Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

There are concerns over the fact that more than half of trainees aren't completing their apprenticeships.  Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds is seeking extra funding so new industry bodies can investigate low apprenticeship completion rates.  She says the government could help through policy settings and funding, but the nature of the problem was likely to vary between industries.  Te Pūkenga Chief Executive Gus Gilmore told Andrew Dickens things like training wage rates, low pay, and the economic downturn causing them to lose their job.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s controversy in the Ockham Book Awards as two books by notable authors are withdrawn from competition because their covers were created using AI. Stephanie Johnson’s collection of short stories 'Obligate Carnivore' and Elizabeth Smither’s collection of novellas 'Angel Train' are the two books cancelled. Their covers were created using AI and the book awards are on high alert for anything that takes the place of human activity. The decision to amend the criteria around AI was spurred by a desire to support creative and copyright interests of the country’s writers and illustrators. So I understand the concern from the creative industries about the rise of AI, but I wonder if they really understand how AI was used in these circumstances. Covers are created by graphic designers. Sometimes they may commission an artist to draw the cover, but more often they’ve been creating images using computer programmes like Photoshop and various Adobe programmes.  But in all cases a human is in charge, and there’s no difference here. Elizabeth Smither’s team had a specific image in mind combining a steam locomotive and an Angel inspired by Marc Chagall.  A human asked AI to do it. It popped it out and the human refined it. Is that any different to a graphic designer pulling it together in Adobe?  AI has spooked the creatives. AI bands have had hit albums. Now Paul McCartney is releasing a single that is silent in protest at AI stealing his sound. Morgan Freeman is railing against AI copy of his distinctive voice. But Elizabeth Smithers and Stephanie Johnson wrote their books. In Stephanie's case the short stories have been written over 20 years. But now her work has been cancelled because of a virtue signalling protest against progress.  AI is out of the genie’s bottle. It’s important that it’s influence is credited, but it still can’t do it’s own thing. It still needs a human to guide it and so it is like any other tool, including a pen and a piece of paper.  Meanwhile Thursday we hear the Nvidia result. The bellwether stock of AI. There are bears and bulls and people talking about the bursting of the AI tech bubble as being a thing.  I just want to warn that AI is still in it’s infancy and there’s a long way to go before it becomes a Terminator film. But what interesting times we live in See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The struggling car industry is looking forward to some much needed relief.   The Government's confirmed its slashing charges on importers who don't meet carbon targets by almost 80% and launching a full review.   It's expected to save about $264 million in cost to consumers and will keep imported cars cheaper.   Imported Vehicles Association Chief Executive Greig Epps told Andrew Dickens the target was difficult for many businesses to reach.   He says this isn't going backwards, it is being realistic about encouraging the use of clean cars.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The police union is confident the health sector can pick up the remainder of mental health callouts.   Now there's new guidance to determine if Police are needed when health workers request non-emergency assistance or when people go missing from health facilities.  It will free up roughly half-a-million policing hours every year.   Police Association President Steve Watt told Andrew Dickens the new approach has been introduced in phases.   He says it gives Health New Zealand the time to ensure it can fill in the gaps Police leave.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uber drivers are rejoicing over their employment status being finalised with a legal win in the Supreme Court.  Four drivers have won their battle against Uber to be treated as employees, rather than contractors.  The Supreme Court rejected Uber’s bid for the court to overturn a 2024 Court of Appeal ruling.  Wellington Uber driver —and city councillor— Nureddin Abdurahman told Andrew Dickens Uber's been exploiting the huge number of people looking for a job.  He says it doesn't matter how many people are looking for a job, they all deserve rights.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recall of coloured play-sand products - potentially contaminated with asbestos - is continuing to cause disruption on both sides of the Tasman. A recall notice was issued last week for EC Rainbow Sand 1.3 kilos and Creatistics Coloured Sand, 1 kilo. More than 20 schools and early learning centres are temporarily closed. Australia correspondent Lesley Yeomans told Andrew Dickens schools and centres across Australia are also impacted. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 18th of November 2025, The Government’s having another go at the clean car standard, Imported Vehicle Association CEO Greig Epps shares his thoughts.  Police and Health New Zealand are pressing ahead with phase three of their mental-health response changes, Police Association President Steve Watt tells Andrew what will change for the Police. The court's recognised that Uber drivers are employees, Nureddin Abdurahman a Uber driver who took Uber to court shares his thoughts on the outcome.  Plus Australia Correspondent Lesley Yeomans has the latest on dozens of schools closed across the ACT and stores recalling special coloured play sand and Concerns about a newly discovered Koala colony in outback New South Wales.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So the latest plan to fix central Wellington traffic has been released for consultation, and it’s a monster.  There’s a couple of tunnels. A new one at the Terrace end of the motorway and another new tunnel through Mount Victoria. Land and houses will be taken out of the town belt at Mount Victoria and parkland at the Terrace  There will be a major redesign of the Basin Reserve roundabout and a bridge near the airport.  And the price tag?  3 billion dollars. Ironically the same sort of cost for two ports and two ferries to cross Cook Strait, that was thought to be wildly expensive at the time.  So the immediate reaction is that this plan is wildly expensive. Which it is. Wildly expensive and totally predictable. The Rongotai Airport was opened in 1959 and from day one it was dependent on the Mount Vic tunnel, which opened in 1931.  It should have been expanded then. It’s Wellington’s Auckland Harbour Bridge moment - a piece of insufficient infrastructure that only got worse. You could argue the same thing about the Terrace tunnel that was built ending abruptly in tiny urban streets designed before the rise of the automobile.  Meanwhile some of Mount Vic’s funky houses are going to be destroyed, and that gets right up the inner-city residents noses - the ones who don’t have to drive far at all. So consultation is open now and I’m expecting it to be rancorous. But it’s the bed Wellington chose to lie in when building an inner city airport and not making the hard calls earlier.  And that also means strife for the good people of Khandallah who are complaining about the plane noise over their suburb after the flight paths changed in 2022. They’d rather the flights went over Newlands, who love the flight path change.  As soon as you put your airport at Rongotai this was bound to happen. So you can’t really complain about the bill you’ve inherited from your forebears who lacked foresight. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand beef sector's set to save some dosh, with the removal of the additional 15-percent tariff on our beef. US President Donald Trump's reversed his tariffs on a wide range of US food imports, including New Zealand beef, offal and kiwifruit. These products represent around 25 per cent of our exports to the United States, worth more than two billion dollars annually. Beef & Lamb New Zealand Chair Kate Acland told Ryan Bridge the tariffs were costing our beef industry a lot. She says in 12 months the quotas were looking to cost us about 310-million dollars, so it's a significant amount.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Couple of things from this morning's poll on CGT.  Basically, we're evenly split.  As many of us are in favour of Labour's plan as are against it.  The results are interesting, though. The details.  So, more Aucklanders hate it more than the rest of the country.  45% of Aucklanders oppose it. Only 32% support it.  Now, Auckland holds the keys to the kingdom, electorally, as Labour found out in stunning defeat at the polls two years ago.  Auckland lockdowns collapsed their vote. As did the cost of living.  So, if you're National, that's where you focus your anti-CGT campaign.  Its' also interesting, and the Herald piece on the poll makes this point, in areas where people are doing well, where house prices haven't caved. There's more support. In areas feeling poor because their house price has fallen through the floor, they don't like it.  So basically, you have squeezed-middle voters telling you they feel too poor to support another tax.  And so, you end up with this fight between people who like the sound of an idea, and people who feel it will threaten their chance of growing wealth.  Then you've got to ask yourself, will the tax do what it says on the label? Will it pay for millions of extra doctor's visits? Where will these doctor's magically appear from? Does this party have a good track record with delivering on promises, practically if they tell you how much but not really how?  You could look at this poll and think it's a win for capital gains. And it is. Sort of. But there's plenty of fodder for an anti-capital gains campaign which is no doubt being workshopped by some ad agency as we speak. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, Beef and Lamb Chair Kate Acland shares her thoughts on the US dropping tarrifs on more than $2 billion NZ exports.  Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekends sport.  The Opportunity Party has had a rebrand, starting with a new leader, Qiulae Wong tells Ryan she hopes to reach the 5% threshold.  Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the UK government set to announce a major change of asylum policy and groundbreaking DNA analysis of Adolf Hitler's blood.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks have their captain back as they prepare to face England at Twickenham on Sunday morning.  The English haven’t beaten the All Blacks at the stadium since 2012, and the All Blacks will be looking to continue that streak and keep their current winning streak alive.  Scott Barrett has been cleared to start after a full week of training as his leg gash healed.  Newstalk ZB’s Voice of Rugby, Elliott Smith, joined Ryan Bridge to preview the clash.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pub Choir – it's the new phenomenon taking the internet by storm.  It was created by Astrid Jorgensen, a vocalist and conductor who brought her skills to America’s Got Talent, getting hundreds of audience members to perform a rendition of Africa by Toto.  She tours the world, turning audiences of thousands of amateur singers into incredible choirs, breaking down the melodies into accessible bites.   Jorgensen told Ryan Bridge she's tried a lot of songs, and while some work out better than others, that’s not the important part.   “The point of the show for me is that we can make art together in real time.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday the 14th of November 2025, Labour says it will repeal the Regulatory Standards bill in their first 100 days if elected next year, Labour regulation spokesperson Duncan Webb tells Ryan why.  The All Blacks take on England at Twickenham, Newstalk ZB voice of rugby Elliott Smith has the latest.  Pub Choir is a new phenomenon taking the internet by storm, Australian vocalist and conductor Astrid Jorgensen tells Ryan how she came up with the idea and landed herself a feature on America's Got Talent.  Plus, UK/ Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on Jeffrey Epstein appearing to confirm Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was photographed with Virginia Giuffre and France marks the 10th anniversary of the Bataclan massacres.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour says the new Regulatory Standards bill unfairly tilts the playing field.  Act's controversial bill has passed its third reading at Parliament despite overwhelming backlash.  The bill provides principals for lawmaking in an attempt to cut red tape and guide regulation.  Labour's Regulation Spokesperson Duncan Webb told Ryan Bridge, while it isn't enforceable, it makes forming policy harder.  He says it's like the Bill of Rights Act - which lawmakers can ignore - but it comes at a political cost.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This prison escape story is fishy as hell. And in the week of cover ups and ass-covering, this walks, talks, and quacks like another one. On Friday last week at 9am, an inmate escapes Mt Eden prison.  But the public isn’t told. No media release. No warning to the public. Radio silence. Then on Tuesday, a media report pops up. It looks like a journo has got wind of this story.  Corrections then confirm a prisoner has escaped but they don’t tell us who or how or anything. Was this guy a murderer? Is he a risk to the public? Why can’t we know why he is?  Four days on the run by that stage and they still hadn’t found him. There’s some BS about safety being the top priority, blah, blah. Then yesterday, a release goes out. They, finally, name him and put out a photo.  Six days after he escaped - they haven’t been able to catch him. They still don’t say if he’s a risk to the public. His name is Paul Kyle Peekay Rehua. A quick google search and you find out pretty quickly why they didn’t want you to know his name, and why they didn’t release it for six days. Paul Kyle Peekay Rehua has escaped from prison before. In 2010. That’s embarrassing for them, isn’t it?  I’ve been asking Corrections for an interview since the story broke. But computer says no. Why? Because there’s an internal review going. So what? You don’t get to hide and cover up your mistakes and wait till the dust settles. You front up and own your mistakes. When this guy escaped last time, Corrections immediately put out a release warning the public not to approach him as he was dangerous and had an extensive criminal history.  This time round, there has been no warning whatsoever. Is he friendly now? Or are they, again, butt covering? For God’s sake, take a leaf out of the Police’s book and front up. The longer you leave this the dodgier it looks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An employment expert says the Public Service Commission must undergo due process in its handling of Andrew Coster.   A scathing IPCA report's found the former Police Commissioner was among those in senior police leadership who failed to properly address sex allegations against the then Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming.   McSkimming last week admitted to possessing child sexual exploitation and bestiality material.   Coster is now head of the Social Investment Agency and being investigated by his employer, the Public Service Commissioner.   Max Whitehead told Ryan Bridge there must be just cause for termination.    He says bringing the organisation into disrepute is a sackable offence.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Auckland oyster farmers believe a million dollar payout from Watercare isn't enough to cover their reputational loss.  A power surge at the Warkworth pump station caused a massive sewage spill in the Mahurangi River, meaning an almost month-long halt to harvesting.  Watercare's payout to Aquaculture New Zealand will be distributed across 10 impacted oyster farmers.  Mahurangi Oyster Farmers' Association Chair Lynette Dunn told Ryan Bridge you can't put a price on not being able to harvest good quality oysters.  She says stories about the wastewater issues mean all oyster farmers in the area have had their reputations damaged.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's feared Fire and Emergency's proposed restructure will leave New Zealanders less safe.  It's expected to impact about 700 roles, with a net loss of 140.  No frontline firefighter positions will be affected but some supporting functions may change.  PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons told Ryan Bridge the jobs under threat work on prevention, operational response, and wildfires.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White House says released emails claiming Donald Trump spent hours with a victim of late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein create a fake narrative. The House Oversight Committee has released a tranche of emails and documents from Epstein's estate - another referencing the now US President as 'the dog that hasn't barked'. The White House says the victim referenced in the emails is the late Virginia Giuffre, who repeatedly said Trump wasn't involved in any wrongdoing.  US correspondent Mitch McCann told Ryan Bridge Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He says the White House says these are nothing more than bad faith efforts to distract from Trump's historic accomplishments. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I've seen a lot of commentary in the past few days about our government debt position.  We're up over 40% of GDP - that's doubled on pre-Covid. There are those on the left who say that's too little. We should borrow more. Forget a debt ceiling, borrow more and throw it at the public service and create some jobs - any jobs. This is what Carney is doing in Canada. His budget would double Ottawa's debt to $80-odd billion.  They've got Trump tariffs and weak domestic demand, so, he's getting out the deficit and trying to revive it.  Make no mistake, if a Labour-led government were to get in, that is the approach we'd have taken here.  Chris Hipkins has made that very clear. TPM and the Greens would make sure of it, too.  What we haven't heard from them yet is how much more they're wanting to borrow. Remember Robertson has a debt ceiling of 30% of GDP. Well, didn't that go well? The fact is it's popular to spend more. It sounds like you're doing something. The more you spend, the more you care, goes the theory.  Average public debt ratio to GDP for advanced economies is roughly 110%. So, we're well under that. But we're a small, isolated and trading-exposed country in the middle of trade war.  What we need is headroom. Morningstar, who've just given the government AAA credit rating, said as much.  And as for those banks making massive profits?   Well, turns out that's actually quote important, too. Morningstar said we weathered the housing market correction so well because of well-capitalised banks that are also very liquid, and they have strong buffers to absorb losses. So not all is as it seems. Bank profits and seemingly stingy insistence on returning books to surplus not only keep our interest costs down, but also keep us afloat during touch times. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 13th of November 2025, Sir Brian Roche is investigating Andrew Coster over the IPCA report.  Watercare is set to pay a $1 million settlement to 10 oyster farmers affected by a sewage spill. FENZ is proposing to cut more than a hundred jobs, PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons explains how it will impact firefighters.  Plus US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on new allegations from House Democrats that Donald Trump knew about Mr Epstein's illegal behaviour and the latest on the US government shutdown.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AA believes it'll be difficult to conduct the new roadside drug tests at the same volume as alcohol tests.  From December, Police across Wellington can do random roadside saliva tests – screening for cannabis, methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine.   The rollout will begin throughout the rest of the country from April.  Drivers testing positive will need to do a second test that checks for 25 substances.   AA Road Safety Spokesperson Dylan Thomsen told Ryan Bridge the test takes three to five minutes to complete.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster is "on leave" from the Social Investment Agency following a damning report into the handling of the Jevon McSkimming case.  The former Deputy Police Commissioner is awaiting sentence after last week pleading guilty to having child sexual exploitation and bestiality material on his work devices.  The IPCA's report reveals senior leadership ignored anonymous allegations McSkimming was a sexual predator, and instead the woman was prosecuted for digital harassment.  Survivors' advocate Louise Nicholas told Ryan Bridge Coster's role in this really makes her angry.  She says he has a lot to answer for around this and he needs to front up.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New firearms law reforms aren't expected to hit the mark for everyone. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee's rewritten the Arms Act, easing up on licensed owners, banning gang member ownership, and adding offences including 3D printing weapons. It doesn't include McKee's bid to allow greater access to military-style semi-automatic weapons. Fish and Game Chief Executive Corina Jordan told Ryan Bridge she understands there could be disappointment from some hunters. She's encouraging those people to make a submission during the select committee process. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 12th of November 2025, sexual violence survivor advocate, Louise Nicholas shares her thoughts on the IPCA report into the handling of the Jevon McSkimming case. Gun lobbyist-turned-firearms minister Nicole McKee has lifted the lid on her Arms Act rewrite plans, Fish & Game Chief Executive Corina Jordan shares her thoughts.  AA Road Safety Spokesperson Dylan Thomsen shares his thoughts on new roadside drug testing.  Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on outgoing BBC boss who resigned this week says the corporation must fight for their journalism and UK unemployment hits 5% as the jobs market weakens. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coster is a dead man walking at this point.  Anyone not completely brainwashed during Covid could see there was something a bit off about him - this IPCA report is proof they were right. He knew about this so-called ‘affair’ McSkimming had - the woman had worked for the Police. He didn’t ask the questions he should have. He promoted McSkimming and didn’t tell the people he should have told about dodgy stuff. Which makes it look, well, dodgier, doesn’t it? In August, I asked Coster about McSkimming. No answers then, and still no answers now.  We’ve asked to speak to him this morning, he’s on leave. Nicola Willis gets tangled up in this, too. She recommended Coster for his current job. He’s still got five years on his contract. She says she’s appalled, but she can’t fire him. That’s a job for Brian Roche.  I don’t think there’s any doubt he’s going to get the sack, unless he resigns first. The whole thing is an absolute cluster. In a big government job like Police Commissioner, you’ve got to cross the t's and dot the i’s. It’s a $700k job. Coster wasn’t up to the job. And if he doesn’t quit his current one, it’s only a matter of time now before it's taken from him. The clock for Coster is now ticking.  And for the frontline, sadly, respect and integrity takes a lifetime to earn and moment to lose.  They're the ones who'll cop the backlash. They're the ones who have to actually talk to real people everyday. As of 6 o'clock last night, their jobs just became a lot harder. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's set to lay out what it plans to do about the gun laws.  Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee is expected to announce her rewriting of the Arms Act this morning.  Council of Licensed Firearms Owners Spokesperson Hugh Devereux-Mack says they want clearer definitions around when a firearm could be taken away for non-criminal reasons.  He told Ryan Bridge the current Act says Police need to consider any relevant matters deemed appropriate, which he believes is a vague catch-all.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Banks are under pressure to deliver customers more value.  ANZ's announced a 21% rise in annual profit days after Westpac confirmed a 13% rise.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis says with bank profits this high, customers should be seeing breakthrough innovation or new technology.  Simplicity Chief Economist Shamubeel Eaqub told Ryan Bridge we need our banks to be successful, but we also need them to compete for our business.  He says we have a banking sector that's extraordinarily safe and profitable, but not very innovative, and we need to ask why we're paying so much for so little.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 11th of November 2025, Te Pāti Māori's national council has voted to expel MPs Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris, Ngati Toa Iwi Chief Executive, Helmut Modlik shares his thoughts.  Firearms Minister Nicole McKee is set to lay out her rewriting of the Arms Act, Council of Licensed Firearm Owners Spokesperson, Hugh Devereux-Mack, tells Ryan what he's hoping for.  