Podcasts about Mike Hosking

Uh oh! The dads are away and the children will play! A heavily edited version of 1/200 for you this weekend (at least 293 libelous bits cut) that covers this weeks current events from NCEA changes to a brief stint on Tim Jago reporting, or lack thereofThis episode's co-hostsSimone, PmaxTimestamps0:00 Opening 2:29 - NCEA30:05- Māori reader42:20 Tim Jago 50:25 ClosingsIntro/Outro by The Prophet MotiveSupport us here: https://www.patreon.com/1of200

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. Sheds: 8/10 The new garden shed rules are what good governance should be about – simple and common sense. How hard can it be? Local body elections: 4/10 Nominations close and, once again, a whole bunch of races are not being run because we don't have enough candidates. 15% tariffs: 1/10 Biggest blow of the week in an economy that needs it like a hole in the head. Coal: 7/10 Good cooperation with the gentailers, some cold, hard reality at last, and a good kick in the pants for the idiots who closed the oil and gas. Downtown Auckland: 3/10 Wake up call of the week from the real estate bloke who said we look more like Suva than Sydney. Ouch. Jobs: 4/10 Because the simple truth is this aint over. There is more where that came from in a year that was supposed to be showing real signs of recovery. LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Deputy Prime Minister says he'd sack Willow Jean-Prime for declining numerous Government requests for collaboration on NCEA reform. Documents show Labour's education spokesperson declined an advisor's meeting and didn't answer a text and multiple emails from Education Minister Erica Stanford regarding planned changes to NCEA. David Seymour told Mike Hosking if he were Labour's leader, he would drop her because there are better people for the job. He says he wouldn't know what to do because she may be the best option that Labour has. Seymour says we need alternative schooling options to keep students in schools, with more than ten and a half thousand students leaving school last year with no educational qualifications. Ministry of Education data reveals 16% didn't achieve NCEA Level 1 or above – 6% more than in 2017. He told Hosking the education system has become less appealing because children don't believe they're missing something valuable. There's also ethnic disparity, with 28% of Māori school leavers having achieved no qualifications, compared to 19% of Pacific leavers and 14% of Pākehā leavers. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An economist says the Government did the best it could in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Treasury's latest report calculates the total cost of the Covid-19 pandemic at $66 billion. The Government ignored official advice at the time to ease spending. New Zealand Initiative Chief Economist Eric Crampton told Mike Hosking it is hard to fault anyone up until late 2020. He says, afterwards, the Government failed to come up with solutions outside lockdowns and wage subsidies. Treasury is now suggesting the Government establish an independent fiscal institution for better scrutiny. Crampton says Treasury isn't in a position where it can effectively challenge the Finance Minister's decisions. He says the public currently can't rely on Treasury for clear warnings when things are going wrong, which is needed for democratic accountability. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The effects of Donald Trump's tariff hikes are already being felt in the US and around the world. The US President's updated trade policy is now in effect for more than 90 trading partners. New Zealand goods are grappling with a 15% tariff at the American border. US Correspondent Charles Feldman told Mike Hosking the income will pay for Trump's tax cuts for the wealthy at the cost of consumers. He says prices for almost anything Americans get as an imported product will rise. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a view we're an international outlier with our labelling regulations. The standards are under review from the Ministry for Regulation in its latest attack on red tape. Minister David Seymour says the labelling codes seem overly restrictive. He says for example, Chemist Warehouse has someone employed full time to check labels. BusinessNZ CEO Katherine Rich told Mike Hosking it's an issue for overseas companies having to deal with regulations here that are nowhere else. She says if you buy a bottle of French or Spanish wine, it'll have an ugly white sticker on it – that's because of rules that only apply here. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An exception to normal procedure at the Crusaders in bringing Richie Mo'unga back to the Super Rugby franchise. The 56-test All Black has signed an 18-month contract to return in July after three seasons playing in Japan. Crusaders boss Colin Mansbridge says they're stoked Mo'unga is returning to his home franchise. He told Mike Hosking this type of contract is probably the way of the future – athletes gaining experience elsewhere before returning to the game. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors are just holding onto their position in the top four. Saturday will see them face off against the Bulldogs – a must win match after their last two losses. But the question remains, with the spotty performances from the New Zealand team, will they be able to defeat a top four side? Former Warriors Captain Monty Betham told Mike Hosking the Warriors have yet to lose three matches in a row this year, and experts believe that pattern will hold true. He says both teams will be looking to bounce back in this clash, vying for a higher position in the top four. 