The Mike Hosking Breakfast

So given the original Māori Party was formed in 2004, would we call it a success?  A party for Māori. What have they achieved?  Have they done more damage than good? Do we differentiate between Māori and "Māori". By that I mean Māori who aren't as angsty as some and are perfectly happy on the general roll.  Is the Māori movement generally just for the agitators? And as such, you have people with very specific agendas, and those agendas are almost certain to clash.  I have no doubt the Māori Party in their current iteration will implode this election. I think everyone does. I have little doubt Labour will scoop most of the support back up.  The same Labour Party that got trounced last election because the Māori Party 2.0 was the repository of so much hope and promise.  The history of Māori roll voting is mad. They were Labour forever, until they went with NZ First, and then Labour, until Māori Party Part One came along, and then Labour, and then NZ First, until the Māori Party Part Two came along.  Is the Māori vote a cheap date-type affair? Flash a bit of bling, say something random, and you can reel them in. How else to explain the wild gyrations in direction?  On a broader question, just what exactly have the Māori seats delivered, specifically, ever, under any party, for anyone?  Is the mistake the race bit?  Pita Sharples is not Rawiri Waititi. Tariana Turia is not Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, or Dover Samuels, or Tu Wylie, or Tuku Morgan. But because they all happen to be Māori they should all, apparently, be the same.  Is that the mistake? Race is first, second and third. Ideas, policies and visions come a long way down the list. After you have all arrived as Māori you suddenly realise you don’t actually have a lot in common and as a result you fall out.  Because that is the undeniable outworking of the Māori vote and the Māori parties.  The vote swings wildly, and quality and delivery even more wildly, then you get someone like Kapa-Kingi who is but another sad chapter we have seen before.  It all ends the same way, in a great big shambolic mess.  So 20 years and counting – what's the point? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Migration and housing supply are emerging as key issues, following the Australian Government's latest Budget.  The Labor Government is raising taxes on investment properties and some trust funds to pay for a $250 tax break for working Australians.  Its expected 35 thousand fewer homes will be built, despite net migration remained at 300 thousand people per year.  Australia Correspondent Steve Price told Mike Hosking a federal surplus isn't expected until 2036 and gross debt will likely hit $1 trillion this year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Metcalf is poised to leave the Warriors.  The NRL club have agreed to a request from Metcalf's management to talk with other clubs.  It's unclear whether they would allow an immediate release for the halfback, who only re-signed until 2028 late last year.  Metcalf has been unable to regain his halfback role since returning from injury with Tanah Boyd impressing in his absence and retaining the jersey.  Former Kiwis and Queensland Maroons Head Coach Sir Graham Lowe told Mike Hosking the situation highlights how the Warriors have grown.  He says Metcalf is a brilliant player and a game-breaker, but Boyd’s unlocked the whole team and is a key to their performance.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen are back with Mike Hosking to delve into some of the biggest political stories of the week thus far.  They discussed the 24 year political career of Judith Collins, who is resigning from Parliament and taking up a new role with the Law Commission. They also discussed Mariameno Kapa-Kingi's split from Te Pāti Māori to form her own party and what this may mean for Labour and the Māori seats – plus, the former Labour staffer linked to the troll social media account.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Competition in New Zealand's economy isn't as strong as it could be.  New Commerce Commission analysis of 22 years of Stats NZ data shows average business concentration has dipped slightly.  However, smaller businesses are still struggling to gain traction against larger firms.  Commission Chair John Small says weak competition in essential sectors is also weakening the rest of economy.   He told Mike Hosking that while the size of New Zealand does have an impact on the amount of competition we have capacity for, we can still do a lot better than we are.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 13th of May, Trade Minister Todd McClay attempts to reassure farmers as Trump and the US look into various new tariffs.    Judith Collins reflects on 24 years in Parliament and her valedictory speech.  And on Politics Wednesday, Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell discuss Collins’ career, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi's new party, and the Māori seats for Labour – plus the Labour staffer linked to the troll social media account.    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.

