The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Not for the first time have too many people read what happened yesterday completely incorrectly.  "It was over", they told us. "The numbers were done", they told us. "Tuesday night was it", they told us.  "There wasn’t a caucus meeting required". Wrong.  "Mark Mitchell was Erica Stanford's deputy". Wrong.  "The idea that Luxon could do this twice was impossible". Wrong.  One of the great sadnesses of the modern media and its lack of institutional knowledge is too many people talk to themselves, or don’t recognise when their sources are stitching them up, or they put too much of their own agenda into the coverage.  This is not to say Luxon didn’t have trouble and that members of the National caucus weren't whining. But it is to say that that doesn’t mean when push comes to shove you pull a trigger on what almost certainly was a gargantuan political mistake.  To repeat from yesterday; the polls are fine, Luxon's issues are not sackable, and the economy is turning. The S&P just upgraded our GDP for God's sake.  This is no time to panic, and this is no time to put your burgeoning aspirations as a backbencher to the test.  I'm thrilled for Christopher Luxon. He deserves a lot better than he has got. The foibles, if you want to put them like that, are not sackable offences.  The fact Peters last time, and Seymour this time, spoke well of what he has done in a tricky first-of-its-kind coalition deal is not to be underestimated.  Oh the irony that opponents can see what his backbencher moaners can't.  This is not and was not a crisis. This was a self-centred, naval gazing, bitchathon from National MPs who should know how to behave better.  Remember where you heard it first – when National win and the Coalition enter the second term, and the Luxon era of leadership issues vanishes, because that’s what happens with victory, it will be a moment to savour.  The easy thing for Luxon to do would have been to walk, and a lot would have.  Belief is a sadly rare, but powerful trait and whatever you say about him he clearly has it.  Staring them down for a second time might just be the nail in their coffin.  He is a better man than they. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK is facing one of its strangest by-elections in modern history.  Tomorrow will see Clacton constituents vote for their MP – Nigel Farage attempting to defend the seat he stood down from last month.  The race is currently between the Reform UK Leader and satirical candidate Count Binface, with polls putting Farage around 70% and Binface around 30%.  UK Correspondent Enda Brady told Mike Hosking those results in of themselves are embarrassing.  He says Farage fancies himself as the next Prime Minister, but spent the last few weeks campaigning against a bin.  There’s also the concern that since he has two parliamentary standards investigations coming his way, Farage may have to resign again, forcing yet another by-election.  Brady told Hosking a by-election costs around £250,000, and the country is already on its knees financially.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s elite snow sports scene is being recognised, with it set to host superstar Shaun White’s latest competition.  The Snow League is in its second season, and this year will see the introduction of the World Challenge – a first of its kind event hosted at Cardrona in the South Island.  The event is made up of four teams of athletes from around the world —North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Challengers— and features a couple of Kiwis.  Kiwi freeskier Fin Melville Ives is returning after an injury, hitting the slopes as a member of Team Challengers, and told Mike Hosking he’s both excited and nervous, as it’s set to be a crazy and intense event.  He says the event managers plan on making it a regular stop on the tour, which is exciting, and will give us an opportunity to showcase the crazy level of talent coming from New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 13th of August, Minister Mark Mitchell gives us the inside word on the leadership coup.  The latest threat report from the NZSIS paints us in a more vulnerable position than a year ago – Director-General Andrew Hampton discusses the details.  Fin Melville Ives details his recovery from his horrific crash at the Winter Olympics and the new snow sport event launching in NZ that he's part of.    Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland wants to put its best foot forward as a cruise destination.  Auckland Unlimited and the city's port have unveiled a 10 year plan focused on strengthening areas like visitor experience, infrastructure, and the environment.  This comes after the country lost around 250 port calls last season compared to the previous season, and is set to lose about 20 this summer.  Auckland Unlimited Destination Director Annie Dundas told Mike Hosking cruise lines have so much choice in where they can travel, and we have to be competitive, or we’ll miss out on a billion-dollar industry.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Time's ticking for National to rebuild itself as a united front after putting Christopher Luxon's leadership to the test a second time.  The Prime Minister survived a confidence vote launched by Chris Penk - at yesterday's three hour caucus meeting in Wellington.  He's now dumped Penk from his ministerial portfolios and the former Defence Minister has announced he'll quit politics in November.  