The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Here’s where I am at, with where we are at as a country - at least as far as Covid goes.
We are too lax at the border, I’ve said this a million times. Michael Baker is right when he said: “There have been too many breaches and mistakes and the next one, given the new strains may well mean a lock down the likes of which we have dreaded”.
Given we now know this, why are people still allowed to come into the country from places like Britain?
A negative test is better than what we had, but not nearly as good as what we want. Why aren’t we more proactive?
I asked that question about 100 times last year, why are we so complacent?
It would seem obvious that we can at least write a decent chunk of this year off given we don’t have the vaccine, and won’t get it until the second half of this year.
Another question around complacency: how come we were told we were the first in line, when clearly we aren’t?
Even by April when the front liners get a jab here, places like the US, Israel Britain, will have been months down the track ahead of us, if not achieving herd immunity.
If the vaccine is going to save us all, it’ll take time, and 2021 is going to look a lot like 2020.
And that’s before you get to the bloke from Moderna last week who said we’ll be living with Covid-19 forever.
And if that’s the case, and Covid is mutating, doesn’t that essentially make it a flu type virus, and if it’s flu like virus, are we living behind closed borders for how long?
So more attention is needed at the border.
But, in a sign that all is not lost, kudos for the entry of 1000 students. Thank god they’ve finally acquiesced to an industry worth $5 billion a year.
The irony being Australia is letting in more players and officials for the Australian Open than we are for an entire sector, but at least it’s a start.
What we need though, and want most of all this year, is aspiration.
Grant Robertson wrote a simpering piece over the holidays about the value of moderation. In drinking, yes. In running a country? No thanks?
I want aspiration, I want desire, I want energy, I want determination.
Resting on our laurels, waiting for a vaccine behind everyone else stalling the travel bubble, essentially going nowhere fast while the world is more determined to move on will damage us long term.
We need to be more urgent. We need to want to be better, and better faster. Let’s not waste the year.

I'll tell you something for nothing, even if yesterday hadn't happened, the yachting - the Prada Cup, the Christmas Cup, the America's Cup, whatever you want to call it - it has been mesmerising.
We wish the Americans no ill-will obviously, but what Barker did yesterday was all the evidence you ever needed that these things sail on the edgiest of edges.
And that is, ultimately, what great sport is all about. Pushing boundaries, enthralling us, not knowing who wins, how they win, and whether they can win.
The great question I have still not seen properly asked, far less answered, is just how is it that the Brits with that much money, and that much experience, can show up before Christmas that hopelessly prepared?
I'm not surprised they got it together. The aforementioned money and talent can generally fix most wrongs, but how they got it so wrong to start with was astonishing.
We, of course, look good. I would have said, until this weekend, probably favourites.
But that's what is making this so gripping. Such is the speed and distance covered, a half kilometre lead is nothing.  You can do 40 knots on one bit of a course, and six on another.
The real magic for me with these boats is they are a dead set leap on the catamarans. They have an agility the cats never had. I've seen tacking duels I never thought I'd see again.
Just the sight of these boats is enough. One foil, .a comparatively tiny piece of whatever it is, defying gravity to slide through the water at speeds we could once only have guessed at.
And as always in the America's Cup, it's the big picture. What do you reckon those images of this country are worth? The bright blue skies, the flotilla of fans, and the crowds on shore. Yes, there is a lot of sport being played these days, but little of it looks as good as this.
In an event that has been transformed over the years, with its colour, drama, and characters, this latest chapter of one of sports great contests is a continuation and evolution of what dreamers, geniuses, and the crazy can do if you let them.
This has been and is a real thrill.

Are the days of the bottle being more popular than the can becoming numbered?
A new mobile beer canning service is opening in the south island by a small business looking to get ahead.
Queenstown based Crimson Badger Brewing is set to launch Loose Moose Canning Company as an alternative and more eco-friendly choice for breweries.
Co-owner Wesley McAllister joined Mike Hosking to discuss the arrangement.
LISTEN ABOVE