Shamubeel Eaqub, Simplicity Chief Economist shares his thoughts on bank profits after ANZ reported profits are up 20% to $2.5 billion. Plus Australian Correspondent Lesley Yeomans has the latest on two female MP's from Sydney have referred threats they've received to police, following a neo-nazi rally outside the NSW parliament at the weekend and Veteran broadcaster John Laws passing away at the age of 90.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An iwi leader says fractures within Te Pāti Māori are unhelpful for Māori political goals.  Te Pāti Māori's National Council has opted to expel Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Takuta Ferris from the party.  Both have labelled the expulsion unconstitutional and will sit as Independent MPs for now.  Te Rūnanga O Toa Rangatira Chief Executive Helmut Modlik told Ryan Bridge this is distracting for more important issues.  He says there needs to be a focus on getting this current Government out because of its harmful policies toward Māori.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few years ago, we had a bunch of stories about Santa parades getting cancelled because of red tape and traffic management. NZTA was the Grinch that stole Christmas. And guess what, two years in, despite a change of Government, despite a Minister and Ministry of Regulation, despite the road cone tip line, the Grinch is back. This time it’s Piopio. Population around 500. Rural. Between Hamilton and New Plymouth. SH3. They want to close the road on the main which is their usual route. It’s close from 5:30pm to 8pm. Two and half hours. Kids get to see Santa’s sleigh riding through town. Lollies would presumably be thrown from floats driven behind Utes - or do they still throw lollies, or would you be fined for hitting somebody?  Anyway, you get the idea. We’ve all been to a Santa parade - great fun when you’re a kid. Guess how much it was going to cost them because of the Grinch’s traffic rules and the resulting bill for traffic management costs? It would normally cost around $1000. This year? $10,000-$14,000. If you’re organising a Santa parade or an ANZAC parade or community event, don’t worry, on the NZTA website you’ll find a helpful guide: the New Zealand Guide to Temporary Traffic Management. It’s 88 pages long. That’s not the only problem. The first sentence of the foreword (yes, there’s a foreword to this magnum opus) outlines the problem. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is committed to Road to Zero - a safer Aotearoa New Zealand where no one is killed or injured on our roads.  Now, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this is an absolute pipe dream and will never happen. Aiming for that outcome is mad.  What you get as a result is 88 pages of rubbish and a $14k bill to get Santa in a sleigh for two hours.  The organisers say they’ll have to do a Christmas meet and greet but no actual parade.  Christmas is the season to be jolly and the season for giving. NZTA is giving Grinch vibes and a bad attitude.  Whether it’s working from home, health and safety, or curriculum changes, there’s a wall of bureaucracy that seems impenetrable. A change of government and direction doesn’t seem to change anything.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 10 November. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A multi-pronged action plan aims to tackle the country's soaring methamphetamine use. The Government's launched raft of measures including more funding for community support services and a media campaign for public awareness. Consumption doubled last year to nearly 1,500 kilos. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee told Ryan Bridge it will be a coordinated approach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tongariro is a National Park for a reason. It's a stunning part of the country.  The fact is currently on fire is worrying not just because it's a fire and you want fires to be put out, but also because of where it's happening.  Ruapehu/central North island's been taking a hammering lately.   It's mills, factories, forestry and tourism.  Hundreds of jobs gone in mill closures. We've had alpine lifts debacle. The mountain's been battling. All this after Covid.  Now, summer bookings are at risk with a decent chunk of the park now a raging fire.  Businesses can only take so much before something breaks. As it has for many since the heady days of free government money during the pandemic.  Today we're reporting 115% increase in insolvencies since 2022.  The problem is not just inflation eating in consumer spending and confidence, but also the sequence of shocks. It's been one thing after another.  Those on the edge get pushed off.  The economy, generally, has had inflation, recession, the weather events, tariffs. Worst conditions in 30 years or more.  What it tells us is that these shocks can come any time, any place, not necessarily with six or seven good years between them.  What's next? The AI bubble bursting? Another war? An oil shock? Another fire ripping through a tourist hot-spot? Take your pick. But don't expect it won't come tomorrow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks’ Grand Slam tour continues this weekend.  They’re up against Scotland at Murrayfield after a solid victory over Ireland in the first leg.  Scotland will be looking to claim the victory for the first time against the All Blacks, particularly since they’re marking the 100 years at the stadium.   