Best Dr Mark Mcdonald Podcasts (2025)

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Mark the Week: Kimmel won the moral ground on free speech 2:16

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8m ago2:16

2:16

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all. Donald Trump: 2/10 Possibly his worst and easily his maddest week yet. Tylenol, the war, Jimmy Kimmel, James Comey, the visas, the escalator, and the teleprompter. Unhinged doesn't even come close. Jimmy Kimmel: 7/10 Won the moral…

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Mike's Minute: What a shocking week for Donald Trump 2:17

8h ago2:17

2:17

Donald Trump has had as bad a week as any he's had. The difference that made it stand out was that he looks increasingly unhinged. It was not the UN speech. That was classic Trump – a lot of made-up stuff and grandiose pomposity. It sort of wasn’t the visas, given at its core it's also classic Trump. They want Americans hired, not immigrants, which…

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Richard Arnold: US Correspondent gives an update on the ICE shooting in Texas 5:11

8h ago5:11

5:11

There’s a belief a shooter in Dallas, Texas, was motivated by violent ideology and divisive rhetoric. One detainee is dead and two more are critically injured after a rooftop sniper fired indiscriminately at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Facility, also known as ICE yesterday. The gunman later died from a self-inflicted gunshot. Dallas ICE…

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Wrapping the Week with Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson: All Blacks, the cost of a holiday, streaming subscriptions 10:56

9h ago10:56

10:56

Friday has come which means it’s time for Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson to Wrap the Week with Mike Hosking. They discussed Mike’s interview with Scott Roberson, whether or not Producer Sam should hit confirm on his holiday booking in Asia, and whether it's time to cancel your streaming subscriptions. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for priv…

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Full Show Podcast: 26 September 2025 1:30:07

1h ago1:30:07

1:30:07

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 26th of September, we've got new, encouraging court figures to show the backlog is steadily depleting. Scott 'Razor' Robertson details his plan to beat the table-topping Aussies in the first Bledisloe Cup test this weekend at Eden Park. Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson Wrap the Week and discuss…

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Kate Scott: Horticulture NZ CEO on the call for tertiary education reform to match food and fibre sector demands 4:39

8h ago4:39

4:39

The Food and Fibre sector claims the education system is letting it down. Leaders from farming, forestry, horticulture, and seafood have joined forces to launch a Food and Fibre Workforce Capability Strategy. They’re pushing for tertiary education reform —with an employer-led, work-based learning model— to match real industry demands. Horticulture …

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Scott Robertson: All Blacks coach ahead of the Bledisloe Cup test against Australia 8:27

11h ago8:27

8:27

The All Blacks are returning to Eden Park to defend their record. Coming off the back of the worst-ever defeat just 12 days ago against South Africa, they're set to host the Wallabies in the Bledisloe Cup opener on Saturday. There are six changes to the side, with Ardie Savea taking over the captaincy from an injured Scott Barrett. Coach Scott Robe…

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Peter McBride: Fonterra Chair on the company's net profit rising by 13% 3:51

11h ago3:51

3:51

Our largest company has been seeing profits surge, despite a period of contraction in the economy as a whole. Fonterra's confirmed a 13% rise in annual operating profit. Its final farmgate milk payout to farmers has reached a new record high of $10.16 and its cash return to shareholders is up 30.6%. Fonterra Chair Peter McBride told Mike Hosking we…

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Nicole McKee: Associate Justice Minister on the number of active civil cases dropping by 20% 3:15

23m ago3:15

3:15

The Government says its changes to the court system are making a real difference. It has released figures showing civil cases in the District Court have dropped 20% in the year to July to over 10,200. The Disputes Tribunal cleared 900 more cases over the same period. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee told Mike Hosking there are fewer cases co…

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Mike's Minute: We hope Anna Breman is a rockstar 2:02

22h ago2:02

2:02

The Reserve Bank Governor appointment is not to be underestimated. We have never had a foreigner. Well, we have (the first was British) but that was in 1934 and that’s the sort of thing you would have expected given colonialism. Obviously, the fact she is female should not be a thing. I think we have seen plenty of examples that essentially woman c…

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Ryan Fox: Kiwi golfer on his year so far, the 2025 Chasing the Fox competition 7:48

1d ago7:48

7:48

Ryan Fox has had an excellent run this year. He’s back in New Zealand off the back of a season that includes two PGA Tour wins and a Guinness World Record. The end of the year also brings with it the return of the increasingly popular ‘Chasing the Fox’ event, which is now into his fourth year. Despite his major success this year, not much has chang…

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Chantelle Cole: NZ Game Development Sector Rebate Programme Director on jobs, revenue being on the rise 4:27

1d ago4:27

4:27

Gaming continues its upward trajectory. New stats show that in Wellington alone, jobs in the sector grew 12.8% over the last year. New Zealand now brings in $170 million more in revenue than Australia does. NZ Game Development Sector Rebate Programme Director Chantelle Cole told Mike Hosking the $170 million figure is just from the rebate recipient…

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Steve Devine: Former All Black on the world's first portable brain scanner for detecting concussions 3:02

1d ago3:02

3:02

Former All Black Steve Devine is hailing the launch of a new portable brain scanner that's set to revolutionise concussion diagnosis for rugby players in New Zealand. The Nurocheck headset will be able to detect head injuries in just two minutes without the need for baseline testing. Devine has suffered a number of head knocks in his playing career…

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Full Show Podcast: 25 September 2025 1:30:01

1d ago1:30:01

1:30:01

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 25th of September, a Swedish economist delves into the credentials of our incoming Reserve Bank Governor. Pharmac is funding new medicines who should help our patients and hospitals – David Seymour discusses. Kiwi golfer Ryan Fox is in studio to reflect on the year and talk about the upco…

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Maurice Williamson: Auckland City Councillor on the vote to adopt a new housing development plan 2:48

19h ago2:48

2:48

Auckland Council is moving to allocate up to two million new homes in the coming decades. The council's Policy and Planning Committee voted 18-5 to pass the plan, which will see more housing near transport hubs and less in natural hazard zones. Councillor Maurice Williamson has compared it as a choice between a firing squad and lethal injection. He…

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David Seymour: Deputy Prime Minister on Pharmac's savings to increase medicine access and New Zealand's stance on Palestine 8:22

1d ago8:22

8:22

David Seymour believes a refresh of Pharmac's operations is benefiting New Zealanders. Its latest funding proposal includes five new medicines for breast cancer, multiple sclerosis, eye conditions, and lung cancer. The Associate Health Minister says a board and leadership change has worked well, and the next step is ensuring strong budget bids. Sey…

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Callum McNeill: Detective Inspector on the massive cannabis busts in Operation Beryl 3:24

1d ago3:24

3:24

Police say recent cannabis busts show how widely cultivated the drug is. Over the course of a month Operation Beryl busted 120 properties across Auckland, seizing 11-thousand illicit plants, estimated to be worth more than $58 million. More than ten tonnes of cannabis from Vietnamese organised crime groups have been destroyed. Detective Inspector C…

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Selva Baziki: Swedish economist on the appointment of Anna Breman as Reserve Bank Governor 3:51

1d ago3:51

3:51

Our next Reserve Bank Governor is being commended for her track record in Sweden. Dr Anna Breman —the First Deputy-Governor of Sweden’s central bank— will lead our central bank from December. Swedish economist Selva Baziki says the Swedish economy is similar to New Zealand's. And she told Mike Hosking Breman and her colleagues successfully reined i…

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Mike's Minute: Here's how to help the economy through jobs 2:21

2d ago2:21

2:21

Here's some things we can do to help the economy through jobs. Firstly, compulsory arbitration. I'm sick and tired of teachers and nurses and doctors striking. The current strike this week by doctors, they claim, has been a result of more than a year of negotiation. Surely at some point —and Health NZ have finally pulled the trigger— it becomes app…

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Richard Arnold: US Correspondent on Secret Service dismantling a potential telecommunications threat in New York 3:52

2d ago3:52

3:52

The US Secret Service has dismantled a massive network of electronic devices that could have been used to disable New York City’s cellphone network, officials say. Investigators found devices in vacant properties within 55km of the UN General Assembly meeting that’s taking place in Manhattan this week. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosk…

