Best Institute Of Productivity Productivity Minute Podcasts (2025)

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Mark the Week: School lunches were the stupidest story of the week 2:12

Play Pause

16h ago2:12

2:12

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. Consumers: 7/10 Confidence at a 6-month high. School lunches: 3/10 This is the stupidest story of the week. Four days it lasted – we've become myopic. We fixate on triviality. It’s got a small village idiot vibe to it, don’t you r…

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Full Show Podcast: 05 December 2025 1:28:11

17h ago1:28:11

1:28:11

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 5th of December, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined Mike to wrap the year before he takes off on holiday. They also exchanged gifts, and both of them were hugely impressed with each other's loot. And for the final time of the year, Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson Wrapped the Week, talking…

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Mike's Minute: The NZ retail experience, a first hand view 2:08

17h ago2:08

2:08

The New Zealand retail experience, as summed up by a frustrated Katherine Hawkesby as of yesterday. She visited half a dozen shops - one was decent and the rest were useless. They were useless for a variety of reasons, but the common theme was service, or lack of it. How is it continually possible that we have a sector crying out for support and ye…

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Richard Arnold: US Correspondent on the Department of Defence report finding Hegseth put military personnel at risk in the Signal chat incident 4:16

17h ago4:16

4:16

The US Defence Secretary seems to be in hot water. A Department of Defence report concluded that Pete Hegseth put military personnel at risk when he shared information of a planned airstrike over Signal. The incident came to light when a journalist for the Atlantic was accidently added to the chat in which sensitive details of the strike on Houthi …

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Wrapping the Week with Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson: Gift exchange between Mike and Christopher Luxon, price of postage 11:21

18h ago11:21

11:21

For the final time this year, Tim Wilson and Kate Hawkesby joined Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that Was. They discussed the gift exchange that happened earlier on the show and Mike’s reaction to the Prime Minister's interesting gift. Plus, they got into the price of postage, shopping, and good service. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for …

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Jane Wrightson: Retirement Commissioner on the reforms to the Retirement Villages Act 2003 3:58

18h ago3:58

3:58

The Retirement Commissioner's unfazed at the prospect of a potential retirement village price rise. The Government's announced changes to the Retirement Villages Act 2003, aiming to ease the experience of elderly people and their families. Changes include ensuring money is paid back within a year after a resident leaves. Commissioner Jane Wrightson…

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Erica Stanford: Education Minister on the secondary teachers accepting their new collective agreement 3:57

19h ago3:57

3:57

The Education Minister's pleased to see secondary school teachers vote yes for their new collective agreement. PPTA members have accepted the Government's offer, which includes a 4.6% pay increase over two years and a million dollar a year fund for professional development. Minister Erica Stanford told Mike Hosking it's a good resolution and she's …

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Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister wraps the year, exchanges gifts with Mike Hosking 13:50

19h ago13:50

13:50

‘Tis the season for the annual swapping of gifts between the Prime Minister and broadcaster Mike Hosking. For Prime Minister Christopher Luxon the festive season has begun with meal tray tables bearing the longtime broadcaster’s face, after the pair exchanged gifts in a Christmas tradition that dates back several years. As for Hosking, he’ll leave …

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Mike's Minute: We watch Australia's social media ban with interest 2:22

1d ago2:22

2:22

The Australian social media ban has started. Well, sort of. It came in on Monday but begins officially on the 10th of December. The worrying thing is one of the big proponents of the idea said she believed with all her heart that "we were saving a generation". That is not true. Saving them from what? Themselves? Theory vs reality is very powerfully…

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Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson: Actors on their performances in 'Song Sung Blue' 10:25

1d ago10:25

10:25

‘Song Sung Blue’, a story of hope amidst a tragic love story. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson star as Mike and Claire Sardina, aka Lightning and Thunder, a duo Neil Diamond tribute act that got major attention in Milwaukee. The film is based off a documentary about the couple with the same name, that was released in 2008. Before working together on th…

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Full Show Podcast: 04 December 2025 1:28:25

1d ago1:28:25

1:28:25

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 4th December, Sir Brian Roche discusses Andrew Coster’s resignation from his new role over the McSkimming scandal. We've got a new ski deal with China that’s set to bring in high value tourists. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson talk Oscar buzz on their new movie ‘Song Sung Blue’, how easy the…

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Steve Brown: Headwaters and Lumina CEO on their forecast returns increasing 60% on last year 4:06

1d ago4:06

4:06

A welcome boost to New Zealand's premium meat sector, with strong growth expected this season. Headwaters Farmers —who produce Lumina Lamb— are forecasting returns of $23.50 per lamb, up 60% on last year. It also reports successful expansion into the Middle East. Headwaters and Lumina Chief Executive Steve Brown told Mike Hosking these markets attr…

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Paul Anderson: NZSki CEO on the deal with Sunac-BonSki to attract Chinese skiers to New Zealand 2:57

1d ago2:57

2:57

A new partnership deal in the ski industry aims to tap into the booming Chinese market. NZSki and Sunac-BonSki have signed on, giving New Zealand direct access to 13.5 million active skiers in China. NZSki CEO Paul Anderson told Mike Hosking while the New Zealanders and Australians make up the bulk of skiers, they’ve seen an increasing number of Ch…

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John Pask: BusinessNZ Chief Economist on the economy emerging from stagnation, the debt levels 3:20

2d ago3:20

3:20

A view the Government has to get a handle on debt, with forecasts showing the economy's now finally recovering. BusinessNZ's Planning Forecast projects the GDP will grow at just under 3% per year to 2027. But it warns that an ageing population's set to drive superannuation and healthcare costs to unsustainable levels, consuming all income tax reven…

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Nick Hill: Auckland Unlimited CEO on the first round of funding in the $70 million major events package 7:18

2d ago7:18

7:18

There's a view that Government funding for major events is a smart investment. The first round of events in its $70 million package has been unveiled, including the first ever concert at Christchurch's One NZ Stadium at Te Kaha next May. Other events include Linkin Park in Auckland and the Ultra Music Festival in Wellington. Auckland Unlimited Chie…

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Sir Brian Roche: Public Service Commissioner on Andrew Coster's resignation as Social Investment Agency Head 3:35

2d ago3:35

3:35

The Public Service Commissioner says he believes former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster is genuinely sorry, following his resignation as Social Investment Agency Head. Coster's accepted responsibility for shortcomings highlighted in an IPCA report on the handling of complaints against his then Deputy Jevon McSkimming. His final pay will be near $…

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Mike's Minute: Still more questions to answer for the Reserve Bank 2:06

3d ago2:06

2:06

The mail I'm getting got a bit more official yesterday with Fitch suggesting they think the Reserve Bank isn't done. A lot of people thought the Reserve Bank was done cutting because fill-in Governor Christian Hawkesby basically said as much last week. On the inference that it was over, swap rates on the wholesale market started going up. Why shoul…

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Richard Arnold: US Correspondent on Pete Hegseth facing scrutiny over potential war crime 5:05

3d ago5:05

5:05

The US Secretary of Defence is facing scrutiny for potentially having committed a war crime. Pete Hegseth is facing scrutiny over a strike he ordered on a boat in the Caribbean Sea suspected of smuggling drugs. The Washington Post reported last week that Hegseth authorised a highly unusual second strike to kill all survivors on the boat – reports H…

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Pollies: Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen on Scrutiny Week, Labour chasing the Māori seats, cabinet meetings 10:49

3d ago10:49

10:49

With the year nearing its end, Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen joined Mike Hosking for the final Politics Wednesday of 2025. They discussed Scrutiny Week, Labour’s decision to chase the Māori seats and what’s ahead as we enter an election year. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Full Show Podcast: 03 December 2025 1:28:24

3d ago1:28:24

1:28:24

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 3rd of December, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers outlined the Police's new targets in the wake of the McSkimming debacle. Liam Lawson has officially retained his seat for Racing Bulls next season! Former Ferrari and Williams manager Peter Windsor broke down the decision for us. And …

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Fiona Cooper: NZUS Council Executive Director on today's US Business Summit 3:12

3d ago3:12

3:12

New Zealand’s relationship with the "Land of Opportunity" is taking the spotlight in Auckland today. Business, trade, and political leaders are attending the annual US Business Summit. Christopher Luxon is set to open the summit, shedding light on the Government’s actions to strengthen bilateral ties. NZUS Council Executive Director Fiona Cooper to…

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Lisa King: AF Drinks Founder on the success of the brand, a nationwide distribution deal in the UK 3:33

3d ago3:33

3:33

The success story keeps rolling for Kiwi company AF Drinks. The alcohol-free brand has just secured nationwide distribution in the UK with supermarket giant Morrisons. It follows on from their US expansion, with them now stocked in over 4000 stores including Target, Walmart, and Sprouts. Founder Lisa King told Mike Hosking there’s been a huge trend…

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Peter Windsor: Former Williams and Ferrari executive on Liam Lawson retaining his spot at Racing Bulls for 2026 6:05

3d ago6:05

6:05

A mentoring role for Liam Lawson in the 2026 Formula 1 season. The New Zealand driver has retained his spot in Racing Bulls alongside 18-year-old debutant Arvid Lindblad. Lawson had been vying for the vacant seat with demoted Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda, following Isack Hadjar's promotion to the parent team. Former Williams and Ferrari executive P…

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Kate Gainsford: Secondary Principals' Council Chair on the number of principals quitting within their first year 2:33

3d ago2:33

2:33

There's a belief support for first-time principals is falling short. Newstalk ZB analysis has found 970 principals quit in the past three years – one in five within their first year. Retirements jumped 26% over the same period. Secondary Principals' Council Chair Kate Gainsford told Mike Hosking other countries have solid systems to prepare princip…

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Amanda Malu: Education NZ CEO on the economic impact of international students 3:19

3d ago3:19

3:19

The economic impact of international students is surging. New Stats NZ data shows education-related travel exports jumped to $4.52 billion in the year to September, up from $3.6 billion the previous year. Education New Zealand wants to increase that figure to $7.2 billion by 2034. Chief Executive Amanda Malu told Mike Hosking growth is across all s…

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Richard Chambers: Police Commissioner on the Police targets to improve public trust and confidence 2:50

3d ago2:50

2:50

Confidence from the Police Commissioner that New Zealanders don't see police any differently in the wake of the McSkimming scandal. Richard Chambers has announced four new targets, which include restoring public trust and confidence to 80%. It follows the IPCA's recent and scathing report into how serious allegations against former Deputy Commissio…

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Mike's Minute: I'm confident for 2026 2:16

4d ago2:16

2:16

It probably came out on the wrong day to get the coverage it deserved, but one of the last pieces in the economic turnaround told us we are basically there. Consumer confidence is back, up six points to 98. It needs to be 100 or more for expansion, but it’s the highest figure since June and backs the business confidence, which last week was up a lo…

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Full Show Podcast: 02 December 2025 1:28:21

4d ago1:28:21

1:28:21

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 2nd of December, the Government is bringing in rates caps in 2029. Local Government Minister Simon Watts and Nelson Mayor Nick Smith give their takes on the proposal. Will there be a coup in Netball NZ? A Special General Meeting has been called this weekend to discuss a vote of no confiden…

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David Walliams: UK Comedian and author on his new children's book 'Santa & Son' 10:51

4d ago10:51

10:51

Although he’s best known for his comedy, David Walliams has a growing portfolio of children’s literature. He’s sold more than 60 million copies worldwide and has just released his 44th book ‘Santa & Son’, just in time for Christmas. He released his first children’s book in 2008, and even after 17 years and nearly 50 books, Walliams still finds writ…

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Rob Walter: Black Caps coach on the three-test series against the West Indies 2:14

4d ago2:14

2:14

Coach Rob Walter is comfortable with how the Black Caps are tracking heading into the three-test series against the West Indies, beginning today at Hagley Oval. New Zealand is fresh from overcoming the West Indies by a combined 6 games to one in the two white ball series. While Walter was pleased to get the results, he reckons the Black Caps can st…

