The Mike Hosking Breakfast

So we join the growing world chorus against social media/big tech and its pervasive algorithms and means of getting the young hooked. It was an impressive launch of the social media regulation; an audience, good speakers, impassioned politicians, and a particularly effective video featuring Erica Stanford and a group of teenagers who outlined their personal experience and concerns about social media and, with the exception of one, who said they would not let their siblings near it if they had a choice. A stat I hadn't heard was 40% of kids say they wish social media had never been invented. That gives pause, I would've thought. Although the audience was clearly stacked and the speakers all said essentially the same thing, I did wonder what it must be like to work at Meta or any one of the big tech players who, by and large, globally are seen these days as pariahs. They're constantly in court over any number of issues and almost permanently being fined for breaches. How many times do you reckon Zuckerberg gets hauled in front of a Senate committee in Washington before he pauses long enough to wonder about what he has made? Anyway, what we look to do is little different from anyone else, as far as I can tell. In Australia it is not a panacea. In France a court has blocked it for now. The best I think we can hope for is it at least allows parents to say to their kids, if they want to, that it's the law. So that helps a bit. For the purist, you can argue that it doesn't actually work. It will never actually work. But for the purist, you should've seen the room yesterday. I think the purist is very much the minority. Big tech has Trump on its side, and they see it as anti-American, even though it's no such thing. But in totality it's almost a collective moment in time. No matter what country you are in broadly speaking big tech, social media and its algorithms have massively overplayed their hands and people are sick of it and sickened by it. It would be lovely to have free speech and to choose our course of our own free will. But the reality is the damage is too high. The lack of guardrails is too glaring. And so we join the growing number of what may well be a modern version of an historic line in the sand. And time will show we were on the right side of it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Johnson is celebrating his birthday in style. After 45 years of performing, the Kiwi musician is celebrating 60 years with a "career-spanning" tour in late October and early November. The tour will feature all his classics as well as some new music from his album 'Some Night, Somewhere,' releasing in October. Johnson has released over a dozen albums over the years and has yet to run out of inspiration, telling Mike Hosking the music comes with a moment. "I've never been a writer that sits down and says, now I must write," he explained. "I just like, I've got a guitar in my hand now, so you know, you never know, I might just start writing something." "I'm not really an interventionist God-type person, as Nick Cave puts it, but there's something definitely spiritual about the way music comes and what it does to people." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 25th of August, we explore whether the social media ban could actually be enforced successfully, and Erica Stanford answers whether she has the numbers. A new report on the India FTA says we're likely being conservative when it comes to how much it could lift exports. Kiwi musician Greg Johnson joins the show from LA to promote his 60th birthday tour, a new album, and give an exclusive performance of his new single. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The country's top restaurants have been crowned at this year's Cuisine Good Food Awards. Queenstown's Essence has taken restaurant of the year and is one of just six nationwide awarded the esteemed three hat rating. Auckland's Ahi, Cocoro, Tala, and Paris Butter, along with Hawke's Bay's Craggy Range were the other five, and Tala's founder and chef Henry Onesemo was named Chef of the Year. Cuisine Magazine Editor Kelli Brett told Mike Hosking it's an exciting time for hospitality, with the best yet to come. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some think the India Free Trade Agreement will produce more benefits than even the Government expects. The agreement is moving through Parliament, before it's ratified. The International Business Forum and Westpac have released new research on how the deal will contribute to value. Forum Executive Director Felicity Roxburgh says it shows Government forecasts of 0.1% GDP growth in the next decade undersell the benefits. She told Mike Hosking they can't put a good number on it, but India is on track to be the world's third largest economy by the end of the decade. Roxburgh says their middle class will exceed the entire population of the EU or ASEAN, so it's a big opportunity for New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major crypto summit kicks off in Queenstown today, with hope it could attract more investment. 'CryptoWinter' is looking to cash in on the country's digital asset sector – worth more than $9 billion dollars. It brings together industry leaders, government representatives, and innovators to discuss the country's digital asset strategy and ways technology can drive investment. Blockchain New Zealand Executive Director Trevor Topfer told Mike Hosking New Zealand has a big opportunity in the ever-changing financial world. He says if we don't get moving, then we won't have a currency in the new financial system and will have to import technology. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pushback from Health New Zealand, who are assuring that patient needs are being met despite fresh staffing concerns. The agency's released data for almost 740-thousand shifts last year, showing around a quarter of shifts across 615 wards were below the target staffing level at some point. Nurses Organisation CEO Paul Gaulter says Health New Zealand should resource and staff to need. But the agency's Chief Nurse Nadine Gray told Mike Hosking patient safety is their top priority. She says they expect high-quality care to be offered to every patient who walks through their doors. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Education Minister's confident she'll get the support needed for a social media ban. National's introduced a Bill which would legally require platforms like Instagram and TikTok to bar under-16s from making accounts. The bill puts the pressure on social media companies to comply, establishing an online safety regulator and setting up a penalty regime. ACT and New Zealand First don't support it, and Labour's yet to decide. Education Minister Erica Stanford told Mike Hosking she's worked hard to give Labour everything it needs to come to a view on it. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A warning there's no magic wand to keep teens off social media. National has introduced a Bill which would legally require platforms like Instagram and TikTok to bar under-16s from making accounts. It would impose an online safety regulator and introduce significant financial penalties for companies' failure to comply. ACT and New Zealand First don't support it, and Labour has still to decide its view. Technology Users Association Chief Executive Craig Young told Mike Hosking this is not an issue the Government can legislate away. He says looking at Australia, eight out of ten teens are still on social media – the same number as before that country's ban. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 24th of August, Labour has, kind of, released their fiscal strategy for the election and there are questions to ask so Chris Hipkins is on the show. The Prime Minister is on after ruling out any new taxes, proving this election is between tax or not. Andrew Saville and Jason Pine talk a brilliant weekend of sport between the AB's, the Warriors going top of the table and Liam Lawson. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Right, a poll the Government should be worried about - whose fault is the economy? The importance of this is based on the simple premise that this election is about one thing, which is the state of the place. Is it getting better, or not? Do you see a brighter future, or not? Forget all the other issues and policies because they're frippery. All that matters is the state of your wallet, your finances, your lifestyle, your hopes and your aspirations. The Government will argue they inherited a mess and it was so big that it takes time to turn it all around. For a while they had us onside. We believed them, mainly because it was true. History will show what labour did 2017-23, and particularly 2020-23 is one for the record books. Things were coming right until the war then the momentum was lost. It's now back, to a degree. GDP is growing and major sectors like manufacturing and services are in expansion. Jobs are still an issue and confidence is fragile. So their job is to re-convince you that they had it in hand but Trump got in the way. "Just stick with us and she'll be right". So, to the poll Horizon did in the early part of this month. 31% say yep, it's Trump's fault. 17% say it was Labour. But 29% say it's on this Government. Now like all polls, you can read it a million ways. The 31% who say Trump and the 17% who say Labour makes 48%. That is not a majority. 31%, 17% and the 29% blaming the Government makes up 77%, so that's 23% who don't know. Between the "don't knows" and the 48% you can talk your way to victory. But if the 23% of "don't knows" go with the 17%, at 40% that's a lot of people who don't believe you and you're in trouble. You could be positive and suggest that the 29% who think it's on the Government is not actually that many, so their argument is landing well. But they would need to swing a few of the "don't knows" their way to make sure. Either way, this is what this vote comes down to. The evidence, although there and growing, is not cemented in enough yet to feel really confident. On these numbers I would rather be the Government than not. But on these numbers it is still all there to play for. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks pulled off the near-impossible at Ellis Park, beating the Springboks 33-16. They next face the Springboks on Sunday, but have to clear the Lions before they head to Cape Town. Newstalk ZB's Rugby Editor Elliott Smith says it'll be a tricky match, but the All Blacks can't be breezy about the game, if they want a second victory over the Springboks this weekend. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No regrets from National's Leader, as he backs down on new taxes this election. It's a sudden switch up from recent weeks with the National party discussing both a bed tax and bank tax as potential prospects. Christopher Luxon says the party's unable to deliver either without creating cost for New Zealanders. He told Mike Hosking that he stands by that decision, saying 'no new taxes, no new levies, that's our position going in to the election'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's confident stagnant property prices won't hurt its plans to slash debt if re-elected. The party's seeking to return to surplus by the end of the decade and lower net debt to 20% of GDP over time. Its plans hinge on a fully implemented Capital Gains Tax. Labour Leader Chris Hipkins told Mike Hosking that it's not expected the sliding property market will continue. He says even the current government's budgeting for property prices to return to a long term average growth of around three percent. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lawyer warns politicians have failed to add a property rights clause to the Bill of Rights Act before. The Act Party's promising to do so, as part of its new 'equal rights for all' election policy. The change would give property the same standing as other fundamental rights and require courts to interpret laws consistently. Pidgeon Judd property lawyer Joanna Pidgeon told Mike Hosking that there are fears it would trigger constant legal challenges. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the 100 Years of ZB Podcast, Mike Hosking takes you through the big events, issues and stories that Newstalk ZB covered from 1987 through to today. It covers times of national tragedy, times of intense national interest and the international events that defined the country and the world. Mike also dives into our coverage into something the station is famous for - politics. You'll also hear the moments of global joy - and how Newstalk ZB was there to bring the audience 100 Years of ZB - Celebrating a century of New Zealand's conversation. Archival audio from the collections at Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision. New episodes every Sunday on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts - powered by Newstalk ZB. LISTEN ABOVE Note: This podcast contains audio of tragic events such as the February 22nd Christchurch Earthquake, the Pike River tragedy and the September 11 terror attacks. Some of the audio may be confronting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. GDP: 9/10 The Infometrics Q2 read is the final nail in the misery merchants' coffin – the turnaround is real. Chris Hipkins: 4/10 Between the streaming bill he didn't know he had and the Prime Minister interviews he didn't listen to, does this look like a guy who is razor sharp and ready to rumble in an election campaign? Ginny Andersen ruling out all taxes: 7/10 Big call and had to have made Chlöe choke on her oats. The ceasefire: 2/10 Is that Trump's worst hour yet? Think of all the things he said versus all the things that didn't happen. It's almost as though he makes it up or doesn't have a clue what's going on. Liam Lawson: 9/10 Oh, the irony of hand injuries and Zandvoort. Can we really rule a podium out? LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Simeon Brown has written a letter. It's this sort of thing, I think, that frustrates a lot of potential and actual National Party voters. There is an argument to be made, and power prices is one of them, where you can say that National talked a big game, but I don't see any real results. The letter is to the Electricity Authority (EA). They oversee the power market and whether everyone is playing by the rules. Simeon wants them to check on the forward pricing for power, which is down, and why it is we aren't seeing our prices tumble. We have already covered this so Simeon is a bit slow out of the box. Renewables are in play, it's rained a lot so there's plenty of resource and the cost of making power is going down. Large commercial users are already seeing prices drop. In our houses though? Not so much. As always there are a myriad of excuses, some of which will be legit and some of which will be polished up for PR spin. But we're at the stage of electricity reform where our patience for the so-called "dividends of the renewable age" are not really appearing as were promised. Obviously, Simeon wants an answer because he also wants your vote. But ask yourself – why does he need to write to the EA? If their job is to oversee this stuff either there is nothing to see, and therefore they are doing their job, or they are useless and need sacking. My guess is their rules of engagement mean the system is actually working, so the rules of engagement are the problem, and/or the gentailer problem, which has been jawboned to death, is really an issue holding back better competition hence lower prices. Either way writing a letter is not delivering and this is from a party that has jawboned supermarkets, petrol stations, electricity companies and banks. And for what real, in-my-back-pocket result? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is continuing to lose support in the polls. A new poll from the American Research Group found that only 30% of those questioned approve of the way Trump is handling things – 69% disapproving of his handling of the economy. There are big concerns even among Republicans, with 29% disapproving of the way the President is handling his job. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking it comes as the US national debt hit $40 trillion, with a third of that accumulating during Trump's terms. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Friday, which means Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that Was. Today they discussed the terrible time Kate had trying to buy tickets for Olivia Dean, the best dressed at ZB's 100th anniversary party, and Harry and Meghan's return to the UK. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A record year for industrial and agricultural manufacturer Skellerup. Revenue is up 10% to $390.1 million, and their normalised profit has risen 18% to a record $64.2 million. And despite Trump's tariffs and Middle East supply disruptions, US revenue has also risen by 12%. CEO Graham Leaming told Mike Hosking the company is in good shape, and can continue to grow. He says they're investing quite a bit to ensure they can capture and convert the opportunities available to them. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've arrived at the big show. The All Blacks are coming face to face with the Springboks for the first time on Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour, clashing at Ellis Park 3am Sunday Morning. Ardie Savea, Cam Roigard, and Will Jordan are making their first appearances of the tour in the match, and Damien McKenzie is returning from an injury. Codie Taylor is starting as hooker, and told Mike Hosking there's a great belief in the squad that they can win. He says they're playing a great side who know how they want to play the game, but the All Blacks have found their identity and play style too. "If we can get a couple of good opportunities, I feel like we can have a good crack at the series." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 21st of August, All Blacks' hooker Codie Taylor joins the show ahead of the first test against the Springboks. And it's results season – Skellerup, Kiwibank, and Auckland Airport all joined the show to discuss. Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson discuss Kate's terrible time trying to get Olivia Dean tickets and how good the ZB 100th party was as they Wrap the Week. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's thought Meghan and Harry's kids are a large motivating factor behind their move back to the UK. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are returning six years since stepping down as senior members of the royal family and moving to the US. An independent committee of the Home Office is tossing up whether they'll have taxpayer-funded security. Royal correspondent Robert Hardman told Mike Hosking their eldest child, Archie, is seven. He says it's a fork in the road school-wise, deciding whether he be raised American or British. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Solar farms and cheaper energy sources could be key to getting more small players in the game. Latest data from MBIE shows total energy supply decreased last year, while renewable energy generation increased. Coal consumption dropped to a new record low, and natural gas consumption fell to its lowest level since 2008. Energy security expert David Keat told Mike Hosking solar farms are relatively cheap. He says small companies can build a solar farm up north, do a deal with a farmer, and supply power to the grid. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Airport's Chief Executive is feeling optimistic heading into 2027. Its latest financial results saw net profits drop 20%, however revenue is up 3%, and passenger numbers are up about 1.6% on the previous year. Carrie Hurihanganui told Mike Hosking the airport will be back to over 95% recovery in the summer peak – tantalisingly close to a full recovery. She says they're expecting strong growth, with six million seats in and out over the peak – up 4% on last year. Hurihanganui says destination New Zealand is still appealing to airlines. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwibank says the banking sector's becoming fiercely competitive. The Crown-owned bank has reported a 9% drop in annual profit. Its net interest margin —a key metric of profitability— has dropped to 2.1%. Chief Executive Steve Jurkovich told Mike Hosking the margin has dropped from about 2.4% a few years ago. He says wholesale rates have increased, and the advisor market has given consumers more price transparency. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cotality's Housing Affordability numbers paint what even a sceptic would have to agree is a pretty good picture of our housing market. Especially for first timers and when you compare us to Australia. Australia's market is a mess, and one of the biggest messes within the mess is the result of their Labor Government changing tax deductibility around landlords and expenses. Labour here did it and it had a similar result. Under our current Government they restored deductibility and the proof is there for all to see. Investors are part of the market. The first-time buyer is in clover, and rents are flat as a pancake. For landlords and some others who want capital return in double digits, this won't be the greatest of news. But many have argued for years that housing needs to be more affordable and the Cotality numbers show now it is 7.2 times the average wage versus as high as 10 times a few years back. The lesson, if Labour here wants to learn it, is investors aren't crooks. They're not nasty people looking to enslave tenants. They're businesspeople who simply want a fair shake. In Australia the market is in free fall, investors have fled, applications for mortgage money have tanked, and the value of houses is falling as the auction clearance rate each weekend craters. In a single move in this year's Budget, Albanese and Chalmers have managed to upend what for most Australians is their dream. And that is the other part of our story and Cotality's numbers – the first home buyer has never been a bigger part of the market. Why is that? Because despite all the energy put into trying to convince people otherwise, we have a love affair with real estate. Even though the youth of today are a world away from what we used to be in terms of lifestyle and attitude and world view, what hasn't changed is the desire to own your own home. Your castle. So in New Zealand we are stable, predictable, and more affordable. In Australia they're collapsing, panicking, and chaotic. That's a story for us to be proud of. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK's new Prime Minister has pledged to end rough sleeping by Christmas. Emergency accommodation will be provided for the winter, alongside practical support for health needs, as part of a £442m package. Andy Burnham says they did it during the Covid pandemic, so they can do it again. UK Correspondent Enda Brady told Mike Hosking critics' response to Burnham's 'everyone in for Christmas' message is it means everyone will be out by January. He says it's an ambitious statement from the Prime Minister. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Formula 1 is back and its popularity among Kiwis is continuing to grow. After a mini break, the final Dutch Grand Prix is kicking off this weekend at Zandvoort, with Liam Lawson back in the seat for Red Bulls. But a little later in the year, F1 is coming to New Zealand's shores – in a sense. Former F1 World Champion Damon Hill and long-time commentator and host of the official F1 podcast Tom Clarkson are visiting Australia and New Zealand for a speaking tour. Clarkson has presented F1: Beyond The Grid since its inception in 2018 —437 episodes— and has personally reported or commentated on over 500 Grands Prix. He joined Mike Hosking to discuss the current season of Formula 1 and touch on what you can expect from the live show. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A chance for Liam Lawson to secure his Formula 1 future. The Racing Bulls driver is yet to sign beyond this season but has been promoted to the Red Bull team for this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix. Lawson replaces Isack Hadjar, who's injured his wrist. F1 Journalist Chris Medland told Mike Hosking this is the best chance Lawson has to state his case for a future Red Bull seat. He says without this sort of opportunity, it would've been very tough for him to prove that point. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economic resilience is coming through from the regions, but people are still finding it hard to get a job. Infometrics' new report finds all 16 regional economies saw growth in the three months to June. Overall economic activity lifted 2.6% over the quarter. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Mike Hosking there is some employment growth across the South Island and a few areas in the North. However, Auckland's recovering slowly, and its unemployment rate of over 6% is contributing to the downbeat view. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 20th of August, Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale speaks on the damning review that found the deaths caused by the Mount Maunganui landslide were preventable. Good news for NZ Inc, as data reveals strong economic growth in every region for Q2. Huge news for Liam Lawson as he's confirmed to be in the driver's seat for Red Bull this weekend, and possibly more, after Isack Hadjar fractured his wrist. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global fuel prices have been rising again as conflict continues in the Strait of Hormuz. The US has now exported much of its diesel supplies – pushing up prices across the US and Europe. Crude oil prices haven't risen as much due to China's decision to stop exporting refined fuel, but Brent crude prices are rising again after the US and Iran ruled out extending their memorandum of understanding. Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Mike Hosking ultimately, there isn't enough fuel coming out of the Middle East. He says the prices of most fuels are increasing, including jet fuel, and petrol to a lesser extent. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An assurance the Government's new watchdog for council zoning will have teeth. The role of independent Urban Land Market Officer will be introduced under the new Planning Bill, which will replace the Resource Management Act. They'll determine whether urban land markets are competitive, report on land market performance, and advise actions to increase competitiveness. Parliamentary Under-Secretary for RMA Reform Simon Court told Mike Hosking the officer will look at what is actually happening in the market, not just spreadsheets. He says if councils are materially affecting the price of land, the officer can register their concerns, and the council must respond. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tauranga's Mayor is pledging to ensure any warnings sent to the council around risk to life are escalated. A council commissioned review into the deadly January Mount Maunganui landslide has found the six deaths were preventable, given the decades of warnings. Mayor Mahé Drysdale told Mike Hosking his council will look at making sure these kinds of reports are actioned. He says there are risks across the city, and while they manage most of them well, this one wasn't. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Associate Environment Minister says they've cut out the 'waffle' in Freshwater Farm Planning. An amendment paper to the Natural Environment Bill will ensure that certification will only be required on parts of farms where higher environmental risk activity occurs. It also does away with some mapping requirements, and re-certification will be required every six years instead of five. Andrew Hoggard told Mike Hosking he used himself as a guinea pig, trying to make a plan himself. He says the attached context contained 15 pages of waffle, which didn't tell him the problem that needed solving in his river. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I couldn't understand it at the time, but you may remember four years ago then-Prime Minister Ardern did a deal with Anthony Albanese over our access to Australian citizenship and welfare. Essentially, they gave us a bunch of stuff we previously hadn't had. We get to wander in any way and time we like, a deal no other country offers, but access to welfare and citizenship was always tricky. Albanese decided to soften the approach. Fast forward four years and Ardern is on the beaches of New South Wales and Albanese is still in power, but being overwhelmed by Pauline Hanson, who has made immigration a calling card. New reportage out of Australia yesterday now tells us officials warned Albanese at the time that the move he was about to make was a mistake. It was making it too easy for Kiwis to game the system. For whatever reason he ignored them. Now it's coming home to roost. The intake of Kiwis surged 38,000 in two years. As New Zealand went into recession, ironically because of the Ardern Government, more people left and it's only this year that flood has started to dissipate. In the meantime, Albanese has an immigration nightmare on his hands and increasingly we're being called out. Hanson wants to limit our access and, given current polling, may well one day get her way. But perhaps the interesting aspect of the welfare side of the deal is it gives us an insight into just what sort of New Zealander went to Australia. For all the talk of brain drains, which has driven no small amount of angst here, the numbers would seem to indicate it was more your welfare recipient, or potential recipient, who bailed from New Zealand for a better deal in Australia. Can I suggest that if that is the case, then are we a lot worse off for their departure? If the low hanging job fruit here decided to scarper for the welfare and beer of Queensland, how was it we actually lost out? We may have had a net gain, not to be too mean to those who left. But the stereotype of highly educated, highly skilled folks in demand might not have been the complete picture. A small irony being Ardern managed to mess this country up while also, as it turns out, mucking up theirs as well. That's quite the trick, isn't it? Either way given immigration is now the hottest of issues, don't be surprised if Albanese pulls the pin on us and cancels the deal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another sign of New Zealand's growing demographic problem. Stats show our natural population growth has fallen to 18,700 for the year to June – the lowest rate since World War II. Births are at their lowest since 2003, and the number of 25 to 34 year olds is down 1.7% – adding to our productivity woes. Infometrics' Lead Demographer Nick Brunsdon told Mike Hosking the supply of young people around the world, and with other countries facing the same issue, we can't expect to bring in an exponential number of migrants every year. He says industries will be forced to improve productivity through automation and machinery and treat workers as more of a scarce resource than something they can swap in and out as needed. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Labour frontbencher says a Labour government will not introduce any new taxes, except for a capital gains tax, if it wins the election. Leader Chris Hipkins on Monday ruled out other taxes, such as a streaming tax or tax on high-emissions vehicles. The party's Jobs and Incomes spokesperson Ginny Andersen told Mike Hosking this will be an absolute bottom line in any post-election negotiation. She says tax policies of the Greens, Opportunity, or Te Pāti Māori will not see the light of day. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch Airport's reaching new heights and says there's still plenty of room to climb. This summer will be the airport's biggest yet, with more than 1.27 million international seats available between November and March – up 21% on last year. China Southern Airlines is boosting capacity by 57%. General Manager of Aeronautical Development Gordon Bevan told Mike Hosking there's still room to grow its offering further. He says there will be about seven million passengers at the airport this year, with room for another two-to-three million more. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 19th of August, the Government is funding the conversion of more open-plan classrooms, and a report has revealed we're at risk of falling behind when it comes to modernising banking payments. Infometrics' Nic Brunsdon discusses the future of the country with natural population growth is at its lowest since WWII. Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen talk taxes and an increasingly angsty election campaign on Politics Wednesday. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.