Mike Hosking Breakfast

Questions have been asked as to how hard is Immigration NZ making it to get accredited employers work visas across the line. Sean Wood is a carpenter in Tauranga and recently has been travelling the world in search of skilled workers to come work for him. He got his accreditation to hire on May 31st and applied for the INZ job checks for a number of workers on June 20th. These job checks are supposed to take ten days max. But Immigration New Zealand keep coming back to Sean with questions they aren't entitled to ask and complaints about the job check contracts, despite them being completed by employment law experts. So his workers are in limbo and he's losing out of tens of thousands of dollars. Sean Wood joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVE

Does a rise in unemployment mean Adrian Orr had a good day? Did he say to himself the rate rises are working, this thing might not be as big a cluster as we had imagined. Or, did he look at those wage increases and freak out and think, ‘My god the cash rate can’t top out at 3.9’? Explain to me how there are more unemployed people, how did that happen? How can you not have a job when there are jobs all around you? How can there be more people without a job this morning when there are jobs galore in every industry every sector every part of the economy? How can employer, after sector, after industry all say the same thing ,they can’t get people ,they can’t pay enough, they advertise for months on end with no results. And yet, you and I the tax payer are forking out for another 2000 that allegedly lost their jobs between yesterday’s stats and the previous ones. The underutilised figure is more sensible, that went down . There are

Robert Patrick is known as one of the greatest villain actors of our generation. He first made his name as the iconic T-1000, the main antagonist of Terminator Two: Judgement Day - a role he reprises in other films. Add to that his roles in The X-Files, The Sopranos, Sons of Anarchy, Walk the Line and Safe House. He's worked with the best - including James Cameron, Clint Eastwood and Demi Moore. Now, he's back in a new horror film What Josiah Saw, which comes to streaming service Shudder today. Robert Patrick joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVE  

US basketball star Brittney Griner was convicted this morning in Russia of drug possession and sentenced to nine years in prison following a politically charged trial that came amid soaring tensions between Moscow and Washington over Ukraine and could lead to a high-stakes prisoner exchange between the two world powers. The 31-year-old Griner, a two-time US Olympic champion and a eight-time all star with the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, listened with a blank expression as an interpreter translated the verdict by Judge Anna Sotnikova. The judge also fined 1 million rubles (NZ $25,000) fine. US President Joe Biden denounced the verdict and sentence as "unacceptable." "I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates," Biden said, adding that he would continue to work to bring home Griner and Paul Whelan, an American imprisoned in Russia on an espionage conviction. Earlier in the session, with a conviction all but certain, an emotional Gr

Increasing competition in the building supplies sector won't necessarily result in cheaper homes. A new Commerce Commission draft report has found there isn't enough competition in the sector, and it's too difficult to get innovative products to market. Registered Master Builders Association chief executive David Kelly says we need to look more broadly. He told Mike Hosking regulatory barriers are getting in the way. Kelly says the consenting system is where a big part of the problem is and needs to be looked at. LISTEN ABOVE  

James Shaw's future as Green Party co-leader is looking more certain -- but isn't assured -- even though he isn't facing any challengers for the  job. Green Party delegates are set to vote again on whether to re-elect Shaw or to keep nominations open. The Climate Change Minister failed to get the support of 75-percent of delegates at the last vote, due to frustration from the party's more radical wing. Newstalk ZB Political Editor Barry Soper told Mike Hosking he's probably done enough to change some delegates' minds. Soper says Shaw has been meeting with the party membership and will probably get the votes he needs. LISTEN ABOVE  

Despite significant cost of living increases impacting retail, Briscoes have posted a strong second quarter result. Sales for the second quarter rose 3.5 percent to almost $192 million with homeware and sporting goods the strongest performers. It's boosted their first half sales after a less than ideal first quarter, with first half sales up 2.7 percent to almost $370 million. Chief Financial Officer at Briscoes Geoff Scowcroft joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVE  

Caleb Clarke will return for the All Blacks this weekend, taking his place on the wing for the first test against the Springboks at Mbombela Stadium. For their first test in South Africa since 2018, the All Blacks have named a few surprises in the team for the clash on Sunday morning (NZ time). Samisoni Taukei'aho, in his 12th test, will make just his second start at the top level, while Angus Ta'avao takes on the starting tighthead prop role in the absense of Nepo Laulala. George Bower, the best of the team's props in the Ireland series, retains his place as the first-choice loosehead. Tyrel Lomax and Ethan de Groot - neither of whom were selected in the squad for the Ireland series - will provide cover from the bench. Scott Barrett joins Sam Whitelock in the locking department with Brodie Retallick unavailable due to injury, while Tupou Vaa'i will look to make his impact late if called upon. The back row is a predictable one, with Akira Ioane, Sam Cane and Ardie Savea ret

There are warnings our main export season could be hit by further supply chain disruptions. We all know the issues in recent months, but a new supply chain risk analytics report from Massey University says a perfect storm of factors could hit our summer season. It's due to China's recent lockdowns, which are only expected to happen more frequently during their winter, the war in Ukraine pumping up winter energy prices, sluggish shipping and staff issues. Custom Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation of NZ President Rachel Madden joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVE

The critical part missed yesterday in the great National tax scandal debate is not whether tax cuts are inflationary; it's the right of people to hold onto their money. You can also add it was a storm in a tea cup, given it's not election year. Until it is, opposition parties shouldn't really be in the business of announcing policy because not all of us are engaged. So, here’s some simple economics on tax. If you cut tax is all that money spent? No. A lot of it is saved. If it's taxed and taken by the Government is it spent? Yes. We know this because the Government has spent every cent it’s got and then billions more it has printed. Is putting money into the economy inflationary to some degree? Yes.   So, if less money goes into the economy because of tax cuts versus more money going into the economy because the Government took it, which action is more inflationary? It's the latter. Then we come to the simple premise on spending. Governme

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 Cost of Living Payment: 2/10 "How to take an idea and butcher it in three easy payments. Expats and dead people getting money while those who deserve it on welfare, don’t. That’s so very Labour."   Border Fully Re-Open: 6/10 "A mile too late. Now the issue of just how open it really is. How many are actually coming through to help solve our crisis?"   $10,000 Payment to Attract Nurses: 6/10 "Because it's actually a bit practical. It might actually help a problem."   Shortland Street Campaign to Attract Nurses: 2/10 "Almost the scandal of the week. The cost-of-living cock up beat it. But when a government instructs the state-owned media on what to put in their television shows, that is what they call a slippery slope."   David Clark: 6/10 "For at least listening and fi

Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined Mike Hosking to wrap the week's news.

Bad weather, rising fuel costs, and staff shortages are all pushing up the price you're paying at the checkout. New analysis by Infometrics and Foodstuffs shows the prices being charged by suppliers has increased nearly eight-percent in the past year. Those costs are the major driver to the rising grocery prices being faced by consumers. Vegetables New Zealand chair John Murphy told Mike Hosking growers need more staff during bad conditions, and they can't find them. He says the pressure on growers has been terrible. LISTEN ABOVE  

National Leader Christopher Luxon is convinced his new youth unemployment plan will get more young people on the right path. The plan would see under-25s given financial incentives for finding jobs and staying employed and handed penalties if they don't take part. The Government says the plan demonises young people and over-simplifies complex issues. But Luxon told Mike Hosking the number of young people on the Jobseeker benefit has doubled, during a time when employers are crying out for workers.He says if people don't get off the benefit before they're 20, they're likely to stay on the benefit throughout their 20s. LISTEN ABOVE

Our most vulnerable people requiring palliative care have a new group determined to give them the best care available. Palliative Care Collaborative Aotearoa has formed because they say the Government hasn't been listening as it cries out for help. They have six key focus areas to try and lift our end of life care ranking; we used to sit 3rd in 2009 but have dropped to 12th as of last year. NZ chair of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine and PCCA spokesperson Catherine D’Souza joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVE

The chunk of the media who are still in love with the Labour Party are on some sort of campaign right now to undermine Chris Luxon. They have taken two events they perceive to be major issues and tried to turn them into even more major issues. One was the Te Puke post. Two, was the tax policy confusion. Neither are big deals; both are beltway only of interest to those obsessed with the Wellington political environment. To be fair, both were mistakes, both look like a bit of a fumble, and both in a slick machine should not have happened. So, it is okay to question current performance. But by the time National got to their conference over the weekend they were doubling down on tax. They were allowing us to keep as much of our money as possible. That approach is to be encouraged. Ironically, the best that one media outlet could do, was traipse off to an economist from the Council of Trade Unions who gave them the obligatory line about their tax policy numbers not adding up. The media at times

It was always going to be a tough ask for the All Blacks to beat the Springboks in South Africa. But it was the manner in which they were beaten that doesn't give much hope to fans. The All Blacks went down 26-10, but our only try came in the dying minutes on a runaway break while the Springboks were a man down. Apart from that they were beaten soundly around the park by a more composed and efficient South African team. Former All Blacks’ coach Laurie Mains joined Mike Hosking to give his take on the match. LISTEN ABOVE

The head of a major employer is welcoming National's "tailored approach" to getting young people into work. National's unveiled a new plan to get under-25s off the Jobseeker benefit.Under the plan, young beneficiaries would get a job coach and a financial bonus for getting and staying in work, and those who refuse to take part would be penalised. Beca Group Chief Executive Greg Lowe told Mike Hosking some young people face barriers to employment. He says if it's a way for more young people to get work it has to be a positive thing and it seems to be a way for Government and business to work together on the issue. LISTEN ABOVE

National Party leader Christopher Luxon is standing by MP Sam Uffindell after he assaulted a schoolboy as a teenager, but says he should have been told of the incident earlier. "He has my backing and he has my support but clearly he needs to build back trust with the voters of Tauranga," Luxon said. Aged 16 as a Year 11 student at King's College, Uffindell and three others jumped on the then 13-year-old boy and began beating him with what was believed to be unscrewed wooden bed legs. Luxon confirmed Uffindell had declared the incident to the National Party when he sought to be a candidate. "He is not the same person that he was 22 years ago as a 16-year-old." Luxon said he should have been informed earlier. The delegates should have been informed and the voters of Tauranga should have been informed earlier. He said Uffindell's admission during selection had triggered deeper background checks and he believed that was how it was supposed to work. "There was a deep explorati

The Health Minister insists immigration rules aren't the reason nurses aren't coming here. Employment Ministry figures show only nine nurses on residency visas have arrived in the country since the criteria for the visas was expanded at the start of last month. Nurses were controversially excluded from the system at first, which meant they could only apply for residency after two years. Andrew Little told Mike Hosking people he's spoken to overseas say immigration rules aren't the issue. He says it's more important they can get here and registration is as easy as possible. LISTEN ABOVE