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Nicola Compton: Tauranga Netball Centre board chair on the plan to overthrow the Netball NZ leadership 2:06

4d ago2:06

2:06

Netball stakeholders attempting to overthrow the national governing body say issues extend beyond the Silver Ferns coaching saga. The Waikato Bay of Plenty Zone has called a Special General Meeting for Sunday to declare its intention for the board and chief executive to be replaced. Tauranga Netball Centre board chair Nicola Compton says Dame Noeli…

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Simon Watts: Local Government Minister on the Government setting caps on council rates increases 3:12

4d ago3:12

3:12

An assurance a council rates cap will only target unnecessary costs, not community services or infrastructure. By 2029, councils wanting to increase rates by more than 4% will need approval from a government-appointed regulator. Water rates are excluded from the cap. Local Government Minister Simon Watts told Mike Hosking this will be an education …

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Steve Jurkovich: Kiwibank CEO on the State of Home Ownership Index 4:49

4d ago4:49

4:49

A view more New Zealanders are adapting to get on the property ladder to overcome economic woes. Kiwibank's Annual State of Home Ownership Index finds 57% of non-owners feel locked out of the market, improving by 6%. It notes 60% still find the cost of living the biggest obstacle to owning a house. Chief Executive Steve Jurkovich told Mike Hosking …

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David Seymour: Associate Education Minister on the mouldy school lunches being served at a Christchurch school 5:33

4d ago5:33

5:33

David Seymour's shrugging off food poisoning concerns at a Christchurch school, saying its principal is often complaining about Government policies. Haeata Community Campus recalled all lunches yesterday after discovering some boxes contained rancid and "dead" looking food. Some children had already eaten their lunch. Minister-in-charge Seymour tol…

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Nick Smith: Nelson Mayor on the Government proposing to cap rates increases at 4% a year 2:33

4d ago2:33

2:33

There's an expectation a rates cap will prove challenging and require teaming up with central Government. The Government's proposing to stop rates increases at 4% a year, excluding water and other non-rates revenue. Councils wanting to go beyond this will need approval from a government-appointed regulator. Nelson Mayor Nick Smith told Mike Hosking…

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Full Show Podcast: 01 December 2025 1:28:09

5d ago1:28:09

1:28:09

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 1st of December, Local Government Minister Simon Watts speaks on what councils will be spending on 'Water Done Well' over the next decade. The Prime Minister speaks about our maths results, whether EU countries are worried about our climate targets and the City Rail Link being delayed u…

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Mike's Minute: I think we should get rid of some jury trials 2:15

5d ago2:15

2:15

In the UK the Justice Secretary has suggested the end of the jury trial, except for rape, murder, manslaughter, or what he calls "cases that pass a national interest test". The idea has received the sort of reaction you would expect from the usual quarters you would expect it from. My hope is we might want to look at something similar here. The wai…

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Commentary Box: Andrew Saville and Jason Pine Auckland FC's defeat, the three way title battle in F1, and the V8 supercars 11:38

5d ago11:38

11:38

Jason Pine and Andrew Saville join Mike Hosking this morning to discuss the weekend's sports. On the table today: Auckland FC suffered a loss at home amid monsoon-like rains. Should the game have been called off? The F1 Driver's Championship is headed to the final race of the season, with three contenders for the title. And the V8 Supercars Champio…

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Jeffrey Price: Foreign Policy Institute Senior Fellow discusses Trump's warning of strikes on Venezuela 3:19

5d ago3:19

3:19

US President Donald Trump's working to force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro out of office. Trump's warned airlines and travellers to avoid the country on social media - and says land strikes on Venezuela could come 'very soon'. The Trump administration has pinned illegal migration and drug trafficking on Venezuela's Government - amid a crackdo…

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Robert Beaglehole: Action on Smoking and Health Chair says youth's don't find vaping 'cool' anymore 2:14

5d ago2:14

2:14

An anti-smoking group says young people don't think vaping is as cool as it used to be. Action on Smoking and Health has released the results of its survey which asks more than 30-thousand Year 10 students about their smoking habits. It shows 7.1-percent of the age group vape daily - down from the 10-percent peak in 2022 - and less than a third hav…

