Best Simon Watts Podcasts (2025)

1
Simon Watts: Energy Minister on the Government's new energy sector announcement 8:16

Play Pause

1d ago8:16

8:16

The Government's opted against a significant energy shake-up - rejecting calls to re-nationalise or split up the big gentailers. Instead, it'll offer the Crown-controlled companies more capital to invest in generation projects. Energy Minister Simon Watts explained the changes further here today. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy…

1
Simon Watts: Energy Minister on the Government's plan for energy reform, procuring a Liquefied Natural Gas facility 5:22

2d ago5:22

5:22

The Government’s opting to provide capital to Crown-controlled power companies instead of reshaping its role in the energy sector. Genesis, Mercury, and Meridian have been assured funding is available for major infrastructure projects. A procurement process for a Liquefied Natural Gas facility has also been launched, which Energy Minister Simon Wat…

1
Mark the Week: The power industry reform was the Govt's weak point 2:21

21m ago2:21

2:21

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. The All Blacks: 8/10 That was the best match of the Rugby Championship. In a competition where everyone has beaten everyone, we have seen a sign that quality rugby is on the up. Winston Peters: 7/10 It took too long to get there b…

1
Mike's Minute: We need more bipartisan politics on key issues 2:15

7m ago2:15

2:15

"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 pret…

1
Richard Arnold: US Correspondent on the Government shutdown 4:42

8m ago4:42

4:42

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, th…

1
Wrapping the Week with Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson: Tim turns 60, All Blacks and injuries, and plush toys 10:00

16m ago10:00

10:00

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 …

1
Jordie Barrett: All Blacks vice-captain previews the test against the Wallabies 6:40

41m ago6:40

6:40

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 …

1
Full Show Podcast: 03 October 2025 1:30:26

36m ago1:30:26

1:30:26

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 R…

1
Simon Rutherford: Auto Distributors NZ CEO on the new car brands entering the NZ market 3:55

1h ago3:55

3:55

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 Rut…

1
Toby Stuart: Michelin Star Chef on the launch of their new luxury retreat in Abel Tasman 4:09

3h ago4:09

4:09

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 wellne…

1
Billie Moore: Airports Association CEO on the launch of the new freight plan 2:19

3h ago2:19

2:19

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 th…

1
Te Ururoa Flavell: Former Te Pati Māori co-leader on Toitū Te Tiriti cutting ties with the party 3:33

6m ago3:33

3:33

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-leade…

1
Andrew Hoggard: Associate Agricultural Minister on the new welfare requirements for pig farming 2:42

4h ago2:42

2:42

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 M…

1
Enda Brady: UK correspondent on Harry bringing William and Kate into Daily Mail lawsuit 4:12

15h ago4:12

4:12

Prince Harry's legal battle against the Daily Mail continues, and he's dragged William and Kate into the mix. Harry is one of several public figures - including Sir Elton John, Baroness Doreen Lawrence and Elizabeth Hurley - accusing Associated Newspapers Limited of privacy breaches. UK correspondent Enda Brady explains the situation further. LISTE…

1
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the new media moguls looking to buy TikTok 4:28

12h ago4:28

4:28

Move over Murdoch family - there's a new set of media moguls looking to make a name for themselves. Larry Ellison, founder of the software firm Oracle, and his son David are orchestrating media deals which could see them owning big names like CNN, Paramount and TikTok. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com…

1
Hasan Minhaj: A Joke About Ageism 4:39

8m ago4:39

4:39

Hasan Minhaj jokes about ageism in his Netflix special, "Off With His Head".By Netflix

1
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Does the flotilla stunt really help the people of Gaza? 2:20

13h ago2:20

2:20

I reckon we shouldn't panic too much on behalf of those three New Zealand citizens who've been intercepted by the Israeli military and the flotilla. Obviously, we want international law to be followed, but it's pretty clear that these guys knew what they were getting themselves into and did it anyway. I mean, they are absolutely milking this for al…

1
Full Show Podcast: 02 October 2025 1:41:03

14h ago1:41:03

1:41:03

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 2 October 2025, three New Zealand citizens have been arrested by the Israeli Defence Force because they were on a protest flotilla headed for Gaza. One of them is 18-year old Samuel Leason, his dad speaks to Heather. The Warehouse chief executive Mark Stirton tells Heather why th…

1
Hamish McKay: The Country spokesperson on what's behind the increase in the price of wool 2:00

10h ago2:00

2:00

Wool prices have seen a significant rise this week, and there's a few key factors behind this development. Currently, wool prices are on the longest rise since 1987 - and while these prices are mostly benefitting Australian farmers, there's hope Kiwis could benefit from this demand too. The Country's Hamish McKay explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See…

1
Liam Napier: NZ Herald sports writer on the All Blacks squad picks for Australian clash in Perth 3:50

13h ago3:50

3:50

A much-revamped All Blacks line-up will confront Australia in Saturday's second Bledisloe Cup test against Australia. Injuries account for four of the seven changes to the run-on side. Captain Scott Barrett returns at lock, Tamaiti Williams and Fletcher Newell start as props and Peter Lakai has his first test start, at number eight. In the backs, Q…

1
The Huddle: What does Toitū Te Tiriti cutting ties mean for Te Pāti Māori? 9:55

14h ago9:55

9:55

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Toitū Te Tiriti, the activist group behind the hikoi on Parliament last year officially cut ties with Te Pāti Māori today. What does this mean for Te Pāti Māori's political future - o…

