The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Heather du Plessis-Allan: I've accepted the LNG Terminal as a short term fix 09.06.2026 2m

I don’t love the idea of the LNG terminal. Never have, probably never will.  But I’m fast coming around to the idea that there is no solution to our energy problem that we’re going to love.  Our electricity system—our wider energy situation—is so broken now that whatever we do to try to fix it is going to have to be so drastic or expensive, it’s going to hurt.  For the LNG terminal, the problem is the cost for what is really a short-term band-aid.  We’re running out of gas fast. The entire country is.  It means we all have to get off gas. But that won’t happen overnight. It’ll take years, so we’ll probably run out before we’ve all switched to alternatives like electricity.  Hence the terminal – it will tide us over with gas until we’re all off it.  A billion dollars plus to get us through a few years? That’s pricey.  But not doing it—losing the Pan Pacs of this world—that’s much more costly. That’s a billion dollars, year after year after year, in lost revenue, income, and tax.  And this terminal is going to help Pan Pac stay here. That company is the last big pulp mill that hasn’t upped sticks. Maybe they do in the end, but the LNG terminal will keep them here for longer.  Yes, the LNG terminal decision hasn’t gone well for the Government. It’s going to divide opinion, if it hasn’t already. They’ve already had to backtrack on the gas levy that they spent weeks defending. It’s hardly going to look climate-friendly to the townie swing voter.  But it’s a tough call that probably needed to be made. And we’ve got more of these coming, because the LNG terminal won’t fix our energy system completely.  It’s an expensive solution for a short-term fix – but at least it is a fix. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard Arnold: US Correspondent on Iran, naming of the Artemis III crew 09.06.2026 4m

Nasa has named the astronauts who'll blast off in the next Artemis mission, with a view to eventually returning humans to the Moon.  The crew of four will launch on the Orion spacecraft next year from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  Originally a crewed Moon landing, Artemis III will instead fly in low Earth orbit and test special manoeuvres and dock with prototype lunar landers.   US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Heather du Plessis-Allan the first crewed lunar landing is now the Artemis IV, set for 2028.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Simon Gault: Celebrity Chef and health advocate on Uber Eats' revenue growth, the number of Kiwis ordering food 09.06.2026 3m

More and more Kiwis are choosing to order in instead of eating out.  Uber Eats is booming – its revenue growing 23% last year to $367.3 million.  The service now reaches more than 84% of the country, covering 178 locations.  Celebrity chef and health advocate Simon Gault told Heather du Plessis-Allan it’s about convenience, and people are time poor.  He says it’s a bit like getting room service in a hotel – convenient and easy, but always more expensive, and it’s what people are prepared to pay for.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pollies: National's Mark Mitchell and Labour's Ginny Andersen on Rakesh Naidoo standing for Labour, Labour's policy announcement 09.06.2026 10m

There’s fresh criticism of Labour's selection process, while the party itself continues to brush off concerns.   Police are reviewing whether new Labour candidate Rakesh Naidoo shared any sensitive information with the party while deciding whether to stand.  His bid for Parliament was announced on Monday after two months of discussions with Labour, but he only informed his manager last week.  Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Heather du Plessis-Allan Richard Chambers is responsible for maintaining neutrality.  He says the Police Commissioner should have put a plan in place to manage the perception of neutrality but was never given a chance by Labour.  But Labour's Police spokesperson Ginny Andersen insists Naidoo followed the correct process.  She told du Plessis-Allan it's surprising and unusual for the Commissioner to make public comments before any review's taken place.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Full Show Podcast: 10 June 2026 09.06.2026 1h 30m

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast with Heather du Plessis-Allan for Wednesday the 9th of June, we hear from an expert why the Government's proposed LNG terminal shouldn't go ahead. We go to Waikato to celebrate the opening of Fieldays for 2026.  Heather dives into the changing perceptions New Zealanders have towards Asia.  And on Politics Wednesday, Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen go toe-to-toe over the appointment of Rakesh Naidoo to the Labour list.  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.

Suzannah Jessep: Asia New Zealand Foundation CEO on the Perceptions of Asia survey, the US being seen as a bigger threat than China 09.06.2026 4m

Global instability is reshaping our relationships with major powers and pushing us closer to Asian countries.   The Asia New Zealand Foundation's new survey of members finds Japan is viewed as our most trusted partner in the region, followed by Singapore.   The US is now seen as a bigger threat than China – with trust in both about the same.   Asia New Zealand Foundation CEO Suzannah Jessep told Heather du Plessis-Allan threat perceptions are quite elastic – it rose during the first Trump presidency, dipped during Biden, and have risen sharply this year.  She says New Zealanders are reacting to what they see and experience, and during the survey period there was a sense of the US breaking the rules, impacting our economy and security.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marama Davidson: Green Party Co-Leader on their campaign promise of harsher penalties for companies breaching the Privacy Act 09.06.2026 4m

The Greens are calling for a beefed-up Privacy Commissioner to tackle major breaches.  The party's campaigning on plans for the Commissioner to apply for penalties of up to $500 thousand for breaches by individuals, and $10 million for corporations.  Any penalty would have to go before the courts.  Greens Co-Leader Marama Davidson says the Manage My Health hack showed the need to close the gap allowing companies to treat New Zealanders' data as an afterthought.  She told Heather du Plessis-Allan the proposal would see penalties match those given for breaches of the Commerce Act – bringing privacy protection up to where it should already be.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard Lindroos: National Fieldays Society CEO on the opening day of the event at Mystery Creek 09.06.2026 2m

It’s all go at Hamilton's Mystery Creek, with Fieldays kicking off today.  About 100 thousand people are expected to flock through the gates over the next four days to view the latest agriculture tech and innovation.  There are more than 1000 exhibitors and delegations travelling from key markets, including Europe, Latin America, and China.  National Fieldays Society CEO Richard Lindroos told Heather du Plessis-Allan it’s a testament to the strength of agribusiness and people’s eagerness to engage and connect.   He says Fieldays this week is the place to be.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Eagles: Smart Energy Alliance Spokesperson on the Govt pushing ahead with an LNG import terminal, scraps proposed levy 09.06.2026 2m

LNG is being thrown back into the mix, and an energy coalition is urging leaders not to forget about renewables.  The Government's pressing on with plans to build an LNG import facility in Taranaki and dumping a proposed power bill levy to pay for it.  It also plans to enforce stronger dry year supply requirements and penalties for gentailers.  Smart Energy Alliance spokesperson Andrew Eagles told Heather du Plessis-Allan we're in a much better position than in 2024, when there was a shortage of generation.  He says we don't need really expensive, old technology to be brought in, as there are already other solutions available.  And in terms of the fines, Eagles told du Plessis-Allan it’s clear our big energy companies need incentives.   He says they'll now take a $10 million hit if they get things wrong, which changes the dynamic.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lanny Wong: Mangawhai Pharmacy Director on the Government looking into allowing click and collect for prescription medications 09.06.2026 2m

A move allowing click and collect prescriptions is being dubbed a sensible call.   The Government's looking at introducing e-lockers for medication pick-ups, via Associate Health Minister Casey Costello's Medical Products Bill.   Ministry of Health officials say it would benefit those who struggle to get to pharmacies during opening hours.  Mangawhai Pharmacy Director Lanny Wong told Heather du Plessis-Allan such lockers are common overseas.   She says a trial was attempted in 2023, but MedSafe shut it down because legislation wouldn't allow for it.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heather du Plessis-Allan: Labour's reset is off to a very shaky start 08.06.2026 1m

Now, I can’t imagine Labour’s woken up feeling awesome this morning about how that reset is going. What do you think?  This is a reset – you do realise that. After months of saying nothing, having no new policy and generating headlines for Ayesha Verrall singing weird songs about ducks, they started this week with a classic reset move.  They got themselves a story in the Herald on Monday, claiming Nicola Willis tried to hide secret spending in the Budget. Then they followed it up really quickly with a list announcement, unveiling the policeman candidate.  And then tomorrow they were supposed to have their big, substantive policy announcement – something they haven’t done in months. It was meant to be this run of good news.  Unfortunately for them, it’s gone a little bit pear-shaped, hasn’t it?  The “secret money” has turned out to actually just be an accounting provision. The list announcement got derailed by Greg O’Connor taking a crack at them.  Then the new guy for one of the Māori seats revealed there’s some tax relief policy coming – which he wasn’t supposed to say. Then Chippy got busted for using his government KiwiSaver to buy a bach, and the policeman didn’t tell his bosses early enough that he was off to join the Labour Party.  All of this is not a good look for Labour, because they can hardly expect to convince voters they’re ready to govern if they can’t even get 24 hours’ worth of announcements to go to plan without being derailed by four or five different issues.  But to be fair to Labour, the last 24–48 hours is really not the end of the world. A lot of this is pretty beltway stuff – at least the parts involving the policeman are. In five months’ time, when the election rolls around, no one but the biggest political nerds in this country will remember any of it.  Five months gives them plenty of time to fix all of this, but they really do have to get on and fix it, because this is the same problem, just repeated – the same problem as the Ayesha Verrall duck-song situation. It looks like a party unable to get its act together and just do one thing properly. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joey Wheeler: Former Highlander and Māori All Black on Tony Brown returning to coach the All Blacks from 2028 08.06.2026 3m

Tony Brown is set trade the bottle green and gold of the Springboks for the much more familiar black of home.  The current South Africa attack coach has signed on as an All Blacks assistant coach for the two years after the 2027 Rugby World Cup.  The All Blacks will still face Brown as South Africa's current attack coach during the Greatest Rivalry tour this year, and in a likely World Cup quarterfinal next year if both teams win their pool.  Former Highlander and Māori All Black Joey Wheeler told Heather du Plessis-Allan that bringing, arguably, one of our most innovative and creative coaches back into New Zealand rugby is a master stroke by NZR.  He says regardless of who the head coach will be following the Rugby World Cup, knowing Brown, he’ll be able to work with anyone.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Full Show Podcast: 09 June 2026 08.06.2026 1h 30m

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast with Heather du Plessis-Allan for Tuesday 9th of June, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins defends the process behind the appointment of Rakesh Naidoo to the party's list.  Heather also challenges Hipkins on the generous superannuation scheme for MPs.  Former Highlander Joey Wheeler talks what Tony Brown will bring to the All Blacks when he joins as an Assistant Coach in 2028.  As we cross the 100 day mark of the Iran war, Middle East expert Jeffrey Pryce talks us through what Donald Trump's options are and how this war might end.  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.