Political Commentator Peter Dunne told Mike Hosking Luxon should be commended for surviving the challenge, but a third one would be a stretch too far.  He says this has to be the end of it through to the election, and all the sentiments about the party being “100% united” have to be demonstrated if National’s to come through this unscathed.   Dunne was sceptical of the idea that Penk had launched the challenge to put himself forward for the job, saying he felt it was "a bit far-fetched", and that Penk was more likely testing the waters for others, namely Chris Bishop and Erica Stanford.  "I don't think he necessarily was actively working with Bishop and Stanford, although he was clearly touting their cases," Dunne told Hosking.  "[Luxon] can't really run a credible government without those two, so they have to be there, they have to be [kept] in senior roles, and they have to be seen to be treated as senior ministers."  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Security Intelligence Service warns our national security challenges are intensifying as geopolitical tensions heat up.  Its report finds public and private sectors are being targeted by foreign states attempting to access our critical assets.  It also suggests Chinese military intelligence has been using job sites to target current and former government officials holding secrets.    SIS Director-General Andrew Hampton told Mike Hosking our connections and innovations make us valuable to foreign powers.   He says in the past year, wars have broken out and a range of countries are engaging in geostrategic competition, negatively impacting the threats we face.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ExportNZ is sounding the alarm about the costly obstacles faced by exporters.  Its report says at least 83% of our exports are affected by non-tariff barriers, resulting in more than $9 billion a year in costs.  It finds on average, Kiwi products face nine separate non-tariff barriers across the markets they enter.  Executive Director Joshua Tan told Mike Hosking it's also about having the right settings at home.  He says it's not just about Free Trade Agreements or non-tariff barriers; there's a lot which can be fixed in this country.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Mitchell is sorry about the whole situation the National party caucus found itself in.  Christopher Luxon stared down yesterday's challenge to his leadership, coming from Chris Penk.  He's paid the political price, being stripped of his portfolios, before announcing last night he won't run for re-election in November.   Senior colleague Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking Penk's challenge was a surprise.   He says he considers him a friend, and he hasn't had a chance to talk to him about what he was thinking.  Mitchell says any speculation he was involved in a challenge is false – and he was sure Luxon’s supporters were in a strong position.   He says he was quietly confident they had the numbers and that people would realise there was no upside to a coup.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwibank is being forced to follow the big banks’ lead.  Its one-year special rate has risen 20 basis points to 4.95%, and its two-year also increased 20 points to 5.39%.  The increase is motivated by the bank’s desire to remain competitive as wholesale borrowing costs continue to rise.  CEO Steve Jurkovich told Mike Hosking wholesale rates have been hard to deal with, but they don’t think the Official Cash Rate needs to increase in September.   He says putting the rate up doesn’t produce more oil or make things more settled.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks have blitzed the Sharks 54-nil at a soaked Durban to go two wins from two matches on their rugby tour of South Africa.  New Zealand ran in eight tries, six of which came in the second half.  Former All Black Sir John Kirwan believes the side is making progress in preparing for how to shut down the Springboks in the first test on Sunday week.   He told Mike Hosking they’re breaking down how the South Africans play and the counters are starting to take shape – a better kicking game, kicking behind them, and trying to break down the closing of the gate defence.  Kirwan says they’re building in the right direction.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 12th of August, former National MP Wayne Mapp and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour talk about the damage to the National Party as the Luxon leadership speculation rolls on.  We break down all the rumours and likely outcomes of the National Party caucus meeting – who supports Luxon, who doesn't, and if there will be a vote.  Mark Mitchell gets put into some tough positions on Politics Wednesday while Ginny Andersen looks on gleefully.  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.