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Chris Luxon: Prime Minister says banks should be passing OCR rates to customers, or customers should switch banks 10:25

5d ago10:25

10:25

Chris Luxon says banks need to be passing on their OCR cuts to customers - and customers should be switching banks if they don't. Mortgage rates have been falling significantly, following recent OCR cuts. But the Reserve Bank says the banks still have room to move, to be cutting the rates further. The Prime Minister says [told Mike Hosking] banks s…

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Simon Watts: Local Government Minister happy with council's response to new water infrastructure model 3:51

5d ago3:51

3:51

The Local Government Minister is pleased to see councils joining forces under the new water infrastructure model. The Department of Internal Affairs expects councils to spend nearly 48-billion dollars on Local Water Done Well over the next decade. The reforms could create more than 40 water entities, with some councils joining multi-council-control…

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Karl Dean: National Dairy Chair says low wheat prices are driving farmers to switch to dairy 3:40

5d ago3:40

3:40

Repeatedly low wheat prices are driving more farmers to turn to dairy. The Canterbury Regional Council says up to 25-thousand more dairy cows could be added to the region this year - with 32 new farms given the green light. Federated Farmers' confidence survey in July found 81 percent of dairy farmers surveyed were making a profit, compared to just…

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Mike's Minute: The govt shouldn't have touched the carbon market 2:00

7d ago2:00

2:00

If you follow the carbon market, and you should, it is yet another lesson in the abject failure that almost certainly results in gerrymandering markets. Four times a year you bid for credits (offsets) to counter your polluting habits. You do this because we signed up to Paris and made a bunch of promises we were never going to be able to keep. By s…

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Mark the Week: The maths trial results were an example of a simple truth 2:21

8d ago2:21

2:21

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. Education: 8/10 The maths trial results this week were a tangible example of the simple truth that if you concentrate on something and work hard, you will win. The All Blacks: 6/10 They did better than the critics seem to suggest.…

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Full Show Podcast: 28 November 2025 1:29:00

8d ago1:29:00

1:29:00

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 28th of November, Judith Collins speaks on the public inquiry to be held into the disappearance of Tom Phillips and his children. Could we grow more coffee in New Zealand? And who knew we grew any sort of decent coffee here in the first place? Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson talk about the ins…

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Mike's Minute: Why aren't more people excellent? 1:59

8d ago1:59

1:59

It’s the simple question with seemingly no simple answer: why aren't more people excellent? Naylor Love reported this week they are cracking the $1 billion revenue mark. They are an old company that has never cracked a billion. Naylor Love are in construction. Construction is apparently having, or has had, a hell of a time of it. So how is it a bus…

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Wrapping the Week with Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson: Mike's new TV, the price of salmon, Simon Dallow 11:05

8d ago11:05

11:05

The week has come to an end, which means Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike Hosking to wrap it all up. Mike ordered a new 85-inch TV and its installation has thrown the house into a bit of disarray. Kate’s been looking at the price of salmon, and they discuss the legacy and impact of Simon Dallow as he signs off as 6pm newsreader for t…

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Peter Sheppard: Coffee Producers Association Chair on the plans to expand coffee production in New Zealand 3:53

8d ago3:53

3:53

A shift in climate has opened the door to grow more coffee in the Far North. Industry specialists have gathered near Kaikohe for the annual Coffee Producers Association conference. New Zealand currently has about a dozen growers and more than seven thousand trees, with goals to scale-up production. Association Chair Peter Sheppard told Mike Hosking…

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Bruce Patten: Loan Market Mortgage Advisor on the call for banks to slash home loan rates in the wake of the OCR cut 2:55

8d ago2:55

2:55

A mortgage advisor is joining the Finance Minister in urging banks to slash home loan rates. Nicola Willis is asking them to pass on “as much as possible” in the wake of the Reserve Bank cutting the Official Cash Rate to 2.25%. She says the banks have a stake in the economy, and passing the cuts on will make a significant difference. Loan Market Mo…