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
Heather du Plessis-Allan: The World Cup will be a winner
You know what I’ve learned never to do? Predict that this year’s Football World Cup is going to be a flop. Because it never is. This year, there are problems anywhere you care to look. A single ticket is so pricey it’ll take you three months to pay off. Security is ridiculous. Parking costs 300 American dollars. Water costs 10 NZ dollars. Everything is a rip-off. Then there’s the
Richard Arnold: US Correspondent on the US calling off strikes on Iran, Trump's claim of a deal
Uncertainty about whether Donald Trump's claims of progress in Iran talks have any credibility. The US President has called off today's planned strikes, despite earlier vowing to drop even bigger bombs. He now claims both sides have agreed to the final points of a deal – something Iran's not confirming. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Heather du Plessis-Allan Trump is call
Wrapping the Week with Kerre Woodham and Tim Wilson: Uber Eats, Ben Stokes, FIFA World Cup
Friday has arrived, which means Kerre Woodham and Tim Wilson joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to Wrap the Week that Was. They discussed Uber Eats, the situation with Ben Stokes, and the FIFA World Cup which has just kicked off. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Paul Spain: Gorilla Technology CEO on Visa integrating its payment network into ChatGPT so AI agents can shop for people
AI could soon be doing your shopping, as Visa launches a new feature with ChatGPT. AI agents can recommend products based on prompts and now complete purchases on a user's behalf – with confirmation. Gorilla Technology Futurist Paul Spain told Heather du Plessis-Allan the aim is to have it working autonomously on an ongoing basis. He says it can order groceries, know your shoppin
Steve Lancaster: NZ Rugby CEO on the Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals
The deck is stacked with Kiwi teams rolling into the Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals. The Chiefs are taking on the Crusaders in Hamilton tonight, followed by the Hurricanes and “lucky loser” Blues’ clash in Wellington tomorrow. Though many believe the outcome of the tournament is predictable, NZ Rugby CEO Steve Lancaster is pushing back against the sentiment. He told Heather du P
Full Show Podcast: 12 June 2026
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast with Heather du Plessis-Allan for Friday 12th of June, there's renewed hope for a deal to end the Iran war. But a former US General is warning against getting too excited. Heather asks Wellington's Deputy Mayor whether the council will cancel the Golden Mile following the damning review into the project. NZ Rugby CEO Steve Lancaster talks
Peter Nunns: Infrastructure Commission GM of Strategy on the need for an investment strategy for renewable energy infrastructure
The Infrastructure Commission warns planning needs to start now for how energy infrastructure will power a larger, low-carbon economy. Its latest report estimates $2 to $5 billion will need to be spent per year over the next 30 years on electricity. General Manager of Strategy Peter Nunns says generation from sources like wind, solar, and geothermal will need to expand to meet demand.
Ben McNulty: Wellington Deputy Mayor on the review into the Golden Mile project and its budget blowout
A push for the Wellington City Council to rethink its city centre as costs for the Golden Mile project spiral. It's now forecast to cost $220 million, up from $139 million, with an independent review warning further blowouts are possible. The project would deliver major pedestrian, cycling, and public transport upgrades. Deputy Mayor Ben McNulty told Heather du Plessis-Allan the
Karl Dean: Federated Farmers Spokesperson on ACT announcing a crackdown on rural crime
A proposed boost to rural policing is being seen as a positive move, but farmers say more action's still needed. The ACT Party's promising funding for an extra 100 thousand patrol hours in rural communities. It also wants tougher penalties for armed poachers and livestock thieves, and the expansion of 111 texting for farmers with patchy mobile coverage. Federated Farmers spokespe
Randy Manner: Former US General on the US calling off strikes against Iran, Trump's claims of a possible deal with Iran
There’s scepticism about whether Donald Trump's talk of a breakthrough with Iran is genuine. The US President's calling off scheduled strikes hours after threatening to cause even more severe damage. He says the final points of a peace deal have been agreed by both sides. Iranian officials are yet to confirm and are instead pointing out previous contradictions in Trump's stateme
Heather du Plessis-Allan: Is that it Labour?
So that was what we waited months for, eh? Labour’s cheaper public transport policy. A policy so predictable that we actually did predict it four hours before it was released. And it was predictable because it’s not a new idea. It’s an idea they took from 2022, dusted it off, and tried running out again with the tiniest of tweaks. Being predictable is a problem because it’s
Enda Brady: UK Correspondent on the latest from the Belfast riots and protests
A second night of disorder is unfolding in Northern Ireland's Belfast, with rioters hurling objects at police. Hundreds of masked protesters set cars and buildings alight in a violent, anti-immigration display yesterday following a Sudanese refugee allegedly stabbing a man. Local officials are condemning the violence and anti-immigrant rhetoric that’s circling. UK Correspondent
Alan Davies: British Comedian on bringing 'Think Ahead' to New Zealand
Alan Davies is getting everything out into the open and bringing his new tour to Kiwi stages. The British comedian is best known for his regular spot on the long-running panel show QI and his portrayal of the titular role in Jonathan Creek. And now he’s returning to New Zealand’s shores for the first time in a decade – with ten performances of his new stand-up show over the span of two
Michael Burgess: NZ Herald Senior Sports Journalist on the security measures, ticket prices ahead of the FIFA World Cup
Security measures and ticket prices for this year’s FIFA World Cup may be dampening the spirit of the event. The expanded tournament features 48 teams and is being hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. But the combined paranoia of FIFA and the US Government has resulted in intense security – NZ Herald Sport Journalist Michael Burgess describing it as “way over the top”.&
Full Show Podcast: 11 June 2026
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast with Heather du Plessis-Allan for Thursday 10th of June, Heather challenges Labour's Tangi Utikere on the party's costings for its cheaper public transport policy. We find out whether the current housing downturn will cause records, and when the market might return to its 2021 peaks. Famed British comedian Alan Davies is bringing his uniq
Ed McKnight: Opes Partners Resident Economist on housing prices nearing their longest downturn in modern history
First-home buyers appear to be making the most of the ongoing housing downturn. New Zealand's close to its longest downturn in prices in modern history – nearing five years. Auckland house prices are 22% below their peak, while Wellington's down 28%. Opes Partners economist Ed McKnight told Heather du Plessis-Allan it's playing in some buyers' favour. He says we've got the
Peter Cooper: Cooper and Company Founder on the new development and investment plan for Britomart in Auckland
Downtown Auckland could be set for a mini revival, with plans for a new $350 million building. Developer Cooper and Company is replacing Britomart's retail Pavilions with a nine-storey office and retail tower, to be completed in 2029. Founder Peter Cooper told Heather du Plessis Allan the central city's in a slump but has come back before. He says it needs a pleasurable environme
David Seymour: Associate Education Minister on the attendance and achievement reports for new charter schools
Achievement and attendance gains are being celebrated at some charter schools for disengaged students. Annual reports show four of the seven that opened last year met Government attendance or achievement targets. Associate Education Minister David Seymour says Christchurch's Mastery School is the standout performer, despite missing achievement targets. He told Heather du Plessis-
Tangi Utikere: Labour's Transport Spokesperson on their public transport fare cap policy
Labour's pushing back on the suggestion its numbers don't add up for a proposed cap on bus and train fares. The party's promising to cap fares at $20 a week in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, and $10 elsewhere. It's estimated to cost $65 million a year – the funding coming from the Land Transport Fund. Transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere told Heather du Plessis-Allan the amount's ca
Heather du Plessis-Allan: I've accepted the LNG Terminal as a short term fix
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,
Richard Arnold: US Correspondent on Iran, naming of the Artemis III crew
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. &n
Simon Gault: Celebrity Chef and health advocate on Uber Eats' revenue growth, the number of Kiwis ordering food
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 get
Pollies: National's Mark Mitchell and Labour's Ginny Andersen on Rakesh Naidoo standing for Labour, Labour's policy announcement
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 w
Full Show Podcast: 10 June 2026
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
Suzannah Jessep: Asia New Zealand Foundation CEO on the Perceptions of Asia survey, the US being seen as a bigger threat than China
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 Suzanna
Marama Davidson: Green Party Co-Leader on their campaign promise of harsher penalties for companies breaching the Privacy Act
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 cl
Richard Lindroos: National Fieldays Society CEO on the opening day of the event at Mystery Creek
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 Lin