One of the country's smallest districts could face its highest rates rise this year.  Waitaki District Councillors have voted to consult on a rates rise of up to 45% to address the council's deficit.  It's also consulting on lower rates rises of 19% or 27%, which would leave the council still in the red.  Waitaki Mayor Mel Tavendale told Mike Hosking she'd prefer a lower rates rise, but that wouldn't solve the council's issues.  She says the council has a $14 million deficit and just 12 thousand ratepayers.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's on his way to Beijing for the first visit by a US President to China in almost a decade.  It will include a face-to-face meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.  The US President's travelling with the bosses of Boeing and Apple, and Tesla's Elon Musk.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking Trump will be trying to convince China to put more pressure on Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's unclear if the Australian Government's latest tax breaks for workers will make much of a difference.   The Labor Government's raising taxes on investment properties and some trust funds to pay for a $250 tax break.  It will apply to 13 million Australians and come into effect in 2028.  9News Chief Political Editor Charles Croucher told Mike Hosking it's on top of similar tax breaks coming this year and next year.  He says it's giving some relief to that tax-bracket but it's a pittance compared to current inflation and interest rates.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judith Collins says she has no regrets about spending the last 24 years in Parliament.  The senior National MP has delivered her valedictory speech as she prepares to move on, to head the Law Commission.  Collins has held numerous ministerial portfolios in her time in politics and led National to the 2020 election.  She told Mike Hosking she's grateful for everything she's been able to do.  Collins says it's been an interesting career, and she never held a portfolio she got bored with.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trade Minister says he'll be making the case against further US tariffs on New Zealand lamb.  Todd McClay says he expects the US Government to launch an investigation into our lamb exports in the coming weeks.  It could result in extra tariffs being imposed to protect the US sheep meat sector.  McClay told Mike Hosking he and his officials will be reminding their US counterparts of the mutual benefits of the trade.  He says lamb consumption and lamb prices in the US have gone up as a result of New Zealand's marketing efforts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I wonder if it's time to ask the question – is Chlöe Swarbrick a bit useless?  In the Herald's vast poll churn that produces the chances of the current Government being re-elected at about 88%, is the real revelation that the Greens have been going backwards since the last election?  The trouble appears twofold;  1) The falls have been slow. Almost so small and slow you most probably didn’t notice them.  2) Chlöe is a media favourite, so no one is really scrutinising her as to whether she's any good.  Now, yes, Marama Davidson is a leader as well and I suppose you can blame her as much as you can Chlöe. But to my eye and mind it's Chlöe who is the head leader, despite their best PC intentions to spread the load, or blame.  She is also not in Government, so you tend to get, if not a free ride, certainly an easier one.  Now obviously I'm not a Green voter so none of this personally matters to me. But I'm all about continual improvement and the Greens are not on a path of any such thing.  Under Swarbrick they have drifted. They have not grown. They are not the environmental party they once were under Fitzsimons or Donald. They are essentially angry socialists who campaign for the homeless and downtrodden.  They are virtue signallers.  She came to prominence because she was young. She was possibly seen as the future.  To give her her dues, she has run a good ground game in Auckland Central and won her electorate and that may be her strength – a good local MP.  Because she is not a good leader.  If the Greens are to excel, they need to be better managed. Obviously, the Tana, Doyle, Kerekere, and Ghahraman shambles adds to the sense the place is a mess.  But it's all unfolded under Swarbrick. The good news is if they want to recognise it, they can fix it.  Certainly if this had all played out as part of a coalition you would have thought she would have been ejected a long time back.  Saving her partially of course is the lack of talent behind her. Do you honestly see Genter or Menendez-March as saviours, or yet more of the same ill-disciplined verbal rabble?  When you pare it back, look at the noise versus the outcomes and include the inescapable numbers, she has failed as a leader.  So is she a bit useless? Yes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been 25 years of Westlife.  The globally renowned Irish boyband formed in 1998, splitting up in 2012 before reuniting once more in 2018.  They have over three billion streams, 36 number one albums worldwide, and have sold 55 million records and more than six million concert tickets.  