1
Meka Whaitiri: former Labour MP on Toitū Te Tiriti cutting ties with Te Pāti Māori 3:22

11h ago3:22

3:22

Questions have been raised over ructions within Te Pāti Māori. Toitū Te Tiriti - which led the large hikoi on Parliament last year - officially cut ties with the party today. Leader Eru Kapa-Kingi is the son of one of the party's MPs, and he claims the party follows a 'dictatorship model'. Former Labour MP Meka Whaitiri ran for Te Pāti Māori in the…

1
Karen Fifield: Wellington Zoo CEO on the death of Jane Goodall 2:32

14h ago2:32

2:32

Conservationist Dame Jane Goodall, who was credited with revolutionising the world's understanding of chimpanzees, has died at the age of 91. She died of natural causes while on on a speaking tour in California. In her later life, Goodall was almost always travelling the world, delivering speeches about the importance of protecting the environment.…

1
A.D Leason: father of 18-year-old detained from intercepted Gaza-bound flotilla weighs in on situation 4:28

15h ago4:28

4:28

The father of a New Zealander reportedly detained from a Gaza-bound flotilla intercepted by Israel says he spoke to his son last night. Eighteen year old Samuel Leason posted a video online - pre-recorded in case of emergency. His father, A.D Leason, says Samuel described a submarine circling the flotilla, and a blockade of military vessels ahead. …

1
Mark Stirton: Warehouse Group CEO hopeful the retailer can grow following recent net loss 3:23

17h ago3:23

3:23

The Warehouse Group's chief executive is confident he can turn the retail giant around. It's reporting an annual net loss of $2.76 million dollars - a major improvement from last year's $54.2 million dollar loss. Noel Leeming is performing the best, with revenue up 3.3 percent. Chief executive Mark Stirton says they're moving away from a digital fo…

1
Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on Toitū Te Tiriti cutting ties with Te Pāti Māori 6:03

18h ago6:03

6:03

Change is afoot at Te Pāti Māori - as a prominent activist group has severed ties with the party. Toitū Te Tiriti spokesperson Eru Kapa-Kingi claims the Party has a dictatorship decision-making model. His mother, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, was recently demoted as the Party whip. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the saga fu…

1
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on Erin Patterson looking to appeal her guilty verdict 4:49

15h ago4:49

4:49

Lawyers for mushroom murderer Erin Patterson plan to appeal her guilty verdicts. The 50-year-old has a life sentence with 33 years non-parole period for killing three relatives with a beef wellington lunch laced with poisonous deathcap mushrooms in 2023. Patterson's barrister made the appeal announcement today. Australian correspondent Murray Olds …

1
D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on Tim Robinson's performance in the T20 series against Australia 4:42

17h ago4:42

4:42

Tim Robinson has capitalised on Rachin Ravindra's injury-enforced absence to post his maiden T20 international cricket century in New Zealand's opening six-wicket Chappell-Hadlee series loss to Australia at Mount Maunganui. The visitors chased the 182-run target with 21 balls to spare. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave recapped the action further. …

1
Dr Jay Gong: UOA School of Pharmacy lecturer on the concerns tramadol could be getting over-prescribed 4:21

12h ago4:21

4:21

There's concerns tramadol could be getting over-prescribed, with more patients being given the painkiller. Pharmac data shows more than 270,000 people were prescribed the drug last year - an increase of 14 percent since 2019. UOA School of Pharmacy lecturer Dr Jay Gong says healthcare providers likely prefer prescribing tramadol over stronger paink…

1
Mike's Minute: The problem with the Govt's passion projects 2:11

16h ago2:11

2:11

Forget the detail of the power reforms, because we dealt with them yesterday, let's deal to the politics of it and a habit the Government has that is hurting them. There is a pattern. The pattern is the Government tells us there is something wrong, it could be banks, it could be supermarkets, it could be power, or it could be airlines. The last Gov…

1
Nadia Lim: Kiwi Chef on her new cookbook 'Nadia's Farm Kitchen' and her farming journey 12:27

18h ago12:27

12:27

A new cookbook and a celebration of the farming sector. Kiwi Chef Nadia Lim has spent over five years designing her new cookbook, which she says is about paying tribute to the farmers, land, and sustainable food. ‘Nadia’s Farm Kitchen’ is filled with seasonal recipes, as well as offering a glimpse into life on Royalburn Station with personal storie…

1
Full Show Podcast: 02 October 2025 1:30:18

1d ago1:30:18

1:30:18

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 2nd of October, the Government is teaming up with banks to try deliver more social housing – Minister Chris Bishop unpacks the scheme. Pharmac’s new Chief Executive Natalie McMurtry speaks for the first time on how she plans to lead the entity. Beloved Kiwi chef Nadia Lim has been working…

1
Natalie McMurty: Pharmac CEO on entering her new role 4:01

19h ago4:01

4:01

Natalie McMurtry says Pharmac's model drew her to the agency's top job. She is just three weeks into her five-year-contract as chief executive at the drug-buying agency. The Canadian is tasked with continuing efforts to improve the agency's standing with the New Zealand public after years of degradation. McMurty told Mike Hosking she’s happy to kee…

1
Jim Dolan: Australian Sports Journalist on the latest rumours surrounding R360 4:57

19h ago4:57

4:57

A big headache for NRL bosses ahead of the grand final. 10 stars are reportedly lined up to leave league, defecting to rugby union’s Saudi-backed ‘R360’, including Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomaz, and Warriors winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. The competition is targeting an October 2026 start date. But Australian Sports Journalist Jim Dolan confirmed to Mik…

1
Kelvin Davidson: Cotality Chief Property Economist on property values rising after a five month slide 2:01

19h ago2:01

2:01

There's a view the property market will continue to be in buyers' favour for some time, despite values edging up. Cotality data shows property values in New Zealand ticked up by 0.1% in September, following a cumulative 1.6% drop over the five months to August. Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson says regional New Zealand properties are faring…