One of the country's largest electricity generators and retailers is adamant the market is working as it should be.

The Electricity Authority and Commerce Commission are continuing to look into accusations of price gouging by so-called "gentailers" - companies that both generate electricity and provide it to consumers.

It comes after four mills announced they were either downsizing or planning on shutting entirely, blaming soaring prices.

Contact Energy chief executive Mike Fuge told Mike Hosking government interventions will slow the market down.

“Government interventions have never had happy endings. And the same is what happened here when they announced the oil and gas ban. It hasn’t had a good ending.”

LISTEN ABOVE

One of the country's largest electricity generators and retailers is adamant the market is working as it should be.
The Electricity Authority and Commerce Commission are continuing to look into accusations of price gouging by so-called "gentailers" - companies that both generate electricity and provide it to consumers.
It comes after four mills announced they were either downsizing or planning on shutting entirely, blaming soaring prices.
Contact Energy chief executive Mike Fuge told Mike Hosking government interventions will slow the market down.
“Government interventions have never had happy endings. And the same is what happened here when they announced the oil and gas ban. It hasn’t had a good ending.”
LISTEN ABOVE

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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

Mike Fuge: Contact Energy chief executive says government interventions will slow energy sector down

A new mode of transport could see travellers moving above gridlock traffic.

Whoosh is a mix between an Uber and urban gondola, able to travel at 50 kilometres an hour on cables.

It's been quietly developed in Christchurch over the last five years and will be first rolled out in Queenstown next year.

CEO Chris Allington told Mike Hosking it's a cost-effective infrastructure, as installing cables are around $5 million a kilometre.

He says an urban road is about a $20 million per kilometre, while in Auckland, it costs more than $100 million.

LISTEN ABOVE

A new mode of transport could see travellers moving above gridlock traffic. 
Whoosh is a mix between an Uber and urban gondola, able to travel at 50 kilometres an hour on cables. 
It's been quietly developed in Christchurch over the last five years and will be first rolled out in Queenstown next year. 
CEO Chris Allington told Mike Hosking it's a cost-effective infrastructure, as installing cables are around $5 million a kilometre. 
He says an urban road is about a $20 million per kilometre, while in Auckland, it costs more than $100 million. 
LISTEN ABOVE

Chris Allington: Whoosh CEO on the new urban gondola system developed in Christchurch

There's doubts a social media ban would prevent youth from accessing the online platforms.

Australia is exploring a ban and has launched an authentication trial, but it's unknown how it will be enforced.

Our Prime Minister has expressed interest in the idea.

But Social media expert Katie Brown told Mike Hosking a ban wouldn't stop kids lying about their age, as generations have done before.

She says young people will find a way to get on to the platforms they want to be on.

LISTEN ABOVE

There's doubts a social media ban would prevent youth from accessing the online platforms. 
Australia is exploring a ban and has launched an authentication trial, but it's unknown how it will be enforced. 
Our Prime Minister has expressed interest in the idea. 
But Social media expert Katie Brown told Mike Hosking a ban wouldn't stop kids lying about their age, as generations have done before. 
She says young people will find a way to get on to the platforms they want to be on. 
LISTEN ABOVE

Katie Brown: Social Media Expert on the potential minimum age limit for young people on social media

Shane Jones says "structural change" to the energy sector is definitely on the agenda following the closure of two central North Island mills.

Winstone Pulp has confirmed it’s closing its two mills near Ohakune, with 230 people set to lose their jobs.

Jones says the Government can't control factors like global commodity prices, foreign exchange rates, and global shipping logistics.

But the Regional Development and Associate Energy Minister told Mike Hosking the power of large "gentailers" needs to be broken up to make energy prices more competitive.

He says the aluminium sector is looking towards importing, there's uncertainty for corn growers, and the country's biggest gas user Methanex has been facing issues.

LISTEN ABOVE

Shane Jones says "structural change" to the energy sector is definitely on the agenda following the closure of two central North Island mills. 
Winstone Pulp has confirmed it’s closing its two mills near Ohakune, with 230 people set to lose their jobs. 
Jones says the Government can't control factors like global commodity prices, foreign exchange rates, and global shipping logistics. 
But the Regional Development and Associate Energy Minister told Mike Hosking the power of large "gentailers" needs to be broken up to make energy prices more competitive. 
He says the aluminium sector is looking towards importing, there's uncertainty for corn growers, and the country's biggest gas user Methanex has been facing issues. 
LISTEN ABOVE

Shane Jones: Regional Development and Associate Energy Minister says we need to split up the power of large gentailers to make energy prices competitive

Mike Fuge: Contact Energy chief executive says government interventions will slow energy sector down

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