Podcasts about police minister mark mitchell

On Saturday, Destiny Church held a protest in the Auckland CBD under the slogan “no immigration without assimilation”, denouncing non-Christian religions and other groups in Aotearoa. The demonstration, which Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki described as a “lawful, peaceful protest”, involved the destruction and burning of flags including the Palestinian flag and the Rainbow Pride flag. Leaders from a collection of ethnic community groups have called for the toughening of hate speech laws in response to the intolerance displayed at this protest action, which political figures like Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour and Police Minister Mark Mitchell condemned as “unkiwi”, and “vile rhetoric and behaviour”. Seeking to dive deeper into the issue of extremism and hostility towards diverse cultures in New Zealand, I spoke with far right and alt-right extremism expert Byron Clark about the protest and the existence of these groups in Aotearoa. Producer Sara began the interview by asking Clark to explain the kind of ideologies that were on display at the protest.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell says told Mike Hosking that police bodycams would help clear up misconceptions in the field. He says he was talking to a young constable who was coward punched and a body camera would've made for compelling evidence. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers wants the cameras to be implemented after a decision was put off last year. Police are still looking into ways to deal with transparency issues laid bare when new tasers for frontline officers didn't include a camera. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The select committee process has proven useful in substantially strengthening anti-stalking laws. Originally proposals on making it an offence had a maximum penalty of five years in prison, capturing three specified acts within one-year. But it'll now be triggered after two acts within two years. Labour's Police spokesperson Ginny Anderson told Mike Hosking it's an example of why the process is an important part of our democracy. She says it's been great to work collaboratively, to listen to submissions, to understand what Police can do and to make the changes to strengthen the law. Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Hosking that police take these things extremely seriously, and they now have the tools to be able to give a meaningful response. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister, Police Commissioner and Police Minister have all been forced to hose down concerns over an internal police memo directing officers not to investigate crimes under a certain value. The nationwide internal directive, made public by RNZ, set the cut off for petrol drive off at $150, $500 for shoplifting and $1000 for fraud, including online scams. The instruction was to file those cases regardless of lines of inquiry or solvability. Police Minister Mark Mitchell spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Police Minister is attempting to clarify the meaning of a memo to staff on lower-value retail crime cases. The nation-wide directive told staff not to investigate shoplifting worth less than $500 dollars - and less significant petrol, online and retail theft. Mark Mitchell says that's not explicitly what the memo intended. He's promised police will respond to crime, and says the directive should have been worded better. "And it could have been much clearer in the way it was written - it did create some confusion, I totally understand and get that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 27 May 2025, Police Minister Mark Mitchell fronts up on the show to calm some nerves. Retailers are worried about a police memo that indicated police won't investigate shoplifting below a certain value. Tragedy in Palmerston North where a teenager has died after a run it straight type event. But is a ban the answer to preventing more harm? Labour leader Chris Hipkins responds to Winston Peters ruling out any NZ First-Labour coalition as long as Hipkins is the leader. Does that mean his days as party leader are numbered? Plus, the Huddle debates *that* shove from the French president's wife that was caught on camera. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. You cannot go into an election promising to get tough on crime, win the election and vow to draw a line in the sand, declare war on the crims, and then issue a directive that police won't turn up to minor crime. To paraphrase supermodel Linda Evangelista, who famously said she wouldn't get out of bed for less than $10,000, it appears our coppers won't get out of their Skodas for less than $500. A memo has surfaced directing police staff not to investigate crimes under a certain value, such as shoplifting goods under $500. As you can imagine, there have been howls of outrage from retailers and dairy owners, and police are now scrambling to explain themselves. Ann-Marie Johnson, Retail NZ manager, was on Early Edition this morning. She says that retailers do have a realistic expectation of police. “Retailers know that police aren't going to show up to every small, very minor case of shoplifting, but we certainly want to know that they're taking these crimes seriously and that where they can, they will be following up and arresting. Often they're repeat offenders, so we know who they are, and police know who they are, so we want to particularly focus on those people.” Well, exactly. I remember ages ago I left my window open. I used to live in a villa that was on the street, and I left the window open in summer and some opportunistic heffer managed to heave herself through the window and scoop up what she could see in my bedroom and disappear. And I rang the police, not because I expected them to turn up, but because I needed the case number for my insurance claim, but somebody turned up about 3 or 4 days later and dusted for fingerprints on the windowsill. And because of that, they were able to match it to a nest of Vipers in West Auckland, a group of