Health New Zealand spent just over $216 million on locum doctors last year, up from the nearly $209 million spent in 2024, and just over $186 million in 2023.

Health NZ clinical national director Dr Richard Sullivan says they are aiming to hire more permanent staff. 

But, Sullivan told Mike Hosking, locums will likely always be necessary, "getting people in certain parts of the country is a problem, always has been a problem, probably always will be a problem."

LISTEN ABOVE

Health New Zealand spent just over $216 million on locum doctors last year, up from the nearly $209 million spent in 2024, and just over $186 million in 2023.
Health NZ clinical national director Dr Richard Sullivan says they are aiming to hire more permanent staff.&nbsp;
But, Sullivan told Mike Hosking, locums will likely always be necessary, "getting people in certain parts of the country is a problem, always has been a problem, probably always will be a problem."
LISTEN ABOVE

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

Dr Richard Sullivan: Health New Zealand national director says they want more permanent doctors

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/343e2614-4bb3-434a-b081-b43f016502fd/transcript

Data from the latest annual ratepayer report shows rates are up an average of $451 nationwide to an average total of $3,386.

The report additionally shows debt is climbing with councils owing around 220% of their annual rates revenue.

Taxpayers Union Executive Director Jordan Williams joined Mike Hosking to discuss the report.

LISTEN ABOVE 

Data from the latest annual ratepayer report shows rates are up an average of $451 nationwide to an average total of $3,386.
The report additionally shows debt is climbing with councils owing around 220% of their annual rates revenue.
Taxpayers Union Executive Director Jordan Williams joined Mike Hosking to discuss the report.
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Jordan Williams: Executive Director at Taxpayers Union on report showing resident rates are up $451 on average

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/9b883485-abdf-4a57-bb2b-b43f016db715/transcript

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 4th of May, we've got Act's new immigration policy and a record amount being spent on locum doctors.

Speaking of Act, Acting Prime Minister David Seymour is in while the PM is overseas and talks the U.S officially asking us to help with the Strait of Hormuz and

Andrew Saville and Jason Pine talk a brilliant weekend of sport involving the Warriors, Auckland FC's penalty shootout win and the snooker.

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 Monday the 4th of May, we've got Act's new immigration policy and a record amount being spent on locum doctors.
Speaking of Act, Acting Prime Minister David Seymour is in while the PM is overseas and talks the U.S officially asking us to help with the Strait of Hormuz and
Andrew Saville and Jason Pine talk a brilliant weekend of sport involving the Warriors, Auckland FC's penalty shootout win and the snooker.
Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
LISTEN ABOVE

Full Show Podcast: 04 May 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/eefe5834-0fa7-47d6-804d-b43f01609159/transcript

Kiwi exports to the European union have increased by $3 billion in two years under the New Zealand-European Union free trade agreement. 

In a press release Trade Minister Todd McClay said, “making full use of the agreement is vital in a time of global uncertainty and supports New Zealand’s goal of doubling export value within a decade."

The European Union ambassador to New Zealand, Lawrence Meredith, joined Mike Hosking to chat about the numbers. 

Meredith said, "I think it's a mutual trust is going up and mutual opportunities."

LISTEN ABOVE

Kiwi exports to the European union have increased by $3 billion in two years under the New Zealand-European Union free trade agreement.&nbsp;
In a press release Trade Minister Todd McClay said, “making full use of the agreement is vital in a time of global uncertainty and supports New Zealand’s goal of doubling export value within a decade."
The European Union ambassador to New Zealand, Lawrence Meredith, joined Mike Hosking to chat about the numbers.&nbsp;
Meredith said, "I think it's a mutual trust is going up and mutual opportunities."
LISTEN ABOVE

Lawrence Meredith: EU ambassador to New Zealand says export increase shows trust

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/15241b88-6fdd-4d81-a87e-b43f0158a4a8/transcript

Dr Richard Sullivan: Health New Zealand national director says they want more permanent doctors

In 1 playlist(s)

The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips