City Rail Link cost concerns are re-igniting calls for a shake up to the way we approach infrastructure.

The project's former boss Sean Sweeney claims the build could've been completed at half the estimated $5.5 billion.

It sparked Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop to announce a full review of the project after it's opened later this year.

Civil Contractors New Zealand CEO Alan Pollard told Mike Hosking Sweeney's views line up with broader over-spending concerns.

He says we have a tendency to favour bespoke design, whereas having a catalogue of standard designs would be much more efficient.

LISTEN ABOVE  

City Rail Link cost concerns are re-igniting calls for a shake up to the way we approach infrastructure.
The project's former boss Sean Sweeney claims the build could've been completed at half the estimated $5.5 billion.
It sparked Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop to announce a full review of the project after it's opened later this year.
Civil Contractors New Zealand CEO Alan Pollard told Mike Hosking Sweeney's views line up with broader over-spending concerns.
He says we have a tendency to favour bespoke design, whereas having a catalogue of standard designs would be much more efficient.
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show.

Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda.

The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion, delivers the best talent, and always leaves you wanting more.

The Mike Hosking Breakfast always cuts through and delivers the best daily on Newstalk ZB.

Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show. Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda. The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion, delivers the best talent, and always leaves you wanting more. The Mike Hosking Breakfast always cuts through and delivers the best daily on Newstalk ZB.

Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show.Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda.The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion,...

The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Alan Pollard: Civil Contractors NZ CEO on the Government's planned review of the City Rail Link's cost

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/e7eca0e4-1851-4f2b-a7d9-b443015876b4/transcript

The Crusaders are back in their brand-new stadium. 

After christening the One NZ Stadium with a 35-20 victory over the Waratahs during Super Round, tonight's clash will see them go head-to-head with the Blues. 

Over 73 thousand fans walked through the stadium during its opening weekend, and it looks like it will be packed out tonight, tickets expected to sell out.  

Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge told Mike Hosking they expect to keep selling-out based on demand to date, which will be great for the club.  

He says moving into the new stadium is a sea change for them, and it’ll have a very positive result.  

LISTEN ABOVE  

The Crusaders are back in their brand-new stadium.&nbsp;
After christening the One NZ Stadium with a 35-20 victory over the Waratahs during Super Round, tonight's clash will see them go head-to-head with the Blues.&nbsp;
Over 73 thousand fans walked through the stadium during its opening weekend, and it looks like it will be packed out tonight, tickets expected to sell out. &nbsp;
Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge told Mike Hosking they expect to keep selling-out based on demand to date, which will be great for the club. &nbsp;
He says moving into the new stadium is a sea change for them, and it’ll have a very positive result. &nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Colin Mansbridge: Crusaders CEO on tonight's game against the Blues, selling out the stadium

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/5f63f118-1675-4827-984e-b4430163d26f/transcript

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 8th of May, Finance Minister Nicola Willis discusses the OECD report on the future impact of our current Superannuation settings.  

NZR Chairman David Kirk answers questions about the new CEO, new President, and the economic state of rugby in this country. 

And on Wrapping the Week, Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson listen in as Mike calls a young fan with a special invite! 

Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

LISTEN ABOVE  

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 8th of May, <a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/nicola-willis-finance-minister-on-the-oecd-report-looking-at-the-impact-of-our-current-superannuation-settings-on-the-economy/">Finance Minister Nicola Willis</a> discusses the OECD report on the future impact of our current Superannuation settings. &nbsp;
<a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/david-kirk-nz-rugby-chairman-on-the-appointment-of-steve-lancaster-as-ceo/">NZR Chairman David Kirk</a> answers questions about the new CEO, new President, and the economic state of rugby in this country.&nbsp;
And on Wrapping the Week, Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson listen in as Mike calls a young fan with a special invite!&nbsp;
Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Full Show Podcast: 08 May 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/cc35dcd5-6e81-490a-b95e-b443015cad68/transcript

New Zealand Rugby's global search for a new chief executive has led them back to their own offices. 

Steve Lancaster has been confirmed as the new boss of NZR. 

The former Crusader has been serving as the interim CEO for the last six months, having stepped up from his role as general manager of community rugby.  

Chairman David Kirk told Mike Hosking that originally they didn’t have a strong understanding of the executive talent, so they thought they had to go global to find a new CEO. 

However, he says, when Lancaster was executing the interim role, it became more obvious to them that he was highly capable in a broader role than they had suspected.  

LISTEN ABOVE  

New Zealand Rugby's global search for a new chief executive has led them back to their own offices.&nbsp;
Steve Lancaster has been confirmed as the new boss of NZR.&nbsp;
The former Crusader has been serving as the interim CEO for the last six months, having stepped up from his role as general manager of community rugby. &nbsp;
Chairman David Kirk told Mike Hosking that originally they didn’t have a strong understanding of the executive talent, so they thought they had to go global to find a new CEO.&nbsp;
However, he says, when Lancaster was executing the interim role, it became more obvious to them that he was highly capable in a broader role than they had suspected. &nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

David Kirk: NZ Rugby Chairman on the appointment of Steve Lancaster as CEO

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/eb3c4c4a-9e6a-4fdf-a4b5-b443015afba8/transcript

Alan Pollard: Civil Contractors NZ CEO on the Government's planned review of the City Rail Link's cost

In 1 playlist(s)

The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips