There's confusion over the size of Wellington City Council's fiscal hole. 

The council is scrambling to fill a $400-600 million shortfall in its 10 year budget to mitigate its insurance risk, amid threats of Government intervention. 

But Councillor Nicola Young told Mike Hosking the council doesn't have a clue how much money it actually needs. 

She says they've been told by council officers figures like $200, $400, and $600 million, so the council is aiming to find $500 million. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

There's confusion over the size of Wellington City Council's fiscal hole.&nbsp;
The council is scrambling to fill a $400-600 million shortfall in its 10 year budget to mitigate its insurance risk, amid threats of Government intervention.&nbsp;
But Councillor Nicola Young told Mike Hosking the council doesn't have a clue how much money it actually needs.&nbsp;
She says they've been told by council officers figures like $200, $400, and $600 million, so the council is aiming to find $500 million.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

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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

Nicola Young: Wellington City Councillor on the council's $500-600 million fiscal hole

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/4629f45f-56a0-43ae-9b46-b20b01393f0a/transcript

There's a view friction will linger in the United Kingdom as the leaders from Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland want out.  

The three first ministers have signed an agreement overnight, declaring no Westminister government has the right to block democracy. 

It's the first time they've shared the stance since the UK devolution began, with Scotland and Northern Ireland calling for referendums.  

King's College European Politics and Foreign Affairs Professor Anand Menon told Mike Hosking these political parties benefit when there's tension with London.  

He expects the rumbling of discontent to continue as long as this persists, as the leaders opt for political gains. 

LISTEN ABOVE  

There's a view friction will linger in the United Kingdom as the leaders from Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland want out. &nbsp;
The three first ministers have signed an agreement overnight, declaring no Westminister government has the right to block democracy.&nbsp;
It's the first time they've shared the stance since the UK devolution began, with Scotland and Northern Ireland calling for referendums. &nbsp;
King's College European Politics and Foreign Affairs Professor Anand Menon told Mike Hosking these political parties benefit when there's tension with London. &nbsp;
He expects the rumbling of discontent to continue as long as this persists, as the leaders opt for political gains.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Anand Menon: King's College European Politics and Foreign Affairs Professor on the leaders of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland pushing for independence from UK

High prices and challenging conditions are fuelling uncertainty in the global dairy market.  

Rabobank's latest report shows global milk production growth has slowed to 1.4% year-on-year – its weakest since early 2025. 

Fonterra Co-operative Council Chair John Stevenson told Mike Hosking overseas weather patterns have constrained feed supply, and now the super El Niño could be upon us.  

He says farmers are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best, but a prolonged dry spell would certainly hit New Zealand's milk production. 

LISTEN ABOVE  

High prices and challenging conditions are fuelling uncertainty in the global dairy market. &nbsp;
Rabobank's latest report shows global milk production growth has slowed to 1.4% year-on-year – its weakest since early 2025.&nbsp;
Fonterra Co-operative Council Chair John Stevenson told Mike Hosking overseas weather patterns have constrained feed supply, and now the super El Niño could be upon us. &nbsp;
He says farmers are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best, but a prolonged dry spell would certainly hit New Zealand's milk production.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

John Stevenson: Fonterra Co-operative Council Chair on global milk production growth slowing

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/093eb6f1-204f-4797-9d4c-b4c5015da35e/transcript

Fewer New Zealanders are leaving for Australia as our net migration hits the highest level in two years. 

The number of people moving here outnumbered those who left by more than 20 thousand in the year to July.  

There was a net migration loss of more than 28 thousand to Australia last year – an improvement from about 31 thousand the year before.  

UVisa Immigration Adviser Tobias Tohill told Mike Hosking it's an encouraging sign. 

He says while departures are similar elsewhere, the ones to Australia have fallen below the long-time average.  

LISTEN ABOVE  

Fewer New Zealanders are leaving for Australia as our net migration hits the highest level in two years.&nbsp;
The number of people moving here outnumbered those who left by more than 20 thousand in the year to July. &nbsp;
There was a net migration loss of more than 28 thousand to Australia last year – an improvement from about 31 thousand the year before. &nbsp;
UVisa Immigration Adviser Tobias Tohill told Mike Hosking it's an encouraging sign.&nbsp;
He says while departures are similar elsewhere, the ones to Australia have fallen below the long-time average. &nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Tobias Tohill: UVisa Immigration Advisor on net migration hitting highest level in two years at 20,300

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/f6c41c4a-1c05-4f71-8c91-b4c501572031/transcript

Nicola Young: Wellington City Councillor on the council's $500-600 million fiscal hole

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