A new restaurant for Auckland's CBD, inside the new Faradays Luxury Department Store.   Josh and Helen Emett are opening their third CBD restaurant, called Lottie's, inside the multi-purpose development.   The high-end space will open on Queen Street next month, seeing global brands like SKIMS debut on our shores.   Josh Emett told Mike Hosking it's a step towards making Auckland a more international city.   He says it's a great city and there's lots of space for this kind of growth.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Say it's Erica Stanford as leader, does she swing your vote?  What about Bishop? Do things materially change because he is suddenly the leader?  This is the madness of what National are up to.  There's the panickers in the back, some of whom might lose their jobs, because when they arrived as the tide pulled in in 2023, they didn't work out some of them have to lose three years later, because that’s what tides do. They turn.  National of course have form in Bill English and Judith Collins. We all remember the calamity that seems to grip the party when they put self-interest first.  But this time things are different. Polls have them returning for another term.  And even if you're angsty about that, replacing Luxon does not change a thing. Direction doesn’t change, policy doesn't change and the coalition doesn’t change.  Do the optics change? Maybe.  Is that what the majority of people vote on? The optics?  This election is about whether the country is going in the right direction, or not. Your mind will not be changed based on Stanford, Bishop, or Luxon. The work they have done to get us here has already got your vote, or it hasn’t.  As for Chris Penk and his dirty work in this whole exercise – what a doofus. How did he get sucked into this?  Being disloyal is one of human nature's lowest traits and National seem to be comfortable with it.  Even if you argue Luxon never quite fired, and a lot do, he is not individually holding National back from winning an election.  Given all the polling this should not be happening. That’s how mental it all is.  If they were on 22% and losing, if it was Andrew Little and Labour, if it was English in 2002, then maybe. But it isn't.  The Opposition is barely alive, one of their three parties is imploding, and the Poll of Polls has little, if any, path to Government.  So the good old Nats decide to put their best self-interest foot forward and shoot themselves in it.  As one senior Nat put it to me yesterday; "you can't write this stuff". See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A senior National MP's throwing cold water on the idea the Prime Minister will be voted out of his job as National party leader today.   Mark Mitchell says there's been a lot of speculation from media commentators about what will happen, but there's no confirmation.   He told Mike Hosking everyone's getting ahead of themselves.  Mitchell says he sat with Luxon until late last night to make sure he's in the "strongest possible position today and supported for the caucus meeting".  He said he'd seen media reports claiming Chris Penk had been hitting the phones to shore up support for Erica Stanford, but stressed there would be no discussions until the 9.30am meeting.  Affirming his loyalty to Luxon as leader, Mitchell described himself as "very old-fashioned" and said he took "great offence" to people who work outside that operandus.  "If you've got someone that's not been loyal to the leader inside the caucus, you can't do it publicly. You actually front up and sit down and say, 'These are what the issues are'," he said.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More people are starting businesses, despite tough economic conditions.  Data shows there's been more than 62 thousand companies incorporated in the year to July, the highest number since 2021.  That's despite latest Companies Office data finds liquidations have surged – rising more than 70% in the past three years.  First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson told Mike Hosking the current gig economy is reducing a lot of barriers.  He says inflation is bringing the GST threshold closer and people want to regain control in life.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Deputy Prime Minister won’t make a prediction on the outcome of today’s National leadership challenge, but says a Prime Minister leading a coalition that’s ahead in the polls should be supported.  Christopher Luxon called an emergency caucus meeting for this morning in response to the growing speculation over his ability to lead the party into the election.  David Seymour told Mike Hosking he’s not going to sit there and bag Luxon, who is doing the best he can, given difficult circumstances.   He says the National party leader has foibles just like everyone else, but he's managed to unite his own party and the Coalition.  Seymour said the leadership challenge was “not helpful” and was a distraction from policy – specifically replacing the RMA, which he claimed was "the only thing that really matters" for New Zealand's future.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former National MP believes Christopher Luxon’s decision to call today’s emergency caucus meeting was a mistake.  The Prime Minister announced the meeting on social media yesterday, saying the speculation about his leadership needs addressing.  With Parliament in recess, MPs have had to fly in from around the country.  Mapp told Mike Hosking Luxon could have dismissed the speculation as the work of a few dissident MPs.  He says Luxon’s constructed the stage for his own execution.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Was Hipkins ruling out NZ First really a decision, or an announcement, or even a story?  Peters, of course, ruled Labour out a long time ago.  I've been surprised by the number of people who text me telling me not to be so naïve.  I'm told Peters is not to be trusted. I take Peters at his word though. He says a lot of random and increasingly clickbait-y stuff, but he doesn’t straight up and down deceive.   