Best Robert A Bob Mitchell Podcasts (2025)

1
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on banks needing to repay $9.2 billion in Covid-era loans to the Reserve Bank 3:42

5m ago3:42

3:42

New Zealand banks are being asked to pay up in the next few months. Kiwibank, BNZ, Westpac, ANZ and ASB will need to repay around $9.2 billion in cheap Covid-era loans to the Reserve Bank. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Mike Hosking that they have variety of options they can use to repay the money. He says the banks knew when takin…

1
Michelle McCormick: Infrastructure New Zealand Policy Director on the extra money allocated to infrastructure in Budget 2025 3:02

6m ago3:02

3:02

The Government's scraped the bottom of the barrel to find more money for the upcoming Budget. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's promising an extra $400 million for maintaining and upgrading assets, on top of the already projected $3.6 billion. He says he wants to prioritise growing the economy. Infrastructure New Zealand Policy Director Michelle M…

1
Jo McKenna: Italy Correspondent on the election of Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV 4:09

24m ago4:09

4:09

The new Pope's experience around the globe has hoisted him above front-runners for the papacy. 69-year-old Robert Prevost, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV, is the first Pope to come from the United States. While he was born in Chicago, he's also a naturalised Peruvian having lived there for about 20 years, and speaks English, Spanish, and Italian…

1
David Whitburn: Property developer and investor on the plan to increase ventilation requirements for new builds 3:03

8m ago3:03

3:03

The Government's planning to increase ventilation requirements in new homes to address overheating in townhouses. RNZ reports Auckland homeowners have complained of 30-degree temperatures overnight due to poorly ventilated buildings. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says changes are needed so people don't get cooked alive in their own …

1
Annie Murray: New Zealand Film Commission CEO on the search for more international investment partners 4:06

19h ago4:06

4:06

Donald Trump's tariffs continue to loom over the film industry. The New Zealand Film Commission is embarking on an international trade mission of its own. The team is headed to India, the UK, and France to look for new investment partnerships and international productions. Chief Executive Annie Murray told Mike Hosking co-production is on the rise,…

1
Wayne Langford: Federated Farmers President on the record red meat exports 3:21

20h ago3:21

3:21

Red meat exports are setting records. The country's March export sales were $1.26 billion - a new high. China's beef demand dropped 35% by volume and value compared to last March, due to their growing imports from South America. Fed Farmers President Wayne Langford told Mike Hosking there's still room to expand. He says there's work to do for farmi…

1
Steve Symon: Organised crime expert on New Zealand's response to and efforts to curb organised crime 3:59

20h ago3:59

3:59

An organised crime expert believes New Zealand's failure to curb criminal activity isn't due to a lack of trying. A ministerial advisory group has released its second report criticising our response to modern crime and money laundering. It shows the cash and assets seized by police is just 4.2% of the $1.6 billion in criminal profits each year. Gro…

1
Full Show Podcast: 08 May 2025 1:30:00

20h ago1:30:00

1:30:00

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 8th of May, our unemployment numbers look to have peaked, and we have the latest report from the advisory group for organised crime. Would you be happy if Mark Lundy moved into your neighbourhood? Should we know where a high-profile prisoner is reintegrating back into society? Outgoing Ai…

1
Greg Foran: Outgoing Air New Zealand CEO on his resignation, time in the job 13:00

20h ago13:00

13:00

Greg Foran knew his time with Air New Zealand was limited from the get go. The outgoing CEO announced his resignation in March, planning to stay on until October. He began at Air NZ in early 2020, replacing Christopher Luxon. Foran told Mike Hosking he knew in the back of his mind he’d probably only do about five or six years with the company, as h…

1
John Carnegie: Energy Resources Aotearoa CEO on the investment into the Cook Strait electricity cable 2:14

21h ago2:14

2:14

A $1.4 billion upgrade could be on the way for Transpower's Cook Strait electricity cable. The 610 kilometre link is a transmission system connecting the North and South islands, installed in 1991. The existing cables are likely to reach their end of life in the late 2030s. Energy Resources Aotearoa CEO John Carnegie told Mike Hosking the Commerce …