And now they’re coming to New Zealand as part of their 25th Anniversary World Tour – performing on our shores for the first time in 20 years.  “This tour is shaping up to be the biggest tour we’ve ever done,” lead singer Shane Filan told Mike Hosking.    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 12th of May, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi is creating her own political party, so what does that mean for Labour, Te Pāti Māori, and the left bloc?   The Bank of Mum and Dad has apparently never been more important, nor as expected, among first-home buyers.  And Shane Filan of Westlife talks 25 years of the boy band and coming to NZ next year as part of their world tour.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby League's chief executive-elect is eager to embrace the sport's pinnacle events when she takes charge in July.  Andrea Nelson steps into the role ahead of the men's and women's World Cups in October and November across New Zealand, Australia, and Papua New Guinea, and November's wheelchair tournament in Wollongong.  She’s replacing Greg Peters, who stepped down after eight years in the role.  Nelson told Mike Hosking the sport is in great health, so it’s an incredible opportunity and great honour to come in at this point to lead it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost half of first-home buyers in New Zealand expect help from the Bank of Mum and Dad, according to a new report.  OneChoice's Kiwi Housing Trends survey of more than 500 Kiwis found that 48% needed financial assistance from family to get onto the property ladder.  But of those who did receive support from their parents, 70% said they were worried about the pressure it placed on them.  Opes Partners’ Ed McKnight told Mike Hosking first-home buyers are really keen to get onto the ladder right now, as houses are more affordable than they were before the Covid-19 pandemic.  The main thing he’s been seeing, he says, is parents getting a loan against their paid-off house and passing it along to their kids to use as a deposit – in many cases the kids are taking responsibility for paying off that loan as well.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China could soon overtake Japan as our largest source of car imports.  A new report from the Motor Trade Association shows sales of new Chinese models is doubling each year.  That's due in part to more sales of electric vehicles, which are forecast to make up half of all new light vehicle registrations by 2035.  MTA CEO Lee Marshall told Mike Hosking as long as price talks, it’ll start to influence where cars are coming from.  He says price is a loud consideration in the value equation, and although it’s by no means the only one, it’ll continue to talk.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Tai Tokerau is shaping up to be an electorate to watch this election.  MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi is splitting from Te Pāti Māori to form her own party after months of ructions between her and the party's leaders.  She'll run in her electorate under a party of the same name.   Former Māori Party Co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell told Mike Hosking she could win the seat as she has a foothold in an electorate already.  But he says history is typically against smaller parties – particularly those wrapped around a single individual.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane Jones says while Kiwis may be concerned about fuel prices, they don't need to worry about fuel supply.  The Government's updated its fuel response plan, so fuel is only restricted under phase four.  At that phase, emergency services, health services, schools and courts would get uncapped priority access, while others would need to limit their fuel use.  The Associate Energy Minster told Mike Hosking that at this stage, there is bugger all to worry about beyond price.  However, he says the Government wanted to show businesses and other stakeholders that it was being proactive.  “In the event we do strike a dangerous patch, then we've got additional fuel [at Marsden Point] that can be made available on a staggered managed basis. So it gives the confidence to the lifeline of the economy, the users of diesel, that it's actually here.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A growing number of British Labour MPs are calling for Sir Keir Starmer to resign, but no one is formally challenging his leadership.  More than 65 MPs are publicly calling for him to resign or set out a timetable for departure.  Four have quit as ministerial aides.  But Kings College Professor of European Politics Anand Menon told Mike Hosking no one knows who will be the Prime Minister when this is over.  He says it's deeply destructive and shows a lack of decisiveness amongst senior MPs, with none of them willing to throw their hat in the ring.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Latest figures show at least 144 kiwi Police left for Australia in the past year, but Police Commissioner Richard Chambers is not concerned.  He told Mike Hosking that we have 'some of the best police officers in the world' and therefore it's no surprise other countries try to poach from us.  