The Mike Hosking Breakfast

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...

It's been a rollercoaster of a ride at this year's Australian Open.  The Djokovic saga before it even started - and now Kyrgios and his crowd antics.  We're near the pointy end of the tournament, with the Women's final and Men's semis ahead.   Former New Zealand tennis professional Brenda Perry joined Tim Dower.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon and National are up in the first 1 News-Kantar poll of his leadership, rising four points to 32 per cent - but he is unlikely to be celebrating as most of that support appears to have come from Act.  It is the first time 1 News-Kantar (formerly known as 1 News-Colmar Brunton) has had National polling in the 30s since the 2020 election.  Labour is down just 1 point to 40 per cent, with...

As concerns about Hamilton's Soundsplash music festival grow, some high schools aren't taking any chances.   At least one Omicron case has been confirmed at the three-day event, and many more are feared.  More than 100 students from Auckland Grammar went to the festival and have been ordered to isolate at home until they produce a negative test.    Other schools are advising their students to take...

Young Kiwis are starting to find their wings again.  With more than 92 percent of those aged 18-30 double vaccinated, they're starting to look overseas.  Travel is becoming easier with many countries scrapping mandatory quarantine for vaccinated travellers.   House of Travel Chief Operating Officer Brent Thomas says the travel company is seeing an uplift in young people's enquiries.  “I think it’s...

Prime Minister Boris Johnson braced Wednesday for the conclusions of an investigation into allegations of lockdown-breaching parties, a document that could help him end weeks of scandal and discontent, or bring his time in office to an abrupt close.  Senior civil servant Sue Gray is probing allegations that the prime minister and his staff flouted restrictions they imposed on the country in 2020 a...

New Zealand’s most beloved soap opera is celebrating its 30th anniversary.   Shortland Street first appeared on our screens way back in 1992.   And since, it's gone on to air more than 7000 episodes - and it's still one of the most watched programmes.   Oliver Driver and Nick Malmholt are producers on the show – and they joined Tim Dower.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor...

The clock is ticking as schools race to prepare for a new school year.  Most schools start next week under the Red Light.    Principals have met with the Ministry of Education in an attempt to clarify guidelines and iron out any issues before students return.  Principals' Federation President Cherie Taylor-Patel told Tim Dower the guidelines in schools for Omicron, are a lot different to those for...

It's expected to be very difficult to operate a business under Omicron, without access to rapid antigen tests.  Argument has broken out between businesses and the Ministry of Health, over whether the ministry has pushed in, taking RATs meant for businesses.  Business New Zealand Chief Executive Kirk Hope told Tim Dower the horse has bolted, because the Government should've been approving suppliers...

Inflation could be about to reach its highest point in three decades -- and keep climbing for months to come.  The latest Consumer Price Index data is due out at 11 this morning.  Most economists are predicting an annual inflation rate of about six-percent for the 2020 calendar year.  ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner told Tim Dower there's not much we can do to avoid the effects of high inflatio...

Concerns for businesses that use rapid antigen testing regularly.  The Ministry of Health says it's consolidating incoming orders.   Inscience is a distributor of the tests in New Zealand, and says its orders will now be gobbled up by the ministry.   Director, Ann-Louise Anderson told Tim Dower she has many clients who need those tests regularly.  “They were destined for companies that have health...

The Government is set to reveal how it will try to step up the fight against Omicron as the highly infectious Covid-19 variant spreads across the country, with predictions of up to 50,000 cases a day.   Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced further measures, including new mask mandates and increased use of rapid antigen tests (RATs).  Mark Mitchell and Stuart Nash joined Tim Dower to discuss...

There's a new trend taking over social media.  This is a TikTok thing, linked to the idea it's unhealthy to sleep with your mouth open.  It has led to people taping their mouths shut before they hit the hay so they breathe through their nose.  Dr Alex Bartle is the Medical Director of Sleep Well Clinics and he joined Tim Dower.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.