The Mike Hosking Breakfast

There is a growing idea in economic circles in America that young people might never own anything. It's based on the recent news that a new car average price cracked $50,000 for the first time. It was added to by Trump's idea that we have 50-year mortgages. In the US, 30 years is pretty standard, and they have the fixed interest rate that lasts decades. Here it's completely different. But all of it is based on the thinking that more and more people can't afford stuff and, if they can, they will need to borrow basically forever to do it. The wisest piece of advice I ever got was when i was about 18. I was in the bank trying to sort a mortgage and we were tossing numbers about and the bloke behind the counter swung his computer screen around to face me. On it were the numbers I would be paying – what I was borrowing, what the interest rate was and what the monthly bill would be. And the killer was the bit that showed just how much in interest I would ultimately give the bank over the period of that debt. Needless to say, it was more than the debt itself. Compound interest is either your friend if you're saving and you're enemy if you're in debt. That pretty much changed my view on debt. But a 50-year mortgage is clearly designed to lull you into the idea that things are affordable. Just don't worry about ever paying it off. It's probably why they are putting mortgages into the school curriculum in Britain. If every kid came out with just a basic idea of the way things work in the real world, we may solve ourselves a lot of long-term issues and a lot of personal heartache. And that is before we get to the fact that a lot of this country's so-called prosperity is a perception and the perception is created by the idea that you have more money simply because someone told you your house was worth more. Or, if you are in the market, Nvidia for no particularly specific reason just added another nine zeros to their market cap. If more people understood debt, both its option, pitfalls, upsides and problems, we would see the idea of a 50-year mortgage for what it is. But basically, the state of the world, both at personal and national level, is the way it is because we don't. 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. Uber: 3/10 The Supreme Court may have read the law, which means the law needs changing, because what the four drivers wanted and won is not what the gig economy is all about. Ferries: 6/10 Two ships, a big saving, and an improvement on what we have. Job done. Tory Whanau: 2/10 She's moving to Melbourne. See? Not every loss is a loss. The All Blacks: 3/10 Oh, how different this week could have been. Wales seems like such a lowlight. Opportunity: 6/10 As in the political party. I admire their pluck and determination and staying power, I'm just not convinced there is 5% there to be had. LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would we be asking the questions of Police Commissioner Richard Chambers if we hadn't been dealing with McSkimming and Coster and Co.? From my dealings with Chambers, he is exactly the sort of person who the Police need leading them. He is one of those appointments that when it's made, you get it, unlike the Coster appointment. When it was made you saw Ardern's fingerprints all over it and history shows how that all worked out. From all Chambers' actions so far, he not only had to right the direction of the Police broadly, but tidy up a god-awful mess that, if you believe headlines, has shaken the public's faith in the entire force. I don't actually believe that for a moment. Police, at 15,000 strong, are not rotten, the same way the bad apple in a corporate doesn't mean the whole business stinks. But as a result of the mess, Chambers felt it necessary to share the speeding ticket news. He was going 112km/h, which as far as I know was actually 111km/h. Not that that excuses it, it just keeps getting misreported. Then he's down Oriental Parade with Kash Patel having a dip while there is a tsunami warning. He thought it was lifted, but it wasn't. He rang the appropriate people and said sorry and then he was in front of the Parliamentary Select Committee having his minister, Mark Mitchell, heap praise on him, as well he might. The point being, are we microanalysing people in public life? And if we are, is it useful? And if it isn't, which I doubt it is, do we put people off going for top jobs in the public service? Can you be a decent operator and completely incident free? Are any of us completely incident free? Is 111km/h even a thing? Mea culpa – I go 111km/h every weekend in the country, probably more. A lot of people do. Do I take tsunami warnings seriously? Not really. Do I take atmospheric rivers seriously? Not really. New Zealand overreacts to most things, driven by the digital media who live for clicks. So there you go. I doubt I'll make Police Commissioner. What I also know is I can't be bothered with the myopic gawking over matters of little or no importance. Chambers is clearly a more patient man than I am. But as I say, he seems the real deal and the man for the job. How about we let him get on with it and give the nonsense a rest? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Formula 1 is touching down in Vegas amid the bright lights of Sin City. Lando Norris is currently in the lead, holding a 24-point buffer over McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. And Liam Lawson is preparing to roll the Formula 1 dice, unlikely to learn of his future before the season ends. F1 Journalist Mick Akers told Mike Hosking the event is tracking towards selling out, with an announcement likely to come ahead of the race kicking off this weekend. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Friday once again which means Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that Was. They discussed the cost of living in the United States, the media, and Winston Peters' latest announcement about the Regulatory Standards Act. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turners Automotive seems to be continuing to defy the odds, both with the economy and the second-hand market. They've posted a record $21.9 million profit, up 13% for the six months to September. The company is on track for a full year result of around $600 million, before tax. CEO Todd Hunter told Mike Hosking the used car market is resilient and with their strong place in it, there's plenty of opportunities for them. He says the business has performed exceptionally well for more than a decade now, but they still feel like there's a significant trajectory ahead. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 21st of November, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith discusses the drop in victims of violent crime and how the campaign against gangs is going one year in. Winston Peters explains his changed stance on the Regulatory Standards Bill and what happens under MMP. And Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson Wrap the Week, talking Winston and the media. 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.

George W. Bush has paid a fond farewell to his friend and former Vice President, Dick Cheney. The former Republican President has spoken at Cheney's funeral at Washington's National Cathedral. He was a divisive figure in American politics, both for his role as the driving force behind the Iraq War, and his scathing criticism of Donald Trump. But Bush has told Cheney's family, many Americans are grieving Cheney's death. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking Trump did not take part in the funeral, and wasn't invited. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A revamped All Blacks side has been tasked with maintaining an almost 72-year unbeaten legacy against Wales on Sunday morning in Cardiff. Three players —captain and lock Scott Barrett, flanker Simon Parker and Will Jordan, who shifts to the right wing— remain in the run-on side from last week's loss to England. Ardie Savea and Codie Taylor are among the players rested...along with Cam Roigard and Beauden Barrett. Newstalk ZB Rugby Commentator Elliott Smith told Mike Hosking much like the bronze medal match at the Rugby World Cup, no one really wants to play it. He says it feels more like a box ticking exercise, but they've got to get through it, come home with a win, and then face what comes over the course of the summer. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a belief that the delay in investigating the Pike River mine disaster will influence the Crown's decision on charging those responsible. Police believe they have sufficient evidence to lay manslaughter charges against officials involved. This week marks 15 years since the 29 men never came home from the West Coast mine. Criminal defence lawyer Nigel Hampton KC told Mike Hosking the investigation delay, the public interest, and the families' memories will play a role in the decision. He says he believes the Crown will do something, but it may not be all that is desired. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters says the Coalition is doing just fine after his change of position on ACT's Regulatory Standards Bill. The NZ First Leader says next year he will campaign on getting rid of the legislation, despite supporting it just last week. ACT Leader David Seymour finds that worrying. But Peters told Mike Hosking he rejects any claim the Coalition is crumbling. He says their number one responsibility is providing a stable Government, which it is doing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Justice Minister isn't resting on his laurels following optimistic new crime data. The Crime and Victims Survey shows there were 147 thousand victims of serious violent crime in the year to August. That's 38 thousand fewer victims than when the coalition came into Government in 2023. Paul Goldsmith told Mike Hosking the outcome is a result of the Government going after gangs and the three-strikes law. He says it has also ended the last Government's culture of excuses. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Italian influencers are subject to new rules. AGCOM, the Italian Communications Authority, has implemented a plan that forces relevant influencers to register and adhere to a code of conduct, or face fines. The rules apply to those with 500,000 followers, or at least 1 million monthly views, or both, on social media such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, or Twitch. Italy Correspondent Jo McKenna told Mike Hosking the code of conduct is designed to stop exploitation and the publication of false information. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five years after the release of her debut EP ‘Always Growing', Paige Tapara's music has taken her around the world. She's a big deal in Korea —‘Always Growing' having gone Platinum there— and has just returned from performing her first headline show in Seoul, South Korea. Her fame in Asia came as a little bit of a surprise, she confessed, as she, somewhat naively, thought music that wasn't K-pop wasn't popular. “I've noticed that they like a bit of pop with a hint of soul/R&B, like neo-soul, and I guess because my music is that, it kind of works over there,” Tapara told Mike Hosking. But there's a big difference between streaming success and performing live concerts, she said. “You can do streaming numbers, but that doesn't necessarily translate to live, but it was cool that people came.” “Being an artist is rewarding, but it's also, there's moments where it's soul crushing as well,” Tapara told Hosking. “I think going to Asia, ‘cause I went to Asia in 2023 as well, I think that felt really validating to me, kind of being like, oh, people really like the music.” “It feels like it's worth it.” Stylistically, Tapara's work hasn't changed much in the last few years, still favouring a groovy R&B flavoured pop sound, but as she's grown and aged, the content of her music has changed. “My first EP ‘Always Growing' was about kind of my early to late teen years, and now I'm near, like I'm heading towards 30,” she said. “So I'm kind of experiencing more real-life stuff, so I think that's really affected the songwriting.” Her new EP, 'Paigesspace' was released last week. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's top cycle trails are pumping more than $1.2 billion a year into local economies. New data shows visitor spend attributed to the country's 23 Great Rides jumped 35% compared to 2021. Nights spent in nearby accommodations are up 25% at around 4.5 million. Ngā Haerenga NZ Cycle Trails CEO Janet Purdey told Mike Hosking they're marketing into Australia and the United States, and they plan to bring a lot more internationals into the country to do the trails. She says the global market is estimated to be US$234 billion in 2030, and they want a piece of that. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 20th of November, Minister for Rail Winston Peters discusses the new ferry deal and whether the timeline will be stuck to. The phone ban in schools is working, according to a new ERO report, but we need teachers to be enforcing it more. Kiwi singer Paige has gone from strength to strength since she last joined the show in 2021, so she came back on for a song and a chat with the release of her new EP. 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.

Doctors in Health New Zealand's emergency departments could soon be saving precious time with the roll out of a helpful AI tool. AI technology Heidi creates a written transcript of doctors' consultations and makes a medical note. Country-wide trials show clinicians could see an extra patient per shift, while bringing down average documentation time from around 17 minutes to just over four per patient. Heidi New Zealand Clinical Director Ben Condon told Mike Hosking the AI not only creates a written transcript, but can also use templates to create medical notes, discharge summaries, and referral letters, among other things. He says doctors will still be responsible for reviewing the notes and letters for accuracy, but time will be saved by having them ready to review in real time. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Schools need more support from parents to get the most out a student phone ban. A "phones away for the day" policy's been in place since Term Two last year. An Education Review Office report shows two thirds of teachers saw a rise in student achievement, but only half of students are following the rules. Head of ERO Education Evaluation Centre Ruth Shinoda told Mike Hosking the number one reason students contravene the ban is to contact family. She says parents should phone the school office instead of their child, and shouldn't answer if their child calls. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's encouraging evidence that the "cool" component of vaping among young people is shifting. The 2024/25 New Zealand Health Survey shows smoking prevalence is at 6.8% – a slight decline on last year, with 12% of adult Kiwis vaping daily. Associate Health Minister Casey Costello told Mike Hosking the Government's cracked down on enforcement for vaping that wasn't in place before. She says the last two years have seen youth vaping coming down and the drive to keep under 18s out of the vaping environment is paying dividends. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister for Rail Winston Peters believes the binned iRex ferry plan would have meant major infrastructure issues that are no longer a worry. He's announced the two new Interislander ferries are expected to come in on time and under budget, for less than $2 billion. Peters told Mike Hosking Tasmania is struggling with two new ferries and no infrastructure and he doesn't want to see the same problems here. He said he got a really hard-nosed, tough, experienced team to sort out the ferry plan, and they've done a marvellous job. “In less than 11 months they have put together a solution at all ends.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A registered GP has concerns about the issue of puberty blockers being handled by politicians. No child or young person experiencing gender dysphoria or incongruence will be able to start taking gonadotropin-releasing hormones from December 19. Health Minister Simeon Brown says Cabinet has agreed to new settings until the outcomes of a major clinical trial in the UK – expected in 2031. Dr John Cameron told Mike Hosking he commends the move but is unsure about the motivations. He believes it has been made on health grounds, but still thinks it needs to leave the political arena. Cameron says the safety of puberty blockers has been a topic of discussion in medical circles for a long time. He told Hosking, if they weren't safe, they would be banned across the board. But he says there is uncertainty on their long-term safety and effectiveness. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 19th of November, BusinessNZ is calling for cross-party vision and a solid plan to strengthen New Zealand by 2050 in order to avoid a dire economic future. It's been revealed that the Ministry of Social Development has handed out $38 million in business start up grants for seemingly very little return. Welfare expert Phil O'Reilly discusses the situation. Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen discuss the Hutt Bridge scandal, the Greens wanting to repeal the mining plans, and Hipkins' engagement 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.

Today on Politics Wednesday, Mike Hosking was joined by Labour's Ginny Andersen and National's Mark Mitchell to delve into the biggest political stories of the week thus far. They discussed the Hutt Bridge situation, whether Labour backs the Green Party's mining policy, and the anniversary of the Pike River tragedy. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A big turnaround for fisheries company Sanford with the reveal of their latest profits. They've reported an after-tax profit of $63.7 million – a 224% increase for the year to September. Cash flow was also up 85%, helping cut debt by nearly half to $93.4 million. Sanford Managing Director David Mair told Mike Hosking that by focusing on customers, they're turning the business around. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New game-changing headgear has been developed to protect junior rugby players. After more than a decade of study into the causes and consequences of head collisions by rugby players, Canterbury University researchers have developed new soft shell protective headgear for juniors. It could be on sale early next year. Professor Nick Draper told Mike Hosking that all the money they generate from sales will be reinvested into research. He says their focus is on how they can make the game safer for young people. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bold, bipartisan centred planning is key to ensuring New Zealand doesn't succumb to the effects of a dwindling population and economic growth. A new BusinessNZ report's calling for a cross-party vision and long-term goals to strengthen the country by 2050. It notes a labour shortage of at least a quarter of a million is expected before then, and there's also a one in four chance the population doesn't grow. Advocacy Director Catherine Beard says businesses are sick of political u-turns and flip-flops. She told Mike Hosking we're currently stumbling towards the future in a blindfolded fashion, and the report is designed to get everyone to think outside of the box. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A welfare expert says one of the Government's grants is a good idea in principle. The Taxpayers' Union has revealed the business start up grant has dished out $38 million with little to show for it. Documents retrieved through the Official Information Act show hundreds of the recipients struggled and returned to a benefit within two years. Former Welfare Expert Advisory Group member Phil O'Reilly told Mike Hosking the execution was woefully bad. He says the problem is MSD spent far too much and there wasn't enough mentoring or measuring of outcomes. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are concerns overseas opioid abuse trends are taking hold here. The Drug Detection Agency's data for the three months to September finds opioids showed up in 18% of positive tests. It warns opioid detections are stabilising at this high level, while some regions like Gisborne recorded a sharp increase of 41%. CEO Glenn Dobson told Mike Hosking the test results are a good oversight of what's happening in our society in relation to the supply of drugs. He says there's more of those drugs being sold illicitly globally, so it could be picking up here too. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A weak construction industry's done nothing to help low completion rates among apprenticeships. Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds says more than half of apprentices in training are dropping out. She's seeking extra funding so new industry bodies can investigate the number of dropouts. Building and Construction ITO Director Greg Durkin told Mike Hosking there's been a significant drop in building work since 2023. He says this has had an impact on people completing their apprenticeships, when they can go down the road and maybe get a couple dollars more in a different role. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is how we end up in trouble. Things are said that aren't challenged. Here's the headline: "NZ will be dumping ground for high emission cars". That was a claim from an EV lobby group. I wonder why they would say that? Chris Hipkins said, or was allowed to say, that we had one of the highest uptakes of EVs in the world and the Government stopped it. Now, let's deal with fact and context. The Government in their announcement over car import charges has a mess on its hands and it's a mess because the previous Government invented a set of rules that don't work, didn't work and were never going to work. They gerrymandered a market and that is rarely smart economics, or politics. Hipkins' reference was to his subsidy scheme for EVs when the taxpayer gave thousands to middle class Tesla buyers. Now, was it one of the highest uptakes in the world? I don't know, but it certainly helped sales because discounted stuff and stuff paid for by other people tends to help sales. If the Government offered to renovate your bathroom, I reckon bathroom renovations would explode. As for a dumping ground? How about less snobbery and more acceptance that New Zealanders are allowed to buy the sort of car they want? A lot of people don't have $50,000-80,000 (or even $30,000 if you go Chinese) for an EV. Even if they do a lot of people simply don't want an EV – some people want a hybrid and that's fine. But you direct people through taxes towards outcomes at your peril. The climate obsession has upended markets and driven a level of complexity through charges that the Government literally doesn't know how to get out of. They have importers bringing cars in they can't sell. What's the point of that? People will buy what people will buy. This isn't China where you are told what to do and when you are cajoled, allegedly through tax and fees, look what happens. The biggest irony is supply is an issue. The importers can't get the stock they need. Why not? Well one reason is because we drive on the opposite side of the road than a lot of countries. And the other is that manufacturers are pulling back on production of the cars that the Government scheme wants you to import. Why are they doing that you ask? Because they can't sell them! Obsession, interference, meddling and stupidity will trip you up every time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK Government's confirmed plans for a major overhaul of the country's immigration system to stem the flow of illegal immigration. Asylum seekers will need to wait at least 20 years for permanent residency and won't be guaranteed financial support. Failed asylum seekers and their families may face deportation to countries like Syria. The UK Government claims the country's immigration rules haven't kept up with a changing world. UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking there's a lot of devil in the details. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, welcome back Opportunity. I think I have that right. Opportunity is the former "The Opportunities Party". Now it's just "The Opportunity Party". It has a new leader and a new tax policy. They have been looking for a leader for ages and they even advertised. None of this is a good sign. Their biggest problem is the market is full – there is no room for another political party. There was no room 10 years ago and there's even less room now. Now, I don't, but you could argue that as the MMP environment evolves and matures some nuance is sought by a frustrated electorate. A boutique operator if you will. The major parties have faded and the days of National and Labour cracking 40% are gone. The days of a two-party Government might well be gone as well. So as it all fragments, surely there must be room for a small operator wedging its way in between, say, National and Labour as a sort of mid-way, subtle alternative. The trouble is, and I argued this years ago when Gareth Morgan was running the joint, 5% is actually a lot of votes and very few, if any, crack it. Look at ACT's journey – for years they needed a deal in Epsom to work the system and the coattail. There is a reason United vanished. What they should have done is run Morgan in an electorate. Name recognition would have helped, and he may have got the seat, got 2%, and had a party of 2-3 MPs. Being in and staying in is easier than getting there in the first place. Here is their other issue: nuance is not what we do. That's why radicals are gaining support all over the world, from Pauline Hanson in Australia to the minor players who make up Government's in the likes of Holland and Germany. You need to be more left, or right, than centre. Could we also argue that New Zealand First is centrist, given they are the only party that can legitimately claim the ability to deal with either National or Labour? So good on them for keeping the Opportunity dream alive. They're still here after a decade. They're either visionaries whose time is yet to come, or dreamers who can't read the room. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

International relations and geopolitics have become increasingly complex in the last few decades, many countries in the Pacific pulled between China and the United States – the two superpowers at odds with each other. But former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull believes the relationships with the two are equally important. “The relationship with the US is obviously the bedrock of our security relationship,” he told Mike Hosking. “Whereas the relationship with China is, you know, much more focused on economics and trade, but the two, these two superpowers are absolutely critical partners.” China has been working to grow its influence in the Pacific, the area presenting several strategic opportunities for the nation – but is it a cause for concern? “The reality is that China is a superpower,” Turnbull told Hosking. “It is, you know, an economic peer equal or close to an equal of the United States, and they're seeking to exert influence around the world and in our region.” He says they want to maintain strong relationships with their Pacific Island neighbours, and one way they did that while he was Prime Minister was through the funding of the Coral Cable, which links Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. “We thought that was a better outcome from a security point of view,” “But also, it was a better outcome for them because they weren't in debt.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 18th of November, the Government is slashing emissions charges for bringing in new cars and launching a full review of the Clean Car Standard. Uber drivers have had a major win in the Supreme Court with four drivers now ruled to be employees, not contractors. Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was in the country, so we took the time to catch up about his calamitous former party and the state of our country's relationship. 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.

