The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Unrest is spreading in the US over immigrant deportations.  Donald Trump is sending hundreds of US Marines and has ordered 2000 more National Guard troops to go to LA's immigration protests.  California Governor Gavin Newsom's called the US President's orders deranged and has filed a lawsuit.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking of the 2000 National Guard troops deployed, only 315 were mission assigned, the other 1700 having no particular responsibility.  He says that 100 arrests have been made, but no charges have been laid.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, the great rates upset has begun to unfold.  Auckland this week got its long-awaited council valuations.  Why people get excited about them, I have no idea.  It's a rough guesstimate by a council. It takes into account the broadest of criteria, but people seem to live and die by them.  The upset of course has come from the fact that the value of a lot of properties has dropped, while the rates bill is going up. So we get the cost-plus-accounting scandal that is council economic policy exposed.  This is happening all over the country and it's a specific and broad-based problem. It's broad-based because it's inflationary and it's specific because depending on where you are depends on how bad the scandal is.  Auckland properties are down 9% while rates are up over 7%.  In Wellington values are down 24% and rates are up 16%.  Nelson values are down 9% and rates are up 6%, so this whole idea that rates are linked to value is of course complete crap and always has been.  In short, councils are inept and will spend forever, will waste your money forever, will plead poverty forever and will always find something that is critical and needs doing now.  For example, Christchurch got shafted last week by Chris Bishop, when the council rejected the Government's intensification plan.  The council didn’t like it, spent three years and millions of dollars to go back and forward and to achieve what? Nothing. That's council for you.  As Auckland mayor Wayne Brown said, "it is what it is". He's right because he knows a couple of home truths; no one is turning up for local body elections, so very few people will be held to account, and he also knows a lot of people will moan but ultimately do nothing about it.  If ever there was a reason to get exercised over the way we are being played, this is it.  Your asset has dropped but the bill is up. The bill, in theory, is based on the asset value. Nowhere else in life is this scam played and gotten away with, apart from local body politics.  We have too many councils, too much representation, too many boards, too much incompetence, and every year the bill for it rises.  Democracy only works if you take part.  What better reason can there be this year than to get your voting paper, look at the value of your property, look at your rate rise, put a name to the con and vote them out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new rideshare option is skidding into the New Zealand market.   Bolt, hailing from Europe, is promising better deals for both drivers and customers, while challenging the duopoly that currently dominates.   They’re first launching in Auckland, aiming to bring a breath of fresh air to the market.  General Manager Adam Muirson told Mike Hosking that for the last couple of years, the competition has been stagnant at best, leading to increasing prices, limited choice, and decreasing service levels.  He says that there was a growing sense of frustration among drivers at that lack of competition, and the sheer number of applications they’ve received leading up to the launch has reinforced that.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s unlikely New Zealand will be in for a repeat of last year’s power shortage.  Our winter stocks are in better shape thanks to improved lake levels, extra gas supplies, and an enlarged coal stockpile has added security to the system.   And although customers are still battling high energy prices, a major government review is expected in the coming weeks.  Meridian CEO Mike Roan told Mike Hosking that they’re deep into investing in the sector so they can overcome the challenge represented by lost gas supplies.  He says they’re currently stabilising the impact, and in the long term, they’re in good shape.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 11th of June, we've got a new mental health report that shows the $1.9 billion spent has seemingly been wasted, and we talk all things energy with Meridian.    Fieldays begins today and is sure to be successful, considering how well the rural sector has been doing of late.   Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell talk the new stalking laws, the regulatory standards bill, and solar power on Politics Wednesday.  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.

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.

Fieldays kicks off at Mystery Creek today.  The rural sector’s somewhat bullish from its record profits across dairy and red meat, and pundits are expecting farmers to be “speaking with their wallets”.  Big crowds are expected, with many looking to take advantage of the new tax rebate on the big ticket items.  CEO of National Fieldays Richard Lindroos told Mike Hosking it’s the largest agribusiness event in the southern hemisphere, with over 100,000 going through the gates over the four days.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts say specialist addiction and mental health services need rapid improvement.   New research from the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission has found three New Zealanders die every week due to accidental and preventable drug overdose, with fatalities up 88% from 2016 to 2023.  At the same time, despite growing demands, fewer people are seeking specialist help.  Commission CEO Karen Orsborn told Mike Hosking the biggest concern is the falling access to mental health and addiction services.  She says they’re seeing high vacancy rates, particularly for specialist staff and psychiatrists, and that has a big impact on the system.  Orsborn says that’s where they want to see some faster action.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's $47.2 billion franchise sector is being celebrated.  Today marks the first World Franchise Day.  The model first took shape in New Zealand in the 1970s – with now almost 550 franchised brands including in accommodation, hospitality, education, childcare and retail.  Franchise Association Chair Brad Jones told Mike Hosking they’ve had some great growth in the sector over the last few years.   He says they’re 11% of New Zealand’s GDP, and if motor vehicle sales and retail fuel are included, that brings them to over $73 billion – 17% of GDP.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Assurance stronger anti-stalking laws are the right move to protect victims.  Originally proposals on making it an offence had a maximum penalty of five years in prison, capturing three specified acts within one-year.   But following the Select Committee process it'll now be triggered after two acts within two years.  Chief Victims' Adviser to the Government Ruth Money told Mike Hosking the change allows greater prevention and targets the pattern stalking follows.  She says it's not about charging the moping boyfriend, who's sent a non-harmful text and is feeling a bit sad.  Money says it’s important earlier intervention can be taken, and police need the powers because stalking behaviour can escalate into violence and death.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.