Podcasts about Mike Hosking

The UK and France are sending more defence assets to the Middle East as the conflict's death toll ticks over 1700. Iran has appointed the son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as its new Supreme Leader, signalling a defiance to the US and Israel. Many of the deaths so far have occurred within Iran and Lebanon, with Israel ramping up its strikes. French President Emmanuel Macron says his country will deploy 10 warships and an aircraft carrier to nearby waters as a defensive measure. France Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking that Macron is saying what most other European leaders are saying – they are there to protect their interests, assets, and citizens. She says they're defending their assets and allies in the area, but they're not getting involved in the wider conflict. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of our best up and coming country music talents is being recognised across the ditch. Zac Griffith is a self-taught musician from Tapawera, near Nelson, and his rise started at the Gold Guitar Awards, which he won in 2023 at the age of 18. He joined Kaylee Bell on tour last year, and got a co-sign from Entertainer of the Year, Lainey Wilson. Griffith told Mike Hosking that Bell has been a big influence and cheerleader for him. “She really has boosted my confidence, especially with taking me on that tour that she did last year,” he explained. “It's, you know, getting the praise from people that you look up to – people that are doing what you want to be doing.” Griffith had won a handful of country music awards before taking home the Gold Guitar, but it was that award that reinforced his path in music. “Winning that really was, was a testament to me, and was, yeah the thing that made me go, okay, I must be doing alright.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research suggests daily multivitamins could slow biological ageing. A clinical trial in the US found slower changes in the DNA based epigenetic clocks of older adults who take multivitamins. It suggests that simple nutritional interventions could potentially influence the body's ageing process. Professor at Massey University's Centre for Public Health Research and Nutrition, Lisa Te Morenga told Mike Hosking it's not a magic pill. She says the effects so far are quite tiny, and there's no evidence yet that multivitamins actually help you live longer, it's just changing things they believe are associated with living longer. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is actively monitoring the impact international fuel prices are having on the price we're being asked to pay at the pump. Crude oil prices have topped US$100 a barrel for the first time in three years, and our petrol prices surged another 14 cents in the weekend. Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking that they're conscious that the price at the pump impacts not only most New Zealanders, but also freight costs and other costs across the economy. But she says they need to understand what the bigger picture looks like before they overreact, as any money they throw at the problem is money they will need to borrow. “We need to be prudent about New Zealand's fiscal position.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mussel farmers are warning that plans to discharge partially treated sewage into the ocean to deal with Christchurch's Bromley stink, could wipe out aqua culture. The City Council's planning to dump 30% of partially treated wastewater into the ocean to ease pressure on the poorly operating treatment plant. Two thousand tonnes of green lipped mussels come from eight Aroma New Zealand farms in Banks Peninsula annually. Company director Ben Winters told Mike Hosking chlorine and sewage don't need to go to sea. He warns if plans go ahead, it could be a national disaster. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More people have been filling up at petrol stations as prices climb. The Waitomo Group says there's been a 15-20% increase in demand in the past week. Chief Executive Simon Parham says pump prices have gone up from about 10 to 20 cents a litre. He told Mike Hosking it's because they buy their product on a weekly basis. Parham says with short sharp shocks it's very hard to avoid price increases. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some positive signs from international markets overnight. American and European markets tumbled on Friday due to ongoing concerns about the Middle East conflict. Asia-Pacific markets followed suit yesterday, with the NZX 50 dropping 3.1%. Craigs Investment Partners Investment Director Mark Lister told Mike Hosking trading overnight has been more subdued. He says oil prices got up to about $120 a barrel and are now back in the 90s, and the US, UK, and Europe markets are down again, but only slightly. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Staying the course when things are tough is a skill. I think you either have it or you don't. Chris Luxon will not get rolled, but he may quit. That would be a mistake of epic proportions. What would drive me, if I was him, would be rational thought. 1) This election is not about personality, it's about economic management. On that the Government are tracking well. 2) The internal polling within the National Party is fine. It does not reflect the Curia poll that the media made so much of. The unfortunate thing about Friday's pre-hyped release is it came at the same time Luxon had had a bad week on the war. That week by the way, was nowhere near as bad as some made it out to be. But the two events came together for a good week-end headline. 3) This would be the bit that would focus my mind - it's only Hipkins. Seriously, you're only lining up Labour as an opponent. On the economy. The people who wrecked the place two and a bit years ago are asking the voter to come back and do a bit more of it. You don't believe me? Read Thomas Coughlan's piece with Barbara Edmonds. 4) Even if you take the poll seriously, which you shouldn't. There is a one seat shift, so it's within a margin of error. 5) The economy will save you. You campaigned on a turnaround and the turnaround is real. Given we are voting on economics, the National leader is not a deal-breaker. If you are voting on interest rates and jobs, does Chris Bishop or Erica Stanford really change your view of your lot? They are good people and good talents, but they aren't game-changers and they won't get you a job any more than Luxon will. 6) Having done the hard yards, why quit now? The prize is just down the road and with a second term perceptions change. 7) The coalition as an operation is a success. Three parties have, and do, work well together. It's MMP in action. The alternative? Hipkins talking about a minority Government, a Green Party and extremism and a Māori Party that will not be back in anywhere near the numbers they have now. It's not a combo. This must all sit heavily with Luxon. How could it not? But that is what leadership is about. That is what you chased and bought into. If you think you will fail you will automatically be successful. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A surge in enrolments has Auckland University's campus buzzing. Total semester one enrolments have topped 47,000, up 8% from the same time last year. Undergraduate numbers are driving much of the growth rising 10%, which is nearly three thousand more students. Deputy Vice Chancellor of Education Sarah Young told Mike Hosking that several factors are driving the increase. She says more students go to university when unemployment is high, while they've put a lot of work into attracting international students. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been another assurance from Chris Luxon that he isn't going anywhere. A Taxpayers' Union Curia poll shows National on just 28.4%, behind Labour on 34.4%. This has sparked speculation about Luxon's future as leader. On Friday, Luxon says told Newstalk ZB he wasn't considering his position. Today, Luxon told Mike Hosking that hasn't changed at all over the weekend. He says the only future he's been considering is the future of New Zealand's kids and grandkids, and how the Government to set the country up for better success. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many Fonterra dairy farmers are planning to invest their upcoming capital return back into their farms. The dairy co-op's been given the green light by regulators to sell its consumer brands to France dairy giant Lactalis for $4.22 billion. Farmers will get back two-dollars a share, possibly by the middle of next month. Fonterra Co-operative Council Chair John Stevenson told Mike Hosking that farmers will be trying to make the most of the money they receive. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conflict in Iran won't just affect petrol. Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young says prices in her domain haven't increased yet, but they will soon. She says it's been forecast that the conflict could add half a percent to inflation. Young told Mike Hosking that it will affect everything that needs to be delivered, whether they be by road, sea or air. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Millions of barrels remain stuck behind the blocked the Strait of Hormuz. The price of crude oil has increased 35% since last week. Generate Investment Specialist Greg Smith told Mike Hosking that only a few ships are being getting through. He says Chinese ships are getting through as Iran still needs them for revenue. The Commerce Commission says international conflicts will affect prices but it expects retailers to keep prices competitive. It says it will call out any behaviour which impacts New Zealanders' ability to get a fair price. LISTEN ABOVE 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. The war: 6/10 As much as you want to give a war a number, this is not World War III, it is not going to last four years. It most likely won't last four weeks. Helen Clark: 2/10 Everything that is wrong with ideological jibber-jabber. From Hipkins to Starmer to Clark, their theory is less relevant in this modern chaotic world than ever. Dairy: 9/10 Honestly, is it now close to being ridiculous? Five auctions from five. The protein surge is real and we are making bank. Bill “I saw nothing” Clinton: 4/10 Overshadowed by his wife who looks as feisty as ever and, all things considered, came out of it pretty well – almost as though they were called as a political stunt. Dave Rennie: 7/10 Got there at last. How low-key was that? Is it possible we just aren't as invested as we once were in All Black rugby? LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's confidence a Parliamentary inquiry into online safety is on the right track. A Select Committee endorses a social media ban for under 16s and calls for an online regulator and tougher controls on harmful apps and algorithms. National's lead MP on the committee, Carl Bates, says some recommendations mirror moves overseas, while others are unique to New Zealand. He told Mike Hosking transparency around algorithms hasn't been done elsewhere. Bates says the committee recommends the Government explore it before putting any measures in place. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It seems you really can't beat locally grown produce. Recent numbers show farmers' markets around the country now support over a thousand food producers – attracting more than 50 thousand shoppers every week. Tony Cato, owner of Pirongia Mountain Vegetables, told Mike Hosking that the industry's been doing nothing but growing. They've been in the markets for nearly twenty years, he says, and especially after Covid they've seen an increase in customers wanting to know exactly where their food comes from. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday has come once more, which means Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that Was. They discussed the Warriors' upcoming clash against the Roosters, those stuck in the Middle East, and took a trip down memory lane. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new initiative to tackle the ballooning Jobseeker numbers. The Ministry of Social Development is pairing with the Chambers of Commerce to form ChamberWorks, in hopes of plugging a gap in the market. Data from December shows over 223 thousand people on the benefit, and the programme intends to connect employers with pre-screened, work-ready candidates. Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges told Mike Hosking many unemployed people are fairly recently out of work, are highly skilled and experienced, and absolutely ready to get back into the workforce. He says the connections the Chambers of Commerce have puts them in a good position to be the glue between MSD and businesses seeking good employees. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer spending has increased in February, signalling a positive recovery within the retail sector. Worldline NZ's payments network shows spending reached more than $3.6 billion, up 2.2% on February last year. The Auckland and Northland regions saw a lift of 2.8% year on year – the most growth the area has seen in a single month in nearly two years. Infometrics Principal Economist Nick Brunsdon told Mike Hosking consumer confidence is continuing to grow. He says December saw a 4.9% in retail trade, so it's all pointing in the same direction. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour has explained what we're missing out on by not investing in the medicinal cannabis industry. The ACT Leader's looking at further improvements to speed up processing for exports of the plant, which he believes could one day rival the wine industry. He's open to improving regulation domestically as well. David Seymour told Mike Hosking they want to simplify the process it takes to get a licence. He says regardless of what people might think of the plant, there's a market for it, it's worth several hundred million dollars to the economy, and creates jobs. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The City of Sails is set to be humming this weekend. Auckland's hosting a plethora of events, as the Warriors take on the Roosters today, the Blues face the Crusaders tomorrow, and Round the Bays kicks off Sunday. The city's newest golf tournament will also run across the weekend. New Zealand Events Association General Manager Elaine Linnell told Mike Hosking they'll be able to see and feel the financial impact of the weekend after the fact. She says with events like this, hotels are full, restaurants are booked – it's busy, and it flows through every part of the city. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has told a US news outlet he wants to be involved in picking Iran's next leader. He's told Axios that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son is a lightweight and unacceptable to him. Meanwhile, the death toll in Iran has risen to 1200, multiple Gulf countries are continuing to intercept missiles, and in Azerbaijan, an airport and a school were hit by Iranian drones. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that Iran is firing fewer drones and missiles as the US and Israeli forces expand their control of the air and sea. He says the Pentagon says they're finding and destroying Iran's mobile missile launchers. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After weeks of deliberation, the new All Blacks head coach has been named. Dave Rennie is succeeding Scott Robertson in the role, beating out the other top contender, Jamie Joseph. Rennie's first test at the helm will be in the July series against France, Italy, and Ireland, but his assistants have still yet to be named. NZ Rugby Chair David Kirk told Mike Hosking that the panel spent hours discussing the merits of the two candidates, and were very rigorous and analytical in discussing their strengths and relative weaknesses. He says they concluded quite firmly and certainly unanimously that Rennie was the person they wanted to appoint. WATCH ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's exports are booming, driven by rising global demand for food. New trade figures show exports surged to $29.2 billion dollars in the December quarter – up $2.2 billion on a year earlier. Two-way trade also leapt to just over $61 billion. Business NZ CEO Katherine Rich told Mike Hosking the country produces enough food to feed around 50 million people. She says these products need to be sold for the highest value possible, which is what we're seeing for meat. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Public Service Commissioner is bewildered as pay talks with primary teachers drag on. Their union —the NZEI— has turned to the Employment Relations Authority after three days of talks failed to resolve disputes over cost-of-living increases and recognition for major curriculum changes. The union's rejected three offers, with teachers missing out on around $50 extra per week since January. Sir Brian Roche told Mike Hosking it's disappointing teachers don't know the details of each offer. He says the last time teachers were asked was in December, and he doesn't know what the percentage of the vote was. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's economic recovery could be put at risk by disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. Westpac modelling shows if it was to stay closed for a month, it would put inflation over 4% and knock half a percent off GDP. Senior Economist Kelly Eckhold told Mike Hosking we're much more vulnerable than Australia when it comes to energy. He says we only have a few weeks of key petroleum products sitting in the tanks, and after that we're relying on boats turning up to meet our needs. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says it's special relationship with the US is not dead. US President Donald Trump yesterday described the UK's war effort as disappointing and Starmer was 'no Winston Churchill'. US and Israeli forces have bombed more than 2000 targets and killed close to 800 people in Iran since first launching attacks on Saturday. UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking it's difficult for Starmer because this is the one area where he was successful in treading the line between keeping Trump on side and staying sane, and that's now gone. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cautious optimism from Warriors league coach Andrew Webster that his side can make another NRL leap this year. They start their campaign tomorrow against the Sydney Roosters at Mount Smart without co-captain Mitch Barnett and halfback Luke Metcalf, as both are returning from knee injuries. Webster told Mike Hosking that last year's opening match serves as a reminder of over evaluating a pre-season. He says they're comfortable where they are, but until you get punched in the face round one, you don't really know where you're at. The Warriors finished sixth last year, exiting in the first round of the finals to Penrith. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A warning an attack similar to the Bondi Beach shooting could feasibly happen on New Zealand soil. The Government's intelligence agencies have told a Parliamentary Select Committee the attack helped to feed extremist views. Fifteen people were fatally shot in the December attack on a Jewish celebration in Australia's Sydney, with others wounded. NZSIS Director-General Andrew Hampton says anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are diseases. He told Mike Hosking they're seeing increased polarisation in society across the board – lots of ‘us and them' narratives and people with a sense of grievance. Hampton says those people look online for others who may share that view, and the risk is that grievance can move to viewing violence as the answer pretty quickly. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand's reset just got a lot more urgent. Things could deteriorate faster for the airline amid instability in the Middle East. Morningstar Research is now forecasting a $125 million pre-tax loss this year following a $59 million loss in the first half of the year. Forsyth Barr Head of Research Andy Bowley told Mike Hosking there's little disagreement that the second half of the year will be similar or worse, the concerning aspect is how bad it could be. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's highest-paying radio show has come to an explosive end. Sydney's Kyle and Jackie O Show has collapsed after Kyle Sandilands reamed out his co-host Jackie ‘O' Henderson in a seven-minute-long exchange she later described as an attack. It led to the program being taken off-air and Henderson quitting the show, and a 14-day suspension and potential contract termination for Sandilands. Australia Correspondent Steve Price told Mike Hosking the company is probably going to be very happy they can get out of the $200 million contract. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A change in scale beckons for strength and conditioning guru Nic Gill as he trades the All Blacks for the NFL's Ravens. Gill's leaving after 18 years in the role to take up a newly created position at the Baltimore franchise. He told Mike Hosking that while his work will largely be the same, he'll operate in a money-is-no-obstacle environment. Gill says the facilities are ridiculous and mindblowing – they have everything one could need, and not just one of them, they have ten. He has told the Herald he wanted to announce his job change before the new All Blacks coach is appointed, but is willing to help NZR find a successor. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has responded to critics of the Government's position on whether the United States and Israel have acted illegally by attacking Iran, saying the world is facing "new circumstances". He told Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking this morning that “serious international legal experts” should decide whether their actions were legal - not people who were “not qualified”, including former PM Helen Clark, who has called New Zealand's response "a disgrace". “The rule of law on the streets of Auckland is the same as the rule of law internationally. To make it stand, somebody has to enforce it,” Peters said. “Some countries are kicking back and saying no, we are dealing with a bunch of religious fanatics and they cannot be trusted.” Peters denied he was backing America whether or not the country's actions were legal. “[Iran] have been financing proxies all around the world, even as far as Australia, in major terrorist activities. They've been doing it for decades. "But all of a sudden now you've got a sort of a concertina of concern where some countries are saying enough, we are going to stop you right here, right now. “And then all of a sudden all those geostrategic experts in history and what have you in foreign affairs are saying, oh, we should have the rule of law,” he said. “Well, my point is you're not looking at the same circumstances now. It's not a matter of backing anybody or opposing anyone. We are facing new circumstances…and we have to look at them with new eyes.