The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Economists are predicting promising economic results from the last quarter ahead of the ongoing ripple effects caused by war in the Middle East. GDP data for the December quarter is being released just before 11 this morning. Both Westpac and ASB are anticipating 0.4% quarterly growth. ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Mike Hosking exports have largely been the driver.  But Tuffley says recovery has been uneven, pointing to a weaker construction sector.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scrapping rugby fees for kids is boosting grassroots participation.   Counties Manukau was first to fund junior fees three years ago, with Nelson and Wellington's Newland clubs following suit.  The interest from a million-dollar grant from NZ Rugby's Silver Lake deal covers junior fees for five of Counties Manukau's 16 clubs.   Head of Community Matt Megaw told Mike Hosking they're seeing good numbers.   He says rugby is on a steady incline in their area, despite there being lots for kids to do these days.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The departing Fonterra boss says he was never meant to be in the role as long as he has been.  Chief executive Miles Hurrell has announced he will step down as the dairy giant completes a significant shift in strategy.  That includes the sale of its global consumer brands —including Anchor and Mainland— to French dairy giant Lactalis.  Miles Hurrell told Mike Hosking getting over the line was a big part of his departure.  He says last year, he could see that sale would get over the line in quarter one, which meant they had a clear strategy in place and he could leave.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Defence Minister Judith Collins says it’s vital New Zealand's able to look after a vast area, stretching from Antarctica to Tonga.  The Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces have laid out their plans for a combat-capable ANZAC force by 2035. Defence Minister Judith Collins told Mike Hosking it makes absolute sense for us to be closer with Australia.  She says it's not as though our two countries will be a threat to anybody, but it means we can make use of our assets and people in a much more clever way.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I suppose the ultimate question is, what do you want in a leader, or more specifically, the Prime Minister?  Chris Hipkins is immersed in a growing mess around social media and an angry ex-wife.  Hand on heart, if it hadn't been sent to me I would not have asked, because I genuinely don’t care.  I still subscribe to the broad idea that personal lives are off limits, unless you decide they're fair game.  Social media has changed all the rules. Did the post of me at the pub or the charity run give you clearance to troll through every detail?  Does a political figure asking for your vote entitle you to know everything about them and, if so, where is the line? And is the line not different for each and every one of us?  Equally, it has a chilling effect. For everything that may be/could be said about you that isn't true (or is said with malice with a bit of added spice that isn't strictly true but designed to damage) it must put people off public office, there but for the grace of God.  Who needs that grief? No one is squeaky clean.  If the Parliament is supposed to be representative, I suppose you could argue Hipkins and his ex represent a large slice of the New Zealand countryside; married, divorced, things got messy – that's life experience.  You could argue she's toxic. You could argue he's a prick. You could argue a lot of stuff, which is why it is probably best left, given it doesn’t cross the threshold of requiring the authorities.  In others’ words it's domestic, it's not illegal, it's not involving police, or authorities, or courts, or charges, or investigations. It's she said, he said.  I would love to know (and AI will tell us one day) how many have reacted to the allegations strongly because they hate Hipkins and want him taken down, versus how many reacted strongly because of the accusations in isolation, versus how many haven't reacted at all, versus how many have reacted against her for seeking revenge, versus how many have gone out of their way to track down the comments because they are nosey.  What a mix – public life, social media, gossip, innuendo, anger, broken hearts, revenge, toxicity, and sticky beak-ery.  Who would be an MP? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politicians from across the spectrum are steering clear of discussing claims made by Chris Hipkins' ex.  The Labour leaders' denied allegations made by his ex-wife in a now deleted private Facebook post.  None indicate unlawful conduct.  Labour's Ginny Anderson told Mike Hosking it's sad, and as a mother her first thoughts are with the children.   National's Mark Mitchell says he understands the public interest, but he's staying right out of it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

British pop legend Robbie Williams offers his thoughts on the increasing scale of live performances and concerts as part of an interview with Mike Hosking. Catch the full-length chat here. Robbie Williams is coming to entertain New Zealand this November.  He’s confirmed one show in Auckland and another in Christchurch for his BRITPOP world tour, and he’ll be the first international artist to perform at Christchurch’s new Te Kaha Stadium.   Musicians have been putting more and more effort into their performances and concerts of late – ramping up the visuals and touring much more frequently.   Williams reckons the reason why is that all artists “shat themselves” when the experimental experiential market “fell to shit” as a result of Covid.  “I reckon it did something to all of our psyches,” he told Mike Hosking.  “We realised on a conscious or subconscious level that this could all be taken away at any moment, and we shall never ever take this for granted again.  “I think everybody came out of the traps going, quick, do something! And I don’t think that we’ve caught up with the fact that were alright right now – we can maybe chill.”   “I don’t think I’ve worked as hard in the last four or five years as I’ve done since I was in ‘Take That’, since I was in the boyband.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 18th of March, we talk food prices, geothermal investment, and chat with the legendary Robbie Williams.  The debate around private versus public life is back after Chris Hipkins responded to allegations from his ex-wife yesterday.   And Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell discuss Chris Hipkins and leadership, plus Mark's wedding this weekend on Politics Wednesday.   Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should a politician’s private life impact their political career?  Labour Leader Chris Hipkins’ ex-wife Jade Paul made allegations against him on a private Facebook post on Sunday, none of which allege unlawful conduct.   They've since been deleted.  Political Commentator Grant Duncan told Mike Hosking whether or not the allegations would move a vote depends on the person.   He says that some people separate someone’s private life from their suitability for a particular role, while others will draw a direct line between their conduct in their private life and their suitability for public office.  “That’s the question of trust, the trustworthiness and the consistency between their party values and what they do in private.”   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is aiming to bolster our geothermal supply. It announced $50 million in new funding, with $23 million has been committed so far – including two $10 million loans for new plants near Rotoma and Kawerau.  The aim is to cut upfront risk whilst doubling generation by 2040. Contact Energy CEO Mike Fuge told Mike Hosking that New Zealand is a world leader in geothermal, and if we can maintain that edge, that’s a good thing.  He says what excites them is the potential growth in the electricity market, which could supply new industries and attract new investment.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.