1
Jo McKenna: Italy Correspondent on the conclave to elect a new pope 3:46

13h ago3:46

3:46

Black smoke has billowed from Rome's Sistine Chapel, signalling a new pope's failed to be elected. The 133 cardinals will now reconvene tomorrow to choose a successor to Pope Francis. Jo McKenna, who's in St Peters' Square, told Mike Hosking they went up until about 9pm local time. She says many of the cardinals are elderly and have to come back in…

1
Steve Cullen: Criminal Lawyer on Mark Lundy's release from prison 3:11

1d ago3:11

3:11

It's expected twice-convicted double-murderer Mark Lundy will be slipped back into the community. He's been released from prison after more than 23 years for the murders of his wife Christine and 7-year-old daughter, Amber, in their Palmerston North home. The now 66-year-old has always maintained his innocence Criminal lawyer Steve Cullen told Mike…

1
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the unemployment rate remaining at 5.1% 3:53

22h ago3:53

3:53

The Finance Minister admits many Kiwis aren't getting as much work as they'd like to be. Unemployment has remained unchanged at 5.1% in the March quarter, despite most economists predicting a rise. However, 21% of employed people are now working part time. Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking the ongoing rise in the under-utilisation rate is a concern. …

1
Mike's Minute: Reform for the Pay Equity Act is good 2:03

2d ago2:03

2:03

Kristine Bartlett was, to many, a hero. She was a very likeable woman. She was a caregiver who argued her work was undervalued and she deserved more. The Labour Party who love “feels” and are not exactly unfamiliar with the unions leapt all over it and the Equal Pay Act 2022 was born. The downside was how to compare this so-called "underpaid work" …

1
Mark O'Connor: Australian Catholic Journalist on the vote for a new pope 4:29

2d ago4:29

4:29

135 cardinals from around the world will take their picks on who the new pope should be. They'll be locked in Rome's Sistine Chapel from tomorrow to decide who will replace Pope Francis. There's no timescale for how long it'll take, but the last two papal elections lasted for two days. Australian Catholic Journalist Mark O’Connor told Mike Hosking …

1
Catherine Wedd: Tukituki MP on the member's bill that would ban social media for under 16s 5:41

2d ago5:41

5:41

There's acceptance banning social media for under 16s may be easier said than done. National has put forward a members’ bill to prevent under 16 year olds having social media accounts, with large corporations being responsible for technically regulating age verification. The author, Tukituki MP Catherine Wedd told Mike Hosking she knows anyone can …

1
Full Show Podcast: 07 May 2025 1:29:46

2d ago1:29:46

1:29:46

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 7th of May, Brooke van Velden talks improving the pay equity process and why it isn't, apparently, all about the Budget. And we've got a National bill that wants to ban social media for under 16s. Possible or not? Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen talk pay equity and the feasibility of th…

1
Pollies: National's Mark Mitchell and Labour's Ginny Andersen on the pay equity rules, social media ban 12:23

2d ago12:23

12:23

MPs across the political spectrum are fired up over the latest proposal to overhaul —under urgency— rules around pay equity. The proposed law, which would lift the threshold of pay equity claims of gender-discrimination, is expected to have its third reading this morning. Labour's Ginny Andersen told Mike Hosking the Government was boasting about s…

1
Sharon Zollner: ANZ Chief Economist on the unemployment rate likely hitting its highest point since 2016 2:12

2d ago2:12

2:12

An observation the recession hasn't been felt evenly. Stats NZ data out this morning could show unemployment has hit its highest point since 2016 during the March quarter – reaching around 5.2%. ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner told Mike Hosking she expects it will have bigger impacts on different age groups and communities. She says young people…

1
Richard Arnold: US Correspondent on the meeting between Donald Trump and Mark Carney 5:45

2d ago5:45

5:45

The US President and Canadian Prime Minister have had some tough conversations today. Donald Trump and Mark Carney met at the White House and vowed to bring up tough points that are dividing their countries since Trump won office. On Trump's desire to make Canada America's 51st state, Carney stated the country is not for sale. US Correspondent Rich…

