A new report is sounding the alarm on the illicit tobacco trade.

The Retail NZ report points to the growing black market, which drives crime, undermines public health efforts, and reduces tax revenue.

A quarter of smokers are using illicit tobacco, with most sourced from China and the Middle East.

Australia has faced similar issues, former Senior Australian Federal Police Detective Rohan Pike telling Mike Hosking that in the last three years it’s turned from a large underground market to open air violence.

He says there’s murders, drive-by shootings, extortions, and firebombings. In addition, Government revenue has dropped from $16.5 billion six years ago to just $5 billion, with illicit cigarettes making up about 80% of the Australian market.

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 14th of April, how will oil prices be impacted by the US blockade of Iranian ports?

We've got a new report into our illicit tobacco trade and speak to an Australian expert about how we can keep from going down the same path they have.

Alan Morrison and Adam King of Viva la Dirt League talk about their success and becoming one of the biggest online gaming and media companies.

Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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The Health Minister's announced 14 new cancer treatment infusion centres will be rolled out countrywide over the next two years.

Services at a further 14 existing sites will also be expanded.

Simeon Brown says the investment's supported by $210 million, announced in Budget 2024 to upgrade facilities on the back of a Pharmac funding boost.

He told Mike Hosking they’re expecting around 13,000 additional cancer transfusions – the exact number of patients will depend on the number of transfusions they need based on their treatment type.

Brown says they’re focusing on prevention, but when people are diagnosed, they need to make sure they receive treatments in a timely manner, closer to home.

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High fuel prices could be on the way as Donald Trump's military blockade adds another element to the global crunch.

The US Navy's obstructing shipping traffic around Iranian ports, with Trump threatening to eliminate any approaching attack ships.

It follows both sides failing to broker a deal to end the war in Pakistan over the weekend.

Forbes global energy expert Matt Randolph told Mike Hosking the physical price of crude is about US $30 a barrel more than what's reflected in the futures market.

He says when the market catches up, and it always does, we'll see increases in gas prices and other inflationary items.

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Tourism operators are optimistic the bumper summers are here to stay.

Christchurch Airport saw international visitor numbers climb 22% on last year.

That's about 287 thousand visitors between November and March, which fed $861 million into the South Island economy.

Tourism Holdings Limited Chief Executive Grant Webster told Mike Hosking there's no reason we can't be just as optimistic about next summer.

He says short-term, there's clearly disruption from war, but right now operators are feeling positive.

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OCR hikes are now expected to come much faster.

Economists have been adjusting their forecasts after the Reserve Bank last week said it would take "decisive and timely" action if inflation continued to rise.

ANZ's gone from forecasting one increase in December to three consecutive increases in July, September, and October.

Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Mike Hosking the Reserve Bank appears to be learning its lessons from the Covid inflation spike.

He says during that previous shock, the central bank took too long to respond.

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Australian correspondent Steve Price joined Mike Hosking to chat about the latest news out of Australia.

PM Anthony Albanese is jetting off to Brunei and Malaysia with the goal to make fuel supply deals.

Meanwhile, the Government has released a $20 million ad campaign on how to limit your use of fuel when driving.

And, Meghan and Harry head to Australia for a visit.

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US President Donald Trump has ordered the US Navy to block the Strait of Hormuz after failed peace talks in Pakistan.

Although, Trump said on Saturday whether the talks were successful or not made 'no difference to me'.

"That breakdown in Pakistan came as, I guess, a little surprise, with Trump saying whether or not there was a deal made no difference to him," US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking.

"Of course the key issues do matter. They matter greatly."

Meanwhile, a top democratic California governor candidate has been the subject of allegations of sexual misconduct.

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