Andrew Fairgray: 2degreees Chief Business Officer on the new report saying the 'return to normal' narrative is no longer influencing business confidence 08.06.2026 2m

New research paints a gloomier picture for business leaders.   The latest 2degrees Shaping Business Report suggests optimism about post-pandemic recovery has fallen away.   It says leaders are now shifting from recovery mode to simply playing the hand they've got.  Chief Business Officer Andrew Fairgray told Heather du Plessis-Allan people were looking for a return to normalcy in the years since Covid, but with all the volatility, businesses are starting to realise they need to control their own outcomes.  But he says there are still some signs of positivity and moving forward, just in the new normal.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeffrey Pryce: Foreign Policy Analyst on the conflict in the Middle East, Iran trading strikes with Israel 08.06.2026 11m

A foreign policy analyst says Iran coming to Hezbollah's aid could have been a symbolic gesture, to help break something loose in negotiations.  Iran fired missiles into Israel in retaliation for Israeli forces striking Beirut, which then responded in turn by blowing up Iranian targets.   Donald Trump appealed to both sides to pause the shooting, but the threat of further violence remains.   Analyst Jeffrey Pryce told Heather du Plessis-Allan Iran's approaching this in a measured way.  He says it launched a salvo, which didn't have much effect, something it's done before to send a political message.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leela Ashford: Spark Chief Brand Officer on the clash between Spark and Auckland Council over the city's phone booths 08.06.2026 3m

There's debate over the future of the country's nearly 2000 remaining phone booths.   Spark's planning to use the aging payphones for free calling, wifi, phone charging, and for digital advertising.   But Auckland Council wants a share of the return due to the booths being on public footpaths.   Spark Chief Brand Officer Leela Ashford told Heather du Plessis-Allan there are lots of little costs that go into running the booths.   She says it's all on Spark and their partner, and if they have to split revenue with councils and roading authorities, the business case falls over very quickly.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grant Duncan: Political Commentator on the circumstances surrounding Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo standing for the Labour Party 08.06.2026 2m

Doubts a senior police officer gave his employer enough notice about plans to run for the Labour Party.  Commissioner Richard Chambers says he only learned of Rakesh Naidoo's candidacy on Sunday afternoon, and his position is now untenable.  Labour says Naidoo told a supervisor of his intentions last Thursday and followed all appropriate steps.  But political commentator Grant Duncan told Heather du Plessis-Allan that may not have been enough notice.  He says Police should've been able to steer Naidoo towards low-level operational duties, and there are also questions around leave.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hipkins: Labour Leader on Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo standing for Labour, policy announcement 08.06.2026 6m

The Labour Leader is disappointed by how things are playing out for the senior police officer who’s chosen to run for Parliament.  Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo —the Police’s national partnerships manager— has been revealed as the 13th ranked candidate on Labour’s list.  Commissioner Richard Chambers says he only learned of Naidoo’s candidacy on Sunday afternoon, and his position is now untenable.   Chris Hipkins told Heather du Plessis-Allan that he’s disappointed for Naidoo, who’s done everything right.  He says he acted with the utmost integrity through the process, and has worked very hard to preserve the political independence of the police.  Hipkins also says Labour won't be making any announcement about tax this week.  The party leader revealed his candidate list yesterday.  Newcomer Kingi Kiriona suggested Labour could be releasing policy on tax relief in the coming days.  But Hipkins told du-Plessis Allan Kiriona misspoke, and the policy is actually about cost-of-living relief.  While he can't reveal the details just yet, he can confirm it will have an impact on households.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Collins: Aluminium Extruders Association CEO on the trade investigation into whether an uptick in imports could be harming local manufacturers 08.06.2026 2m

An uptick in cheap aluminium extrusion imports could be hurting local manufacturers.  The Government's looking into global safeguards after imports of products, like those made here, surged 30% in the first four months of the year compared to last year.   Aluminium Extruders Association chief executive Nick Collins told Heather du Plessis-Allan the US and the EU have tariffs in place.   He says we need something in the range of 15–25%, so local manufacturers are on a level playing field.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brad Olsen: Infometrics economist says Government's unrevealed $1B an 'odd approach' 08.06.2026 2m

The Government has quietly set aside $1 billion from next year's Budget but is refusing to say where it'll go. It amounts to 22 million dollars in 2027/28, before ramping up over a four-year period. Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen told Heather du Plessis-Allan that this is not a common occurance. "That is just a little bit of an odd approach," he said.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.