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Pollies: National's Mark Mitchell and Labour's Ginny Andersen talk Palestine, Mood of the Boardroom, residency pathways for skilled migrants 12:07

2d ago12:07

12:07

It’s been a busy start to the week, and Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen are back with Mike Hosking to delve into the political happenings so far. The Government has announced two new residency pathways for skilled migrants, which Winston Peters has raised concerns about. Is he right to be concerned? The Herald’s annual Mood of the Boardroom survey…

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Full Show Podcast: 24 September 2025 1:29:57

2d ago1:29:57

1:29:57

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 24th of September, the promised Holiday Act changes have been announced. Who knew you accrued sick leave whilst on ACC or even if you only work an hour a week? The annual Mood of the Boardroom survey has been released and a majority of the Government has not been rated favourably – Nicol…

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Neil Paviour-Smith: Forsyth Barr Managing Director on the results of the Mood of the Boardroom survey 5:07

2d ago5:07

5:07

Business leaders aren’t sugarcoating their messages for the Government. The Herald's annual Mood of the Boardroom survey shows business leaders are less optimistic about the economy than they were a year ago. Only a third of respondents back the Government's current growth agenda. Forsyth Barr Managing Director Neil Paviour-Smith told Mike Hosking …

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Ange Brady: NZ Pickleball Association Chair on this weekend's NZ Pickleball Open 3:31

2d ago3:31

3:31

Pickleball is taking the world by storm. Originating in the United States, it’s now one of the fastest growing sports globally – the biggest growth being among 18-35 year olds. The NZ Pickleball Open is taking place this weekend, with 443 players registered for the event. NZ Pickleball Association Chair Ange Brady told Mike Hosking the growth is su…

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Erica Stanford: Immigration and Education Minister on the residency pathway for skilled migrants, missing the PPTA conference 7:27

2d ago7:27

7:27

There's a belief there's more that needs to be done to smooth immigration processes in New Zealand. The Government's revealed two new pathways for skilled migrants to secure Kiwi residency. One is for skilled work experience and another for trades and technicians. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford told Mike Hosking there's a lot more announcement…

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Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the Mood of the Boardroom survey 7:14

2d ago7:14

7:14

Nicola Willis admits the economy isn't where the Government would like it to be. The Herald's annual Mood of the Boardroom survey shows business leaders are less optimistic about the economy than they were a year ago. Only a third of respondents back the Government's current growth agenda. The Finance Minister told Mike Hosking they're hearing the …

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Brad Jacobs: Coffee Club Director on the changes to the 2003 Holidays Act 2:38

2d ago2:38

2:38

There are still grey areas in the Government's proposed leave legislation. The Government's announced a new system to replace the 2003 Holidays Act. Coffee Club Director Brad Jacobs told Mike Hosking while some parts still need clarity, the proposal appears to solve many issues. He says as long as he's been in New Zealand, the Act has caused proble…

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Mike's Minute: The Salvation Army's claims about kids and food 2:20

3d ago2:20

2:20

The Salvation Army says more than a quarter of kids are struggling for food. They talk of food security. According to the 'Sallies' it's bad and it's getting worse. Are they telling us over a quarter of kids, 27% of kids to be precise, can't get food? The definition they use is the United Nations one: "people having access to safe and nutritious fo…

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Catherine Field: France Correspondent on France formally recognising Palestine as a state 5:33

3d ago5:33

5:33

France has formally recognised the state of Palestine, joining the likes of the UK, Canada, and Australia. President Emanuel Macron has made the announcement at the UN General Assembly, where the US and Israel are absent. France Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking that they know this won’t change much, but it could eventually be part of…

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Harper Finn: Kiwi musician on living in New York, his upcoming album 'Silo Park' 11:12

3d ago11:12

11:12

An update from another of New Zealand’s talented musicians – Harper Finn. Finn is finally releasing his debut album, ‘Silo Park’ coming out at the end of next month. The album is a journey through change, isolation, and discovery, set against the dual backdrops of his homes in New Zealand and New York, recorded in the Woodstock region upstate. He m…

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Full Show Podcast: 23 September 2025 1:30:08

