The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Music industry data from Britain and the US show the younger generations are listening to the golden oldies, rather than the modern artists, more and more on streaming sites.   Old records from the likes of Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen accounted for 70% of album listening in America last year - and that was at the same time as we got releases from the likes of Adele and Ed Sheeran. And, for the...

The Government's being criticised again for its slowness in acquiring rapid antigen tests.  It's ordered another 36 million RATs, meaning the country will have access to 55 million over the next two months.  It's reckoned about nine million will be used every week, once Omicron peaks.  Rako Science executive director, Leon Grice, told Mike Hosking he's been talking to the Ministry of Health about...

A music group says the government hasn't properly acknowledged calls to support the arts sector.   The Government has announced a $120 million boost for the arts.   It includes $70 million for the event support scheme, and $35.5 million for the Cultural Sector Emergency Relief fund.   Electric duo Sachi's Will Thomas told Mike Hosking the Government response to them hasn't been good enough.   Thom...

Invercargill and Queenstown appear to be the biggest benefactors to the inevitable changes for the 2022 Super Rugby season.   Rugby bosses have been meeting this week, and will continue those meetings this morning as they make last minute changes to fixtures.  Because of the scenario where teams would have to isolate for 10 days, one or two venues for all 24 NZ based games is the expected signoff....

Charlotte Bellis isn't sure her story has made much difference for other New Zealanders, stranded overseas.   The pregnant New Zealander has now been offered an emergency MIQ spot.   But it's based on the risks of Bellis and her partner being in Afghanistan - not the need for time-critical scheduled treatment.   Bellis told Mike Hosking it's great for her - but it hasn't moved the dial for other p...

Time is running out to save the biggest harvest of the year from going to waste.   There's just a two-week window for the Government to allow 200 skilled machinery operators in for the autumn harvest, following a promise made in December.   Farmers say if the workers don't arrive soon, crops will go to waste.   Blue Glass Contracting director Brook Nettleton told Mike Hosking they've faced the sam...

Lee Child and the Jack Reacher book series have fans across the globe.   It, of course, got a life on the big screen - with Tom Cruise taking the role for two movies in 2012 and 2016.  And now it's getting a go on the small screen - with Reacher coming to Amazon Prime this Friday.  Actor Alan Ritchson is leading the charge as the title character.   Ritchson joined Mike Hosking.  LISTEN ABOVE  See...

Supermarkets are continuing to make plans to deal with disruption, as the Omicron variant spreads.   Foodstuffs North Island says demand is relatively normal again, after a buying rush when the country moved into red last week.   It's holding about 29 percent more stock this summer than previous years.   CEO Chris Quin told Mike Hosking preparations are also being made in case a lot of workers hav...

A new Kiwi tech company is staking it's claim in the multi-billion-dollar headphones market.   earSHOTS have launched a new wireless earphone specifically aimed at those doing sporting activities.   The twist? These earphones utilise magnets to clip them to your ears so they don't fall off and the magnetic design has now been successfully patented in the United States.  earSHOTS founder James Bell...

It's hoped Charlotte Bellis' story will bring a government u-turn on returnees self-isolating.   The pregnant journalist's story of trying to come home from Afghanistan has garnered international attention, and brought calls for border policy change.   Grounded Kiwis spokesperson Alexandra Birt told Mike Hosking many are in similar situations, and New Zealand is one of only a few countries still o...

The Government is playing down reports of unintended consequences from its new lending requirements.  It's brought forward a review of the legislation, after reports of people being rejected for mortgages due to spending on things like takeaways or domestic travel.  Commerce Minister David Clark told Mike Hosking they also want to look at whether there are wider factors at play.  He was asked abou...

Employers can ask their staff not to travel under the Red Traffic Light setting -- but they can't set it in stone.  Newstalk ZB has learned some employers are encouraging their staff to "lock down" and discouraging them from moving around the country.  That's despite the current restrictions having no limits on regional travel.  Lawyer Mai Chen says told Mike Hosking there's a big difference betwe...