1
Ronan Payinda: Auckland University study lead on nearly half of schools being within a ten minute walk of a vape store 3:15

2d ago3:15

3:15

The more vape stores near schools, the more young people vape. Fresh research from Auckland University shows almost half of schools across New Zealand are within a ten minute walk from a vape store The government passed a law in 2023 banning specialist vape shops from opening within 300 metres of schools, but the laws didn't apply to hundreds of ex…

1
Brooke van Velden: Workplace Relations Minister on the new rules for gender-based pay equity claims 4:21

2d ago4:21

4:21

The Government says its new tough rules for pay equity claims will result in major taxpayer savings. The proposed law, which would lift the threshold of pay equity claims of gender-discrimination, is expected to have its third reading this morning. It's caused an uproar, with many women and union groups opposed to the idea. Workplace Relations Mini…

1
Mike's Minute: Why our top achievers are leaving 2:15

3d ago2:15

2:15

I always find it amusing when officialdom is confused, and they seem confused, as to why so many of our brightest minds have bailed and gone off overseas. This is the group of top achievers at NCEA level and the ones with international qualifications. More of them than ever have left the country. Officialdom here doesn’t know if they are enrolled o…

1
Nick Bryant: Global Political expert on the Trump effect, Australian and Canadian elections 11:50

3d ago11:50

11:50

Australia's recent election has sparked talks of the 'Trump effect' coming into play. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Labor Party's had a landslide win, securing a historic second term. It's widely thought Trump's volatility influenced the outcome. Global Political Expert Nick Bryant told Mike Hosking it's become more apparent the country wanted …

1
Full Show Podcast: 06 May 2025 1:29:49

3d ago1:29:49

1:29:49

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 6th of May, free trade negotiations are officially underway in India, and our film industry could be left reeling after Trump announced 100% tariffs on foreign films. Sir John Key is on to talk business growth in New Zealand, as well as everything else Mike throws at him. Nick Bryant is an…

1
Andrew Hoggard: Associate Agriculture Minister on the decline in livestock numbers 3:08

3d ago3:08

3:08

New Zealand’s livestock numbers are on the decline. Latest figures from Stats NZ show a 21% drop in sheep numbers over the past 10 years – a total decline of 6.2 million sheep since 2014. The number of dairy cattle also fell 13% over the same period, coinciding with the increase in land being converted for forestry. Associate Agriculture Minister A…

1
Sir John Key: Former Prime Minister on the Ignite 25 Growth Summit, Trump tariffs 9:27

3d ago9:27

9:27

Sir John Key does not believe US President Donald Trump intends to keep tariffs on most of the world. The former Prime Minister is speaking at the Ignite 25 Growth Summit business event in Auckland today. Key, who's supported Trump in the past, says the President is only focused on China in his new trade policies. He told Mike Hosking the stock, bo…

1
Annie Dundas: Auckland Unlimited Destination Director on North Island tourism organisations teaming up 2:42

3d ago2:42

2:42

Tourism organisations from across the North Island are working to put a spotlight on it. Fifteen operators have teamed up and signed a Memorandum of Understanding. It aims to generate interest from key tourism markets particularly Australia, North America, and China. Auckland Unlimited Destination Director Annie Dundas told Mike Hosking both island…

1
Irene Gardiner: Screen Production and Development Association on Trump's film tariffs 2:56

3d ago2:56

2:56

The film industry is being asked not to push the panic button. There's a lot of uncertainty after US President Donald Trump's announcement of a 100% tariff on films produced outside the US. In a post on Truth Social, he says the US film industry is ‘dying a very fast death’ as countries offer incentives to lure filmmaking away from Hollywood. Scree…

1
Tim Groser: Former Trade Minister on New Zealand entering free trade negotiations with India 3:07

3d ago3:07

3:07

The state of foreign affairs across the globe could play into New Zealand's hands as it enters free trade negotiations. A Government delegation has landed in the Indian capital to begin the process of securing an FTA. Former Trade Minister Tim Groser told Mike Hosking he's never loved our chances, but the odds have changed. He says the landscape ha…