women who had committed all sorts of petty thefts and burglaries and crimes, and so it was worth holding off on the house cleaning and not doing the window sill so the police could dust for fingerprints. Of course they can't turn up to every crime. I know that, but it's not a good look. Police Minister Mark Mitchell says he is happy to talk, but he doesn't want to get ahead “of the police executive who are going to clarify their position”. I can only imagine the “please explain” face on the Minister when he made a call to the newish-Commissioner. It's one thing for us all to know that if our wallet is nicked because we stupidly left it on a bus stop seat, we know the police aren't going to converge on the scene of the crime, all blues and two in their numbers. It is quite another thing to know that a directive has been sent applying nationally standardised threshold values when assessing theft and fraud. Losing $500 worth of groceries and goods can have a huge impact on a small business' weekly turnover, and I sure as hell do not want to see losers walking out of supermarkets with $500 worth of groceries, getting a free pass. You don't elect a centre right government for that sort of carry on. That was the very thing that galvanised a significant number of voters to vote centre right. You may not be able to get to every petty thief in the country, you know that. I know that the retailers know that, and the crims sure as hell know that, but the messaging from police has to be that they're going to jolly well try. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, Full Show Podcast Tuesday the 27th of May 2025, Retail NZ's Ann Marie Johnson tells Ryan Bridge why they've has called for an urgent meeting with Police Minister Mark Mitchell after Police were told to no longer investigate allegations of shop lifting below $500. Greyhound racing New Zealand are calling for a judicial review into the Government's decision to ban the sector, Greyhound trainer Craig Roberts shares what the ban will mean for him. Federated Farmers are warning of declining sheep numbers, Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard tells Ryan Bridge what this means from a Government stand point. Ryan Bridge shares his thoughts on Winston Peters ruling out working with Chris Hipkins. Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on a snap ban on machetes in Victoria after a violent brawl in a suburban shopping centre. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retail NZ is calling for an urgent meeting with the police minister. RNZ reports staff have been directed to not investigate shoplifting below $500 and online fraud below $1000. Police say they may not take look further into crime below the threshold and lacking evidence. Retail NZ Advocacy Manager Ann-Marie Johnson told Ryan Bridge they know officers aren't going to turn up at every small incident. She says they just want to know Police are taking these crimes seriously and arresting where they can. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Minister is reassuring retailers officers will still turn up to reports of shoplifting. RNZ reports staff have been directed to not investigate retail crime below $500 and online fraud below $1000. Police may not take further action if the reports don't have enough evidence, such as CCTV. However, Mark Mitchell told Kerre Woodham every crime deserves a response. He says he wants to be clear that people can't go out and shoplift anything under the value of $500 – there will be a police response, especially if the offender is able to be identified. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following another dramatic police chase making the weekend headlines, the Afternoons team raise the question over whether it's okay to try and drive away from the authorities. One caller, Mike, opened up about his fleeting experience trying to get away from the police - and then he weighed in on the ethics of this idea. Later, Police Minister Mark Mitchell revealed he was listening - and revealed why you should comply and not try to flee from the cops. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Full Show Podcast for Monday the 19th of May, we talked about a very dramatic police pursuit of a fleeing driver in South Auckland. Our very first caller told us about his success in fleeing the police recently. Police Minister Mark Mitchell heard the call and gave us a ring. Then a very interesting conversation about toxoplasmosis and just how common it is. Cats carry the parasite that causes it and you can get the disease a number of other ways as well. An expert from Otago University toing us on the show as well. And to finish the show - doggy bags at restaurants - are you a fan or is it a pain for hospo? Get the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Podcast every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's conceded it'll likely miss its November target for 500 new police. Under the National-NZ First coalition agreement, it aimed to reach the recruitment target within its first two years in office. Police bosses say they've been facing challenges, with more trainees failing training and more people leaving the force. Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking they're not going to get hung up on the target. He says they're going to deliver the 500, but standards matter, and they won't compromise. Labour's Ginny Andersen told Mike Hosking that the closer they can get to what they promised the better, but they're currently only sitting at 17 extra officers from when they started. She says getting to 500 by November is virtually impossible. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming has resigned. Police Minister Mark Mitchell announced on Monday Mr McSkimming had quit before he could be dismissed. National Crime Correspondent Sam Sherwood spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Prime Minister, Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Police Commissioner Richard Chambers are not talking about the two investigations into police deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming.