Chambers also maintains that our Police numbers are in a good place. "I mean, there's a tremendous amount to be proud of is that we've got nearly 10,500 police officers now. We've never had that many, in this country before," he said.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's hard to believe that superannuation is still a “thing”. The OECD report told us we need to bump the age. Nicola Willis told us Friday we have to do something. The Prime Minister then goes on Newstalk ZB and tells us they will campaign, again, on bumping up the age. We should not be here. In 1982 when I started work at the age of 16 it was very clearly in my mind that I had to sort my future financially, given the debate at the time was that superannuation is not affordable, and the state could not always be relied upon to be there for you.   So if it was a debate in 1982, why is it still a debate in 2026, having achieved or solved nothing? The answer of course is because it has been political dynamite. No party really wants to risk losing votes over what has been seen as an entitlement. So first port of call, is it an entitlement or not? If it is, bump the age. There is no question that we live and work longer, therefore retirement is not what it was and it will continue to evolve. Or, my preference, make it a benefit. We see Labour's free doctor's policy as the money wasting joke it is. Why does a person like me on a good salary need a free doctor? I don’t. Stop wasting money. So why not apply the same to retirement? Do you need it? If yes, you get some assistance. If no, then save the dollars for someone else. But some still argue it’s the reward for a life's work. Is it? The reward for a life's work is money in the bank, some travel and no alarm. The country doesn’t owe me anything. Equally, that farcical, old line about you having paid your taxes was never true. The taxes you paid have been spent every year. Almost every year we spend more than we earn. There are no savings, no surplus. Your taxes paid for healthcare and Government departments and roads and beneficiaries. Like so many of life's issues, when you complicate them and fiddle with them they remain unsolved. Kicking it down the road isn't a skill. It’s a lack of backbone. At some point someone has to be honest enough to pull the pin. It's not 1968 and 65 years-old isn't old. This thing has been debated so long now it's become boring. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One Nation, led by Pauline Hanson, had a historic win in the Farrar by-election in the weekend.  The victorious One Nation candidate, David Farley, said "people just want change, it's as simple as that." At a victory party Hanson addressed supporters saying, "we're coming after those other seats". Australian correspondent Steve Price joined Mike Hosking to chat about the result.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 11th of May, are we worried about the amount of cops leaving to Australia? Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says we simply can't keep up with their pay. The Prime Minister joins Mike Hosking to talk fees free getting scrapped, superannuation and golden visa events. Jason Pine and Andrew Saville talk Auckland FC, the Phoenix women through to the final and Mike and Sav's big gripe at stadiums. 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.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined Mike Hosking in studio to discuss two major policy changes announced last week - abolishing fees free study, and raising the age of superannuation.  Luxon said that although the changes may not be 'politically popular' they are important, and other party's aren't brave enough to agree.  "I think they're being quite dishonest in terms of not facing up to the challenge that we've got and I think just chucking it down the road to the kids and grandkids isn't the right way," he said.  "So, I get it's not politically popular, but actually we should have a bigger conversation and a debate about it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Independent Economist and Property Commentator Tony Alexander regularly surveys real estate agents.  His latest survey found that 44% feel prices are falling in the area, 51% see fewer people that open homes, and 50% are seeing fewer investors. Alexander contributes this to a number of reasons including global conflict and job instability, but first-home buyers are remaining strong.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an investigation of all New Zealand private schools the NZ Herald found that more colleges than ever are charging $30,000-plus in tuition fees with an average 4.2% tuition rise this year, the smallest increase in three years. Independent Schools of New Zealand CEO Guy Pascoe told Mike Hosking the jump in fees can be attributed to rising cost of living, but that hasn't impacted tuition numbers. "We still see pretty strong demand across our schools," he said.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the war in Ukraine was nearing an end on the first day of a United States-brokered ceasefire, despite mutual accusations of violations. Editor of New Voice of Ukraine Euan McDonald told Mike Hosking, "Putin makes these statements occasionally but, what we haven't seen really, is any major change in the situation. "So there's not really any evidence that the war could be coming to an end. In fact, it actually seems to be escalating a bit." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest cab off the rank in things Australia is doing that we suggested we might, is some sort of deal with tech around local news.  Australia led off the batting with the social media ban that has been picked up and run with all over the world.  It doesn't necessarily work, but people in various jurisdictions feel good enough about it and it may well be that enough people are affected for it to be judged some sort of success. We of course are yet to do anything, almost as though we don’t want to.  It seemed odd to me that we hail the school phone ban but can't take the social media step.  Anyway, tech needs to do deals with local Australian media or face a tax. Not that it's called a tax. It’s a "charge" and the charge will be spread about local media to help offset all the money big tech is hoovering up from taking their work and monetising it through ads.  This won't work either of course. In fact, it will work even less than the social media ban has worked, but you clearly can't tell Albanese that.  He also runs the risk of infuriating Trump, who is pro-American tech and companies in the firing line like Meta are of course, American.  In the meantime, in Canada, who tried to do something similar, they have gone without Meta, or at least without news on Meta, for a while now.  Because that’s the standard play book; tax us, we're off. And as one piece I read this week said, the sky hasn’t fallen in.  I assume that if enough countries try to tax, even Meta might balk. But we are clearly a long way from that and it's entirely possible Meta and their ilk are so big they don’t care.  Fun fact – less than 1% of posts on Facebook in Australia contain a URL from a domestic news site. That's a lot of regulatory hassle for no real engagement, so what do they care?  I have always favoured government intervention when it actually achieves something. The cold, hard reality in this modern world is a single government can't contain, constrain, or manipulate a global tech giant – so why turn yourself inside out trying?  No, it's not fair, but it's life.  Canada have achieved nothing. Australia will learn the same thing.  Maybe the fact we have done nothing is smarter than many realise. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all.    The Warriors: 7/10  There is a roll-on here, a real consistency, and two more easy points this weekend.      Food scrap bins: 2/10  They're not used, they're made of plastic, they blow all over the neighbourhood. The 40% shows a bad idea is a bad idea, whether it's on the whiteboard or on your street corner.    Citizenship tests: 6/10  A lot of ideology floating about the place this week. Does answering a question mean you are something, or subscribe to something, or believe in something? Or did you just tell the people what they wanted to hear?    Cuisine Awards: 2/10  What a bunch of pompous toffs. No one defends Vaughan Mabee if what is said is true, but Cuisine rates food and menus and dining experiences, not whether fry pan genius extends to being a prat.    The Met Gala: 7/10  Hate Jeff Bezos all you want, but it's about fundraising and it raises a lot of funds.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why now Sean?  I had Covid vibes when I read Sean Sweeney's thinking about the CRL.  It was Covid vibes because during that period I cannot tell you how many people I know and regularly dealt with, whether it was people in the media or people from business, who said one thing about the Government and their handling of lockdowns and the economy in private, and something completely different in public.  So Sean, having left the CRL to head to Ireland, has now left Ireland but has stopped by long enough to tell us we don’t scope our price major projects that well. Who knew?  The CRL, at well over $5 billion, is a gargantuan waste of money.  Yes, it will improve things and on paper it makes sense because it joins up some rail lines so you can go around and around. But like most things in life, convenience, improvement, or efficiency comes at a cost.  What's a terrific idea at $50 is a waste at $200. And for something that started out about $2 billion and will come in at about $6 billion, the CRL has reached the stage where no one really wants to accept responsibility any more for the price and delays, because it got embarrassing a long time ago and tipped over into "well let's just make the most of it and hope it works".  It won't of course. Not to the extent they dreamed, because what they dream of is New York and London, and we have never been that and never will be.  Anyway, part of where Sean is right is ideology blinds common sense. Too many people want a say and before you know it, everything is a combination of delayed and expensive.  Yes, the fast-track RMA reform will help. Less legal action will help. Fewer opportunities for review will help. And God forbid, cross party support would help.  But what would also help is some backbone – people who say what they believe, whether it gets them attention, or into trouble, or not.  