Winner of the week has got to be NZ First. In the latest Taxpayer's Union Curia poll, they are the third biggest party now, overtaking Act and the Greens. If you’ve been watching the polls lately that’s not a surprise. This has been coming for a while. National has been up and down, Act has been pretty flat, but NZ First has just been heading up most of the year. There are a bunch of reasons for this. Winston is very statesman-like. He manages to disagree with his coalition partners without being quite as bratty as David Seymour can sometimes be. NZ First are choosing their battles. They stayed out of the pay equity kerfuffle, so they didn’t cop the blowback. But mainly, it’s because they’re being refreshingly blunt. Shane Jones doesn’t care if the lizard-lovers get upset that he wants to dig a mine where the lizards are. He just says it. Winston doesn’t care if Grey Lynn and Aro Valley are offended that he wants transwomen kept out of women’s sport. He just says it. He doesn't care if wool carpets into state houses is likely a bad financial decision. He got it done. This party is unashamedly appealing to a group of voters no one else really is, which is working class New Zealanders – people who see things simply and often more correctly than elites would care to imagine. It’s the same thing playing out in the UK with the rise of the Reform Party. It’s the same reason Trump is back in the White House. Of the three coalition parties NZ First is the only one hitting the same vein of voters. Now, we’re still only talking about 10% and 10% doesn’t a major party make. But it’s only been headed in one direction lately, and that tells you something. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Wrapping the Week with Tim Wilson and Trish Sherson: Lizards, moa, is it better to be smart or dumb
With Mike Hosking off on holiday, Heather du Plessis-Allan was joined by Tim Wilson and Trish Sherson to Wrap the Week that was. They discussed the situation with the gold mine, lizards, and Department of Conservation, the company working to resurrect the moa, and ask the question of if it’s better to be smart or dumb. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Damian McKenzie: All Blacks back ahead of the second clash against France
All Blacks utility back Damian McKenzie has responded to scrutiny around the side's ability to secure possession off contestable kicks ahead of tomorrow's second test against France in Wellington. Les Bleus peppered New Zealand's back three in the air at Dunedin last week to good effect. McKenzie —who played almost all of the game at fullback after Sevu Reece came from the field with a head knock— told Heather du Plessis Allan the penalising of escort runners has made things trickier. He says it’s definitely a skill they need to work on, but it’s not an easy one to nail. However, McKenzie is confident they’ve got the kicking game to match France. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Rachel Simpson: Business NZ Education Specialist on the need to update vocational skills and training
Many Kiwis are studying or training in skills that aren't needed in the job market. That's the warning from Business NZ as the Government reviews New Zealand's vocational education system. The lobby groups say graduates are being held back from gaining employment because they've trained in the wrong area. They're calling for an industry-led vocational system, with more focus on work-based training and relevant, up-to-date skills. Business NZ Education Specialist Rachel Simpson told Heather du Plessis-Allan that many of the current qualifications and programmes haven’t been changed in years. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Full Show Podcast: 11 July 2025
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 11th of July, the Government is creating an anti-scam alliance to try keep New Zealanders from falling victim. Damian McKenzie comes off the bench to tell us how the All Blacks will perform much better against the French this weekend. Tim Wilson and Trish Sherson join Heather to Wrap the Week that was, talking lizards, moa, and whether it's better to be smart or dumb. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.
New Zealand