The Mike Hosking Breakfast

It's ironic that we mention the Commerce Commission yesterday and here we are today, indulging in a bit more of its madness. 

Lines charges, the cost of getting power to your house, is going to get more expensive. 

Your bill will rise for the next handful of years by up to $85. That’s over $1,000 a year. 

Is your power better? No. 

Do you get more power? No. 

You just pay more. Why? 

Because the Commerce Commission decided they are going to let Transpower and local lines companies charge more so they can invest in new infrastructure. 

They will be allowed to raise just shy of $6 billion. 

There are a few ironies with this: 

1) We also, says the Commission, understand the importance of incentivising business to invest and improve and meet consumer demands. What?! You don’t think they would charge this and more if they could? 

And what incentive? Transpower are a monopoly. They have no incentive to improve anything. 

2) The $6 billion is way more than it should be. What should it be? Under $3 billion. 

Why? Because 55% of what Transpower is doing is because of higher inflation and interest rates. And what is 55% of $6 billion, roughly? 

Now, how did we get those? That’s right - Adrian Orr. 

If you want yet another tangible example, as the Labour Government and Adrian Orr years of incompetence roll on, then here you are. $3 billion worth, that is for nothing other than admin and fees. 

Stuff that should not have happened if the approach in Covid hadn't been as grandiose and wasteful and plain idiotic. 

More inflation than we ever needed, leading of course to interest rates we shouldn't have had to try and bring back to Earth, entirely as a result of the Covid approach that crippled the country. 

Yes, there are plenty of intangibles like morals, behaviours, mental health and school attendance. But we are also paying Transpower $6 billion to do what they should have done anyway. 

Awesome economics in an awesome economy. 

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A researcher believes international drug smugglers are flooding the New Zealand market, bringing prices down and availability up. 

The New Zealand Drugs Trends Survey found cocaine use is increasing, with 48% of respondents reporting they've used it at some point in their life. 

It finds meth's also dropping in price, with a gram becoming 36% cheaper over the past six years. 

Massey University drug researcher Chris Wilkins says the majority of Australia's meth comes from Mexican cartels. 

He says there's now an overlap for smugglers, importing meth and cocaine together. 

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 21st of November, the new Police Commissioner Richard Chambers reveals his plans for the next five years, and touches on the gang patch ban that came into effect overnight. 

Just how much meth, cannabis and cocaine are we consuming? We look at the annual drug trend survey. 

The Naked Chef Jamie Oliver hasn't done a New Zealand interview in eight years, so after the launch of his new cookbook, he joined Mike for a chat about his 25 years in the industry. 

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There's a view Netflix isn't paying enough attention to New Zealand's screen industry. 

The movie and TV streaming corporation is setting up an office in Sydney to take care of Australia and New Zealand. 

So far, the content and commissioning has been heavily based across the ditch. 

Screen Production and Development Association President Irene Gardiner told Mike Hosking that some international productions have been shot in New Zealand, and they’ve bought the odd pre-existing show, when it comes to commissioning a local production they’ve had nothing but silence. 

She says that commissioning gives us intellectual property and export dollars - which is good for our economy. 

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Jamie Oliver has built a culinary empire. 

He’s a household name in the kitchen, writing 23 cookbooks and selling over 46 million copies. 

Oliver sprung into the spotlight 25 years ago with ‘The Naked Chef’, a BBC Two cooking show that ran for three series.  

He landed the role after he appeared in the background of a BBC documentary about The River Cafe in Fulham, where he was working as a sous-chef at the time.  

Oliver told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking that he got lucky. 

“It was never planned,” he said. 

“I was never even supposed to be there that day ... Someone called in sick.”  

25 years on, Oliver says time has given him a bit more perspective, and he tends to lean more towards experience and wisdom a little more than just enthusiasm. 

Oliver is currently on tour in Australia, performing live shows to promote his newest cookbook ‘Simply Jamie’. Coming from a humble background, the chef told Hosking he never thought he’d be able to travel internationally in this way.  

“I never thought I’d get here,” Oliver said. 

“I just thought it was out of my reach.” 

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The Government's released a new child and youth strategy, with a focus on supporting children and their families in the first 2000 days.  

It aims to lift 17,000 children out of material hardship by 2027.  

2000 days is just over five years. 

Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston told Mike Hosking the Government needs to focus its efforts – if they attempt too many things, they won't achieve anything.  

She says this is a plan to work across government ministers' departments to get things done. 

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The Transport Agency's spending is in the spotlight. 

The Transport Minister's calling NZTA's costs “eye-watering” and excessive after revealing a near $800 million spend on traffic management over the past three years. 

Simeon Brown says a new framework is coming to reduce costs. 

Traffic Direct General Manager Dev Strause told Mike Hosking it will be made, but change doesn't happen overnight. 

He says it takes a bit of fine tuning to be able to redevelop and retrain all the workers, especially when some have been in the industry for over a decade. 

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Police have already acted on the new gang patch ban. 

The Gangs Act 2024 came into effect at midnight last night, banning the public wear of gang patches and insignia.  

New Police Commissioner Richard Chambers told Mike Hosking that at three minutes past midnight, Hastings police stopped a vehicle displaying gang insignia, and they are now facing prosecution. 

He told Hosking the person staff dealt with was respectful and followed the orders of police. 

“I’m happy with how that went, and I suspect there will be more to come,” he said. 

When asked whether he had enough resources to get the job done, Chambers said they will do their best with the staff they have. 

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Minister of Justice Paul Goldsmith says people who are convicted of sexual crimes getting name suppression is “a massive issue”. 

“Particularly for the victims, they can’t talk about what’s happened to them and they can’t warn others," Goldsmith told Mike Hosking. 

“We’ve decided you only get permanent name suppression if you’re a convicted sex offender if the victim agrees. And if the victim doesn’t agree? Well, tough luck, you’re not going to get it and you should own up to your crimes. 

“That’s the current law, that the views of the victim are taken into account. Sometimes it doesn’t get very far and the person who has been convicted continues to have their name suppressed forever. I just fundamentally disagree with that. 

“Our focus in government is to reduce the number of victims of violent and sexual offending.” 

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An additional two charges have been laid against former Australian broadcaster Alan Jones. 

The 83-year-old is now facing a total of 26 indecent assault charges, relating to nine alleged victims over the span of two-decades. 

Jones was granted conditional bail, and has been scheduled to appear at Downing Centre local court in Sydney on the 18th of December. 

Australian Correspondent Steve Price told Mike Hosking that the complainants now include a prominent Olympian, a 17-year-old, and several men who were under his employ. 

He says that it’s one of the most high-profile cases of its type they’ve ever seen, with two very prominent Australians —former Prime Minister John Howard and James Packer— both backing Jones. 

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I think at times the Commerce Commission has an easy job in the sense it starts out life, in appearance anyway, as being on “our side. "Our” side being the people's side. 

We need a hero, a protector to keep the big bad boys away from our lives and wallets. 

Lately though, they look like they might have a large legal budget that someone has told them to spend or else they will lose it. 

So out come the lawyers to take on Starlink over their claims about being able to text anywhere in the country. 

This case looks literal. You can't say you can text from anywhere if I can literally find a place where you can't. 

The room for adult interpretation appears to be devoid of presence in this case. 

Then we get to Foodstuffs, who are to appeal a ruling by the Commerce Commission on its merger. 

The interesting bit about Foodstuffs is that they unfortunately are a supermarket, and supermarkets are hated because they sell stuff at prices we have decided are too high. 

They are in the same category as banks, telcos, petrol stations, and airlines, who are all out there to rip us off, bleed us dry, and generally make life miserable. 

Foodstuffs have two bits in the North Island and the South Island. They want to join the two bits together. From a business perspective it makes perfect sense because you are playing with scale and scale is generally good. 

But scale also reduces numbers in the market, and it may well reduce competition. 

Where we appear a bit stuck in this country is that very fine and, quite probably, indefinable line between letting people get on with business, creating an environment in which business prospers, more businesses wanting to open, and killing business by over regulating it, driven in part by fear over lack of competition and the punter being ripped off. 