There are too many pussies in places of influence. Too many spineless, scaredy cats who want the job, or the title, or the reputation, or the pay-packet, and just grin and bear it, or defend it, or lie about it, and babble nonsensical rubbish instead of being honest.  As much as I appreciate Sean telling it like it is, and he's right and possibly someone in charge might take notice, what I would appreciate more was the same commentary before he filed the resignation letter and scarpered.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chaotic scenes in Australia as three women linked to Islamic State return home to face crimes against humanity and terror charges.  The women travelled with their partners to the Middle East more than a decade ago, and they say they wanted to come home for their Australian children.  They may face court as early as today.  Australian Correspondent Murray Olds told Mike Hosking a scuffle broke out at Melbourne Airport last night involving men wearing masks waiting for the women.  He says their children face a tough time readjusting, as they will have seen things no child should ever see.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran's expected to respond to the US's proposal to end the conflict sometime today.   Yesterday, Axios reported a one-page 14-point memorandum of understanding was being discussed to formally end the war.   The memo aims to set up negotiations for limiting Iran's nuclear capabilities, releasing billions-of-dollars in frozen assets, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.  US Correspondent Simon Marks told Mike Hosking the reported content of the memo sounds very similar to the previous deal with Iran that was criticised by Donald Trump.  In the meantime, the US has confirmed it has struck Iranian targets.  US Central Command saying its forces intercepted unprovoked Iranian attacks which included missiles, drones and small boats.  It says it responded with defence strikes against the inbound threats and targeted missile and drone launch sites, along with command and control locations.  Iran is accusing the US of violating the ceasefire and targeting an Iranian oil tanker moving through the Strait of Hormuz.    Its state broadcaster reports aerial attacks were carried out along the coast and Iran immediately responded by attacking US military vessels.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday has come which means it’s time for Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson to help Mike Hosking Wrap the Week.  They got an update on Mike’s fountain project, the weather, and Kate and Tim listened in as Mike extended a special invitation to one of the show’s youngest fans.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A couple of weeks ago, Mike received a gift and a lovely note from one of his youngest fans – 10-year-old Freddie.  In all his decades of being on the air, he thought it was the first time he’s ever been sent a gift from someone so young. And, it was excellently decorated by Freddie’s 7-year-old sister, Harriet.   The show is now a big fan of Freddie, so they decided to give him a call and extend a special invitation.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders are back in their brand-new stadium.  After christening the One NZ Stadium with a 35-20 victory over the Waratahs during Super Round, tonight's clash will see them go head-to-head with the Blues.  Over 73 thousand fans walked through the stadium during its opening weekend, and it looks like it will be packed out tonight, tickets expected to sell out.   Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge told Mike Hosking they expect to keep selling-out based on demand to date, which will be great for the club.   He says moving into the new stadium is a sea change for them, and it’ll have a very positive result.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 8th of May, Finance Minister Nicola Willis discusses the OECD report on the future impact of our current Superannuation settings.   NZR Chairman David Kirk answers questions about the new CEO, new President, and the economic state of rugby in this country.  And on Wrapping the Week, Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson listen in as Mike calls a young fan with a special invite!  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby's global search for a new chief executive has led them back to their own offices.  Steve Lancaster has been confirmed as the new boss of NZR.  The former Crusader has been serving as the interim CEO for the last six months, having stepped up from his role as general manager of community rugby.   Chairman David Kirk told Mike Hosking that originally they didn’t have a strong understanding of the executive talent, so they thought they had to go global to find a new CEO.  However, he says, when Lancaster was executing the interim role, it became more obvious to them that he was highly capable in a broader role than they had suspected.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

