The Mike Hosking Breakfast

I risk getting slightly ahead of myself, but my anticipation of the Government being returned means some very interesting times for the Labour Party. Obviously Hipkins would go and in that is the exposure of one of those things we see increasingly often in the workplace – a lack of talent. It still amazes me we can have an unemployment rate of 5.7% with allegedly this massive queue of people desperate for work, and yet gainfully employed are any number of dumpty dos who anyone with any sense of anticipation around quality would quite rightly ask "how is it they're in work?" I've seen it in the media over the past decade. The depth of genuine talent these days is puddle shallow and so it is with the Labour Party. What Labour, or any party really, needs is an obvious successor, if not two. People who are quite clearly set to go should the circumstances arise. You see it all the time in sport. But with Labour a schism is building. They talk of Michael Wood, and they talk, remarkably, of Craig Renney. Both are…

To this day, Sylvester Stallone is one of the most recognisable names and faces in Hollywood. He's been in the game for almost six decades, and his story is infamous. After struggling for the first seven or eight years, he figured the only way to get a lead role was to write one himself – thus 'Rocky' was born, and the rest is history. A short time later he co-wrote the first 'Rambo' film, and even today, at 80 years old, he's still a leading man, starring in 'Tulsa King'. Stallone details his incredible career in a new memoir, 'The Steps', released a couple months ago. Rocky is one of the most iconic characters in film history, and although it's hard to imagine what the film would've been like if anyone else played the role, but Stallone believes it wouldn't have been as good. "I don't think it would have had a certain kind of deep sensitivity, because it was so personal that I sort of lived those scenes in my mind as a child growing up," he explained to Mike Hosking. "In other words, I felt that kind of…

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 10th of November, who is going to be the Finance Minister? Steven Joyce gives his reckonings. Kiwi Mark Barnett is a former McLaren F1 lead and gives us his thoughts on the season so far and Liam Lawson's future. Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone gives a radio exclusive about his new memoir 'The Steps'. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former McLaren Technical Executive believes Liam Lawson has become 'un-droppable'. The Kiwi Formula 1 racer showed another strong result yesterday, as he was promoted to seventh at the Brazilian Grand Prix after Charles Leclerc was hit with post-race penalty. It's Lawson's fifth straight points finish as Racing Bulls keeps him waiting on a decision about next year. Mark Barnett told Mike Hosking the feeder team was tasked with standing on its own two feet, both financially and from a performance perspective, and without a reference or lead driver, that's not possible to do. He says Lawson's just gotten better and better this year, and has become that benchmark. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Punters are expected to show up rain or shine for Canterbury's Cup Day, with ticket sales looking strong for today's event. About 12 thousand people are expected at Addington Raceway despite the forecast of patchy drizzle. Race-goers will have plenty to tuck into, including 600 kilograms of asparagus, a tonne of potatoes, and thousands of petite desserts. Chief executive Brian Thompson told Mike Hosking a bit of light rain won't worry any hearty Cantabrians. He says about 20% of revenue comes from Cup Day alone, so it's about showing the community what Addington can do. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our largest bank is continuing to see some people thriving and other people proving remarkably resilient. ANZ New Zealand's reporting a statutory net profit of $2.36 billion – down 7% on last year, due in part to increased competition between banks. Export industries continue to do well, with agricultural lending up 2.8% to $15.8 billion and farm deposits jumping 15.4%. ANZ Agricultural Economist Matt Dilly told Mike Hosking they're feeling pretty good about how the agricultural business is doing, and there's plenty of money out there to lend. He says the payout from Fonterra's sale to Lactalis earlier this year boosted things, but they're seeing really good performance across most of the portfolio. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A man familiar with the role believes the finance portfolio doesn't just come down to who's best for the job. ACT's leader David Seymour believes it's no longer tenable for National to demand the portfolio after his party received its highest share of the votes in Saturday's election. He's making the case for himself to become Finance Minister. Former National Finance Minister Steven Joyce told Mike Hosking parties in whatever coalition eventuates aren't going to have the same preferences or requirements. He says there are bigger things to think about, and Seymour will likely trade off this role for something else. Joyce is also warning Seymour to be careful what he wishes for, as in holding the portfolio, he would have to be a lot closer to National than he might like to be. “The three parties together aren’t going to sign up to ACT’s preferences in terms of fiscal policy ... so he would have to be the Finance Minister presiding over what he would see as a highly watered-down version of what he would like…

