The Mike Hosking Breakfast

It all revolves around Donald Trump, going beyond his ‘hush money’ trial. The former President is dealing with a series of legal actions all revolving around trying to corrupt the elections. The top of the legal ladder is the US Supreme Court, which heard nearly three hours of Trump arguing that he can’t be tried for anything. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Andrew Dickens that their argument was that presidents should have immunity when dealing with situations that may arise. He said that the case effectively had Trump’s lawyers suggesting that a US President can legally order the assassination of a political rival. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Filling in for Mike Hosking, Andrew Dickens was joined by Tim Wilson and Josie Pagani to wrap this week. They discussed the importance of ANZAC Day, the dog walkers protesting against Auckland Council’s removal of public bins, and Gen Z’s table manners – or lack thereof. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 26th April Andrew Dickens filled in for Mike, getting legal analysis of the Karen Chhour and Waitangi Tribunal legal stoush - which is far from over. Andrew found out why there's concerns for the next cruise ship season, and what impact it will likely have on New Zealand’s economy. Plus, the new Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith explained how he'll be a different Minister to Melissa Lee. And in a week dominated by Taylor Swift we ended the week with the superstar breaking yet more streaming records. 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.

Table manners may be a thing of the past. A survey has found that Gen Z overwhelmingly doesn’t care about traditional etiquette, including holding a knife and fork correctly, eating off other people's plates, and using cell phones at the table. But international etiquette expert Susie Wilson is saddened by the news. She told Andrew Dickens she wants people to give etiquette a go by keeping their phones away over dinner. Wilson says it's the one hour in a day where you can enjoy connecting face to face with others. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social media app Tik Tok may be in line for a court battle after US President Joe Biden signed a bill to ban the app from the United States. US lawmakers have for years fought for the banning of the Chinese based app, citing data security concerns. But Tech commentator Paul Spain told Andrew Dickens that Tik Tok has the power to fight it. He says Tik Tok's parent company is massive, even surpassing trillion-dollar tech giant Meta. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One RSA District President is celebrating the turnout at ANZAC services yesterday despite the wild weather in some parts. The mid-morning service at Wellington's Pukeahu National War Memorial Park had to be canned because of the high winds. Tony Hill said that while there are fewer people from the World Wars, a lot of new veterans are coming through. It includes those who fought in Iraq, East Timor, and Afghanistan. He told Andrew Dickens that they’ve had abut 62,000 people who are now veterans since 1990. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new Media and Communications Minister says the sector isn't broken but is under pressure. The Prime Minister handed the portfolio to Paul Goldsmith after stripping it from the embattled Melissa Lee. He told Andrew Dickens that there are challenges to work through. Goldsmith says there's been colossal change in how people collect their news in the last decade, and the advertising revenue which used to sustain it is under pressure. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cruise-ship season success is being celebrated, but there's concern next season could hit an iceberg. Ships have brought in 350,000 visitors with an estimated value of $540 million. However, a 20% decline in port visits is projected for next season as rising costs bite the market. Cruise Association Chief Executive Jacqui Lloyd told Andrew Dickens that there are multiple issues at play. She says geopolitical reasons don't help, with issues in the Red Sea and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine all contributing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An appeal of the High Court's decision to overturn the Waitangi Tribunal summons of the Children's Minister has been lodged. It ruled Karen Chhour could not be compelled to appear before the Tribunal over her plans to repeal part of the Oranga Tamariki Act. Constitutional law expert Andrew Geddis told Andrew Dickens that the Waitangi Tribunal does have the power to summon a minister. He says the court said on this occasion, the reasons why the minister was being summoned and evidence she could provide wasn't enough to justify using that power. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s politicians are facing off against billionaire Elon Musk. The federal government's renewing its focus on social media misinformation and harm after two violent stabbing attacks in Sydney. But X-owner, Musk is fighting an order to remove graphic footage of the attacks from the platform. Australian Correspondent Murray Olds told Mike Hosking that Musk ridiculed the suggestion that the eSafety Commissioner has any power over the internet, him, and X. He said that while he agrees that most would argue that this kind of content shouldn’t be available online, if Musk acquiesces to Albanese, who else does he have to acquiesce to? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A chunk of businesses aren’t sure they'll survive this year. A Retail NZ survey has found retailers aren't confident heading into winter and a third think they might need to close this year. About two thirds didn't meet their first quarter sales targets. Chief Executive Carolyn Young told Mike Hosking that the reality of where the economy is at is taking hold. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A hydrogen refuelling network across the North Island is the first of its kind in Australasia. Hamilton, Auckland, and New Plymouth will host the Hiringa Energy stations, with Tauranga to join later this year. The network will allow hydrogen trucks to travel within the 'golden triangle' covering 95% of heavy freight routes in the North Island. Hiringa Energy CEO Andrew Clennett told Mike Hosking this is only the start. He says by the end of the decade, hydrogen will be competitive with diesel. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the mysteries of our time is why so many businesses, and big businesses, spend so much money on social media platforms, given what's on those platforms. Hyundai are the latest to pause their advertising on 'X' after anti-Semitic posts were highlighted and the car company's ads were right next door. In Australia they are busy sorting out legislation to penalise these platforms for material that should not be anywhere near the public and yet is, especially after their knife attacks that, at least in one instance, involved a young man allegedly driven by religious hate. Australia is far from the first, and in general the social media platforms roll out, at least on the surface, a not unreasonable response. "It's not acceptable, we don’t condone it, we monitor, we try to stay on top of it" and so it goes. Yet it keeps happening and certainly keeps happening to the point where authorities all over the world are sick of it and are trying to work out what will bring them into line. It sort of dovetails into the media levy debate that has raged here of late, whereby many of the same platforms steal news content, put it on their service and wrap advertising around it So, while various Governments grapple with the issue of both the levy and the posting of shocking material, why is it that companies advertise in these spaces, given the very clear and obvious risk they run? The answer is simple. Eyeballs. You need to be where the people are. But we can increasingly ask as to whether that can be a good enough justification. Politicians are no better. Joe Biden wants to ban TikTok and yet campaigns on it. I assume politicians here abhor the sentiment pedalled on many of these platforms and yet they post relentlessly, knowing there is an audience to be connected with. Advertisers need to ask themselves some questions. They appear affected by the whim of the day, the 'me too' movement, the pride movement and the green movement for example. They sway with their advertising dollars in the winds of social change. Yet some of the worst material you will ever see is on social media and on a regular basis. We know this to be true. And yet they still hand the money over to people who claim to want to clean their operations up and yet never quite achieve it. Explain that logic to me. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 24th of April, we finally have some common sense being brought to the RMA. Federated Farmers' Mark Hooper gave some insight on the response from farmers. An interesting new study says that if we don't change our ways in the medical industry and continue to force overseas doctors to conform to our cultural standards, we risk losing them. Lead author Doctor Mariska Mannes joined to unpack the findings. Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell were back for Politics Wednesday, digging into the Select Committee on gang patches, the wasted money spent during Covid, and when we'll get tough on crime. 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.

National MP Mark Mitchell says there's absolutely no plan to cut a fund used for recovery after extreme weather events. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has received advice on disestablishing the National Resilience Plan; a $6 billion scheme set up after Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland floods. When asked if it's being cut, National MP Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking absolutely not. He says there's no money being cut in terms of resilience, but they will be doing things a lot more efficiently. Labour’s Ginny Andersen said that when you ask for a report titled ‘How to cut a $6 billion Emergency Management Fund’, it’s not just going to have a picture of the Queen on it. Whether or not the Government scraps it, will probably be known by Budget Day, May 30. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're being told helping international doctors adjust is about more than just medical competence. An Otago university study has found New Zealand is at risk of losing its international doctors if cultural integration practices don't improve. Lead author Doctor Mariska Mannes says many want to be here but feel there's no support in helping them figure out how things work. She says most of them say if there were some adjustment tools, it would make life a lot easier. Mannes says that every year the Medical Council measures how many doctors leave, but not why. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Courtenay Place bar owner says it's critical Wellington City Council has a plan for the area. It's walked away from a $32 million deal to renovate Reading Cinema, which has been closed since an earthquake risk was discovered in 2019. The council says it's working on other projects to help revitalise the city's entertainment district. But Dakota Bar's Jose Ubiaga told Mike Hosking that the area has been on the decline for years and is getting worse. He says the council doesn't seem to have any clear vision for Courtenay Place, and even the Golden Mile is all over the place. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Christchurch City Councillor says their lifeline to the A&P Association isn't a grant. The board canned this year's A&P Show, saying it would be unwise under its current finances and business model. The association's now breaking the 100-year lease on its Wigram Road site, with the council paying about a million dollars a hectare to buy the remaining 95 years. Christchurch City Councillor Sam MacDonald told Mike Hosking the council is putting money into a capital protected fund. He says the association won't have to come back for handouts due to the interest, adding it's a win-win as council can also use the land. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Universities across America are bracing for more Gaza protests. Campus closures and arrests have followed increasing Pro-Palestinian and Pro- Israel demonstrations this week. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that the epicentre of the protests, New York's Columbia University, is now offering online classes for the rest of the term. He says scores of pro-Palestine protesters camped out at the university refusing to budge for police. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers see RMA reform as common sense returning to the farm gate. Changes across farming, water, and mining will be introduced to Parliament next month. Federated Farmers RMA spokesperson Mark Hooper says farmers already have good systems in place. He told Mike Hosking they have farm environment plans which show where the risk factors are and a winter grazing plan, which tells them actions to take, in the case of adverse events. Hooper says having an additional piece of paper doesn't add any value in terms of environmental outcomes. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tense standoff between a London police officer and an antisemitism campaigner has sparked outrage. Gideon Falter, CEO of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, was blocked by an officer from crossing a road near to a pro-Palestine march. Falter was wearing a yarmulke and according to the officer looked ‘openly Jewish’, and by crossing the road in that area was ‘provoking’ the protestors and risking his safety. UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking that this incident goes against the Police’s word that the marches are peaceable. Well, if they’re peaceable, he said, there wouldn’t be a problem with a bloke in a yarmulke crossing the road, would there? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good news for the Italian Prime Minister. Giorgia Meloni and her allies have kept control of the southern region of Basilicata in the regional election, defeating their centre-left opponents by a wide margin. Italy Correspondent Jo McKenna told Mike Hosking that turnout was low, and that seems to have favoured the incumbent. She said that this is the second regional win for Meloni, and she’ll be drawing confidence going into the European elections. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new TV3 show is aiming to highlight New Zealand’s food waste. Chefs are coming together in ‘Food Rescue Kitchen’ to challenge viewers’ perceptions of waste and what can be done with ingredients they otherwise might not consider. Peter Gordon, one of the country's most iconic chefs, is taking part and told Mike Hosking that he had a really good time on the show and enjoyed the challenge. He said that while most will be picturing rotted or expired food when food waste is talked about, that’s only some of it. Gordon said that a lot of waste is created when stores or supermarkets have to make room for the next delivery, and that’s often the point it’s at its prime. “For my particular challenge, I had some of the most amazing stone fruit,” he told Hosking. “I thought I’d never bought it like that from a shop before.” 'Food Rescue Kitchen' premieres on Three and ThreeNow at 7PM Saturday April 27th. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Surely we didn’t miss the irony on climate change? On the day it's announced we have reduced our emissions now for three years in a row, so good on us, the very next day Transpower, the people who get the electricity into your lounge, tell us yet again that this Winter has issues and peak load and demand might be problematic. Part one of the emissions reduction bit is increasingly about us feeling good because, as we also found out a bit over a week ago, huge chunks of the world are not reducing their emissions and not even close. Which then leads to a lot of people arguing that we shouldn’t bother because what we do makes no difference. I come down on the other side of that. If we can, we should. Let's be honest - in doing what we have so far, have we reached a point where we are massively inconvenienced? I wouldn’t have thought so until, well, until Transpower tell us what they have. Here is a simple rule of thumb; to not have enough power in 2024 is simply not good enough and it should be seen as an abdication of responsibility. The reason we don’t have enough is quite openly admitted. It's because the renewables are not voluminous enough and not reliable enough to cover the growing demand. The transition hasn’t transitioned to the point where we can largely leave fossils behind. So, here's the line for me. Save the planet all you want, even if it is futile given China and India aren't as interested. But don’t get so hell bent about it that the heater isn't on in July when its -3 degrees. That’s not a first world country and it's not a first world approach. Making it even more ridiculous is that the transition involves technological advances like EV's. If we don’t have enough power now, how do we power EV's? How do we power generative AI, the so-called future? It's a future that requires 10x more power than a Google search. Talk about cart before the horse. When we still struggle Winter in, Winter out to do the basics we have allowed ideology to hijack reality. That is not the future, of the future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Resident doctors are set to take to the streets, protesting a recent pay offer. The Resident Doctors' Association say while some workers were offered up to 25% pay-rises, others were offered pay cuts in negotiations. As a result, they'll strike for 25 hours on May 7. National Secretary Deborah Powell told Mike Hosking that Health New Zealand's offer was uneven and unfair. She said it's robbing Peter to pay Paul. Powell said the strikes are a last resort as they’re going to mediation next week and remain hopeful. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 23rd April, the Government is bringing back the Three Strikes law. The public seems to be on the board, but lawyers and judges aren't. We got an expert’s thoughts. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined Mike in studio to talk his recent overseas trip, the Waitangi Tribunal stoush, and criticisms against his fast-track bill. Fantastic Kiwi chef Peter Gordon talked a new TV show he is part of: Food Rescue Kitchen, where chefs make luxury meals from rescued food. 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.

Employers have more choice with competition for work heating up. Recruitment companies are warning of thousands joining the unemployment queue and more people signing up for jobseeker benefits. The latest SEEK data shows job ads falling by 0.4% in March. Talent ID Recruitment's Holly Oppers told Mike Hosking that there's been a change of tide. She says a lot more skilled candidates are coming through, meaning there's movement in the market; which she says isn't a bad thing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A criminal defence lawyer is hesitant to endorse the incoming Three Strikes legislation. The Government is looking to re-establish the laws which will see mandatory prison sentences for violent and sexual criminals committing a third offence. It will only apply to sentences above 24 months and give judges more discretion. Lawyer John Munro told Mike Hosking that overall, the evidence is conflicting. He says it hasn't been enforced here long enough for studies to show whether it works, so we're relying on overseas evidence. Munro says some of the studies out of California say it increases crime. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon is defending spending millions on clean energy in Asia while cutting costs and Government jobs in New Zealand. The Government has committed $41 million towards an Asian Development Bank clean energy transition initiative. Luxon says the funding demonstrates New Zealand's commitment to help reduce global carbon emissions. He told Mike Hosking the money comes out of an existing budget, specifically set aside for overseas projects like these. He understands things are tough in New Zealand at the moment, but the Government needs to do what it can to get the books back in shape. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wool could be making a comeback. The world's largest wool processing facility has reopened near Napier following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, told Mike Hosking there's a big global trend going back to natural fibres. He says New Zealand could be at the forefront. Patterson says there's a highly motivated cohort of New Zealand entrepreneurs who see the potential in this, and they may want to make money, but they also want to be seen as doing something good for the planet. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US House of Representatives has voted 311 to 112 in favour of a US$61 billion aid package for Ukraine, helping to provide ammunition to keep them in the fight against Russia. But US correspondent Richard Arnold says while it was a major win for House Speaker Mike Johnson, some internal turmoil is brewing from his hardline Republican colleagues. And opening statements for Donald Trump's hush money trial are due to get underway this week - with legal experts due to last between five and eight weeks. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A good lesson in life is to work out, that if things aren't working the way you are currently doing them, then you want to change it. We have a gargantuan hole in this country in terms of doing things in infrastructure. We haven't, and don’t, get things done and when we crack on with the odd project it is almost always behind in time and over in money. Part of the issue is the Resource Management Act, which I think everyone now agrees is broken and needs massive reform. So in an attempt to kick-start matters, we have fast-track law. Fast-track, as I have said before, might well be the most important thing this Government does, in a big-picture sense. Submissions on the legislation closed last week and you can imagine who turned up. It's the same people who believe not doing things is the preferred option. The same people who have held this country to ransom over their individual myopic view of what's important to save, or treasure, or talk more about. The fast-track law allows certain projects to be signed off by ministers, after going before a group of experts who tick it off as being beneficial to the country as a whole. The pressure groups scream about a lack of democracy and dictatorial behaviour. The handwringers in the press try and beat up the idea that all this presents a problem for the Government. There is no such problem. Most of this country are sick and tired of lobby groups, of inaction and of wastage. The system we have hasn’t worked. We need to do things differently. We need to get on with it. If this Government is smart they will not die wondering and they will not acquiesce to the incessant moaners, who have no one's best interests at heart but their own. A Government elected on change needs to embrace that. It needs to be bold, back itself and believe that their approach and path is right and needs executing as soon as possible. It is hard to overstate what a mess this country is in. That is the easy part given so many see it, feel it and live it. But even with that scenario, there remains those who are inward-looking and can't get out of their own way. Their time is up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elon Musk and his social media company X have pledged to fight Australia’s online safety watchdog over posts about the alleged Western Sydney church stabbing. The CEO has accused Australia’s eSafety commissioner of censorship and has vowed to challenge an order to remove content on X, formerly Twitter, relating to the horrific incident in court. On Tuesday, X and Meta were issued a notice to remove material within 24 hours that depicted “gratuitous or offensive violence with a high degree of impact or detail”. The companies were warned that if they failed to comply, they could face potential fines of up to AU$785,000 a day. The move is related to the alleged stabbing of bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel during a service at the Assyrian Christ the Good Shepherd church in Wakeley on Monday night. The horrific alleged stabbing was all caught on camera due to the service being livestreamed, which saw graphic uncensored clips of the alleged attack to be widely circulated online. However, the company stated that the posts did not violate X’s rules on violent speech. A statement from X’s global government affairs team, which was reposted by Musk, said the company complied with the directive by the commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, to remove “certain posts in Australia that publicly commented” on Monday’s attack. “The recent attacks in Australia are a horrific assault on free society. Our condolences go out to those who have been affected, and we stand with the Australian people in calling for those responsible to be brought to justice,” the statement read. “Following these events, the Australian eSafety Commissioner ordered X to remove certain posts in Australia that publicly commented on the recent attack against a Christian Bishop. “These posts did not violate X’s rules on violent speech. “X believes that eSafety’s order was not within the scope of Australian law and we complied with the directive pending a legal challenge. “X has now received a demand from the eSafety Commissioner that X globally withhold these posts or face a daily fine of $785,000 AUD (about $500,000 USD). “This was a tragic event and we do not allow people to praise it or call for further violence. “There is a public conversation happening about the event, on X and across Australia, as is often the case when events of major public concern occur. “While X respects the right of a country to enforce its laws within its jurisdiction, the eSafety Commissioner does not have the authority to dictate what content X’s users can see globally. “We will robustly challenge this unlawful and dangerous approach in court. “Global takedown orders go against the very principles of a free and open internet and threaten free speech everywhere.” Federal Health Minister Mark Butler told reporters in Adelaide that the government would take X to task if it wanted to pursue the matter in court. “Australia is not going to be bullied by Elon Musk, or any other tech billionaire, in our commitment to making sure that social media is a safe space,” Butler said. “So if he wants to fight that fine in court, well, we’re up for that fight.” There have been calls for harsher sanctions for social media platforms in light of the April 13 Westfield Bondi massacre that claimed six lives. Distressing and graphic footage of the attack was rapidly uploaded online, and misinformation spread. NSW Premier Chris Minns blasted X on Saturday and said it was time for penalties for social media companies to be strengthened. “This is exactly as I’d expect from X, or Twitter, or whatever you want to call it,” Minns told reporters. “A disregard for the information that they pump into our communities, lies and rumours spreading like wildfire. “Then when things go wrong, throwing their hands up in the air to say that they’re not prepared to do anything about it.” The NSW premier and other leaders met with Assyrian community groups after the alleged church stabbing and stated that they collectively condemned the violence. “If anyone acts in that way, they are doing it in complete defiance of the religious leadership of NSW and it is against the law,” Minns said. A 16-year-old male was charged with a terrorism offence over the incident and will face court in June. eSafety said it expected platforms to make “genuine efforts” to protect Australians from harmful content. “eSafety is aware social media users continue to upload and reshare distressing content and appreciates it is challenging for platforms to manage this,” the statement said. “We are also aware some platforms are responding by applying technological solutions to prevent or reduce proliferation … eSafety welcomes these actions.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday that social media companies were responsible for protecting the community from the spread of troubling content. “It shouldn’t need the eSafety commissioner to intervene, to direct companies, in this case X and Meta, to take down violent videos,” he said. “We are prepared to t

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday 22 April, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly explained why the Government is changing the CCCFA to make it easier to get loans, while Trade Minister Todd McClay gave us insights from his trip to China. Taupō Super400 winner and series leader Will Brown joined the show to recap Supercars returning to New Zealand and the future of the event here. And Mike gave his take on Taylor Swift's new album The Tortured Poets Department. 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 Black Caps' 7 wicket win in Pakistan, the Warriors' 30-12 loss to the Dragons, V8 Supercars in Taupō, the weekend's Super Rugby, and the Formula 1 in China. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Full steam ahead with plans to re-build Christchurch's Catholic Cathedral on the same site as before. Following a survey, the Catholic Diocese has selected their 160-year-old Barbados Street site as the cathedral's future location. The former cathedral stood there before being demolished following earthquake damage. Mayor Phil Mauger told Mike Hosking the city may see a Catholic Cathedral before an Anglican one. “The Anglican Cathedral is practically building a new church within an old one. This will be built from new, but it will be a lot cheaper and may be able to get it finished a bit quicker.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taupō enjoyed some V8 Supercars racing over the weekend. Championship leader Will Brown overhauled his Australian teammate Broc Feeney in a tense battle to win the second and final race of the weekend. Brown cleared Feeney with nine laps remaining to claim the lead, following a nail-biting battle that saw the two Red Bull Ampol Camaros run side-by-side on multiple occasions. Will Brown joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's support for the US$95 billion relief package for international aid is a good sign for Ukraine. The US House of Representatives has budgeted a US$61 billion aid package for Ukraine. It's likely the funding will be used to boost their military defence, including air defence systems, mid to long-range missiles and artillery shells. International relations analyst Geoffrey Miller told Mike Hosking says Trump's giving his blessing for the deal. “Trump has said that Ukraine’s survival is important for the United States. It’s a huge shift for him, so that means that even if Trump wins the election, we can probably expect this strategy to continue.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trade Minister is optimistic about China and New Zealand's relationship after his visit. The Government's focused on deepening international ties with Asia, as Christopher Luxon comes back from his Southeast Asia trip. Todd McClay visited China and told Mike Hosking the meetings have been constructive and respectful. He says he's very pleased officials will work on upgrading the services part of our trade agreement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growing operational costs are partially to blame for an increase in domestic airfares. Air New Zealand's told travel agents domestic fares across all routes will be going up from midnight tonight. House of Travel Chief Operating Officer Brent Thomas told Mike Hosking the airline is trying to cover rising fuel prices and wage costs. “But obviously also they got an airline to run and profits to be made, and they’re looking to see where they can maximise their revenue streams and their profitability.” Thomas says there is room for more flights and competition in the domestic market which could decrease the price of airfares. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government wants to make loans more accessible to people who need them. It's revoking 11 pages of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act introduced by the last Government. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says vulnerable New Zealanders are being driven to gangs and loan sharks because the process takes far too long. He told Mike Hosking they want to allow lenders to give discretion in the right situation. “If you want to go get a $500 loan, and you’re a solo mum from Blockhouse Bay, it takes at the moment about eight hours to process your loan; it used to take two hours.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump-trial saga continues, and the former US President has been spotted dozing in court again. Donald Trump is the first president in US history to face multiple criminal charges, this time for his alleged role in using hush money to silence a mistress before the 2016 elections. US correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that Trump appeared asleep almost the whole time. Arnold reports he did snap to attention when one of the prospective jurors claimed they only had a flip phone, clearly shocked. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all. The Government: 7/10 A very solid week with the Prime Minister in Asia selling our image, Todd McClay in China drumming up business, Mark Patterson in Australia spruiking our wool and Shane Jones slashing red tape in mining and sticking it up the Waitangi Tribunal. That's ideas, policies, changes and common sense. It's got a desperately needed feel of momentum about it. The CPI number: 3/10 The real issue is the 5.8% non-tradable figure, the stuff we control, yet aren't controlling. Jury selection: 3/10 Twelve New Yorkers who don’t care either way about Donald Trump? Come on. Russia: 4/10 Because they are growing this year faster than any other major developed nation. Those sanctions work, aye? Stuff/Hub: 7/10 Because we wish them well, but it had a very distinct whiff of rip and read, cheap and hasty, didn’t it? The A&P show: 3/10 It's a travesty, but what about the model! Are you serious? Twelve months work for three days revenue. You don’t think there is a bit of room to wind the old efficiency up? Supercars: 8/10 Sold out in Taupo both days. Cars with big engines are so hot right now. LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend will see up to 70,000 fans pouring into Taupo to catch the Supercars event. Jaxon Evans, a third-generation kiwi racer, won the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship in 2018, and is back this weekend to compete for Brad Jones Racing. He told Mike Hosking that this is actually his first race at Taupo, having spectated a few races but never running the track himself. Evans said that while those who know the track may have a slight advantage, none of them have run the current cars so it’ll be a clean slate for everyone. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A study has found that housing has a significant impact on the prospects of homeless people. University of Otago research has found that those who live in a housing first programme have better health, income, and justice outcomes. The study involved 387 homeless people, and in five years the number of hospitalisations fell by 44%, nights spent in mental health units fell by 63%, and there was a 43% reduction in criminal charges. Professor Nevil Pierse told Mike Hosking that the study really shows that permanent housing and support really works, and after five years huge improvements can be seen. He said that the key in this study was the people going straight into permanent sustainable housing as opposed to emergency transitional housing, which creates a sense of stability. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liz Truss has a book out. It's what you do when you have been Prime Minister, even though she was only Prime Minister for about three and a half minutes. Slight digression - I am going to be fascinated to see how they promote Jacinda Ardern's book when it finally arrives. My assessment of her legacy is that it is increasingly dark and as the cold, hard economic reality of what she left behind is heaped upon us, more and more New Zealanders have realised how badly she duped us. In a Meghan Markle-esque kind of way she is not to be seen anywhere, just heard from occasionally through reports of speeches at conferences as she is adored by the luvvies offshore. I find it hard to believe the publicists would place her in Whitcoulls for a signing. Anyway, back to Liz. The sad thing for Liz is she makes a very, very good point when she suggests the West has about a decade to reassert itself and grab back everything it has lost of late. Whether it’s a decade, who knows. But in a very short space of time China has become something we didn’t really see coming. They are not the world's friend, unless of course you do things their way. They need to engage with us, but don’t like or trust us. They spy, they infiltrate, and they exert influence in increasing areas by way of money in pockets. Look at Africa or, increasingly, the Pacific. They are helping Russia in the war. Speaking of Russia, they're another problem. The International Monetary Fund this week tells us they will grow economically this year more than any other major economy on Earth. Pick any country you like in Europe, the UK, Australia, Canada, Britain, the U.S, they will beat everyone. How? Domestic consumption and oil. Who are they selling oil to? The Chinese and the Indians. While the West has talked tough and rolled out sanctions Russia has kept growing and China has kept growing. BRICS is another grouping that’s growing and is one to watch. Liz Truss is seen as a failure of a Prime Minister but on this she is worth listening to. She is more productive out of the office than in it and, most importantly, she is right. The West are losing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 19th of April, Social Development Minister Louise Upston talked the Jobseeker number and dug into who would actually be hit by the sanctions. Grant Dalton was back on the show after revealing the new name of the boat that's going to win us the America's Cup. Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson wrapped the week, discussing everything from jury duty to whether they could be unbiased in a trial for Trump. 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.

Team New Zealand has officially launched into their America’s Cup era. They rolled their new AC75 out of the shed last week, officially launching it in a ceremony in Auckland yesterday afternoon. The boat was named Taihoro, the name gifted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, inspired by Taihoro-Nukurangi, the name translates to “to move swiftly as the sea between both sky and earth”. Team NZ CEO Grant Dalton told Mike Hosking that there is a quantum step up in pace between Te Rehutai, who they defended the America’s Cup with last time, and Taihoro. He said the wizardry of these engineers is that they’re able to make incredibly fast boats go faster and faster. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Hosking was once more joined by Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson to wrap the week. They discussed jury duty, Tim revealing himself to be the only person who'd love to do it one day, and whether they think they could be unbiased in Donald Trump's criminal trial. They also touched on Mike's appearance on Radio Hauraki's Daily Bespoke Podcast. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's Mayor wants the city to serve as an air and freight hub between Asia and South America. The idea has drawn new attention with the New Zealand Brazil Business Chamber, pitching a direct flight from Auckland to São Paulo which could bring in millions in trade in its first year. The mayor's also keen to see direct flights to India. Wayne Brown told Mike Hosking that these routes should've been unlocked years ago. He says the shortest route from anything south of Hong Kong and Guangzhou to South America goes right over the top of Auckland, so the city is missing out on a huge amount of trade. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.