Bold moves from social media companies to prevent violence in the US on Inauguration Day have come under scrutiny. 
Facebook is blocking users from creating new events near the White House or US Capitol this week when President Joe Biden begins his presidential term.
Events close to state capitol buildings are being removed, in a bid to prevent violent events being organised via the platform.
Auckland University communications lecturer Ethan Plaut told Mike Hosking people are concerned about social media trying to regulate free speech.
"That Silicon Valley platforms have too much power in terms of amplifying some speech and not amplifying other speech."
He says social media companies have become powerful, unregulated forces.
"These are diversified companies that are entrenched in all various, different parts of the economy."
Last week, Airbnb announced it was cancelling all reservations in the Washington metro area. Bowser said she had been in regular contact with Airbnb officials since last week, but did not specifically request this step.
“We are aware of reports emerging yesterday afternoon regarding armed militias and known hate groups that are attempting to travel and disrupt the Inauguration,” a company statement said. “We are continuing our work to ensure hate group members are not part of the Airbnb community.
LISTEN ABOVE

President-elect Joe Biden is proposing a US$1.9 trillion plan to expand coronavirus vaccinations, help individuals and jump-start the economy. The plan, which would require congressional approval, is packed with proposals on health care, education, labour and cybersecurity. On Friday, he outlined a five-step approach to getting the vaccination to the American people, and to ensure that it is distributed equitably. "Equity is central to our COVID response," he said.
Here's a look at what's in Biden's plan: (all figures in US dollars)
CONTAINING THE VIRUS
— A $20 billion national program would establish community vaccination centres across the U.S. and send mobile units to remote communities. Medicaid patients would have their costs covered by the federal government, and the administration says it will take steps to ensure all people in the U.S. can receive the vaccine for free, regardless of their immigration status.
— An additional $50 billion would expand testing efforts and help schools and governments implement routine testing. Other efforts would focus on developing better treatments for COVID-19 and improving efforts to identify and track new strains of the virus.
THE VACCINATION PLAN
— Working with states to open up vaccinations beyond health care workers, including to people 65 and older, as well as essential front-line workers.
— Establishing more vaccination sites, including working with FEMA to set up 100 federally supported centres by the end of his first month in office . He suggested using community centres, school gymnasiums and sports stadiums. He also called for expanding the pool of those who can deliver the vaccine.
— Using pharmacies around the country to administer the vaccine. The Trump administration already has entered into agreements with some large chains to do that.
— Using the Defense Production Act, a Cold War-era law to "maximize the manufacture of vaccine and vaccine supplies for the country."
— A public education campaign to address "vaccine hesitancy" and the refusal of some to take the vaccine. He called the education plan "a critical piece to account for a tragic reality of the disproportionate impact this virus has had on Black, Latino and Native American communities"
INDIVIDUALS AND WORKERS
— Stimulus checks of $1,400 per person in addition to the $600 checks Congress approved in December. By bringing payments to $2,000 — an amount Democrats previously called for — the administration says it will help families meet basic needs and support local businesses.
— A temporary boost in unemployment benefits and a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures would be extended through September.
— The federal minimum wage would be raised to $15 per hour from the current rate of $7.25 per hour.
— An emergency measure requiring employers to provide paid sick leave would be reinstated. The administration is urging Congress to keep the requirement through Sept. 30 and expand it to federal employees.
— The child care tax credit would be expanded for a year, to cover half the cost of child care up to $4,000 for one child and $8,000 for two or more for families making less than $125,000 a year. Families making between $125,000 and $400,000 would get a partial credit.
— $15 billion in federal grants to help states subsidize child care for low-income families, along with a $25 billion fund to help child care centres in danger of closing.
SCHOOLS
— $130 billion for K-12 schools to help them reopen safely. The money is meant to help reach Biden's goal of having a majority of the nation's K-8 schools open within his first 100 days in the White House. Schools could use the funding to cover a variety of costs, including the purchase of masks and other protective equipment, upgrades to ventilation systems and staffing for school nurses. Schools would be expected to use the funding to help students who fell behind on...

