The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Mike's Minute: Is this why the National vote is soft? 17.07.2026 2min

Federated Farmers have quite rightly raised what you would loosely call "the alarm" around a rush of new deals between councils and local Māori.  The rush is on because of the Government's new Natural Environment and Planning bills.  They were released late last year, saying you can't do local Māori deals under it. It's passed its first reading and is sitting at committee level and due back soon.  Like rust, councils don’t sleep, so the deals are being inked. Canterbury is the latest, but deals have already been done in Manawatu, Whanganui, Northland, and Taranaki.  Obviously, we could focus on the duplicitous nature of all this. We could focus on the fundamental dishonesty of giving people a say over major matters without having to ever face a voter.  But let us, for this moment in time, wonder aloud whether this very sort of thing might be a reason for the softness in the National Party vote at the moment.  We are late in the term and, yes, there was a lot to do to try and stitch up the chaos Labour left behind.  But the Māorification of this country was a centrepiece for all the players in the current Government, and yet you can argue, and I do, that it never got the attention it needed.  It never seemed to have the urgency.  It started with the smaller, you could argue, simpler stuff i.e. Māori names for everything. There should have been stroke-of-pen edicts that ended the nonsense on the spot.  We had the vote at local level around Māori wards. That was democracy in action as some kept them, some didn’t. But at least we had a say.  But stitch-up deals with local tribes who decide what gets done and doesn’t, simply because of race, is a gargantuan example of what needed addressing on day one.  Here we are on day 962 and we still haven't closed it off and, given it's July and Parliament rises in September, there are only a handful of sitting days left. ChatGPT tells me there's only ten.  I assume they plan to pass it in that time, but in the ensuing period the piss is well and truly being taken.  Delivery is everything in government.  On this, even if they deliver, they have looked lackadaisical in their approach, hence the bleeding of support. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark the Week: The World Cup is a massive success 16.07.2026 2min

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.    ACT: 8/10  A lot has yet to unfold but the Paul Henry move, so far, looks like a stroke of political genius.    NZ Inc: 7/10  An encouraging week with manufacturing, services, and confidence all up. Slowly but surely.    The World Cup: 8/10  There isn't an economically associated story I have seen that hasn’t been glowing and/or upbeat about it. It's a massive success.    Brendon McCullum: 6/10  On balance, he's been a net gain for England cricket, and he has kept 66% of the jobs.    Keir Starmer: 4/10  To hear him leave was an exercise in self-important gibberish. He lasted five minutes and cocked it up to the point they knifed him. Give the man the Legion of Honour...    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike's Minute: Why is the NZ Super debate back? 16.07.2026 2min

Like so many debates in this country, another one has restarted, this time around Superannuation.  Some economists have taken to their calculators and looked at who earns what in retirement.  9% of over 65s are earning more than $100k a year.  3.6% are earning more than $150k a year.  A smidge over 2% are earning more than $180k a year.  Now that’s almost 15% earning at least a six-figure salary, which I was pleasantly surprised about given the general Super debate is predicated on the idea everyone in retirement can't make ends meet, are cold because they haven't got a heater, and generally aren't eating properly because lamb chops are beyond the budget.  Anyway, upon crunching these numbers said economists asked: why don’t we means-test Super?  They are of the camp Super is not affordable.  That is still in some doubt, and while it is in some doubt, we haven't been able to get past the first hurdle and the first hurdle is: why don’t we raise the retirement age?  Close followers of this increasingly laborious debate will have noted we can't even get any sort of agreement on age, so why you would raise a means test is beyond me.  Age at least doesn’t change the fundamental underpinnings of Super i.e. it's an entitlement and age is the sole trigger.  Means-testing puts it into a whole new category, and the category would be called a benefit. Age becomes secondary to your means.  "Welcome to your golden years. Oh, you're rich? Well, nothing for you".  But what about my contribution to the tax base and the state of the nation? "Oh yes, they were old rules that only counts if you're broke".  If you ever opened that Pandora's box, you may as well do away with Super altogether. Because once you turn it into a benefit you may as well call it Jobseeker – you're simply 68-years-old and unemployed.   When in the modern age, given the reason for upping the age of entitlement is partially based on the idea that people live and work longer, are you actually no longer working?  If 65 is too young to retire, when is a good age? That's another debate that will go nowhere.  There should be a new rule: don't start new debates until old ones are settled.  And given we are still at 65-years-old after literally decades of going nowhere, then means-testing Super is wasting our time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard Arnold: US Correspondent on the weather, Donald Trump's speech to the nation today 16.07.2026 6min

US President Donald Trump is set to make a nation-wide address today, and elections and voting machines are on the agenda.   The primetime speech is expected to reveal information from newly declassified intelligence on investigations into US elections, and what the White House says are voting machine vulnerabilities.   White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says that people will find details of the address "shocking", and that the issue should be nonpartisan.   US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that Trump has been pressing claims about fraud and interference since his loss to Joe Biden in the 2020 election.  He says over 60 lawsuits have been filed since challenging the results, all of which, barring one that gave him a minor point, lost.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wrapping the Week with Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson: Paul Henry standing for ACT, working while studying, and life in America 16.07.2026 10min

It’s Friday, which means Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that Was.   They discussed Paul Henry’s shift into politics, Kate’s degree and whether working while studying makes you do better, and life in America.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gin Wigmore: Kiwi musician on the release of her fourth album 'Beautiful Mess' 16.07.2026 4min

After eight years, Kiwi music icon Gin Wigmore has released a new album.  ‘Beautiful Mess’ is her fourth studio album, and has been described as her most personal record yet – drawing on her experiences with love, divorce, motherhood, and rebuilding her life.  It’s an exciting day for Wigmore, with the full album dropping earlier this morning.  “It’s like giving birth but way less painful – it's awesome,” she told Mike Hosking.  Despite having other albums under her belt, Wigmore still feels the pressure that comes with releasing new music.  “It’s such a feat to put out an album for me now,” she explained.  “To be focused and have the time to actually do it, and so now it just feels way more of a feat to have had this done, and to have this out today.”  “It just feels like this really great amount of support around it ... it honestly, it feels like Christmas.”   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Barnes: Assistant All Blacks Coach ahead of the Nations Championship clash against Ireland at Eden Park 16.07.2026 5min

Assistant coach Neil Barnes is assuring the All Blacks' pride in their record at Eden Park is intact, with Ireland in town to challenge it tomorrow night.  The 52-test unbeaten run at the Auckland stadium has reached its 32nd year, and the team will be intending to keep it rolling in their third Nations Championship clash.  Barnes told Mike Hosking there's a lot of history between the All Blacks and Ireland, but it’s not something they find daunting.  He says it’s just another day at the office – one with a hell of a record to preserve, but the boys are up for it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Full Show Podcast: 17 July 2026 16.07.2026 1h 29min

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 17th of July, Social Development Minister Louise Upston discusses the new benefit numbers, and there’s good news —potentially— about power prices.   All Blacks Assistant Coach Neil Barnes discusses the team’s plan to defend the Fortress against Ireland this weekend.  And Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson discuss Paul Henry going into politics, Kate's degree, and life in America as they Wrap the Week.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karen Boyes: Major Electricity Users' Group Executive Director on wholesale electricity prices falling 16.07.2026 3min

Lower power bills are on the way for commercial customers, but a longer wait's in store for the average household.   Meridian Energy says 2027 forward wholesale prices have fallen more than 35% since April.  Chief Executive Mike Roan says it'll fall 15% over the same period for 2028 and 2029 as renewable energy's built.   But Major Electricity Users' Group Executive Director Karen Boyes told Mike Hosking homes won't feel that immediately.   She says it's favourable conditions with hydro lakes full and a pipeline of projects, but it'll take a while to roll through.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eric Crampton: NZ Initiative Chief Economist on ACT's idea to introduce innovation trials to cut red tape 16.07.2026 3min

