The Social Development Minister believes the latest Jobseeker numbers prove employers are keen to take on people on benefits. 

Latest MSD data shows a 1.9% increase year-on-year in people receiving the main benefit at the end of June. 

12.8% of the working-age population is drawing on the main benefit – up from 12.6% a year ago. 

Minister Louise Upston told Mike Hosking 86,000 people also moved off the benefit. 

She says partnerships with employers have been developing over the last few years and is making a difference in creating long term sustainable jobs. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

The Social Development Minister believes the latest Jobseeker numbers prove employers are keen to take on people on benefits.&nbsp;
Latest MSD data shows a 1.9% increase year-on-year in people receiving the main benefit at the end of June.&nbsp;
12.8% of the working-age population is drawing on the main benefit – up from 12.6% a year ago.&nbsp;
Minister Louise Upston told Mike Hosking 86,000 people also moved off the benefit.&nbsp;
She says partnerships with employers have been developing over the last few years and is making a difference in creating long term sustainable jobs.&nbsp;
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

Louise Upston: Social Development Minister on the number of people on the Jobseeker benefit, over 86 thousand finding work in the last year

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/ff0c5740-bf31-4b07-b596-b489014ffb1b/transcript

Assistant coach Neil Barnes is assuring the All Blacks' pride in their record at Eden Park is intact, with Ireland in town to challenge it tomorrow night. 

The 52-test unbeaten run at the Auckland stadium has reached its 32nd year, and the team will be intending to keep it rolling in their third Nations Championship clash. 

Barnes told Mike Hosking there's a lot of history between the All Blacks and Ireland, but it’s not something they find daunting. 

He says it’s just another day at the office – one with a hell of a record to preserve, but the boys are up for it. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Assistant coach Neil Barnes is assuring the All Blacks' pride in their record at Eden Park is intact, with Ireland in town to challenge it tomorrow night.&nbsp;
The 52-test unbeaten run at the Auckland stadium has reached its 32nd year, and the team will be intending to keep it rolling in their third Nations Championship clash.&nbsp;
Barnes told Mike Hosking there's a lot of history between the All Blacks and Ireland, but it’s not something they find daunting.&nbsp;
He says it’s just another day at the office – one with a hell of a record to preserve, but the boys are up for it.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Neil Barnes: Assistant All Blacks Coach ahead of the Nations Championship clash against Ireland at Eden Park

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/27c2d5d9-7d61-44e6-9ff2-b48901650da0/transcript

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 17th of July, Social Development Minister Louise Upston discusses the new benefit numbers, and there’s good news —potentially— about power prices.  

All Blacks Assistant Coach Neil Barnes discusses the team’s plan to defend the Fortress against Ireland this weekend. 

And Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson discuss Paul Henry going into politics, Kate's degree, and life in America as they Wrap the Week. 

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 17th of July, <a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/louise-upston-social-development-minister-on-the-number-of-people-on-the-jobseeker-benefit-over-86-thousand-finding-work-in-the-last-year/">Social Development Minister Louise Upston</a> discusses the new benefit numbers, and there’s good news —potentially— <a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/karen-boyes-major-electricity-users-group-executive-director-on-wholesale-electricity-prices-falling/">about power prices</a>. &nbsp;
<a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/neil-barnes-assistant-all-blacks-coach-ahead-of-the-nations-championship-clash-against-ireland-at-eden-park/">All Blacks Assistant Coach Neil Barnes</a> discusses the team’s plan to defend the Fortress against Ireland this weekend.&nbsp;
And Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson discuss Paul Henry going into politics, Kate's degree, and life in America as they Wrap the Week.&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: 17 July 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/bab57a06-062a-43e2-a303-b489015d7267/transcript

Lower power bills are on the way for commercial customers, but a longer wait's in store for the average household.  

Meridian Energy says 2027 forward wholesale prices have fallen more than 35% since April. 

Chief Executive Mike Roan says it'll fall 15% over the same period for 2028 and 2029 as renewable energy's built.  

But Major Electricity Users' Group Executive Director Karen Boyes told Mike Hosking homes won't feel that immediately.  

She says it's favourable conditions with hydro lakes full and a pipeline of projects, but it'll take a while to roll through. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Lower power bills are on the way for commercial customers, but a longer wait's in store for the average household. &nbsp;
Meridian Energy says 2027 forward wholesale prices have fallen more than 35% since April.&nbsp;
Chief Executive Mike Roan says it'll fall 15% over the same period for 2028 and 2029 as renewable energy's built. &nbsp;
But Major Electricity Users' Group Executive Director Karen Boyes told Mike Hosking homes won't feel that immediately. &nbsp;
She says it's favourable conditions with hydro lakes full and a pipeline of projects, but it'll take a while to roll through.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Karen Boyes: Major Electricity Users' Group Executive Director on wholesale electricity prices falling

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/c17428d2-7ec2-44f6-aa49-b489015d1464/transcript

Louise Upston: Social Development Minister on the number of people on the Jobseeker benefit, over 86 thousand finding work in the last year

In 1 playlist(s)

The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips