest. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been clashes outside the New York City courthouse where Donald Trump's hush money trial has been held. Actor Robert de Niro has been speaking against Trump. He's argued with a spectator, saying law enforcement officers had to put their lives on the line during the 2021 Capitol protests. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that de Niro called Trump a “clown”, and said he was a “real estate hustler masquerading as a big shot”. Meanwhile, Donald Trump Jr. claims de Niro's appearance is a political persecution, and other A list actors believe Biden's failed the country. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An employment lawyer warns that some workers will be liable for consequences for taking part in nationwide strikes tomorrow. Toitu Te Tiriti is urging people to protest against the government's position on Māori and Te Tiriti on Budget Day. Strikes need to be within a legal framework in the context of bargaining, or some health and safety issues. Employment Lawyer Alastair Espie told Mike Hosking that communication with employers will be the key. He says if people are expected at work tomorrow and participate in the protest regardless, they'll likely be breaking their contract. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A media company chief executive says agreements to make tech companies pay for news have been successful in other countries. A Select Committee's recommended the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill not be passed in its current form. Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith says they've not made a decision. Michael Boggs, the CEO of NZME which owns Newstalk ZB, told Mike Hosking that the current Minister and Prime Minister know there are issues. He says they're not looking for a handout, just legislation that gives them a backstop in dealing with global social media and tech platforms. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The news isn't all bad for prospective first home buyers. The Reserve Bank has confirmed major changes to mortgage rules from July, which will prevent most owner-occupiers from borrowing more than six times their pre-tax income. It's also signalling it will keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 5.5% for the rest of the year. Key Mortgages broker Jeremy Andrews told Mike Hosking that at the same time, the Reserve Bank is loosening LVR restrictions to allow for more low-deposit lending. He says the changes could actually help many first home buyers. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Things are heating up as the UK moves closer to its general election. The election is generally a two-horse race between the two major parties, the Conservatives and Labour, but UK Correspondent Rod Liddle says nobody really seems to want either horse. He said that there’s no great enthusiasm for Labour, with a poll saying that only 15% of the public are firmly in their camp, and there’s certainly no appetite for the Tories anymore. Current PM Rishi Sunak has announced the reintroduction of mandatory military service should the Conservatives make it back into power. He said that he believes twelve months of service would help foster the “national spirit” that emerged during the pandemic. Liddle said that it seems to be a bizarre, out of the blue policy which a good many members of his own party have cheerfully derided. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ricardo Menendez March and teachers. Let me join a couple of dots. And the glue for the dots are standards, or lack of them. If you don’t have standards you end up with teachers who can't pass NCEA Level 1, and you end up with people like March using the F-word in Parliament. The F-word is not the end of the world, but it is indicative of the modern day outworkings of an institution that, despite whatever your political leanings, had an element of decorum and civility. Now it's full of thieves, swear words and cowboy hats. No standards. When you suggest or infer anyone can teach, what you end up with is what we have got - a system everyone knows and accepts is broken and yet has done nothing about. Our son was shown around some houses in London last week. The person who showed him was the same age, a young rental agent. They wore a suit and tie and were dressed for the job because in Britain you dress for the job. Because there is expectation. There are standards. The agents we have dealt with here could be agents, or surfers, or just out of bed. Not all of them, but too many. No standards. Look at poor old David MacLeod last week. It was hardly the crime of the century and if the paperwork had been with the Greens he would have been given the week off on full pay and nothing would have happened. In National he got sacked. Luxon is driven by standards. You set them high and keep them high. It leads to better performance, hard work, and it singles out the aspirants from the can't-be-bothered's. What holds teaching back, what allows the Genter's, March's and others to behave the way they do, what stops crime dropping, what stops climate protesting kids staying in the classroom, is a lack of standards. Dropping standards emboldens bad behaviour. It lets intent fall by the wayside and success become a scarce commodity. We hide by being average, ordinary and lazy amongst the crowd because the easy way out will always attract a crowd. That’s the value of leadership and what happens if you don’t have enough of it. When you're surrounded by it, it's normal. Otherwise you end up like we have. So much of this country these days is what a lack of standards looks like. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keep New Zealand Beautiful claims it's been treated unfairly by the Ministry for the Environment. CEO Heather Saunderson alleges bullying by the Ministry, and the entire team has resigned. She claims ministers —past and present— have refused to meet them, there's been a lack of consultation, and funding has been withheld. Saunderson told Mike Hosking that other organisations that are legislatively mandated outside of central government receive funding, the SPCA for example gets $6.5 million a year. She said that the central government has basically said that by law, they have to do this, but they’re not going to get any funding to do so. In response, Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking that the country has changed a lot since the anti-litter charity was set up. He says it's a well-known brand, but Kiwis take a lot of pride now in keeping the environment clean. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Caledonia's State of Emergency has lifted after two weeks of unrest. Fewer than 20 New Zealanders are still there and wanting to come home, with one more flight today. French President Emmanuel Macron has travelled to the French island territory and says lifting it allows political dialogue. France correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking that all he seems to have achieved is agreeing to lift the state of emergency. She says it's being seen as a sign that all parties that Macron spoke to there want to de-escalate the situation. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 28th of May, cancer services in the lower North Island are at critical levels, and trains in the Wairarapa are on schedule only 25% of the time. But hey, at least that's up from February’s 5%! The Prime Minister talks the Budget, whether he is sick of dealing with the increasingly revealing problems in this country, and whether the David Seymour and Todd Stephenson situation passes the sniff test. What's happening with the motor industry and electric vehicles? Kiwi Kay Hart is the President of International Markets for Ford and has some insight. 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 future of cars is becoming increasingly complex. EVs, BEVs, and PHEVs have been pushed as the vehicles of the future, and yet there’s been an increasing number of major producers backtracking on the promise to go electric. The idea that the internal combustion engine will no longer be produced by 2030 seems to be out of reach. Kay Hart, the President of International Markets Group at Ford, has been in the automotive industry for nearly 25 years, and has seen quite a significant amount of change in that time. “I think the change has been phenomenal on so many fronts,” she told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking. “The changes that we’ve seen in technology available in our vehicles, the connectivity of our vehicles, the features that are available to our customers, power train that we have, and also the way customers interact with, purchase, and service vehicles, I think has changed hugely over that 25 years.” There are distinct differences in the regulations each market has, and so automotive producers need to be very clear on what the rules and regulations are, and how they bring the right products to their customers in those regions. For example, the EU has restrictions around emissions and the use of internal combustion engines, but Hart says their timelines can leave something to be desired. “To be clear, we are for, are very much in favour of cleaner vehicles, lowering carbon emissions,” she told Hosking. “The overall, the intent of governments have been positive in terms of what their intent is. I think, to your point, maybe some of the timelines don’t necessarily ensure that we had the most viable alternatives for our customers in the market at the right time.” That flux, Hart thinks is what the industry is struggling to adjust to when it comes to EVs. “In the market like New Zealand, to have the most aggressive curve in the world, probably unfairly punished vehicles that didn’t really have a viable alternative.” “And that's, that’s probably where we’re at now.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looks to be years to go until Wairarapa trains are back-on-track. Only 22.5% of Wairarapa trains arrived within five minutes of being on schedule in April. slightly improving from February's 5%. Trains have also been slowed due to track issues. Greater Wellington Regional Council Transport Committee Chair Thomas Nash told Mike Hosking that both the track and trains are too old, but work is ongoing. He says we need to make sure we don't delay the new trains even further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The level of the public service cuts needed to fund the Government’s tax cuts is becoming clear with more than 240 programmes scaled down or scrapped in Budget 2024. Finance Minister Nicola Willis also revealed yesterday the Government’s drive to reduce public service spending could lead to 3900 job cuts, comprising about 2750 currently filled roles and about 1150 vacancies. The Prime Minister says the Budget will deliver what they've been promising. The coalition Government will release its first Budget this Thursday. Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking that it includes stopping wasteful spending to generate savings, and more money for frontline health, education, and law and order. He says there's also tax relief for low and middle income working New Zealanders, which is important as it's been 14 years without tax relief and any adjustment to the tax thresholds. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been another push for students to be paid while on placement. Paid Placements Aotearoa's presenting a petition with more than 16,000 signatures to Parliament today, asking for paid placements to be reinstated. It's focused on students in healthcare, education, and social work. Campaign lead Bex Howells told Mike Hosking that it's normal for students to be working 40 hours, on top of a placement, each week. She says it's what they do to get by, but leaves students burnt out before they graduate, leading to high drop-out rates. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A doctor at Palmerston North's Regional Cancer Treatment Service says it's holding on by the skin of its teeth. Oncologist Richard Isaacs says Te Whatu Ora has not approved new staff, despite a 2022 review saying it needed significantly more. He told Mike Hosking that the situation is just getting worse as more senior staff reduce their hours. Isaacs says finances are blocking Te Whatu Ora from approving new staff. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 27th of May, we talk to the teachers and Education Minister Erica Stanford on the major investment for more teachers. The theme for the morning was just how many people had significant careers before switching mid-career to being a teacher! Guy Heveldt and Andrew Saville cover the sport, including James Preston breaking Sir Peter Snell's 800m record, the oldest running record in the country. 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.

Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt joined Mike Hosking to discuss the Warriors' 24-20 win over the Dolphins, the upcoming NZR vote, Rob Penney, Jitka Klimkova's leave, Breakers coach Mody Maor stepping away, James Preston breaking Sir Peter Snell's record, and Aimee Fisher getting another one over Dame Lisa Carrington. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi middle-distance runner James Preston has made a bit of history. He’s broken Sir Peter Snell’s national 800-metre record of 1:44.3 seconds — Preston ran it in 1:44.04 in Germany. That eclipsed the longest-standing New Zealand athletics record in the books and set a qualifying time for the Paris Olympics. James Preston joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former President Donald Trump was loudly and consistently booed throughout his speech Saturday at the Libertarian Party’s national convention, particularly when he asked attendees to “nominate me or at least vote for me.” The heckling began the moment the former president took the stage, and some of his supporters in the room tried to drown out the boos with chants of “We want Trump.” “Now I think you should nominate me or at least vote for me, and we should win together,” Trump said. “Because the Libertarians want to vote for me … and it’s very important because we have to get rid of the worst president in history.” Trump added, “Only do that if you want to win; if you want to lose, don’t do that. Keep getting your 3% every four years.” (In 2016, Libertarian presidential nominee Gary Johnson earned more than 3% of the popular vote – a high point in the party’s history.) Trump left the stage after 34 minutes, marking one of his shortest campaign speeches to date. The Libertarian Party is expected to select its presidential nominee Sunday. Trump’s stop at the Libertarian convention marked an unconventional one for a presumptive Republican nominee, but it is illustrative of his campaign’s intensifying concern over third-party candidates. The outreach to Libertarians follows weeks of stepped-up attacks by Trump aimed at Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose high-profile independent White House bid is increasingly viewed by the former president’s advisers as a potential problem in an election expected to be decided by a narrow margin in a handful of states. Kennedy, who spoke at the convention on Friday, was nominated by a delegate Sunday on the convention floor, where his candidacy was met with boos from other delegates. He was eliminated as a potential nominee in the first round of voting after receiving support from 19 delegates, or just 2.07% of delegates. Trump was also nominated on the convention floor Sunday, but Libertarian Party Chair Angela McArdle ruled the former president was not qualified because he did not submit nominating papers. The scene inside the Washington Hilton was at times raucous Saturday, as Trump supporters and Libertarians clashed. McArdle, the party chair, took the stage ahead of Trump’s speech to tell supporters of the former president sitting in the front rows to make room for the Libertarian delegates. “I don’t want to, like, fight with people or beg and plead. Let’s just make room for the delegates, because those are the people you’re trying to persuade, right? You are already sold. Our delegates are not sold, and President Trump is here to try to sell them,” McArdle said. “Those of you who are Donald Trump supporters, I think what I would like to see tonight is for us to all get along and come to an understanding and find areas of agreement even if we don’t agree to vote for the same person,” she added. Also ahead of the speech, Secret Service agents confiscated rubber chickens that the super PAC aligned with Kennedy’s presidential campaign had passed out to attendees. “No lighters, no water bottles, no noisy chickens,” one agent yelled to attendees waiting to go through the security checkpoint. Tony Lyons, the co-chair of the pro-Kennedy American Values 2024 super PAC, confirmed to CNN that the group had distributed the rubber chickens at the convention Saturday. Libertarians in the crowd at times confronted Trump supporters, and some audience members were escorted out of the venue. One Libertarian critic of Trump was forced to leave after CNN observed him throwing a punch at a Trump-supporting audience member. Several people toward the front of the room turned their backs to Trump as he spoke. One of Trump’s few loud applause lines Saturday came when he announced that if elected, he would commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht, the creator of the underground website Silk Road, which let