Restrictions on innovation are being seen as a form of self-sabotage.   ACT wants to introduce innovation trials – letting government ministers pause existing regulations if they block tests of new technology.   Leader David Seymour told innovators the country punches above its weight when we back ourselves, but someone needs to build the framework to make it happen.   New Zealand Initiative Chief Economist Dr Eric Crampton told Mike Hosking it's something New Zealand should be progressing with.  He says we are too small to be stupid in this space, and need to enable innovation in new ways.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gareth Kiernan: Infometrics Chief Forecaster on predictions that economic growth will reach a four-year high next year 16.07.2026 3min

The country's economic recovery may be coming.  New Infometrics forecasts show annual economic growth is set to reach a four-year high of 2.7% mid-next year.  They show the chances of yearly inflation continuing above 2% by then have dropped.  Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan told Mike Hosking that as long as fuel prices stay at manageable levels, they expect to see positive indicators return over the next six to twelve months.  He says we’re nearing the point where we’re growing as fast as we can without generating inflation, and they do see a case for rates increases, but nothing as fast as they were previously looking at when fuel prices where over $3 a litre.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Louise Upston: Social Development Minister on the number of people on the Jobseeker benefit, over 86 thousand finding work in the last year 16.07.2026 3min

The Social Development Minister believes the latest Jobseeker numbers prove employers are keen to take on people on benefits.  Latest MSD data shows a 1.9% increase year-on-year in people receiving the main benefit at the end of June.  12.8% of the working-age population is drawing on the main benefit – up from 12.6% a year ago.  Minister Louise Upston told Mike Hosking 86,000 people also moved off the benefit.  She says partnerships with employers have been developing over the last few years and is making a difference in creating long term sustainable jobs.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike's Minute: The beat-up of the week 15.07.2026 2min

The beltway beat-up of the week goes to the seemingly ongoing fascination over the missing paperwork and the Prime Minister's office when it came to a meeting between Z Energy and their concerns over Mike Smith's court case involving polluters and climate cost.  Mike Smith called "conspiracy" and you don’t, sadly, need to do a lot more than that to get half the media fizzing over a scandal for the ages.  The bit, if you have forgotten, that made it look troublesome was twofold:  1) The PM's office didn’t have said paperwork, hence it looked shady.  2) The Government changed, or is going through the process of changing, the law in a way that, surprise, surprise, suits Z Energy.  Now, accepting lost paperwork is not a good look, and the Prime Minister freely admitted it weeks ago, we finally hear this week from a bloke called Lindis Jones who runs Z Energy. He produces the document they gave to the Government and here is the critical point – there is nothing in it.  Nothing they hadn't said publicly already.  In other words, they were alarmed that blokes like Smith can fill court time with fishing expeditions and that singling out companies like Z Energy and Fonterra is dangerous and ruinous to businesses and reputations.  Now, they say that because, funnily enough, it's true. And that is why, funnily enough, the Government acted to change the law.  The Government said, correctly, that the Government is the ultimate court and when it comes to climate policy the Parliament is the place decisions are made.  Now, they did that, not because Z Energy thinks that, or Fonterra thinks that, or you and I think that. But because it's true and it's right and they would have done it anyway.  There is no skullduggery. There is no clandestine, backroom nonsense. No one met in a dark alleyway. No Government was dragged into making a decision they wouldn’t not have already made.  All that happened was a piece of paper got waylaid and Mike Smith stirred up a very gullible media looking for fizz and clickbait.  What's required of the media, if they are remotely interested in repairing their battered reputations, is the ability to see real news.  The ability to differentiate between a story and BS and to not be so keen to see things that aren't there. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Enda Brady: UK Correspondent on the England v Argentina FIFA World Cup Match, Sir Keir Starmer's final speech as Prime Minister 15.07.2026 6min

