Mark the Week: 'Horse-faced duck' gave a look behind the scenes at Labour

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 Budget: 6/10  The days of drama are gone. It reflected the state of the place; one with prospects but difficult days ahead and discipline required.    Horse-faced duck…

Mike's Minute: My thoughts on the Budget

I asked for the surplus to arrive sooner than previously forecast and, as though she was listening this time yesterday, the first words out of Nicola Willis' mouth were it will be a year ahead of schedule.  You can't ask for more than that.  That’s not an election year lolly, but I'm increasingly…

Richard Arnold: US Correspondent on the latest draft plan for an extension to the ceasefire between Iran and the US

Donald Trump's yet to sign-off on a tentative agreement between the US and Iran.   US sources report negotiators from both sides have reached a deal to extend the ceasefire for 60 days, begin nuclear talks, and open the Strait of Hormuz.   It's understood neither of the nation's leaders have appr…

Wrapping the Week with Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson: Dame Lynda Topp's Budget criticism, holidays, and Oura Rings

After a busy week, Friday has finally arrived which means Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that Was.  They discussed Dame Lynda Topp’s criticism of the Budget at last night’s Aotearoa Music Awards, Mike and Kate’s upcoming holiday, and Oura Rings.   LISTEN …

Richie Barnett: Former Kiwis Captain previews the NRL clash between the Warriors and Panthers

This weekend will be a test to see if this is truly the Warriors’ year.  Sydney is hosting the top of the table clash between the number two Warriors and the number one Penrith Panthers.  The Panthers have won ten of the last eleven clashes against the Kiwi side, but they’re also backing up after…

Full Show Podcast: 29 May 2026

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 29th of May, we got the trades’ reaction to the Budget and an economist’s thoughts on what the books might look like in a couple years’ time.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Winston Peters both relay their wins from Budget Day.  And K…

Campbell Parker: Dairy NZ CEO on the new dairy season, wide milk price range

It’s an uncertain future for farmers, with global events making it harder to predict the milk price.   Fonterra's midpoint payout forecast for the current season is $9.70.   It's slightly up for next season, at $9.75, but it's signalling that could be as low as $8 or as high as $11.   Dairy NZ C…

Alan McDonald: Employers and Manufacturers' Association Head of Advocacy on the focus on trades in Budget 2026

There’s a view the Government's restoring the balance between university and vocational pathways.  The Budget doubles Trades Academy places from 10,000 to 20,000 over four years, giving more secondary students access to training while at school.  Employers and Manufacturers' Association Head of A…

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on Budget 2026, return to surplus coming a year earlier than expected

Most households may not see any immediate direct benefit from the Budget.  It shows a return to surplus in the 2028/29 financial year, a year sooner than previously forecast. The forecast uses the OBEGALx measure, which excludes ACC.     Infometrics Economist Brad Olsen says it might be a tad opt…

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the reaction to Budget 2026, the levy on banks

Finance Minister Nicola Willis hopes her Budget will convince voters to re-elect the Government in November.  It includes significant investment in infrastructure and health.  It also shows a return to surplus in the 2028/29 financial year – a year sooner than previously forecast. The forecast us…