The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Robotic surgeries are taking off, bringing positive outcomes for the health sector.  Evolution Healthcare says it's more than doubled the number of robotic surgeries in the past two years at Wellington's Wakefield Hospital.  It says it's on target to complete more than 300 this year, up from 243 last year.  Evolution CEO Michael Quirke told Mike Hosking efficiencies are increasingly...

There’s little sign of recovery soon for the country's sheep numbers as they continue to drop.  Beef + Lamb NZ shows breeding ewe numbers are down nearly 2% on last year, with this season's lamb crop forecast to be down nearly 120 thousand lambs.  However, beef cattle numbers are showing positive signs, rising 4%.  Beef + Lamb NZ Chair Kate Acland told Mike Hosking the lower numbers...

Donald Trump estimates his high-stakes diplomatic talks with Russia's Vladimir Putin have a 25% chance of failure.  The two presidents will meet in Alaska tomorrow to discuss an end to the war in Ukraine.   Trump's previewed the summit as setting the table for a second meeting, inviting in Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky.   New Haven University international affairs expert Matthew Schm...

There are fears limited information sharing is hindering authorities efforts to tackle transnational crime.  A report from a Ministerial Advisory Group focused on organised crime says there's sparse coordination between agencies, technological limitations, and people are fearful of sharing what could be useful information.  It's recommending a new sharing framework and tweaks to the Priv...

I'm assuming the instigators of the second Covid Inquiry are deeply disappointed in what is unfolding, in terms of accountability.  Inquiry Part 1 was a Labour Government stitch up. It was an exercise in smoke and mirrors.  Inquiry Part 2 is a coalition deal driven by ACT and NZ First, and was designed to look into areas not touched on in Part 1: access to vaccines, lock downs, economic...

The US has accused the UK of backsliding on human rights over the past year, claiming it’s not a free country.  The US State Department says the UK’s Labour government ‘repeatedly intervened to chill speech’, their annual assessment also highlighting laws limiting free speech around abortion clinics.  UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking it’s something that both Trump and Vance...

For years, the All Blacks were praised for their mental fortitude.  When it came down to the wire, fans could expect the team to handle the pressure, trained and prepared for all scenarios.  Much of that fortitude can be attributed to Gilbert Enoka – our national team’s mental skills coach for 23 years.  He retired at the end of 2023, and has now written a book that covers his menta...

There's a belief many farmers will be feeling disappointed and betrayed after a report to Parliament on the ban of carbon forestry.  The Environment Select Committee’s recommendations show carbon farms across productive farmland, won't be coming to a stop.  Currently under the Emission Trading Scheme there's a ban on whole-farm conversions for land that's not used for beef and sheep farm...

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 14th of August, then-Covid Minister Chris Hipkins defends his decision not to appear publicly for the Covid-19 Inquiry.   Public Service Minister Judith Collins responds to the latest strike action from both nurses and secondary school teachers.    All Blacks mental skills expert Gilbert Enoka imparts his wisdom and philos...

New Zealand exporters are remaining upbeat.  The latest Export New Zealand DHL Export Barometer shows about four in five have maintained or increased export volumes over the past year.  Exporters say it's been getting cheaper to do business, but they're getting more worried about trade wars.  NZ International Business Forum Executive Director Felicity Roxburgh told Mike Hosking the...

The Government is blasting the secondary teachers union for calling a strike.  Post Primary Teachers' Association members will put down the tools next Wednesday, rejecting a three-percent pay increase over three years. Tens of thousands of healthcare workers are also preparing to walk off the job on two separate days next month. Public Service Minister Judith Collins told Mike Hosking it seem...

The Education Minister says our NCEA achievement results are ticking up as we climb out of Covid.  Last year Level 1 achievement dropped slightly to its lowest level in a decade, and Māori fell further behind.  There were improvements though in NCEA Levels 2, 3, and University Entrance for the first time in five years.   Erica Stanford told Mike Hosking these students also came thro...