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tourism continues to be a major force in the economy. Stats NZ says it shows tourism spending in New Zealand has hit $46.6 billion, up 3.3% on last year. International visitors spent $18.1 billion – a 7% jump. Tourism Industry Aotearoa CEO Rebecca Ingram told Mike Hosking this set of data runs until March 2025, and there's been a tremendous amount of effort invested since then. She says they're anticipating that the data they get next year will be even better. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Electricity Authority is being accused of tinkering around the edges instead of solving the real issues with the electricity market. The authority will introduce a set of new rules from October 30th which will force power companies to tell customers if they're on the best plan they provide. Power company Electric Kiwi's Chief Executive Huia Burt told Mike Hosking that won't be enough for most. She supports customers having more information but says they will need to compare plans from different providers to get the best deal. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All right, we need to talk about Chris Luxon and that performance yesterday. “Oh, I mean… we obviously understand… we're not saying that… what we're saying is… we… we… we understand this… I don't know how to be any clearer, guys…” You know what's going wrong here, eh? The Prime Minister doesn't want to say what he actually thinks. He doesn't want to take a position on the air strikes on Iran. If he says he supports the strikes, he risks copping it from what may be a majority - but almost certainly is a very vocal minority - of New Zealanders who don't like anything the US does militarily. If he says he opposes the strikes, then he risks creating an international headline like 'New Zealand criticises US air strikes' and getting this country offside with the most volatile US president in modern history - and whatever comes with that. So either way, he's in a tough position. A generous interpretation is that he's trying to protect New Zealand from Trump. A less generous interpretation is that he's trying to protect himself from unhappy voters. The problem is that, as always, Chris Luxon trying to avoid taking a position ends the way it always does: he looks clumsy and uncertain. He makes mistakes - like saying he supports anything the US may do to prevent nuclear weapons, including carpet bombing - which he's now had to walk back today. And Luxon's been here before, hasn't he? Remember the three-minute interview with Mike Hosking where he wouldn't take a position on whether he would have sacked Andrew Bayly? I'd say that in trying to avoid choosing between supporting or not supporting the air strikes, he created a third position altogether - making himself look foolish. And for a leader in an election year, that is the worst choice possible. It is better - even if the position is unpopular - to pick one, than to look like he does today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another Kiwi success story from the world of wine. Marlborough's Wairau River 2025 Sauvignon Blanc has made the World's Best Sommeliers' Selection for 2026 – chosen by top sommeliers from 17 countries across six continents. It's the only Australasian wine to make the list. Rose Family Estate CEO Lindsay Parkinson told Mike Hosking this award is all about balance, and some sommeliers have very specific requirements, so they're chuffed to meet those. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France is increasing its nuclear arsenal for the first time in decades. It will also significantly intensify nuclear weapons cooperation with eight European allies, French President Emmanuel Macron announced. He says the “period of geopolitical upheaval” means France, the EU's only nuclear power, must strengthen its deterrent in the face of multiple threats. France Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking that in the past, France maintained a policy of “strict sufficiency” for its nuclear warheads, but that policy has been removed. She says they're not sure how many warheads will be in the supply, as the details have been light. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump says the US had projected a four-to-five-week operation in Iran but could go much longer. Some of Iran's retaliatory strikes have been targeted at key energy infrastructure in the region, including an oil refinery and natural gas plant. The Iranian Red Crescent says at least 555 people have been killed in attacks on the nation. Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State under the Obama Administration, Joel Rubin told Mike Hosking that while Trump had a plan for the first days of the strike, there's not much of a plan beyond that. He says there's aspirational goals, such as the people of Iran rising up, but Trump hasn't explained exactly how that will be implemented. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The impact of the Middle East conflict on our trade is still unclear. Thousands of Kiwi containers are stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, with more than $3 billion worth of goods headed for the Gulf each year. Trade and Associate Foreign Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand would only look to alternative markets if the conflict drags on. He told Mike Hosking it's interesting US stock markets haven't reacted significantly, which shows they've likely factored something like this in. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government believes its traffic welfare system is increasing people's chances of getting a job. The system was introduced in August 2024 and uses traffic light colours to help beneficiaries stay on track with their obligations. An evaluation has found nearly 99% of Ministry of Social Development clients are fulfilling their obligations, and the number of sanctions issued has dropped 10.6%. Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston told Mike Hosking 83 thousand people have left the benefit into work. She says people are more clear of the expectations, and the consequences if they aren't filled. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Promising signs when it comes to consumer arrears. The latest Centrix data shows the number of people behind on their payments in January was 491 thousand. That was up 20 thousand from December, largely expected due to seasonal trends. But Chief Operating Officer Monika Lacey told Mike Hosking that despite the seasonal increase, arrears are still down on last year by almost 1%. She says overall, Kiwis are managing their money quite well. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says New Zealand has never supported the Iranian regime. Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking that it's a regime which has brutally repressed it's own people, killed tens of thousands, and sponsored terrorism around the world. He also said that the missile strikes were 'independent attacks' from the US and Israel, and that New Zealand was not informed of the attacks before they happened. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US/Israeli missile strikes against Iran have caused uncertainty around oil prices. 20% of the world's crude oil travels through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has threatened to close and it has already heavily restricted access to the region. AA Principal Policy Adviser Terry Collins told Mike Hosking that prices hinge on the ability to move oil through the Strait, but that won't be an easy task. "it's easy to target vessels within it, and it's what the response will be from the Americans around protecting those vehicles" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran may be overstating its military capabilities in the wake of US and Israeli attacks. Coordinated strikes have killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and multiple senior officials, resulting in Iran launching counter strikes across the Middle East. Iran officials say almost 150 people have been killed from a strike on a girls school. The Iranian President has appeared on state television claiming its armed forces are crushing enemy bases. The Economist's Middle East Correspondent Gregg Carlstrom told Mike Hosking that this is not true. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers say new KiwiSaver rules are a win for rural staff looking to buy property. Farm workers, rural teachers, police and defence personnel can now use KiwiSaver to buy their first home, or even a farm, due to the Government lifting a long-standing restriction. Previously, these workers were blocked because their jobs required living in employer-provided housing. Federated Farmers' Dairy Chair Karl Dean told Mike Hosking that there's about 50,000 farms nationwide, most with just one or two staff living onsite. He expects 10 to 20% to take this option. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More New Zealanders are putting their faith back into the housing market. ASB's latest survey shows confidence has lifted sharply this quarter, with respondents who expect house prices to rise over the next year jumping from 17% to 30%. Chief Economist Nick Tuffley says it's a buyer's market and advises caution when it comes to banking on strengthening house prices. But he told Mike Hosking the affordability factor is quite good currently, with plenty of supply, reasonably stable prices, and debt servicing rates from banks remaining very low. LISTEN ABOVE 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. New Zealand: 8/10 It really has been quite the week. From the dairy to the spending, the turnaround, without question, is real. The confidence is up and the roll could be close to being on. Kiwifruit: 9/10 The forecast and plan released this week is a good example of how you think big when you are bullish. Mitch Barnett: 4/10 We wish him well, obviously, but the geography of the Warriors cannot be escaped. And we get a swap. And more importantly, this is our year. Air New Zealand: 3/10 In an industry awash with profit, they still can't find one. Cash: 7/10 The banks are, rightly or wrongly, out of step with this one. We like cash. We may not use it all that often, but enough do. Reserve bank - 1. Retail banks - 0. LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Progress towards a nuclear deal between the US and Iran remains murky with all-out war still a potential outcome. A third round of indirect talks has just concluded in Geneva, with further discussions to take place in Vienna next week. The pressure's on Iran, with the US deploying its biggest military build-up to the Middle East in decades. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the debate about whether an attack is viable is spilling out into the public now. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.