From our "don’t waste a crisis" file, is it possible this Government's handling thus far of oil events might well see them rewarded with an increased level of support as the election draws closer?

The initial reaction when the war broke out and oil went up was twofold.

1) Around the economy, the rebound, the resurgence we had seen may well be, yet again, off.

2) That the poor Government worked their butts off, trimmed the Budget, changed the laws, got rid of the mess, and at last were seeing the fruits of the labour.

Then bang – Operation Epic Fury.

The next question so far unanswered here is, will the Government of the day take the political heat because the cost of living is up, even though it is none of their fault?

The partial answer comes from Australia in their polling and that answer is 'no'. The war and its associated economic outworkings fall entirely on America.

Polling in America shows the same thing. This is on Trump.

As I said last week, New Zealand v Australia in terms of messaging, organisation, reaction, and action is not even a contest. Australia is a hot mess of confusion, claim and counterclaim, and a growing bitch session between state and Canberra.

Here, it would seem close to faultless.

For those upset over the lack of free money, you might not agree with it, but you can't blame the messaging or say it hasn’t been explained.

Yesterday's LNG explanation from the Prime Minister that it either stacks up or it doesn’t is what we desperately need more of. Not ideology, not feels, not obsessions; just stats, numbers and facts. Does it work, or does it not?

The oil numbers yesterday seem reassuringly well organised. We are clearly hustling and so far, it's clearly working.

There's messaging about what it isn't, i.e. this isn't Covid, this isn't about sourdough, or animals in windows. This isn't about hugs and kindness and all the other BS.

It's about adults, and organisation, and getting stuff done as best you can in an environment that is largely beyond your control and in a country that is at the end of a very long supply chain at the bottom of the world.

Although we wouldn’t wish any of this on our worst enemy, it's so far so good from what looks like a seriously competent Government and one that might get some support simply because when it hit the fan they were up for it and not making it up.

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Auspicious timing with one of New Zealand’s best chefs returning to our shores as excitement around Michelin Stars continues to build.

One of only two Kiwi chefs whose restaurant earned a star, Matt Lambert held one between 2013 and 2020 with his New York restaurant ‘The Musket Room’.

He’s now decided to return to New Zealand with a new culinary venture, ‘Return’, a restaurant described by Lambert as ‘The Musket Room 2.0’.

Having experience with the guide, Lambert believes the arrival of Michelin Stars in New Zealand will be amazing for the country’s tourism and dining scene.

“It basically tells the rest of the world we have restaurants as good as the rest of the world,” Lambert told Mike Hosking.

“A lot of people travel through Europe, and they’ll just use the guide verbatim to go to all the restaurants they go to ... now, if they’re coming here, it opens the door for a lot of restaurants.”

Earning a Michelin Star was a long held goal for Lambert, and it was one of the reasons he moved to New York in the first place.

“The goal was to get a star within three years,” he told Hosking.

“It was one of the most special things I’ve done in my career, because I’d had that sort of vision for a very long time, and having the opportunity to be able to achieve a goal like that, [it] was a special moment.”

Despite all the doom and gloom that seems to surround the sector, Lambert doesn’t believe things are as bad as they seem.

“I love the hospo scene – I think it’s vibrant, I think it’s great ... there’s a lot happening and it’s all pretty good.”

And while some might look at the economy and the conflict over in the Middle East and decide to hold off on opening a new establishment, Lambert has no such qualms.

“What am I gonna wait for, do you know what I mean?”

“I'm aware of all the negative things that are kind of happening, but y’know, this is a place of celebration, a place to come and feel good,” he told Hosking.

“I feel, maybe now more than ever, that’s what we need.”

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 31st of March, new economic forecasts have been released amid the uncertainty of the war.

Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour responds to Labour’s hesitance towards the India Free Trade Agreement and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones offers reassurances around the country’s fuel and diesel supply.

Michelin Star winning Kiwi chef Matt Lambert is opening a fresh venture in what most would describe as a tough environment, so what does he see in our sector that others don't?

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

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