The Mike Hosking Breakfast

"Every three years the political goalposts move".  Indeed, we call it an election. But the quote is from the infrastructure industry.  Their report out this week tells you the usual tale – that the pipeline, or lack of it, is an issue and politics gets in the way. It holds the country back.  The Treasury report we featured this week as well tells pretty much the same story. Their report spanned out over 40 years and talks of the fear that our debt will be at 200% of GDP if we don't do something about it.  We have a lot of big picture issues that we know are issues and yet we haven't been able to crack them.  To be fair this Government has tried the big picture talk. They've announced a pretty decent pipeline of longer-term work and they have cited various countries that have a greater level of political cooperation than we do.  Certain sectors and projects are handled by independent bodies that operate between Governments; a project is agreed to and that project is not interfered with if a government changes.  This week's example gave little hope that we have the maturity to try and change the way we continue to shoot ourselves in the collective foot.  Luxon wrote to Hipkins about oil and gas exploration inquiring as to whether we can get cross party agreement.  The problem is that although exploration and applications are back open and we have $200 million of taxpayer money to get skin in the game, the fear is that no one is signing up if you don’t know the rules stay the same.  Hipkins said the letter was desperate, so that’s that then.  Which is a shame and Hipkins should know better, act better, and ask himself whether he serves the country well with such a myopic response.  No one is really a fan of oil and gas, but surely, we all agree it’s a big help between now and whenever all the windmills, solar panels and batteries are up and running.  Does he really prefer coal? Can he not see that keeping the lights on is kind of important? Can he not be a bigger person about it?  America is closed down currently because the two sides hate each other. We aren't as bad, but we could be an awful lot better.  Surely it can't be so hard to put common, economic interest beyond simple, party politics?  Surely two major so-called centre parties can't be so far apart that a basic like power supply can't be dealt with in a civil and collegial way, right? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White House Press Secretary's confirmed federal layoffs could happen within days thanks to the latest United States government shutdown.  Federal funding expired yesterday after Democrats and Republicans failed to get their respective bills through the senate, furloughing thousands of government workers.  Donald Trump is blaming the Democrats, threatening to follow through with mass layoffs in an effort to pressure them to back moves to end the shutdown.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that analysts are estimating approximately 750,000 federal employees will be furloughed.   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.  It was Tim’s birthday yesterday – the big 60. Did he do anything fun to celebrate?  They also touched on All Blacks and injuries ahead of this weekend’s clash, and a very expensive brand of plush toys.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bledisloe Cup is back in storage for another year but the Rugby Championship remains up for grabs for all four teams going into the final round.  The All Blacks are taking on Australia at a sold-out Optus Stadium, while South Africa clashes with Argentina at Twickenham.  Seven changes have been made to the side, with Scott Barrett returning from injury to his position as captain.  Vice-captain Jordie Barrett told Mike Hosking a week is a long time in international rugby, as the game has become so competitive and the margins are so small.  He says they’re making a few adjustments after last week’s game, but the Rugby Championship is there to win if they really want to.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 3rd of October, what is going on with Te Pati Maori? In fights, out fights, and one of the biggest Māori-led activist groups has severed ties. And all of this comes before they “reset” in a week or so.   All Black vice captain Jordie Barrett says we're in for a good chance of reclaiming the Rugby Championship, so long as we beat the Wallabies and South Africa loses to Argentina.  And as they Wrap the Week, Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson celebrate Tim turning 60 and Mike shows his empathetic side... he thinks.  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.

New Zealand's electric car market is reaching a tipping point.  Five new Chinese car brands have entered the market in the last two months – Dongfeng being the latest.  Its launch lineup includes three fully electric models, and dealerships are set to open in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch later in the year.   Auto Distributors NZ CEO Simon Rutherford told Mike Hosking the market has shifted over the last few years to be more accepting of EVs.  He says people who are looking to buy a second car are increasingly more likely to consider buying electric, and even in the last year there’s been a shift of about 10% out of pure ICE vehicles into something electrified.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A more analogue type of vacation at a new retreat.  Created by Kiwi Michelin Star Chef Toby Stuart and his wife Sabina Bronicka-Stuart, ‘Slow Stay’ is a luxury retreat over the Abel Tasman.  The idea is to switch off technology and relax, recuperate, recharge, and reconnect with one another and the world around us.   It’s tapping into the global wellness tourism market, which is projected to hit US$2.1 trillion by 2030 – growing at 12% per year.  Stuart told Mike Hosking that while it’s not cheap, there is value for money.  Some of the things included are dinner, breakfast, yoga classes, and wellness facilities, and he says it’s up to guests whether they want to embrace the wellness elements or embrace a bit of indulgence.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's launched an NZTA-backed freight action plan, which will link big airport projects with road and rail.  It'll look at national demand and set up a freight advisory council after calls from the industry to make exports more competitive, and imports more affordable.  Airports Association Chief Executive Billie Moore told Mike Hosking that although the plan focuses on roading, it needs to bring all modes of transport together.  She says there's only so much that can be achieved through airports investing in cargo, if the road connections aren't good enough.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An ex-Māori party co-leader suspects problems within the current cohort as an influential former supporter cut ties.   Toitū Te Tiriti's Eru Kapa-Kingi's described the party's leadership as "effectively a dictatorship model".    The party's emailed members overnight, saying it remains committed to transparency, accountability, and unity.  Former co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell told Mike Hosking he's not close to the leadership but based on the last few weeks there could be issues.    Flavell's pointing to the fall out around Takuta Ferris and the removal of Mariameno Kapa-Kingi as whip.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hopes new welfare requirements for pig farming will streamline how things operate.  The changes include requirements for the use of farrowing crates and mating stalls, as well as requirements for space to grow pigs.  They won't come into force until the end of 2035, so farmers have time to prepare.  Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard told Mike Hosking] this gives the industry certainty in how to move forward.  He says they've been living in a bit of a limbo land for the last five-to-seven years, and it’s affecting confidence in the sector.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.