I'm 100% convinced this election is about the economy. 

Do people blame the Government in any way for the economic fallout from war? 

Does the economic grind make you look to other political answers? 

If Labour promises more money, was the lesson of the last Labour Government not learned? Or do enough not care and will take the money and worry another day, if they worry at all? 

Polls will show the usual nonsense around health and education and crime. These are just headline thoughts people drum up when a pollster asks a question. 

It's the same question and same answer, forever. 

But potentially, if there's an issue outside the economy this time it's immigration. Mainly because it's been used successfully before to stir the pot. 

The trouble this time is immigration, in terms of facts, isn't a thing. 

When 130,000 newbies arrive, sure, there is a debate. But when it's 24,000 it's no longer an issue. 

The brain drain is basically over. Sadly, those that were leaving have largely gone and those that have replaced them are here. 

Now, if you don’t like the cultural make up of New Zealand that’s fine, but the election will contain no polices that will change the current make-up. 

No one is booting anyone in any numbers out of this country. 

A lot of the immigration noise is a political ploy picked up from offshore where immigration is a real touch point. But that is illegal immigration; boat people, gangs on beaches, etc. 

We don’t have that. Never have, never will. 

Our system is points based – you get points for skills. You can argue around the edges on what those skills are and you can argue around the edges over what countries those skills come from. 

You can also argue, with Auckland being the best example, that the cultural landscape has materially changed. I see it, you can't miss it. 

Personally, I like it and, sure, not everyone does, but no politician is going to change what we already have. 

And that’s the trouble with this election – if immigration is an issue, and if it's divisive, that’s a ploy. 

If we were being overrun, fine, have the debate. But we aren't. In fact, it’s the opposite. 

As long as employers still can't find talent, and that’s real, where do the workers come from and why would you vote not to solve that problem?     

I'm 100% convinced this election is about the economy.&nbsp;
Do people blame the Government in any way for the economic fallout from war?&nbsp;
Does the economic grind make you look to other political answers?&nbsp;
If Labour promises more money, was the lesson of the last Labour Government not learned? Or do enough not care and will take the money and worry another day, if they worry at all?&nbsp;
Polls will show the usual nonsense around health and education and crime. These are just headline thoughts people drum up when a pollster asks a question.&nbsp;
It's the same question and same answer, forever.&nbsp;
But potentially, if there's an issue outside the economy this time it's immigration. Mainly because it's been used successfully before to stir the pot.&nbsp;
The trouble this time is immigration, in terms of facts, isn't a thing.&nbsp;
When 130,000 newbies arrive, sure, there is a debate. But when it's 24,000 it's no longer an issue.&nbsp;
The brain drain is basically over. Sadly, those that were leaving have largely gone and those that have replaced them are here.&nbsp;
Now, if you don’t like the cultural make up of New Zealand that’s fine, but the election will contain no polices that will change the current make-up.&nbsp;
No one is booting anyone in any numbers out of this country.&nbsp;
A lot of the immigration noise is a political ploy picked up from offshore where immigration is a real touch point. But that is illegal immigration; boat people, gangs on beaches, etc.&nbsp;
We don’t have that. Never have, never will.&nbsp;
Our system is points based – you get points for skills. You can argue around the edges on what those skills are and you can argue around the edges over what countries those skills come from.&nbsp;
You can also argue, with Auckland being the best example, that the cultural landscape has materially changed. I see it, you can't miss it.&nbsp;
Personally, I like it and, sure, not everyone does, but no politician is going to change what we already have.&nbsp;
And that’s the trouble with this election – if immigration is an issue, and if it's divisive, that’s a ploy.&nbsp;
If we were being overrun, fine, have the debate. But we aren't. In fact, it’s the opposite.&nbsp;
As long as employers still can't find talent, and that’s real, where do the workers come from and why would you vote not to solve that problem? &nbsp; &nbsp;&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

Mike's Minute: Here's what the 2026 Election is about

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/1e1af748-0a27-4389-88c1-b44e017df015/transcript