The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Episodes

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  Mike's Minute: The Māori seats could be make or break 21.10.2026 2m

  We now have a poll in all seven of the Māori seats, which gives us a chance to at least make some sort of observation.  It's more than fair to suggest these polls are even ropier than the major polls, which have been all over the place at the best of times.  They are smaller, have greater margins of error, and involve a group that at first blush doesn’t automatically represent the demography of the area polled. It has a "whoever answered the phone" vibe about it.  Be that as it may, they give us really the only insight into what might happen.  And what might happen is important because you could see multiple things:  1) The exit of a party from Parliament,  2) An overhang that shapes the next Government,  3) A party that once dominated the Māori landscape reduced through their own implosion to an insignificant rump.  In seven polls we seem to have Labour well ahead in a couple, the Māori Party well ahead in a couple, and three that are too close to call. In one of the “too close to calls”, a Green candidate leads, which could be history.    The most obvious outworking is if this doesn’t go well for the Māori Party, there may be no real overhang. For example, if they only win two seats and get about 2% of the party vote there will be no overhang, as opposed to getting 2% of the party vote and winning five seats.  The risk Labour took was twofold:  1) Winning seats that would make no difference to their overall result given the party vote will drive final numbers,  2) In doing so wrecking the prospects of a fellow coalition member.  And I suppose you could also argue:  3) Damaging their reputation as a once proud dominator of the Māori seats.  The same recipe applies to the Greens. If they won one then good on them, but it would make no difference in the House. So really the only net gain recipient in any of this is the Māori Party, who have put it all on the line by campaigning for the seat alone.  If it goes badly, and winning only two out of seven would be bad, they of course have no one to blame but themselves. They imploded through hubris.  At that point, if anyone wants to learn, the collapse of various versions of a Māori Party would then be getting to be quite the story. But maybe that’s for November 8th.  For now, the polls show it could make all the difference on the night. Or none at all. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Guenther Steiner: Former Haas boss on the future of F1, Liam Lawson, 'No Team Orders' live show 21.10.2026 11m

  Praise for Liam Lawson from one of Formula 1's most charismatic characters.  Guenther Steiner is a former Team Principal for Haas, as well as the Former Managing Director and Technical Operations Director for what became Red Bull Racing.  "When [Lawson] came in in the beginning ... he was very good straightaway, and then obviously he was moved to the big team, but, and then I wouldn't even say he struggled," Steiner told Mike Hosking.  "He wasn't given a chance in my opinion,"  "I think nobody deserves anything, you have to work for it, and he worked for it, and he was successful."  "So that's why he should be there."   Steiner is on our shores this December for his live stage show, 'No Team Orders'.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Full Show Podcast: 22 October 2026 21.10.2026 1h 28m

  On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 22nd of October, we preview today's inflation rate, which will likely be either good or okay news for the Government.  Labour leader Chris Hipkins goes through the debate fact check with Mike and discusses how the Māori seats will affect their prospects.  Former F1 team manager for Haas, Guenther Steiner is on his way to country in December and joined us to give us the lowdown of what his show will involve.  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.
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  Rob Walter: Black Caps Coach on the upcoming India tour 21.10.2026 1m

  The sold-out sign is up for New Zealand's opening two T20 cricket matches against India in Christchurch, but that doesn't necessarily mean a home crowd given the local support for the visitors.  The sides last met in March's World Cup final at Ahmedabad, won by India.  Black Caps coach Rob Walter has outlined the series priorities for the five T20s, five ODIs, and two tests.  He told Mike Hosking the test matches are part of the World Test Championships, so they're very important, while the T20s are part of the World Cup finals, so they'd like to get an edge on them in their own conditions.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Alan McDonald: Employers and Manufacturers Association Head of Advocacy and Strategy on the Mood of the Boardroom 21.10.2026 3m

  There is a positive picture to be found within the Mood of the Boardroom, says EMA's Head of Advocacy and Strategy.  Alan McDonald told Mike Hosking that the underlying numbers are becoming more visible, which is beginning to give the business sector "a bit more confidence in a longer-term recovery".  Manufacturing has been a quiet achiever while the residential construction sector is picking up, McDonald said.  "The numbers for tourism have finally gone back to pre-Covid levels, so that's also a good story."  However, hiring intentions within the boardroom were "still fairly flat", which was indicative of the caution surrounding the country's economic recovery, he said.  "A lot of places have cut staff, or haven't cut, but haven't replaced. So they're running fairly lean anyway."  Asked for a word to summarise the mood, McDonald said: "Cautiously optimistic on the back of some pretty sound numbers."  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Jo McKenna: Europe Correspondent on the violent protests and riots in Italy, police deployment, new charge 21.10.2026 5m

  Italy's cracking down on violent protests, deploying 500 troops to Milan following widespread unrest.  The Government's also introduced a new offence for violent demonstrators, carrying up to five years in prison.  Protestors have looted shops, set fires, and attacked police over rising living costs and high rents.  Europe correspondent Jo McKenna told Mike Hosking protesters claim the violence was justified because the Government isn't taking care of people.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Kelly Eckhold: Westpac Chief Economist on the expectation inflation will ease to 3.7% 21.10.2026 3m

  The Reserve Bank will be looking under the hood of inflation numbers today as it weighs up interest rate hikes.  Stats NZ is releasing its latest inflation data at 10.45 this morning.  The central bank forecasts the numbers would fall to 3.9%, down from 4.1% last quarter.  Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Mike Hosking if the Reserve Bank sees core inflation rising, they'll be more inclined towards further OCR hikes.  He says the indicators they've seen is that firms aren't trying to raise prices as the demand environment is constraining them.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Chris Hipkins: Labour Leader gives update on the election campaign, move on orders, Mood of the Boardroom rating 21.10.2026 10m

  Chris Hipkins is standing firm that move-on orders criminalise homelessness.  The Bill allowing Police to move on beggars, rough sleepers, or people acting disorderly from a public place take effect this Sunday.  If they refuse or return within 24 hours of being moved on, they can be penalised with up to three months’ jail or a $2,000 fine.  Stuff's fact check of Tuesday's leaders debate found National's Christopher Luxon was right saying it's not criminalising homelessness.  Labour's Leader Chris Hipkins told Mike Hosking it's a debatable point.  He says it's not saying someone is criminal being homeless, but it's saying they can be treated like a criminal.  Hipkins also responded to the ratings he was given by New Zealand's CEOs and business leaders at today's Mood of the Boardroom.  Out of five, he was 2.7 for integrity and 2.5 for trustworthiness, which he told Hosking didn't 'particularly' bother him.   He says CEOs are not his target audience, as he's more interested in the mood of the smoko room than the mood of the boardroom.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mike's Minute: Labour is fighting our memories - and time 20.10.2026 2m

  Surely it's only one more day before Chris Hipkins gets to, just maybe, put the gangs in the rear-view mirror.  In his new found assessment that handing millions to the Mongrel Mob when last in government was "a mistake", he reveals the real issue he faces this election campaign;  Time.  The gap between what he did and what he now promises to do is too short. That is roughly why most governments get two terms.  Generally, governments lose elections, Oppositions don’t win them.  The reason they lose them is we are sick of the incumbents and that feeling generally lasts longer than three years.  For Hipkins, and for that matter Sepuloni, Andersen, Verrall, Tinetti, Edmonds, and Co, to be back so soon after an historically implosive burst of Labour-style ideology was always going to be a test of the punter's resolve.  Which is why I have been moderately critical of this Government's lack of focus on that period in which we were literally sold down a fiscal river through sheer incompetence.  It has rectified itself this past week with the gangs because the gangs are a visceral reminder of who these people really are. You could add MIQ, lockdowns, free money and the Māorification obsession. The list is enormous, but the gangs have refocused us on the worst of Labour.  So with gangs back front and centre, the question had to be asked about the free millions for the Mongrel Mob, Chris. This is the $2.75 million for alleged meth rehab.  And Hipkins, having done the best he could in the distancing department from the Greens, if not the Māori Party, could do nothing more than throw Ardern under the bus and say it was a mistake.  Which indeed it was. It was an egregious one, but one nevertheless that shows basically who they are.  Saying something when he wants your vote is easy. Some might suggest he will say anything.  But the record speaks for itself and given they have not changed, have not apologised and have not recognised the damage whether in justice, crime, the economy, education or any number of social issues, they remain who they always were;  A failed Government hoping three years on you’ve forgotten it all. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Full Show Podcast: 21 October 2026 20.10.2026 1h 28m

  On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 21st of October, we discuss the record high number of arrests and charges for retail crime, plus we wrap the final leader's debate.  Speaker Gerry Brownlee talks rising threats on MPs following the attack on Helen Haines in Australia.  And on Politics Wednesday, Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen talk MP security and campaigning with just two and a half weeks to go.  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.
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  Pollies: National's Mark Mitchell and Labour's Ginny Andersen on the election campaign, threats towards MPs 20.10.2026 10m

  Today on Politics Wednesday, National's Mark Mitchell and Labour's Ginny Andersen discuss the latest from the election campaign.   Plus, they discuss the rising number of threats towards MPs and the attack on an Australian politician.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  John Robson: BioOra CEO on the world-first cancer treatment facility opening in Christchurch 20.10.2026 3m

  A world-first facility opening in Christchurch could bring cutting-edge cancer treatment closer to home for Kiwi patients.  BioOra will manufacture CAR-T therapies at the central site, using patients' own genetically modified cells to fight cancer.  It could eventually treat 150 patients a year, reducing the need for overseas treatment, which can cost more than a million dollars.  Chief Executive John Robson told Mike Hosking the facility has sophisticated set of laboratories.  He says there's six in total, with four of them being 'super clean rooms,' where staff will be genetically modifying cells for patients.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Stephen Knightly: RocketWerkz Games Chief Operating Officer on NZ First's plan to lift funding for video game sector 20.10.2026 3m

  Our gaming sector is continuing to flourish, and one game developer believes there's no reason it can't keep growing with investment.  New Zealand First wants to lift funding for the Centre of Digital Excellence by 2028 and to improve the studio rebate.  That includes increasing the claimable amount from $3 million to $10 million.  RocketWerkz Games Chief Operating Officer Stephen Knightly told Mike Hosking it's closing the gap that Australia continues to have over our industry.   He says Australia is fighting for tech jobs and creative jobs and believes New Zealand's naive if it doesn't fight back.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Gerry Brownlee: Speaker of the House on the rising number of threats towards politicians 20.10.2026 5m

  The Speaker of the House says there was no choice but to act as threats against MPs see a massive increase.  RNZ reports the Parliament Security Information, Risk and Advisory Service deployed 81 times after handling 216 requests for advice or support between September 28 and October 18.  Parliamentary Service says its security offering has grown and it's working closely with Police.  Speaker Gerry Brownlee told Mike Hosking there's been a particular increase in threats towards women.  He says the nature of threats have also changed from being a bit of personal abuse about appearance to serious threats of physical violence.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Steve Watt: Police Association President on retail crime charges more than tripling compared to 2022 20.10.2026 2m

  The Police Association is highlighting that retail crime is falling amidst rising related charges.  Annual Ministry of Justice data to June shows record-high finalised charges for theft from a retail premises at over 21,000 – more than triple that of four years ago.   Convictions also reached nearly 18,000, also more than tripling over the same period.  Police Association President Steve Watt told Mike Hosking it goes to show the hard work Police are putting in.  He says as convictions have risen, they're seeing decreases in the number of instances of retail crime.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  David Seymour: Minister of Regulation on the report showing 40% of MBIE's major projects missed targets 20.10.2026 3m

  The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's being described as incapable of delivering the Government's objectives.   An annual report shows 40% of MBIE's major capital projects failed to meet time, budget, or scope targets, including the $50 million Biometric Capability update.  Regulation Minister David Seymour told Mike Hosking a line in the report says the ministry has discharged its responsibilities.   He says the reason the ministry's become such a confection of different objectives and projects is the fact it answers to 23 different ministers.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mike's Minute: Why the gang pad video hurts Labour the most 19.10.2026 2m

  Only good thing about Oriini Kaipara and her gang video, which spent the better part of the day front and centre, starting with us yesterday morning as we played you the cringe-inducing audio, to be followed by the rest of the media, was that Oriini is from the Māori Party, not the Greens.   If it had been Marama, it would have been well and truly over. Not that Marama wouldn't agree with her any, it's just we don't have the video.   There she is for all to see, geeing them up, offering help and mana, seemingly some concern they haven't got some state houses as well.   Now this isn't an issue for the Māori Party given who they are. This may well, within their circles, be a grist of the mill, if not good news.   What makes this really, really bad is 1, it's still new several days after the original event, and 2, Labour are the real victims here.   If a video appears, and it has a Green MP in it, then Labour will have no choice but to cut them off completely with the very obvious consequences.   As it stands, Labour must be praying this goes away. Labour must be praying the Nats and ACT don't start a fairly hefty campaign on law and order and remind us all —as if we need reminding— that under Labour, aided and abetted by the Greens, law and order in this country fell apart in spectacular fashion and that one of the indisputable wins of this Coalition Government is its success in making our streets overtly safer again.   At play for Labour is the doubt in voters' minds. This is the real cancer here as to what they get. What do you get with Labour? There's the question.   What do you get with Labour? The Greens now look damaged given their gang association. But then the Māori Party always needed to be part of the mix. Don't forget that. This is a three-party deal. Always has been.   Trouble now is parties two and three look dangerous. And party three in particular look to be dabbling into the world of illegality as they look to quote unquote "restore the mana of gangs".   We were all there when the gangs ruled the streets, ignored the law, took over the highways on their way to the funerals, paraded their patches and generally rigged hell. Two-thirds of the left bloc want to bring that back.   Labour must be watching on and dying quietly inside.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Jamie Beaton: Crimson Education founder and CEO on the future of the company, takeover of Kip McGrath 19.10.2026 11m

  Crimson Education is continuing to expand.  Founded by Jamie Beaton, the company began as an elite university admissions consultancy, and has expanded into tutoring, schools, and is now moving into the charter school space.  They've also received backing from the board of Kip McGrath to take over the company, adding it to their network.  "What we're seeing is kids' math and English is actually going backwards in most of the Western world," Beaton told Mike Hosking.  "So we see it as a great opportunity to support kids who really have these critical gaps."  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Guy Roper: Dairy Companies Association Chair on the sector's priorities for the next government 19.10.2026 3m

  The Dairy Companies Association has laid out its priorities for the next government.  The five points include biosecurity, bipartisan infrastructure and energy, streamlined food regulation, and food and nutrition policy based on science and clear labelling.   It also calls for an ambitious trade agenda, saying 43% of global dairy consumption remains outside of our FTA coverage.   Chair Guy Roper told Mike Hosking demand for our high value product is growing.   He says they want new trade agreements advanced in places like Bangladesh and Nigeria, where dairy is in favour.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Maz Cameron: Canterbury University student on building a robot that can solve a 4x4 Rubik's cube in under 10 seconds 19.10.2026 4m

  Canterbury University students have built a robot that could smash both the human and robotic world records for solving a Rubik’s Cube.  Four engineering students spent about a year developing the robot that can solve a 4x4 Rubik’s Cube in under 10 seconds.  They’re now awaiting confirmation from Guinness World Records.  Student Maz Cameron told Mike Hosking it took a full year of hard work, so it was really exciting to have it culminate in that record attempt with so many people there to support it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.