users anonymously buy and sell anything from drugs to hacking tutorials. Ulbricht was sentenced to life in prison in 2015 following his conviction on seven counts ranging from money laundering to drug trafficking, and many attendees at the Libertarian convention have been arguing for his pardon. Trump also received cheers when he said he would put a Libertarian in his Cabinet and appoint Libertarians to senior positions in his administration in a potential second term. Prior to the speech, the Trump campaign said it anticipated getting an unfriendly reception from some attendees – former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, now a Trump surrogate, received loud boos when he mentioned the former president in his speech at the convention Friday. “Do we know that it’s not exactly home base? Absolutely. There will be people who want him to be there and people who don’t want him to be there, but we’re on offense and competing for nontraditional votes in order to unite the country,” Trump campaign spokesman Jason Miller told CNN. Meanwhile, Biden’s campaign cast Trump as “anti-freedom” ahead of his add

Welcome to the week of the tax cut. The thing for me is it's more about the symbolism than the money. I have no idea if I get anything at all and whatever we do get isn't going to pay for three weeks on the Amalfi Coast in July. But that's not the point. The point is that somewhere along the way the mindset of keeping as much of your money as possible was stolen and replaced with the idea that there is always a cause, idea, disaster or group that can use it more than you. Working for your money and keeping it is actually a calculation that leads to growth and success. It's an incentive. It's not fashionable of course to talk about money, or making money, or keeping your money. It's not even that cool to admit that you like money and mainly that’s the reason you get out of bed in the morning. Even people who give away their money enjoy the freedom of having earned it in the first place and having the choice as to what to do with it. Tax is not choice, it is theft. In a small selection of cases it is broadly acceptable because we recognise the role of the state and we recognise the need for collective services. Where it's all gone horribly wrong is it's turned into an industry and the outworking of that industry has been shown these past few months in the almost continuous gnashing of teeth from those that argue there is no money for tax cuts and they have a list as long as any arm you want to produce of people more deserving than you. What the last six years has proven, and this is why the rules of engagement have to be changed, is that there is literally no end to handouts. No matter what you spend, and just look at the numbers because we have spent astonishing amounts of money on literally everything, we have buried ourselves in debt and passed the curse of it onto the next generation. We've been bailing people out, giving free money, cheap loans, backing dumb ideas, oversubscribing to folly and itches and indulgences. Look where it has us - in a gargantuan fiscal mess and still whining for more. Regular ordinary everyday New Zealanders get it, because we're the ones who earned it. The beneficiaries, literally and figuratively, are the ones who make the headlines because they know the trick is up and the scam is busted. The money tap come Budget Day is, if not being turned off, at least tightened a bit. At last.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Associate Justice Minister says gun owners need to be proactive when seeking help for mental health. Firearm owners say they aren't reaching out when struggling for fear their firearms could be taken away by police. Nicole McKee — herself a former head of the country's Council of Licensed Firearms Owners — told Mike Hosking gun owners shouldn't be holding back from getting treatment. “If they’re not feeling that they’re mentally up to it, then they should offload their firearms to a friend or family member and absolutely go seek some help.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A secondary principals leader says new money to recruit teachers is a good move. Education Minister Erica Stanford's announced a $53 million package to train and recruit 1500 teachers over four years. It includes establishing 1200 places for aspiring teachers to learn on the job, and funding to recruit overseas. Secondary Principals Association president Vaughan Couillault told Mike Hosking growing local teachers is especially important. He says the school-based training seems to be attractive to all concerned. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.