The Mike Hosking Breakfast
The Mike Hosking Breakfast is New Zealand's number one breakfast radio show, hosted by Mike Hosking, the country's top talk host. The show sets the day's agenda with strong opinions, top talent, and engaging discussions. It airs on Newstalk ZB and covers current events, news, and interviews.
Episodes
100 Years of ZB: The power of talkback on Newstalk ZB
In this episode of the 100 Years of ZB Podcast, Mike Hosking talks through the power of a major part of the station, talkback. You'll hear our listeners share their stories, how it can change lives, how it can make national and international headlines, and how it builds connection between the station and the audience. 100 Years of ZB - Celebrating a century of New Zealand's conversatio
Mike's Minute: Again, get housing out of fast-track
As an extension to the 5% first home buyer deposit policy the National Party has released and the Labour Party is backing, can we possibly learn from its practicality and apply it to areas that are increasingly fraught? I cite fast-track. Fast-rack is an excellent idea. It gets things done better than what we had previously. Just ask the Tauranga Port; they spent seven years going nowh
Mark the Week: Is this a new low for Trump?
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 5% first home buyers policy: 8/10 Small house deposits for first-timers is the policy of the week. In fact, it's the policy of the campaign so far. It's easy, practical, and solves an issue important to voters. Michelin: 7/10 Possibly the
Mike's Minute: It hasn't been a good week for Labour
Is this the week the tide turned for the Labour Party and their chances of Government slipped away? It's indisputably true to say it hasn’t been their week, or even a good week. Some of the stuff that’s been bubbling for a while came to a, sort-of, head. The lack of policy, the waiting for this magical PREFU, which allegedly contains Lord-knows-what by way of fiscal revelation, t
Wrapping the Week with Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson: Voting bribes, bucket lists, and fun money
Friday has arrived, which means Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that Was. Donald Trump has offered every American adult $5000 if Republicans win the midterms in November – what would it cost to swing someone's vote? They also discussed whether there's such a thing as being too young to have a bucket list, and how despite the tough economy, there
Peter Reidy: KiwiRail CEO ahead of the opening of Auckland's City Rail Link this weekend
There's confidence there'll be no issues when Auckland's long awaited City Rail Link opens this weekend. The $5.5 billion project opens on Sunday, with twin three-kilometre tunnels, two new underground stations, and an entirely new timetable for Aucklanders. It'll also see three new main services: the East West, South City, and Onehunga West lines. KiwiRail Chief Executive Peter
Full Show Podcast: 11 September 2026
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 11th of September, Social Development Minister Louise Upston fronts up on the MSD screw-up that affected thousands of people. Andrew Webster details how the Warriors are going to beat the Dolphins this week as the NRL Playoffs begin. Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson discuss what we could bribe Kiwis with to vote, whether 19 and 20-
Andrew Webster: Warriors Coach on the upcoming qualifying finals against the Dolphins, team decisions
Warriors coach Andrew Webster is stoked to have another difference maker available for tomorrow's NRL league preliminary final. The team have completed their best regular season ever, securing a club record 18 wins and 728 points. They're now facing the Dolphins at home on Saturday in front of a sold-out Mt Smart Stadium. Versatile forward Jackson Ford's made a full recovery fr
Shane Jones: Associate Energy Minister reaffirms importance of gas, coal as renewable generation hits record high
Renewables have hit a record high, but the Associate Energy Minister says New Zealand still can't quit coal and gas. A new MBIE report shows renewables supplied 92% of electricity in the June quarter, with record geothermal generation and solar up 56%. Wholesale electricity prices also fell 66% compared with the same quarter last year. Shane Jones told Mike Hosking New Zealand ne
Louise Upston: Social Development and Employment Minister on the thousands of benefits that were accidently cut
The Social Development Minister's apologising it took so long for the Government to figure out thousands of benefits had been accidentally cut. Around 30 thousand benefit and winter energy payments were stopped after an error caused by legislation rushed through Parliament under urgency last year. Minister Louise Upston doesn't accept the legislation was rushed. A review reveals
