The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Do you get the feeling the only moderately normal person in the Greens left the building a couple of weeks back, and he is sitting in his new corporate financing job feeling a new lease on life? 

Surely as he read, as I did, the tale of Darleen Tana on full whack doing virtually nothing and his good mate Tory "let me bugger Wellington up" Whanau, he must be feeling just a bit guilty about hanging out with such a bunch of no-hopers. 

This is not about politics. Politics is their wacky policies that bear no resemblance to the real world. Politics is about them not actually being a Green party, but more a collection of activists who want to control your life and thoughts. 

No, this is about who basically they are as people. There is something not right about them. 

For a comparatively small collection of people, too many of them are flaky and therefore in trouble and unfit to represent anyone at the highest level. 

Metiria Turei was you first major calamity and so it has slowly, but surely, unravelled. 

In the Tana case it is not just the questions around her behaviour and alleged treatment of people. It’s the approach the party's leadership has taken to getting to the bottom of it. 

This has dragged on for week after week after week. 

We have rung them a myriad of times. We got as close to them saying "any day now" before, after several days, they reverted to "a few more weeks". A few more weeks has turned into many, many weeks. 

What is the lawyer doing? How much is it costing? Have they found a treasure trove of skulduggery, because what else could take this long if there is nothing to see? 

All the while Tana sits on our money doing diddly squat. 

In the meantime, Tory Whanau has overseen the destruction of the city while breaking the rules having her dog in the office and while having a drinking problem that embarrassed her and shamed the council. Now she's not really that bothered with meetings on boards of assets that are worth quite a bit of money. 

They don’t care. They are not professional. They are not dedicated. They essentially take the piss and we pay for it. 

They are not normal. 

Explain to me, if you dare and if you support any of this, if you voted for this kind of ineptitude just what is it you see in them? 

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Australia's richest woman's causing a stir by demanding her portrait is removed from an exhibition. 

Indigenous artist Vincent Namatjira's art exhibition "Australia in Colour" is on display at the National Gallery of Australia. 

Mining magnate Gina Rinehart doesn't like her painting and wants it taken down. 

Australia correspondent Murray Olds told Mike Hosking that while the portrait's not flattering, it's true to the style of the artist. 

He says most of Vincent Namatjira's artworks are caricatures, and it's just the way he paints. 

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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 immigration statistics: 3/10 

The record broken by Kiwis leaving this country is the number that should be chiseled on the Labour Government grave stone 2017-2023. "Here lies Labour. 52,500 couldn’t stand it any longer." 

Charter schools: 7/10

Recognising that a union-based one-stop shop isn't for everyone. 

The Waitangi Tribunal: 4/10 

Why don’t they just write the one report? Just say "we hate national", "we hate everything they are doing", "everything they are doing is racist" and just hand a new copy out every time someone whinges? 

The Luxon pre-Budget speech: 6/10 

Defending tax cuts and good on him. The fact some have lost the idea that actually keeping the money you earn, shows you just how wayward and ill-disciplined we have become. 

Biden and Trump: 7/10 

Two debates. A better watch than Mike Tyson v Jake Paul I reckon. 

Jerry Seinfeld: 9/10 

Listen to what he actually said, not what the media focused on. There are lessons for life in there. He is brilliant. 

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A kiwi company has figured out how to combine new AI technology with one of New Zealand’s biggest industries. 

Livestock Visibility Solutions has created Flow, a software designed to streamline cow movement from the yard to the milking shed. 

The program automates the backing gate system, allowing for greater efficiency. 

CEO Richard Appleby told Mike Hosking that it can only be done by AI, as it reacts so quickly to what’s happening in the yard and needs to be able to adapt quickly. 

He said it replaces what a person would do if they had total vision of the cows in their yard, and is able to make the call as to what the ideal density of cows is at any given time. 

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Australia is far outstripping New Zealand on the tourism front. 

Data from Stats NZ shows that New Zealand had just over 340,000 visitors in March this year, up 74,200 compared to last year. 

In comparison, Australia had more than 760,000, a 24.1% increase from March last year. 

Tourism Minister Matt Doocey told Mike Hosking that we’re actually tracking pretty well when you look at the figures for the year ending March 2024. 

He said that we’re sitting at about 82% of pre-Covid numbers, which is roughly the same as Australia, and in line with the global rate of 85%. 

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Donald Trump's lawyers continue to cross-examine his former fixer in court in a potential turning point of the hush money trial. 

Michael Cohen was an attorney for the former-President from 2006 to 2018 and is the prosecution's last witness. 

He's told the prosecutors he paid adult star Stormy Daniels on behalf of Trump to ensure the story would not come out before the 2016 election. 

US correspondent, Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that Cohen previously said he'd do just about anything for Trump. 

He says after serving jail time, Cohen believes Trump should 'rot' for what he did to Cohen and his family. 

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 17th of May, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters talked about his trip in the Solomon Islands, the chaos in New Caledonia, and Putin meeting up with Xi. 

Do we have a culture of workplace bullying in this country? The answer is yes according to the Human Rights Commission, and the comments come in thick and fast. 

Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson Wrapped the Week, and we heard all about how terrible of a sick patient Mike Hosking is. 

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Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined Mike Hosking to wrap this week. 

On the agenda today was bullying, pool, and fitness. Plus, Mike Hosking was off sick these last couple days and Kate revealed that he’s quite the ‘excruciating’ patient. 

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There’s a belief that bullying's embedded in New Zealand culture. 

A report from the Human Rights Commission and KPMG says the estimated cost of harassment and bullying to businesses is around $1.5 billion. 

It says the cost to employers is about $1,600 for every worker affected. 

Anti-Bullying Council Director James Hilford told Mike Hosking that bullying's rife across most industries. 

He says in all the workplaces he's been in, his experience has shown it's part of the entire country's culture. 

Hilford also says we should stop using the word ‘bullying’, redefining it as abuse instead. 

He says it's not a soft, cuddly problem, but it's a real problem, and it's straight-out abuse. 

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Hundreds of New Zealanders stranded in New Caledonia could start coming home tomorrow. 

The French territory is in a state of emergency and its international airport remains closed. 

There have been several days of violent unrest, sparked by controversial constitutional changes. 

At least four people have died and hundreds more have been injured during fires, armed clashes and mass looting. 

Foreign Minister Winston Peters told Mike Hosking that more than 200 Kiwis are currently there, but he hopes they'll be able to return home soon. 

He says the airport may be able to open tomorrow. 

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An agricultural economics expert says Fonterra's change in strategy has come as a surprise. 

The dairy giant has signalled its intent to divest brands including Anchor and Mainland, and overseas operations Fonterra Oceania and Fonterra Sri Lanka. 

It wants to focus on producing ingredients and selling those to consumers and other businesses. 

Lincoln University agricultural economics professor Alan Renwick told Mike Hosking that the brands are likely to be bought by offshore companies. 

He says the main competitor in New Zealand —Goodman Fielder— is based in Singapore, and if they're looking to buy more they could go to Singapore. 

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Half the country’s junior doctors are walking off the job again today as they continue to fight pay and work conditions. 

More than two thousand junior doctors with the Resident Doctors' Association are striking for 49 hours from today. 

They haven't reached an agreement with Health New Zealand on pay and working conditions. 

Dr Deborah Powell, National Secretary for the NZ Resident Doctors Association, told Andrew Dickens that the good news is that they’re still talking and working on it. 

However they still haven’t received a solution to the problems she said. 

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A 71-year-old man remains in police custody in Slovakia, accused of attempting to assassinate Prime Minister Robert Fico. 

Fico was airlifted to the hospital after being shot in the stomach, arm, and leg. 

Christopher Luxon's joining other world leaders in condemning the attack, saying it's shocking and nothing justifies such horrific violence in our democratic systems. 