1
Christopher Luxon: The Prime Minister talks defence spending, public service and Australian election 11:04

4d ago11:04

11:04

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is live in studio with Mike Hosking to talk the big issues of the week. Luxon has confirmed the plan to commit $12 billion to defence, backing the decision for five marine helicopters. He says the defence plan will make New Zealand well connected to global partners. The Prime Ministers disagreeing with his soon-to-b…

1
Mike's Minute: The great man that was Sir Bob Jones 2:16

4d ago2:16

2:16

I was very sad to hear of the passing of Bob Jones - Sir Robert Jones. The last contact I had with him was last year when he sent me a copy of his latest book. They always came with a personal note. When I say personal, it was a letter that he would have dictated and had typed up and then signed himself. He was from a different era of sorts. I neve…

1
Steve Price: Australian Correspondent on the Federal election over the weekend 6:38

4d ago6:38

6:38

Anthony Albanese's lead the Australian Labor Party to a back-to-back run in Government. Peter Dutton has lost his seat as well as losing the election, making him the first federal opposition leader to do so. Australian Correspondent Steve Price talks all things election with Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform…

1
Full Show Podcast: 05 May 2025 1:29:56

4d ago1:29:56

1:29:56

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 5th of May, we're spending $2b on helicopters for the defence force. Is that expensive? Or just the cost of defence these days? The Prime Minister is in to talk whether we have too many portfolios and ministers and if we've gone too skint for the Budget. Andrew Saville and Jason Pine co…

1
Vaughan Couillault: Secondary Principals Association president on the Government's new 'Parent Portal' initiative 1:55

4d ago1:55

1:55

The Government's launching a new tool to give parents greater access to what their children are learning at school. Education Minister Erica Stanford introduced the 'Parent Portal', yesterday, designed to provide a "clear, easy-to-understand year-by-year guide" to topics in English and maths. More subjects will be added as the Government continues …

1
Chris Bullen: Auckland University Public Health Professor on illicit tobacco sales and organised crime groups on mainstream resale platforms 3:53

4d ago3:53

3:53

Organised crime groups are using mainstream resale platforms like Facebook Marketplace for the sale of tobacco. Research shows up to 25 percent of all cigarettes in New Zealand are sourced illegally. Auckland University Public Health Professor Chris Bullen says he doesn't believe the data is that high, but rather sitting somewhere between five and …

1
Wayne Mapp: Defence Minister on the Government's $12b commitment to defence 2:10

4d ago2:10

2:10

The Government will spend $12 billion on defence spending. Two billion of that will be allocated to helicopters and deployment. Defence Minister Wayne Mapp talks to Mike Hosking about the budget. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

1
Laura Jayes: Sky News Correspondent on Anthony Albanese's win, Peter Dutton's failure, Greens performance and more 4:52

4d ago4:52

4:52

It's been a busy week for politics around the world - with elections taking place in Australia, Singapore and the UK. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's lead the Labor Party to a triumphant win, securing a majority Government. Sky News Correspondent Laura Jayes talks to Mike Hosking about the election, what went wrong for Peter Dutton and…

1
Andrew Kelleher of JMI on non-farm payroll data showing concerns over the Trump administrations policy blitz 5:40

4d ago5:40

5:40

Non-farm payrolls - a monthly statistic released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, shows concerns over the Trump administrations policy blitz. In April 177,000 jobs were added to the US economy and unemployment rates are stable at 4.2 percent. But business and consumer surveys are still sending warning signals. Andrew Kelleher of JMI breaks dow…

1
Richard Arnold: US Correspondent on Trump's controversial NBC interview: immigration, economy, third-term 4:19

4d ago4:19

4:19

A revealing interview has taken place between US President Donald Trump and broadcaster NBC. He made headlines when talking about contentious issues such as the economy, immigration and the potential of seeing through a third-term. US Correspondent Richard Arnold talks to Mike Hosking about the interview. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener f…