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. They discussed Mike's potential career in reality TV, car troubles, and AI in language learning apps. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a view we're an international outlier with our labelling regulations. The standards are under review from the Ministry for Regulation in its latest attack on red tape. Minister David Seymour says the labelling codes seem overly restrictive. He says for example, Chemist Warehouse has someone employed full time to check labels. BusinessNZ CEO Katherine Rich told Mike Hosking it's an issue for overseas companies having to deal with regulations here that are nowhere else. She says if you buy a bottle of French or Spanish wine, it'll have an ugly white sticker on it – that's because of rules that only apply here. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says anxiety about tariffs will be playing a part in slowing down New Zealand's economic recovery. Unemployment's reached a five-year high of 5.2%. Economists think it could rise even higher before it starts turning around. Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking tariffs aren't great, but some people may have been more worried than they should be. She says the tariffs will have affected confidence and investment intentions, but it's important to remember that New Zealand is doing okay compared to the rest of the world. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The AA is onboard with the switch from petrol tax to electronic Road User Charges, but says there are a few issues to sort out. The change is expected to come in by 2027. Transport Policy Director Martin Glynn says it's likely there will be devices actually in vehicles to make the measurements. He told Mike Hosking it will be easier to implement with modern cars. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwis are becoming a liability when travelling in Europe. New data reveals 1Cover New Zealand has paid out more than $2.7 million in travel claims to customers travelling to Europe since May. The biggest claim was more than $96 thousand. Vincent George Travel Agents co-owner Rosann Connolly George told Mike Hosking with weather disruptions and uncertainty around the world, travel insurance is crucial. She says the demographic heading to Europe is the middle age to older group, so claims stack up. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tax expert says there is a concerning trend as businesses owe more and more to Inland Revenue. Businesses owe more than $1.4 billion in unpaid GST and PAYE from the 2025 tax year. Only $66 million of that is from businesses or individuals that are bankrupt or in liquidation. Deloitte Tax Partner Robyn Walker told Mike Hosking the construction sector alone owes about $1 billion. She says it is difficult to say how it stacks up against other industries. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grocery prices will continue to hit Kiwi consumers and our economy hard. A report by the Commerce Commission shows prices are increasing again this year after appearing to stabilise last year. It's revealed we now pay the fifth highest grocery prices in the developed world. Grocery Action Group Chair Sue Chetwin told Mike Hosking the competition in New Zealand isn't particularly healthy. She says that unless the two major supermarkets know that they're going to face proper regulation or something big will happen to them, they can continue to charge high prices. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rising unemployment is expected to add to the case for a lower OCR. Unemployment's hit a five-year high of 5.2% and is expected to rise further. Economists now broadly expect the Reserve Bank to cut the Official Cash Rate by another 25-basis-points to 3% in two weeks. BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones told Mike Hosking further cuts now seem likely. He says his team have been forecasting a neutral rate of 2.75% for years, but there's a chance the OCR could get to 2.5 percent in the current cycle. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kaylee Bell has been busy since she last popped into the ZB studio. The Kiwi country singer has released a new single, has a new album ‘Cowboy Up' on the way and a five date tour coming later in the year, but she's also become a mother. Her son, only six months old, has already been around the world – Bell taking her family along as she performs in America, Australia, and around New Zealand. “He's definitely just getting chucked in and taken for the ride,” she told Mike Hosking. Motherhood wasn't necessarily something Bell had on her agenda, revealing that it's not something she thought she'd get the chance to do. “But it's just so nice,” she said. “I love that I get to go and, you know, play a show and I walk off the stage and he's there now, or I get to come home to him at the end of the day.” “In this industry, it's so nice to have something so grounding.” Pregnancy is not an easy experience but Bell's schedule remained packed, the singer working right up until 34 weeks, at which point she could no longer fly. “I cut a record here in New Zealand,” she explained to Hosking. “And then I had James at the end of January, and we were back on stage after six weeks for CMC Rocks in Australia.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former US President Bill Clinton and wife Hillary have received subpoenas from a congressional committee to testify about Jeffrey Epstein. The Republican committee chair has also called eight others, including former FBI directors James Comey and Robert Mueller. The committee's looking for more information about the deceased sex offender after the Trump administration decided against releasing further files. US Correspondent Charles Feldman told Mike Hosking we're unlikely to see any great revelations come from this. He says it doesn't seem like there's anything that will come out about Epstein that hasn't already been leaked over the past few years – but that hasn't stopped either the Republicans or Democrats from pursuing the files. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a busy start to the week and Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen joined Mike Hosking to delve into some of the biggest topics thus far. The Government is completely overhauling secondary school qualifications, aiming to completely replace NCEA over five years. Is this a sensible plan? The criteria for Māori claiming Customary Marine Titles will be tightened as the Government forges ahead with the changes to the Marine and Coastal Area Act – is pushing forward the right decision? And the National Party President has made some bold claims at the party conference – does she have a point? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's wine industry is facing some troubles. The industry is facing hundreds of millions of dollars in extra tariffs, Donald Trump imposing a 15% rate on New Zealand while many competing markets will continue to face only 10%. Along with this, there is an oversupply issue and declining global demand, with nearly 100,000 tonnes of fruit remaining unharvested this season alone. Winegrowers NZ's Charlotte Read told Mike Hosking that despite the challenging times, there is a very strong demand for New Zealand wines, which will continue to be sought after around the world. She says they have no long term reason for concern. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year's recession is still being felt in the job market. Stats NZ data —due out this morning— is expected to show unemployment reached a nine-year high of 5.3% in the June quarter. The economy's been back in growth since the latter part of last year. But ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith told Mike Hosking the economy has lost about 40,000 jobs since the late 2023 peak. More full-time roles have been lost than part time, he explained, and the labour market is getting that much weaker. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Triathlon New Zealand's claimed hosting rights for pinnacle events in Tauranga over the next three years. A World Triathlon Cup will take place in the Bay of Plenty next year, before a top-level Championship Series race in 2027 and the Series' Grand Final in 2028. Triathlon NZ chief executive Pete de Wet says they could see upwards of 3000 Kiwis racing across age groups and the all-comers race in 2028. He told Mike Hosking there's a big interest in the sport from an age group perspective, and it's great for the athletes to be able to compete at home instead of having to chump on a plane. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The minister responsible for the Marine and Coastal Area Act says the Government would have passed the bill even if the Supreme Court had agreed with a lower court's ruling against it. The Government will proceed with the bill which will tighten criteria for Māori claiming Customary Marine Titles. Justice and Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith told Mike Hosking he thinks the settings will be right after the legislation's passed. He says they want Māori to be able to apply for the titles but there has to be a high bar. Goldsmith says they want to move on this quickly, and he's hoping to have the legislation introduced in October. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland house prices have held firm through a busy July. Real estate agency Barfoot & Thompson's revealed it sold 957 properties across the Auckland region last month – its highest July total in four years. More than 46% of sales sat at more than a million dollars and new listings rose more than 14%. Managing Director Peter Thompson says the market's holding steady and is ready to take-off when interest rates come down further. He told Mike Hosking things are starting to move again with more first-time home buyers entering the market and more activity from developers as a result of the fast track legislation. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's disappointment Canterbury communities weren't consulted on a proposal to shut down rural Police stations. Police are looking to reduce personnel, disestablishing some rural roles in favour of larger 24/7 hubs based in Rolleston and Rangiora. Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green told Mike Hosking the community's heard about it via the media. She says their Police live in their area and know their people, and if you lose that in a rural community it has a huge impact. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New NZ On Air funding announcements provide some hope in a tough time for Kiwi made TV shows. Their latest non-fiction funding includes more than $1.3 million for Celebrity Treasure Island and $750 thousand for Country Calendar. Screen Producer's Association President Irene Gardiner told Mike Hosking with so little ad revenue, it's a high pressured, intense time for NZ on Air. She says the New Zealand version of Treasure Island is thought of as one of the best in the world and is selling, so if we get more international sales, NZ On Air contributions can reduce. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Education Minister says balance of choice is a priority under its new qualification system. The Government is proposing to throw out NCEA for two certificates in Years 12 and 13. Level 1 will be replaced with a foundation test in numeracy and literacy. Erica Stanford told Mike Hosking that after Year 11, students are free to choose the subjects which engage them. She says the key difference will be when students study English, math, or physics, it will be against a world-leading benchmarked curriculum, and children in Invercargill will be learning the exact same thing as those in Auckland. The Education Minister's also looking at trimming down the variety of subjects available to students. Stanford told Hosking they're taking a look at the number of subjects and the amount of students taking each one. But she still wants the option for children to take classes which excite them, like dance and drama. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A glass half-full mindset for All Blacks coach Scott Robertson after naming a group of six players as injury cover for the start of their Rugby Championship campaign. Uncapped trio Kyle Preston, Leroy Carter, and Tevita Mafileo, along with Finlay Christie, George Bower, and Josh Lord comprise the back-up unit in the 42-strong wider squad. Ahead of their tournament opener in Argentina next weekend, Robertson says injuries are a reality of the game. He told Mike Hosking you never know how things will play out – you could get two or three years with a player, and then two or three injuries in a row. Robertson says that when you get a double break in one position, it provides an opportunity for a less experienced player. He says that you always want your best players, but sometimes it doesn't happen. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The leader of the Reform UK Party has called for police to release more information about those charged with crimes. Nigel Farage believes details such as immigration status should be made public, saying it's not in contempt of court for the British public to know the identity of those who have allegedly committed serious crimes. UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking it comes after the arrest of two men in connection with the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl in Warwickshire. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another Kiwi is plying their trade overseas, aiming to make it into top level racing. Rianna O'Meara-Hunt grew up karting alongside the likes of Liam Lawson and Matt Payne, winning her titles before deciding to focus on endurance racing. She was the first junior female to become an Australian State Karting Champion, the first female winner of the Rotax Max Challenge Rounds in NZ, and has won the NZ Super Kart Grand Prix multiple times. After competing for Aston Martin in GT4 and racing in their academy, O'Meara-Hunt has set her sights on the F1 Academy. She told Mike Hosking she backs her ability to get into the academy, and is really looking forward to being able to prove her adaptability and skill on the track. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister is hoping to refocus secondary schools on literacy and numeracy - like the Government's done with primary schools. A major announcement on the future of NCEA is expected in the coming moments. It's understood public consultation will be launched on proposed changes -- in which teachers and parents can give feedback. Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking that the country needs an internationally competitive education system. He says students can get through the current system without proficiency in the basics. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was little this country could do to dodge the latest tariff - this from a former trade minister Donald Trump's raising tariffs on New Zealand goods to 15 percent, while keeping tariffs on Australian and British goods at 10-percent. Tim Groser has dealt with the US extensively -- as our trade minister during the Barack Obama administration, and ambassador to the US during the first Trump administration. He told Mike Hosking current trade minister Todd McClay couldn't have prevented this, even if he'd camped outside the White House. Groser says our tariff rate rose, because New Zealand exports more goods to the US, than we import from the US. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The direct line between Wellington and Washington will see material results on tackling crime in New Zealand. The FBI has set up a Wellington based office - meaning it now has an office in each of the capitals of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. It will work on combating terrorism, organised crime, and foreign intelligence threats. Assistant Police Commissioner Mike Pannett told Mike Hosking the FBI has specialist capabilities and having a NZ presence is a testament to a longstanding partnership. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The country's largest music festival, Electric Avenue, has been bought by Live Nation. The multinational entertainment company announced the acquisition of festival producer Team Event, which owns the two-day summer festival held in Christchurch's Hagley Park each February. Promoters Association President Layton Lillas told Mike Hosking that given the tough environment festivals are facing, this is good thing for New Zealand. He says Live Nation is going to put some financial might behind the event and secure big name acts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has yet to hear from the US ahead of Donald Trump's latest tariff deadline – 4pm today, New Zealand time. The White House says all countries will have heard from the US by that time. The US President has indicated he'll raise tariffs, including the 10% baseline tariff imposed on goods from New Zealand and most other countries. Trade Minister Todd McClay told Mike Hosking our Government is still waiting to hear what that increase will be. He says there are indications that the new minimum base line tariff rate will be 15%, and it's an anxious time for exporters. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of people behind on payments in June fell slightly from May, but is largely unchanged compared to the same time last year. Latest Centrix data shows there were 478 thousand people in arrears, representing more than 12% of the credit-active population. Managing Director Keith McLaughlin says they'd normally expect the figure to fall further over winter - but people are being impacted by things outside their control. He says the costs of insurance, rates and power are leaving their mark, and that's why arrears are a bit sticky at the moment. He told Mike Hosking there will be an ongoing improvement in household budgets as interest rates continue to fall. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Food Minister's backing the move to remove the labelling of genetically modified food, despite concerns. Andrew Hoggard's given the green light to rules meaning food produced using new breeding techniques, including gene editing, will not need to be labelled as genetically modified unless it contains new DNA. The change will see New Zealand mirror the genetic technology legislation in Australia. Group GE Free says it's unfair for consumer choice. Hoggard told Mike Hosking mandatory food labels should only be for safety concerns. He says adding more labels adds cost, and everyone is concerned about the cost of food right now. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An announcement on the future of NCEA is imminent and the whole system could be in for a shakeup. A Government briefing from June shows an over-reliance on internal assessments and suggests students are gaming the system to accumulate credits. It's also revealed NCEA doesn't support coherent pathways for students into the likes of trades or hospitality. Tertiary Union National Secretary Dr Sandra Grey told Mike Hosking there's no doubt that all systems can be tweaked and made better, but it needs to be done carefully. She says that we need to make sure teachers and students are at the heart of the review process. When it comes to vocational pathways, Grey says that schools don't have the capacity to show kids what they're like, so we need a coherent, working system that gives kids a taste of what things like trades are like. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plenty has happened this week, so Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was. They discuss Mike's interview with Jeremy Piven yesterday – was it awkward or just realistic? Plus, they talk about Kate's pickleball league and the Government's decision to axe card surcharges. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's latest tariff deadline is rapidly approaching. The US President has reached 11 deals, and agreed to pause tariff increases for Mexico, ahead of his deadline of 4pm today. He's indicated he'll raise the baseline tariff faced by most countries, including New Zealand. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that at the same time, the trade wars are facing a critical court test within the United States. The Trump team is being sued by a coalition of states and businesses who claim Trump has been overstepping his powers when it comes to some of the steepest tariffs. 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. August: 6/10 Is it just me or is this year moving at pace? Where did seven months go? The recovery: 4/10 Yes, by August the recovery was supposed to be here. The greens shoots were to have flourished, and stuff was supposed to be better. The payWave charge ban: 6/10 Not perfect, but a practical move that should help. Rob Penney: 7/10 Glad he is back, and why not? One bad year and one great year. You want another dose of great, don't you? Shane Jones: 8/10 Move of the week. Had a couple of glasses of red, turned his phone off, and missed the alerts. Now that is a plan. The Warriors: 7/10 A loss to the Titans and we lose James Fisher-Harris for a couple of weeks as well. If you are a doubter there is a bit of material for you to angst over. But I'm still a believer and this is our year. LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Agriculture is leading the way as the country's top performing industry. Xero's latest Insights report shows consistent under-performance in New Zealand's small business sector in the past year, with sales falling by 0.1% in the June quarter. Country manager Bridget Snelling told Mike Hosking sectors that are more sensitive to consumer spending and interest rates are being hit hardest. She says construction is down 6.4%, retail is holding flat, and hospitality is down 2.1%, so it's tough conditions for small businesses. However, sales in the month of June rose 4.4%, the strongest monthly increase since April 2024. Snelling says we're in an unstable global economic situation, and people are not feeling confident to spend as they may have done in a more prosperous economic time. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister for Courts says updating procedures for running Judge Alone Trials is a good step in the mammoth task of speeding up the courts. Newstalk ZB can reveal it'll be implemented countrywide tomorrow. It introduces registrar-led prosecution and defence teleconferences three weeks before trial and allows courts to start earlier to review and prioritise scheduled cases. Minister Nicole McKee told Mike Hosking pilots they've run have seen good results. She says it's based on the need of the trial and the readiness of the person being prosecuted, especially for those sitting on remand for a long time. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Resources Minister says New Zealand's missed a trick with geothermal energy. Shane Jones' draft strategy lays out a goal of doubling its production by 2040. He says we should have begun investment seven years ago, when we banned oil and gas exploration. Jones told Mike Hosking we have some great expertise on geothermal energy that we should be harnessing. He says Indonesia and other areas are investing in this, and our New Zealanders are more highly regarded there, than here. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concern over a never-ending pile of costs for airlines as our air traffic control prices soar. Provider of the service, Airways, is putting its fees up 17.7% over the next three years. It says its pricing is based on the number of flights scheduled in and out of each airport. Airline Representatives Executive Director Cath O'Brien told Mike Hosking some countries' governments invest in these services, but here, airlines pay for everything. She says they pay for air traffic control the civil aviation authority, and also airport buildings. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a belief it's going to be a long journey to get Kiwibank into the ring with the big leagues. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has announced the bank's parent company is being allowed to raise $500 million from investors to help it compete with the four major banks. Simplicity founder Sam Stubbs says Kiwibank will need more capital over time. He told Mike Hosking if the country has five banks making profits, at least one will re-invest in KiwiSaver. Stubbs says it'll bring pricing pressures into the market, which there's very little of right now. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An appointment sure to pique the interest of many New Zealand football followers. Olympic gold medal-winning coach Bev Priestman's penned a two-year deal to take charge of the Phoenix women's side. Priestman —who led the Canadian women's team to Olympic glory in 2021— has just finished serving a one-year ban from the game for her role in the Canadian team's misuse of drones at last year's Olympics. She told Mike Hosking that it's a long suspension and not something she's proud of, but in that time she's had a chance to learn, reflect, and grow. Priestman says she can't wait to get on the grass and do what she loves every day again. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the gang numbers grow police say they're keeping a better check on their behaviour. Gang numbers have climbed past 10 thousand, up from 9,270 in 2023. Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Basham says since the Gang Act was passed, they've launched more than nine thousand charges against gang members. He told Mike Hosking they have a laser focus on gangs. Basham says part of the increase could be attributed to police keeping a closer eye on them. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has begun looking for possible areas for cutbacks for next year's Budget. Associate Finance Minister David Seymour said he hopes the Government can equal or exceed the savings achieved in its first two Budgets. He says the Government's trying to reduce its spending from about 35% of GDP to about 31%. Seymour told Mike Hosking it's an ongoing process of "looking behind the couch" for savings. He says it's a matter of every year, every Budget, finding things that the Government would never have started and stopping them. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Contradicting statements out of the US and Israel over the hunger crisis in Gaza. The region's health authority says 14 people have died in the past 24 hours due to starvation, which Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denies. He says Israel's enabled humanitarian aid throughout the duration of the war, otherwise there would be no Gazans. But US President Donald Trump says he's seen it, and is promising to set up food centres. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that the question now is how long does a starving kid continue to starve while new systems are being set up? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.