What will be interesting is whether Foodstuffs can argue their case on fact, or on what clearly is an overarching zeitgeist. 

The banks appeared in front of the Government committee into banking. They made a very plausible and reasonable case around their profits. It will make no difference though because the Government doesn’t want to hear it. 

Maybe Foodstuffs are the same. What is a decent price? What is a decent margin? 

What is the choice for a punter who sees a can of beans at a higher price in one place, so goes elsewhere? 

Is a court even required if the zeitgeist around business and its success is predetermined, whether sensibly, logically, or not? 

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Seasons are changing when it comes to secondary school sports. 

In just over a year’s time, basketball is set to become the most popular sport, with participation jumping 61% since 2000. 

However, there’s now concerns that New Zealand is 500 courts short to support the growing popularity.  

School Sport NZ CEO Mike Summerell told Mike Hosking that while schools have great facilities they can only cater for the smaller games, and national competitions are maxing the current facilities out. 

He says they also have to share the courts with other sports, and while they want the games to be played indoors, space is hard to come by. 

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 20th of September, MPs want to change the standing orders in Parliament so that rules are followed and punishments are properly handed out. What can actually be changed? 

The Prime Minister is back from APEC and joins the show for a chat the day after 42,000 people marched onto Parliament grounds. 

Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen discuss when it is and isn't appropriate to protest and break the rules in Parliament on Politics Wednesday. 

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There have been a wide range of responses to Te Pāti Māori’s haka in the House last week.  

Speaker Gerry Brownlee has confirmed he’s received complaints, and both David Seymour and Shane Jones have asked him to consider changes. 

National's Mark Mitchell says he doesn't know of any rule change that could rein in Te Pāti Māori. 

He told Mike Hosking that he doesn’t think they care about any sanctions that will be applied in Parliament. 

“They just think that they can do what they like.” 

Labour's Ginny Andersen says Te Pāti Māori's rule-breaking needs to be understood in context. 

She says this issue means a lot to a lot of New Zealanders, to the extent that it brought tens of thousands of Kiwis to the steps of Parliament to protest. 

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There's hopes New Zealand's efforts to stop smoking don't go up in smoke.  

The latest New Zealand Health Survey shows daily smoking rates have remained steady over the past year.  

They were just under 7%, which is down from 13% five years ago.  

Auckland University health economist Paula Lorgelly told Mike Hosking we might be tripping at the finish line. 

She says we're seeing more steady drops which could have continued if New Zealand had passed legislation the previous government introduced. 

However, the survey found that 1 in 4 18-24 year olds are vaping, as Kiwis seemingly replace cigarettes with vapes. 

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The Prime Minister says there needs to be rules in Parliament to ensure there's debate about difficult issues, without it degenerating into chaos.  

Speaker Gerry Brownlee's confirmed he's received complaints about Te Pati Māori's haka in the House last week.

David Seymour and Shane Jones have both asked him to consider changes.  

Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking there has to be respect for rules. 

“You’ve got to be able to have proper conversations in a Parliament without it just degenerating into, you know, fisticuffs,” he said. 

“We just don’t need any of that.” 

He also believes just 'a piece' of the mass Hikoi was focused on the Government as a whole, rather than just the Treaty Principles Bill. 

Police estimate around 42 thousand people joined yesterday's Hikoi, making it one of the largest protests to ever take place in the capital. 

A large number of signs called out David Seymour, the architect of the Bill, by name. 

Luxon told Hosking it seemed to be pretty focused on the Bill. 

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Shane Jones says Parliament's standards are slipping.  

The New Zealand First MP and David Seymour have both asked Speaker Gerry Brownlee to consider changes in light of Te Pati Māori's haka in the House last week.  

Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke was 'named', suspended for a day, and had her pay docked for a day.  

Jones told Mike Hosking the penalties have historically worked, but we live in a world of Tik Tok now. 

He says we live in a world where, as a consequence of Jacinda Ardern and Trevor Mallard, the rules have been inverted. 

“I mean, what the hell’s happening to New Zealand?” 

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Questions are being raised as to whether Aotearoa should take a page from the United States' book when it comes to our roads. 

Concrete New Zealand-commissioned research shows road maintenance costs using the material are up to 62% lower than asphalt. 

It also shows that, on average, concrete roads are 17% cheaper over 40 years. 

Chief Executive, Rob Gaimster told Mike Hosking America has a good model, with half of their roads concrete. 

He says New Zealand has a pothole crisis and is spending billions on roads but is still building in the same way. 

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The good news about the arrival of the protest is that after today, it's over. 

This has been one of the more misrepresented activities in recent years. 

It's hard to know what it is actually about, or whether those taking part even know what it's about. 

Is it about the Treaty Principles Bill? Is it about a general attitude towards the Government and their Māori policies? Is it a PR stunt for the Māori Party? 

And perhaps most importantly of all - what does it achieve? 

The answer, of course, is nothing. 

If it is about the bill, it dies after the select committee process and, even if it didn’t, although you are more than justified to protest, a protest doesn’t change the right of a Government to do what they promised they were going to do. 

It's called democracy. 

Democracy is slightly complicated by MMP, which may or may not produce what you thought it might. But democracy was what led to MMP in the first place because we voted for it. 

The two winners out of this so far are the Māori Party, who have got a lot of attention and drummed up good numbers in various parts of the country for their campaign. 

They have of course alienated themselves from many, but they don't care, and you were never voting for them anyway. 

The other is David Seymour who, whether you agree with him or not, has argued coherently and eloquently. 

Not performing so well includes the media who, yet again, have sided too often with the protest. I saw a reporter literally singing as part of her reportage. I saw a reporter dispute official figures from the police for the turn out, as though a dispute is fact. 

Jenny Shipley talking of civil war was as astonishing as anything. At least Chris Finlayson, in weighing in, kept his head. 

In a country with real and serious problems, a bill destined for the waste bin is not worth the energy this has been given. 

Our priorities are all over the place. We have looked shabby, unhinged, violent, and low rent. 

We are not living up to expectation, or our potential. This is not the country I grew up in, or indeed love. 

It is a wayward place in desperate need of some serious leadership and even more discipline. 

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Wellington business owners are expecting a peaceful protest. 

The Hīkoi mō te Tiriti march has arrived in Wellington and will soon march to Parliament, protesting ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill. 

Up to 30,000 people are expected to join the protest, disrupting traffic in the city. 

Business Central Chief Executive Simon Arcus expects a "low impact" day. 

But he told Mike Hosking there is some anxiety, particularly for businesses in the area around Parliament and the Wellington Railway Station. 

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Rhys Darby is returning to his roots. 

In the last decade, Kiwis have gotten more used to seeing the comedian on the big screen than on the stage, but that’s about to change. 

Darby has announced his first comedy tour in more than a decade, returning to Kiwi stages next year with ‘The Legend Returns’. 

He told Mike Hosking that he can’t wait to hit the stage again. 

“I had the most fun, like in the last six months, getting ready for the show,” Darby said. 

“I’m still working on material, and now I’m really, really confident.” 

Darby’s been doing a few gigs in the US as he prepares, but the show he plans to bring our way is still being created and workshopped.  

“I found out recently that I’m really good at creating stuff on the spot for my shows,” he revealed. 

“A lot of my previous shows were quite scripted, and they would have a narrative and I, you know, but this one... I’m really feeling much more loosey goosey and having fun with the audience.” 

Tickets for 'The Legend Returns' are on sale from today. 

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 19th of November, the hīkoi has finally hit the capital. Police District Commander Corrie Parnell joined to discuss the numbers they're expecting and their preparations. 

Mark Mitchell has officially avoided having to resign after the crime numbers went down in his first year as Police Minister. He gave an insight into what to expect for the next two years of the term. 

Kiwi comedian Rhys Darby has announced his first comedy tour in more than a decade and joined Mike out of LA for a chat. 

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The Police Minister says it’s important for police to be politically neutral. 

There have been reports on social media of police officers helping to paint signs for today’s hīkoi. 

Up to 30,000 people are expected to join the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti marching on Parliament in opposition to ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill. 

Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking he’s aware of the reports, and has discussed the matter with the Police Commissioner. 

He says that in order to maintain public confidence, it’s critical that the police are seen as politically neutral. 

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Hīkoi participants are beginning to arrive in Wellington's Waitangi Park where they'll travel to Parliament.  

Police say traffic on State Highway 1 is starting to build and people should avoid travelling this morning.  

Traffic management plans are in place, but people should also expect delays around central Wellington. 

Wellington Police District Commander Corrie Parnell told Mike Hosking that a month's work of planning has gone into it. 

He says there’s been a lot of meetings across different departments, but they’re well prepared for today’s events. 

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Joe Biden's approval of long-range missile use for Ukraine has been met with a mixed reaction in Europe.  

Hungary's Foreign Minister has called the decision desperate, but Poland's President says it's a decisive move which will allow Ukraine to defend itself from Russian aggression.  

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is being criticised for a call he made to Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

Europe Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking he didn't strike the right tone.  

She says it was felt that the phone call hadn't been approved by other allies. 

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Australian broadcaster Alan Jones has spent his first night on bail after having 24 indecent assault charges laid against him. 

They relate to eight alleged victims over the span of two decades, with the youngest being 17 years old at the time. 

The 83-year-old has been under investigation since March. 

Channel 9's Jack Hahn told Mike Hosking that Jones is a polarising and powerful figure in Australia. 

He says the news will be a surprise to many, given how the situation unfolded yesterday. 

Jones returns to court in a month's time. 

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Industry professionals feel it will take more than a tipline to uncover where the problems lie in infrastructure.  

The Ministry of Regulation has created a red tape tipline, where people can report their 'regulation horror stories'.  

Infrastructure New Zealand Chief Executive Nick Leggett says it's a good way to get the public involved.  

He told Mike Hosking regulation is adding massive cost to projects.  

Leggett says in projects under $200 thousand, almost a fifth of the cost is in consenting. 

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In the past week we have been dealing with three houses currently for sale. 

They are what you would loosely call "high end" houses. 

As you wander around with the agent, the usual exchanges take place about size and quality and renovations and street and area, talk about the market, what's the vibe etc. 

But the question we always ask, is why are they selling? 

You ask that for a clue. Are they downsizing, what's changed, have they been there their whole lives or have they transferred? 

The three houses all had the same reason - they are leaving the country. 

This was not good because, as I expressed on the programme last week, I am finding the immigration figures depressing. 

I read over the weekend that suddenly universities in Australia are closing their book for internationals because they are inundated. 

We are not inundated. 

I read that the Anthony Albanese Government is under pressure on immigration because they promised to curb it. 

They haven't curbed it. One of the major reasons they haven't curbed it is because shedloads of us are bailing from New Zealand and arriving at their place and, given CER, there is nothing they can do. 

In the case of the three houses, one have their kids already ensconced in Australia and the parents are looking to join them and the other two families are off to Europe. 

That's good news for the agents because all three houses will sell. The issue after that is, who buys them? 

Our immigration figures will be a discussion of some angst sometime next year. Because as things stand, there is no sign of the departures easing but there is a very real sign of the arrivals stalling. 

The arrivals are mainly from India, Fiji, Indonesia and China. Culturally, the face of New Zealand is changing dramatically. 

As we learned last week, a bit over 1% of those arriving applied for a skilled visa. The rest, presumably, are baristas, chefs and construction workers. 

The demise of this country is alarmingly real. Most haven't woken up to it yet. The Government knows the problem and they are working hard to, at worst, stall it but, hopefully, to reverse it. 

But as we have said for years, the numbers don’t lie. 

And I can show you three houses for sale right now that tell you the trend is real.

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Anthony Albanese attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, speaking on the importance of free and fair trade to lift living standards of people throughout the region. 

Australian correspondent Steve Price tells Mike Hosking Albanese is working closely with Chinese President Xi Jinping to maintain trade. 

Plus, the unveiling of department store Christmas windows has gone down without a crowd as anti-war protestors disrupted the tradition.

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The All Blacks suffered a narrow defeat to France, their third straight loss to Les Bleus. 

Jake Paul has beaten former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in a unanimous decision.  

And, the All Whites recorded their biggest win in 20 years, taking Vanuatu down 8-1 in the World Cup qualifier in Hamilton. 

Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt join Mike Hosking for the Commentary Box. 

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An education provider has “significant concerns” about the charter school application process. 

Operator Education 710+ is asking for a formal review of the process, believing the system is worse now than it was before. 

Associate Education Minister David Seymour tells Mike Hosking there were always going to be people who were disappointed, due to 78 applications for new charter schools where there is only budget for 15. 

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An Auckland taxi firm has been accused of exorbitant fares for short trips in metered taxis. 

A pensioner was charged more than $160 for a journey less than 10km after attending a Coldplay concert. 

Multiple complaints have been made over the years and Crown Cabs has built a reputation for taking advantage. 

Small Passenger Service Association Executive Director, Warren Quirke tells Mike Hosking the rule around pricing for independent operators is that a “fee should be agreed prior to the trip commencing.” This is not happening in most cases. 

Quirke believes the legislation allowing room for these exorbitant prices needs tidied up. 

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 18th of September, this Government were supposed to be dropping consultancy spend, yet it's going up in health. So what do Health NZ say about it? 

On the eve of the hikoi reaching Parliament David Seymour has some thoughts about meeting the organisers - and speaks out against his detractors, including Dame Jenny Shipley. 

Guy and Sav cover off the All Blacks vs France, Tim Southee's career and Chris Wood flying under the radar. 

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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has wrapped up his whirlwind trip to the APEC summit in Peru. 

At the summit, Luxon met with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time. The meeting was one of many bilaterals to take place. 

Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls tells Mike Hosking the main takeaway for New Zealand is to get face time with international leaders. 

“The Prime Minister needs to be there to let people know how we can be relevant.”  

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Contractor and consultant spending at Health New Zealand has increased – by $85 million in the financial year to June. 

The increase comes despite a government directive to cut back. 

Health New Zealand’s Chief Clinical Officer Dr Richard Sullivan tells Mike Hosking the bulk of the spending increase covers vacancies and gaps in rosters, with focus on delivering clinical care to communities. 

“We would prefer to have permanent staff [...] but it is the reality of the market at the moment.” 

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President-elect Donald Trump has quickly begun forming the list of people he wants to serve in his cabinet. 

Cabinet comprises of at least 16 positions – the Vice President and head of 15 executive departments. 

US correspondent Richard Arnold tells Mike Hosking Trump is rolling out names in rapid fire, picking oil industry executive-climate denier Chris Wright as energy secretary and Robert F Kennedy Jr as health and human services secretary. 

Plus, there is a big pile of trouble for former Mayor of New York Rudy Giuliani. 

Giuliani has been required to hand over some personal property to election workers who won a $148 million defamation case against him. 

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Churches appear to be hot property on the real estate market. 

One Roof Editor Owen Vaughan tells Mike Hosking there will always be a market for quirky spaces with a sense of reverence. 

However, while converted churches are easy to move into, buyers face a battle on older buildings that are yet to be converted into dwellings. 

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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 trifecta: 8/10  

He got the White House, the other House and the Senate. That is as comprehensive as it gets. 

The reaction: 7/10 

Because people are nuts. Elections always have winners and losers and there is always another election. Social media has shown us how often people forget that. 

Fonterra: 9/10 

Right now it's as good as it gets. $9.50 could become $10, a sale worth billions, and an effect on the economy that is so fantastically welcome. 

The All Blacks: 7/10 

It looks increasingly like the Robertson era is going to be a very good thing. Beating England and Ireland, with France for good measure, that’s a good way to head to Christmas. 

The apology: 7/10 

Because it was heartfelt and came from the right place. But that was the easy bit. 

The protest: 1/10 

More depressing than the immigration numbers. 

The media covering the protest: 2/10 

Between singing reporters and reporters making up numbers, it's not hard to see why the media is where it is and is held in the sort of contempt it is. They have brought it on themselves. 