So when you take Hipkins ruling out Peters and add it to Peters ruling out Hipkins, can we assume all the conspiracy theorists can now go focus on something new?  The trouble now for Labour is the math.  As the Herald's Poll of Polls very clearly shows, there is virtually no pathway to office under current numbers.  It's also fair to suggest that as people digest the Opportunity Party, they either reject them because they're mad, or they bleed votes off Labour and possibly the Greens. It's just a reshuffling of the “higher tax and more socialism” brigade.  Either way, it doesn’t grow the pie.  Last week's poll is proof of it. Labour didn’t tumble the same way Opportunity didn't double their support. Hipkins is most likely right that the poll is rogue, which is why yet again, we don’t trust one-off polls.  What the Government have in their favour is three solid, viable parties.  The left have two – Labour and the Greens, and the third is a shadow of what it once was or could have been. If they're lucky, they may cobble together a seat or two electorally, but that'll be about it.  With National on 30% and two parties at 8% or above, that's government.  With Labour on 30% and even the Greens on 10%, they're still 10% short and the Māori Party don’t make up the difference.  Even though it was never real, mathematically NZ First gave Labour the potential of the numbers and the threat of the possibility.  So as we sit here in early August with 88 days to go, short of some level of upheaval, collapse or resurgence for the ages, Hipkins is like a shag on a rock.  He's got him and one and a bit options.  It's not a government. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another new prospect from New Zealand’s country music scene.  Brother and sister duo Tiana and Sonny Miti, known as MITI, released their first single in 2023, and have been on the grind since then, winning awards and performing on various stages.  And their talent has been recognised – their newest work being mixed by none other than Taylor Swift’s Nashville engineer.   The duo is working on an album, of which ‘Wasting More Time On You’ is the first single.  “We generally hope it does well and connects with a lot of our viewers,” Tiana Miti told Mike Hosking.  “The song is about, y’know, it’s a country heartbreak anthem, and we’ve gotten pretty good feedback so far about people relating to it.”  “That’s all we pretty much ask for.”  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confidence is building that New Zealand will get a second NRL league team.  The Christchurch City Council’s been working directly with the governing body for almost two years on requirements for a 20th team.  New documents show a consultant has helped build a proposal, which is happening alongside the private Southern Orca bid.  Chair Sir Graham Lowe told Mike Hosking he’s confident New Zealand will get the franchise.  He says the Warriors have done a great job marketing us, and Christchurch’s One NZ Stadium is as good as any stadium in the NRL, if not better.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Millionaires and wealthy foreigners continue to eye up moves to New Zealand through the golden visa scheme.  The new programme has seen more than 700 applications in the past 14 months, up more than 115 in the previous setting.  More than 270 applications were from the US, with most of the interest coming from California.  New Zealand Immigration CEO David Cooper told Mike Hosking uncertainty and concern about the future are key drivers for Americans.  He says the way the US has been playing out the various wars is making people think about finding a second home.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 11th of August, Local Government Minister Simon Watts explains what's next for the councils who haven't submitted any sort of plan for amalgamation.  Sir Graham Lowe updates us on the Southern Orcas NRL bid and the council getting involved as it gains steam.  And Tiana Miti debuts her new music and discusses the Nashville connection.  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.

A property developer says smelly sewage could spoil a controversial North Auckland housing development.   The fast-track panel has approved a controversial 12-hundred home Delmore development near Ōrewa.   Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says it's amateur, pathetic, and stupid.  There's concern about a lack of infrastructure to support the development, with Watercare saying it won't be able to connect any pipes until at least 2033.   Property Developer David Whitburn, who's not involved with the project, told Mike Hosking having to truck the waste out would be awful for residents and those nearby.   He says it's been done at Auckland's Red Hills and Clarks Beach, resulting in horrific smells.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The housing market appears to still be in favour of first-home buyers, with more than half of loans this year done at 20% equity.  Cotality data shows up to 60% of recent lending has been on a two-year fixed rate, up from less than 20% in November last year.  In June, around 16% of lending went to owner-occupiers with less than a 20% deposit.  Cotality chief economist Kelvin Davidson told Mike Hosking house prices have fallen so low, the risk of negative equity has pretty much disappeared.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Household energy bills are expected to keep rising, but the increases should be much lower than previous years.  Electricity gentailer Contact Energy's reported a 62% rise in underlying profit, due in part to higher renewable energy production.  Chief Executive Mike Fuge says power prices for businesses have been starting to fall.  But he told Mike Hosking power prices for consumers will keep rising as increases in lines and transmission charges will offset any reduction in their prices.  He says energy bills will continue to rise, but the good news is that will be at —or below— the rate of inflation.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is focusing council reform efforts on those who are willing to amalgamate.  It will be looking at 18 proposals put forward under its Head Start programme.  Local Government Minister Simon Watts says work will start now, and they'll make final decisions early next year.   He told Mike Hosking the plans for those who haven't participated will come later down the track.  Watts says there will be a back stop for them, but work won't start on those until next year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I hope if you read it or caught it over the weekend you enjoyed  the coverage of Newstalk ZB's 100th birthday. I can tell you for nothing it is an honour and a joy to be a small part of what has become this country's greatest radio success story. Although it has taken various iterations over the years, from a fledgling operation limited in hours by the Government through to the publicly listed operation it is today, there are very, very few companies in this country that have stood the test of time and been as successful as we have for that whole period. One of the ironies of the success is that many companies that haven't made it got overtaken in some way by progress; technology, AI, change of customer habits, and yet radio despite having been written off so many times, has not just survived but boomed. The radio industry in general in this country is in remarkable health. Yes there have been changes and re-shapings, expansions and retreats, start-ups and close-downs. But the industry has broadly consolidated into what it is today; profitable and used in some way by the vast, vast majority of New Zealanders each and every day. And at the top of the pile is us. As far as I know it remains an industry that has more stations per head of population than anywhere on Earth. We de-regulated the industry and for a while you could buy a frequency for about three cents and start your own station. Many did because why wouldn’t you? Have a crack. However talk radio is expensive and that’s why, comparatively, not as many had a go and as history shows us those who did venture into the area ran into trouble. Part of the issue was Newstalk ZB. ZB has been so good for so long the truism is that to make a mark you have to find a weakness. They couldn't find one, or at least not a big enough one. Critics often argue the ZB audience is rusted on. That is to insult the audience and show an ignorance for quality. Part of ZB's success is never taking the audience for granted and you do that by forever looking to improve, never resting and always pushing a little harder. The audience isn't rusted. It just hasn’t had a good enough reason to dabble elsewhere. Longevity is the other trick. Well, longevity and consistency. The Newstalk ZB breakfast show has had two hosts in 40 years. No one comes close to matching that. It has produced some of the greatest names the industry has ever known. It's covered the news and told our stories. It's reflected this country and its journey better than anything and anyone. The good news is I honestly feel not only are these its best days so far, but there are, at 100, more and better ones to come. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 10th of August, Steven Joyce answers questions about whether National has credibility issues calling for Budget responsibility while increasing spending. The Prime Minister talks what new taxes they might be looking at and council amalgamation and what councils are holding out. Jason Pine and Andrew Saville discuss the Warriors, David Nyika's win and how long Canterbury will now hold the Ranfurly Shield for. 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 Jason Pine join Mike Hosking to review the weekend's sport.  On the table today: The Warriors have pulled off a dominant display over the Panthers, beating them 28 - 12. Canterbury have stolen the Ranfurly Shield from Otago. And the NBL saw some thrilling games over the weekend.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors strengthened their push for the top with a decisive win over the Panthers 28-12.  The NRL's top four are now log-jammed as the battle for a top two spot ramps up ahead of the finals.  The Panthers and Roosters sit level on 36 points, the Warriors on 34 and the Sharks have 32.  Warriors CEO Cameron George said he's 'incredibly proud' of the team and the fans.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's brushing off concerns it has a reputational problem over debt - as it lays out new fiscal responsibility rules. The party's promising a surplus by 2028/29 and Government spending below 30% of GDP - while ruling out new taxes on working people and small businesses. Leader Chris Luxon told Mike Hosking that there's a choice between austerity and stimulation, but he believes it's years of government stimulus that has the country in its current mess. He says they've plotted a third way, prioritising discipline around spending. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US has labelled demands from Iran to end the war as 'ridiculous'.  