Rugby Commentator Tony Johnson told Ryan Bridge that while there is a lot of excitement, it has been tempered with the exclusion of a few really good players from the Scottish team.  He says that while the team is still likely to be a threat, they probably won’t be as big of one due to those defections.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's looking to invest in more companies that can get the country more gas, fast.  It's widening the scope for its $200 million gas co-investment fund.  The fund —created to support new gas field developments— will now invest in a broader range of projects that will accelerate or increase the volume of gas to market.  Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie told Ryan Bridge it's an encouraging move.  He says the focus should now be on creating durable policy settings to give investors confidence in the future.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So we've had a fifth round of talks with India on a free trade agreement. A senior government minister's in town with 42 of his mates. This is a sign of good progress, but dairy farmers were hoping for a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow and it isn't going to happen.  McClay and Luxon promised a deal by the election and it sounds like they're on track to achieve that. But is a deal worth the paper it's written on if it doesn't unlock tariff free access for milk powder? It's our major commodity we sell to the rest for the world. It's one of the reasons Fonterra's the cat that got the cream right now.  But in their haste and their eagerness, these Ministers are going for quick and dirty over comprehensive and all-encompassing.  Which begs the question, would a deal look good for the government without dairy in it, or would you look a bit dumb because you've rushed in to buy a car which doesn't actually include an engine? Here's why it won't include dairy:  India is the world's largest consumer of dairy.  It meets that demand domestically. They don't need or want our stuff. They have ambitions to be a major dairy exporter in future.  The Brits' deal disappointed farmers for excluding dairy. Fed Farmers in Scotland put out a release saying it was a sour deal because of it. You can expect to get the same reaction here if and when a deal is done without our big money spinner included.  Even our Treasury says dairy isn't going to happen. I asked Miles Hurrell about this a few months ago. He's realistic. He basically said he doesn't think dairy will get across the line, but if it did, it'd be invaluable. Of course it would be. Growth in global dairy consumption is expected to largely be driven out of India and Pakistan.  To miss this boat would be disappointing. They could include some nothing clause about wanting to open in future, but there'd be no guarantee. Which doesn't make this a deal not worth signing, but the speed at which its being done could actually hurt Luxon's self-described business negotiating skills if expectations aren't properly managed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday the 7th of November 2025, The Government’s lowering the bar for gas companies to access the $200 million gas security fund, Energy Resources Aotearoa CEO John Carnegie shares his thoughts.  The All Blacks continue their grand slam tour this weekend, against Scotland at Murrayfield, Rugby Commentator Tony Johnson tells Ryan how he thinks it will go. Plus, UK/ Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on Cop30 and one of two men accidentally freed in error from the same prison has turned himself in. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concerns too many young people are finding it too hard to find a job.  15.2% of young people in the labour force are now unemployed, while 13.8% of all young people aren't in any employment, education, or training.  Youth Inspire works to get young people in Lower Hutt into jobs.  Chief Executive Zainab Ali told Ryan Bridge many of the people they're working with are really struggling.   She says there's a rhetoric out there that if someone wants to work there's a job but promises this isn't the case.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York City's new Mayor Elect says he will remain accessible and transparent.  34-year-old democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has become the city's first Muslim mayor and the first mayor of South Asian heritage.  He's achieved a landmark victory over Donald Trump-backed independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.  US correspondent Jagruti Dave told Ryan Bridge this is a real shift for the Democratic Party.  She says they've been in the wilderness since Donald Trump became president, so this will put some wind beneath their wings.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Minister says he has more pressing priorities than the enforcement of a law banning smoking or vaping in cars with children.  Last year, Newstalk ZB revealed Police never updated systems so officers could issue fines and had no plans to.   Police say the systems remain the same fourteen months on, and no fines have been issued.  