Andrew Eagles: Smart Energy Alliance Spokesperson on the Govt pushing ahead with an LNG import terminal, scraps proposed levy
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 And
Lanny Wong: Mangawhai Pharmacy Director on the Government looking into allowing click and collect for prescription medications
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 tol
Heather du Plessis-Allan: Labour's reset is off to a very shaky start
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
Joey Wheeler: Former Highlander and Māori All Black on Tony Brown returning to coach the All Blacks from 2028
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 C
Full Show Podcast: 09 June 2026
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 a
Andrew Fairgray: 2degreees Chief Business Officer on the new report saying the 'return to normal' narrative is no longer influencing business confidence
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 th
Jeffrey Pryce: Foreign Policy Analyst on the conflict in the Middle East, Iran trading strikes with Israel
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 remain
Leela Ashford: Spark Chief Brand Officer on the clash between Spark and Auckland Council over the city's phone booths
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
Grant Duncan: Political Commentator on the circumstances surrounding Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo standing for the Labour Party
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 Dunca
Chris Hipkins: Labour Leader on Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo standing for Labour, policy announcement
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 u
Nick Collins: Aluminium Extruders Association CEO on the trade investigation into whether an uptick in imports could be harming local manufacturers
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. &n
Brad Olsen: Infometrics economist says Government's unrevealed $1B an 'odd approach'
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.c
Sam Cliffe: NZ Blood Service CEO says more plasma donors are needed
Currently a record number of Kiwis are donating plasma, but it is still not enough. More than 25,000 people donated last year, but another 4000 are needed just to meet demand. NZ Blood Service CEO Sam Cliffe joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to discuss the importance of plasma donations. "Plasma is one of those amazing things that can be made into 11 life-saving products, and we manufacture it
Heather du Plessis-Allan: Luxon does his best work overseas
Is it just me, or did anyone else notice what a contrast it was watching Christopher Luxon cracking jokes with Anthony Albanese, compared to what it was like when Jacinda Ardern visited Australia? For all her kindness and communication when she was Prime Minister, she would use those trips to Australia to give then–Prime Minister Scott Morrison a tongue-lashing—usually over the 501 deportees, whic
Full Show Podcast: 08 June 2026
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 8th of June with Heather du Plessis-Allan, we get to the bottom of the "secret spending" from the Budget. The Prime Minister reckons it's not all that exciting. Christopher Luxon also talks his Australia trip and whether the government is going to go further in stopping unelected members voting on local councils. Heather also finds out
Richard Arnold: US Correspondent chats Iran, Graham Platner, and Trump storming out of NBC interview
US President Donald Trump stormed out of an interview with Kristen Welker on NBC’s Meet The Press after he was challenged about his claims of election fraud in the California primaries saying the journalist must be “crooked or stupid” as he became visibly frustrated by her questions. Democratic candidate for Maine, Graham Platner, is facing more allegations of violence against women and a tattoo o
Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister says international role is 'super salesman for New Zealand'
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat about his Australia trip. Lat week, after it was announced four New Zealand MPs would be banned from China for a year, Australia commented condemning China's decision. Luxon responded saying it was not a matter for Australia to be involved in, but today he stated he was 'appreciative' of the support anyway. A focus of t
Stacey Mowbray: Headway CEO pleased with Run it Straight legislation but says education is needed
The Government plans to crack down on run it straight-type events and other combat sports following lobbying from sports and health organisations. Sports Minister Mark Mitchell confirmed that work on a potential law change was progressing. Mitchell sought advice from sports officials and health experts after Palmerston North teen Ryan Satterthwaite died from a serious head injury suffered during a
Wayne Langford: Federated Farmers president on launching election priorities and building on restoring farmer confidence
Federated Farmers has launched a five-point plan setting out what it says should be the major focuses for the next Government. The plan focuses on reducing farming cost, enabling technology and infrastructure, empowering community conservation, supporting young farmers, and fixing local government. Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford told Heather du Plessis-Allan that a thriving
Heather du Plessis-Allan: Are we a bit harsh on Gen Z?
