The Mike Hosking Breakfast

A Law Association leader says the cuts being asked of the Justice Ministry will put more pressure on the system. Chief Justice Dame Helen Winkelmann has released her latest briefing to Attorney-General Judith Collins. It includes the need to raise the cap on the number of senior court judges and under-funding resulting in mouldy and leaky courtrooms. It also mentions the district court backlog and legal aid problems. Association vice-president Julie-Anne Kincade told Mike Hosking that lifting the cap would help. She says they also need courtrooms and people to staff them, so there has to be change across the board. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament's fast-tracking powers are being used this week for a free trade agreement with the EU. The EU FTA Legislation Bill will pass under urgency this week so the deal can kick off by May. Trade Minister Todd McClay sees it as a win for exporters and growers. EU Ambassador Lawrence Meredith told Mike Hosking that it's an excellent deal for both sides, the EU and New Zealand and consumers and investors. He says there are estimates of gains of more than 100 million dollars. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A report from Rewiring Aotearoa found homes using gas appliances and petrol cars could save between $1500 and $4500 a year by switching to electric. Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey tells Mike Hosking that even including the upfront cost of solar panels and batteries, it is cheaper to operate a home on electricity than gas and fossil fuels. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Minister Shane Reti is promising new funding for GPs and a redistribution of existing funding based on which practices deal with more complex needs. He aims to meet the Government’s health targets on cancer treatments, ED wait times and child immunisations by 2030. Reti tells Mike Hosking that the redistribution of funding will have a substantial impact on Low Cost Access practices. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders have slumped to their worst start in Super Rugby history, suffering a fourth consecutive loss for the first time in the franchise’ history. Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge tells Mike Hosking the team is disappointed. The team were short through injury and availability, and alongside changes in personnel this had an impact on play. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research from the University of Auckland has found there has been an increase of opioid use in older people and patients after surgery. Health records for more than 800,000 people over 65 show from 2007 to 2018, there has been an increase in prescriptions. Records show a rate of persistent use of people still using opioids 90 days after surgery at 9.1%. Lead Researcher Hoda Fahmy tells Mike Hosking the rate of persistent use is a significant percentage and that not all patients on opioids may need them. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters describes New Zealand’s relationship with China as very important ahead of a visit from China’ Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Peters tells Mike Hosking the relationship is complex as China is the country’s number one trading partner. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Post plans to lay off 700 postal staff in the next five years, in favour of using contractors in vans. Postal Workers Union Co-National President John Maynard tells Mike Hosking contractors don’t have the same employment rights and employers will use contractors to avoid paying benefits such as annual holidays. The union believes a suitable alternative to the cuts is to maintain postal delivery on footpaths with smaller numbers. The union believe this plan is a more efficient proposition to continue delivering letters than what NZ Post are currently planning. 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. Tax treatment for landlords: 6/10 A return to the status quo, despite all the gnashing of teeth from the luvvies who still haven't got their heads around the election result. Labour's claim over landlords and millionaires: 2/10 The fact they couldn’t get basic facts right, and that the facts they put out were so obviously absurd and they didn’t spot it or question it, tells you all you need to know about their connection to economic reality. Hurricanes rugby: 2/10 Said it wasn’t acceptable then rolled over for a good spanking the next weekend. First 100 days in Government: 7/10 This time last week they ticked it off, they delivered what they said they would... not perfectly, but not bad at all. Peter Boshier: 4/10 He's a good person who is the victim of dumb rules. We need to get out of our own way more. Shane Jones: 7/10 Politician of the week, taking on the courts activism and taking on the Treaty overreach. He's only marked down on the ski money. When you say there is no more you actually have to mean it. The Kate photo: 4/10 The conspiracy theories that exploded as a result of them trying to quell a conspiracy theory. LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined Mike Hosking once more to wrap this weeks news and take a little look back at Newstalk ZB's history ahead of the stations birthday tomorrow. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Road Safety Advocate Greg Murphy is strongly advising against self-driven cars. Self-driving cars are increasing in popularity even though they continue to fail safety tests. The four-time Bathurst 1000 winner turned road safety advocate understands the attempt to market something new and combat driver issues like fatigue but says they can do more harm than good. He says these systems were put in place to try to fix the void for drivers who aren't good at driving. He told Mike Hosking that they’re a license to create havoc. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Renewable energy is on the rise. Recent stats from MBIE show that the renewable share of electricity generation was 90.3% for the October to December 2023 quarter. Ernst & Young’s Director Angela Ogier told Mike Hosking that 95% renewable energy is definitely doable in this country, it’s where we’re trending naturally with current technologies. She said that bureaucracy is slowing down some elements of the rollout of out wind and solar farms, and they need to be sped up in order for us to meet our energy targets. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is why we hate councils. On December 15th last year we received a letter from our local outfit claiming that the bore we have is not official, it has not been signed off and we have 28 days to rectify it. This coming so close to Christmas is not good news and requires a level of attention that makes a mad part of the year even madder. We purchased our house, complete with bore, a year after it had been finished so this was all news to us. We replied, suggesting the tone of the letter was needlessly aggressive and that 28 days was potentially an issue, given Christmas and all the various stat days, as well as the fact the council wouldn't be open, and no one would be contactable. We got a sort-of apology about the tone and was told 28 days might be a bit of an issue and to do what we could. What we didn’t know at the time, but found out later, was there was nothing wrong with the bore or the signing off of it. What had happened was the council had lost the files and they had decided to make it our issue. This alone was a re-enforcement of an attitude you tend to get when you are dealing with a statutory monopoly - they do and say what they want and what are you going to do about it? Anyway, a number of phone calls later, we found what we were looking for. There was no issue with the bore, there was never any issue with the bore, it was drilled properly by people who take their job and their duties seriously and they, along with the various other water people we dealt with, were not impressed, yet again, with a council who throws their weight around. So, after proof was gathered, photos taken and paperwork filed we were told, indeed, our bore was now legit. Like most things councils do nothing had changed and nothing had actually happened. The bore was no more or less safe, it was just acknowledged on some piece of paper, or on some file somewhere, to the satisfaction of some bureaucracy That was 3 months ago. Then this week we got another letter from the council. It contained a bill for $279. What for? For filing the documentation around our bore. So, the file they lost, the work we did to rectify that, is now costing us close to $300 for them to patch up the mistake they made in the first place. At no point was there recognition of the fact we were doing their work, that our work had gone unpaid and that if it wasn’t for us, none of it would have been fixed. But the energy they put into writing to us, bullying us and forcing us to fix their issue would now cost us $279, thank you very much. And you wonder why we hate them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand domestic airfares are at an all-time high. Stats NZ data shows the airline's domestic flight prices have gone up by 7% last month compared to January. The Airport Association is pushing for a policy to monitor the domestic monopoly as they dictate price, routes, and flight schedules. Matthew Bolland, Air NZ’s Corporate Affairs Officer, told Mike Hosking that the increase is comparing apples with pears. In January people were flying for the holidays, while February people were flying for business purposes, he said. Bolland told Hosking that if you want a better comparison, you’d look at the average ticket price compared to the year before, which only had a 2% increase. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicola Willis is expected to reveal more details about the Government's fiscal situation today, as she continues preparations for May's budget. The Finance Minister will be speaking to business lunch event in Auckland. Willis told Mike Hosking that since economic growth forecasts have been getting worse, the two options are to get down in the dumps about it, or they can say ‘what can we do about it?’. She said that while the Government does have a big role to play, they need businesses right alongside them, feeling confident about investing and doing new things. They’re asking businesses to work together with them to get the country moving again. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US House of Representatives has overwhelming supported a bill to ban TikTok in a rare bipartisan move. It could see a ban enacted, if Chinese parent company Byte Dance doesn't sell its stake in the app within six months. Lawmakers argue there's a national security threat as the Chinese government could force the company to hand over US users' data. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that while the bill has seen overwhelming support, there is still politics at play for the Democrats. They have to ask the question of if they want to alienate young voters who run small businesses via TikTok, whose livelihoods would be devastated should the bill pass. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Green Party MP Darleen Tana has been suspended amid allegations she is linked to migrant exploitation at her husband’s company. Tana becomes the third Green MP in less than a year to run into trouble, following in the footsteps of Elizabeth Kerekere, who quit the party last year amidst bullying allegations, and Golriz Ghahraman, who resigned after allegations emerged of her shoplifting. The party’s co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick fronted morning media to respond to the allegations. Davidson acknowledged to RNZ the incident showed the party was going through tough times. Swarbrick told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking they are “deeply serious allegations”. A statement from Davidson and Swarbrick said Tana was suspended on Thursday afternoon because the allegations raised a conflict of interest with her small business portfolio. The claims first came to light on February 1 when Tana informed the party a complaint had been made to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) by a worker at her husband’s business, E-Bikes NZ. “On February 9, the party was notified of a second complaint to the ERA,” the statement reads. “These complaints included allegations against Ms Tana. Ms Tana has not been a director or shareholder of E Cycles NZ since 2019.” She was suspended after it became apparent she may have previously been aware of the allegations. An independent lawyer is conducting the investigation. Both Tana and her husband have been approached for comment. “Green MPs are expected to maintain high standards of public and private behaviour. To understand fully what Ms Tana knew, and when, we are appointing an independent lawyer to conduct an investigation into the matter. Ms Tana will stand aside from all caucus and parliamentary responsibilities until the matter is resolved,” the statement reads. “We cannot comment on the specific allegations while the matter is waiting mediation and the independent investigation is ongoing.” Speaking to Newstalk ZB, Swarbrick faced questions over whether the party had erred in not going public with Tana’s suspension earlier. Swarbrick said it was not useful for politicians to involve her opinions in the situation while an investigation is ongoing. She would not say whether Tana had denied the allegations. “On February the 1st, Darleen did notify the party of an allegation,” Swarbrick said. “To avoid any conflict of interest, Darleen stepped down from her portfolios.” On March 14, it became clear Tana may have known of the issues before she alerted the party, so that was when she was stood down, Swarbrick said. “Yesterday it came to our attention that Darleen may have had prior knowledge of these allegations.” Swarbrick called the situation “incredibly serious”. “Of course there is a level of public scrutiny.” Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking they are “deeply serious allegations”. Photo / Alex Burton Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson told RNZ Tana was removed from the small business portfolio when the party was first made aware of the allegations on February 1. Davidson defended not immediately standing down Tana saying they were not initially aware of her own alleged involvement or knowledge. “The allegations are serious and we are taking this seriously. “It was yesterday that it came to our attention that Ms Tana may have had some prior knowledge of the allegations, that is why we have appointed an independent investigation.” Davidson said the public wasn’t advised when Tana was removed from her portfolio because of the need to keep mediation matters private. “The allegations are absolutely serious... We have long campaigned to ensure everyone that comes to Aotearoa to make their home is treated with compassion and kindness in the workplace.” It’s the latest in a string of incidents involving Green MPs and Davidson admitted the party was “going through some times.” National Party deputy leader Nicola Willis told Newstalk ZB it was a matter for the Green Party. ”It sounds a bit messy and, obviously, all of us condemn any form of migrant exploitation.” Tana was elected in last year’s election for the first time and is a member of the environment select committee. Her portfolios include digitising government, media and communications, oceans and fisheries, overseas New Zealanders, science, innovation and technology, and small business and manufacturing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I stumbled upon an article yesterday about Lyn Slater. The headline was ' I’m 70 years old — why shouldn’t my clothes convey my sexuality, and sense of style?’ Lyn Slater is a former model, influencer, writer, and professor, she is indeed a very stylish woman, and the question she asks about clothes is a fair one. Age, for reasons I can’t fathom, still seems to be an issue in this Western society, and we found that out this week with Peter Boshier, the Chief Ombudsman who is two years older than Lyn, and because of that has to quit his job. It's also the talking point in American politics at the moment, because the two contenders for the most powerful job on earth are old. Which I assume leads you to ask: how come you can be President of America but not Chief Ombudsman of New Zealand? How come Lyn can ask questions about her sexuality and style but poor old Peter is too old to turn up to the office? We went through a period a decade or so back as well, remember when Hollywood actresses complained of having no work because they’re too old? That’s all reversed, or at least partially has been reversed. But, remarkably, we don’t seem to know whether age is an issue or not. And the problem is we have made it a problem because of a number, not because of competence, which should be the real measure. Surely your ability to do whatever