The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Differing accounts on the US’ level of involvement in Israel’s attack on Iran’s gas fields.   The tit for tat between the two is continuing with gas and oil infrastructure becoming the latest targets, Iran retaliating by hitting Israel's Haifa oil refinery.   Global oil prices are continuing to surge.   Donald Trump says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's been instructed no...

Obviously Chris Hipkins would disagree, but Donald Trump surely wins the "crap week of the week" award, given his week has material outcomes for all of us and Hipkins’ is just a personal mess gone ugly and public.  The war itself doesn’t appear to be any different at the end of week three than it was at the end of week two, or indeed week one.  Every indication is Iran is being obliterat...

After two victories at home to start the season, the Warriors are heading across the ditch.  They’re facing off against the Newcastle Knights on Saturday – their first away game of the 2026 season.   Both teams are dealing with injuries, Chanel Harris-Tavita and Kurt Capewell missing from the Warriors side, and Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown from the Australian side.   Former Warriors...

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 20th of March, Finance Minister Nicola Willis explains what the Government is looking to do as fuel prices continue to rise.   New Zealander of the Year Sir Rod Drury joins us in studio after winning the 2026 award.  And Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson discuss some of this week’s guests on the show and the state of the world at the...

The week has come to an end which means Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that Was.   They discussed cars, some of the guests that featured on the Breakfast show this week, and the unstable geopolitical environment.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cost of running a farm is surging.  ANZ's latest Agri Insights report, which used data from more than four thousand farms over five years, found costs across the board were 27% higher than before Covid.  It was driven largely by increased labour and input costs, such as fertiliser.  Lincoln University’s Dr Jacqueline Rowarth told Mike Hosking that the farmers who buy retail and...

Sir Rod Drury believes it's New Zealand's time to step up and make a big difference in the world.  The Xero founder has been crowned the 2026 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year.  The judges noted in the ceremony last night his driving innovation, empowerment of Kiwi tech leaders, and his venture philanthropy.  He's involved in multiple projects including pushing for expansion of ren...

Better Police visibility and increased community engagement are being credited for a drop in crime victimisation.  About 28% of Kiwis experienced crime last year – the lowest rate since the Victims of Crime survey began in 2018.  Numbers of people assaulted and robbed were down 33 thousand.  Assistant Commissioner Jeanette Park told Mike Hosking officers can feel the change on the g...

The Government is looking into ‘doing something simple’ to get cash into Kiwis' wallets as fuel prices increase, refined oil proving a challenge.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking they need to balance the cost of living with the books.  “We need to be conscious of debt and borrowing.  “We need to look at working people in the low to middle income specifically and ask...

Does the Talbot Mills poll out yesterday blow wide open the overt and corrupt actions of the parts of the media that went to town last week, and the week before, on the Prime Minister?  Does the Talbot Mills poll out yesterday with National on 32% also build on evidence that they are not 28%, nor were they ever 28%, therefore there was never a need to go to town last week, and the week before...

British pop legend Robbie Williams is coming to entertain New Zealand this November. The artist behind Angels, Rock DJ, and Let Me Entertain You has confirmed two New Zealand shows for his BRITPOP world tour, opening at Eden Park on November 24.  He'll follow it up at the new Christchurch Te Kaha Stadium on the 28th, becoming the first international artist to perform there.  BRITPOP is t...

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 19th of March, the GDP figure for the December quarter will be announced today – 12 days out from the end of Q1. While it might be positive, the conflict in the Middle East looms over it.   An exclusive chat with outgoing Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell, who talked about his next moves, the future of the dairy giant, and the rumours abou...

There's potential for the immigration system to become bogged down in bureaucracy as the Government pushes a harder line stance.   It's proposed a series of reforms, involving a greater use of deportation and harsher penalties for migrant exploitation.  NZ Immigration Law Principal Lawyer Aaron Martin says by making more people potentially liable for deportation, we'll likely see the num...

