The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Our new Reserve Bank Governor says she has full confidence in the people making OCR decisions.  The Monetary Policy Committee, chaired by Anna Breman, has decided to keep the OCR unchanged at 2.25% for now.  It says while inflation is above the target band, the economy still needs some time to recover.  Breman told Mike Hosking the committee will make the best decisions it can, base...

As I watch Chris Hipkins, presumably gleefully, mess about with the India Free Trade deal, I'm reminded this is not the Labour Party that did the FTA with China.  Hipkins is no Helen Clark and in that is a great sadness.  For all those who occasionally contact me and ask of the possibility of a so-called “grand coalition” —a relationship between the Labour and National parties— before yo...

The Reverend Jesse Jackson is being remembered as a leader who served the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world.  The famed US civil rights campaigner has died aged 84.   In a statement posted to social media his family say he died peacefully surrounded by family.  After being mentored by Martin Luther King Junior he went on to become one of the most influent...

Kiwi company OpenStar Technologies has taken a serious step forward in the global race towards nuclear fusion.  Backed by $35 million in government funding, they’ve successfully levitated a half tonne superconducting magnet, confining a cloud of ultra-hot plasma.   It’s a key milestone in recreating the same process that powers the sun – ultimately producing carbon-free energy.  CEO...

Today on Politics Wednesday, Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen are back with Mike Hosking to discuss the biggest stories of the week so far.  They discussed the details Labour’s seeking from the India Free Trade Agreement, the National Infrastructure Plan and the possibility of tolling the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and the latest political polls.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/lis...

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 18th of February, the first National Infrastructure Plan has been unveiled, and it’s a sobering read. Minister Chris Bishop joined to unpack the report.   Netball NZ's chair Matt Whineray is resigning from the board, along with three other members, in an end to a tumultuous time at the organisation.  Ginny Andersen and Mark Mi...

The new Reserve Bank Governor will deliver her first Monetary Policy Statement today.  The central bank's expected to keep the OCR unchanged at 2.25%.  It's likely to show when inflation should start easing, and when the economy should recover from last year's downturn.  BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones told Mike Hosking today’s announcement will likely see them swap out the mild easi...

The Infrastructure Minister believes a toll is a fair way of paying for a new Auckland harbour crossing.   The Infrastructure Commission’s 30-year plan makes 10 recommendations for what should be prioritised over the next decade, with hospital investment topping the list.   The plan suggests the extra crossing in Auckland, tunnel or bridge, gets a $9 toll, but the Government is still wei...

Outgoing Netball New Zealand chair Matt Whineray regrets the way they communicated with the public during the drawn out Silver Ferns coaching saga.  Whineray is ending his eight-year tenure alongside three others at board level.  The governing body came under scrutiny last year for their handling of the standing down, and eventual re-instatement, of Dame Noeline Taurua.  Whineray to...

Auckland and Northland are being deemed New Zealand's most vulnerable regions when it comes to infrastructure.  The infrastructure Commission has laid out a 30 year plan, with 17 recommendations for how to strengthen our delivery model.   Downer Managing Director Murray Robertson believes Auckland and Northland are exposed due to lack of electricity which other infrastructure sectors rel...

A sharp rise in food inflation could unfortunately be out of our control.  Latest Stats NZ data reveals the rate's risen to 4.6% – well up on 4% a month ago.  Fruit and vegetable prices have jumped 6.3% in the last year, and meat, poultry, and fish rose by 8.9%.  Grocery Action Group Chair Sue Chetwin told Mike Hosking there's been a lot of uncontrollable factors impacting prices, l...

My summation of what we have heard so far in the Judge Aitken case. The “Did I yell at and interrupt and disrupt Winston?" case.  Aitken was on the stand, so to speak, yesterday, remembering none of this is criminal.  In fact, I would describe it as outrageously political.  Judge Aitken shouldn’t be here. No one should. It’s a storm in a judicial teacup.  Should she have had a...

Kiwis love their cooking shows.  Once you get past ‘The Chase’, the likes of MasterChef Australia is consistently within the top watched shows, both on TV and online.   Recognisable from her four seasons on MasterChef Australia, Melissa Leong has moved on to host Dessert Masters, and is now fronting a new Kiwi cooking show.  She’s partnered up with Aimsfield Head Chef Vaughan Mabee...

Intermittent fasting may not be the magic bullet for weight loss it appeared to be.   Researchers analysed 22 global trials and found no clear advantage over standard dietary advice.  Weight loss was broadly similar to traditional dieting, and there was no strong evidence of extra metabolic benefits.  Body Torque Gym Founder Alex Flint told Mike Hosking intermittent fasting is just...

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 17th of February, Contact Energy CEO Mike Fuge explains why power bills are still high while their profits rise 44%.  Hamish Kerr pops in after winning the Supreme Award at the Halbergs last night.  And former MasterChef Australia judge Melissa Leong discusses her new show with Kiwi chef Vaughan Mabee.    Get the Mike...

This past weekend marks 144 years since the first shipment of frozen lamb left Port Chalmers for London.   It was instrumental in shaping in a food and fibre sector that’s become a backbone of the New Zealand economy – worth $60 billion.   The UK remains one of our most important, and premium, markets for lamb.   Kiwi Chef and NZ lamb ambassador Melanie Brown told Mike Hosking that...

Strong signs of economic turnaround from the latest half-year results.  Energy company Contact, courier company Freightways and dairy producer a2 Milk all announced results yesterday.  Contact's recorded a 44% rise in net profit and has gone into a trading halt while it begins a major capital raise to fund more renewable energy projects.  CEO Mike Fuge told Mike Hosking the primary...

World champion high jumper Hamish Kerr has leapt clear of his fellow Halberg finalists, winning the Supreme Award.  He soared above sportswoman victor Zoi Sadowski-Synnott, the Black Ferns sevens team winners, and dominant para-athlete Danielle Aitchison.  Dame Valerie Adams and Richie McCaw have been inducted into the sports hall of fame.  Hamish Kerr's mentor James Sandilands took...

There are hopes Auckland's new International Convention Centre will be a huge drawcard for international delegates.  A Business Events Industry Aotearoa report reveals the sector delivered $925 million for the economy last year.   It shows international delegates here for conferences spent $645 daily on average – higher than holiday visitors.  CEO Lisa Hopkins told Mike Hosking they...

Small wins for the retail sector, as confidence reaches a two-year high.  A report by Retail NZ shows almost 77% of retailers surveyed in the fourth quarter of last year are confident their business will survive the next 12 months.  The proportion of retailers with low confidence has almost halved since the third quarter of last year to just 6.6%.  Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young told M...

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 16th of February, Eden Park boss Nick Sautner got his wish and we can finally use Eden Park as a proper stadium - plus the worst kept secret, State of Origin is indeed coming to NZ. The Prime Minister responds to his coalition partner's ideas of getting rid of the Maori seats and dropping some MP's from Parliament, plus these cultural...

I am increasingly impressed by Iain Rennie, who is the Treasury boss. He seems to say a bunch of interesting and insightful stuff. Last year he warned about our growth rate, our debt and our inability to grow our way out of our troubles. He advocated for asset sales. This past week he was at the Waikato University Economic Forum where he talked about our problem of exporting our best and brightest...

The Black Foils suffered a nasty end to their home race this weekend. Their F50 Catamaran crashed into the French team, leaving Kiwi grinder Louis Sinclair with two broken legs. Race organisers then shifted to a split-fleet format for the remaining races over safety concerns.  AUT Sailing Professor Mark Orams told Mike Hosking that it's time for SailGP to 'crank up' the safety measures. ...

Jason Pine and Andrew Saville join Mike Hosking this morning to discuss the weekend's sports. On the table today: The second State of Origin game is coming to Eden Park, how many Kiwis are going to go see the Aussies play? The guys review the Super Rugby from the weekend, and a number of F1 drivers are unhappy with the rule changes, are we in for a slow season? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/list...

The Prime Minister says Labour's concerns with the India Free Trade Agreement is "politicking", and Chris Hipkins wanting attention.  Labour's saying they want the un-redacted advice about the deal and greater protection for migrant workers.  In a letter to Chris Luxon, Chris Hipkins wants more clarity about the clause which requires New Zealand business to invest $33billion into India.&...