Best Not Your Average Book Report Podcasts (2025)

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Mike's Minute: Ardern, Hipkins, Robertson - They should be ashamed of themselves 2:10

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20m ago2:10

2:10

I'm assuming the instigators of the second Covid Inquiry are deeply disappointed in what is unfolding, in terms of accountability. Inquiry Part 1 was a Labour Government stitch up. It was an exercise in smoke and mirrors. Inquiry Part 2 is a coalition deal driven by ACT and NZ First, and was designed to look into areas not touched on in Part 1: acc…

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Rod Liddle: UK Correspondent on the US State Department's claims the UK is not a free country 5:19

35m ago5:19

5:19

The US has accused the UK of backsliding on human rights over the past year, claiming it’s not a free country. The US State Department says the UK’s Labour government ‘repeatedly intervened to chill speech’, their annual assessment also highlighting laws limiting free speech around abortion clinics. UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking it’…

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Gilbert Enoka: Former All Blacks mental skills coach on his philosophy, new book 'Become Unstoppable' 13:02

6m ago13:02

13:02

For years, the All Blacks were praised for their mental fortitude. When it came down to the wire, fans could expect the team to handle the pressure, trained and prepared for all scenarios. Much of that fortitude can be attributed to Gilbert Enoka – our national team’s mental skills coach for 23 years. He retired at the end of 2023, and has now writ…

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Richard Dawkins: Federated Farmers forestry spokesperson on the Government's approach to carbon forestry 3:28

34m ago3:28

3:28

There's a belief many farmers will be feeling disappointed and betrayed after a report to Parliament on the ban of carbon forestry. The Environment Select Committee’s recommendations show carbon farms across productive farmland, won't be coming to a stop. Currently under the Emission Trading Scheme there's a ban on whole-farm conversions for land t…

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Full Show Podcast: 14 August 2025 1:30:15

1h ago1:30:15

1:30:15

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 14th of August, then-Covid Minister Chris Hipkins defends his decision not to appear publicly for the Covid-19 Inquiry. Public Service Minister Judith Collins responds to the latest strike action from both nurses and secondary school teachers. All Blacks mental skills expert Gilbert Enoka…

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Felicity Roxburgh: NZ International Business Forum Executive Director on exports, impact of trade wars 3:56

8m ago3:56

3:56

New Zealand exporters are remaining upbeat. The latest Export New Zealand DHL Export Barometer shows about four in five have maintained or increased export volumes over the past year. Exporters say it's been getting cheaper to do business, but they're getting more worried about trade wars. NZ International Business Forum Executive Director Felicity…

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Judith Collins: Public Service Minister on the strike action from nurses and secondary school teachers 6:26

2h ago6:26

6:26

The Government is blasting the secondary teachers union for calling a strike. Post Primary Teachers' Association members will put down the tools next Wednesday, rejecting a three-percent pay increase over three years. Tens of thousands of healthcare workers are also preparing to walk off the job on two separate days next month. Public Service Minis…

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Erica Stanford: Education Minister on the Level 1 achievement dropping while Level 2 and 3 improve 2:55

9m ago2:55

2:55

The Education Minister says our NCEA achievement results are ticking up as we climb out of Covid. Last year Level 1 achievement dropped slightly to its lowest level in a decade, and Māori fell further behind. There were improvements though in NCEA Levels 2, 3, and University Entrance for the first time in five years. Erica Stanford told Mike Hoskin…

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Chris Hipkins: Labour Leader on why they're not fronting for the Covid-19 Inquiry 8:53

19m ago8:53

8:53

Labour leader Chris Hipkins says he's already answered the Covid Inquiry Commissioner's questions, negating any need for him to appear publicly. Hipkins and former Ministers Dame Jacinda Ardern, Grant Robertson, and Ayesha Verrall declined open hearings, leading the second part of the inquiry to be called off. Hipkins says lawyers raised several is…

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Mike's Minute: Two obvious tips for Chris Hipkins 2:06