Newstalk ZB Europe correspondent Enda Brady —who made a documentary about Fico— told Andrew Dickens it's interesting the alleged assailant picked a town where the Prime Minister is well supported. 

He says the man probably really doesn't like Fico's politics, or the way Slovakia is going under his leadership. 

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Some influencers are losing millions of social media followers in protest of their silence on the Israel-Gaza conflict. 

#Blockout2024 began after the Met Gala, as celebrities used their platforms to share the luxurious affair amid worldwide protests. 

Taylor Swift has lost more than 300,000 and Kim Kardashian has lost more than 3 million since the event. 

Gorilla Technology Chief Executive Paul Spain told Andrew Dickens he's unsure of the difference it'll make. 

He says the people unfollowing are probably those who interacted least with their content. 

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The Housing Minister's asking questions of Kainga Ora over revelations the Dunedin holiday park it owns has sat empty for four years. 

The Crown housing agency bought Aaron Lodge in Kaikorai Valley for more than $4 million, intended to become a social housing development. 

But it's remained vacant, covered in weeds and temporary fencing. 

Chris Bishop told Andrew Dickens that it's a 'pretty crazy' situation, particularly given our housing crisis. 

He says while development does sometimes take a while, four years is a long time for no action so he's asking Kainga Ora to explain. 

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 16th of May, Andrew Dickens is once more filling in for Mike Hosking. Both the Police Association and Minister Mark Mitchell joined to discuss NSW's increased push to steal our cops to their shores. 

The Brits are both shocked and in awe of King Charles first official portrait. Andrew gave his thoughts. 

Christchurch country-pop singer Miranda Easten gave a world premiere of her new single ahead of her upcoming sophomore album. 

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Kiwi country-pop singer Miranda Easten has been finding international success. 

Her debut single ‘Cowboy Lullaby’ reached 16 on the official Top 40 Country Music Chart in Australia, and she also featured on Compass FM’s ‘Voices of Country’ compilation album. 

Easten is currently working on her second album, ‘Concrete and Honey, which is due for release in July. 

She told Andrew Dickens that while there’s not a whole lot of new material on the album, there’s definitely a few songs that haven’t been heard. 

One of which is ‘Kip Moore Smile’ and she gave listeners a taste of the yet to be released single.

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New Zealand can't match what Australia's putting on the table for police officers. 

New South Wales is 1500 officers short and has announced it'll fast-track New Zealand officers, shorten training, and allow experienced cops to keep their rank. 

Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Andrew Dickens that they've been doing this for decades. 

However, he said, we can’t compete with Australia’s economy although they’re trying to close that gap. 

Mitchell said that the government is focused on making the economy stronger so we can provide a country that people actually want to come back to, as they see a future to raise their families. 

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There’s want for changes to police officers pay conditions to combat New South Wales' poaching attempts. 

The state is 1500 officers short and has announced it'll fast-track New Zealand officers, shorten training, and allow experienced cops to keep their rank. 

Police Association President Chris Cahill told Andrew Dickens that while we can't compete on wages, there are issues we can address. 

For example, it takes 21 years for a constable to reach their maximum earnings, compared to the six or years it takes a nurse or a teacher. 

That needs to change Cahill said. 

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Regional economies are slowing to Covid times. 

Latest figures from Infometrics show economic activity has increased just 0.2% over a year, the slowest growth since the first lockdown. 

Since last year, fewer people are planning to build in the regions, with consents falling by around 25%, and the Tasman District falling almost 60%. 

Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Andrew Dickens that regions are bearing the brunt of the current economic climate. 

He says lamb and mutton prices are at seven-year lows, while forestry prices have been falling over the last couple of months. 

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Australia's treasurer says the number one priority of his Budget is easing the cost of living. 

Jim Chalmers is reporting a $9.3 billion surplus for this year but anticipates deficits for the next two years. 

He's outlined benefits like energy relief for all households and increased rent assistance for welfare recipients. 

Australian Correspondent Steve Price told Andrew Dickens that it’s a bit of a hope and wish budget. 

He said that many pundits are suggesting that this is Labour lining everything up for an early election. 

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Changes to the Christchurch Call are being welcomed by the Muslim community. 

The initiative's becoming a charitable foundation and will no longer rely on taxpayer funding. 

It will continue its mission to reduce online extremism but is no longer linked to the governments of New Zealand or France, which founded it in 2019. 

The Federation of Islamic Associations NZ chair Abdur Razzaq told Andrew Dickens that the government isn’t pulling their support, but rather it was a natural transition for the organisation. 

He said that it's not about whether the new structure is better, but rather what services it can provide now that it couldn’t before. 

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New Zealand wool is having its time in the limelight as it features in a documentary on the world's largest public broadcaster. 

Germany's national channel will play the 8-minute documentary which has the potential to reach around 60% of the country. 

The crew is filming at wool carpet manufacturer Bremworth and will travel to other processing plants and farms around New Zealand. 

Bremworth CEO Greg Smith told Andrew Dickens that this is huge for the industry. 

He says having millions see New Zealand wool could help give a much-needed boost to the industry. 

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There have been several major announcements made of late, most notably the reintroduction of charter schools and the creation of the National Gang Unit. 

National's Mark Mitchell and Labour's Ginny Andersen joined Andrew Dickens on Politics Wednesday to dig into the announcements. 

Mark Mitchell said that the Labour Government left them with a real mess.

He told Andrew Dickens that they're like an arsonist returning to the scene of the crime to watch how long it's going to take to put the fires out. 

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 15th of May, Andrew Dickens filled in for Mike Hosking. Police Commissioner Andrew Coster spoke on the new gang taskforce and what they want the unit to achieve. 

Charter schools are back and they're a contentious issue, can they be done well? Alwyn Poole has set up a couple and explained how it needs to be done. 

Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell sparred over the new gang unit and charter schools on Politics Wednesday. 

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Netball fans will have easy access to games as Netball New Zealand confirms a partnership with TVNZ. 

The 12-month contract secures free-to-air coverage of next year’s ANZ Premiership Saturday matches. 

The sport will also be broadcast on Sky next year, as the existing broadcasting partnership is extended by a year. 

Netball NZ CEO Jennie Wyllie told Andrew Dickens that ideally they’d want longer contracts and more certainty, but what was really important was getting clarity for coaches and players for 2025. 

They only had one game a week free-to-air in 2024 and are getting great numbers, she said, and being able to continue and expand on that is going to be significant. 

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It's heating up within the New York Court room as Donald Trump's lawyers grill his former fixer. 

Michael Cohen was an attorney for the ex-president from 2006 to 2018 and the prosecution's last witness in the hush money trial. 

He's told the prosecutors he allegedly paid adult star Stormy Daniels on behalf of Trump, to ensure the story would not come out before the 2016 election. 

US correspondent Richard Arnold told Andrew Dickens that it's already a tense cross examination. 

He says Trump's lawyer started by calling out Cohen for posting rude Tiktoks about him. 

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A founder of two charter schools says the model could work. 

The Coalition's putting aside more than $150 million in the Budget for 15 new charter schools and converting 35 state schools. 

Head of Innovative Education Consultants, Alwyn Poole, told Andrew Dickens they saw improvement in the past and students would spend four years in their middle schools. 

He says 88% of Māori and Pasifika students would go on to achieve level 1 NCEA. 

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Police officers are set to spend less time on mental health-related callouts as a new gang crackdown gets under way. 

The Police Minister, and Commissioner, have suggested mental health callouts are 'draining' resources. 

The pair announced a new specialist gang unit would be set up, confirming some officers would be re-prioritised and some more would be hired. 

Police Commissioner Andrew Coster told Andrew Dickens that at the moment they can end up sitting for hours in emergency departments with someone, waiting for support. 

He says they'll attend where Police are absolutely required, but they're not going to stay for hours. 

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A recruitment agency's worried at the type of New Zealander packing their bags and moving overseas. 

