Today Heather du Plessis-Allan was joined by Labour’s Ginny Andersen and National’s Mark Mitchell to recap the highs and lows of 2025 on the final Politics Wednesday for the year. 

They also discussed the retail crime numbers, the state of the Government’s books, the need for a social media ban, and the situation with Nicola Willis and Ruth Richardson. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Today Heather du Plessis-Allan was joined by Labour’s Ginny Andersen and National’s Mark Mitchell to recap the highs and lows of 2025 on the final Politics Wednesday for the year.&nbsp;
They also discussed the retail crime numbers, the state of the Government’s books, the need for a social media ban, and the situation with Nicola Willis and Ruth Richardson.&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

Pollies: Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen on retail crime, highs and lows of 2025, Government's books

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/0fa059dd-1bd7-4c1d-bb08-b3b5014fd744/transcript

The first quarter of the year has seen a boom in people coming into the country for business events.  

According to Stats NZ, international delegate arrivals are up 50%, with more than 16 thousand arrivals in the first quarter.  

That translates to more than $54 million into the economy and often represents the first taste of New Zealand for visitors.  

Business Events Industry Aotearoa CEO Lisa Hopkins told Mike Hosking numbers have now reached 96% of pre-Covid levels.  

She says January was exceptional, as there were a number of big conferences during what would usually be a quieter month. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

The first quarter of the year has seen a boom in people coming into the country for business events. &nbsp;
According to Stats NZ, international delegate arrivals are up 50%, with more than 16 thousand arrivals in the first quarter. &nbsp;
That translates to more than $54 million into the economy and often represents the first taste of New Zealand for visitors. &nbsp;
Business Events Industry Aotearoa CEO Lisa Hopkins told Mike Hosking numbers have now reached 96% of pre-Covid levels. &nbsp;
She says January was exceptional, as there were a number of big conferences during what would usually be a quieter month.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Lisa Hopkins: Business Events Industry Aotearoa CEO on the 50% increase in international delegate arrivals in the first quarter

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/94b0c0c5-e7ba-4493-8448-b4550157aada/transcript

The boss of Auckland's port is still upbeat, despite another drop in cruise visits.  

Data released to Newstalk ZB shows a 3% national reduction this season.  

Auckland's dropping by 12%, but Port of Auckland CEO Roger Gray told Mike Hosking he predicts this is rock bottom, and things will pick back up next season.  

He says they've already got 66 bookings secured. 

Cruise visits to the South Island are meanwhile increasing by nearly two dozen. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

The boss of Auckland's port is still upbeat, despite another drop in cruise visits. &nbsp;
Data released to Newstalk ZB shows a 3% national reduction this season. &nbsp;
Auckland's dropping by 12%, but Port of Auckland CEO Roger Gray told Mike Hosking he predicts this is rock bottom, and things will pick back up next season. &nbsp;
He says they've already got 66 bookings secured.&nbsp;
Cruise visits to the South Island are meanwhile increasing by nearly two dozen.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Roger Gray: Port of Auckland CEO on the 3% reduction in the number of cruise ships coming into port for the 2026/27 season

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/2a5b3b18-b33a-4ca6-9a74-b45501511d2f/transcript

The Pope is making it clear that artificial intelligence is a mounting threat to humanity.  

In his first major teaching letter, Pope Leo has spoken out against the development of AI. 

He says it must be disarmed before it slashes more jobs, accelerates wars, and dominates humanity.  

Italy Correspondent Jo McKenna told Mike Hosking it's interesting Leo's targeting AI in his first major document. 

She says he sees some positives, but wants to rein it in, and tech giants won't be happy about it.  

LISTEN ABOVE 

The Pope is making it clear that artificial intelligence is a mounting threat to humanity. &nbsp;
In his first major teaching letter, Pope Leo has spoken out against the development of AI.&nbsp;
He says it must be disarmed before it slashes more jobs, accelerates wars, and dominates humanity. &nbsp;
Italy Correspondent Jo McKenna told Mike Hosking it's interesting Leo's targeting AI in his first major document.&nbsp;
She says he sees some positives, but wants to rein it in, and tech giants won't be happy about it. &nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Jo McKenna: Italy Correspondent on Pope Leo XIV calling to regulate AI in his first major teaching

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/bdea8206-2c94-4e98-9e94-b455014d0945/transcript

Pollies: Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen on retail crime, highs and lows of 2025, Government's books

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