The Prime Minister won't comment on the resignation of New Zealand's second most powerful cop, Jevon McSkimming. The Deputy Police Commissioner had been on suspension since December - but Police Minister Mark Mitchell has now confirmed he's resigned with immediate effect after new serious allegations. Mitchell says the Prime Minister had already been considering recommending the Governor General immediately remove McSkimming from office. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ACT party has invoked its "agree to disagree" clause in relation to National's recent review of the firearms registry. Police Minister Mark Mitchell spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The Police Minister has expressed interest in locking up criminals for longer in a bid to cut down on reoffending. Criminals that serve five years or more in jail are generally less likely to reoffend, according to new reports. Mark Mitchell says he's asked Corrections to examine whether shorter sentences can be extended. "Longer sentences normally mean the people commit to their rehabilitation better, engage in more rehabilitation, and are therefore less risk to the community when they come out." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The leader of the country's largest iwi is calling for the police to crackdown on drug dealers and methamphetamine use in Northland. Ngāpuhi leader, Mane Tahere says he saw a group of youngsters smoking a meth pipe in daylight on the main street of Kaikohe - just down the road from the police station. He's met with Police Minister Mark Mitchell - asking authorities to use tactics similar to the drug raids carried out in Opotiki last year. Police Minister Mark Mitchell talks to Kerre Woodham about the issue. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hawkes Bay has seen three shootings in 48 hours as gang conflicts heat up. A gang conflict warrant has been invoked 26 times since Thursday, leading to eight arrests. Police Minister Mark Mitchell talks to Mike Hosking about the conflict. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 15 April 2025, Police Minister Mark Mitchell tells Heather how the Government's managed to hit its target to reduce the number of violent crime victims four years early. Should a Minister really have to tell the health department to use the term "pregnant women" rather than "pregnant person"? A crackdown is coming for bad dog owners who chain up their dogs for too long - but Heather thinks the Government needs to go much further and crack down on dangerous dogs. Plus, on the Huddle, Stuart Nash's biggest clue yet that he might be looking to become a NZ First candidate. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm sure you'll tell me if you think I'm stuck in the past, but I reckon that with the police now being expected to do roadside drug tests —as well as everything else— I think we should bring back the old MOT. The old traffic cops. Officially, it was known as the traffic safety service, but we all knew it as the MOT. And, yes, I know the police are struggling as it is to get the 500 new cops by the end of the year that the government has promised. But if they are now going to be expected to do thousands of roadside drug tests —as well as the alcohol tests and writing out tickets for speeding drivers— then I think they should create a separate, dedicated traffic division. The way the roadside drug testing is going to work is that drivers will do a saliva test. If it's positive, it'll be sent to the lab for further testing. As well as that, an extra test will be done on the spot and, if that's positive as well, the police will order them to stay off the road for 12 hours. As someone who thinks we should have a zero alcohol limit for drivers, anything to try and catch the clowns who drive stoned is a good thing in my book. Especially when you consider the carnage that has been caused by drivers high on drugs. Here's a stat that proves it: in 2022 alone, 112 people died in crashes where drugs were involved. That was about 30% of all road deaths that year. So the MOT was merged with the police in 1992 and, considering the fact that police are going to be expected to do 50,000 roadside drug tests each year as well as more roadside alcohol tests, change is needed. The Government's told them that instead of doing 3 million alcohol tests a year, they're going to be expected to do 3.3 million – so an extra 300,000. So 300,000 more alcohol tests, plus the 50,000 roadside drug tests. I imagine Police Minister Mark Mitchell would say that the police already have a highway patrol, but I don't think that's going to be sufficient long-term. And it's why I think we should have a genuine, dedicated traffic policing service. The other aspect of this too is that the Government has told the police that if they don't meet these roadside testing targets —for the alcohol and for the drugs— they won't get all their funding. So, full marks to the political parties that voted this drug-testing legislation through, but I think we're setting the police up to fail if we don't have a re-think about how all this testing is going to be done. And, for me, the best way to ensure this new law lives up to its promise is to have a dedicated traffic policing service. Like we used to. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, the journalist who was accidentally added to a group-chat discussing US plans to bomb Yemen has released a series of unredacted text messages, the Parole Board has ordered the immediate release of hunger striker Dean Wickliffe from prison, Green MP Tamatha Paul has come under fire over comments she made about an increase in police patrols, we hear from Paul as well as the Police Minister Mark Mitchell, and a public radio time capsule has been unearthed by Parliament's security services.