Stats NZ says New Zealand saw a net migration loss of more than 52,000 citizens in the year ending March. 

People aged 18 to 30 accounted for 39% of the departures. 

Robert Walters Commercial Director Stuart Nash told Andrew Dickens that his concerns aren't about young people packing everything into a bag and heading one-way to London. 

He's worried about people who are mid-career, with families, who've settled here and have made the decision it's too hard and cross the Tasman. 

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King Charles has handed down one of his titles after more than thirty years. 

He handed down the title of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to William, saying that he was “tinged with sadness” after so many years of holding the title. 

His younger son, who served in the Air Corps twice in Afghanistan, spending three and a half years of his life in service, was passed over. 

UK Correspondent Edna Brady told Mike Hosking that if Harry ever needed confirmation that he’s on his own now, it’s come both today and last week, when none of the Windsor family showed to support his charity event. 

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Is the union getting the win over TVNZ in their desire to lay some people off really a win? 

When TVNZ sacked me many years ago, a lot of people advised me to fight them. They said I had a good case and would win. 

My argument was, why on earth would I fight someone who doesn’t want to employ me? So, we negotiated a cheque and I wandered on my way. 

Fast forward 25-odd years and the scenario is slightly different. TVNZ is in a world of financial pain, and they need to do something about it. 

And that's the key to all this. They will do something about it, because they can't afford not to. 

The fact they didn’t, according to the bloke at the tribunal was because they failed on one of the myriad of clauses in what is clearly a fairly complex collective agreement, doesn’t actually mean anything changes. 

All that’s happened is they will go back to the boardroom, meeting room, whatever room they yack about these things in, and re-litigate what has already been litigated. 

The people involved get nothing other than more pain and a delayed inevitability and that's before you get to the irony that the two programmes at the centre of this, Fair Go and Sunday, have finished this week anyway. 

This has played out the way it has because unions need to be seen to be doing something. This was a move by the unions to make the unions look like it might be worth you paying your sub. 

The warning, I would have thought, is it was driven by Michael "light rail" Wood, who has taken his inability to do a lot productive at national-political level and channelled it back into industrial scraps with tribunals. 

None of this helps anyone. 

At the end of the day, business is business and if the business is in trouble, which it is, miracles, bright ideas and concessions are dealt with very early on in the process. 

No business sets out to do what TVNZ has done because they are bored, or devoid of tapping into all possible ideas. 

We are at the end of the line. 

As they got to that line they erred, according to the adjudicator of erring. 

Michael Wood might feel it’s a win, but then Michael Wood has a job. 

Let's see how many of those he saves by delaying the inevitable. 

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There’s been a shift in what goes in the shopping basket and what stays on the shelf. 

Data from Stats NZ shows food prices increased 0.8% in the 12 months to April. 

The slight increase is driven by grocery items, particularly chocolate, olive oil, and potato chips. 

Foodstuffs Chief Executive Chris Quin told Mike Hosking that inflation has maxed out quite a few people's budgets. 

He has no doubt people will be having to swap out brands or avoid things considered to be luxuries. 

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 14th of May, we looked at what's going to happen next in the Waitangi Tribunal stoush with Karen Chhour, after the Court of Appeal gave a win to the Tribunal. 

The Prime Minister was in to talk gas production, foreign affairs, and new roads. Plus, he described his pain at having to do the whole interview in a Highlanders jersey after losing a bet! 

Speaking of Prime Ministers, former Australian PM Scott Morrison joined the show to talk life post politics, his faith, and his new book, which is out now. 

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Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has written a book.

It's being described as a political memoir, a self-help book, and a story of faith. 

The book is called‘Plans For Your Good: A Prime Minister's Testimony of God's Faithfulness’. 

Morrison told Mike Hosking that it was a great privilege to do what he was able to do as Prime Minister, calling it a tremendous honour. 

He says he has no regrets about his tough stance against China. 

Morrison was an outspoken critic of China during his four years as Australian Prime Minister, including leading calls for an international inquiry into the origins of the Covid pandemic in China. 

China responded with punishing trade restrictions on Australia. 

Morrison told Mike Hosking that someone needed to stand up to China over its aggression in the South China Sea. 

He says countries need to have clear red lines and not trade their sovereignty and values. 

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Karen Chhour is acknowledging the Court of Appeal overturning the decision which blocked her from the Waitangi Tribunal summons. 

The decision rejected a High Court ruling, which had found the Children's Minister did not have to front with her reasoning for removing Section 7AA from the Oranga Tamariki Act. 

Chhour told Mike Hosking that she listened to issues in the community, campaigned on it, and the removal is part of her promise to make real change. 

She says she didn't realise it would receive so much attention, but it's good it's sparked a conversation. 

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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has been forced to wear a Highlanders jersey this morning after the team beat the Crusaders on the weekend. 

Luxon —a die-hard Crusaders fan— had a bet with Newstalk ZB producer Sam Carran over the outcome of Saturday’s game. 

He was a good sport at the NZME offices this morning, laughing as he donned the jersey - but he told ZB’s Mike Hosking to expect a “shocking interview”. 

He said Carran was “the nicest man in the country” on the outside but inside was “Machiavellian”. 

Luxon said he had warned Carran he was a size XL but the producer had given him an XS jersey. 

Luxon last week maintained the Crusaders would turn around their losing form against the Highlanders, but it wasn’t to be. 

Waitangi Tribunal appeal 

Luxon told Hosking the Government is still considering whether to appeal the Court of Appeal’s judgement, which sided with the Waitangi Tribunal over its summons of Children’s Minister Karen Chhour. 

”We only got the judgement yesterday. So it’s a pretty big judgement and we need to work our way through it, and then take advice on whether we will appeal it and what we’ll do next. 

”The key issue was that “we don’t believe section 7AA is the right thing. We think the primacy of a child is important over above their cultural needs”. 

Some of the information the Waitangi Tribunal had asked for was from Cabinet discussions, which was “frustrating”, he said. 

The Government was trying to act in the spirit of “probity” - “making sure that the different branches of government are respectful of each other”. 

Fast Tracking 

Regarding Monday’s announcement about new the regional roading programme, Luxon said the Government was “very up for bringing in private capital” for public-private partnerships. 

The Fast-Track consenting process would be critical for many of the projects, and the planned National Infrastructure Agency would deal with financing and funding - working out whether private, domestic or international capital was most appropriate for each project. 

New Zealand also needed to become more attractive for foreign capital, Luxon said - adding that NZ was ranked second-least attractive in the OECD in that respect, just ahead of Mexico. 

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Road carriers are pleased the spotlight's being shone on regional roads. 

Transport Minister Simeon Brown's announced plans for a new Roads of Regional Significance programme alongside the already established Roads of National Significance. 

He says it will single out projects of priority to fund first. 

It'll replace the former government's NZ Upgrade Programme. 

National Road Carriers Association Chief Executive Justin Tighe-Umbers told Mike Hosking that this announcement will be welcomed by freight operators. 

He says it's especially pleasing because regional roads are often overlooked. 

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 13th of May, we have a report saying our teachers aren't coming out of teacher training well enough prepared to teach our kids and nothing has changed in seven years. Education Minister Erica Stanford talks about another issue she has to solve. 

Did you see the Aurora Australis? There were strange goings-on because of the electrical storm, including Mike's boss getting a call at 4:30am after his security went off. 

Another sham of a game for the Warriors and the Prime Minister needs to fulfil a bet after the Highlanders beat the Crusaders. Guy Heveldt and Andrew Saville cover off the Commentary Box. 

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It is budget week in Australia, but the UN’s assembly’s vote to approve resolution granting Palestine new rights is dominating debate in federal parliament. 

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong called the vote a move toward a two-state solution that would lead to greater security for Israel and Palestine. Opposition spokesman accused the government of undermining decades of bipartisanship. 

Australia correspondent Steve Price tells Mike Hosking the country is seeing a rise in anti-Semitism as the issue continues. 