RNZ's board has a lot of unanswered questions over who's to blame for its shocking financial situation. The public broadcaster's anticipated $470,000 deficit has turned out to be almost $12 million. It's due to a mix of one-off events and overspend. As a result, 58 jobs are expected to be cut. It follows the abrupt departure of chief financial officer Hilary Parker last month. RNZ chair Brent Impey told Mike Hosking an independent investigation will be held to find out why senior leadership weren't aware of the situation. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outgoing National MP Nicola Willis says tomorrow will be her “last hurrah” with her colleagues. The former Finance Minister lost her seat in Parliament on Saturday after National’s number of electorate wins left no room for list MPs to get any seats. She told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking Breakfast that tomorrow will be her last caucus meeting with the National Party. "That’ll be my last hurrah with my colleagues and I’m sure (it) will be filled with emotion.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 9th of November, the senior party leaders give their verdict - David Seymour, Shane Jones and Qiulae Wong speak. Chris Luxon details what will happen over the next three weeks and whether he will be picking up the phone to Opportunity. The Commentary Box boys are back! Andrew Saville and Jason Pine talk the F1, All Blacks, Kiwis and Phoenix. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Obviously we will work through the machinations later but lets just run through the winners and losers of the night. The winners: 1) Opportunity 5% is hard and they did it, just. It’s a big victory and a slick campaign. I hope they are smart enough to ease in, don’t go mad, learn the ropes and be there for a good crack in 2029. 2) The pollsters Yes there were some ropey numbers, but overall by the end of the night they were more right than wrong. They should be pleased. 3) Act They increased their presence in Parliament, survived and thrived in our first true MMP Government. 4) NZ First Ditto. We need to move past the idea that small players can't grow, and in growing they inevitably take votes off their major partners. Why was that a surprise to so many? 5) National Because their electorate MP's saved the day. 42 seats is an amazing result, hence the overhang. 6) The split vote campaign If you look at the party vote in any given electorate for National, and the electorate vote for the local MP, it's night…

Andrew Saville and Jason Pine join Mike Hosking to review the Weekends' sport. On the table today: Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix were deadlocked in a 0-0 draw at Mount Smart. The All Blacks defeated Scotland, keeping them from scoring any points in the second half. And Liam Lawson finished 8th at the Brazilian Grand Prix. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Potential kingmaker's the Opportunity Party has had phone calls but only from one side of the aisle. Leader Qiulae Wong says she's had a couple of calls from Labour Leader Chris Hipkins and Greens co-leader Chloe Swarbrick. She's heard nothing from the right wing parties including National. But Wong told Mike Hosking she doesn't blame them, as they're probably taking stock of their situation. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon says he's glad National has a pathway to power - but he still doesn't believe vote-splitting was the right way to achieve that. Preliminary results show National, Act and New Zealand First have 67 seats - Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori have 57 seats - and Opportunity has seven seats. However, that could change once any recounts and special votes come in later this month. The National Party Leader told Mike Hosking National doesn't want to see its power diminished. He says National wants to have dominant policies and dominant ministers, and lead any coalition government it's part of. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour says there's a need for a smaller, more efficient government. The Act Party leader told Mike Hosking that negotiations need to focus on avoiding rising bond market costs and increased interest on debt. He says there must be fewer ministers and departments, and less spent on welfare. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand First says it's disappointed by the voter turnout. The Electoral Commission says estimated provisional turnout is 74.6%, which may change with special votes. Deputy leader Shane Jones told Mike Hosking he's not sure if its complacency, but it might be worth everyone having a deeper conversation about it. He says as far as he knows there's never been a strong Government agenda to get people to get out and vote. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Green Party Co-Leader Chlöe Swarbrick isn't taking her, or her party's, success for granted. The Greens are currently sitting on 13.3%, with 15 safe seats, including Swarbricks own Auckland Central electorate. She told Mike Hosking she's never taken anything for granted – the party worked really hard, and she feels it's an absolute honour and privilege to represent the people of her home and community. The left bloc is currently sitting behind the right, but Swarbrick says there are a number of different variables they'll have to pay attention to as things get washed up and they get a clearer picture of the full totals. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opportunity is tracking well to enter Parliament for the first time. Its party vote has held steady on about 5.4% for more than an hour. Leader Qiulae Wong told Mike Hosking she's feeling excited She says all options remain on the table, but she'd pick up the phone to whatever party ends up with the most seats. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over 40 percent of the vote has been counted, and the right bloc has a narrow lead. Labour leads on 29.7 percent, while National is on 29.4. ACT is on 10.6 percent, New Zealand First is on 9.4 - while the Greens have 14 percent, Te Pati Māori holds five electorate seats and Opportunity is sitting on 5.47 percent. National's Mark Mitchell says he knew the election was going to be close, and these numbers reflect it. "It is close, and we've been saying all along throughout the whole campaign that it was going to be close and that is how it's playing out right now." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT Leader David Seymour says he's stoked to be leading Epsom, despite a late push by National's Paul Goldsmith. He's sitting at 35.9% with 40.7% of the vote counted, ahead of Goldsmith on 29.5%. He told Mike Hosking it's looking like we won't get a result tonight in terms of who forms a government, but conversations with Opportunity may need to happen, despite National's reticence. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's nudged ahead of National, with just over 30 percent of the vote counted so far. Labour is on 29.9 percent, while National is on 29.4 percent. The party's campaign chair, Kieran McAnulty, says it's 'too early' to get excited, but votes are inching away in Labour's favour. "When I saw the first numbers come in, I thought - that's too high for National. But who knows in these things? So you're not going to make that prediction." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With over a quarter of the vote counted, Labour has pushed ahead of National, and Opportunity remains just above the crucial five percent threshold. The Opportunity Party's currently got six seats - but the party doesn't want to get too far ahead of itself just yet. The party's deputy leader, Daniel Eb, says it's looking positive and they're in a good mood about it all. "We are a new party coming into Parliament, we believe we'll make New Zealand political history, so having opportunity to get our feet in the door and learn, but also sort of build on fresh ideas that we've got and the new energy we'll bring - that could work." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all. Labour's campaign: 6/10 The gangs hurt them, but Hipkins was short, sharp, on message, and by-and-large didn’t put himself in danger. National's campaign: 6/10 Spent too much energy pretending Chlöe is a Finance Minister and trying to scare people. When you have a record, defend it. NZ First's campaign: 5/10 Too negative, relied too heavily on town halls in a 'I haven't got any new ideas' sort of way. The leader looked old and Michael Laws didn’t help. The Green's campaign: 5/10 Chlöe was better than Marama, who's understanding of yields and bond rates should worry us all. Not enough environment and too much envy of success, but the message was clear, even if you didn’t like it, and the polls have helped. ACT's campaign: 8/10 Easily the best of the lot. Disciplined, simple, clear, busy, used social well, restrained, almost adult, stayed away from the dirt, and Paul Henry was the stroke of…

