Mike's Minute: My observations on the Covid Inquiry

Some simple observations on part two of the Covid Inquiry.  1) It's cheaper than the British equivalent finished last week that cost over half a billion dollars.  2) It says pretty much what you thought it would.  3) I'm convinced it’s a waste of time because a pandemic response is about the ide…

Richard Arnold: US Correspondent on latest from the conflict in the Middle East

The White House says the conflict with Iran will end when Donald Trump decides it will end.  The US President says the mission is almost complete, but the US is "going to go further".  US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth says US strikes are ramping up today, the Iranian regime is "totally and decisi…

Steve Price: Australia Correspondent on the members of the Iranian women's football team seeking asylum in Australia

Seven Iranian football players have now been granted asylum in Australia.  Five players from the women’s team, including captain Zahra Ghanbari, slipped away from the team hotel under the cover of darkness to claim sanctuary from Australian officials, the Australian Government announced.  At leas…

Kate Tulp: ServiceNow Country Manager on Kiwis spending less time on hold to customer call centres

Kiwis are spending less time on hold to customer service call centres.  Research from AI platform ServiceNow estimates New Zealanders spent 22 million hours waiting on hold last year – two million less than the year before.  It says banks and retailers have the fastest resolution time of 2.4 days…

Full Show Podcast: 11 March 2026

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 11th of March, we dig into the findings of the Covid Inquiry, and look at just how long Air NZ’s prices will be raised, considering fuel prices have mostly been corrected.   Former Covid Minister Chris Hipkins explains his position on t…

Pollies: National's Mark Mitchell and Labour's Ginny Andersen discuss the Covid-19 Inquiry and Mark's house in Bali

Yesterday saw the release of the results of the second phase of the Inquiry into New Zealand’s Covid-19 response.  Today on Politics Wednesday, Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen discuss the inquiry’s findings – the mistakes, the lockdowns, and the lack of communication.  Plus, Mike is fascinated b…

Kelvin Davidson: Cotality Chief Property Economist on housing affordability reaching a decade-best level

Housing affordability in New Zealand has improved to its best level in almost a decade, according to new data from Cotality.  Lower property values, rising wages and easing mortgage rates have helped reduce pressure on buyers.  Cotality NZ’s Housing Affordability report, covering Q4 in 2025, show…

Chris Hipkins: Labour Leader on the findings of the second phase of the Covid-19 Inquiry

The former Covid Response Minister admits some pandemic decisions were mishandled.  The second phase of the Covid inquiry has found New Zealand’s overall response was effective, but the Government went too far with some restrictions and moved too slowly in some areas.  It's recommending new pande…

Simeon Brown: Health Minister on the findings of the final phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19

The Health Minister is highlighting the importance of the Covid-19 Inquiry.   The Royal Commission's second phase report's found overall, New Zealand responded well, but highlighted concerns including the length of Auckland's lockdown.   Health Minister Simeon Brown says it shows the previous Gov…

Cath O'Brien: Board of Airline Representatives on the price of airfares increasing due to the surging cost of jet fuel

Some people could be put off travel as surging jet fuel costs push up airfares.  Air New Zealand's increasing its domestic fares by $10, its short-haul fares by $20, and its long-haul fares by $90.  Air Chathams is raising its standard fare by $20.  Board of Airline Representatives Executive Dir…