Labour leader Chris Hipkins says he's already answered the Covid Inquiry Commissioner's questions, negating any need for him to appear publicly.  Hipkins and former Ministers Dame Jacinda Ardern, Grant Robertson, and Ayesha Verrall declined open hearings, leading the second part of the inquiry to be called off.  Hipkins says lawyers raised several issues around them appearing, including...

Chris Hipkins came undone yesterday, twice.  You would hope, given there is literally no pressure on him right now and he basically gets to spend his days bagging the Government, he might want to sharpen up, given next year is a whole different kettle of fish.  Mistake number 1: He attempted to gain points on Palestine by suggesting David Seymour was holding the Government to some sort o...

The cost of New Zealand’s homes are beginning to fall.  The latest QV Quarterly data reveals that average prices have fallen by 0.5% over the three months to July.  Auckland is down by 1.2%, while Queenstown and Invercargill continue to rise by 2.4% and 1.2% respectively.  The average price is now 13.1% cheaper than the artificial Covid peak in 2021.  Brad Olsen, Infometrics’ P...

Much has happened in the political realm since last Wednesday, so Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell are back to cover it on Politics Wednesday.  The military-style boot camps have seen mixed results – is it still a success with a 80% reoffending rate?   And what’s happening with Willow-Jean Prime? Is there any excuse for her ignoring the briefing invitation for the NCEA changes?  Plu...

The newly announced America’s Cup rules are shaking up the competition.  The confirmed protocol includes a requirement for a female sailor on board, batteries replacing manual power, the introduction of a cost cap, and a reduced number of sailors on board.  It also outlines a new partnership between all teams, establishing equal authority among those involved.  Team NZ CEO Grant Dal...

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 13th of August, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour comments on the debate around recognising Palestine as a state.   New rules have been announced for the next America’s Cup – Team NZ boss Grant Dalton gives the lowdown.  Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell discuss the success rate of the boot camps, Willow-Jean Prime, and Mike’...

From a PVC pipe in a Taranaki shed to international success, Huski Coolers has seen its overseas exports surge.  The company's renowned wine cooler had its largest overseas order, shipping 76 thousand units to the UK as heatwaves rip through Europe.  The NZ firm is on track to double its eight-figure annual revenue this year.  Huski Co-Founder Simon Huesser told Mike Hosking they wa...

Parliament is becoming increasingly divided over the situation with Palestine.   Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick was barred from Parliament yesterday when she suggested MPs not backing her bill to sanction Israel were spineless.  She believes an apology from her isn't needed, and is engaging with Speaker Gerry Brownlee about returning to the House today.  Deputy Prime Minister Davi...

More businesses are reporting losses but things may not be quite as bad as the numbers make it seem.  Inland Revenue data shows one in five businesses aren't turning a profit.  But ABC Business Sales Managing Director Chris Small says most of those are businesses structured to make a loss, like trusts and property companies.  He told Mike Hosking the situation he's seeing is far mor...

An uptick in heat pump use could ease pressure on the energy system and cut costs.  A report by the New Zealand Green Building Council reveals if more households opt for heat pumps, it could save Kiwis more than a billion dollars a year.  It's also revealed this could protect thousands of industry jobs, with three mills closing in the last year due to soaring energy prices.  Green B...

Perhaps the biggest problem with the military-style academy and the ensuing pilot report is not the number of people who re-offended.  Hell, I thought they all would.  But rather it was the fact it was, in the minds of too many, predetermined.  Those who called them boot camps are in the invidious position of bagging the idea but not having a solution, which is an awfully easy posit...

Queenstown's benefiting from another influx of winter tourists.  Local operator Skyline has seen a 33% increase in international visitors to its luge, and a 21% rise in visitors to its gondolas.  Other operators are also reporting a similar increase.  Chief Operating Officer Danny Luke told Mike Hosking tourism is booming again.  He says the winter’s been vibrant and they’re se...

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 12th of August, New Zealand is considering recognising a Palestinian state. Does it matter? Will it change the war? Former Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff weighs in.   Christchurch has been confirmed as the host of the 2026 Super Round – NZR boss Mark Robinson discusses the decision.   Country music star Lainey Wilson is on h...