A step forward in energy production, with a Wellington company hitting a significant milestone. 

The capital's OpenStar Technologies says it's created and confined plasma, allowing them to now spark fusion reactions. 

It comes as New Zealand grapples with significant supply challenges in the energy market.

Ratu Mataira is behind the development. 

He told Mike Hosking that if they're able to scale it up, it could revolutionise the energy market. 

Mataira says they're now back in the race and could beat other competitors to be the first to crack fusion energy. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

A step forward in energy production, with a Wellington company hitting a significant milestone.&nbsp;
The capital's OpenStar Technologies says it's created and confined plasma, allowing them to now spark fusion reactions.&nbsp;
It comes as New Zealand grapples with significant supply challenges in the energy market.
Ratu Mataira is behind the development.&nbsp;
He told Mike Hosking that if they're able to scale it up, it could revolutionise the energy market.&nbsp;
Mataira says they're now back in the race and could beat other competitors to be the first to crack fusion energy.&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

Ratu Mataira: OpenStar Technologies CEO on the company's step towards producing fusion energy

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/4bfc6163-930c-4f23-8f19-b22601568519/transcript

Listen to the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 26 May.

Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen to the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 26 May. 
Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Full Show Podcast: 26 May 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/5583d3b6-8376-4924-aa08-b455015d648e/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

Ratu Mataira: OpenStar Technologies CEO on the company's step towards producing fusion energy

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