Unusually for me, I feel like I should come to the defence of Gen Z. These are the kids aged 14-29. We complain a lot about them, about how soft they are, how they lack resilience, and what a bunch of complainers they are. The latest to join in this week was Michelle Obama, who said they aren’t developing the resilience they need because of a culture of instant gratification. And then
Wrapping the Week: Kerre Woodham and Tim Wilson talk Radio and Podcast Awards, Gen Z, Gerry Brownlee
Mike Hosking and Kate Hawkesby are off on holiday, so Kerre Woodham and Tim Wilson joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to Wrap the Week that Was. They discussed last night's Radio and Podcast Awards (and the afterparty), Gen Z, and whether Speaker of the House Gerry Brownlee is "too grouchy". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jack Mesley: Super Rugby Pacific CEO on the playoffs starting this weekend
The Super Rugby Pacific playoffs have arrived. Christchurch is a sellout, with tickets going in twenty minutes for the Crusaders v Blues clash at One NZ Stadium at Te Kaha. Four Kiwi sides make up the top six —the Hurricanes, the Blues, Crusaders, and Chiefs— with officials deciding to stick with the controversial “lucky loser” format. Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley told
Full Show Podcast: 05 June 2026
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast with Heather du Plessis-Allan for Friday 5th of June, Former US Army Major General Randy Manner dives into the supposed ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley joined for a chat ahead of playoffs kicking off tonight. And Tim Wilson and Kerre Woodham discuss the NZ Radio and Podcast Awards, kids ruining c
Mark Harris: NZ Sotheby's International Realty Managing Director on the rising interest in multi-generational living
More people are interested in living with family – even at the top end of the property market. Housing Survey data shows about one in 10 people want, or plan to, live with multiple generations in their next home. Sotheby’s International Realty says wealthy buyers, like Active Investor Plus visa holders, often look for properties to accommodate this. Managing Director Mark Harris told H
Steve Evans: Fletcher Living CEO on the launch of a solar-powered no bill housing model
There are hopes a new solar-powered housing model could save homeowners thousands of dollars a year in power bills. Fletcher Living is launching a solar-home pilot at its Greenstead development in Lincoln. Octopus Energy will manage the household's energy use, offsetting the cost of any electricity, with no bills promised for the first five years. Chief Executive Steve Evans tol
Carl Taylor: Combined Building Supplies Co-Op CEO on construction activity falling to a ten year low
New data shows how unstable the construction sector is right now, with building activity dropping to a 10-year low. Infometrics says building activity fell 3.5% in the March quarter. The value of non-residential work in the South Island rose more than 8% as Wellington and Auckland recorded significant drops. Combined Building Supplies Co-Op CEO Carl Taylor told Heather du Pless
Randy Manner: Former US Army Major General on Hezbollah rejecting the terms of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon
A US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is already on the rocks. Hezbollah is rejecting terms, calling them "futile" and "humiliating". The armed militant group says the proposal is tantamount to surrender as Israeli strikes continue in southern Lebanon. The comments come after Israel and Lebanon announced a renewal of their fragile deal. Former US Army Major Gen
Erica Stanford: Education Minister on overseas teachers making up about 12.5% of the workforce
The number of foreign teachers hired to fill gaps is at a record high. Ministry of Education data shows of a workforce of about 78 thousand, almost 10 thousand come from abroad. That means 12.5% of the workforce is trained overseas, rising to 13.3% among full-time teachers. Education Minister Erica Standard told Heather du Plessis-Allan schools often recruit international teacher
Heather du Plessis-Allan: The Opportunity Party could be the dark horse of the election
I'm not one to get excited at election time about the outside chance that small parties like Opportunity make it into Parliament. But I reckon this year is different. If Opportunity plays this right, they might just do it. Yesterday’s Roy Morgan poll had them at 6%. Now, I don’t know how much stock I put in that poll because it was very volatile. National went up 5% and Labour we
Chris Parker: Kiwi Comedian on comedy in New Zealand and Australia, upcoming tour
The self-proclaimed People’s Princess of Aotearoa, Chris Parker is bringing his latest tour back home. Though he came into many people’s lives during lockdown, when his videos started going viral, he’s been a part of the Kiwi comedy scene for a lot longer, winning multiple awards at the NZ International Comedy Festival. He’s appeared on TV shows, podcasts, and performed a lot of comed
Gary Burchett: Sky TV Head of Sport Content on the decision to stream All Blacks games for free in delay
The All Blacks are back on TV3 – if you’re willing to wait. The July tests against France, Italy, and Ireland will be shown delayed on both the linear TV3 and on-demand Three Now. It’s the first major play since Sky bought the channel last year, and is aimed at converting casual viewers into paying subscribers. Sky TV’s Head of Sport Content Gary Burchett told Heather du Plessis
