Show Notes
The figures keep defying the reality. 68,000 votes were cast on Monday. That day was a problem according to the conspiracy theorists who suggested that not only had enrolling closed early, but the opening day of voting was a public holiday and for some reason voting on a day off may prove to be some sort of issue. At 68,000, that is more than in 2023. So what does that mean? Nothing. But you could suggest it's an early turnout, which means a bigger turnout by the time this is over. A bigger turnout would be welcome because we should all be interested in democracy and, more importantly, actually participating in democracy. It's one thing to enrol, and here is the real story that the conspiracy theorists might like to spend more energy on: enrolment is not as important as turnout. Being on a roll isn't as important as actually voting. Last time only 77% turned out. That’s not great. You need to well and truly crack 80% for a good day at the office. The conspiracy folk need to be careful because when this washes out, they run the risk of looking like nutters. Trevor Mallard mouthing off on social media about his hall being closed, then banging on about voter suppression, had 'tin hat' written all over it, not to mention his inability to google a polling place that was open. My guess, if you want one, is an early flourish of voting indicates my long-held suspicion that this is one of your more predictable elections. This is a bloc election. The bloc that runs the place deserves three more years, or not. There are not actually a lot of game-changing policies. There is a lot of small policy designed to get daily clicks from the media. I'm convinced the vast majority of us know who we are voting for and have known for some time, so day one was a chance to tick a box and get on with life. My great hope is it continues, turn out is high, the Mallard's and tin hatters get back to their Telegram feeds and if the left lose, they don’t use it as an excuse. Because that would be what a sore loser would do. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More from The Mike Hosking Breakfast
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 28th of October, we look at what the Reserve Bank is likely to do with the OCR today and how it might affect an election campaign. The Prime Minister pops in after the long weekend to talk early voting numbers, alleged voter suppression, and what the polls are saying. And on Politics Wednesday, Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell talk their electorates, the Fire and Emergency CEO's resignation and the confusion around whether Rakesh Naidoo is under investigation or not. 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.
It's Politics Wednesday, which means Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen are back with Mike Hosking to dig into the biggest stories of the week thus far. With the election just under two weeks away, they discussed how things are faring in their electorates and the ongoing drama around voter registrations. They also touched on the situation around Rakesh Naidoo and the resignation of Fire and Emergency's CEO. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Reserve Bank could have its hands full over the next few months, with inflation still stuck at elevated levels. Economists are predicting the Monetary Policy Committee will lift the official cash rate by 25 basis points at 2pm today. This would take it to 3%. ASB's Kim Mundy told Mike Hosking we could see further hikes in December and February. She says the Reserve Bank needs to get settings back to neutral levels sooner rather than later, because we're seeing signs that inflation's starting to stir. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Amidst an already bad time for airlines, an analyst says Air New Zealand faces a unique set of challenges. Forsyth Barr expects the airline to lose $338 million before tax this financial year. Its passenger revenue is up 12% year-on-year, but fuel is costing it about $6.8 million a day. Forsyth Barr Head of Research Andy Bowley told Mike Hosking engine issues is one challenge, with another being sales. He says Kiwis make up half of their sales, and we've been in and out of recession for the last three years. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some say it's too hot, others too cold – a challenge for the operator of Christchurch's new covered stadium. Some areas of One NZ Stadium reached 32 degrees during Sunday's Rugby League matches and Monday's NPC final. Daytime fixtures could be scrapped in future to help players and fans cope with the heat. Venues Otautahi Chief Executive Caroline Harvie-Teare told Mike Hosking the stadium bowl is also retaining heat on colder days, with a 4.5 degree temperature variation around the venue on Monday. She says it's the variation which is the issue, with some complaining it was too cold at the weekend. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.