5000 episodes
- Surely it's only one more day before Chris Hipkins gets to, just maybe, put the gangs in the rear-view mirror.
In his new found assessment that handing millions to the Mongrel Mob when last in government was "a mistake", he reveals the real issue he faces this election campaign;
Time.
The gap between what he did and what he now promises to do is too short. That is roughly why most governments get two terms.
Generally, governments lose elections, Oppositions don’t win them.
The reason they lose them is we are sick of the incumbents and that feeling generally lasts longer than three years.
For Hipkins, and for that matter Sepuloni, Andersen, Verrall, Tinetti, Edmonds, and Co, to be back so soon after an historically implosive burst of Labour-style ideology was always going to be a test of the punter's resolve.
Which is why I have been moderately critical of this Government's lack of focus on that period in which we were literally sold down a fiscal river through sheer incompetence.
It has rectified itself this past week with the gangs because the gangs are a visceral reminder of who these people really are. You could add MIQ, lockdowns, free money and the Māorification obsession. The list is enormous, but the gangs have refocused us on the worst of Labour.
So with gangs back front and centre, the question had to be asked about the free millions for the Mongrel Mob, Chris. This is the $2.75 million for alleged meth rehab.
And Hipkins, having done the best he could in the distancing department from the Greens, if not the Māori Party, could do nothing more than throw Ardern under the bus and say it was a mistake.
Which indeed it was. It was an egregious one, but one nevertheless that shows basically who they are.
Saying something when he wants your vote is easy. Some might suggest he will say anything.
But the record speaks for itself and given they have not changed, have not apologised and have not recognised the damage whether in justice, crime, the economy, education or any number of social issues, they remain who they always were;
A failed Government hoping three years on you’ve forgotten it all.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. - On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 21st of October, we discuss the record high number of arrests and charges for retail crime, plus we wrap the final leader's debate.
Speaker Gerry Brownlee talks rising threats on MPs following the attack on Helen Haines in Australia.
And on Politics Wednesday, Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen talk MP security and campaigning with just two and a half weeks to go.
Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Pollies: National's Mark Mitchell and Labour's Ginny Andersen on the election campaign, threats towards MPs
20/10/2026 | 10 mins.Today on Politics Wednesday, National's Mark Mitchell and Labour's Ginny Andersen discuss the latest from the election campaign.
Plus, they discuss the rising number of threats towards MPs and the attack on an Australian politician.
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.John Robson: BioOra CEO on the world-first cancer treatment facility opening in Christchurch
20/10/2026 | 3 mins.A world-first facility opening in Christchurch could bring cutting-edge cancer treatment closer to home for Kiwi patients.
BioOra will manufacture CAR-T therapies at the central site, using patients' own genetically modified cells to fight cancer.
It could eventually treat 150 patients a year, reducing the need for overseas treatment, which can cost more than a million dollars.
Chief Executive John Robson told Mike Hosking the facility has sophisticated set of laboratories.
He says there's six in total, with four of them being 'super clean rooms,' where staff will be genetically modifying cells for patients.
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Stephen Knightly: RocketWerkz Games Chief Operating Officer on NZ First's plan to lift funding for video game sector
20/10/2026 | 3 mins.Our gaming sector is continuing to flourish, and one game developer believes there's no reason it can't keep growing with investment.
New Zealand First wants to lift funding for the Centre of Digital Excellence by 2028 and to improve the studio rebate.
That includes increasing the claimable amount from $3 million to $10 million.
RocketWerkz Games Chief Operating Officer Stephen Knightly told Mike Hosking it's closing the gap that Australia continues to have over our industry.
He says Australia is fighting for tech jobs and creative jobs and believes New Zealand's naive if it doesn't fight back.
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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.
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