3d ago1:30:08

1:30:08

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday the 23rd of September, the money tree from the Government continues to provide, this time for school infrastructure. Genesis Energy has struck a deal to provide more coal for Huntly to keep the lights on. Kiwi singer Harper Finn is in for a chat and to give us an exclusive sneak peak of hi…

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Malcolm Johns: Genesis Energy CEO on the partnership with BT Mining to supply coal to Huntly Power Station 6:41

3d ago6:41

6:41

There’s an expectation coal will become more popular as gas supply diminishes. Genesis Energy's signed a two-year agreement with BT Mining to supply 240 thousand tonnes of local coal to Huntly Power Station amidst electricity shortages. It's expected to boost the local economy and reduce reliance on Indonesian exports. CEO Malcolm Johns told Mike H…

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Chris Brandolino: NIWA Principal Scientist on the Cascade supercomputer aiming to increase weather forecast accuracy 3:50

3d ago3:50

3:50

Unreliable weather forecasts could become a thing of the past. Earth Sciences NZ has unveiled a new supercomputer called Cascade, which uses AI to predict the weather patterns. It can now make a five-day forecast as reliable as a two-day one. Chris Brandolino, Principal Scientist at NIWA, told Mike Hosking this supercomputer is about three times mo…

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Alan McDonald: Employers and Manufacturers Association Head of Advocacy on the upcoming changes to the Holidays Act 2:47

3d ago2:47

2:47

Changes to the rules around leave will be revealed today. The Government is announcing their overhaul of the 2003 Holidays Act, which includes annual, sick, and bereavement leave regulations. Employers and Manufacturers Association's Alan McDonald told Mike Hosking hourly accrual of leave is expected to come in. He says this will simplify processes…

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Andrew King: Rural Schools Leadership Association President on the $413 million investment into school infrastructure 2:41

3d ago2:41

2:41

A much-needed boost to rural schools' infrastructure, which has been neglected for many years. The Education Minister's unveiled a $413 million package to get maintenance and improvement jobs at schools underway sooner. More than half is for improvements on all isolated, rural, or small schools. Rural Schools Leadership Association President Andrew…

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Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the economic difficulties in Australia 3:43

3d ago3:43

3:43

Economic difficulties across the ditch appear to echo the struggles felt in many New Zealand households. The Reserve Bank of Australia has delivered a brutal reality check to the nation on the cost of living, as it expects the situation to worsen. It warns prices will never return to pre-pandemic levels. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen t…

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Decent vs indecent: The response to Charlie Kirk’s death 57:05

1d ago57:05

57:05

Informed Dissent with Dr. Jeff Barke and Dr. Mark McDonald – Public reaction to the assassination of Charlie Kirk exposes a stark divide between decency and indecency. Some Americans shockingly cheer or mock the violent death of a husband and father, revealing a darker side of society. Jeff and Mark reflect on how this tragedy may unite decent peop…

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Show 370. Tom Tugendhat Returns. Again! 52:49

2d ago52:49

52:49

Tom Tugendhat Returns. Again! Friend of the show Tom Tugendhat returns to give us the perspective from the Tory backbenches. Why are so many Tories defecting to Reform? How worried is he about the Tommy Robinson march? Is he still addicted to Haribo? THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 6 October: Bridget Philipson https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political…

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Full Show Podcast: 22 September 2025 1:30:02

4d ago1:30:02

1:30:02

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 22nd of September, we know where $100m is going for our hospitals. But is it a band-aid, or substantial money for infrastructure? The Prime Minister answers whether he's feeling embattled, is fast track really fast track and when we're getting news about reform in the electricity sector…

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Mike's Minute: The U.S. supports free speech, until it doesn't 1:52

4d ago1:52

1:52

When Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson are raging against their President, you know a line has been crossed. Cruz said the FCC threat from Brendan Carr was straight out of Goodfellas and it's got mafia written all over it. It's important not to forget we have the confluence of several stories here in the Jimmy Kimmel scrap; 1) The absurdity of defending …

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Commentary Box: Andrew Saville and Jason Pine discuss the AFL semi finals, Liam Lawson's career-best finish, and the Black Ferns' exit from the Rugby World Cup 10:27