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If you watched Parliament, as I did yesterday afternoon, you could feel it building. 

Question Time focused largely on the Treaty Principles Bill. There was a growing angst, Gerry Brownlee the Speaker spent far too much time calling for order, it was low rent, which isn't unheard of, but full of needless aggro. 

Then came the so-called debate. 

There were 11 speeches, lead off by architect of the bill David Seymour who spoke, as he has through this whole shambolic process, very eloquently. 

He was followed by Willie Jackson, who also spoke very passionately, until he called Seymour a liar and got booted out of the House. 

Most of the rest of the speeches were boring and said what you thought they might say, depending on what side of the House the speaker came from. 

National were in the invidious position of defending their position while not defending the bill. They can blame Christopher Luxon for this because how he let it find its way to the place it has is beyond me. 

As a coalition deal you either let it ride or kill it before you sign a deal in the first place. But this half-way House is the worst of all possible worlds, and it looked like it, as he was on a plane to South America and the poor sods, he left behind had to do their best. 

The whole affair, sadly, was not what you might want, or expect, from our House of Representatives. 

Beyond anything else, we appear to have lost the ability to debate cordially, to agree to disagree, to listen to other views, to be mature, to be adult and to accept that we don’t all have to be on the same page. 

By the time the Māori Party burst into a haka and wrecked it all, Gerry rolled his eyes and suspended proceedings for the day. 

I caught up with the fall out on Sky TV. God knows what the Australians make of it. This sort of stuff also goes global, so more embarrassment there as well. 

We look ridiculous. We look like amateurs, we look like petty, little children b*tching at each other. 

We look like Kamala Harris supporters on TikTok. 

I think, and hope, we are better than this. That lot yesterday in the House of Representatives is not us. It's not representative. 

Because if they are, we are buggered. 

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It looks to be a still but chilly night as the All Blacks take on France. 

They’re entering the pitch with two major wins under the belt, after defeating both Ireland and England. 

Newstalk ZB’s Voice of Rugby Elliott Smith told Mike Hosking that if they get through this week, the pressure valve releases a little. 

He says there’s a bit of a steely resolve in the team now that they’ve got a couple of wins behind them. 

“I don’t think they’d want to leave the tour with the old rocks and beach towels over summer.” 

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As the week comes to a close, Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was. 

They discussed jury duty, clap backs, and what is and isn’t appropriate for the leader of a state-owned company to do in their free time. 

And, Tim and Kate break out the defence for Producer Sam, who, in Tim’s words, is a prisoner of the Hosking Regime.  

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The Government's considering charging more for visits to national parks and conservation areas. 

The Department of Conservation has released two documents for public consultation on modernising conservation. 

It's seeking feedback on questions like who should pay visitor fees, including both domestic and international tourists. 

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka told Mike Hosking he understands there will be some concerns. 

He says there are some people who believe it's their right to go to these places for free. 

Consultations closes in February. 

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 15th of November, former Speaker Sir Lockwood Smith gives his thoughts on the shambles that was the Treaty Principles Bill "debate". 

Elliott Smith regales us with his experience so far in Paris ahead of the All Blacks match against France. 

Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson break out the defence for producer Sam, talk jury duty, and what you can do in your free time as someone who runs a state-owned company. 

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

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A new report has found only 1.38% of visas are for skilled residents. 

The Office of the Auditor-General has been looking into Immigration New Zealand, and says a greater focus needs to be put on attracting skilled residents. 

Senior Performance Auditor Lucy Mouland told Mike Hosking that if the agency improved its systems, it could give New Zealand a competitive edge internationally. 

She says skilled residents are the people our country needs to meet future challenges, so more must be done to draw them in. 

Immigration New Zealand has released a statement welcoming the report, saying they accept the findings in principle and are looking into how they can implement them in line with INZ’s current work programme, priorities and resources.

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Insurers are required to ask the right questions and not leave it up to policy holders. 

New legislation has been designed to modernise outdated insurance laws, helping protect consumers and provide certainty for insurers. 

A Bill has passed its Third Reading in the House.  

Andrew Horne, a partner at law firm Minter Ellison, told Mike Hosking people won't need to predict the future when it comes to the risks facing their properties. 

He says it’s good for consumers, as they won’t have to put themselves in the space of an insurer and try work out what an insurer would think is important. 

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A former Parliamentary Speaker says standards of the House have slipped in recent years. 

During debate around ACT's Treaty Principles Bill, Labour's Willie Jackson called David Seymour a liar, while Te Pati Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi compared the party to the KKK. 

Former Speaker of the House, Sir Lockwood Smith told Mike Hosking that this is “as bad as he's ever seen the House”. 

He said it was “really sad” to see Parliament. 

“The whole standard of the place has been lowered in recent years. 

“Once you start letting it slip, another inch happens, another centimetre.” 

Smith argued standards had been slipping in the house for a while. 

“Parliament is meant to be where people we chose to represent us… they are meant to be the leaders of our communities. 

“Parliament is the highest court in the land, our most respected citizens.” 

Smith said Brownlee should not be blamed and he had “no choice” but to clear the House. 

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A financial policy advisor says he's sceptical IRD's student debt crackdown will work. 

The agency's engaged debt collectors to secure more than $2 billion of outstanding student loans from people who have moved overseas. 

Fincap Senior Policy Adviser Jake Lilley told Mike Hosking those with large student loans shouldn't be expected to pay it back on the spot. 

He says if people don't have the money, it's never going to get paid, and those being chased down should talk to their creditors. 

He says there’s often relief available for those unable to pay their debts.  

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Donald Trump's latest nomination for roles in his Cabinet has drawn shock from some Republicans.  

He's nominated Congressman Matt Gaetz to be his Attorney General.  

Gaetz has previously been investigated over allegations of sexual misconduct. 

US correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking it's causing backlash.  

He says multiple Republicans are scathing about their colleague — with one reportedly using a swear word when he found out. 

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Elon Musk has copped some flak from Italian officials. 

President Sergio Mattarella has told Elon Musk not to interfere in Italian affairs after the billionaire said Rome judges blocking a government anti-immigration initiative should be sent packing.  

Italy Correspondent Jo McKenna told Mike Hosking that Mattarella used very diplomatic language to tell Musk to butt out of Italian politics.  

In response, Musk issued a statement expressing his respect for Mattarella and the Italian constitution, but reaffirmed his intention to continue to freely express his opinions. 

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The Treaty Principles Bill gets debated this week, and then off it goes to the committee that will hear a lot of fear mongering and whinging about how it is the end of the world. 

After that it will come back to Parliament, a vote will be had, it won't get the numbers, and it will be dead. 

This is unusual as Governments normally put bills in they know they are going to pass. 

Here is why it ties into Trump's victory last week: 

Trump won because he is the repository for grievance. If you don’t like the left you vote for what's not the left, because you only have a choice of two. 

Under MMP you have more choices. We have taken a lot of time to work that out, but as MMP matures we are reaching a place where more parties will establish themselves as ongoing contributors to the system, as opposed to being seen as fringe and on the verge of survival. 

This Government will be especially helpful if it performs well as a group, gets re-elected and possibly goes for a third term, because it will show three parties can coalesce and agree to disagree, while remaining separate and independent. 

The Greens have already arrived at this place. They are a permanent fixture on the landscape, and they don’t dabble with 5%. 

The point here is, as a result, the big parties will shed support. The days of National being 45%-ish are gone because parties like ACT and New Zealand First look to head towards 10%, if not more. 

The Treaty bill might well be ACT's ride to permanence. 

The same way Trump hoovered up blacks and Hispanics who were sick of being treated like a block and not individuals, ACT could hoover up New Zealanders sick of race-based policy. 

If National don’t, or won't deal to it, ACT can. 

In an MMP environment Trump would not have stood a chance. But their system is less sophisticated than ours. 

Choice is good. It gets over-represented in jurisdictions where the threshold is too low because you end up with single issue nutters. But at 5% it looks like we have picked it right because you can be small without being too fringe. 

Hopefully ACT and New Zealand First break the MMP hoodoo where small parties vanish in Government because there are enough specific issues and enough electoral confidence for parties to stake clams and build support. 

Big parties no longer have to be everything to everyone. 

If this is an emerging trend, MMP will have properly arrived, and we will all be better off for it. 

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A new approach to land zoning could be the answer to the housing crisis. 

New Zealand’s housing crisis is locking families out of home ownership, but what would happen if local streets and neighbourhoods were the ones to decide what can be built and where?  

Hyperlocal zoning allows the community to vote on potential developments, balancing the preferences of locals with the need for more housing.  

The system has found success over in the States, with housing becoming more accessible and affordable in Houston, Texas.  

Maxim Institute Researcher Thomas Scrimgeour told Mike Hosking that it could either work as an opt-out system or an opt-in, but either way it would need the support of a majority of the community. 

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Golfer Steve Alker wants to keep playing professionally until he's 60, after winning a second season-long crown on the PGA Champions Tour. 

The 53-year-old's joined the likes of greats Tom Watson and Bernhard Langer in claiming the overall title more than once. 

He's mulled over what to consider before putting the clubs away. 

He told Mike Hosking that staying fit is the biggest thing, and from there it’s about the drive. 

“If I'm just finishing 40th or 50th in the field, and not having a chance then it's probably time to hang up the boots, you know?” 

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The first of Coldplay's three concerts at Eden Park is a night many concert-goers will never forget. 

Over 50 thousand people braved the bad weather last night, the rain unable to dampen the electric energy of the performance. 

Newstalk ZB's Matt Heath told Mike Hosking he arrived a critic and left a fan. 

He says he always found frontman Chris Martin to be a talented man, but one with a sort of punchable vibe around him – but after that concert, he’d follow him into battle. 

‘He’s one of the greatest men I’ve ever seen – he's up there with Freddie Mercury and Mick Jagger.” 

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 14th of November, despite all the talk and bluster our tourism numbers haven't budged, and analysts say they don't see a way to get us back to pre-Covid levels. The boss of Tourism New Zealand gives his verdict. 

Mike has some thoughts on schools encouraging students to attend the hikoi. 

Kiwi golfer Steve Alker is now a two-time champ of the PGA Champions tour, and he joined Mike for a chat about his continued success. 

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The Infrastructure Minister maintains that more public-private partnerships won't mean more privatisation of assets. 

Chris Bishop's unveiled a new framework for the PPPs to encourage the government to work with developers to build key projects. 

He told Mike Hosking concerns of privatisation are unfounded. 

Bishop says while projects would be built by private developers, ownership would remain with the Crown. 

He says that it’s just project delivery method and a procurement method, but at the end of the day it sits on the Government’s balance sheet. 

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It’s expected that The Christchurch Show won't disappoint Cantabrians. 

The three-day event begins today in place of the usual New Zealand Agricultural Show. 

It's the product of local company Event Hire, who came to the show's rescue after the previous board pulled the pin due to financial issues. 

Canterbury A&P Association Chairman Sir David Carter told Mike Hosking he's confident locals will turn out in droves. 

He says there's been strong interest with a tremendous response from exhibitors and members— who all want the show to continue for years to come. 

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A gaming machine lobby group is pleased about a government move to bring online operators into line. 

The Government's announced it's starting a licensing program, which will see 15 licences given and an up to $5 million fine for anyone operating online without one. 

Gaming Machine Association Independent Chair Peter Dengate Thrush told Mike Hosking internet casinos threaten the current gambling model, which works well for them. 

He says New Zealand has low problem gambling rates and puts millions of dollars back into the community, as per government regulation. 

Despite being pleased about the crackdown, the group does believe the Government should be doing more, and online casinos should face the same rules as other operators. 

Dengate Thrush says the law doesn’t address any of the major problems, not does it require online companies to invest into the community. 

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Despite a plateau in tourism arrivals, the sector is seeing positive signs. 

Overseas visitor arrivals were at 3.23 million for the year to September, which is up on the same month last year, but well below 2019's almost 4 million. 

But Tourism New Zealand CEO Rene de Monchy says international holiday visitors are up 29% on last year. 

He told Mike Hosking international visitor spending is also on the rise. 

De Monchy says while visitors are at around 83% of 2019 levels, we're at 100% of the value in the year to June 2024. 

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Donald Trump's new administration is taking shape. 

Among a rush of names of Trump appointees and likely Trump aides, there seem to be signs of some headwinds for the President Elect. 

Senator Marco Rubio has been proposed as the Secretary of State, former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee has been nominated as the Ambassador to Israel, and Florida congressman Mike Waltz has been confirmed as the next national security advisor.  

US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that cabinet selections are voted on by the Senate, but instead Trump wants to make the selection while the Senate is shut down at the start of next year. 

He says that Trump would be using recess appointments which don’t require Senate approval, running the show unilaterally.  

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I've got an EV car question for you. 

But first, the latest EV news. 

Nissan are laying off thousands of workers, Toyota says the California regulations are unworkable, Trump has arrived, tariffs are an issue and he is anti-EV, and in Britain they are discounting EVs by a third because of rules that make manufacturers sell a certain number of EVs, and if you don’t sell that many you are fined. 

Sales here are dire. Sales of petrol cars for the past month are up. Last month was the second best month of the year, apart from EVs, which sold next to none. 

So, to the question - what are they going to do? 

Under normal market circumstances a product lives and dies on demand. 

Demands can waver and prices are adjusted accordingly, models are updated, and marketing is refreshed to fizz up demand or awareness. But ultimately, if something doesn’t have a customer base it dies. 

EVs don’t appear to have a customer base. They did, to a degree, when Government's subsidised them, but that I suspect simply gave early adopters a cheaper ride. 

It's not like you can't get a good deal now, but even with a cheap price they still don’t sell. People, in bulk, simply don’t want them. 

What's made this unique is the manufacturers have been forced into producing something, I suspect, they knew wouldn’t work. 

They would have been way quicker to bail on a failed product if they hadn't had Government's lecturing them, hectoring them, and changing the laws and forcing them into a business that looks like it's going nowhere fast. 

So the question is, just what needs to be done to either increase sales or kill off the whole idea and come back another day? 

You can't force people into something they don’t want and the lack of sales show this to be true. 

Are they going to ban regular cars? No. 

Are they going to subsidise them forever? No. 

Are jobs going to be lost, bottom lines going to bleed red and factories close because of all this? Yes. 

So, who blinks first? The ideologues, or the realists? 

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A step forward in energy production, with a Wellington company hitting a significant milestone. 

The capital's OpenStar Technologies says it's created and confined plasma, allowing them to now spark fusion reactions. 

It comes as New Zealand grapples with significant supply challenges in the energy market.

Ratu Mataira is behind the development. 

He told Mike Hosking that if they're able to scale it up, it could revolutionise the energy market. 

Mataira says they're now back in the race and could beat other competitors to be the first to crack fusion energy. 

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 13th of November, the gang patch ban kicks in next week, and the police have been communicating with gangs as to how the new legislation will play out. Police Assistant Commissioner Paul Basham explains how it’s being received. 

A man by the name of Donald J. Trump interrupted our call with the Prime Minister yesterday, so Christopher Luxon joined Mike this morning for a chat about how the call went and the abuse in care apology. 

Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen talk about their experience at the apology, the police in Parliament, the hikoi, and Ginny's praise from Audrey Young on Politics Wednesday. 

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Today on Politics Wednesday, Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen joined Mike Hosking to delve into some of the biggest political stories from the week thus far. 

Yesterday was an emotional day for everyone as the Government offered an official apology to the survivors of abuse in state care. 

Ginny Andersen was watching the livestream alongside survivors at Shed 6, which she says was a humbling experience. 

She told Mike Hosking that she got the opportunity to hear some of the survivors’ experiences during the breaks, and it was a really heavy day. 

Mark Mitchell says it was an important historical day for New Zealand as a country. 

He told Hosking that although some people say words don’t matter, if the apology is heartfelt it does matter, and the recognition matters as well. 

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The Prime Minister has shared new details about his phone call with Donald Trump. 

