The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Megan Woods and Mark Mitchell joined Mike Hosking to discuss the week's political news. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some say it’s sacrilege to mess with some original recipes.  You may remember last year we tackled the southern cheese roll getting deep fried - which annoyed and delighted people in equal measure.   Now there's issues with the infamous hot cross bun after New World and Pic's peanut butter have teamed up to create the gooey peanut butter chocolate cross buns for Easter.   Kevin Gilbert is the mast...

The Government is set to consider proposed improvements to the Three Waters reform.  An independent group of council and iwi representatives has recommended councils own all shares in the four new entities, that will take control of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services.  It's also recommended councils unanimously agree before privatising any of the entities' assets.  Central Otago Ma...

The little guy is using leverage on one of the largest public companies in the world.   UK company Unilever has agreed to publish more rigorous data on fat, sugar and salt in their products after a minor shareholder forced a resolution.   Shareaction, a Ginger Group charity, got enough shareholder backing to force the changes after a review found that only 17% of Unilever's food and drink sales we...

Thumbs up from the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine to the new working arrangements for health staff with Covid.   After five days of isolation, staff can return to work as long as they return two negative tests and are working in non-Covid-19 areas.   Those who are working on Covid wards can continue, possibly without a stand-down period, as long as they’re asymptomatic.   College Pres...

A would-be supplier says we've missed an opportunity for the supermarket industry.  The Commerce Commission concludes competition is not working well in the sector and recommends a mandatory code of conduct for suppliers.  But it stops short of requiring the industry to be broken up, as it hinted in its draft report.  Wānaka-based Bloomsberry Chocolate Company tried to get its products into superm...

Cyclists are being encouraged to move into the middle of the road at roundabouts and take the lane, to try to stay safe and visible to motorists.  It follows an inquest into the death of cyclist - who was hit by a truck and trailer unit on the outer edge of a Hamilton roundabout in 2017.   But Movement Group Chair Christine Rose told Mike Hosking the focus should be on greater investment in active...

Tough sanctions imposed on Russia by countries around the globe are expected to have an impact.   Our Government is urgently passing a bill this week increasing its ability to use targeted sanctions.   CNN's Richard Quest told Mike Hosking the worldwide effort will work.  “Firstly, the sledgehammer. They’ve hit and they’ve hit hard so Aeroflot’s not lfying, the banks can’t exchange money.”  Quest...

Central Otago's Lake Dunstan Trail is smashing all expectations.  More than 62,000 riders have used the track since it opened in May.  During January alone, 12,068 people passed the trail counter - almost as many people targeted for the entire year of 2028.  Central Otago Queenstown Trail Network Trust Chairman Stephen Jeffery told Mike Hosking it's also helping out local businesses.  “I’ve alread...

The Foreign Affairs Minister has denied New Zealand's response to Russia's invasion was late.   Last week, the Wall Street Journal identified New Zealand as the only US ally yet to ramp up sanctions against Russia.  The Government's now urgently passing a bill that includes freezing assets in New Zealand, a travel ban on more than 100 people and economic targeting of people supporting invasion, in...

There are fears our current Covid regulations could tip our education sector over the edge.  With the current rules around isolating as a contact, especially within schools, principals are dealing with increased pressures and much larger workloads.   Last year we had many principals who walked away because they were burnt out - at a much younger age than retirement, which is unusual for the positi...

It's important New Zealand's voice is heard amongst the global opposition to Russia's unprovoked invasion into Ukraine.  The Government's unveiled a bespoke Russia Sanctions Bill which will be passed under urgency this week.  It enables sanctions on people, companies and assets related to the invasion, or who are of economic or strategic relevance to Russia.  Otago University International relatio...

An anxious wait for those with skin in the supermarket game.  The Commerce Commission will release its final report into the sector this morning.  Last year's draft findings found the $22 billion industry isn't working well for customers.  The commission could make a number of recommendations today, including introducing a third big supermarket chain.   Supie Online Supermarket Founder Sarah Balle...