it is you want to do is the criteria, not the chronology? We spend our time espousing the fact 60 is the new 40, and yet it doesn’t play out in terms of old-fashioned laws. The ombudsman law is from 1975. I was 10. There was no internet, no cell phones, and 65 to me seemed old. Because when I was 10 my mum was a bit over 30 and my grandparents were in their late 50s, and that seemed old. Now I am in my late 50s and because society has changed I am nowhere near being a grandparent, and I don’t feel old. And if there was an age limit in my time in this job as opposed to the measure they do use, audience and revenue, I’d be pretty pissed off. I supposed Peter Boshier went into it with his eyes open. He knew the rules. But that doesn’t make the rule right, and it doesn’t make the attitude that drove the rule right. Talent, skill, brains, determination, acumen, experience, these are the measures of value, that’s why they say age is but a number. Look up Lyn Slater and tell her she's too old. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What would it take for a party to give back a political donation? The British Conservative Party’s biggest donor told colleagues that looking at MP Diane Abbott makes you “want to hate all black women,” and said that she “should be shot”. Frank Hester has donated £10 million to the Tories in the past year, which PM Rishi Sunak is disinclined to return despite disavowing the comments and calling them racist. UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking that while the Labour Party is telling them to have some spine, return the money, and make it clear that the comments are racist, they’re still refusing to give any money back. He suspects that that’s as far as it will go. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pope is still in hot water for his comments on Ukraine. In an interview recorded last month with Swiss broadcaster RSI, Pope Francis said that Ukraine should have the courage of “the white flag” and negotiate an end to the war with Russia. The Vatican was forced to backtrack yesterday, urging Moscow to halt what the Secretary of State called “an unjust invasion”. Italy Correspondent Jo McKenna told Mike Hosking that today the Russian Embassy to the Holy See was flying its flag supporting the Pope on the 11th anniversary of his election. She said they described him as the true defender of humanism, peace, and traditional values. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tariffs across the ditch are getting scrapped to lower living costs and some are asking if New Zealand should follow suit. Australia will remove import taxes on a wide range of goods from July to bring cost-of-living relief. It will streamline $9 nine billion worth of annual trade and save businesses over $30 million yearly. Business NZ's Catherine Beard told Mike Hosking that we got rid of most tariffs in the 1980s, there’s just a few left. She says it's a legacy of the past —as most of them left are between 5-10%— and aren't doing much. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food price inflation may have hit its lowest point since May 2021, but that doesn't mean eating out will get any cheaper. Stats NZ data for February shows the price of restaurant and ready-to-eat-meals has increased by 6.7% year-on-year. Overall food price inflations is at 2.1%, driven by fruit and vege prices falling 9.3%. Restaurant Association CEO Marisa Bidois told Mike Hosking that the industry has experienced increased costs across the board, with a major one being the 38% increase in labour costs. The labour costs were the main thing driving up prices, she said, as many restaurants have been reluctant to increase the prices too high and haven't necessarily kept up with the increase in cost of goods. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government remains adamant there will be no further bailouts for Mount Ruapehu's struggling ski field beyond this year. Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts to operate this season. The company, which has been in receivership since October last year, has been operating on funds from a previous bailout. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones told Mike Hosking that the latest support will definitely be the last. He says he's got no mandate to offer more money and is calling this bailout the "last chance saloon". LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in New Zealand for the Summer, Kaylee Bell is starting her year off with a bang. The country-pop artist has been busy with festivals and family, performing with Synthony at Rhythm and Alps just before the count down on New Years Eve. “I don’t know how I top that now for a New Year,” she told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking. “That was a pretty cool way to spend that.” She briefly jumped across to Australia and performed at a few Meatstock festivals, and most importantly, has been getting ready for her own tour kicking off this week. The ‘Nights Like This Tour’ kicks off tonight in Tauranga, Bell travelling up and down New Zealand to perform her newest album which drops Friday. ‘Nights Like This’ is Bell’s third studio album and with over 500k monthly listeners on Spotify, she's definitely got a presence in the industry. “It was really cool to come out as a guest and have people singing along,” she told Hosking, referring to her New Years performance. “To hear people singing your music is like, the biggest compliment, and that’s been happening a lot more.” Bell’s career is still growing, still evolving, and she’s taking inspiration from the performance styles of the likes of Shania Twain and Keith Urban. “We’re still growing this thing, but we have big dreams and big expectations.” She and her band rehearse every week, “working their butts off” in Bell’s words. “We’re always trying to be better.” The tour is a reflection of that, initially starting with much fewer stops than the fourteen it’s wound up with. “We’re pretty much covering almost everywhere through the country, which is exciting.” From Whangarei right down to Invercargill and Nelson, Bell of course making a stop in her hometown of Waimate. “We never want to miss that one.” Not only will she be touring this year but Bell is returning to the festival circuit in Australia, this time as the headlining act. “As a female country artist, it’s important I think, to step up and own that headlining space,” she told Hosking. “I think a lot of the time we get put into these support roles and that's also awesome, but it’s just nice to like, be like, ‘nah, I’m gonna headline’ and sort of, you know, take that risk.” “I think it’s really important.” ‘Nights Like This’ releases Friday 15th of March. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane Reti has set a timeframe of 2030 to reach his five health targets but there's concern this will be too little too late. The Health Minister's targets aim to address areas such as cancer treatment, child immunisation, and ED wait times. He's faced criticism across the House and from health authorities about not setting any targets related to primary care. Northcote A&E Medical Director Peter Boot told Mike Hosking that primary care is the base of the whole system and it's completely disintegrating. Therefore, he says, it all comes tumbling down. Boot says you can put any amount of money into the top storey, but it's no use unless you look after the bottom storey. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a different caucus retreat for the Labour Party compared to last year. MPs will gather in Wairarapa for the belated annual meeting, which is usually held in January. Political editor Jason Walls told Mike Hosking that issues are starting to build up in the party camp. He says it's not going to be a celebration today, but more a period of reflection and rebuilding. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The carbon market is worth following, if for no other reason than it’s a very good example of voodoo economics - and it's highly entertaining. We talked yesterday to Steven Joyce about James Shaw's desire to have our liability on carbon emissions put into the books so we can all see what sort of effect it would have on our finances. The key lines in Joyce's explanation were that we can't do that because we don’t actually know what the figure is, remembering of course we promised to reduce emissions in the Paris Accord by a certain amount in a certain timeframe. He also quite rightly pointed out that there is no one to pay it to, and the reason there is no one to pay it to is because the whole thing is invented. Which brings us back to the Climate Change Commission, who have put out their latest advice. And their latest advice advises the Government that they have their settings all wrong. The previous Government had their settings all wrong as well, given the carbon auctions last year were a complete and utter bust. The carbon auctions happen four times a year but it's another invention - if you're a polluter you buy credits to offset your emissions. The trouble was at each and every one of the auctions last year no one bought anything. Not one carbon credit. Nothing. As each auction came and went the unsold credits got added to the next auction, so work out the ol' supply and demand equation and guess what happened? That's right - nothing. Four auctions and not a single sale. The Government could have got $2billion-ish but they got nothing. The commission says we need to do something about it because there are too many credits, there is too much uncertainty and we run the risk of not meeting our obligations. Small question - what exactly happens if we don't meet our obligations? The answer, my bet, is nothing. Very few, if anyone, is meeting their obligations. China certainly isn't, or America, or India, the world's actual polluters. We have got ourselves caught up in a faux fight, with a market we invented, in a non-enforceable deal. All propped up by the idea that you should hand over money to an imaginary group, or organisation, or people if you burn coal. Could it be the fact no credits were sold at our auctions last year and the commissions concerns over settings is largely because this is a scam? And when push comes to shove people don't mind espousing hot air about it, we love a bit of greenwashing. It's just we are not so keen on handing over actual money. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s yet another reminder of New Zealand's wine prowess. Wine Maker Michael Brajkovich of Kumeu River Wines has been announced as the 2024 Winemakers’ Winemaker. Brajkovich is recognized by many as the pioneer of the chardonnay movement in New Zealand and for spearheading the use of screw cap closures. He told Mike Hosking that it was a huge accolade for him, their company, and their family. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday’s dramatic LATAM flight is the latest in a long list of troubles for Boeing. Ten passengers and three crew were hospitalised after the plane dropped 150 metres mid-flight, more than 50 people injured total. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that the Federal Aviation Administration’s audit into the Boeing 737 Max —the model used for the Alaska Airlines flight in January— found dozens of issues. The agency tested 89 product parts from the 737 Max 9, passing in 56 of the audits but failing in 33. Arnold said that the FAA has been given til late May to fix the issues found in the audit, and then within 90 days they must produce an ongoing quality control plan. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labour party is firing pot-shots at Police Minister Mark Mitchell, calling his recent Police pay offer "disgraceful". The Police Association has slammed the Government's latest pay offer, calling on the minister to come to the table with a better deal. Labour's Kieran McAnulty told Mike Hosking that the Government is increasing Police workload, so they should pay up. He says if the Government can afford tax relief for landlords, they should be able to afford a Police pay rise. Mitchell told Hosking that negotiations are still ongoing, and they are being done in good faith. He said that they’re in a very difficult fiscal position but they’re working as hard as they can. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The union representing Police says the minister needs to do more to support officers. It comes after the Police Association dubbed the Government's latest pay offer as "insulting". They rejected the government’s offer in September 2023, and were presented with the same offer on Friday, which due to the amount of time passed, is now worth about $2000 less. President Chris Cahill told Mike Hosking that Police Minister Mark Mitchell, a former officer himself, is putting extra work on them, so needs to pay up. He says while Mitchell is a good advocate for Police, he campaigned on law and order so now needs to compensate them. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Airbnb is banning all indoor security cameras from listed properties due to privacy concerns. It previously allowed cameras in common areas so long as they were disclosed on listings. But it's also been facing complaints and online backlash from guests who have discovered hidden cameras during their short-term stays. Auckland-based Zodiak Management director Stefan Nikolic told Mike Hosking that he thinks the change will only impact a small number of hosts. He says that's because not many properties have internal cameras. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's being urged to decrease the number of carbon credits available to buy after four failed auctions last year. The Climate Change Commission says there are too many credits on offer, and the problem is getting worse. It also says the Government needs to clarify their plan for meeting climate targets. Climate Change Commission chair Rod Carr told Mike Hosking that there are enough units existing, so fewer are needed to be auctioned in the next four years. He says the auctions only occur when there's a need, and last year participants already held units or bought them from secondary markets. The Government's next auction is next Wednesday. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Water lost to leaks could be costing New Zealand more than $100 million each year. Otago University research found across the country, 20% of treated drinking water is lost to leaky pipes, at an estimated cost of $122 million. Co-author of the report, Marnie Prickett told Mike Hosking that our levels of water loss are much higher than international comparisons. She says Tokyo loses only 5% of water and US cities lose around 10%, so our levels are significant. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Workplace Relations Minister says businesses want the Government to simplify employment laws. Brooke van Velden has laid out her agenda for this term, including focusing on regulations around contractors, public holidays, health and safety rules, and personal grievances Also a priority is sorting out the law around holidays. van Velden told Mike Hosking that she wants to simplify laws and give certainty around the Holidays Act. She says because the law is so complex, a lot of businesses have found themselves non-compliant, even the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The French President’s visit to Ukraine has been delayed. The visit was initially planned to take place in February, visiting Kiev, the capital, and Odessa. One reason that this visit was delayed was the Russian missile attack in an area not far from where the Greek and Ukrainian Prime Ministers were visiting in Odessa. European Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking that eyes are on Macron after his comments regarding support for Ukraine. She said that everyone is wondering what he means, and if he’s going to follow up on his words. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are two areas where the Government has, or might have, trouble. As a result of their first 100 days you get the summation, the round up, how they did and so on. Forget the policy and whether you like it - what they have going for them is twofold, for at least the first term. They won the election, so have the numbers, and a lot of what they are enacting is not just the opposite of the last lot for the sake of it, but because a lot of the last lot's record is indisputably a mess. Think light rail, housing, the deficit etc. So, a new path is not a path about change because of ideology. It’s a path about correction or fixing what is broken. But a lot of what they campaigned on was the wokeness and the Māorification of the system. This, apparently, was going to change. Well, has it? Not at the Reserve Bank. They are advertising for a diversity adviser, someone to put a Te ao Māori lens across matters. Now, as ACT quite rightly pointed out, this does not help bring down inflation, which is exactly what they are supposed to be doing. And if you compare them to many a