Green MP Tamatha Paul said she has had complaints about police beat patrols, and that a visible police presence makes people feel more on edge. Police Minister Mark Mitchell spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

This week on the Sunday Panel, Coast day host and host of travel podcast Trip Notes, Lorna Riley, and senior PR consultant at One Plus One Communications, Damien Venuto, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more! President Trump, Ukranian President Zelenskyy and VP Vance held a heated meeting yesterday. Trump accused the Ukranian President of not being ready for peace, and gambling with World War 3. How dangerous is this exchange? What could the fallout be? The Government has agreed to review the legal aid system in order to prioritise victims and their access to justice. Do we agree with this move? Police Minister Mark Mitchell made headlines after leaping into Auckland's Viaduct Harbour fully clothed during the Z Manu Grand Finals. How do we rate his form?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Opposition is wary innocent people may come off worse if more citizen's arrests are permitted. The Government is due to announce a refresh in the way it handles retail crime this afternoon, following a 12% rise in rates last year. A loosening of citizen arrest rules is expected, which currently only allow arrests between 9pm and 6am, and for crimes with a maximum punishment of at least three years in prison. Labour's Police Spokesperson Ginny Andersen says New Zealand has already seen examples where people have been injured or lost their life, because a weapon was involved. Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking the police can't be everywhere all the time, and they want to make sure that business owners and customers are protected. He says they want to ensure people have the right to defend themselves and their property without criminalising themselves. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Minister is crediting officers and Corrections staff for success from a crackdown on violent crime. The Government's celebrating a two percent decline in victimisations in 2024, compared to 2023. It's alongside a 40 percent increase in foot patrols. Ram raids more than halved - but retail crime rose 12 percent. Mark Mitchell says New Zealand should be the safest country in the world. "We're definitely not crowing about it yet - it's early days, we know we've still got an enormous amount of work to do. But it's certainly a step in the right direction." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 25 February 2025, Police Minister Mark Mitchell talks to Ryan Bridge about crime figures being down for the first time since 2018. Minister for Resources Shane Jones talks about the Government's plans for a new special economic zone for Marsden point. The President of the Auckland Primary Principals Association explains why fast tracking teacher residency is a good thing for the education sector. Plus, Gregor Paul joins Ryan to discusses the entry of streaming giants DAZN into the NZ rugby rights battle - are we likely to see a game changer? Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 76 gang patches and more than 315 other insignia items have been seized by police since the government's new gang laws came into force in November. They've laid more than 3000 charges against gang members, including for drugs, firearms and serious violence. But police have not yet issued any disperal notices, prohibition orders or laid any non-consorting charges. Police Minister Mark Mitchell spoke to Lisa Owen.

This week another police officer was struck by a vehicle, this time in Huntly. The officer suffered moderate injuries. It comes after the horrible New Year's Day incident in which Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming was killed and another officer injured after being struck by a vehicle in Nelson. Police Minister Mark Mitchell said on the Mike Hosking Breakfast this morning, Police and first responders are increasingly dealing with violence. Not just here in New Zealand, but globally as well. It's good to hear Mitchell, alongside Paul Goldsmith, is planning to bring new legislation into the house in the first quarter of this year to bring in tougher sentencing for violent behaviour towards first responders and prison officers. It would have been better if it had been included in Goldsmith's sentencing reforms, which had its first reading in Parliament last September. Those reforms too are to ensure criminals face tougher consequences and victims are prioritised. This new legislation aimed at offenders towards first responders will not just impose tougher sentences, but also clearly define emergency service workers, and require sentencing to be cumulative rather than concurrent. It's aimed at being a preventative measure, but something tells me offenders will get the message through experience rather than media headlines. We owe our first responders as much support as possible. They go to work and deal with a level of risk the rest of us don't have to confront. These laws show we as New Zealanders appreciate their work and are prepared to do what we can to protect them. I hope the work to clarify who is a first responder - generally thought of as police, paramedics, and the fire service - is extended to hospital emergency staff, and possibly even other health workers. The need for this legislation, this growing anger and agitation experienced by many in public facing jobs - especially those in retail - makes you wonder what has happened to us as a wider community. You rarely go into a shop without signs telling you kindness is appreciated, or that they will not tolerate abusive behaviour. Is this a post-Covid thing? Have we just got more angry with the world? Is it a need to be seen and heard? We seem to have forgotten that the consequence of anger is often more damaging than what made us angry in the first place/ Hopefully the least these tougher laws will achieve, is help bring that back into perspective. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Politics Wednesday Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen joined Mike Hosking to wrap the political week thus far. They talked the new jury duty bill, the increasing speed limits, and where the Government is at heading into 2025. The Police Minister is welcoming a member's bill that could see more seniors serving on juries. National's Whanganui MP, Carl Bates, has proposed raising the age when people can be automatically excused from jury duty from 65 to 72. People could still be excused for other reasons like health issues or career experience. Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking it would unlock lots of talent that the jury service needs. He says there are many in that age bracket who would make outstanding jurors and have the time to dedicate to it. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a hold-up for the Government's latest crackdown on boy racers. Police Minister Mark Mitchell had said he'd introduce legislation this year giving police new powers to seize vehicles from boy racers following a string of illegal meetups. But that will no longer happen. Mitchell told Heather du Plessis-Allan the law change wasn't as simple as he thought it would be. He says there's still complexity to work through, but it's at the front of the queue for next year. Labour's Ginny Andersen says that between this and the delay in training new police, there seems to be a pattern where Mitchell promises big things and doesn't follow through. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 6th of December, has scrutiny revealed some broken promises from the Government regarding the police and prison numbers? Police Minister Mark Mitchell fronts up. The Prime Minister joined Mike in studio as we bring back the infamous gift exchange at the end of the year. For the final time of the year Mike, Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson talk Christmas plans, work Christmas parties, and Spotify Wrapped as they Wrap the Week. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his first official day in the job the new Police commissioner has delivered an early Christmas present to Auckland businesses and residents; anouncing the city centre's getting a new police base, almost a decade after the last one closed. A number of businesses and residents have been campaigning for a bricks and mortar presence in the central city saying violent and anti-social behaviour is major issue. In July, police increased the number of officers carrying out foot patrols in the area - adding another 21 officers. The previous station on Fort Street closed down in 2013 and the police headquarter moved to Freeman's Bay in 2019. Police Minister Mark Mitchell, previously told RNZ there was no budget for it, he spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Government says it's chosen a strategically good location for its new Auckland CBD police station. The Federal Street facility should be completed mid-2025, and will have 51 beat officers. The College Hill station will continue its operations - and the old Vincent Street premises are still up for sale. Police Minister Mark Mitchell says centralised police stations in the past were great. "I think the Federal Street option is just such a good option - it's centralised, our beat officers are covering the entire CBD, the feedback and anecdotal feedback has been just fantastic." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Thursday, those caught displaying gang insignia in public will be liable for a $5000 fine or up to six months imprisonment. Police Minister Mark Mitchell spoke to Corin Dann.

Wellington authorities are bracing for big crowds, as up to 30,000 people are expected to join the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti marching on Parliament tomorrow. Marchers have walked the length of the North Island in opposition of ACT's Treaty Principles Bill - and the nine-day journey is set to come to an end. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Police Minister Mark Mitchell has confirmed there are preparations in place ahead of tomorrow's event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A mass hikoi has departed Northland and is heading to Parliament. As many as 20,000 people are expected to arrive on the grounds early next week. Police Minister Mark Mitchell joins to discuss how the police are preparing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell has rejected claims that police left young children to fend for themselves after their parents had been arrested during an operation in Opotiki. Te Whakatohea kaikorero spoke to Paora Brosnan Maori news journalist Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira.