Wellington’s City Missioner is echoing National’s claims of a living cost crisis.   Christopher Luxon has painted a picture of New Zealanders being squeezed by rising taxes and high inflation.  If he becomes Prime Minister he’d repeal all of Labour’s taxes or added levies introduced since 2017.  Jacinda Ardern says she wouldn't describe the situation as a crisis, but says people are certainly feel...

Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt joined Mike Hosking to talk the back-to-back deaths of Shane Warne and Rod Marsh, the weekend's Super Rugby, Shane van Gisbergen, Nikita Mazepin and the Asterix's shock victory at the NZ Derby at Ellerslie. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new $10bn submarine base will be built on Australia’s east coast to support future nuclear-powered submarines. Prime Minister Scott Morrison will unveil the plans in his speech to the Lowy Institute on Monday, focusing on national security. “Establishing a second submarine base on our east coast will enhance our strategic deterrent capability,” Mr Morrison is expected to tell the institute. Thre...

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told US lawmakers Saturday his country urgently needs more assistance from the US, including the establishment of a no-fly zone over Ukraine, as it fights against Russia's invasion. During an hourlong Zoom meeting Saturday morning with members of Congress, Zelensky thanked the US for the support it has delivered so far, but called for more military support an...

Investigations continue into the death of Shane Warne, as the cricketing world comes to terms with the news. Word broke of the 52-year-old's death on Saturday morning. He'd died at a resort in Thailand, thought to be from a heart attack. Warne — known for his bouts of extreme dieting — had recently completed a two-week liquid-only diet. Australian columnist Peter FitzSimons told Mike Hosking Warne...

Gisborne's Rhythm and Vines music festival has been cancelled after the annual New Years' Eve event was moved to Easter weekend following Covid-19 disruptions. After weeks of speculation and angry fans demanding answers, Rhythm & Vines announced in early December that the annual New Year's Eve festival would be postponed to Easter Weekend 2022. The new dates for the festival were set for Friday, A...

The debate over the National Party's tax plans is heating up. Leader Chris Luxon wants to reverse every tax increase the current Government has imposed, and adjust all tax bracket thresholds. But Finance Minister Grant Robertson says the math doesn't add up, and the plan will just make things worse. Deloitte Tax Partner Robyn Walker told Mike Hosking the Government should be more open to tax adjus...

Russia is continuing its offensive on a number of Ukrainian cities. A second attempt to evacuate citizens from the city Mariupol has failed, with Ukraine blaming Russian shelling. The United Nations says more than 1.5 million refugees have fled the country. Newshub Europe correspondent Lisette Reymer in Lviv told Mike Hosking Putin's advances haven't been as efficient as he thought, and Ukrainian...

This year’s Auckland mayoral election is set to be fought over the future of transport. Business leader Viv Beck has confirmed she'll be standing in October's election, to replace outgoing mayor Phil Goff. Her main rival, councillor Efeso Collins, wants to make public transport free. In her exclusive first broadcast interview, Beck told Mike Hosking  her priority will be pushing for an end to Auck...

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all.     The Global Reaction to Ukraine: 8/10  "In a fractured, disparate world this has been a week of real revelation, comradery, surprise, relief, and hope."     President Zelensky: 9/10  "If he makes it, the Nobel Peace Prize winner, surely."     The Wellington Protest: 2/10  "It...

In the midst of war, what an uplifting week it's been in terms of a world that, despite all its many worries, can still largely unite and offer hope.  Never in my lifetime have I seen such a coordinated, effective, and immediate response to a crisis.  Normally when war breaks out, the world divides, the sanctions are piecemeal, the hot air is voluminous, but not this time.  You can't buy an Apple...

Hayden Paddon is back in the World Rally Championship.   At the end of the 2018 season Paddon lost his contract - he's since taken matters into his own hands and along with Hyundai and longtime co-driver John Kennard, they're launching a New Zealand team to compete in the WRC2 championship later this year.   Hayden Paddon joined Mike Hosking.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...