The Mike Hosking Breakfast

The richest man in the world, Elon Musk is a controversial man with a history of innovation and entrepreneurship.  He’s one of the most talked about men in America, and after hitching his ride to Donald Trump in the election, now one of the most influential players in US politics.  Musk was the largest donor in the 2024 election cycle, spending at least US$277 million to back Trump’s run for the White House, as well as putting his social power behind the candidate.  Former Managing Editor of Forbes and host of the “What’s Bugging Me” podcast on Ricochet, Dennis Kneale has written a book about Elon Musk’s journey as a CEO. 'The Leadership Genius of Elon Musk' distils the businessman's success down into 11 lessons, breaking down his philosophies, successes, and controversial standing. Kneale told Mike Hosking he believes Musk got involved in politics reluctantly.  “I truly believe he never would have gotten involved if he hadn't felt that America was about to tumble down into the woke mind virus and never come back from it.”  Backing a specific political party or candidate can be a risk for a business, as it runs the risk of alienating potential customers.  “He knows that he turns off half the audience, and he wants 100% of the audience buying Tesla cars,” Kneale said.  However, Musk’s passion for free speech and a lack of censorship seems to have outweighed the potential loss of customers.  “He has more appreciation for the First Amendment right to freedom of speech and free expression than most Americans do.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 28th of January, the digital nomad tourist visa change was long overdue, so why is it only being done now?  The Prime Minister spars with Mike about actually putting spades in the ground instead of just lip service.    Former Fox and CNBC anchor Dennis Kneale has written a new book on one of the most interesting men in the world —Elon Musk— so he joins us for a chat.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, discusses the delicate balance in the nation's relationship with Kiribati, emphasizing the suspension of aid amidst diplomatic tensions. He argues for effective spending and the need for dialogue. Additionally, Luxon shares his vision for revitalizing tourism through a new digital nomad visa, aiming to resurrect growth that has stalled post-COVID. He stresses the urgency of returning New Zealand to the top of tourists' destinations and the importance of restoring connections with international travel operators.

There are more tariff threats from President Trump after a tense standoff with Colombia.  The South American nation rejected US planes of deported Colombian migrants, but has now had to backtrack after Trump threatened large tariffs.  The President has floated imposing tariffs on a number of trading partners as part of his 'America first' economic policy.  But New Zealand International Business Forum Executive Director Stephen Jacobi told Mike Hosking that while it's making many countries anxious, he's yet to act on the threats.  He says Trump appears to be taking his time.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's signalling more visa changes could be on the way to encourage overseas travellers.   There's been a loosening of visa settings, allowing tourists on holiday here for up to nine months to work remotely for an overseas employer.   Tourism Minister Louise Upston says the tourism sector continues to fall short of pre-pandemic visitor numbers.  She told Mike Hosking they're looking at how to make New Zealand an easier place to visit, including reviewing the visa rules.  Upston says the changes have to be balanced by risk, but people want to know if they apply to come here, that they'll likely get in.  The Tourism Minister says the change will attract digital nomads and is part of the ongoing work to get tourism numbers back to pre-pandemic levels.  She Hosking Australia will be her initial focus, as it's very easy for Australians to come visit.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The news is continuing to get better for Canterbury milk company Synlait.  Its share price climbed 16% yesterday off the back of news it's expecting to return to profitability in the first half of the financial year.  That follows a bail-out by major shareholders, Bright Dairy and a2 Milk.  Acting Chief Executive Tim Carter told Mike Hosking the bounce-back is good, but they still have a lot of work to do.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A first of its kind University of Otago study has revealed worrying misconceptions among our teens about vaping.  The study found widespread belief that vaping will help with stress and anxiety, prompting people to use it as a coping mechanism.  Is vaping as popular with young people as smoking was as its worst?   University of Otago Senior Research Fellow Jude Ball discusses the issue with Ryan Bridge, if young people are pressured by their peers to pick up the habit, and whether we are drawing too much attention to vaping as whole.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australians came out in their thousands yesterday when protesting to change the date of Australia Day.  Melbourne saw around 25,000 people turn out for the event, and proactive speeches calling Australia "a racist nation," and a "coalition nation."  Australian Correspondent Steve Price talks to Ryan Bridge about the protests, what the polls are indicating for this year's election, and Australian of the Year Neale Daniher.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ohakune is basking in the closure of Desert Road, as businesses are reaping the benefits of a detour.  The Mountain Rocks Café & Bar owner Karl Christensen said his business hasn't been so busy since post-lockdown.  "We've got this flow of traffic, nose to tail through town most of the time, and it's just blown us away really," he said. Maintenance is projected to take two months.   LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday 27 January. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.