Christopher Luxon has had a one-on-one chat with the US President Elect yesterday morning, a call Trump was late for.  

But Luxon told Mike Hosking it was a warm conversation and a productive chat, covering everything from international conflict to golf. 

Luxon says Trump's perception of New Zealand, and our Government, is very positive. 

He’s also confirmed that a new compensation scheme for abuse in care survivors will be in place by mid-2025. 

Redress was a major talking point at yesterday's historic national apology. 

Luxon's already committing a further $32 million to the existing settlement process. 

He told Hosking that the Government's also working as fast as possible to get a new redress system in place. 

Luxon says there's a lot of design work to be done, as the current claims process goes through four different Government agencies, who all work at different speeds. 

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Auckland commuters can also expect disruption tonight as Eden Park plays host to Coldplay. 

More than 50,000 people are expected to attend tonight's concert. 

Extra flights and public transport services are being scheduled, but there will be heavy traffic and road closures around Eden Park this afternoon. 

Chief executive Nick Sautner told Mike Hosking they're excited to be involved. 

He says the tour's been running since March 2022, and after looking at rehearsals last night, he thinks it will be unforgettable. 

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Abuse in care survivors are united in their desire for urgent action following the Government's apology. 

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has proposed renaming streets and public amenities that are named after known abusers and establishing a National Remembrance Day. 

He's also committing $32 million into the existing settlement process. 

Criminal barrister Rosemary Thomson —a Lake Alice survivor— told Mike Hosking some survivors are sceptical, while others want to give the Government the benefit of the doubt. 

She says everyone agrees redress is urgent, as the survivors are getting older, and generally aren't in good health. 

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Police units around the country will be taking a proactive approach to the Government's new gang patch ban. 

Patches and insignia will be banned in public places from Thursday next week. 

Police Assistant Commissioner Paul Basham says Police have been speaking with gang leaders, and have made it clear that anyone breaching the law can expect a response. 

He told Mike Hosking that dedicated units will respond to reports of law-breaking, gather intelligence, and work with other branches of Police. 

He says they'll also take opportunities to reduce the ability of gangs to operate, and cause fear and intimidation. 

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We are not unique, but we are most definitely different from the way we were. 

Once again we are into exam season, and once again we have the flurry of stories of questions that can't be answered, the tears that flow, and the end of the world that is ensuing. 

For comfort, the same number of stories are floating about the place currently in Australia. 

For context, the last time I did exams these tears and high drama were nowhere to be seen. 

So what has happened? Is it possible the way we study has changed? 

Is it possible all the mocks that are taken lead you into an area of confusion, whereby unless the real exam looks remarkably similar to the ones you have just practiced on, you freak out? 

Is it possible because of the way we teach, it's too rote? In other words, you can parrot back what has been taught but you can't extrapolate out? 

Is it also possible that exams and entry to university has become such a big deal that the whole of the future of your life is flashing in front of your eyes, and unless it appears to have gone well you have no future? 

Perhaps my advantage was that I wasn’t going to university. I was out into the world to get on with it. 

What I needed was University Entrance, preferably endorsed, and that would give me, at the very least, a foot in the door to a job. 

Yes, exams seemed hard. Yes, a lot of people were nervous. 

Yes, a lot of people after the exam, as we wandered off home, either ran the line that it was a nightmare and they don’t stand a chance, or that it was so easy they couldn’t believe their luck. And we ran those lines no matter what had actually just happened. 

We were full of it. 

But what we didn’t do was melt down, the media didn’t cover the fallout, and we had no headlines. We were simply kids doing exams and sometimes they went well and sometimes they didn’t. 

I wish I knew then what I know now – that school is but a fleeting moment in time that will seem increasingly irrelevant. Although it's your whole world, or at least a decent chunk of it, when you are a kid, ultimately it will all be put into perspective. 

Life and its success is rarely, if ever, defined by what you did in year 12 or 13. 

Maybe we could teach more of that. 

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AI is going to change the world – or is it? 

The world of artificial intelligence has been booming, with major corporations and small businesses alike integrating the software into their work. 

Tom Gruber is one of the minds behind Siri, the iconic virtual personal assistant purchased by Apple in 2010. 

He’s now an entrepreneur and co-founder of another company, an adaptive music company called LifeScore. 

Gruber told Mike Hosking that compared to some other major technological advances, AI is likely to be on the more transformative end.  

“It’s omni-purpose,” he said. 

“You can do all kinds of things, pretty much anything involving language on the input and language on the output, with this new technology.” 

“It cuts across all vertical industries.” 

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It's Cup Day in Christchurch and the mood at Addington is upbeat. 

Gates open for today's New Zealand Trotting Cup at 11am. 

Ticket sales are up 10% this year after prices for general admission tickets were slashed from $40 to just $25. 

Addington Chief Executive Brian Thompson told Mike Hosking they've tried to make the event more accessible. 

He says they wanted to give everyone the opportunity to get down and enjoy the racing. 

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 12th of November, we have the major apology from the Government to victims of abuse in state care. Will it go far enough, and when does talk of compensation come into play? 

Mike plays a game of cat and mouse with the Prime Minister, trying to figure out whether he'll be on for his regular chat after Trump scheduled his first presidential call with him. 

The founder of Siri, Tom Gruber joins the show to talk the future of AI and if this is the next big world changer. 

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Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says Wellington City Council’s new Crown Observer Lindsay McKenzie will sort through its “dysfunction between personalities".

Former Tasman and Gisborne council boss Lindsay McKenzie will start in the role tomorrow. 

Brown told Mike Hosking that McKenzie will be “working with the mayor and councillors to help them get on.” 

McKenzie’s other role would regard Wellington City Council’s long-term plan, after the council “decided to throw it out and start again.” 

“That’s created some significant concern about the financial position of the council.” 

Brown says he'll be getting monthly reports from McKenzie ahead of a final report at the end of his term on July 31. 

He said McKenzie would provide external advice and assist with a fresh pair of eyes, though it’s up to the council whether they follow the Crown Observer’s guidance. 

“[He is] someone else who … has not been part of all the drama over the last little while and can provide an extra set of advice.” 

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There's disappointment the Government's abuse-in-care apology doesn't come with a financial redress scheme.  

A Royal Commission report estimates 200,000 people have experienced harm in state and faith-based care between 1950 and 2019.  

The report has called for urgent financial redress, but the Government says it will not decide on a system until early next year. 

Cooper Legal Senior Associate Lydia Oosterhoff, who represents the survivors, told Mike Hosking that the Government's apology will mean nothing unless it signals a commitment to change. 

She called the announcements yesterday “smoke and mirrors” and said it is just a “drop in the bucket” of the work that needs to be done. 

“The changes, I think, are deflecting from what the survivors have been calling for months now, which is redress and change.” 

Oosterhoof said the lack of redress today “quite upset” her clients and she believes the Government has had plenty of time to work on it. 

“They have had the interim redress reports since December 2021, so they have had nearly three years to prepare for this.” 

On the announcement by Children’s Minister Karen Chhour, she also said it was a “distraction” from the real issues. 

“There was not one change to the law that was about keeping children safe in the home.” 

Oosternhoof believed she would continue this fight for decades if the pace of progress persists. 

“This is not incremental change, this is not going to keep children safe.” 

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Fonterra appears to have the backing of farmers for its sale of big-name consumer brands. 

The dairy co-op has confirmed plans to sell its consumer arm —which owns Anchor, Mainland and Kapiti— for up to $3 billion. 

It's also set to sell off its Oceania and Sri Lanka businesses. 

Fonterra Co-Operative Council Chair John Stevenson told Mike Hosking farmers have indicated they're open to either a trade sale or an IPO. 

He says farmers want to see the best possible value in any sale, and they will have to a vote on what happens. 

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The Copyright (Parody and Satire) Amendment Bill was pulled from the biscuit tin on Friday. 

It aims to protect comedians, critics, and artists when poking fun - without breaking the law. 

Green Party List MP Kahurangi Carter joins to explain more. 

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Issues are arising with employment advocates, who are able to represent clients without being lawyers. 