Italy’s Government is holding emergency talks tonight to introduce legislation to hold down fuel prices, potentially introducing fines for speculators, Italy correspondent Jo McKenna says.  She told Mike Hosking the Government is concerned with gas up and diesel prices up around two euros a litre.  “I don't think it's translated fully yet into the economy, but we will see some trickle do...

Economists are predicting promising economic results from the last quarter ahead of the ongoing ripple effects caused by war in the Middle East. GDP data for the December quarter is being released just before 11 this morning. Both Westpac and ASB are anticipating 0.4% quarterly growth. ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Mike Hosking exports have largely been the driver.  But Tuffley says r...

Scrapping rugby fees for kids is boosting grassroots participation.   Counties Manukau was first to fund junior fees three years ago, with Nelson and Wellington's Newland clubs following suit.  The interest from a million-dollar grant from NZ Rugby's Silver Lake deal covers junior fees for five of Counties Manukau's 16 clubs.   Head of Community Matt Megaw told Mike Hosking they're...

The departing Fonterra boss says he was never meant to be in the role as long as he has been.  Chief executive Miles Hurrell has announced he will step down as the dairy giant completes a significant shift in strategy.  That includes the sale of its global consumer brands —including Anchor and Mainland— to French dairy giant Lactalis.  Miles Hurrell told Mike Hosking getting over th...

Defence Minister Judith Collins says it’s vital New Zealand's able to look after a vast area, stretching from Antarctica to Tonga.  The Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces have laid out their plans for a combat-capable ANZAC force by 2035. Defence Minister Judith Collins told Mike Hosking it makes absolute sense for us to be closer with Australia.  She says it's not as though our t...

I suppose the ultimate question is, what do you want in a leader, or more specifically, the Prime Minister?  Chris Hipkins is immersed in a growing mess around social media and an angry ex-wife.  Hand on heart, if it hadn't been sent to me I would not have asked, because I genuinely don’t care.  I still subscribe to the broad idea that personal lives are off limits, unless you decid...

Politicians from across the spectrum are steering clear of discussing claims made by Chris Hipkins' ex.  The Labour leaders' denied allegations made by his ex-wife in a now deleted private Facebook post.  None indicate unlawful conduct.  Labour's Ginny Anderson told Mike Hosking it's sad, and as a mother her first thoughts are with the children.   National's Mark Mitchell says...

British pop legend Robbie Williams offers his thoughts on the increasing scale of live performances and concerts as part of an interview with Mike Hosking. Catch the full-length chat here. Robbie Williams is coming to entertain New Zealand this November.  He’s confirmed one show in Auckland and another in Christchurch for his BRITPOP world tour, and he’ll be the first international artist to...

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 18th of March, we talk food prices, geothermal investment , and chat with the legendary Robbie Williams.  The debate around private versus public life is back after Chris Hipkins responded to allegations from his ex-wife yesterday.   And Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell discuss Chris Hipkins and leadership, plus Mark's wedding...

Should a politician’s private life impact their political career?  Labour Leader Chris Hipkins’ ex-wife Jade Paul made allegations against him on a private Facebook post on Sunday, none of which allege unlawful conduct.   They've since been deleted.  Political Commentator Grant Duncan told Mike Hosking whether or not the allegations would move a vote depends on the person.   He...

The Government is aiming to bolster our geothermal supply. It announced $50 million in new funding, with $23 million has been committed so far – including two $10 million loans for new plants near Rotoma and Kawerau.  The aim is to cut upfront risk whilst doubling generation by 2040. Contact Energy CEO Mike Fuge told Mike Hosking that New Zealand is a world leader in geothermal, and if we can...

Pressure is mounting for the country to retain Chinese students.  A new NZ China Council report shows they make up 35% of international enrolments, contributing $3.6 billion a year.  But competition is intensifying, with around 14 countries now vying for the market.  Chair John McKinnon told Mike Hosking New Zealand has a strong story to sell.  He says the quality of our educat...