Meanwhile, children in South Australia under the age of 14 will potentially be banned from social media following growing evidence that social media is harming children’s mental health. 

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Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt joined Mike Hosking to discuss the Warriors thrashing in Sydney, the Blues holding strong against the Hurricanes, and the Wellington Phoenix’s nil-all draw in the first leg of the A-League semi-final. 

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As cold weather continues to grip the country amid uncertainty about power supplies, consumers are being urged to make sure they are getting the best deal on their electricity. 

Consumer Advocacy Council Chair Deborah Hart tells Mike Hosking that electricity bills can be terribly complicated and confusing, making it hard to compare prices. 

Hart believes power companies should be required to have consistent information on power bills and provide a best power notice that lets consumers know if there is a better plan available. 

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From July 1, Auckland CBD residents and visitors will be stung with new 24-hour parking charges covering overnight, weekends and public holidays. 

Mayor Wayne Brown has expressed dissatisfaction about the change, and CBD workers are residents say they were blindsided. 

Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Steve Armitage tells Mike Hosking this is not a helpful time for Auckland Transport to find revenue streams, as a huge amount of effort is being put into city centre recovery. 

Having the ability to get to and from the city in a private car is also important for many workers, operating outside of standard public transport hours. 

The overnight parking charges are ironic as Hospitality NZ has been actively working with other council agencies on a night-time economy strategy to boost the appeal of the city. 

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One in eight Auckland homes on sale are at risk of selling for a loss or minimal profit, according to OneRoof data. 

Since skyrocketing to a record high of $1.58 million, prices have fallen around 19 percent, while interest rates have jumped sharply. 

OneRoof Editor Owen Vaughan tells Mike Hosking people are selling homes in a stress point due to high mortgage interest rates. 

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Israel’s military operations intensified in Rafah over the weekend. 

US President Joe Biden has issued a warning to Israel that he won’t supply weapons if they move into Rafah. 

Meanwhile, New Zealand has voted in favour of a UN Palestine resolution. 

International relations expert Geoffrey Miller tells Mike Hosking that the conflict will play a huge part in the US election this year, with protests across college campuses pushing Biden to publicly show that he is not happy with Israel. 

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The Education Review Office (ERO) found new teachers are not being set up to succeed and need more support. 

Nearly two-thirds of principals reported teachers are coming to the role unprepared. More than a quarter of new teachers say their initial teacher education was ineffective. 

Education Minister Erica Stanford tells Mike Hosking strengthening initial teacher education is a priority. 

Stanford hopes that by next year systems will be in place to moderate providers for a consistent approach to what is being taught at initial tertiary education, what is happening on placement, and what happens in the first two years on the job. 

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1.4 million refugees are fleeing for their lives yet again, amid warnings that Israel intends to move with force. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is clear in his signaling that Rafah will be pummeled in order to take the remaining Hamas contingents. The US will not supply heavy bombs for this type of campaign, as the US State Department has issued a report concluding it is reasonable to assess that Israel has violated international law in Gaza. 

Meanwhile, Disney has been given final approval from Anaheim City Council for its $1.9 billion DisneylandForward plan to expand Walt’s original park. 

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Thousands of parents owe more than $1 billion in child support debts that in some cases date back more than 30 years. 

The amount is owed by 97,597 debtors as of April 30 this year. Nearly half a million of the debt is penalty fees. 

Family lawyer Sharon Chandra tells Mike Hosking that active steps aren’t always taken to recover debts that are owed. Inland Revenue do not have the resources to allocate to debt recovery, resulting in the accumulating debt. 

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Israeli politicians and Republicans are lashing out at US President Joe Biden for suspending a shipment of US bombs. 

The US President's warned he'll continue withholding shipments, if Israel proceeds with its plans to invade Rafah, admitting US weapons have been used to kill civilians. 

It is the most direct move Biden has made regarding Israel. 

US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that Biden said he’s not walking away from Israel’s security, but rather Israel’s ability to wage war in Palestine. 

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Here is an insight into why bits of Wellington are not like the rest of the country. 

There is pushback from Whaikaha. 

Who are Whaikaha? They are the Ministry of Disabled People.   

Under the new Government, names were to be restored to English. 

Why? Because very few people speak Māori and, as such, most of us had no clue as to what a lot of these renamed groupings did, or who they once were. 

Waka Kotahi and Oranga Tamariki over time became possible exceptions because they got used so often, given their status in the news. 

He Waka Eke Noa, I bet you still don’t have a clue as to what it means, despite the fact it was a very important document dealing with one of the great issues of the age and one of our most important sectors. 

Anyway, all of this nonsense was going to stop when the new Government arrived because it was a major part of all their campaigns. 

In another sign that despite the initial angst they actually have quite a bit in common, all three parties agreed that this obsession with Māori language needed to end. 

Except a couple of things happened. 

The main one being that it didn’t change. The Government dragged the chain, sort of like the councils who are still insisting on mass lowering of speed limits until the new law is passed. 

In that sense, this Government has been taken for a ride, and that is reputational. 

Now the Ministry of Disabled People is pushing back on Whaikaha. They claim they have a unique whakapapa. 

And that is what is wrong with Wellington. 

Given all the ministry is going through of late, is it not astonishing they have time for this sort of debate? It's almost as though they have too many people. 

A ministry's job, the public services job, is to work for the Government of the day. The Government of the day are very clear on this particular matter. 

What is it about the public service that makes them think they are there to tell us what's right and how we are wrong? 

Do you think, given they behave that way, they might just be shooting themselves in the foot a bit when it comes to wider sympathy for their job retention plight? 

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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. 

Jamie Arbuckle: 4/10 

For failing to read the room. 

Julie Anne Genter: 3/10 

For being that angry about bikes. 

The Greens: 2/10 

For hiding two of their MP's while they stall, obfuscate and generally play for time over behaviour that most of us find exceedingly abnormal. 

Carmel Sepuloni: 3/10 

For thinking being an MP gives you plenty of time to be on reality TV. 

Reality TV: 3/10 

For thinking Carmel Sepuloni is someone anyone would want to watch on an island. 

Gas: 2/10 

The industry warning is the most stark and tangible yet as to the parlous and dangerous state the previous Government has left this country in. 

Rugby: 6/10 

The ratings are up. Welcome news in a troubled sport. 

The Warriors: 4/10 

A troubled team in need of welcome news. 

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Climate change is becoming increasingly pressing and so is New Zealand’s response to it. 

As a result of cross-party work on climate change, the Finance and Expenditure Committee will conduct an inquiry on climate adaptation. 

It will provide recommendations for the design of climate adaptation framework, which is intended to aid us in our response. 

Adrian Macey, Adjunct Professor at the NZ Climate Change Research Institute, told Mike Hosking that we were badly underprepared for things like the floods in Northland and the East Coast. 

He said that it’s important to be getting a sense of what we should be doing, knowing there is uncertainty. 

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A transport group's pinpointed a route in Auckland where it would like to build a cable car system. 

Doppelmayr New Zealand shortlisted 20 sites last year and has now chosen an eight-stop arterial route from Auckland Airport to Botany. 

It would connect with Puhinui Station, and integrate with Airport transport infrastructure. 

CEO Garreth Hayman told Mike Hosking that their analysis has shown that cable cars can produce all the benefits of a busway, and even beat it areas such as punctuality and frequency. 

He said that they estimate the costs to be around $800 million, which is half of the cost of a busway. 

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 10th of May, Transpower and Energy Minister Simeon Brown discussed our energy issues and the fact we've been warned to turn off appliances when it's only May. 

The Government is looking to introduce compulsory work seminars for people on the Jobseeker benefit. Social Development Minister Louise Upston explained their reasoning. 

Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson told us what food is and isn't woke as they Wrapped the Week. 

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Kids will no longer be receiving “woke” food in their taxpayer funded lunches, quinoa and sushi being examples of this according to an ACT Party tweet. 

When asked, David Seymour couldn’t say what made those foods “woke”. 

So what is a “woke” food? Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined Mike Hosking to wrap the week. 

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Kiwis are waking to freezing temperatures this morning and the threat of rolling power outages due to a nationwide grid emergency on the coldest day of the year.  

Christchurch, Twizel and Mt Cook Airport were the coldest spots in the country this morning, dropping to a bone-chilling -6.4C around 5.30am, according to MetService.  

Alexandra wasn’t far behind at -5C, while Taumarunui was the coldest town in the North Island at -4.6C. Palmerston North was at -3C, Masterton at -2C, Levin, Taupo and Paraparaumu were all around -1.5C and Hamilton was at -1C.  

Auckland got down to 4.1C this morning, but chilly winds in the city meant it felt like 2C, according to MetService.  

But despite the icy temperatures, households have been told to conserve electricity and not use their heaters as much to prevent overloading the country’s power grid as energy demand outstrips supply.  

The country’s grid operator Transpower issued a warning notice in advance, saying it did not have enough generation offers to meet demand between 7am and 9am Friday. 

People have been asked not to use heaters or lights in rooms they were not using, not to charge electronic devices and vehicles and to delay using washing machines, clothes dryers and dishwashers. 

The Minister of Energy has also urged New Zealanders to conserve electricity this morning. Meanwhile, Government minister and Act Party leader David Seymour has called the potential cuts “Third World stuff”. 

Simeon Brown spoke with Mike Hosking on Newstalk ZB about the energy sector’s request to save power this morning. 

“I knew it would be challenging and I knew it would be tight... but the reality is the outcome of six years of not sending the right messages to our electricity sector, to make sure we have the generation we need,” Brown said. 

“I think people are waking up this morning and they are aware that it is tight, and I’m very grateful that New Zealanders are heeding the message this morning.” 

He added: “It’s what happens when you say by 2030 we’re going to be 100 per cent renewable, which is completely impossible to meet. 

“It’s what happens when you ban oil and gas exploration, which is what the last government did.” 

Brown blamed the energy warning on the previous Labour-led Government policies, which focused on moving to more renewable sources of electricity. 

“The industry said, this is having a chilling impact on investment.” 

Brown described the $16 billion Lake Onslow pumped hydro scheme as a “white elephant costing billions of dollars” and dumped it in December. 

Referring to the Paris Agreement, to keep global warming to no more than 1.5°C by reducing emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050, Brown said: “Labour New Zealand is all about the bumper sticker and the slogan, which all sounds lovely and gives you warm fuzzies when you’re in Paris, but it doesn’t keep the lights on in New Zealand.” 

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Beneficiaries will now need to attend work plan meetings or face sanctions. 

Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston has announced the seminars, which she says will help beneficiaries find training and work. 

Failing to attend could result in a cut to someone's benefit. 

It's part of the government's target to have 50 thousand fewer people on Jobseeker by 2030. 

Minister Louise Upston told Mike Hosking that this should've been happening already. 

She says it's a practical step to get people into work. 

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Electricity generation is running right on the line with risk outweighing residual power. 

Grid operator Transpower is running frequent assessments of the power situation and so far, this chilly morning is continuing to pose a threat. 

It's asked households to limit unnecessary power use at least until 9am by turning off lights and heaters when not needed. 

Chief Executive Alison Andrew told Mike Hosking that Transpower's trying to manage about 140 megawatts of controllable load to help maintain supply. 

She says the generators have put every possible bit of plant on to generate. 

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Another MP has left the Tories. 

Former Conservative MP Natalie Elphicke has crossed the floor, joining up with the Labour Party. 

She quit just moments before Prime Minister’s Questions, hitting out at Rishi Sunak’s “tired and chaotic government”. 

UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking that most of the anger at her move is coming from the from the Labour Party. 

He said that one front bencher said that there are many people on the Conservative benches they’d welcome over before Elphicke. 

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This time yesterday when we were talking about the gas shortage we didn’t have a couple of facts. 

The first is that Genesis would later in the day announce their intention to import more coal and would be doing so for the next couple of years 

They talked of the unreliability of the so-called renewables. It's not just coal of course, but Indonesian coal, which is not exactly top of the line environmentally. 

The second fact came in a ministerial statement to the house from Simeon Brown, who told us of the lack of gas production this year so far. It's about 28% down and this is the equivalent of all the domestic usage in the country for two years. 

Think about that. You and I, everyone who has gas and all that we use for two years is what they have not produced so far this year. 

So as the ship loads of coal start arriving MBIE has set up a group to monitor where we go from here and how we do it, to get an accurate picture as to what's really going on specifically. 

They will also set about reversing a few laws around licences and exploration. The trouble with that part is our reputation as a reliable player in the market is shot and needs rebuilding and then even if the drills arrived tomorrow the answer is years away. 

Which brings us back to how we got here. Jacinda Ardern. 

Yet again the carnage her and her fellow travellers, many of whom are still in Parliament and present during Simeon Brown's statement, has arrived at our doorstep as we head into a winter that, even at the best of times, we struggle to keep warm in. 

Beyond the democratic mechanism of booting idiots out of office, how bad and how catastrophic does the damage to our lives have to be before you mount an argument that suggests these wreckers are the worst Government we have seen in our lifetime? 

How many who got sucked in by it all now regret putting their faith and vote behind the idiocy that has driven us here? 

Of those who are left listening to Simeon lay it out so starkly yesterday, who stands up and proudly backs their decisions? 

Who defends the licence bans, the lack of gas and the importation of coal, as they told us renewables are the only way? 

You’ve rarely seen such a catastrophic example of the cart before the horse. 

We have rarely lived through such chaotic, bordering on criminal, negligence. 

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The New Zealand Rugby board has had a change of tune. 

They're now backing the proposal that accepts all changes recommended in the independent governance review last August.  

As a result, all board members will likely have to reapply for their jobs. 

NZ Rugby Players Association CEO Rob Nichols told Mike Hosking that it’s likely that the full recommendations will be approved. 

The game is struggle, he said, they need to change. 

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A job website survey uncovered what workers find attractive when they're job hunting. 

Seek has revealed work-life balance is a top priority, followed by fair compensation with 60% saying salary review periods are a must. 

Country Manager Rob Clark told Mike Hosking that employees are also considering other factors. 

He says they've seen that a workplace's culture, such as work environment, management, and career development, is growing in importance. 

Figures also show applications per job are up by 5% in March, but national job ads have dropped by 4% from March to April. 

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 9th of May, David Seymour discussed his plan for school lunches and why sushi is “woke”. 

Should Tony Blakely be heading up our covid inquiry? Mike talks to a brilliant piece of journalism by Kate McNamara highlighting the conflicts of interest.   

Lord of the Rings star Orlando Bloom joined to dive into his new show where he learned to wingsuit, free dive, and rock climb. 

Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Pro-housing advocates say they're thrilled with new regulations around Wellington's district plan. 

Newly signed off rules will allow for higher building limits and more townhouses in suburbs. 

It's despite a minor amendment to scrap the heritage listing of 10 buildings not being approved. 

Jesse Richardson from housing group A City For People told Mike Hosking that on balance, it's a win. 

He says the heritage failure is merely a drop in the bucket and this district plan will allow for thousands more houses in Wellington. 

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He wasn’t off to Mordor, but Orlando Bloom had set out on some new adventures. 

He stepped out of his comfort zone in ‘Orlando Bloom: To the Edge’,a three-part adventure docuseries in which the actor tries his hand at freediving, rock climbing, and even wing suiting. 

Bloom is no stranger to a thrill, having done every risky venture New Zealand has to offer during his original visits, but revealed that undertaking this show was a little different.  

The idea came from Covid, a period of time where the fear was “palpable” and everyone on the planet was facing a challenging time. 