A judge described a recent run in as abusive and unprofessional, renewing calls for stricter regulation. 

Catherine Stewart from the Law Association joins with more. 

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A mass hikoi has departed Northland and is heading to Parliament. 

As many as 20,000 people are expected to arrive on the grounds early next week. 

Police Minister Mark Mitchell joins to discuss how the police are preparing. 

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 11th of November, the police and Mark Mitchell as they tackle the response to the nationwide hikoi beginning today.

Our diabetes issue is projected to be shocking and a huge blight on our health system by 2040 - but are we listening and do we actually care?

Guy and Sav cover all the rugby from the weekend, whether we care about the Black Caps T20 series against Sri Lanka and if Mike should invest in a horse.

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A business delegation travelled with the trade minister to Shanghai last week, and they're heading home with a projected $340 million worth of deals for the next three years. 

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Chief Executive Pete Chrisp joins with more. 

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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 Americans: 8/10 

Spoke with a rare clarity around a singular idea called 'Trumpism'. 

Trump: 9/10 

As profound a redemption and comeback story as you will ever see. 

The All Blacks: 8/10 

Awesome start to the Northern Tour against England because, no, we don’t count Japan. Next stop is Ireland, which is not the same as England. 

Boris Johnson: 7/10 

Enjoyable and on his way here. Politics aside, the world needs more irrepressible and brilliant people. 

Auckland FC: 8/10 

A sensational story. They're barely formed, haven't lost and you can't score against them. 

Cars: 6/10 

Because October's sales were some of the best of the year, unless of course you sell EVs. 

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Our old friend Adrian Orr has decided Donald Trump will be slightly inflationary and that peak free trade is over. 

On both counts he is right. 

He is not always right. He wasn’t right this week on the jobs, when he thought they would be 5% by way of unemployment. And I don’t think he's right when he talked in his fiscal risk report that more jobs will lead to more mortgage defaults on housing. 

If we have learned one thing out of this whole mad Covid experiment it is that New Zealanders and our relationship with housing is something out of the box. 

It's obsessive. If we don’t believe it’s a right to own a house, it's certainly on the “to do” list and we work awfully hard to make it happen. 

And having made it happen, we ain’t letting go easily, which is why the mortgage cliff never happened. All the doom and misery around all the houses that would be foreclosed on never came to pass. 

So a few more job losses isn't going to add to the calamity that never happened in the first place. An interesting question to ask is whether Adrian's conservatism has, and indeed continues to, hold us back. 

He has a “just in case” feel about him. 

I refer to the amount banks have to keep aside for things that so far haven't happened, the jobs that might be lost that in fact weren't, the money all the banks needed for free during Covid so they could spray it about to protect a lot of stuff that, as it turned out, didn’t need protecting. 

This is not to say things haven't been, and aren't, bad, because they are. Adrian has made a godawful mess of it all, as bad as anywhere and worse than most.  

But this week I think we saw a bit of hope. The jobless rate is still to rise, but if the forecasts were wrong now, my bet is those who think it could go to 6% will be wrong next year. 

The mood has, or is, changing. People don’t want to be any more down than they have to be and the tide, my gut tells me, is turning. 

Even Adrian saw better times ahead for farming in his report. 

I see it for farming and, indeed, for most of the rest of us. 

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Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was. 

They dug into the US Election – its polls, results, and whether celebrity endorsements mean anything anymore. 

Are there things you should and shouldn’t do as you get older? And at what age do you tire of owning things. 

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The All Blacks have had a hell of a start to their Northern Tour. 

They began their end of year international season with a dominating win over Japan, following it up by beating England at Twickenham.  

This weekend they’ll be facing Ireland, who they haven’t played since the Rugby World Cup semi-final. 

Coach Scott Robertson told Mike Hosking that this is a massive weekend for the Irish, especially after what happened the last time they faced off. 

He says that it’s going to be a hell of an atmosphere on Friday night.  

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Christchurch City Council is continuing to push back against KiwiRail's multimillion dollar safety improvement requirement, which has forced the closure of a cycleway. 

The freight transport company says a crossing on the Heathcote Expressway needs $6.5 million in safety upgrades because of the cycleway 

That could take two years.  

Councillor Aaron Keown told Mike Hosking he assumes they're referring to the gate systems. 

He says it's odd given the path doesn't cross there but runs beside the rail line. 

Keown says Mayor Phil Mauger has written to the appropriate ministers. 

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 8th of November, David Seymour discusses his Treaty Principles Bill now that we have the full details of what he wants to achieve. 

Scott 'Razor' Robertson pops in for a chat ahead of the biggest game of the Northern Tour against Ireland. 

Tim and Katie take a look at the US Election and discuss what you should and shouldn't do at an advanced age as they Wrap the Week. 

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A programme aimed at getting more under-served groups into medical school is being scrutinised.  

New research in today's New Zealand Medical Journal has found Otago University's affirmative action initiatives haven't increased the number of students from poorer backgrounds. 

Māori now make up 20% of enrolments, reaching parity with European and Asian enrolments for the first time. 

But Auckland University Emeritus Professor of Medicine Des Gorman told Mike Hosking the programme wasn't designed to just lift Māori enrolment. 

He says when it was brought in 50 years ago, it was aimed at improving Māori health outcomes and access. 

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ACT leader David Seymour told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking that he refuted claims that the bill was dead post the first reading. 

He said the other parties see “that this far more constructive than anything they have seen before”. 

“I think it's very clear that more and more people see that this is an initiative that promotes equal rights.” 

He reiterated that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had not taken him up on his multiple offers to “join the wagon”. 

“I think the National party is afraid of taking on hard issues.” 

Seymour said that this Bill is about giving “everyone a fair chance in life”. 

“Ultimately we are democratising the treaty... we are saying anyone gets a say in our constitutional future. 

“There has become this idea that the treaty is a partnership so therefore everything becomes about your identity and which side of the partnership you are on. 

“Until we remove the underlying idea that our treaty is a partnership between races and we each have a different role in our society based on our background those policies will all be back in the stroke of a pen.” 

He said Bill has produced a “difficult debate” on whether the Treaty allows people to have equal rights or provides a partnership based on identity. 

“If I am completely wrong and it never gets past the first reading, all that happens is that we produce the idea that each New Zealander has the right to have a say about their constitutional future. 

“My ultimate challenge to those who oppose this bill… where in the world has divided people up based on this background been a success?” 

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World trade is ramping up rapidly ahead of the changeover of power to Donald Trump. 

The US President Elect has campaigned on an agenda of increased protectionism, with tariffs of up to 20% on all imports. 

He's also planning higher tariffs on Chinese goods, potentially setting the stage for another trade war. 

Mainfreight managing director Don Braid told Mike Hosking that if tariffs are applied, there'll be a price increase in some places. 

He says they are already seeing people filling their warehouses with stock-piled products before tariffs are applied. 

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The best thing about the result is you can't argue with it. 

You can hate it, but you can't argue with it. 

To win not just the College, but also the popular vote, gives the result a legitimacy that is rock solid. 

As I said yesterday, it's hard to know what the bigger deal is - a Trump victory or a Harris defeat? 

The Democrats will ask themselves how is it possible, with all their money, all their incumbency and all their endorsements, they could lose to that? 

The answer, of course, is obvious. That's not the point. The point is whether they will ever be able to bring themselves to see it. 

The lack of planning post-Biden was astonishing. You wonder whether Obama, who wanted a contested race as opposed to a coronation, was right, or would it have made no difference? Biden had done them irreparable damage. 

"Demography does not lead to democracy", was a Kellyanne Conway line I liked yesterday. In other words, treating black people, or women, or Latinos as a singular group and expecting them to act like sheep is a path to nowhere. 

Why don't they get that? 

There is a lesson there for this country and our debate around Māori. 

As a message, it's almost like America didn't realise what they had in Trump last time. Or maybe Covid and the economy was all they really cared about and the carnage they are living through is so great they just want better times. 

If there was a consistent line I heard over and over it was: "I was richer under Trump".   

That's uniquely American. You would never hear people in New Zealand say "I was richer under Key" or "I was richer under Luxon". 