Full Show Podcast: 04 June 2026
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast with Heather du Plessis-Allan for Thursday the 4th of June, Trade Minister Todd McClay shares his thoughts on Trump’s newest tariff. Sky TV are delivering All Blacks games this year for free on delay, but in the days of streaming and social media, are we still into sport on delay? And comedian Chris Parker explains why he’s worried about
Warren Maher: Waikato Regional Council Chair on Te Huia fares being increased by 25% amid a surge in passengers
Te Huia train fares are rising 25% as passenger numbers surge. Waikato Regional Council's voted to lift the $24.06 one-way fare for the trip between Hamilton and Auckland to $32.50. Patronage in recent months rose 52% on last year, with fewer track disruptions and more reliability. But Waikato Regional Council Chair Warren Maher told Heather du Plessis-Allan that’s not why they’r
Richard Dawkins: Federated Farmers Meat and Wool Chair on wool prices hitting a 15 year high, surging demand
The wool sector is continuing its rebound. The latest auction prices are sitting around $6.80 a kilo – the best returns in 15 years. Strong demand and low global supply are driving the recovery. Federated Farmers Meat and Wool Chair Richard Dawkins told Heather du Plessis-Allan that the rising cost of synthetics means they’re no longer the cheap and reliable option. He say
Brendon Crompton: Blue Light Ventures CEO on the Government's investment in reducing child and youth offending through sport and recreation
A youth programme leader is delighted to see the Government prioritise early intervention through sport. Sport and Police Minister Mark Mitchell has confirmed an $8 million cash injection for established initiatives supporting troubled young people. Blue Light Ventures Chief Executive Brendon Crompton told Heather du Plessis Allan every dollar put into their programmes returns more t
Laura McClure: ACT MP on being one of four MPs banned from China after visiting Taiwan
An MP facing Chinese sanctions is refusing to apologise for visiting Taiwan. ACT's Laura McClure has been banned from China for a year, along with NZ First’s David Wilson, Labour’s Duncan Webb, and National’s Maureen Pugh. The four visited the self-governing island territory last month. McClure told Heather du Plessis-Allan it's an intimidation tactic – likely to put people off
Todd McClay: Trade Minister on the new round of tariffs proposed by Donald Trump
The Trade Minister believes the US is simply looking for a new reason to reintroduce tariffs. The Trump administration announced a new 12.5% tariff on dozens of countries, including New Zealand, Australia, and many of our major trading partners. It's accusing us of not doing enough to prevent the importation of goods produced by forced labour. Todd McClay told Heather du Plessis-
Heather du Plessis-Allan: Simon Watts made the right call - but it should go further
Credit to Simon Watts. Some time ago he told me he was going to do something to stop councils like the Far North District Council. They put ten iwi representatives, not elected by ratepayers, on a committee with six councillors who were elected, with full voting rights, thereby outnumbering the elected folk. I sent him a text two weeks ago asking him when I should check back in w
Full Show Podcast: 03 June 2026
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast with Heather du Plessis-Allan for Wednesday 3rd of June, Local Government Minister Simon Watts unpacks the decision for council voting to be restricted to elected members. New tourism stats show we are becoming a luxury travel haven. Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen talk the Budget, the ban on non-elected council representatives voti
Jaimee Lupton: Gingernut's Angels Founder on the foundation's efforts to remove the financial barrier to IVF and fertility treatments
A Kiwi foundation is helping combat infertility around New Zealand. Gingernut’s Angels, founded by Jaimee Lupton, was created with the goal of removing the financial barrier to starting a family. It has raised more than $3.5 million and funded 197 grants to help families access IVF and fertility treatments since it was founded in 2024. Lupton told Heather du Plessis-Allan that a
Pollies: National's Mark Mitchell and Labour's Ginny Andersen on Budget 2026, NZ's nuclear stance, and the ban on non-elected council members voting
Labour is labelling the Government’s overhaul of council voting rights a distraction. A Bill amendment will strip voting rights from unelected members —including iwi and youth representatives— on council committees. It comes after the Far North District Council moved to expand its Māori liaison committee. Labour's Ginny Andersen told Heather du Plessis-Allan the issue is not a pr
René de Monchy: Tourism NZ CEO on the increased spending by international tourists, focus on the luxury market
New Zealand's cementing itself as a premium tourism destination. Market data from Grand View Research estimates our luxury travel market brought in more than $8 million last year and could double by 2033. Luxury Travel specialist Southern Crossings says overseas couples on their honeymoon for instance, consistently spend about the equivalent of a Central Auckland house deposit. T