The Police Minister is rejecting claims a baby was left alone during last month's Bay of Plenty gang raids. Police carried out a series of raids targeting the Barbarian chapter of the Mongrel Mob, based in Ōpōtiki. Allegations have since emerged of Police leaving young children alone in homes after the operations. Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking the claims are baseless. He says Police have reassured him that no children were left alone afterwards. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's Peeni Henare is calling for an inquiry into a police raid in Ōpōtiki on properties with ties to the Mongrel Mob, with arrests and asset seizures. There've been accusations women were strip-searched and a three year old child was left alone. Police Minister Mark Mitchell denies children were left alone - and questions the claim of strip searches. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper wonders why Henare is calling for this move. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Minister has defended deporting 11 Vietnamese nationals, believed to be part of an organised crime group, after a major drug bust. The operation targeted 30 rented Auckland properties. About 3000 plants were destroyed, along with 48 kilograms of dried cannabis - valued at $18 million. But Mark Mitchell says deporting looked to be less of a hassle than going through the courts. "They were here illegally, they were going to be a big cost to the taxpayer - the police and Immigration worked together, they had discretion around this and they thought the best thing to do was put them on a plane straight back to Vietnam." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government will be making an announcement on improving safety on Auckland's public transport network. A woman was fatally stabbed on a bus on Wednesday - and 37 year old Aucklander Kael Leona appeared in court today charged with murder. The ministers of Police and Auckland held talks with AT and Police this afternoon, and Simeon Brown will make an announcement tomorrow. Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Heather du Plessis-Allan that he has a different role to play. Mitchell says he's focusing on reassurance at the moment - and will meet the victim's family if asked. Mitchell says for the past few weeks he and Brown have been discussing with authorities how to improve transport safety. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outgoing Police Commissioner Andrew Coster has accepted there'll be a range of views on whether he's been tough enough on crime.  The top cop, whose been in the role since early 2020, is leaving the role earlier than signalled.  He's stepping down as commissioner in November to lead the new Social Investment Agency.  Coster copped criticism from current Police Minister Mark Mitchell, while he was in opposition.  Andrew Coster told Mike Hosking it seems Police have been more 'in the thick' of politics.  He says they got drawn in to a really law and order focused election.  When it comes to his new job, Coster sees it as the ambulance at the top of the cliff, rather than the bottom.  He told Hosking there's about $70 billion dollars of social services spending per year - something he says he wants to understand to get better results.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The current Police Minister's standing by his criticism of the Police Commissioner while in opposition, and believes things have changed.  Andrew Coster will lead the new Social Investment Agency, exiting the role of Commissioner earlier than anticipated.  During the last Labour Government, National's Mark Mitchell slammed Coster's approach to policing, once suggesting it was like having cups of tea with gang members.  Coster's acknowledged there's a view he was 'soft'.  Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking the Commissioner has to serve the Government of the day.  He says in opposition he didn't agree with the Government's policy direction.  Labour's Ginny Andersen believes he went above and beyond to do everything he could do while in the job.   She said that he did a great job in the role and had some really challenging things to deal with.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Minister has confidence Police Commissioner Andrew Coster will fit well into his new role. Coster has led the police since 2020, but will move to become the head of the Social Investment Agency in November. Mark Mitchell says the agency will be at the forefront of dealing with inter-generational social issues. He says he looks forward to seeing Coster succeed in the new position. "The Social Investment Agency's got a big role to play and I think that Andy Coster, when you look at his background and experience - he's the perfect fit for the role." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's support from across the political aisle over a Police crackdown on the Comancheros gang.  Nearly every member of the gang is facing criminal charges, showing the scale of operation to take out the Comancheros.  Speaking to Mike Hosking, Police Minister Mark Mitchell is applauding Police efforts, and says it's outstanding Policing.  Labour's Police spokesperson Ginny Andersen says they're also pleased to see the violence targeted.  She says it's great to see the gang's misery peddle shut down by the force.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland police believe the extra exposure in the city centre is making a difference. New data shows a 22 percent drop in in serious assaults in the CBD in the first seven months of the year, compared to the same time last year. Police Minister Mark Mitchell's putting it down to a collaborative approach between officers and agencies to get people the support they need. Police Association spokesperson Murray Fenton says the feedback from visitors and locals is refreshing. "It's really exciting, because our international visitors are coming up to us on the streets, our local people, our business people, our retailers - we're getting support from so many types of people." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 22nd of August, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown talks whether the Government would really put a cap on council spending.  Is our police force racist? Police Minister Mark Mitchell doesn't think so and says police only deal with those doing the crime. So, what does the Commissioner Andrew Coster think?  Team NZ boss Grant Dalton gives us a detailed insight into the team and preparations as the 37th America's Cup gets underway tonight.  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.

Police will be getting a $1500 lump sum payment, a flat $5000 pay increase plus another four percent increase in July and again in 2025. There will also be a 5.25% increase in allowances backdated to November. The Police Association said it is disappointed with the ruling, which means they've fallen behind nurses and teachers, and it doesn't fully reflect the cost of living. Police Minister Mark Mitchell speaks to Susana Lei'ataua.