Mike's Minute: A deeper dive into the PISA numbers
As big of a fan as I am of good news, something wasn’t right in the latest PISA report. Like all reports, you can look at stats in any number of ways. For example, if you want to feel good about yourself have a look at the Australian results. They're not good. So for a bit of Trans-Tasman rivalry, their numbers will give you no end of good vibes. The socio-economic gap the
Peter Beck: Rocket Lab CEO and Founder on the company's incredible growth to compete with Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos
Sir Peter Beck is one of the country's greatest ongoing success stories. The self-taught engineer turned his love of rockets into a multibillion dollar space company, and Rocket Lab is now the third largest launcher of payloads to orbit. He's competing directly with the likes of Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin and Elon Musk's SpaceX, managing to hold his own against the billionaires, and can b
Marcus Wheelhouse: Former PGA Golfer and Professional Coach on LIV Golf filing for bankruptcy protection
LIV Golf, the breakaway tour that spent billions of dollars luring top players away from the PGA, has filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States. Launched in 2022, free-spending LIV caused shock waves and bitter divisions in the golf world, before losing the backing of its deep-pocketed Saudi investors earlier this year, prompting a scramble to stay afloat. The organisation h
Full Show Podcast: 10 September 2026
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 10th of September, the Ministry for Regulation has released its review of the hospo sector, which should make it easier to do business and help thousands. All Blacks winger Jordie Barrett details how they'll tie up the South Africa series in Baltimore this weekend. Sir Peter Beck explores the extraordinary rise of Rocket Lab
Jordie Barrett: All Blacks midfielder previews the final Springboks test of the Greatest Rivalry Tour
After a “whirlwind” last few days, All Blacks veteran Jordie Barrett says the side are back in test mode as they prepare to bookend Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series with a victory in Baltimore on Sunday. Both sides are coming off a 20-hour flight from Johannesburg to Washington following Sunday’s third test, which shortens the preparation window for the final clash of the series in the US. “It’s st
Mark Smith: ASB Chief Economist on house prices rising slowly, only expected to hit 2021 peaks in 2029
ASB's anticipating the upswing in the housing market will be steadier than in the past. Its latest housing outlook predicts a more measured, household income-led recovery, rather than previous borrowing-led booms. Chief economist Mark Smith expects national house prices to remain around 15% below the peaks of late 2021, which are unlikely to return until late 2029. He told Mike
Kristy Phillips: Hospitality NZ CEO on the findings of the Ministry for Regulation's review of the hospitality sector
There are hopes a hospitality Action Plan will dish up more coherent regulation. Ministers are now deciding what recommendations to keep from the Ministry for Regulation's completed review. It highlights areas hindering food and drink operators, including alcohol licensing, high fees, and too many regulators. Hospitality New Zealand CEO Kristy Phillips told Mike Hosking current rules are inconsist
Ali Adams: ChristchurchNZ CEO unpacks the Project Canterbury report that looks into the region's economic growth
There's a view Canterbury's economic growth can't all be put down to the earthquakes. The Herald's Project Canterbury report, out today, looks at the businesses, civic leaders, infrastructure providers, and investors driving the region's growth. ChristchurchNZ CEO Ali Adams told Mike Hosking the region has natural advantages helping fuel growth in sectors like aerospace and dark sky to
Brodie McLeish: Tourism New Zealand General Manager of Marketing on their new 'Don't be a Stranger' campaign
Tourism New Zealand's shifting gears with a new campaign, with a specific group in mind. It's launched its new Don't be a Stranger campaign, targeting Kiwis' friends and relatives across the UK, Canada, and Australia. This cohort spent a total of $2.6 billion visiting this country in the year to June. Tourism New Zealand's Brodie McLeish told Mike Hosking they're trying to find
Mike's Minute: We need to break this stereotype in NZ
Here is a stereotype we have to break, especially given the solution is now available. There was a young woman in her 20s, in the beauty industry, training as a nurse and will go into the private sector. She has a plan and good on her. As part of this particular conversation though, she says she can never see herself owning a house. Of our five kids, one or possibly two, I suspec
Steve Price: Australian Correspondent on Erin Patterson receiving taxpayer-funded Ozempic while in prison
Mushroom killer Erin Patterson is receiving weight loss drug Ozempic in prison – at the expense of the Australian taxpayer. She's serving three life sentences for murdering her husband's parents and an elderly aunt with a poisonous mushroom laced beef wellington. Corrections authorities say it's intended to reduce her risk of developing type two diabetes, which is associated with rap
Pollies: National's Mark Mitchell and Labour's Ginny Andersen on National's first home buyer policy, Green's supermarket policy, PISA results, carbon credit auctions
Today on Politics Wednesday, Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen dig into some of the biggest stories of the week thus far. They discussed National's plan to widen access to 5% first home deposits, the Green Party's plan to break up the supermarket duopoly, carbon credit auctions, and the latest education results. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio
Simon Kenny: McDonald's NZ Head of Impact and Communications on 90% of their ingredients being locally sourced
Average Kiwis aren't the only ones shopping locally, McDonald's is too. The fast food giant spent more than $580 million on New Zealand produced ingredients last year, with around 90% of the ingredients it uses here being locally sourced. This includes 17 million kilograms of Canterbury potatoes, 10.5 million eggs, and more than 6,400 tonnes of beef. McDonald's NZ Head of Impact
Cameron George: Warriors CEO on the looming qualifying final clash against the Dolphins
The Warriors have officially sold-out Mt Smart Stadium. Saturday's qualifying final against the Dolphins sold out within minutes of general tickets going on sale – around 25,000 fans set to pack the stadium. CEO Cameron George told Mike Hosking the Dolphins are a good side, but they've trained well and the boys are up for it. He says there is no easy game and they've had tight ga
Full Show Podcast: 09 September 2026
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 9th of September, our good PISA numbers have Education Minister Erica Stanford happy. The Squash World Championships are coming to New Zealand in 2028, and our champ Paul Coll couldn't be more excited. Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen talk carbon auctions, first home buyers' policy, and Labour Party election costings on Po
Paul Coll: New Zealand Squash player on the 2028 World Championships being held in Auckland, sport's Olympic debut later that year
Greymouth's Paul Coll wants all the home court advantage he can get for the 2028 Squash World Championships. It's being held at Auckland's International Convention Centre in February, running concurrently with the inaugural World Club Championships. The world number two is already adapting his schedule for the event, which will lead into the sport's Olympic debut in Los Angeles later
John Pask: BusinessNZ Chief Economist on their latest forecast predicting solid economic growth out to 2028
The latest forecast from BusinessNZ shows New Zealand's economy's regained momentum. It's predicting solid economic growth out to 2028, citing the fact business confidence is holding up, the Performance of Manufacturing and Services Indexes are back in black, tourism's growing, and credit activity's increased. Chief Economist John Pask says performance is improving across the board. H
Rehette Stoltz: Local Government NZ President and Gisborne Mayor on National's proposed alternative to a bed tax
There's a view National's alternative to a bed tax would remove some pressure on smaller councils. The party's pledging to re-set the International Visitor Levy, putting aside $100 million a year for conservation and $50 million for tourism. The rest would go to councils, divvied up based on how many international visitor nights they host. Local Government New Zealand Presiden
Erica Stanford: Education Minister on PISA results stabilising, reading, science, and math results sitting above OECD average
The Education Minister believes improving attendance is one reason for the narrowing achievement gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students. PISA results find it's narrowed in the last four years, largely because disadvantaged students performed better. It also shows New Zealand students remain above the OECD average across all three subjects, ranking ninth in reading, tenth in