“I was like, well, what am I gonna do when I come out of this?” he recounted to Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking. 

Bloom's original idea featured the ‘blue zones’, areas of the world where people are claimed to live longer than average, and he wanted to look at how people live longer and prosper. 

“None of the studios were interested in me doing that,” he said with a laugh. 

“They said how about we throw you out of a plane, or see how deep you can swim, or you know, climb this mountain top. This peak, rather. So that’s where we ended.” 

Extreme sports take an extreme amount of work and effort, and it was this knowledge that gave Bloom the confidence to try his hand at some of these skills. 

“I don't think I had anticipated taking my life in my own hands in quite the way,” Bloom told Hosking. 

“There’s nothing like feeling like your life is in your hands to sort of sharpen the, sharpen the old brain waves, as it were.” 

To get a skydiving certification you have to complete 25 jumps but jump number seven was by far Bloom’s most eventful, starting off with learning about the Queen’s death right before hopping on the plane. 

It was his first jump without a radio, he was jumping solo, and his right toggle locked. So, on his first solo jump sans radio, Bloom had to cut away the canopy and pull the reserve parachute. 

“And by the way, at seven jumps I’m like anything, any kind of tiny change is like, tweaking me.” 

“I got to the bottom, and this is all on the show, you see it, I’m like screaming with like,‘Was that a joke? Was that a test?’” 

While the show was a terrifying, crazy effort, Bloom said that it was one of the most rewarding experiences he’s done and although there is potential for more episodes, he doesn’t want to go too far.  

“I’m really not trying to kill myself. I don’t want to compete with how far I can go before I really go over the edge, you know what I mean?” he said with a laugh. 

“To the Edge, not over the edge, thank you very much.” 

‘Orlando Bloom: To the Edge’aired Tuesday on Bravo, you can catch up on ThreeNow. 

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The medical industry is backing the Government's plan to repeal the Therapeutic Products Act. 

The last government's new medicine regulation will be dropped, which was meant to regulate medicine, medical devices, and natural health products. 

It was intended to ensure all of the therapeutic products used are safe, and passed into law in August last year 

But Medicines New Zealand Chief Executive Graeme Jarvis told Mike Hosking that there was no real support for that bill in the industry. 

He says it was going to delay critical things like timely access to quality, safe, and effective therapeutic products. 

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Associate Education Minister David Seymour is standing by his new school lunch programme despite concerns it won't deliver the same results. 

He says the re-vamped scheme will save $107 million a year. 

Seymour says the Government can reduce costs by bulk buying items and serving simple items like sandwiches and fruit. 

He told Mike Hosking that the programme will put the same sorts of items in front of kids that are put in front of 75% of other students who aren't eligible for the scheme. 

Seymour says the idea that that's somehow neglectful is frankly offensive to all those other parents and students. 

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Fresh fruit and vegetables are cheap right now thanks to wonderful growing conditions, 

Prices have gone done by 25% compared to last year and haven't been this low in years. 

United Fresh President Jerry Prendergast told Mike Hosking that it's because of the growing conditions in the past nine months. 

He says both growing and planting conditions have been textbook and absolutely superb. 

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Auckland’s Ports are remaining in the Council’s hands. 

They’re expected to bring in $1.1 billion in profits over the next ten years, more than would be made by selling. 

CEO Roger Gray told Mike Hosking that they’ve already seen a turn around when it comes to profits, and they’re confident they can deliver what the city needs. 

He said the advantage of the Port of Auckland is that it’s predominantly an import port, so they’re not subjected to as much of the export vagaries of the market and world. 

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We now have three reports this week that help us understand just what an astonishingly bad place our economy is in. 

The OECD report on Monday, which was blunt and although slightly political in terms of ideas around capital gains tax, was irrefutably accurate when it talked of our issues around productivity, education, and debt. 

What the 2017-2023 Government left us is fiscally criminal. 

Then there was the Morningstar report on our KiwiSaver fund. In the first quarter its value is up $4 billion to $108 billion, which is the good news. 

The bad news is in the commentary. New Zealand's economy is likely to slow. What makes that worse is the world's isn't and that is where the funds growth came from, by tapping into the success others are having while we aren't. 

Report number three was from Treasury saying the deficit is blowing out. For the nine months to March, it's over $5 billion. Just to explain that that's $5 billion more than we have for just the nine months so far. That's over half a billion dollars worse than they thought it was going to be and they thought it was going to be bad already. 

Tax is your issue. When you are in a recession we don’t pay as much of it. 

The carbon markets played their part because the previous Government cocked them up so badly the return didn’t happen, nor did other returns from the Crown and state-owned enterprises. 

Our net debt is at 42.9% of the size of our economy. 

When Labour arrived, it was 19%. 

Personally, I would never ask Chris Hipkins another question about this current Government's actions or policies ever again, because between him and Jacinda Ardern, as these three reports so clearly point out, show there are few so-called "first world economies" on this planet that are as hopeless as we are right now. 

Everyone is suffering. Every second organisation, agency or charity has their hand out for more money and any number of groups are on a series of strikes or stop-works. 

The social and moral malaise is palpable, and the reports produce the numbers that explain why. 

I don't envy this new Government. No matter which way they turn there is mess. 

There should have been an amnesty on criticism because what they face is so bad that all we can do is wish them well and always remember that what they are undertaking is a repair job of historic proportions. 

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Adult film star Stormy Daniels has taken the stand at Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial. 

She walked the jury through the US$130,000 payment she received prior to the 2016 US election to stay quiet about what went on between her and the former President. 

She detailed her alleged sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, which Trump denies. 

US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that Trump's had a sour expression the whole day, and at one point appeared to mouth an expletive. 

He says the Judge often seemed taken aback by the detailed and lewd nature of Daniels' testimony. 

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 8th of May, can we trust our electoral system going forward after it was revealed there were counting mistakes? Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith had some thoughts.

According to our power companies we're running out of gas, and Genesis has had to start importing coal again. Minister for Resources Shane Jones provided some answers. 

Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell tried to make sense of the Corrections numbers and whether crime is being sorted in this country. 

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Labour’s Ginny Andersen and National’s Mark Mitchell joined Mike Hosking to dig through what’s happening in the political sphere. 

This week’s hot topic is coming off the back of the $1.9 billion funding announcement for Corrections as they discuss the figures and whether an impact is being made on crime in New Zealand. 

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Gas prices could hike up due to the country's low gas production. 

Figures from the Gas Industry Company show a 12.5% decrease in gas production last year, and almost 30% less has been produced than projected this year. 

Resources Minister Shane Jones told Mike Hosking that he doesn’t want to catastrophize, but it’s very serious. 

He said that after a long period of noninvestment in and stigmatization of the gas sector, we’re now increasingly relying on Indonesian coal to keep the lights on. 

It will be a big challenge, Jones said, to convince foreigners and kiwis who have the money to continue to commit to the gas sector. 

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First home buyers are upping their presence in the property market. 

The latest CoreLogic First Home Buyers Report shows they made up 26% of purchases in the first quarter of 2024, above the long-term average of 21%. 

Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson says lower prices, opportunities to tap into KiwiSaver funds, and reduced competition from other buyer groups are all contributing factors. 

He says they're getting more bang for their buck as a higher share of first home buyer purchases are for houses, as opposed to flats or apartments. 

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A senior King’s Counsel has filed a complaint to the Government’s Regulations Review Committee over incoming compulsory tikanga Māori studies for law students.   

Gary Judd KC told the Herald he did so because up until now the curriculum for lawyers has been made up of what he described as “proper law subjects”, such as criminal law and the law of torts. 

“Tikanga is a system of beliefs, a system which indicates the way the Māori people who subscribe to tikanga consider is the right way of doing things. So it is quite different,” Judd said. 

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters also weighed into the debate by supporting Judd’s complaint in a statement and social media post. 