Fun fact time – it turns out we really aren't into elections all that much. The average turnout since 1982 has been 78%. Last election it was 78%. To me, that is not a great result, given over 90% of us had enrolled. Why do we make so much of the enrolment process when we know the chances of those people turning out is next to zero? And what happens to all those people who do enrol but don't vote? It's not like they don't have the time, a place, or an opportunity. Early voting has become a thing. Once upon a time it was a sign, normally, of a rush, an energy to oust an incumbent. Nowadays it's about making it easy, and you do it while you're shopping. They say this year voting is well ahead of last time. What does that mean? Nothing. Because the real test will be how many ultimately turn out at all. And if the number is as per usual, my bet is all bets are off. Why? Because the polls that show it's a tight race may not apply, because many of the people who answered a poll might not vote. "Telling" and…

The week has come to an end, which means Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that Was. Campaigning is coming to a close tonight as the Election has finally arrived. With the polls closing tomorrow night, what are their predictions? And the complaints about the pens providing in the polling booths continue. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The balance of power in the US has shifted in the wake of the Midterm elections. The Democrats have won 54 Senate seats to the Republican's 44, and have 240 House of Representative seats, against 147. It means they'll control both in the new year. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking it's a whole new map, as so many historical shifts have taken place. He says since the 1960s, Republicans have relied on a 'Southern Strategy', appealing to white conservatives in what once was the Deep South, and after civil rights reforms, they based their strategy around Texas. Arnold says that strategy is gone now, with James Talarico winning the seat – the first Democrat in the seat since 1988. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks are back in action this weekend, taking on Scotland in the Nations Championship. It's been a long sixteen weeks since their last test, and there's been no shortage of drama – notably, a brutal series in which the Springboks handed the visiting All Blacks a heavy defeat. Now they're back on the test stage with plenty to prove. Newstalk ZB's Voice of Rugby Elliott Smith told Mike Hosking it has been a tough week for the All Blacks, what with the passing of their head of security, but he gets the sense they're pretty dialled in for this game. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 6th of November, the Electoral Commission explains how long it'll take to count the vote and responds to the criticism of the big orange pens. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers exclusively talks the allegations against him and the investigation clearing his name. And Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson give their predictions for Election Night as they Wrap the Week. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Department store chain David Jones Group has been placed into voluntary administration and receivership after months of turmoil. The collapse follows failed discussions between the 188 year old company and its landlord Scentre Group, which operates Westfield malls here and across the ditch. David Jones has one branch in New Zealand in Auckland's Newmarket. RX Group Founder and Retail Strategy Expert Juanita Neville-Te Rito told Mike Hosking some of the stores are still performing very well – $2 billion worth of sales still go through David Jones. She it's about having more relevant stores in the right place at the right time, and a long time ago they just expanded too far. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Associate Health Minister Casey Costello says she's very pleased "challenging" negotiations with Hato Hone St John have been finalised this week, as she faces questions around the timing of a major funding announcement. On Thursday, the Government announced the ambulance service would get an extra $258 million over four years, paying for more than 220 additional staff including ambulance officers and call handlers, as well as technology upgrades. Asked how the timing of that announcement dovetailed with election rules, the NZ First MP told Mike Hosking Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora's negotiations with St John had taken many months, and she was pleased they had gotten over the line. Wellington Free Ambulance was also close to an agreement, she said. Costello's office has previously said she was only notified about the Health NZ decision on November 2nd. Costello is standing in her home electorate of Port Waikato, which is a "very strong National seat", she told Hosking. "I'm running a two-tick campaign, but…

Australian educators are hoping to stamp out racism with new reforms to its civics curriculum. From next year, high schoolers will learn the 'evils of antisemitism and horror of the holocaust' in the wake of the Bondi terror attack. Ministers are also considering making civics and citizenship lessons mandatory in years nine and ten. Sydney University Political Education Professor Murray Print told Mike Hosking the new curriculum aims to develop student's awareness, concern, and understanding of the world. He says the topics have always been taught but weren't high profile enough, and now the curriculum will have more substantial, upfront and purposeful information. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers is keen to move on following the clearing of his name. The Independent Police Conduct Authority had looked into concerns raised about Chambers during its initial investigation into a former partner's alleging stalking, digital surveillance, and sexual assault complaints. It's found no evidence to support claims on all fronts. Speaking for the first time on the matter, Chambers told Mike Hosking it's important that due process was allowed to take its course, but the things that were alleged never happened. He says he's a human being, father and husband, with a big job to get on with, and he's keen to move on. Chambers says the outcome was no surprise but he's very grateful for all the support he's received. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Officials expect to have a preliminary election result tomorrow night, but we could be waiting a while before we know the shape of the next government. Voting places around the country will close tomorrow at 7pm. Latest polling —released this morning by The Post and Freshwater Strategy— shows Opportunity is still in the kingmaker position, but is polling only just above the 5% threshold. Electoral Commission Chief Executive Karl Le Quesne told Mike Hosking "preliminary results" will be published late tomorrow night, probably after 11pm. He says people need to remember those will only be preliminary results, and they still need to do processing and integrity checks afterwards. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you believed the heat in the debate, letting the police move people on was some sort of dystopian incursion by an overlord destined for revolt and rampage on our streets. The Labour Party still argues the Government made homelessness illegal, which of course they did not. At the very start of the scrap was the basic idea that too many people were having their day ruined by too many other people who seemed to think they could behave any way they wanted with no consequences. Lying in a shop doorway was okay because you were "homeless". Turns out virtually none of it was true. The law has arrived. The Police are enacting it and by all accounts, guess what? It is nothing like the scandal the apologists made it out to be. The Wellington City Mission, among others, is deeply appreciative of how the Police are handling matters. This is the gang patch debate all over again. It's the end of the world until it isn't. Turns out most of your troublemakers are just that: drug-addled, booze-addled, or both. But not…

One of the latest young country music stars is headed for our shores. 25-year-old Max McNown has had a meteoric rise, having got his break only a couple of years ago. He left his home of Oregon at 21 to move to California, and at the time, becoming a musician was barely a pipe dream. "I wasn't planning on pursuing music at all," he told Hosking. "I always kind of wanted to be a singer ... but yeah, it was just kind of a dream in the back of my mind that I never thought I'd chase." But a friend encouraged him to give performing a try, and one thing led to another. Over the following years, he signed a record deal, released an EP and a couple of albums, and moved to Nashville – the home of country music. "The community, it feels like people really do want to lift each other up – especially in the songwriting and production company," he explained. "When I came here, it just felt like Nashville fit – I fit in Nashville." "It felt like people were super kind and welcoming, and it just felt like my place, and so…

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 5th of November, we look at the extraordinary midterms flip that has decimated the Republican majority in the House and Senate. For the last time before the election, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins joined to give his final pitch. The latest talent coming out of Nashville, and originally Oregon, Max McNown details his country music rise to stardom. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democrats in the US have taken complete control of Congress, winning majorities in the Senate and the House of Representatives. The US midterm elections have seen seven Senate seats flip, along with 27 House seats. Strong Republican seats like Texas, Kansas and South Carolina went Democrat for the first time in decades. Democratic Strategist and former Chief of Staff to Senator Kristen Gillibrand, Joi Chaney told Mike Hosking they knew they we going to win, but the size of the win shocked people. She says exit polls show the economy was a big issue for voters, but so was the racism, bigotry, and ugliness from the Republican Party. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's Leader believes it was necessary for them to tighten up their campaign and promises leading into this year's election. Chris Hipkins told Mike Hosking people have had a guts full of politicians making big sweeping promises with soaring political rhetoric and then disappointing on the other side. "I'm determined not to do that." "I want voters to know that the promises that I'm making are promises I will keep, and that I'm not just spouting what I need to spout in order to get elected." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's Finance Spokesperson is optimistic that despite the unemployment rate rising, another term in government would see things right. Stats NZ data released yesterday saw the rate rise from 5.6% to 5.7% in the September quarter. Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking our Official Cash Rate is much healthier than Australia's, who are dealing with an 18 year high. "Inflation is under better control and growth is returning; we're doing what we can." She said high oil prices and an election had created uncertainty for businesses to employ workers. "There's a possible increase to taxes, a lot more borrowing and higher inflation and higher interest rates…" "We [National] will be able to find work; we have incentives in the welfare system to nudge them along and good training programmes in place. "I'm also optimistic all of these fast-tracked projects will provide opportunities up and down regions not just in maim cities and the South Island." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former critic of the move-on orders says rough sleepers should be removed from the new legislation. Police now have the power to order rough-sleepers, beggars, or those acting in a disorderly manner to move on from a public place. 29 people were moved on in the first 10 days for disorderly behaviour, but only four were homeless. Wellington City Missioner Murray Edridge told Mike Hosking the orders were originally designed to limit the number of arrests. He says it was a good thing before politicians decided to put rough sleeping and begging into the mix, failing to make the critical distinction between behaviour and circumstances. But Edridge says so far officers have applied the law in the way it was intended and haven't moved anyone on for rough sleeping or begging. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the Midterms of 2026. Quite possibly, if I can sound almost unpatriotic, they're more interesting as an exercise in democracy than our own election. It would seem a foregone conclusion that the Republicans, read Trump, will lose the House. It is less certain what will happen in the Senate. If it goes really wrong and both flip, stand by for any number of inquiries and impeachments. Stand by for retribution writ large. Stand by for two solid years of unmitigated mudslinging and lawyers. What Trump says is true: incumbents always lose something in the midterms. There is always pushback. It's also worth noting that before he started the war he talked of reversing that trend, of winning big. But his singular decision to go after Iran has sunk his presidency. In fact, an insightful piece I read the other day suggested the markets, specifically oil, should adjust to a permanent, unending standoff in the Hormuz Strait and the Middle East. In other words, this is the future. Some of the races, especially…

More signs of recovery in the construction sector. Stats NZ data shows more than 41,000 new homes were consented annually to September – up 18%. Standalone home consents rose 20% to the highest level in four years. Townhouse consents are up 18%, and they're up 11% for retirement village units, but down 11% for apartments. Combined Building Supplies Co-op CEO Carl Taylor told Mike Hosking they're seeing a shift in the market – just because we can fit six townhouses on a section, doesn't mean we have to. He says a lot of the builders he talks to are starting to pivot their businesses as they're realising they can't actually sell those townhouses – especially if they don't have garaging or car parking. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 4th of November, our dairy industry's hit a record high for production, and we look ahead to the unemployment figures coming out this morning. We ask Pete Seat, the former White House spokesman for George W. Bush, to give his verdict on the Midterms. And on Politics Wednesday, Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen give their thoughts on the election campaign one last time ahead of Saturday night. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most economists expect the latest unemployment figures to show the labour market has finally turned a corner. Stats NZ is releasing its latest quarterly data at 10.45am. Westpac is picking a fall from 5.6% to 5.5% for Q3 – the first drop in five years. Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Mike Hosking we've seen the strongest quarter of employment growth since the start of 2023, and that combined with slower population growth adds up to a falling unemployment rate. He says our economic growth is still unbalanced, but there's enough that we should see falls in the unemployment rate throughout the next year and a half. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Congress is up for grabs in today's midterm elections, with Democrats eyeing up a potential double victory. If secured, the party would be better placed to scrutinise President Donald Trump and block his plans. Polling predicts the Democrats have the House of Representatives in hand, but the Senate could be a tighter race. Former White House Spokesperson for George W Bush, Pete Seat told Mike Hosking he expects the Senate will come down to one seat, but some think it could be split down the middle. He says if that happens, it will have a fascinating impact on JD Vance's potential presidential campaign, because he'd have the tie-breaking vote as Vice President. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National is supporting New Zealand's Police Commissioner being cleared of any wrongdoing. The police watchdog has cleared Commissioner Richard Chambers of wrongdoing after concerns were raised by an anonymous complainant. The IPCA found all accusations lacked evidence. National's police spokesperson Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking he had backed Chambers from the start. "We just believed him and at the end of the day, it's been extremely tough on him and his wife and daughters. "There's unequivocal evidence now." Mitchell agreed the facts behind the accusation should not be made public. "Those are sensitive issues and the public should maintain that we have a very good internal investigations unit. "These things have to be looked into and taken seriously, I saw the complaints, I backed him, the Prime Minister backed him." Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen said despite the outcome, an investigation was warranted. "It's important that victims of crime need to be able to report crime and it be…

Cheap Chinese imports are continuing to cause problems for our aluminium industry. Hollow extrusion imports are now up 192%, while reported values are down 31%. Commerce Minister Cameron Bewer has declined to introduce safeguards for the industry, instead telling it to file a new application and go down the anti-dumping route. McKechnie Aluminium Solutions Ltd's Dave Slomp told Mike Hosking the reason they were advised not to go down that route in the first place is because it can be quite hard to prove. New construction has fallen around 70% in China since 2021, and they'd have to prove it's being sold in New Zealand for a lower price than in China. He says proving it to be dumping might be extraordinarily difficult, and they'd also have to get the details on what it's being sold for from Chinese manufacturers. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our dairy industry is continuing to reach new heights. Prices have risen another 3% at this morning's Global Dairy Trade auction, with whole milk powder up 5.9% and skim milk powder up 3.1%. The sector's also produced more than two billion kilograms of milksolids during a single season for the first time. Dairy NZ Chief Executive Campbell Parker told Mike Hosking it's despite farmers costs still rising. He says farmers are doing more with less and drive good productivity through good decision making. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The trouble for Netball NZ is they claim to have a plan. The reality, of course, is we may or may not ever know what happened to the previous plan – the Williams-Mowbray plan. That plan looked set to go. Most of us didn't have a clue what was in it, nor do we care. But we know the names Mowbray and Williams. We know they have lots of money. We probably knew they were in it for the right reasons. We also knew Netball NZ is a mess, and the sport is in dire straits. So at that point, we most likely concluded there was a bit of hope. Until there wasn't, which was Friday's news. What didn't help on Friday was the seeming surprise from Williams, who apparently didn't see anything coming. Then on Friday night I watched netballers crying, as well they might. Personally, I would have cried before that, and for all I know some have. Because as an elite player I would have buggered off months back, probably when they shafted Noeline, who by anyone's measure is the G.O.A.T. The way she was treated defied belief. Anyway,…

Michael Douglas has had an incredibly storied and illustrious Hollywood career. The son of the legendary Kirk Douglas, Michael more than established his own credentials over the course of six decades. He's got two Academy Awards under his belt, as well as Golden Globes and over half a dozen other awards and honours for both acting and producing. Douglas has plenty of stories to tell, and he's decided to do just that, releasing an autobiography called 'One Helluva Ride'. He told Mike Hosking that by all means, things have worked out. "Obviously one of the reasons why I wrote the book was I looked at my father and I, and between the two of us, we have quite a legacy ... I think 125 movies and 80 years in the business." "And then for me, you know, to have a kind of dual career as a successful producer, as well as an actor, yeah, it's been great." Although in the grand scheme of things, Douglas' life has worked out well, he told Hosking he does write in the book to be careful what you wish for. "Sometimes in my…