City Rail Link cost concerns are re-igniting calls for a shake up to the way we approach infrastructure. The project's former boss Sean Sweeney claims the build could've been completed at half the estimated $5.5 billion. It sparked Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop to announce a full review of the project after it's opened later this year. Civil Contractors New Zealand CEO Alan Pollard told Mike Hosking Sweeney's views line up with broader over-spending concerns. He says we have a tendency to favour bespoke design, whereas having a catalogue of standard designs would be much more efficient. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Conservation Minister says there's huge opportunity for conservation land to generate the country more money.  A bill's been lodged, promising major reforms aimed at speeding up the DOC sign-off process for concessions on conservation land.  It would also see overseas visitors charged to visit certain sites – estimated to raise around $60 million a year to go to conservation.  Tama Potaka told Mike Hosking he's confident visitors are prepared to pay.  He says they've just started charging for a few carparks and made about $1.5 million for DOC.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says the Government's going to have to do something about Superannuation.   An OECD report warns if current policy settings continue, we could be spending 5% more of our GDP on health, long-term care, and pensions by 2060.  Minister Nicola Willis says the cost for superannuation is going up billions of dollars, while there are fewer workers for every pensioner.   She told Mike Hosking the cost is also rising as a proportion of taxes.   Willis says it will soon account for 20%, and every dollar spent isn't available for education, health, and infrastructure.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I do worry about Paul Goldsmith's ability to make a decision.  The BSA and its abolition is a “done by morning tea, let's move onto the important stuff” sort of thing.  And yet he seems to have been waxing and waning and pontificating for the past two years of Government.  At last, he has got there. The Broadcasting Standards Authority is over and thank the good Lord for that.  It was from another time: pre-streaming, pre-international, no borders broadcasting. It caught the few originals left in a weird, old net that made no sense.  And that’s on top of the fact they had next to no complaints given no one can be bothered and most of the industry is professionally run anyway.  The NZ Media Council will apparently take over duties, which I'm sort of torn over.  I think we need someone who corrects mistakes.  A decision this week over a story on the Interislander found the numbers used in the story on costings was wrong.  Winston Peters complained, he was right, they needed to correct the record. The point in that example is he went to the company who published and they rejected his argument. You would like to think they were better than that, hence the need for the council.  But those sorts of examples aside, what these quasi-courts end up doing is adjudicating on nuance and argument based on the moaning of some bored loser in suburbia, who would probably be better off watching less TV or reading less news and writing fewer letters.  I do worry about the council. The current lot appear all lawyers and consultants, with not a single proper broadcaster. They do, they tell me, have some industry people who offer advice.  But let me tell you this; unless you have driven a three-hour live radio programme or a live TV show with its varying unpredictables, you have no idea of the pressure that unfolds literally instantly, therefore the potential for verbal carnage. And yet that’s the sort of thing they pass judgement on.  Anyway, the BSA – been there, done that. It made no difference. It was an idea past its time.  And it will not be missed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fans eagerly awaiting the release of Mel Parsons’ new album will be able to experience it live, the Kiwi singer taking it on tour.  Earlier this morning she announced a seven-date tour for her upcoming album ‘Castle Hill’, named for the remote Southern Alps town in which it was recorded.   The album is due out in August, but half a dozen singles have already been released, including Post High Slide, Brick By Brick’, and her latest release, ‘Grain by Grain’.   “It’s just kind of the way that people are releasing these days,” Parsons told Mike Hosking.  “With the way, y’know, the way that Spotify and the streaming side of things works, is that you just sort of start teasing them out ... that’s the way we’ve done it for this record.”  And to celebrate the official release, Parsons is bringing 'Castle Hill’ to life on stage with a full live band, performing in Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington, and Palmerston North.  Parsons is no stranger to touring and is frequently on the road.  “On the one hand, it’s my job, but also I, genuinely it’s my favourite part of the whole thing,” she told Hosking.  “I don’t think it’s being in front of people, but I think it’s, it’s what that opportunity gives you – being on stage is this very, very special chance to just connect with people.”  “I’m not particularly woo-woo Mike, but it’s a bit of an energy, kind of, transfer, y’know like, what you give out, it comes around,” Parsons said.  “It’s a very, very special, unique feeling, performing live.”  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh conflict between US President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV.  Trump launched another attack on the Pope, suggesting he believes it’s okay for Iran to have a nuclear weapon, and claiming his stance is endangering people.  The Pope made no such claims and responded to the attack by saying the mission of the church is to preach the Gospel and to preach peace, and people were free to criticise him for it.   Italy Correspondent Jo McKenna told Mike Hosking Pope Leo said he's never supported nuclear weapons, and those criticising should do it with the truth.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 7th of May, EMA’s Alan McDonald discusses the unexpected drop in the unemployment rate, while UVisa Director Tobias Tohill gives his thoughts on what the new citizenship test should look like.   Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is back from Singapore, discussing infrastructure, the fuel deal, and the results of a poll on the Government’s handling of the fuel crisis.  Kiwi singer Mel Parsons is back after exactly two years to sing us a song as she announces a NZ tour for her upcoming album.    Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Employers are remaining cautious as the Iran war continues to push up fuel prices and slow economic growth.  Unemployment dipped slightly to 5.3% in the March quarter.  Employers and Manufacturers Association Advocacy Head Alan McDonald says businesses he's talked to aren't yet looking to shed staff.  He told Mike Hosking that they can see it’s going to get better when the conflict ends, and they want those good people around to help the business get going again.  Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury, are all facing a rising unemployment rate, and it’s surging in Bay of Plenty.  Auckland's rate climbed again to 6.6% and in Bay of Plenty it skyrocketed to 7.1%.  McDonald says both regions rely more on industries doing it tough, but those industries also tend to soak up more employees when they're doing well.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch's Mayor doesn't think previously red zoned land has been tainted by its past.   The City Council's agreed to engage with interested parties, including social housing providers, iwi, and private developers.   It's identified more than 10 hectares of land, split across 11 parts of the quake damaged zone, suitable for housing.  Phil Mauger told Mike Hosking work will be needed on the foundations, but it's suitable to live on.   He says 15 years ago red zoned land was defined by a ball point pen by someone in Wellington – now we know a lot more and there are some little pockets that could be used.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says we have serious work to do on our infrastructure compared to Singapore.  He's returned from the country this week, where a deal was formally signed to ensure trade keeps flowing during disruptions – securing fuel for New Zealand and food for Singapore.  This comes as the former boss of Auckland's City Rail Link claims the project could have cost 50% less – ballooning to an estimated 5.5 billion dollars.  Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking he agrees with this.  He says that we spend money on infrastructure but have a very poor return on it, and we need to get much better and more strategic about our planning.   And when it comes to the Government’s plans for a citizenship test, the Prime Minister says he could take it or leave it.    It's planning to test applicants from late next year, requiring they pass 15 out of 20 multi-choice questions – including questions on New Zealand’s laws and political system.  Luxon told Hosking it's pretty similar to what the UK and Australia have been doing for years.   He says it's probably not a bad thing that new Kiwis are aware of pretty basic stuff around things like women's rights and freedom of speech.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An immigration advisor says we should learn from other countries as to what makes a good citizenship test.  The Government's planning to impose a test from late next year.  Applicants will have to pass 15 of 20 multi-choice questions on our history, politics, and laws.  UVisa Director Tobias Tohill told Mike Hosking he hopes they're paying attention to how this is approached elsewhere, as more than just general questions are needed.  He says countries like Switzerland look at whether the person understands how the country works and is involved in the community.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says it will be up to audiences to decide if they care whether broadcasters self-regulate.   It's shutting down the Broadcasting Standards Authority, sayings it's past its use-by date in the online age.   The Media and Communications Minister expects the Media Council will become the primary regulator for journalism. Paul Goldsmith told Mike Hosking he doesn't have to opt-in.  He says it's voluntary and broadcasters can explain their decision to join or not to their audience.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.