4d ago10:27

10:27

Jason Pine and Andrew Saville join Mike Hosking this morning to discuss the weekend's sports. On the table today: The AFL semi finals draw 100,000 fans to each game. Liam Lawson finished 5th in Baku to secure his best ever finish in F1. And what should the Black Ferns take away from their defeat in the Rugy World Cup semi finals? LISTEN ABOVE See o…

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Shane Jones: Resource Minister discusses the continued disruptions to the Taranaki seabed mining project 3:50

4d ago3:50

3:50

Frustrations are growing around the fast-track process in Taranaki, which has grounded to a halt due to bureaucracy. 215 parties are now having their say in the ‘VTM’ seabed mining project. Resource Minister Shane Jones told Mike Hosking that the discourse around the project is responsible for hindering its progress. ‘We're dealing with a substanti…

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Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister says New Zealand will make it's own decision on recognising Palestine 11:14

4d ago11:14

11:14

Cabinet expects to make a final decision later this week, on whether New Zealand will formally recognise a Palestinian state. Australia, the UK and Canada have all formally announced their recognition of Palestine. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned their moves, saying a Palestinian state would be a "huge reward to terrorism" a…

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Richard Arnold: US Correspondent shares the latest updates from Charlie Kirk memorial service 4:39

4d ago4:39

4:39

Thousands have gathered in Arizona for the memorial service of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk. Among those in attendance is a number of Republican politicians and high-profile names including The President, Vice President and Elon Musk. US Correspondent Richard Arnold says that the rise of political discourse around free speech has grown alongs…

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Greg Owen: Co-founder of Stay Luxe Accommodation says there's a lack of supply in luxury accommodation 3:29

4d ago3:29

3:29

Demand is outstripping supply when it comes to luxury accommodation. New Zealand agents say they're turning away half of high-net-worth travellers due to a shortage of properties. Some are fielding up to 50 requests a week. Co-founder of Stay Luxe Accommodation, Greg Owen told Mike Hosking that there's a real shortage in Auckland, so hotels are bei…

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Dr. Buzz Burrell: General Practice Aotearoa chair says $100million investment isn't enough 2:48

4d ago2:48

2:48

A rural doctor says the government's hospital investment is still not enough. Health Minister Simeon Brown's announced a $100million boost for 21 local projects, aimed at improving clinical spaces and support services. General Practice Aotearoa chair Dr Buzz Burrell told Mike Hosking that the investment will be only for touch ups. He says there wil…

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Autistic Voices in Equine Therapy: Dr. Rebecca Evanko on Female Autism & Wilder Wood | Ep 37 1:56:42

6d ago1:56:42

1:56:42

From a childhood marked by abandonment in Australia to building a groundbreaking equine-assisted program in New Mexico, Dr. Rebecca Evanko’s story is one of resilience, survival, and transformation. Joined by her husband, physician Dr. Marc Evanko, the two share how their own neurodivergence—autism and ADHD—shaped Wilder Wood Equine Therapy, a prog…

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Mike's Minute: If it's expensive, does buying local actually work? 2:00

6d ago2:00

2:00

If only nostalgia paid the bills. But when it comes to peaches, it doesn’t. Wattie's is out. Pams do a good line of imported stuff, and those who buy peaches in tins like it cheap. A lot of us like cheap. Cheap has never been more appealing in a cost of living crisis. If I was in the business of patriotic purchases, I would close my door and go hom…

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Mark the Week: The GDP figure was the icing on the rotten economic cake 3:33

7d ago3:33

3:33

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all. Farmer confidence: 8/10 In an economic world of woe, it's good to see a decent chunk of people doing well and enjoying it. GDP: 2/10 Sort of the turgid, rank, icing on the rotten economic cake. How does a Reserve Bank not see a co…

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Mike's Minute: Who from the Reserve Bank will be held accountable? 1:55

7d ago1:55

1:55

Was this the final nail in the Adrian Orr coffin? Can we add Christian Hawkesby and the entire monetary policy committee? After all, it's easy to blame a governor, but it’s a committee that votes on what to do with the cash rate. After the famed Q2 finished (remember April, May and June), we come to the next committee decision in July. Orr is gone,…