American Magic's America's Cup campaign lies in limbo after the dramatic capsize of their boat Patriot during Prada Cup competition on Sunday.
The American syndicate appeared to be trying to take a sharp turn around the final marker in their race against Luna Rossa on Sunday, travelling at 45 knots, when they were picked up by the wind and all but lifted out of the water.
The boat then crashed back into the water.
Here's how the world's media reacted.
Precarious and calamitous
ESPN's US website described the incident as the result of a risky manoeuvre and related it to a previous dramatic day in Auckland more than 20 years ago.
"American Magic's attempt to jibe in those conditions, a move it might not have been able to practice or perfect, was precarious and the results were calamitous.
"Sunday's incident was not the first time an American team has suffered a dramatic setback during America's Cup racing off Auckland.
"During 1999-2000, the New York Yacht Club-backed yacht Young America cracked open while leading a race in rough weather. Skipper Ed Baird ordered the crew to abandon ship, and all were plucked to safety. The boat also was saved."
A timely reminder
James Toney, writing for yahoo.com, reminded us all of the dangerous reality of America's Cup sailing.
"They finally looked like putting a win on the board when leading heading into the final leg of their race with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, only for a gust to send their bow spectacularly shooting skywards.
"Some of their 11-strong crew, who were quickly all safely accounted for, were sent flying into the water but it was a timely reminder of how dangerous this sailing can be, eight years after British Olympic champion Andrew Simpson died when his boat capsized during America's Cup training in San Francisco."
American Magic team members attempt to recover the boat after a capsize whilst racing Luna Rossa. Photo / Michael Craig
When the cavalry comes ...
French website Sails and Sailboats praised Team New Zealand crew members for helping with the salvage efforts.
"The American boat was hit by a gust just before passing the last windward gate. This surge creates the most perilous manoeuvres for the big foiling monohulls of the America's Cup, and there, that went badly. Very bad!
"Pumps were put in place, buoys inflated to try to fight the sinking of the black boat, but quite quickly the bow went under water, and there were a few very long minutes where we felt good that the American team were fighting with the energy of desperation to save their boat. And strangely, without great logistical means.
"But as in the best westerns, the cavalry arrived with the return of the sun in the form of the Team New Zealand tenders."
A capsize was inevitable
Sailing website Scuttlebutt said the capsize was bound to happen, given how the boat attempted to round its mark.
"At the top gate for the last time the breeze had gone so far left that the left-hand mark was the only choice. But it meant a very difficult manoeuvre, especially as a squall was sweeping across the course.
"USA made it through the tack, but as they came out the leeward running backstay was not released, preventing the mainsail from being eased. With sail pinned in and the gust now on them, American Magic's bow reared up – a capsize was inevitable."
With hindsight there's no doubt
Sailing World's Mark Jardine joined the chorus of criticism for the decision to attempt such a move in the conditions the boat faced on the day.
"The decision to go for a tack rather than gybing around the other mark was questionable and the on-board commentary had Paul Goodison clearly stating the move was going to be difficult.
"With hindsight there's no doubt the alternative would have been taken, but it's all too easy to say that after the event.
"Every single one of the teams came to help Patriot. They...

Police and National Guard troops stood sentry at newly fortified statehouses Sunday ahead of demonstrations planned for the leadup to President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration, as authorities worked to deter a repeat of the recent riot that overran the U.S. Capitol. A few protesters were starting to gather in some cities, but streets in many others remained empty.
About two dozen people, several carrying long guns, protested outside the Ohio Statehouse, observed by several of the dozens of state troopers positioned around the building. Several dozen people — some carrying American flags — gathered at South Carolina's Statehouse. And at Michigan's Capitol, a small group of demonstrators, some armed, stood near a chain-link fence surrounding the building as state police walked the grounds and National Guard vehicles were parked nearby.
Tall fencing also now surrounds the U.S. Capitol, the National Mall is closed to the general public, and the District of Columbia's mayor asked people not to visit. Some 25,000 National Guard troops from around the country were due in the city in the coming days.
The stepped-up security measures were intended to safeguard seats of government from the type of violence that occurred at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, when a supporters of President Donald Trump swarmed the building while Congress was certifying the Electoral College vote.
The FBI has warned of the potential for armed protests at the nation's Capitol and all 50 state capitol buildings beginning this weekend. Some social media messages had targeted Sunday for demonstrations, though it remained unclear how many people might show up.
Authorities in some states said they had no specific indication that demonstrations would occur, much less turn violent. Yet many state officials vowed to be prepared, just in case. They said they did not want a repeat of the mob's assault, which left left a Capitol Police officer and four others dead. In recent days, more than 125 people have been arrested  on charges related to the insurrection.
In some locations, a small number of people showed up intending to counter protests, even in places where they had not yet materialized.
One counter-protester came early to greet any demonstrators at the Pennsylvania Capitol, saying he had heard about the possibility of a meet-up of a far-right militant group. But no one else was there.
"I'm fundamentally against the potential protesters coming here to delegitimize the election, and I don't want to be passive in expressing my disapproval of them coming into this city," Stephen Rzonca said.
Wisconsin National Guard troops armed with rifles, shields and body armor arrived near the state Capitol on Sunday morning. A man who drove a vehicle up the steps of the Capitol building was arrested overnight for driving while intoxicated.
More than a third of governors had called out the National Guard to help protect their state capitols and aid local law enforcement officers. Several governors issued states of emergency, and others closed their capitols to the public until after Biden's inauguration day.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement Sunday that law enforcement officers "will protect the rights of peaceful demonstrators but will also vigorously resist any violence."
Some state legislatures also canceled sessions or pared back their work for the coming week, citing security precautions.
Even before the violence at the U.S. Capitol, some statehouses had been the target of vandals and angry protesters during the past year.
Last spring, armed protesters entered the Michigan Capitol to object to coronavirus-related lockdowns and were confronted by police. People angered over the death of George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee into his neck for several minutes, vandalized capitols in several states, including Colorado, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin.
And just last...

THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Monday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) More Concerns/The Not-America's Cup/Octo-Power/When Life Doesn't Give You Lemons/Huckleberry Hosk

The Covid-19 Response Minister has confidence in New Zealand's current border measures
Some health experts have expressed concerns over the possibility of new virus strains breaching the border and causing mayhem within the community.
Chris Hipkins told Mike Hosking he's spent the last six months looking at how they can reduce risk as much as possible.
"You're never going to have something that is 100 per cent foolproof but you can get pretty damn close and I think we're pretty damn close now."
He said the Government would move to extend pre-flight travel testing to other nations this week.
"My advice to anyone coming to New Zealand long haul, unless you're coming from Australia or the Pacific, is start planning to make sure you have the negative pre-departure test before you come."
There was concern at the rising proportion of positive cases in new arrivals, however it was hoped widening testing would mean the number of number of infection cases in quarantine would be capped at 100 at any one time.
He said the Government was not looking at further reducing the number of people entering New Zealand along the same lines as Australia.
"You can only come in if you have a voucher and we're only issuing vouchers for the space that we've got available and the people we can safely accommodate. We've been doing that rationing for quite some time now anyway," he said.
Meanwhile, New Zealand was still waiting for vaccine supplies to arrive.
"The manufacturers are focusing on sending them to the countries where thousands of people are dying every day. New Zealand and Australia are about the same place in the queue so we're likely to receive our first shipments around the same time and that will be sometime between now and the end of March."

What a haunting, heart-breaking headline in the Herald this week, following the chopper crash in Kaikoura?
Where’s my Mummy? Is my Mummy alright?
It’s a stark reminder that the raw edge of human tragedy certainly dominates our news diet. If you’re grieving this Christmas, my thoughts are with you.
Unlike last year, we haven’t been monstered by the worst of mass-catastrophes this year. Although those mosque attacks and a violent volcano still command headlines. Nothing has clouded out 2020 quite like Covid. A cloud of chaos, confusion and fear. But we’ve made it through, on our motu, in remarkably reasonable shape and the envy of the world.
I respected many prongs to the Trump Republican agenda. The job growth, the refusal to be intimidated by China, the economic expansion. But Donald’s complete blind spot on Covid cost him his job. I just hope Georgia voters don’t hand the Dems full control of the Senate. AOC and friends off the leash is not worth thinking about. Biden needs to be forced to govern from the centre.  
Back home, for better or worse, Jacinda Ardern profited handsomely with her unswerving Safety First agenda. Bridges was Covid’s biggest political casualty as National wrestled with its soul, wracked with instability. May they listen to Sir John Key’s sage advice. And learn. Judith Collins made the best of a hopeless situation. There should be no rush to roll her.
There is no doubt our geographical reality and our big blue moat has been our saviour.  Thank God for our farmers and producers for saving our economy while our draw bridge has been up.
But may 2021 see us reach back out to the world, with an early re-connection with our neighbours. Our tourism industry has suffered enough.  
With vaccines on the way, the fortress mentality is getting very stale, very fast. So are the government’s next steps. It’s their latest favourite phrase, and they’re always vague in detail. Stop it. Brave clear steps is what we need.  
Let’s start dreaming again. Let’s start living again. Let’s turn it up. Let’s go – in 2021