11h ago2:06

2:06

Chris Hipkins came undone yesterday, twice. You would hope, given there is literally no pressure on him right now and he basically gets to spend his days bagging the Government, he might want to sharpen up, given next year is a whole different kettle of fish. Mistake number 1: He attempted to gain points on Palestine by suggesting David Seymour was…

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Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on average house prices falling 3:22

11h ago3:22

3:22

The cost of New Zealand’s homes are beginning to fall. The latest QV Quarterly data reveals that average prices have fallen by 0.5% over the three months to July. Auckland is down by 1.2%, while Queenstown and Invercargill continue to rise by 2.4% and 1.2% respectively. The average price is now 13.1% cheaper than the artificial Covid peak in 2021. …

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Pollies: Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen talk the boot camps' success, Willow-Jean Prime, Question Time 11:49

12h ago11:49

11:49

Much has happened in the political realm since last Wednesday, so Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell are back to cover it on Politics Wednesday. The military-style boot camps have seen mixed results – is it still a success with a 80% reoffending rate? And what’s happening with Willow-Jean Prime? Is there any excuse for her ignoring the briefing invit…

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Grant Dalton: Team New Zealand CEO on the new America's Cup rules 5:35

22h ago5:35

5:35

The newly announced America’s Cup rules are shaking up the competition. The confirmed protocol includes a requirement for a female sailor on board, batteries replacing manual power, the introduction of a cost cap, and a reduced number of sailors on board. It also outlines a new partnership between all teams, establishing equal authority among those…

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Full Show Podcast: 13 August 2025 1:30:16

12h ago1:30:16

1:30:16

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 13th of August, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour comments on the debate around recognising Palestine as a state. New rules have been announced for the next America’s Cup – Team NZ boss Grant Dalton gives the lowdown. Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell discuss the success rate of the boo…

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Simon Huesser: Huski Co-Founder on the company's success 3:36

1d ago3:36

3:36

From a PVC pipe in a Taranaki shed to international success, Huski Coolers has seen its overseas exports surge. The company's renowned wine cooler had its largest overseas order, shipping 76 thousand units to the UK as heatwaves rip through Europe. The NZ firm is on track to double its eight-figure annual revenue this year. Huski Co-Founder Simon H…

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David Seymour: Deputy Prime Minister on the Palestine Debate, Chlöe Swarbrick being barred from Parliament 5:01

13h ago5:01

5:01

Parliament is becoming increasingly divided over the situation with Palestine. Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick was barred from Parliament yesterday when she suggested MPs not backing her bill to sanction Israel were spineless. She believes an apology from her isn't needed, and is engaging with Speaker Gerry Brownlee about returning to the House to…

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Chris Small: ABC Business Sales Managing Director on the number of businesses reporting losses 2:21

13h ago2:21

2:21

More businesses are reporting losses but things may not be quite as bad as the numbers make it seem. Inland Revenue data shows one in five businesses aren't turning a profit. But ABC Business Sales Managing Director Chris Small says most of those are businesses structured to make a loss, like trusts and property companies. He told Mike Hosking the …

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Andrew Eagles: Green Building Council CEO on increased heat pump use easing pressure on gas reserves 2:41

14h ago2:41

2:41

An uptick in heat pump use could ease pressure on the energy system and cut costs. A report by the New Zealand Green Building Council reveals if more households opt for heat pumps, it could save Kiwis more than a billion dollars a year. It's also revealed this could protect thousands of industry jobs, with three mills closing in the last year due t…

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Mike's Minute: You need an open mind for the pilot military academy programme 2:05

1d ago2:05

2:05

Perhaps the biggest problem with the military-style academy and the ensuing pilot report is not the number of people who re-offended. Hell, I thought they all would. But rather it was the fact it was, in the minds of too many, predetermined. Those who called them boot camps are in the invidious position of bagging the idea but not having a solution…

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Danny Luke: Skyline Enterprises COO on the tourism in Queenstown 3:18

1d ago3:18

3:18

Queenstown's benefiting from another influx of winter tourists. Local operator Skyline has seen a 33% increase in international visitors to its luge, and a 21% rise in visitors to its gondolas. Other operators are also reporting a similar increase. Chief Operating Officer Danny Luke told Mike Hosking tourism is booming again. He says the winter’s b…

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Full Show Podcast: 12 August 2025 1:29:44

1d ago1:29:44

1:29:44

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 12th of August, New Zealand is considering recognising a Palestinian state. Does it matter? Will it change the war? Former Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff weighs in. Christchurch has been confirmed as the host of the 2026 Super Round – NZR boss Mark Robinson discusses the decision. Coun…

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Lainey Wilson: Country music star discusses her career and success in the industry 12:11

1d ago12:11

12:11

From living in a trailer outside a recording studio to selling out 80 thousand capacity stadiums, Lainey Wilson has made it big. For over a decade she’s been one of the biggest country music stars to come out of Nashville, with nine Country Music Association Awards under her belt, as well a Grammy. Her career started in 2014 with the release of a s…

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Mark Robinson: NZ Rugby CEO on Christchurch hosting the Super Round in 2026 4:15

1d ago4:15

4:15

Officials are committing to just the one year of Super Round in Christchurch – for now. Christchurch's new stadium will play host to five Super Rugby games over Anzac weekend 2026. Super Round took a year out of the schedule this year after the Melbourne Rebels exited the competition. NZ Rugby CEO Mark Robinson told Mike Hosking it has always been …

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Dr Jacqueline Rowarth: Lincoln University Adjunct Professor on the viability of growing rice in New Zealand 3:32

1d ago3:32

3:32

Is it worth trying to grow rice in New Zealand? As our appetite for the staple crop increases, ecologist Yuki Fukada has pointed out the complete lack of commercial rice production in the country. We’re currently importing $95 million worth of rice from overseas – about 85,000 tons. Lincoln University’s Dr Jacqueline Rowarth told Mike Hosking Fukad…

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Jacqui Lloyd: Cruise Association CEO on Disney Cruise Line exiting New Zealand 2:22

1d ago2:22

2:22

Cinderella and Mickey Mouse are packing their bags and heading offshore as Disney Cruise Line confirms its exit from New Zealand. The company operated its Disney Wonder ship across the Tasman since 2024 but will relocate to another part of the world from 2026. Cruise Association Chief Executive Jacqui Lloyd told Mike Hosking the fees imposed on shi…

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Tina Schirr: Business NZ Energy Council Executive Director on businesses being hit by surging gas prices 3:41

1d ago3:41

3:41

There's a view businesses have been taken by surprise by surging gas prices. Energy management company Optima and Business NZ's joint survey reveals gas prices have risen by more than 100% on average in the past five years. Nearly half report it's led to them reducing operations, increased prices, or cutting staff. Business NZ Energy Council Execut…

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Phil Goff: Former Foreign Minister on the decision to recognise Palestine as a state, call for further action 2:15

1d ago2:15

2:15

A critical decision lies before New Zealand on whether to recognise Palestinian statehood. Australia's pledged to recognise Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, following suit with countries like France, Canada, and the UK. Our Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed we will reach a formal decision next month. Former Foreign Min…

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Commentary Box: Andrew Saville and Jason Pine join Mike Hosking to discuss the weekend's sports 11:42

3d ago11:42

11:42

Jason Pine and Andrew Saville join Mike Hosking this morning to discuss the weekend's sports. On the table today: Richie Mo'unga, why don't they bring him straight into the All Blacks? Is NZR tripping over it's own rules again? The Blackcaps thrashed Zimbabwe resulting in their largest test victory ever - 359 runs! And Shane Van Giserbergen is set …

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Full Show Podcast: 11 August 2025 1:29:39

3d ago1:29:39

1:29:39

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 11th of August, we've got more work visas to help out with seasonal work - but an immigration advisor says some of the rules around these ones could be a game changer. The Prime Minister is fresh off a visit with Anthony Albanese and joins Mike in studio as he asks if anything came out …

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Mike's Minute: The problem with local body elections 1:59

3d ago1:59

1:59

I don’t know Elisha Milmine and I wish her nothing but the best. But as it turns out, she is your new councillor in the Kahuranaki ward for the Hastings District Council. She was standing against one person, that person withdrew, so she wins by default. She has no experience. She put her hand up, was the only one standing so, congratulations, the j…

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David Cooper: CEO and Director of Malcom Pacific Immigration discusses the two new work visas being introduced by the government 3:01

3d ago3:01

3:01

Two new seasonal visas have been unveiled, allowing the likes of rural contractors or chairlift operators to return for up to three years or stay for up to seven months. It follows the unemployment rate reaching a five-year high of 5.2-percent. Malcolm Pacific Immigration Director David Cooper told Mike Hosking it's hard to get New Zealanders into …

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Christopher Luxon: The Prime Minister discusses his weekend in Queenstown with Aussie PM 9:18

3d ago9:18

9:18

Christopher Luxon says he and Anthony Albanese are on the same page about standardising regulations on both sides of the Tasman. The New Zealand and Australian Prime Ministers have wrapped up an annual catch-up in Queenstown. Luxon told Mike Hosking that they've also asked big business CEOs from both countires, to identify where things could be sta…

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Matt Srhoj: Northland District Commander Superintendent discusses the extra police numbers needed to tackle violent crime 2:11

3d ago2:11

2:11

Extra police officers are being called to Northland to contend with a squeeze on resources from rising violent crime. In the past three months, 90 officers from across the country have been brought in to work five-week shifts. Northland District Commander Superintendent Matt Shroj says the region saw four homicides in quick succession, which was th…

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Peter Spencer: Parkwind Country Manager looking at plans for offshore wind farms in South Taranaki 3:25

3d ago3:25

3:25

Belgian company Parkwind is exploring plans to build a large scale offshore wind farm in South Taranaki. Parkwind Country Manager Peter Spencer says that Europe and Australia have already put these systems into place. 'The Europeans are the masters of it. The Australians are doing very well.' He said these offshore wind farms could be up and runnin…

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Mike's Minute: Why not charge tourists to visit our hot spots? 2:04

4d ago2:04

2:04

I have at least partially changed my mind on charging tourists. The idea that you can wander around our conservation estate for free is, of course, nuts. Like the various charges that we have placed on tourists, whether it be at the border, or potentially in a hotel with a bed tax, the simple truth is if we got our act together in terms of marketin…

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Mark the Week: 15% tariffs are the biggest blow of the week 2:32

6d ago2:32

2:32

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. Sheds: 8/10 The new garden shed rules are what good governance should be about – simple and common sense. How hard can it be? Local body elections: 4/10 Nominations close and, once again, a whole bunch of races are not being run b…

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Mike's Minute: The Treasury report shows why Labour won't win the election 2:06

6d ago2:06

2:06

I said earlier this week that the Government will be re-elected next year because, all things being equal, history tends to show you get two terms. Plus, the Opposition remain the same people who stuffed the place a year and a half ago and the pain of that, the closeness of that, is still real for too many of us. Unless of course they rejuvenate th…

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Wrapping the Week with Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson: Does Mike have a career in reality TV? 11:36

6d ago11:36

11:36

It’s Friday, which means Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was. They discussed Mike’s potential career in reality TV, car troubles, and AI in language learning apps. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

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Monty Betham: Former Warriors Captain on the Warriors chances against the Bulldogs 3:36

6d ago3:36

3:36

The Warriors are just holding onto their position in the top four. Saturday will see them face off against the Bulldogs – a must win match after their last two losses. But the question remains, with the spotty performances from the New Zealand team, will they be able to defeat a top four side? Former Warriors Captain Monty Betham told Mike Hosking …

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Colin Mansbridge: Crusaders CEO on Richie Mo'unga signing an 18-month contract with NZ Rugby 3:19

6d ago3:19

3:19

An exception to normal procedure at the Crusaders in bringing Richie Mo'unga back to the Super Rugby franchise. The 56-test All Black has signed an 18-month contract to return in July after three seasons playing in Japan. Crusaders boss Colin Mansbridge says they're stoked Mo'unga is returning to his home franchise. He told Mike Hosking this type o…