How do you explain young people? Harris underperformed everywhere. 

Look at New York for God's sake. They hate him, they indict him, then they vote for him in increased numbers. 

Speaking of indictments, what happens to his legal woes? And how mad does that all get? 

How about that Iowa poll from the Seltzer Group that we fell over? Yes, it was an outlier and a blow to their reputation and pollsters everywhere. 

The polls though, were within their margins. They roughly seemed right. Although the remaining states will probably go the way we think, they are close, as predicted. 

As I also said yesterday, you have to admire the force of nature he is. He is a lesson in being unrelenting. 

For all the madness, dishonesty and illegality, he overcame it all, not once, but twice. They will study it for years to try and make sense of it. 

Or maybe they already have made sense of it and it's uniquely American and it's us that thinks it's odd. 

Either way, it's clean, clear, unambiguous, show-stopping, possibly gobsmacking, and now we have the prospect of four years of who knows what. 

You'd like to think, given the campaign was slicker this time, the presidency will be slicker this time as well. 

A bit of legacy is in the back of their minds, so let's see. 

Buckle up. 

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To some, it seems that kids these days just don’t want to work. 

Australian Gen Z’s have been labelled as ‘arrogant’ by recruiter Tammie Christofis Ballis from Realistic Careers, saying their expectations are leaving a “bad taste” in bosses’ mouths. 

Ballis claims kids have told her they won’t get out of bed for anything less than $100,000. 

Jane Lowney, Senior Director of Robert Walters Brisbane, told Mike Hosking that the belief is a little bit harsh. 

She says that when they surveyed 5000 workers across Australia and New Zealand, the sentiment was broadly the same regardless of the way you sliced it. 

“I think the whole workforce is looking for things that are, you know, pretty aligned: salary, career progression, work-life balance.” 

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 7th of November, it was an incredible night in the US. We get both the Republican and Democrat view on the historic Trump victory. 

We get a first hand account of what it was like at Kamala HQ as the votes rolled in and she lost the election. 

And our number one expert Nick Bryant tells us what a Trump presidency will look like second time around, and how the Dems can pick themselves up in four years' time. 

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The results are expected to spark soul-searching in the Democrat Party. 

Donald Trump has secured the presidency after claiming more than the 270 Electoral College votes needed.  

Kamala Harris is set to officially concede the race after projections show her securing only 223 votes to Trump’s 276. 

Former BBC correspondent Nick Bryant told Mike Hosking one of the big 'what ifs' the party will be grappling with is whether Harris was the right candidate. 

He says that voting on a candidate within the party could’ve risked splitting the Democratic Party and splitting the vote. 

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The man who "wrote the book" on Kamala Harris says the Democrats would have been in a worse position without her. 

The Democratic Party has lost the 2024 Election, Kamala Harris falling short as Donald Trump claimed more than the 270 Electoral votes needed to secure the presidency. 

CNN is also projecting that the Republican Party will control the Senate, though the House is still up for grabs.  

Former LA Times Editor Dan Morain —who wrote a biography of Harris— told Mike Hosking Harris has raised more than a billion dollars for the cause. 

“Money doesn’t always determine the outcome, but it sure helps.” 

“And she had this incredible ‘get out to vote’ effort in the swing states, and [Trump] was relying on something that was much less organised than what the Democrats did.” 

Morain says that Harris ran as good a race as she possibly could have run in the three months she had.  

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There’s been a shift within the United States. 

Donald Trump has claimed the Presidency, securing the over 270 Electoral College votes needed. 

CNN projects that the Republicans will gain control of the Senate, but the House of Representatives is still up for grabs. 

Former Republican Party Communications Director Doug Heye told Mike Hosking that Trump gained ground in traditionally blue states, which says a lot about how the country has changed and is changing. 

Trump lost New Jersey by only four points as opposed to the 16 points he lost by in 2020, Connecticut was lost by eight points compared to 20, Maryland was 22 compared to 33. 

“New York state is a good example – Trump lost the state by 12 points, he lost it by 23 last time, and Kamala Harris is on track for the worst performance in New York City since 1992.” 

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While there are signs of light at the end of the economic tunnel, the job market is likely to remain tough for a little while yet. 

The unemployment rate has risen to 4.8%. 

It's lower than expected as more people are leaving the labour force, many opting for retraining or retirement instead. 

Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking unemployment is likely to keep rising, as it always lags behind other economic indicators. 

She says it may not go reach the level some of the more pessimistic outlooks have predicted. 

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Kamala Harris has fallen short. 

Donald Trump is set to return to the White House after securing more than the 270 Electoral College votes needed to secure the presidency. 

Harris has since gone radio silent but is expected to formally concede the election at 10am this morning. 

NZ Herald Political Editor Thomas Coughlan told Mike Hosking that the writing was on the wall only a couple of hours after the results started to roll in. 

“They do realise that they need to change,” he told Hosking. 

"Almost every county has swung Republican – Harris performed worse than Biden.” 

He says it’s very clear that what the Democrats had on offer was profoundly inadequate for what the people wanted. 

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If you forget the politics for a moment, a trait of Donald Trump I admire is his unrelenting persistence and unwavering belief. 

In a contest no one can confidently call based on fact, as opposed to feels, or gut, or hope, I think I can very confidently say if Biden had stayed in it, it wouldn't even be close. 

Age for age, just the sight of Trump stampeding across the landscape in the way he does would have left Biden gasping. 

Trump out-campaigned Hillary Clinton 10 years ago. He might well be doing the same thing in 2024. 

Biden was the antidote, and it worked, but they never thought past that. That will be a soul-searching exercise as to why not later tonight if things don’t go well. 

The sad bit about Trump for me is he isn't very good. He doesn’t represent high office well, which isn't to say he can't win, obviously, or indeed win twice. 

There is a combination of luck and genius in his recipe. He got lucky he faced Clinton, a Washington insider with a pile of shabby baggage. 

He got lucky he faced Biden, who was so bad they ejected him for another insider, not so much with baggage this time, just nothing your average American can get their head around. 

What I can't work out is whether it's luck, or genius he's been able to become impervious to scandal. 

Forget the fringe nutters - the simple truth is he is a convicted felon. He is a grubby, loudmouth with no sophistication. He's just a wannabe desperate for high office and power. 

Not that he wasn’t a half-decent president. Too many of the Liberals who hate him forget that the world didn’t end between 2016 and 2020. 

He's a conservative on economics and the economy was fine, if not healthy. He's an isolationist, which suits a lot of Americans because "America first" resonates. 

My international high point was his success with NATO. He embarrassed a record number of countries into paying their way. That's solid leadership. 

I dislike his dishonesty. 

When he was president, it wasn’t the greatest economy, as he claims. 

He wasn’t the greatest president. It wasn’t the cleanest air and the purest water 

Essentially, he's full of bullsh*t. But a lot of the BS is show and the Liberals don't see that. 

He doesn’t want the media literally shot. You can't take him literally. Why can't they see that? 

That’s why so many of them will combust if he wins, as they have no sense of humour, or at least of the absurd, which is what this race has been. 

I ask you this - is the bigger story Trump winning, or the Democrats not being able to win? 

Because if you want a gut call, I think that’s how it's going to play out. 

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New Zealand trainer Sheila Laxon is celebrating a second Melbourne Cup victory, 23 years after her first. 

Knight's Choice —who she works with alongside John Symons— won by a nose at Flemington. 

Laxon prepped Ethereal to the crown in 2001, the last New Zealand-owned and trained horse to triumph. 

She told Mike Hosking there was a touch of deja vu. 

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday the 6th of November, it is US Election Day! The Dem's Mark Gilbert and the GOP's Matt Terrill give their takes on the race and how tight it will be. 

Sheila Laxon is back in the winners circle at the Melbourne Cup after Knight's Choice won in a photo finish. The Kiwi trainer joins us after what was likely a big night of celebrating. 

Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell joined Mike for Politics Wednesday, talking about whether there was a 3-year-old left behind in the Ōpōtiki gang raids, how Labour works with the Māori Party, and gun reform. 

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