The Mike Hosking Breakfast

It looks to be a still but chilly night as the All Blacks take on France.  They’re entering the pitch with two major wins under the belt, after defeating both Ireland and England.  Newstalk ZB’s Voice of Rugby Elliott Smith told Mike Hosking that if they get through this week, the pressure valve releases a little.  He says there’s a bit of a steely resolve in the team now that they’ve got a couple of wins behind them.  “I don’t think they’d want to leave the tour with the old rocks and beach towels over summer.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the week comes to a close, Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was.  They discussed jury duty, clap backs, and what is and isn’t appropriate for the leader of a state-owned company to do in their free time.  And, Tim and Kate break out the defence for Producer Sam, who, in Tim’s words, is a prisoner of the Hosking Regime.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's considering charging more for visits to national parks and conservation areas.  The Department of Conservation has released two documents for public consultation on modernising conservation.  It's seeking feedback on questions like who should pay visitor fees, including both domestic and international tourists.  Conservation Minister Tama Potaka told Mike Hosking he understands there will be some concerns.  He says there are some people who believe it's their right to go to these places for free.  Consultations closes in February.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 15th of November, former Speaker Sir Lockwood Smith gives his thoughts on the shambles that was the Treaty Principles Bill "debate".  Elliott Smith regales us with his experience so far in Paris ahead of the All Blacks match against France.  Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson break out the defence for producer Sam, talk jury duty, and what you can do in your free time as someone who runs a state-owned company.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report has found only 1.38% of visas are for skilled residents.  The Office of the Auditor-General has been looking into Immigration New Zealand, and says a greater focus needs to be put on attracting skilled residents.  Senior Performance Auditor Lucy Mouland told Mike Hosking that if the agency improved its systems, it could give New Zealand a competitive edge internationally.  She says skilled residents are the people our country needs to meet future challenges, so more must be done to draw them in.  Immigration New Zealand has released a statement welcoming the report, saying they accept the findings in principle and are looking into how they can implement them in line with INZ’s current work programme, priorities and resources. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Insurers are required to ask the right questions and not leave it up to policy holders.  New legislation has been designed to modernise outdated insurance laws, helping protect consumers and provide certainty for insurers.  A Bill has passed its Third Reading in the House.   Andrew Horne, a partner at law firm Minter Ellison, told Mike Hosking people won't need to predict the future when it comes to the risks facing their properties.  He says it’s good for consumers, as they won’t have to put themselves in the space of an insurer and try work out what an insurer would think is important.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Parliamentary Speaker says standards of the House have slipped in recent years.  During debate around ACT's Treaty Principles Bill, Labour's Willie Jackson called David Seymour a liar, while Te Pati Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi compared the party to the KKK.  Former Speaker of the House, Sir Lockwood Smith told Mike Hosking that this is “as bad as he's ever seen the House”.  He said it was “really sad” to see Parliament.  “The whole standard of the place has been lowered in recent years.  “Once you start letting it slip, another inch happens, another centimetre.”  Smith argued standards had been slipping in the house for a while.  “Parliament is meant to be where people we chose to represent us… they are meant to be the leaders of our communities.  “Parliament is the highest court in the land, our most respected citizens.”  Smith said Brownlee should not be blamed and he had “no choice” but to clear the House.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A financial policy advisor says he's sceptical IRD's student debt crackdown will work.  The agency's engaged debt collectors to secure more than $2 billion of outstanding student loans from people who have moved overseas.  Fincap Senior Policy Adviser Jake Lilley told Mike Hosking those with large student loans shouldn't be expected to pay it back on the spot.  He says if people don't have the money, it's never going to get paid, and those being chased down should talk to their creditors.  He says there’s often relief available for those unable to pay their debts.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's latest nomination for roles in his Cabinet has drawn shock from some Republicans.   He's nominated Congressman Matt Gaetz to be his Attorney General.   Gaetz has previously been investigated over allegations of sexual misconduct.  US correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking it's causing backlash.   He says multiple Republicans are scathing about their colleague — with one reportedly using a swear word when he found out.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elon Musk has copped some flak from Italian officials.  President Sergio Mattarella has told Elon Musk not to interfere in Italian affairs after the billionaire said Rome judges blocking a government anti-immigration initiative should be sent packing.   Italy Correspondent Jo McKenna told Mike Hosking that Mattarella used very diplomatic language to tell Musk to butt out of Italian politics.   In response, Musk issued a statement expressing his respect for Mattarella and the Italian constitution, but reaffirmed his intention to continue to freely express his opinions.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.