Sir Keir Starmer has delivered his final goodbye to Parliament as British Prime Minister.  Speaking during an emotional final Question time, Starmer declared it the end of his political journey.   He announced his resignation last month after mounting pressure from within his Labour government.  UK Correspondent Enda Brady told Mike Hosking that Andy Burnham, Starmer’s replacement, will need to hit the ground running on Monday.  He says there will be huge expectations on him.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Glynn: AA Transport Policy Director on the survey finding Kiwis spend around 300 hours driving each year 15.07.2026 2min

Kiwis are spending around 300 hours in their car every year, according to a new survey.  The study, carried out by Autotrader in the UK, ranked 15 countries based on how much time motorists spent behind the wheel over the span of a year.  New Zealand ranked seventh, with the average Kiwi spending just under six hours in their car each week.  AA Transport Policy Director Martin Glynn told Mike Hosking the survey’s results heavily highlights the impact of public transport – particularly for France, Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands, who all have solid networks.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Simon Watts: Local Government Minister on National urging Labour to take a clear stance on rates caps 15.07.2026 3min

National says Labour must take a clear stance on rates caps, with the Government planning to introduce legislation before the election.  Labour's Chris Hipkins has told Newstalk ZB his party's yet to decide on a position.  He says the policy is "good retail politics" but adds councils will need ways to fund core services.  Local Government Minister Simon Watts told Mike Hosking they want to make sure that when they implement a policy, it’s enduring and there is certainty for businesses and households.  He says the problem is that Labour has previously indicated that they would vote against the legislation, but are now saying they don’t have a position.  Watts says he just wants to know where they stand on this.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck: Warriors player on moving into presenting after an injury cut his final season short 15.07.2026 11min

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is in high spirits despite a less than optimal end to his final season with the Warriors.  The 32-year-old suffered an ACL injury in the opening minutes of the away game against the St George Illawarra Dragons in May, taking him out of the season.  But instead of sitting on the sidelines, he’s teamed up with Sky to be their expert analysis for the rest of the season, and his first home game in the role is this weekend’s clash against the Dragons.  Tuivasa-Sheck told Mike Hosking he was devastated to leave the club that way, as he had big plans for the season before it was cut short.  “I was really, really sad, really gutted that that was my last inning for the club,” he said.  “I’ve really invested a lot into the club of the Warriors and I love that place ... but that period has passed and I’m in a better place now.”  Tuivasa-Sheck says he’s all about “pumping up” the club and trying to do good things for it, and working on Sky is one such thing he can do.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Full Show Podcast: 16 July 2026 15.07.2026 1h 29min

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 16th of July, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard provides an update after the H5N1 bird flu strain was found on our shores.  Air NZ’s Kate Boyer discusses their latest numbers around take-off and landing amidst cancellations for fog and weather.  And Roger Tuivasa-Sheck talks of his move into the media following his injury, the rest of the Warriors’ season, and his shift to the UK at the end of the year.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Glenn Dobson: Drug Detection Agency CEO on the increasing number of positive cocaine and amphetamine results in workplace testing 15.07.2026 3min

Class A drug use is soaring in New Zealand.  The Drug Detection Agency's latest workplace testing results show amphetamines are increasingly showing up, making up 32.7% of positive results nationwide – rising to 44% in Southland.  The use of cocaine specifically is also increasing, with positive tests up 68.5% year on year and a 375.8% increase in Canterbury.  Chief Executive Glenn Dobson told Mike Hosking that cocaine use on a global scale is up massively, with stats from Australia and the United States showing a similar picture.  He says the significant increase in the South Island shows the supply is potentially fluid – suppliers moving around the country more than they have in the past.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ana Azevedo: Latin America New Zealand Business Council Executive Officer on the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership meeting 15.07.2026 2min

This week sees New Zealand host one of its most significant international trade meetings in two decades.  Auckland is hosting the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership meeting, which brings together 10 ministers and 100 delegates from 21 different countries.   The intention is to reduce barriers and boost trade – particularly for small and medium-sized economies.  Latin America New Zealand Business Council Executive Officer Ana Azevedo told Mike Hosking free trade is part of the discussion, but they’re also looking for other commonalities and points they can align on.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.