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Full Show Podcast: 08 August 2025 1:27:21

6d ago1:27:21

1:27:21

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 8th of August, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour joins to talk about the huge number of kids leaving school without a single qualification. In sporting news – Richie Mo'unga is coming back so there's cause for celebrations for Canterbury and All Blacks fans. And we look at a massive make-…

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Jimmy Rushton: Foreign Policy Analyst on the potential meeting between Trump and Putin 2:36

6d ago2:36

2:36

The prospects of a meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin may be crumbling faster than they've formed. The Kremlin says the US President and his Russian counterpart have agreed to meet in the "coming days". But the New York Post is quoting Trump's officials, saying this is not the case. Foreign Policy Analyst Jimmy Rushton told Mike Hoskin…

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Katherine Rich: BusinessNZ CEO on the labelling regulations in New Zealand 3:41

6d ago3:41

3:41

There’s a view we're an international outlier with our labelling regulations. The standards are under review from the Ministry for Regulation in its latest attack on red tape. Minister David Seymour says the labelling codes seem overly restrictive. He says for example, Chemist Warehouse has someone employed full time to check labels. BusinessNZ CEO…

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Charles Feldman: US Correspondent on the affects of Donald Trump's tariffs 3:26

6d ago3:26

3:26

The effects of Donald Trump's tariff hikes are already being felt in the US and around the world. The US President's updated trade policy is now in effect for more than 90 trading partners. New Zealand goods are grappling with a 15% tariff at the American border. US Correspondent Charles Feldman told Mike Hosking the income will pay for Trump's tax…

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Eric Crampton: NZ Initiative Chief Economist on the Treasury report revealing the cost of the Covid-19 pandemic to be $66 billion 3:49

6d ago3:49

3:49

An economist says the Government did the best it could in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Treasury's latest report calculates the total cost of the Covid-19 pandemic at $66 billion. The Government ignored official advice at the time to ease spending. New Zealand Initiative Chief Economist Eric Crampton told Mike Hosking it is hard to…

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David Seymour: Deputy Prime Minister on school leavers, Labour declining requests to collaborate on the NCEA reform 3:56

6d ago3:56

3:56

The Deputy Prime Minister says he'd sack Willow Jean-Prime for declining numerous Government requests for collaboration on NCEA reform. Documents show Labour's education spokesperson declined an advisor's meeting and didn't answer a text and multiple emails from Education Minister Erica Stanford regarding planned changes to NCEA. David Seymour told…

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Mike's Minute: Shane Jones can help the Govt shift up a gear 2:09

7d ago2:09

2:09

Shane Jones is fast becoming my favourite politician. And he might have summed up the Government's issues with one on of his increasingly famous quips. "The Ruth Richardson bare austerity approach is not delivering the economic growth we need." He is right, isn't he? Classic liberal politics, trimming and cutting, is not the massive bomb we need un…

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Kaylee Bell: Kiwi Country Singer on motherhood, performing, Cowboy Up 9:03

7d ago9:03

9:03

Kaylee Bell has been busy since she last popped into the ZB studio. The Kiwi country singer has released a new single, has a new album ‘Cowboy Up’ on the way and a five date tour coming later in the year, but she’s also become a mother. Her son, only six months old, has already been around the world – Bell taking her family along as she performs in…

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Mike Jones: BNZ Chief Economist on the unemployment rate rising to 5.2%, expected OCR cut 3:22

7d ago3:22

3:22

Rising unemployment is expected to add to the case for a lower OCR. Unemployment's hit a five-year high of 5.2% and is expected to rise further. Economists now broadly expect the Reserve Bank to cut the Official Cash Rate by another 25-basis-points to 3% in two weeks. BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones told Mike Hosking further cuts now seem likely. He…

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Full Show Podcast: 07 August 2025 1:30:19

7d ago1:30:19

1:30:19

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 5th of August, the unemployment number wasn’t as bad as predicted, but it could still go up from here – plus, the Government has announced a shift to Road User Charges. We can't be too worried about the economy since we all seem to be overseas on holiday, and then a record number of us are…