1
Mike's Minute: Will the Covid inquiry submitters get the answers we want? 2:02

6d ago2:02

2:02

I think I'm encouraged by the numbers of submissions into the Covid inquiry. This is Covid inquiry part two. The second part is to try and rectify the stitch up that was Covid part one from the previous Government, who were determined to set criteria that would not expose the true damage they wrought upon most of us. 31,000 have had their say this …

1
Mark the Week: The All Blacks deal is a nice fit 2:18

7d ago2:18

2:18

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. Tory Whanau: 9/10 She scored it herself and why wouldn’t you, shouldn't you, when you are as brilliant as her? God, she deserves a holiday. Donald Trump: 7/10 For the sheer madness, calamity and unbelievable amount of bullshit he …

1
Mike's Minute: Three good ideas from the Govt this week 2:09

7d ago2:09

2:09

Three prizes for three good calls this week by the Government. 1) Financial literacy coming to a school near you in 2027, and not a day too soon. In many respects it’s the more valuable end of the education spectrum. It's education you can actually use. 2) Nicola Willis and her cutting of the operating allowance from $2.4b to $1.3b. The $2.4b numbe…

1
Full Show Podcast: 02 May 2025 1:30:05

7d ago1:30:05

1:30:05

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 2nd of May, Health Minister Simeon Brown is forcing doctors back to the negotiating table via the ERA. Just what is happening with the Indian Panthers basketball team? The team was suspended and the CEO is on to tell us their plans to fix it. Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson discuss Mushroomgat…

1
Wrapping the Week with Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson: Mushroomgate, Suzanne Vega, whiskey-infused manuka honey 12:25

7d ago12:25

12:25

Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back today to Wrap the Week that was. They discussed the latest to come out of Mushroomgate, Suzanne Vega, and a new whiskey-infused manuka honey the show’s producers received. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

1
Bruce Hawker: Australian Political Correspondent ahead of Election Day 7:27

7d ago7:27

7:27

One day out from the Australian Election and Labor seems to have it in the bag. If the polling stacks up, Anthony Albanese will remain Prime Minister and Peter Dutton will once again be relegated to opposition. There’s been criticism across the ditch that the coalition’s campaign has been full of U-turns and back tracks – undermining their credibil…

1
Parveen Batish: Indian Panthers CEO on the team's ban from the NBL 2:36

7d ago2:36

2:36

An unshakable insistence from Indian Panthers boss Parveen Batish that their indefinite ban from the National Basketball League won't be permanent. The first year team were handed an immediate ban mid-season following serious allegations of payment issues and player unrest. The Panthers can return to the NBL if they meet various conditions set by t…

1
Nick Sautner: Eden Park CEO on the declining attendance, revenue for the stadium 3:30

7d ago3:30

3:30

Declining stats for Auckland's Eden Park, as the number of major events coming to this country reduce. Revenue fell from $44.3 million in 2023 to $29.7 million in 2024 and major event attendance fell from 881 thousand to 540 thousand. Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner told Mike Hosking one of the factors to blame is the lack of seed funding. He says there…

1
Oliver Hartwich: NZ Initiative Executive Director on David Seymour's call to limit the number of government ministers 3:06

7d ago3:06

3:06

David Seymour's calling for fat to be cut from multiple areas of government. The Act Party leader wants a limit on the number of ministers – with no ministers outside of Cabinet, and no associate ministers other than in Finance. He wants 30 total government agencies, down from 41. Executive Director of business think tank New Zealand Initiative, Ol…

1
Sarah Helm: Drug Foundation CEO on the increased use of meth, lack of support for meth-addictions 3:51

7d ago3:51

3:51

The Drug Foundation says the country barely invests anything into helping and supporting people with meth-addiction. Discharges from public hospitals suggest meth-use has increased four-fold over the past decade. Wastewater testing last year showed a doubling in meth use. Drug Foundation Chief Executive Sarah Helm told Mike Hosking a lot more could…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Robert A Bob Mitchell Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen