The Mike Hosking Breakfast

We sat in London last Wednesday night at a place called Bocconcino in Berkeley Square. We were celebrating our daughter’s birthday.
Her partner had picked the place. It’s flash. It’s in a beautiful building. It’s Italian. The food was very good.
The service, however, was rubbish. I only mention that to remind ourselves that we moan a lot in this country about service, or the lack of it.
And we have every right to moan. But we are not unique. For all the anecdotal stuff you hear about the world being perfect, the vibe being electric, and the hospo scene being buzzing — it’s not always true.
You can be in one of the better joints in one of the great cities and still be left wanting — even more so when they automatically charge you a 60 quid service fee when there wasn’t any real service.
Anyway, one of the lessons of the trip was this: three of our kids were involved. One dropped off in New York for a job, and two visited because they live their lives on the other side of the world.
This feeds into another of the great debates we’ve been having in this country — why are all the young people leaving?
My conclusion? Why on earth wouldn’t they?
And not because NZ has nothing to offer, but because the world is massive, and opportunities abound. If you can’t take them when you’re young, when can you?
None of our kids are offshore because they hate New Zealand. They are offshore because they are curious — and don’t we want curious young people?
They aren’t down on us. They are exploring and chasing dreams.
The idea that you can chase a dream, and it must be done here, is absurd. Sure, some have left because times have been tight, but none of ours have gone for that reason — and I suspect that’s true of most young Kiwis.
We are not inferior because of an inquisitive generation.
When you can weekend in Copenhagen or the Greek Islands, when Hyde Park is your garden, when you can earn pounds — why on earth wouldn’t you?
As a parent, all you can do is be filled with joy for them.
Three young people living their dreams — who could ask for more?
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Saville and Jason Pine join Mike Hosking to review the Weekend's sport.
On the table today: Lewis Hamilton wins his first Grand Prix with Ferrari.
The World Cup is underway, and already upsets are flying in.
And the Knicks have won the NBA Championship, New York is on fire with celebrations.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says if the Government introduces a Bed Tax, it wants to ensure it does it the right way.
An Auckland regional deal, signed by the council and the Government, includes a promise to look into a tax next year.
Mayor Wayne Brown has been campaigning for the bed night levy on visitors - arguing it would help fund destination marketing and events.
Christopher Luxon says there are a lot of conversations to be had.
He says it's a question of whether it should be a national tax, as travellers may be frustrated with different levies in different regions.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 15th of June, Barbara Edmonds defends the Labour Party against Nicola Willis' claim of an 18 billion dollar "hidden bill."
Mike also talks to the Prime Minister about Labour's spending and whether the government will bring in a bed tax.
We find out whether a peace deal between the US and Iran is imminent.
Mike's also back from his holiday - and tells us about the joy of seeing your children spreading their wings and living their dreams.
The Commentary Box talks the Football World Cup, the upcoming Super Rugby Final and how the Warriors need to bounce back after back-to-back losses.
Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fieldays, by all metrics, has been a big success this year.
More than 1000 exhibitors and 132,000 visitors flocked to the four day event, which wrapped-up over the weekend.
Exhibitor and vendor sites were sold out a month before gates opened.
National Fieldays Society Chief Executive Richard Lindroos says they're delighted.
He says the event's already back to pre-Covid numbers, with increased international demand, and exhibitors already wanting to sign-up for next year.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.