A Northland holiday park's scrapping its TVs to allow nature to take centre stage. Russell–Orongo Bay Holiday Park is one of the first holiday parks in New Zealand to go completely TV-free. It's encouraging guests to unplug from screens and reconnect with the natural world. Park Manager Shane Maddren told Mike Hosking they have plenty of activities to keep guests occupied. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police say their new approach to mental health callouts is working. They're now in phase three out of four of the programme, meaning there's a higher threshold for officers to attend calls from mental health workers. Officers will also assess the appropriateness before responding to missing persons reports for those with mental health concerns. Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson told Mike Hosking there's been a 75% reduction in mental health patients in their cells. He says there have also been 900 fewer calls-for-service in the past month, compared to the same time last year. Johnson says the previous system was not a good use of resources, as sitting in EDs with patients wasn't advancing community safety. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canterbury is paving the way for the country's first rubber road. Selwyn District Council is planning a rubber road surface trial at Glentunnel on State Highway 77 in January. Treadlite New Zealand is the only company providing the recycled rubber granules for use in pavements in the country. Chief Executive Brad Pierce told Mike Hosking this isn't new technology, it's just New Zealand catching up. He says adding 10% rubber into the road makes it quieter, last 20% longer, and takes a valuable resource out of landfill. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geopolitics could be increasingly dictating the future of agriculture. A Rabobank report is warning tensions between the United States and China means agricultural exports are at risk of "becoming pawns on a geopolitical chessboard." It suggests 2026 could mark a new era of geopolitical influenced agriculture sector. Lincoln University Adjunct Professor of AgriScience Jacqueline Rowarth told Mike Hosking the more unstable the planet is, the more unstable business is. But she says New Zealand is in a good position as a small nation who are the best producers of low impact, high quality animal protein. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changes to the Clean Car Standard has been partly caused by supply problems out of Japan. The Government is slashing charges on importers who don't meet carbon targets by almost 80% and launching a full review. It is expected to save about $264 million in costs to consumers and will keep imported cars cheaper. Transport Minister Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking it's been tough getting EVs into the country. He says importers are racking up penalties and don't have the supply to get credits. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Workplace Relations and Safety Minister says there's currently too much grey area about what defines a contractor, following the Supreme Court's Uber ruling. Four drivers are now legally employees, with the highest court rejecting Uber's bid for the court to overturn a 2024 Court of Appeal ruling. The Government's seeking to clarify the distinction in law. Brooke van Velden told Mike Hosking we need clear rules in this increasingly online platform based world. She says we're going to see more people with flexible work and multiple agreements, so businesses and contractors need more certainty. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 17th of November, Trump has pulled back on some of his tariffs which is a $2 billion boon for NZ Inc. and makes Trade Minister Todd McClay's job slightly easier. The Prime Minister talks the tariffs, Net Zero, polls and whether the Capital Gains Tax is something credible he'll be up against at next year's election. Jason Pine, Andrew Saville and special guest Kate Hawkesby talk the big sports topics over the weekend - and whether Mike is a grunter on the court. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big win for NZ Inc. and a lesson for everyone who doesn't understand tariffs. Donald Trump has cut tariffs on beef and the beneficiaries are largely New Zealand, Australia and Brazil. Brazil has had a 50% tariff so they will be thrilled. We are at 15% and it's 10% for Australia. We may not benefit as much but given we are “balling”, as they say anyway, anything that gives us a chance to sell more has got to be welcome. The latest figures show that we have had a fall off in volumes of beef to the U.S. What's helping us is the value. Volume is one thing, value is another. If the value offsets the volume you are still winning. Of course if the world only understood the true value of a tariff-free environment we would all be better off. But that debate seems, for now, to be losing ground globally as more and more economies retrench. Anyway, the reason Trump moved is because he is in trouble. He is in trouble on a lot of things and unless the tide turns this time next year in the midterms it's all going to come home to roost, and the Republicans will lose their ascendency, and if that happens, they will turn on the president and the latter part of the president's term will be what they call a "lame duck". In some respects it's been a surprise that his line of abstract economics has lasted so long. There is nothing particularly complex about tariffs, and to be fair to Trump, if China charges you 30% on something then a reciprocal tariff is not out of order. But the “slap them all” approach he used on a place like New Zealand and Australia, not to mention Switzerland that only just got sorted over the weekend, was bizarre, if not completely nuts. All that crap about importers and countries paying tariffs was never real and as Americans lined up at the butchers to pay more for New Zealand beef they got angry, and they got angry to the point trump has had to acquiesce So the tariffs fall and places like NZ Inc. cash in. It's good to be on the right side of the argument. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.