Iran is demanding the US to end its blockade of the oil channel, pay Iran damages for the war, unfreeze Iranian assets and lift all sanctions on Tehran.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold says that Vice President JD Vance had reported struggles in the peace talks just hours before Iran made their demands.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's under pressure to come clean on what new taxes it could be considering. The party's unveiled its budget responsibility rules, promising to deliver a surplus and rein in spending. But finance spokeswoman Nicola Willis has only ruled out higher taxes on working people, leaving the door open to other tax increases. Former Finance Minister Steve Joyce told Mike Hosking that bed and fuel taxes are the most likely options. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first episode of the 100 Years of ZB Podcast, Mike Hosking takes you through the birth of the iconic 1ZB in 1926.  The episode takes you through the history of the station from 1926 until the beginning of 1987. You'll hear snippets from the iconic names  - like Phil Shone, Aunt Daisy, Selwyn Toogood, Merv Smith and Marina (Jocelyn Parr).  Mike Hosking will also take you back in time to the famous moments from the 1ZB Theatre in Auckland - and the radio dramas that made the station an unmissable listen.  You'll also hear how 1ZB covered the big stories over that time - including the World War Two, the Wahine Disaster and the 1981 Springbok Tour.   100 Years of ZB - Celebrating a century of New Zealand's conversation. Archival audio from the collections at Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision.   New episodes every Sunday on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts - powered by Newstalk ZB.  LISTEN ABOVE OR BELOW IF YOU'RE LISTENING OUTSIDE OF NEW ZEALAND See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perhaps the Labour Party's small target election year strategy has started to unravel as one of their MPs, Helen White, told us all of her desire for house prices to fall. She wants them to come down. They have already come down of course, through a series of events that included her last Government's approach to the economy. The booming inflation they created, the bulging debt from all the spending and the general fiscal waste that saw interest rates spike, the country failing to collect the migrant numbers it had previously had, as well as the cost of building skyrocketing. As a result, the property market has broadly gone backwards for what many suggest now is a historic period of time. So she should be happy. Which is the problem with economic illiterates like her. The Labour Party of course don’t see things the way she does for obvious reasons. Two-thirds of New Zealanders own homes and many see them as a nest egg for retirement. Watching prices fall undermines our futures. Helen made herself a headline because she was asked about the Opportunity Party, the leader of which is standing in her Mt Albert electorate. They too want to wreck the property market with the land tax. Helen didn’t know much about that, all she knew was she wanted prices to fall. Sadly, this is the sort of trouble Chris Hipkins is going to have to start to mop up. Once you get into election mode a lot of random questions get asked of previously unheard-of MPs, some of whom manage to almost immediately display the attributes the party had been hoping could stay hidden, at least until election day. Helen is already infamous given Mt Albert is deep Labour territory, and she almost lost it in 2023. So, her start to 2026 doesn’t bode well. But the overarching message here is the bedrock of many New Zealanders savings strategies is under fire from increasing numbers of political operators. They want your retirement blown sky high with a property crash.  I'm backing that approach not to be overly popular.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.    Netball's gold medal: 8/10  The story of the Games and for Noeline, a gargantuan middle finger to the fools who ran the sport and did what they did to her.    The Commonwealth Games: 6/10  It seemed a success, but it also seemed an open question as to its need, or real interest.    The Strait of Hormuz: 2/10  We seem to be there or thereabouts, again, this morning. Trump has got to be losing sleep over this because it’s a gargantuan humiliation.    Car sales: 7/10  How come if we are so glum we go buy new cars? New car sales are rocketing.    Election enrolments: 8/10  Change the rules and cue the moaners, until the facts get published and, what do you know, more people are enrolled than the past three elections. So, it's not actually a problem at all proving, yet again, attitude is everything.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Luxon's MMP vote a stroke of genius to avoid an otherwise problematic week?  His apology for Rotorua was a cluster, the Māorification issues that haven't been resolved despite all the talk, the Corrections massages, MBIE, Treasury love-ins, the Justice Department cock-up on the Harrison bloke, and the unemployment rate to the upside – it's all looked like very bad news.  But then out of nowhere, "let's have a look at the entire way we elect Governments".  It makes sense to the extent we are going to vote on four-year terms anyway.  But here is your trouble with revisiting MMP; it's been too long between drinks.  There is an entire generation of voters, and I include my kids, who have never known anything else.  Constitutional change needs to be debated when an obvious issue has arisen i.e. Governments keep falling over and we lack stability, or we have recently had the debate and the ideas are still fresh in our minds.  Neither scenario is in play here.  Making it also problematic for the first-past-the-posters is Labour 2020-2023. They were an FPP Government and an example of why you would not in a million years let a single party near anything.  Good parties take you good places. Ardern and Hipkins blew the place up. Is that a result of FPP or a singular example of incompetence? And do you want to run that risk?  Obviously the counter is, on balance, our small players have not proved to be wonderful representatives of the broad idea that MMP brings wider representation. The representation they have brought is more calamity and chaos, than insight and brain power.  The Māori Party have imploded, again, the Greens are insane and quite possibly dangerous, and not really "green", and New Zealand First are racists and stirrers.  Having said that, if we insist on MMP overall, this current Government is the first full example of the art i.e. three parties in a full arrangement. It's been executed pretty well so Luxon comes off a strange run-up, given he's conducted it professionally and successfully.  If you want to run a book it was 58% for MMP last time. I reckon it would be even more this time.  And that’s from a person who, push comes to shove, would probably vote FPP.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Friday, which means Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that Was.  They discuss Christopher Luxon’s comments around a MMP referendum, ZB’s upcoming 100th anniversary, Joseph Parker, and some surprising breaking news for Mike.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks begin their first tour of South Africa for 30 years in Cape Town against the Stormers, a team they have never played in their modern form.  Dave Rennie named an experimental side for the test, with Patrick Tuipulotu as the captain and Siale Lauaki and Josh Jacomb scheduled to debut off the bench.  And an illness has forced a late change to the team, Anton Segner replacing Wallace Sititi as openside flanker while Peter Lakai moves to number eight.  Newstalk ZB’s Voice of Rugby Elliott Smith told Mike Hosking that Rennie has pretty much locked in his team for the first clash against the Springboks, but has been open that there’s room to move.  He says a handful of players such as Tuipulotu, Fabian Holland, and potentially Peter Lakai and Anton Segner could be in conversation for that team.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 7th of August, the Prime Minister has thrown the cat amongst the pigeons with his call for a referendum on MMP.  We get the exclusive from Joseph Parker as the UK Anti-Doping agency releases the reason he was cleared of his drugs charges.  And while Wrapping the Week, Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson discuss Luxon's MMP comment, 100 years of ZB, and some surprising breaking news for Mike!  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.

Luke Metcalf has been summoned from the selection wilderness into the Warriors ahead of tonight's match against NRL league leaders Penrith.  He'll start at halfback in what will be his first game since round five, after incumbent Te Maire Martin was ruled out with a hamstring strain.  Metcalf has played two NRL games this season, both in the five-eighth role and both in defeats.  Former Kiwis captain Richie Barnett told Mike Hosking it’s unknown at the moment what impact the late change will have.  “Is it an opportunity or a challenge for the side? We’ll find out tonight.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are concerns scrapping the Investment Boost could do more harm than good.  Labour's promising to up the GST threshold, lift the asset write-off, and make big businesses pay small suppliers in 15 days.   It'll axe the National's $6.6 billion scheme to pay for it – calling it untargeted.   Small Business NZ Founder Paul Wicks told Mike Hosking this policy could be very useful, with three practical ideas. But he says changes to the Investment Boost may create larger problems elsewhere.   Wicks is also sceptical about the blanket rule for paying small suppliers, saying the idea’s good but different industries have different payment cycles.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK Anti-Doping Agency have determined Joseph Parker's nutritionist was the reason traces of cocaine were found in a positive anti-doping test last year.  He's free to fight again after serving a three-month suspension and has denied knowingly taken banned substances.  A statement from UKAD says Parker's nutritionist was a regular user of the drug leading up to the sample being taken.  Parker told Mike Hosking that he noticed the nutritionist was dealing with a few issues while on the training camp, and advised him to stop.  But he said his food or drink was probably contaminated.   He says he had no idea when he hired the nutritionist that he was going through things, but he’s happy he's getting the help he needs.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trade Minister's defending a decision to scrap offshore staffing aimed at attracting golden visa money.   Government agency Invest NZ is making tweaks to its roadshow approach to attracting investors, and has cut its US and Europe-based staff.  The Active Investor Plus Visa lets big spenders invest a minimum of $5 million in New Zealand in exchange for a pathway to residency.   Trade Minister Todd McClay told Mike Hosking the private sector is already attracting people by itself.  He says law and investment firms are talking to their own clients and directing it, and while they want to promote New Zealand, they don’t want to replicate what the private sector does.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the Prime Minister fed up with his coalition partners?  Christopher Luxon told Kerre Woodham yesterday he's open to another vote on MMP, if re-elected.   The system allows more representation in Parliament for smaller parties and was upheld in a 2011 referendum.  Political commentator and former Cabinet Minister Peter Dunne told Mike Hosking Luxon's clearly frustrated.  Dunne says he thought he'd be leading a strong National government, supported by others, instead of the three-way coalition he signed up for.  Luxon’s also being described as having loose lips.  Dunne told Hosking he’s let a lot of comments slip recently appearing to just blurt things out and mop up afterwards – including abruptly ruling out working with the Opportunity Party.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm trying to work out in this council amalgamation back and forward, how many who aren't amalgamating are genuinely stuck, versus how many are simply sticking it up the Government because they don't like them and/or they don’t like being told what to do?  Councils are the bane of our lives. We are over council-ed, we are overrated and we should be immeasurably grateful to the central government who are capping rates and reducing the number of these groups.  The deadline to submit your plan is this weekend.  As always there are a decent number who haven't been able to get there, or if they have it will be close to deadline.  Another part of the problem is of course we don’t care. Our participation rate via voting is a joke.  I noted ironically the other day Auckland Council set up a committee to work out why their turn out was only 28%. I could help them there – get rates down and produce fewer committees.  The only reason you can argue against amalgamation is you're power hungry.  There are 70+ councils in this country. A tiny island nation with a handful of people and we need, they argue, over 70 councils?  Tiny little operations with duplication of services all over the place, all with their own rules, regulations and staffing costs and all with their weird variation and interpretation of rules.  If ever there was a case for “less is more”, we have it. But no.  Like recalcitrant children they are holding out. I assume some of them because they hope Labour get back and let them get on with their orgy of waste and inefficiency.  When those who don’t submit rely on the so-called back-up plan, they will moan about that too.  The sad truth or outworking of this sort of behaviour is the revelation that these people are not really about us. They are not really about their community. They are about themselves.  They are power grabbers and control freaks. They love their insignificant little fiefdoms and love to laud their perceived power over others.  Come deadline and come the capping of the rates and the reduction of the council numbers, not to mention the water amalgamation, is there a single person outside those whose power is being disabled, that will actually miss what we currently have? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major milestone for ZB, as the station celebrates its centenary on Sunday.  It’s grown from fragile beginnings filled with government regulations and restrictions on broadcasting hours into the commercial juggernaut of today.  Leighton Smith spent 33 years behind the ZB mic, hosting the weekday morning programme until his retirement in 2018.   He joined Mike Hosking to reminisce on the years he spent on the station and watching it grow from 1ZB into Newstalk ZB.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's professional netball ranks could be about to undergo the biggest shake-up in a generation.  A private investor described as "a high net-worth family with sporting links" is in talks to take over the ANZ Premiership licence.  Any new model would see a franchise league established for the 2028 season, not next year.  Former Netball New Zealand chair Don Mackinnon says the move is timely in the current sporting landscape.  He told Mike Hosking that the traditional federated model that moves through club, school, province, and international has served New Zealand sport superbly for over a century, but it’s under huge pressure now.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politicians are being urged to pay more attention to our exercise workforce as a way of easing health system demand.  ExerciseNZ's proposing all parties consider compulsory registration for exercise professionals, removing the fringe benefit tax from employer-supported exercise, and using exercise professionals to help with ACC rehabilitation.   CEO Richard Beddie says they also want any future government to make one-hour daily school exercise mandatory.  He says physical inactivity costs the public health system $600 million a year.  Beddie told Mike Hosking GLP-1s are helping to address obesity, but they don’t address the underlying issue of inactivity, which is what’s driving all the big health costs and shortening lives.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.