The RMA Minister says councils have already signalled they'd like to join forces with neighbours. 

The Government's announced a fast-track amalgamation process, asking councils to submit proposals for merging with neighbours to form unitary authorities.  

They have three months to submit a rough plan. 

Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking there’s quite a lot of momentum behind it already. 

He says they’ve had quite a lot of councillors, mayors, and people on local government land express interest in getting on with it and amalgamating, so they’re giving them the opportunity.  

LISTEN ABOVE  

The RMA Minister says councils have already signalled they'd like to join forces with neighbours.&nbsp;
The Government's announced a fast-track amalgamation process, asking councils to submit proposals for merging with neighbours to form unitary authorities. &nbsp;
They have three months to submit a rough plan.&nbsp;
Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking there’s quite a lot of momentum behind it already.&nbsp;
He says they’ve had quite a lot of councillors, mayors, and people on local government land express interest in getting on with it and amalgamating, so they’re giving them the opportunity. &nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

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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

Chris Bishop: RMA Reform Minister on the fast-track amalgamation process for local government and councils

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/9024ce38-538d-4d0e-8ce5-b441014f7c44/transcript

It's possible this year's running of the iconic annual Bluff Oyster Festival may be the last. 

Only half of the four-thousand tickets to the event, taking place on May 23, have been sold.  

Normally it's a sell out by now. 

Festival chair John Edminstin told Mike Hosking there were early fears about an oyster shortage, but that's eased.  

He says unless there's a freak storm in the next couple of weeks, there'll be five boats fishing for oysters right up until the festival opening.  

LISTEN ABOVE  

It's possible this year's running of the iconic annual Bluff Oyster Festival may be the last.&nbsp;
Only half of the four-thousand tickets to the event, taking place on May 23, have been sold. &nbsp;
Normally it's a sell out by now.&nbsp;
Festival chair John Edminstin told Mike Hosking there were early fears about an oyster shortage, but that's eased. &nbsp;
He says unless there's a freak storm in the next couple of weeks, there'll be five boats fishing for oysters right up until the festival opening. &nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

John Edminstin: Bluff Oyster Festival Chair on low ticket sales, the chance this will be the final year

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/dad4b13f-6225-4aaf-bc82-b4410162c4f7/transcript

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 6th of May, we have new unemployment data out today and the Government is giving local councils an amalgamation ultimation.  

Tracy Atiga and Kanaloa Rugby have a plan to save Moana Pasifika – a plan that’s allegedly being blocked by the current group.  

And Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen bicker and banter their way through another Politics Wednesday. 

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 Wednesday 6th of May, we have <a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/nick-tuffley-asb-chief-economist-on-the-expectation-the-unemployment-rate-will-rise-slightly/">new unemployment data</a> out today and the Government is giving <a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/chris-bishop-rma-reform-minister-on-the-fast-track-amalgamation-process-for-local-government-and-councils/">local councils an amalgamation ultimation</a>. &nbsp;
<a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/tracy-atiga-kanaloa-rugby-ceo-says-rugby-politics-are-blocking-their-bid-to-save-moana-pasifika/">Tracy Atiga and Kanaloa Rugby</a> have a plan to save Moana Pasifika – a plan that’s allegedly being blocked by the current group. &nbsp;
And Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen bicker and banter their way through another Politics Wednesday.&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: 06 May 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/4b825588-88e5-4faf-aca9-b441015c6717/transcript

The ceasefire between Iran and the United States seems to be on unstable grounds, the two sides making opposing claims about the Strait of Hormuz. 

US President Donald Trump claims they have full control of the key shipping route, while Iran is warning that any ships trying to pass through without approval will be fired at. 

Iran rejects claims ships have transited the Strait under US protection and also denies reports it attacked the UAE yesterday. 

US Correspondent Nick Harper told Mike Hosking it all seems to be a little risky at this stage. 

Aside from the US’ claims, he says there have been a smattering of ships moving through the Strait over the last ten weeks – largely from countries friendly with Iran. 

"There's not exactly this wholesale unblocking of hundreds and hundreds of ships once again being able to pass through, so just a few here and there, not lots at this stage." 

LISTEN ABOVE  

The ceasefire between Iran and the United States seems to be on unstable grounds, the two sides making opposing claims about the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;
US President Donald Trump claims they have full control of the key shipping route, while Iran is warning that any ships trying to pass through without approval will be fired at.&nbsp;
Iran rejects claims ships have transited the Strait under US protection and also denies reports it attacked the UAE yesterday.&nbsp;
US Correspondent Nick Harper told Mike Hosking it all seems to be a little risky at this stage.&nbsp;
Aside from the US’ claims, he says there have been a smattering of ships moving through the Strait over the last ten weeks – largely from countries friendly with Iran.&nbsp;
"There's not exactly this wholesale unblocking of hundreds and hundreds of ships once again being able to pass through, so just a few here and there, not lots at this stage."&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Nick Harper: US Correspondent on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, status of the Strait of Hormuz

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/197ab7f5-a029-4f51-926f-b441015c14ca/transcript

Chris Bishop: RMA Reform Minister on the fast-track amalgamation process for local government and councils

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