Mike's Minute: The battle of ideologies at play
There's a battle of the ideologies on display as ACT looks to cut art spending on roading projects. It's very ACT, i.e. fiscally disciplined. Every $1 million on roading needs to be $1 million on roading, not 99% on roads and 1% on art. The art is an issue for several reasons, mainly for me because most of it is unimpressive. I'm not actually against art per se. I like art. I pre
Francis Bourgeois, James Engelsman and Thomas Holland: New hosts of The Grand Tour on the making of the show
Proving there's always mileage in a car show, it's time for a new era of the Grand Tour. There'll be three new hosts behind the wheel, Francis Bourgeois, James Engelsman, and Thomas Holland taking over from Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. Holland and Engelsman have hosted the YouTube channel Throttle House together for over a decade, while Bourgeois is a well-known soc
Sheridan Burmester: Kiwi pool player on his international campaign, growing the sport in New Zealand
A young Kiwi pool player is taking his game to the world stage. 22-year-old Sheridan Burmester's heading overseas for a major international campaign, competing in tournaments across Vietnam, Bali, and India. He's also heavily invested in growing the game back home in New Zealand, similarly to things like darts, which has growing mainstream appeal. Burmester told Mike Hosking th
Lisa Levy: Inati Co-Owner on the impact of the Michelin Star on their restaurant
The Michelin effect's in full swing, with a Christchurch venue full every night through the depths of winter. Fifteen Kiwi restaurants were awarded stars in June, with the Michelin Guide promising to attract 36 thousand extra overseas visitors annually. A Tourism New Zealand business case, including overseas evidence, shows this could bring turnover growth of up to 50% for venues. 
Full Show Podcast: 08 September 2026
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 8th of September, Resources Minister Shane Jones discusses the first projects funded by the Gas Security Fund, and we're already starting to see the Michelin effect on our hospo industry. We've got another carbon auction happening today, and David Seymour believes we should bin them. The new Grand Tour hosts have big shoes to
Simon Kebbell: Port of Tauranga Chief Financial Officer on the Stella Passage development getting fast-track approval
Relief for the Port of Tauranga as a long-awaited project gets the green light. The Government's approved the Stella Passage development under the fast-track to add to its container berths and wharves. Payments will be made to the local marae as part of cultural mitigation. Port CFO Simon Kebbell told Mike Hosking they're very grateful for the fast-track avenue. He says thi
Annie Dundas: Auckland Unlimited Destination Director on the Government investing in attracting international visitors to the regions
The regions are getting a boost, with the aim of enticing international visitors to stray from the golden route. The Government's putting $5 million into six campaigns to attract North American, Chinese, and Australian tourists to the regions at off-peak times. Tourism Minister Louise Upston says showcasing regional food, wine, and experiences spreads the benefits of tourism growth i
David Seymour: ACT Leader on their promise to cut the carbon tax, scrap net zero target in new election policy
ACT's leader believes tonight's carbon auction will expose a policy that has lost touch with economic reality. The Government currently sets a minimum auction price for carbon units, which right now sits around $71. ACT's campaigning on scrapping the arbitrary net zero 2050 target and instead tying our emissions cap to a trade-weighted average. David Seymour told Mike Hosking no
Catherine Field: Europe Correspondent on Germany's far-right AfD party winning the Saxony-Anhalt election
Security is a key concern for Germany's government as a far-right party seeks to gain control of a state for the first time since World War II. Preliminary election results in Saxony-Anhalt show the AfD party is three seats short of an outright majority. The party is assessed by domestic intelligence as "far-right extremist", a classification the party rejects. Europe Corresponde
Shane Jones: Resources Minister on the first two projects funded by the Gas Security Fund
The Resources Minister says the Government loan book is necessary to entice business back to the gas industry. It's investing $23.5 million in two Taranaki projects from its $200 million Gas Security Fund, including drilling a new well and accessing deeper gas at an existing field. Both with be run by Todd Energy, and there are 17 other proposals sitting on the Government's desk.
Full Show Podcast: 07 September 2026
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 7th of September, we've got a new first home buyer policy from National that Labour says they'll likely match. The PM is in to talk Palau, carbon auctions, the Waitangi Tribunal and MAPAS reports and yet more angst over housing projects within fast-track. Jason Pine and Andrew Saville talk the All Black's loss and whether Baltimore mea
Josh Kronfeld: Former All Black offers insights into what caused the loss
The All Blacks faced a 29-24 loss against the Springboks in Soweto on Sunday, losing the ability to win the tour. Former All Black Josh Kronfeld joined Mike Hosking to discuss where they went wrong. "You know, just little mistakes when we didn't need little mistakes, you know, poor decisions when we didn't need a poor decision, and then just individuals just at the wrong moment who've
Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister chats home loans, supermarkets, and Waitangi Tribunal
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined Mike Hosking in studio for their weekly chat. They discussed the Green's supermarket plan, a trade deal with Canada, the Waitangi Tribunal report, and National's goal to expand the first-home loan scheme. Luxon told Hosking there would be low risk to the Government from expanding the first-home loan scheme. "The real problem that people are finding is
Sarah Helm: Drug Foundation executive director says two million doses of meth detected over a single week
Wastewater testing found 2 million doses taken in a single week in April, up around 15% on last year. But Casey Costello, the minister in charge of tackling transnational and serious organised crime said weekly consumption fell in June to 27.7kg, 18% lower than the average over the previous four quarters. "Around the world, you know, huge changes in the drug supply are happening very quickly, and
Mike's Minute: Why is National not releasing reports on race-based issues?
You do wonder if National have an agenda pre-election over race-based issues. The Waitangi Tribunal review is on Tama Potaka's desk and has been for a while. It hasn’t gone to Cabinet. Why not? The report into what they call MAPAS (the Maori and Pacific Admissions Scheme) for medical school at Auckland and Otago university was a coalition deal between Act and National to review it. They have done
Andy Bowley: Forsyth Barr head of research chats economy bounce back
Reporting season has revealed better than expected results, with median growth across the economy at +21%, despite forecasters predicting it was going to be +16%. "We've come out of a pretty long trough in the context of profitability that we've seen across the New Zealand listed companies," Forsyth Barr head of research Andy Bowley told Mike Hosking. "But, it's unlikely to be uniform,
100 Years of ZB: The recent evolution of Newstalk ZB, the big moments and host memories
In this episode of the 100 Years of ZB Podcast, Mike Hosking takes you through some recent big moments from Newstalk ZB. You'll hear Sir Paul Holmes' last Breakfast show, Leighton Smith's final Mornings show and Larry Williams' Drive swansong. Plus, hear audio of Jack Tame and Heather du Plessis-Allan's debut on the station. And you'll hear memories from our suite of hosts.
Mark the Week: The fuel excise debate is fantastically disappointing
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. Cars: 7/10 New car sales are up 20%. If that isn't a sign of confidence, I don’t know what is. The excise debate: 3/10 Fantastically disappointing. Labour at $4.6 billion is sad, but not surprising. The Government at $1.6 billion and borrowin
Mike's Minute: Why didn't the Government drop the carbon auctions?
I'm not surprised. But because I'm not surprised, I am disappointed. Papers released publicly for the first time reveal the Government considered axing their mad carbon auctions. But, and here comes the disappointment, they didn’t. They considered dropping them because every time they mucked with the ETS, the confidence in a market they were trying to create was cratered. T
Wrapping the Week with Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson: Cancelled flights, parenting, calls from the Electoral Commission
Friday has arrived, which means it's time for Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson to join Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that Was. They discussed flight cancellations and the stress of being a parent while your kid travels, at what age you should stop handling your kids' problems, and calls from the Electoral Commission. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Abbey MacDonald: Kiwi stone skimmer ahead of competing in this year's World Championship in Scotland
New Zealand's got a shot at Stone Skimming history this weekend. For the first time, we have an official team at the World Championship in Scotland, with Abbey MacDonald and Jay Reeve flying the flag. MacDonald is aiming to set a record, as no woman has ever hit the 63-metre back wall of the pond, but her personal best is around 74 meters. She told Mike Hosking there's no monet
Wayne Mapp: Former Defence Minister on the US bolstering military presence in Australia
A former New Zealand Defence Minister believes the US is deadly serious about locating into the Pacific. The US has declared it will accelerate its military presence in Australia following meetings between the Australian Defence Minister and American counterpart Pete Hegseth in Washington DC. About a thousand US Navy personnel are set to be based near Perth from next year to support Am
Full Show Podcast: 04 September 2026
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 4th of September, there are changes to the move-on orders – Justice Select Committee Chair Tom Rutherford unpacks them. We preview the decider All Blacks test in South Africa, and discuss whether or not the Warriors can win the minor premiership. Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson Wrap the Week, talking flight cancellations, parentin
Motu Tony: Former Warrior previews the final round, discusses Warriors chance at the minor premiership
The Warriors are on the verge of their first minor premiership since 2002. They've sealed their top two spot, sitting atop the ladder and leading the Panthers by just one on points differential. Saturday will see them host Manly at Mt Smart, while the Panthers face the Tigers on Sunday. Former Warrior Motu Tony told Mike Hosking when playing, the point differential isn't much of
Fabian Holland: All Blacks lock previews the third clash against the Springboks in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry
The All Blacks are focusing on discipline heading into the third test of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry. The score is tied at one-all, and although there's still one test after this weekend's clash at Soweto, this is technically the series decider. Fabian Holland has dropped to the bench for this test, and he told Mike Hosking they need to clean up their discipline – that was how they led t
John G. Howard: Retired Major General on New Zealand's spending on foreign aid and investing in the Pacific
The country's bolstering its National Security Strategy by jumping on board a new partnership. New Zealand and the US will jointly fund a major port upgrade on the island of Penrhyn in the Cooks – a former military base. China had previously expressed interest in seabed mining in the area. Retired Major General John G. Howard told Mike Hosking we likely didn't spend as much on f
Tom Rutherford: Justice Select Committee Chair on the Government's controversial move-on orders bill looking set to be watered down
The Government's proposed move-on orders look set to be watered down. The Bill will let Police order people out of public spaces for rough sleeping, begging, and disorderly behaviour. The Justice Select Committee suggested changes include lifting the minimum expulsion age from 14 to 18 and reducing fines from $2000 to $1000. Committee Chair, National's Tom Rutherford told Mike Hosking
Mike's Minute: Look further than the headline
Here's the headline: "3000 hospitality businesses close in a year". That’s what the media not only does, but loves. They would perceive it as bad news and they can't pedal bad news enough. But in the numbers are the real story. The 3000 is made up of closures and liquidations. A closure can mean nothing more than a person leaving the country or closing one establishment to open a
James Suckling: American wine critic on the impact of weather on wine, his investment in the NZ wine industry
James Suckling is one of the biggest names in the wine game. The American critic has been tasting thousands of wines every year for decades, and his tick of approval is worth its weight in gold in the industry. And a few years ago, he put that weight behind New Zealand's wine production, buying his own vineyard in Martinborough – Mirae. Suckling told Mike Hosking that the purcha
Full Show Podcast: 03 September 2026
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 3rd of September, Finance Minister Nicola Willis discusses the Reserve Bank hiking the Official Cash Rate and Methanex closing their Taranaki plant. Reserve Bank Governor Dr Anna Breman explains their decision to lift the OCR by 25 basis points. Arguably the number one wine critic in the world, James Suckling talks about inve
Casey Costello: Organised Crime Minister on her new portfolio, tackling New Zealand's biggest security threat
The Government is cracking down on organised crime, targeting what it's calling New Zealand's biggest security threat. Casey Costello has been appointed the first Organised Crime Minister, setting up a five-member panel of government agency chief executives, co-chaired by the Police Commissioner and Customs Controller. She told Mike Hosking it's about building stronger international re
Ankit Sharma: Master Builders CEO on the survey finding more builders are reporting a strong or steady pipeline of work
Signs of recovery for the building sector, though some places are bouncing back faster than others. Master Builders' annual State of the Sector survey finds 68% of its members report a strong or steady pipeline of work – up slightly on last year. Recent homeowners are also more confident, with 91% saying they'd recommend building to others, and three quarters experiencing no delays.