The Government's official working group that looks into reducing agricultural emissions isn't pleasing it's Climate Change Minister.   The group, which consists of government officials and industry groups, put forward two proposals for consultation yesterday - a levy for individual farms and a levy for the processors who buy their products.  But James Shaw says a serious price signal is the best w...

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have congratulated rival Rafael Nadal after the Spainard claimed his 21st grand slam victory with an epic five hour victory over second seed Daniil Medvedev at the Australian Open. The 35-year-old now has one more major title than Federer and Djokovic, his long-time rivals in the so-called Big Three. With the 2-6, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 win, Nadal also became just...

Another achievement for the ages, this time in middle-distance running. Nick Willis has become the first runner in history to run a sub-four minute mile every year for 20 consecutive years. The achievement came in the Wanamaker Mile at the Melrose Games in New York this weekend, making $25,000 for charity on the side. Nick Willis joined Tim Dower. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for priva...

The nor'easter that dumped record snowfall in parts of the East Coast has left treacherous wind chills and thousands of people without power. "An East Coast blizzard dropped one to over 2 feet of snow along the coast. Now, cold weather will hold a grip on the Mid-Atlantic today and tonight," the National Weather Service Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center tweeted Sunday. Ferocious winds knocked...

Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s government is fighting for its political life according to Newspoll, with popular support plunging to the lowest levels since the 2018 leadership change. After a horror summer marked by rising Omicron cases, hundreds of deaths and fury over a shortage of rapid antigen tests, voters have turned on the government, with a sharp drop in support. In the first Newspoll of...

Schools are facing hesitancy from parents, about sending their children back from the start of Term One. Students at most schools will return today and tomorrow. Under the Red Traffic Light restrictions, teachers and students Year Four and above must wear a mask indoors and teachers must be vaccinated. Principal of Glen Innes School Jono Hendricks told Tim Dower a teacher aide will be speaking wit...

History for Rafael Nadal last night at the Australian Open. The Spaniard came back from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev in the final last night. It’s his 21st major, which puts him ahead of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, both on 20. It’s also the second time Nadal has won the Australian Open. Tennis commentator Craig Gabriel joined Tim Dower. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for p...

The tide could be turning in National's favour. Chris Luxon has scored a net approval rating of 22 points in the latest 1 News Kantar poll while Jacinda Ardern has plummeted to 15 points. It comes as the National leader gathers with his MPs in Queenstown today, for the party's annual caucus retreat. Former National senior advisor Brigitte Morten told Tim Dower the poll result is a reflection of gr...

A price freeze on essential items is being floated as one solution to the sky-rocketing cost of living. Inflation is now at its highest level in a generation. Maori Council chairman Matthew Tukaki says many families are struggling to cope, with children returning to school. He told Tim Dower it's creating a perfect poverty storm and something needs to be done to alleviate pressure. “It’s also not...

The Government is being urged to talk less and do more to improve home isolation. Under the current framework, introduced following two deaths in home isolation last year, a person should be contacted by a healthcare provider within 24 hours of testing positive for Covid. But healthcare providers say families often have to wait for up to four days before being referred to them. Pasifika Futures ch...

Tim Dower was joined by Tim Wilson and Kerre McIvor to wrap the week in news.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gender-based pricing has been given the chop at a Christchurch hair salon.   Instead, time and skill required will determine the cost.  There are hope this will make prices more inclusive and other salons will follow suit.  RU&CO hair spa brand manager Jordan James joined Tim Dower.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grant Robertson says the historically high rate of inflation is a sign of the global times.  Annual inflation has hit 5.9 percent for the 2021 calendar year - the highest inflation rate recorded in more than three decades.  Most economists expect the inflation rate to rise even further this year.  The Finance Minister told Tim Dower what New Zealand's experiencing is part of a global phenomenon, t...