trading partner, they're not doing it very well. Now, it is this very sort of activity that was supposed to end. Not just because we didn’t like its flourishing presence under the last Government, but because its wasteful and money we don’t have. So why is it still happening? ACT say the Reserve Bank is independent, which it is. But the issue is in opposition ACT would point this sort of madness out and get easy headlines for it. The difference now is they are the Government and can fix it, yet they aren't. They are offering excuses and that starts to weigh on your credibility and popularity after a while. The second issue is the Prime Minister's so-called radar. The consensus among the commentariat, if that in fact means anything, was Luxon's political radar is off. Certainly, the weekend's poll, showing a crash in personal support, would lead you to believe that the $52,000 accommodation allowance was a mistake. There has also been no shortage of observations about Luxon looking like he was getting schooled by Peters and Seymour. Now, here is the trouble. I don’t think it's as bad as they make out, but numbers are numbers. In this case observation can very quickly become reality. The trouble is the Government remains popular. In fact, support is growing and yet support for the Prime Minister is doing the opposite. That's not a reason to panic in March, a handful of months into a new term. But time runs quickly in Government and if this doesn’t change it will be a problem before you know it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has a knack for producing talented country-pop musicians. Self-taught Christchurch based musician Karra Rhodes has just released a single, ‘Why Can’t I Love You Less’, a full album on the horizon. Rhodes loves a challenge, juggling law exams, study, writing, and raising two young children as she pushes forward with her music career. Writing is a particular passion of hers, having been a ghost-writer for two years as well as writing her own debut fantasy novel. She told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking that music is her downtime, getting fidgety if she tries to watch TV and instead heading over to the piano or guitar. Currently Rhodes is writing a song a week and plans to record an entire album of work in August. “We still have a few songs to release before that, to tick people over, but we’re recording, myself and Greg, are recording in August.” Her big picture plan is to get out into the industry as a full songwriter. “I love making my own music, I love writing,” Rhodes told Hosking. “For me, it’s not so much about getting out there and, you know, internationally touring, I just, I want a reason to write." “I want a reason for the whole, for the songs that are right to have a home rather than, than disappear into the shadowlands of music that will never be heard.” Rhodes has recently gotten into toplining, which is when musicians who struggle at creating lyrics or melodies for their music hire a songwriter to create them for them. “it’s fantastic because you’re getting like, a whole new source of inspiration.” She said that being a songwriter, sometimes it's easy to get stuck in the same chords, the same thing each time, so having someone else’s musical beds is really good. Being self-taught, Rhodes is used to muddling through and improvising. “If you put a sheet of music in front of me, I’d probably struggle. If you gave me all the chords, I could just make it up.” The ability to improvise is a skill Rhodes values and is a gift she thinks more people have than they realise, they just lack the technical knowledge to follow through. “You want to be able to improvise on the spot, make it sound like something that you like, rather than somebody telling you what you should be doing.” “You should be able to come up with something you enjoy." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Treasury has killed plans to include the cost of climate responsibilities on Government books. Former Climate Change Minister James Shaw wanted the $23 billion cost included. But Treasury says the sum doesn't meet generally accepted accounting methodology. Former Finance Minister Steven Joyce told Mike Hosking that including the cost would be purely political. He says it's listed on the accounts as a fiscal risk but doesn't need to be quantified at this stage. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Property values are slightly higher on an annual basis for the first time since August last year. The latest QV property index shows the national average house value in February is 0.6% higher than the same time last year. However, it's still 13% lower than the market's peak in 2021. QV Operations Manager James Wilson told Mike Hosking that the market is still really volatile. He said that they’re seeing a large number of listings, which quells demand and subsequently quells prices to a degree. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small renovations and minor building work are set to be cheaper. From July 1, any building project worth under $65 thousand, including GST, will be exempt from the building levy. Currently any project worth $20,444 and above is subject to the fee, which is paid at $1.75 per $1000 of work value. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk told Mike Hosking that the effects will be minimal, as the government has a levy which has built up over the years. He says the change will reduce unnecessary red tape and means people will save up to $113 for small renovations. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government’s interest deductibility plan is a compromise that reflects the current fiscal situation according to the Prime Minister. Residential property investors are receiving less tax relief than National promised ACT in the coalition agreement, the interest limitation rule being phased out next financial year instead of this. Luxon says this change is the mark of a “grown-up Government”. The change, Luxon told Mike Hosking, was a result of inheriting an economy that was frankly, not in great shape. He said that they want to do right by New Zealand and its people each and every time, and it means there's a slight change from the policies each party went to the election with. But he thinks they’ve got to a good place. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Funds gifted to the Wellsford Volunteer Fire Brigade from may be returned due to its association with a gang. The $2.5k donation was raised in the Head Hunters North Motorcycle club's "Outlaw Motorcycle Run" event. Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden and members of the public have voiced opposition to the club accepting the money. But sociologist and gang expert Jarrod Gilbert told Mike Hosking that the event was open to the public and about 40 businesses helped raise the money. Gilbert says it's not the first time charitable gifts from outlaw clubs have not been accepted, but by and large, they tend to be. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Property Investors' Federation says easing rents relies on many factors. The Government's re-introducing interest deductibility for landlords. They'll be able to claim 80 percent of interest expenses from April, and 100 percent from April 2025. The Government says it'll ease pressure on rents, also benefiting tenants. Property Investors' Federation President Sue Harrison told Mike Hosking that the pressure on rents, has come from insufficient rental properties. She says they've been put under high pressure from high interest rates, and the money has to come from somewhere. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters is visiting India, as New Zealand tries to strengthen it's ties with the economic giant. He says it's time New Zealand made efforts to progress our relationship with India. India NZ Business Council Chair Michael Fox told Mike Hosking, with a strong economy and hard working people, India has a lot to offer New Zealand. He says India is progressing rapidly, and we need to be part of their growth story. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chloe Swarbrick is raring to go in her new role as Green Party co-leader. She is taking over the reins from James Shaw - and will share the party's co-leadership with Marama Davidson. Swarbrick says her process will be about mobilising people and communities to understand their power to make change. She told Mike Hosking that the Government is basically pulling from the same playbook as it was in 1984. Swarbrick says we're confronted with the climate crisis and the greatest rates of wealth inequality. She says the party's immediate focus will be on the Government's harmful environmental policies and punching down on beneficiaries. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Transport is giving itself a pass mark, for its handling of the weekend's Pink concerts at Eden Park. On Friday night, some concert-goers say they were left stranded on platforms because there weren't enough trains heading to the central city. On Saturday, some were left waiting more than an hour for trains or buses, with some buses leaving before all seats were filled. AT Public Transport Director Stacey van der Putten told Mike Hosking that extra services were put on to deal with the tens of thousands of people travelling to and from the concerts. She says she would score their performance as a seven out of ten -- "pretty good" with some room for improvement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington Water says aging pipes are to blame, after reports show the water agency's failing to reach targets. The cost to fix leaks has tripled since 2021, jumping to almost five-thousand dollars per leak. It also found the backlog of works has increased, since extra funding was provided in December. Wellington Water Chair, Nick Leggett, told Mike Hosking that they've fixed more than two-thousand leaks since July last year, and they're working as hard as they can. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Wilson and Kate Hawkesby joined Mike Hosking to wrap up the biggest news stories from the week. 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. Donald Trump: 7/10 A Supreme Court win and a race that is essentially over. That's not a bad week. EV's: 3/10 The sales figures for February back up the sales figures for January, in that there weren't many of them. And they think this month will be about the same. Toyota: 7/10 Thanks for the honesty. They are right, there are real questions around the value of second hand EV's and it's good for people to know that. Premier House: 4/10 It's a fuss about nothing. It has no architectural merit, it's not a beloved national institution. It's an old house in a flash neighbourhood. So whack it on OneRoof and maximise the return. The haka: 2/10 One of the low points of the week. Professionals acting as amateurs in a heavily subsidised operation, where good will, professionalism and determination are required, not mad-cap politics. Business start-ups: 9/10 Stat of the week. Of those that started during Covid, 92% are still going. The Crusaders: 4/10 Hmmm. Maybe Razor was quite good. The Warriors: 8/10 Here we go! Has there been a season with so much talent, off the back of a fabulous 2023 and so much expectation? This is our year. LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.