“Tikanga is not law. It is cultural indoctrination,” Peters said. 

“Law students should not be force-fed this kind of woke indoctrination from some culture warrior’s slanted version of what tikanga means.” 

But emeritus professor of law at University of Auckland Jane Kelsey told the Herald she disagrees with Judd’s complaint, saying New Zealand is lucky to have a curriculum which reflects the country’s history. 

“Mr Judd is about the same vintage as me. The Treaty warranted one class in my entire law degree, and that was the English version. Thankfully, we now have a more informed curriculum that reflects our history, colonial and Māori, which has fed through into a more informed jurisprudence,” Kelsey said. 

Kelsey said she found students embraced learning about the Māori ethical and spiritual relationships encompassed in tikanga and it provided valuable perspective. 

“I found my students embraced the richness of that approach. It is now reflected in our courts as well, recognising that tikanga is not just another system of law but one that Te Tiriti said would continue to operate alongside the common law.” 

Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington describes tikanga as Māori customary practices or behaviours. 

“The concept is derived from the Māori word ‘tika’ which means ‘right’ or ‘correct’ so, in Māori terms, to act in accordance with tikanga is to behave in a way that is culturally proper or appropriate,” the university states. 

Yet in Judd’s complaint, he argued the new requirement was “symptomatic of a dangerous trend” where those with the power to do so seek to impose the beliefs and values of one section of society upon the community as a whole. 

“They do so in this instance by pretending that tikanga is law and therefore it is fitting to compel law students to learn about it,” he wrote. 

Judd felt it was inappropriate for the New Zealand Council of Legal Education to compel all law students to engage in something which he said was not law at all. 

He told Mike Hosking that he believes a small group of people imposing their beliefs on the population are responsible. 

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The Justice Minister's looking at rolling back the option to enrol on election day. 

An Auditor-General report's identified multiple errors with the vote counting process, including miscounts, data entry mistakes, and the misplacement of one ballot box, which was not counted. 

It's also found the official result was rushed through within a few hours on the day it was announced. 

Paul Goldsmith told Mike Hosking that New Zealand is one of the only countries that allows people to enrol to vote on election day. 

He says that applies enormous pressure to the system and is why it took three weeks to count the votes last election, and mistakes were made. 

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It’s not boding well for the Tories in the wake of the local elections. 

The Conservative Party has lost over 500 councillors, making it the worst result not only in living memory but in the party’s history. 

UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking that the results came in during a glorious week for Rishi Sunak, but it did him no favours at all. 

He said they’re in a position now where there’s pretty much nothing they can do. 

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We have a lot to thank Jamie Arbuckle for. 

Jamie is a Marlborough councillor and an MP for New Zealand First. 

He is this week's political headline because he has two jobs and two salaries and has, for now, decided to keep all of them. 

We thank him because it proves without a shadow of a doubt that one, if not two of these jobs aren't actual jobs as you and I might know them. Thus, it allows him to do what he calls, and the system calls, two jobs for salaries and seemingly not work himself into an early grave. 

At council level, as well as being a regular councillor, he is also on the Economic Finance Committee, which is extra work and extra money. 

In Parliament, of course he is a hard-working MP, deputy chair of the Justice Select Committee as well as being on the Finance and Expenditure Committee and he is also the party whip. 

It is possible these are proper, full time, energy-sapping, time filling jobs and Jamie is superhuman and has skills few, if any others, possess and he works 18 or 19 hours a day. 

Or they are not real jobs. 

The council especially, as in so many council jobs around the country, is a make-work scheme for well-meaning and/or bored people. 

We are over councilled, over regulated and, as such, we have too many Jamie's wandering around pretending they do things. 

The arrival of MMP has badly exposed the work, or lack of work, required to be a list MP. You represent no one and you are answerable only to your party. If you are a Prime Minister or a Cabinet minister you can argue less electorate and more important work of national significance can be justified. Although you will note that many don’t. Jacinda Ardern, Chris Luxon, as well as John Key and Helen Clark all were/are electorate MPs. 

It's not about the money. In the grand scheme of things, he might earn a quarter of a million for a couple of jobs. 

The point is they aren't proper jobs. We know that now because he can sit on several committees, be a whip, commute between two cities, collect two salaries, represent a lot of people and still not claim to be part of that absurd survey last week that says most of us suffer severe burn out. 

The lesson is we don’t need nearly as many councillors as we have and we certainly don’t need as many MPs. 

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There are calls to boost foreign investment in local businesses to get our economy going again. 

The OECD's biennial report has found a lack of competition and restrictive foreign investment rules are barriers to improving productivity. 

Employers and Manufacturers' Association chief executive Brett O'Riley says getting more foreign investment in is one of many simple fixes we can make. 

He told Mike Hosking that when we had the right settings under the Key government it put a lot of new money into our most successful companies. 

O'Reilly says we need to get foreign investment in so we can get that money in at a time when it's very hard to raise it. 

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 7th of May, we talked to the Corrections Association about the Government's new $1.9 billion plan to make NZ safer. 

The Prime Minister joined the show to talk about the cluster that was their press conference and whether we're getting fleeced by the banks and Air NZ. 

Kiwi singer Mel Parsons dropped by after the release of her new single, giving us a special one-off performance. 

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Performing never gets old for kiwi folk-country singer Mel Parsons. 

Having just released her newest single and with her sixth album on the way, Parsons is set to have a quick release tour in New Zealand before heading off to Canada for more live shows. 

Having previously lived in Canada, Parsons told Mike Hosking that it’s kind of like being in a movie. 

“It’s a good place to draw inspiration from.” 

Her newest album is calledSabotage,and Parsons admitted that she feels lucky that to still be making music and it still bringing her joy. 

“I feel like I might be a lifer, to be honest." 

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The Trade Minister says they're taking an "exciting step" as negotiations start on a free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates. 

The Minister's met with his counterpart in Dubai in an attempt to strengthen ties with the economic giant. 

Trade Minister Todd McClay told Mike Hosking that the UAE is an important partner for New Zealand. 

He says although the current tariff rates aren't high, the potential for growth in the Middle East is large. 

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The Prime Minister has admitted the Government got mixed up in its corrections funding announcement yesterday. 

There was confusion from Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell over how many beds in total Waikeria Prison would have, with an additional 810 beds. 

Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking that he spoke to Mitchell about the mix up straight afterwards, and a clarification was sent out very quickly. 

But, Luxon said, the bottom line is the Government's serious about restoring law and order and the $1.9 billion will help to do that. 

He disputes some part of yesterday’s OECD report into New Zealand’s economy, including its call for a capital gains tax, telling Hosking that they’re not doing that. 

Luxon did agree with some aspects of the report, including improving the education system and increasing competition and deregulation, as well as the work to be done on foreign investment.  

While the Fast Track Bill would help on that front, the Government also plans to build its National Infrastructure Agency to attract foreign funding and financing for infrastructure, Luxon telling Hosking that public-private partnerships are a key way to pull investments forward. 

The OECD report also criticised markets in New Zealand being controlled by a few key players.

Luxon said the Government would be working hard on improving competition and removing red tape, pointing as an example to the recent change in building product regulations which will allow Australian-approved products to be used here, which he said would push down building costs. 

Finally, he said that he would not accept one of his MPssimultaneously drawing salaries as an MP and a local councillor, as NZ First MP Jamie Arbuckle is doing. 

Arbuckle has kept his job as a Marlborough district councillor despite being elected to Parliament last year. Luxon said NZ First leader Winston Peters was responsible for his own MPs but “if it was a National Party person, it wouldn’t be acceptable to me”.

He did not directly answer a question over whether he would address that with Peters directly. 

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The Corrections Association says it's concerned about the lack of detail in the Government's funding announcement. 

The Government's injecting $1.9 billion into Corrections to establish more prison beds, bolster frontline staff, and provide further support for offenders. 

Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says the association wasn't consulted due to budget sensitivities. 

Association President Floyd du Plessis told Mike Hosking that the details around areas like staffing haven't been clearly communicated. 

He questions whether the staff will be recruited in addition to what they're already short or to meet what's needed as a baseline. 

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The slashed earnings forecast for Tourism Holdings is largely due to sinking vehicle sales. 

The dual-listed camper van and tourism company now expects net profit for the year to be around $53 million, instead of $75 million. 

Stock value dropped 32% following the news. 

Chief Executive Grant Webster told Mike Hosking that when it comes to tourism, the peak season is still looking positive. 

But he says the current winter season has been down more domestically than expected. 

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 6th of May, we have the Government's water plan for Auckland, so what could that mean for the rest of the country?   

Insurance rates are going up six times faster than incomes so what can we do about it? Kris Faafoi with the Insurance Council speaks to Mike. 

Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt cover the miserable Warriors loss, the Super Rugby and problems with the game on theCommentary Box. 

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Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt joined Mike Hosking to discuss the Newcastle Knights takedown of the Warriors, the weekend in Super Rugby and the Rugby Sevens and Formula 1. Plus, the Sail GP event in Bermuda had a dramatic capsize. 

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A teen has been shot dead by police after a knife attack in Perth, Australia. 

Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the incident had hallmarks of a terror attack. 

The 16-year-old had been part of an anti-radicalisation support program since 2022. The boy called 000 to report that he was about to commit acts of violence. Before the attack, he had sent messages to contacts urging them to clear their phones and laptops of anything illegal or related to Jihad. 

Plus, Australia’s student loan system is set to change. Australia correspondent Steve Price tells Mike Hosking the salary threshold for repayments had previously been set to be in line with inflation. Recent high inflation levels and cost of living have caused a rethink, with the threshold now set to be in line with wage increases instead. 

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Winery of the Year has been announced, with Central Otago’s Felton Road taking the crown. 

The competition was independently ranked by wine critics. 

Felton Road Winemaker Blair Walter tells Mike Hosking the awards are incredibly important and it is great to be sitting top of a list of globally impressive wines. 

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The cost of insuring a home is rising six times faster than incomes. 

Data from Stats NZ show insurance premiums have increased 14 percent in the year to March, while incomes rose just 4.1 percent over the same period. The price of home insurance has increased 24.6 percent, while contents has increased 28 percent – both the biggest increase since the 1980s. 

Insurance Council Chief Executive Kris Faafoi tells Mike Hosking a spike in premiums often follows significant events like natural disasters. It is important consumers maintain their level of insurance to protect important things in their life. 

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The controversial Canterbury feral cat killing competition is back. 

Nearly 250 cats were caught last year, causing protests and backlash from animal safety advocates. This year, the competition has dedicated two categories to hunting and killing feral cats. 

North Canterbury Hunting Competition organiser Mat Bailey tells Mike Hosking the backlash has settled down this year. Bailey hopes the country is waking up to the need to get the animals under control. 

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Nearly half of youth offenders placed in community remand homes run away. 

A memo from Oranga Tamariki revealed between August 2020 and February 2023, 40 percent of youth offenders placed in community remand facilities nationwide escaped lawful custody. In Auckland, 49 percent escape. 

Blue Light Chief Operating Officer Brendon Crompton tells Mike Hosking the remand facilities have no restraint policy, meaning the youth can not be stopped. 

Teenagers are impulsive and not necessarily able to recognise that the community space is a good place for them to be – with three meals a day and programmes on offer. 

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The Government has made a deal with Auckland Council as part of itsLocal Water Done Wellreforms. 

The deal saves Aucklanders from Watercare’s proposed 25.8 percent rates increase. Watercare will be able to borrow $1.9 billion over the next ten years for long-term investment in water infrastructure. 

Local Government Minister Simeon Brown tells Mike Hosking similar actions will be taken regionally, with councils required to put forward their water service delivery plans. 

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Boeing is poised to launch astronauts to the International Space Station for Nasa. 

The Boeing Starliner is set for launch tomorrow, years behind schedule and more than a billion dollars over budget. 

US correspondent Richard Arnold tells Mike Hosking Boeing has struggled with all sorts of technical issues as they work to become the alternate space operator. 

When it was tested for the first time, the Starliner had a computer problem that put it in the wrong orbit – detrimental if it were to have had people on board. 

Plus, the emergence of trillions of cicadas is under way in parts of the US. The invasion is expected to last for six weeks. 

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The cancellation of New Zealand Fashion Week has highlighted wider issues within our fashion community. 

A report commissioned by Mindful Fashion looking into the economic and cultural contributions found that last year, the sector added 7.8 billion to the economy, paid 4.4 billion in wages and contributed 1.9 percent to GDP. There are calls for the Government to engage with the sector. 

Mindful Fashion Chief Executive Jacinta Fitzgerald tells Mike Hosking the industry spans a complex ecosystem of businesses from textiles through to design, manufacturing, retailing, education and media. 

The report identifies where there are opportunities for the industry to grow its contribution to NZ. 

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More protesters have been arrested as students continue to demonstrate at US universities. 

Police dismantled a Pro-Palestine camp set up in front of Royce Hall at the University of California, making more than 200 arrests. 

US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that the protests turned to mayhem after midnight and fights erupted when pro-Israel counter protesters tried to storm the camp. 

He said that flares and fireworks were launched over the encampment, and although no one was killed or seriously injured, it was pretty ugly and threatening. 

At least 2000 people total have been arrested at protests across the country in the last few weeks. 

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Kiwis are being urged to check if Inland Revenue has any unclaimed funds in their name. 

Almost 416,000 Kiwis are owed more than $477 million from forgotten funds, unknown debts, or unclaimed inheritance, which eventually goes to the Crown if unclaimed. 

That includes the inheritance of Kiwis who died without a will and with no known relatives. 

Lawyer Joanna Pidgeon told Mike Hosking that people have to know where the will is, and the estate then has to claim it. 

She says everyone should have a will to make things easier for locating, accessing, and distributing. 

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The Reserve Bank has an odd mandate. 

On one hand they directly involved themselves in cocking up the economy to the extent it has been by throwing printed money about the place, often with no real guidelines to banks as to where it would end up. Small clue: it went into housing. 

But the on the other hand they are all over us in terms of rules around what we can and can't do with income to debt ratios, how much money a bank has to hold in reserve for troubled times, etc. 

The latest is the directive to banks about insurance cover on the places they lend money on, i.e. when we get a mortgage, we need cover and they now expect the banks to be even more vigilant about the sort of cover, how much for and how long it will last. 

It's all in their Financial Stability Report. 

But on the insurance issue they revert to their hands off approach, where they point out that they are seeing more people having trouble getting and paying for insurance and that this will be a growing issue. 

Thanks for the warning. Have you got any advice? 

Well, they have, sort of. They recommend insurers, Governments and home buyers, as well as lenders, should take action to improve our understanding of natural hazards and to proactively manage affordability challenges. 

Awesome. Thanks for that. 

This in some respects is the issue of our time. Like it or not insurance, if it hasn’t already, will become a burden, if not a nightmare. 

The Government has already moved on the earthquake rules around buildings, knowing full well the current deadlines are unrealistic. 

But the day is coming, if it isn't already here, where people cannot afford to be where they are or want to be, or even if they have money, can't find a backer. 

So, the big question the Reserve Bank doesn’t answer is - then what? 

If you can't get insurance, you can't get a mortgage. Maybe you can't get a mortgage because you can't afford insurance to the level they now expect. 

You are stuck in a place that was once safe and now isn't. What do you do? 

This all has enormous economic and social consequences. So, who is in charge of this and what is the plan? 

Telling us it's an issue in a stability report isn't really a solution and that’s probably the way they like it. 

It's always easier to point a problem out than to actually deal to it. 

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