Kris Faafoi: Insurance Council CEO on the call to replace the Fire and Emergency Levy with a Community Protection Levy
Insurers have found an answer for councils looking for more climate resilience funding. The Insurance Council is proposing replacing the insurance-linked Fire and Emergency levy with a new Community Protection Levy. It would see firefighters Crown-funded and allow up to $700 million a year to be redirected into climate resilience and risk reduction projects. Chief Executive Kris
John Carnegie: Energy Resources Aotearoa CEO on the expressions of interest in the Government's gas exploration fund
A new lease on life for the gas industry, with the Government's $200 million exploration fund already catching the eye of private companies. Newstalk ZB can reveal there have been 11 expressions of interest since January. Resources Minister Shane Jones expects the bulk of approved projects to be based in Taranaki. Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie told Hea
Kent Duston: Banking Reform Coalition Convener on Heartland striking a deal to purchase TSB and form a new banking entity
A banking expert says a TSB–Heartland Bank merger may not transform the market but could still be a good thing for Kiwis. Heartland has struck a deal to buy TSB for $620 million and form a new entity by the end of the year, pending consultation and regulatory approval. Banking Reform Coalition Convener Kent Duston told Heather du Plessis-Allan the banks' regional focus is a point of d
Simon Watts: Local Government Minister on the move to restrict council voting to elected members
The Local Government Minister says most councils will be affected by the Government’s overhaul of committee voting rights. A Bill amendment will strip voting rights from unelected members —including iwi and youth representatives— on council committees. Simon Watts told Heather du Plessis-Allan he's open to further changes down the track, but acknowledges some unelected members still br
Heather du Plessis-Allan: Hegseth's comments shouldn't upset New Zealand
I don't think anyone should be offended by Pete Hegseth saying that New Zealand is freeloading off the American military. This is not a controversial thing at all to say. The Australians have been privately complaining about us sponging off them for decades – they've urged us to lift our spend to 2% of GDP for decades. We have kept our spending at only 1%, or thereabouts, for decades
Rod Liddle: UK Correspondent on the latest batch of Mandelson files, rifts in the Labour Party
The latest batch of files relating to Peter Mandelson’s appointment to be released is reflecting poorly on the UK’s Labour Party. More than 1,500 pages of messages, emails, and other correspondence was released, and among them was criticism of Sir Keir Starmer by both Mandelson and other ministers. In May 2025, Mandelson told Minister Pat McFadden that Starmer “lacks verve”, and the s
Commentary Box: Jason Pine and Andrew Saville discuss the Warriors v Panthers, Super Rugby Pacific, Tim Payne
Returning after the long weekend, Jason Pine and Andrew Saville joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to recap this weekend's sporting events. On today's agenda: The Warriors fell short against the Panthers, the game ending with a tight 20-18 score in favour of the Australian team. Is it a good idea to rest your star players? The decision saw the Hurricanes lose to the Crusaders, but the Chiefs st
Full Show Podcast: 02 June 2026
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 2nd of June with Heather du Plessis-Allan, the number of times school staff are having to physically restrain students has risen. The Prime Minister joins on a Tuesday to respond to Pete Hegseth's "freeloading" comments and discusses what they're going to do with superannuation in this year's election. Jason Pine and Andrew Sa
Luci Ellis: Westpac Group Chief Economist compares economic outlooks, unpacks whether NZ will become Australia's tax haven
The chief economist of one of the largest banks across the Tasman is quashing talk of New Zealand becoming Australia's tax haven. A recent Australian newspaper declared the country's recent capital gains tax changes had lifted our appeal to local property investors due to our lack of capital gains, stamp duty, or land tax. Westpac Group's Luci Ellis told Heather du Plessis-Allan there
Anhar Khanbhai: Wise's Travel Spending Expert on the number of Kiwis going over-budget when overseas
A reminder to watch our spending while overseas. A survey by money transfer company Wise has found almost half of respondents say they spend in the moment and worry later, and a similar number say money doesn’t feel ‘real’ overseas. More than four in ten say they go over-budget. Wise's travel spending expert Anhar Khanbhai told Heather du Plessis-Allan that over-spending becomes
Lisa Woods: Amnesty International NZ Movement Building & Advocacy Director on the cross-sector call for digital accountability from platforms like Facebook and TikTok
Amnesty International says it's entirely possible for New Zealand to take on big tech. Several media companies, industry groups and other organisations have signed an Amnesty open letter, calling for a stronger crack down on digital platforms like TikTok and Facebook. They're calling for an independent regulator to manage risks like fraud, extremist content, and misinformation. A