Andrew Little: Wellington Mayor on the report into the Moa Point wastewater plant disaster that revealed systemic leadership failures
Wellington's Mayor says the city's bureaucrats have become too used to mediocrity. The Government has released the findings of an independent Crown Review into the February disaster at the Moa Point wastewater plant. It doesn't blame a single technical fault but finds significant gaps in accountability and risk management. Andrew Little told Mike Hosking routines have been built
Anna Breman: Reserve Bank Governor on the decision to hike to Official Cash Rate to 2.75%
The Reserve Bank Governor's defending the latest hike to the Official Cash Rate. The central bank's raised the cash rate another 25-basis-points to 2.75%. Anna Breman says they'll need to assess the impact of the past two OCR hikes before deciding whether to hike again. But she told Mike Hosking yesterday's hike was needed to rein in high inflation. She says if the OCR had
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the OCR, Methanex closing its Taranaki plant after more than 30 years
The Finance Minister says major gas user Methanex shutting up shop doesn't change the Government's argument for a Liquified Natural Gas terminal. The methanol producer is closing its Taranaki plant after more than 30 years. It cites the continued decline in domestic natural gas and no clear pathway to meaningful new supply. Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking they'd already predicted
Mike's Minute: Chris Hipkins might not be very numerate
I think Nicola Willis may be right when she suggested to us the other day Chris Hipkins might not be very numerate. He is undoing himself in front of us. As he does, he reminds us why he has basically done as little as possible these past few years, because when he does he is either in office blowing the place up, or putting out policy in Opposition that makes literally no sense. He ha
Pollies: National's Mark Mitchell and Labour's Ginny Andersen on fuel taxes, Labour's policies, Roy Morgan poll
Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen are back on Politics Wednesday to delve into the biggest stories of the week thus far with Mike Hosking. They discussed delays to fuel tax hike and state of the Land Transport Fund, where Labour would get the money to fund its policies, and the latest Roy Morgan poll. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lee Marshall: Motor Trade Association CEO on new car sales jumping 13% in August, Chinese car brands making significant gains
Chinese car brands are winning the hearts and wallets of New Zealanders. Motor Trade Association August data shows total light vehicle registrations rose 7.6% on the same time last year. New vehicles represented 58 percent of sales, with hybrids the most popular fuel type. The data highlights BYD, Chery, Jaecoo, and GWM recorded significant gains, helping Chinese brands increase
Full Show Podcast: 02 September 2026
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 2nd of September, Netball NZ CEO Jennah Wootten discusses the deal for a privatised domestic competition, and BNZ's Mike Jones previews this afternoon's OCR announcement. Hayden Paddon celebrates a podium finish for his first rally on gravel in since 2018. Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell talk fuel excise, where the money is
Hayden Paddon: New Zealand Rally Driver on their second place finish at the Paraguay World Rally Championship event
Relief and satisfaction for Hayden Paddon after a runner-up finish at an attritional World Rally Championship event in Paraguay. He and co-driver John Kennard have claimed their second podium in their fourth outing of the season, driving the shared third car for Hyundai. It was his first WRC event on gravel since 2018, and the result puts him in eighth – despite the fact he's only com
Jennah Wootten: Netball NZ CEO on the deal for a privatised domestic netball competition for 2027
Netball New Zealand chief executive Jennah Wootton is reiterating the new domestic league will be set-up and run as a partnership. Investors Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams will fund a privatised competition, starting next year, where they will hold the licence for the league and teams. Wootten's insisting the national body will retain plenty of say in how the league is formed and overse
Dylan Firth: Brewers Association Executive Director on alcohol consumption falling to a record low
There's a view financial pressure is behind our dwindling alcohol consumption. Latest figures from Stats NZ show that for the year to June, total alcohol consumption per capita fell to a record 6.98 litres of pure alcohol – among the lowest in the OECD. Beer accounts for about 60% of the booze consumed, with wine and spirits making up around 20% each. Brewers Association Execut
Mike Jones: BNZ Chief Economist on the expectation the Reserve Bank will hike the Official Cash Rate from 2.5%
The Reserve Bank looks set to turn the screws on interest rates again today. Most economists expect the OCR to rise from 2.5% when the decision is announced at 2pm. One or two further hikes are forecast before Christmas. BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones told Mike Hosking he expects the Monetary Policy Committee to reach a consensus on the increase, but it’s possible not everyone wi
Mike's Minute: Fast-track needs to get back to infrastructure, not housing
The prediction we made some weeks back over fast-track housing is starting to come true. Fast-track in and of itself is working. The Tauranga Port has the green light after literally years of regulatory BS that had it tied up in court, going nowhere. If you put RMA v fast-track, then fast-track wins hands down and our country will be better for it. But housing is becoming politic
Miller Yule: Kiwi musician on his upcoming album 'Surrender', four year break
After dropping off the face of the Earth for a few years, Miller Yule is back with more music. He's been on and off in the music scene for about a decade, but stepped back from the spotlight after the release of his 2022 debut album 'Let It Burn'. Now inspiration has struck again, with Yule set to release his second album, 'Surrender', later this month. "After the album, I just
Full Show Podcast: 01 September 2026
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 1st of September, as expected, the Government has made the call to delay increasing fuel taxes by a year. Finance Minister Nicola Willis defended the decision. Our Privacy Commissioner wants to review the law as the rising use of smart glasses spark concerns. Kiwi musician Miller Yule is back with new music after three years,
Jonathan Waecker: Michael Hill International CEO on their 376% increase in annual statutory net profit
Michael Hill's new strategy appears to be paying off. The jewellery chain's reporting a 376% increase in annual statutory net profit from its global business. New Zealand retail revenue is up 3.1%, bringing it to $112.4 million. Michael Hill International CEO Jonathan Waecker told Mike Hosking that since times are tough, Kiwis are being more considerate with their money. He
Marcus Beveridge: Queen City Law Immigration Lawyer on ACT's proposed Permanent Residency Visa shake up
ACT's proposal to shake up permanent residency rules has been labelled as a 'big fail' by an immigration lawyer. The party wants make changes to the existing resident visa, increasing the window when holders can start moving freely in and out of the country from two years to five. To retain their visa, the holder would need to be physically present for at least 730 days within any roll
Michael Webster: Privacy Commissioner on the need to review laws amid the rise of smart glasses
The Privacy Commissioner's setting clear expectations around the use of smart glasses. The AI tech, including Meta's Ray-Ban and Oakley ranges, can record video, audio, and capture location data in real time. Michael Webster says we need to look at our legal framework to strike the right balance between its benefits and the harmful consequences. He told Mike Hosking they
Ayesha Verrall: Labour's Health Spokesperson on their promise of guaranteed jobs for nursing graduates
Labour says there's no excuse for keeping the nursing hiring freeze in place. It's promising to give every graduate nurse a job offer once they pass their exams. The policy would cost $525 million over four years, using currently unallocated funding increases set aside in each Budget to cover health system cost pressures. Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall told Mike Hosking it in
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister defends decision to delay fuel tax increases
The Finance Minister's defending the decision to delay fuel tax and road user charges, saying it won't add to the country's debt. The excise was due to rise 12-cents a litre in January, but has been pushed back a year and cut to five cents. The Government now needs to put an extra $1.4 billion into the Land Transport Fund. Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking it's not the right time t