Mark Mitchell told Ryan Bridge this is an operational issue for Police, and he's focused on other things.  He says his priority is getting on top of aggravated robberies and other violent crime.  Mitchell says Police have been very clear they prefer to educate parents rather than fine them, and he supports that approach.  He says despite this, the legislation remains, and they're still working on a system to action it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Assurance news of a rise in Kiwis calling in sick indicates a positive cultural shift.  A Business NZ and Southern Cross report shows workers are taking an average of 6.7 sick days a year, up from 5.5 in 2022.  Employers and Manufacturers Association Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald told Ryan Bridge while it is a cost, most employers recognise it stops infections spreading.  McDonald says the stats better reflect the understanding in a workplace, that people do genuinely get sick, and it's better to manage this than have them in.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a form of economic nimbyism that’s going on in this country. And if we want to get ahead, everyone knows there must be trade-offs. No economic miracle, new business, or growth opportunity comes without a cost. Whether its intensive agriculture on the environment or water to run the data centres that power your smart phones, every success costs you something. The trick is to be reasonable and take risks then mitigate them, or just be willing to wear the costs. The problem we have here is not a lack of opportunities, not even, in many cases, investment.  I was in Otago just recently - beautiful place, stunning.  There’s a gold mine permit been issued. Sam Neil’s dead against the project, as are many others.  There's opposition and legal challenges, etc, etc. Fair enough. He has a house around there and is worried about trucks on the road, etc. But it’s also an area that would be serviced by this brand-new hospital Dunedin’s getting.  Half the towns and buildings in Otago wouldn’t be there to be begin were it not for gold mining. The permit’s been issued and the rest is set for the fast track.  Wānaka said no to a McDonald’s, in part due to concerns about healthy eating. Residents objected to a solar farm in part because of something called lunar reflection, that the moonlight might reflect off a solar panel like it would, oh I don’t know, a lake or the ocean. Which is all well and good but if we want stuff like new hospitals, highways, and potholes fixed, it must somehow be paid for. There’s a little too much economic nimbyism going on for anyone to be seriously complaining about the state of things.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 6th of November 2025, youth unemployment is continuing to rise, Zainab Ali, CEO of Youth Inspire tells Ryan why the situation is so bad.  Kiwis are calling in sick more than ever and businesses are feeling it, the EMA's Alan McDonald shares his thoughts.  Back in 2020 the Government passed the law to ban smoking and vaping in the car with kids, but the Police say their computer systems can't issue fines for it, Police Minister Mark Mitchell tells Ryan what he's going to do about it.  Plus US Correspondent Jagruti Dave, has the latest on the US elections and Trump's reaction.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our red meat sector's continuing to see strong international demand.  Latest data from the Meat Industry Association shows the value of our red meat exports in September was up 29% on September last year.  Exports to the US were up 25%, despite the introduction of Donald Trump's tariffs.  Association Chair Nathan Guy told Andrew Dickens that while they thought the tariffs would be problematic, in reality, demand has been really strong.   He says there’s a strong hamburger market in the States and New Zealand exporters are filling that market with quality product.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Fire and Emergency manager believes public fireworks sales should be banned as Guy Fawkes looms.  It's currently restricted to just four days a year, this year from November 2nd until Guy Fawkes.  It's one of the busiest periods of the year for firefighters, who had about 20 fireworks-related callouts in the 48 hours since sales began.  Community Safety Manager Adrian Nacey told Andrew Dickens they get between 150 and 200 fireworks related calls each year, and they’re not all necessarily caused by recklessness.  He says little things like wind can cause issues, so they’d prefer fireworks were kept in the hands of professionals.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unemployment has hopefully almost reached its peak. Latest Stats NZ data is expected to show unemployment has reached 5.3% in the September quarter. That's up from 5.2% in the June quarter. BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones told Andrew Dickens they expect another rise in the December quarter, before the job market starts to recover next year. He says there's still a bit of slog ahead of us, but there's encouraging signs, like job ads lifting and businesses wanting to increase employment. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pensioners marched on Parliament yesterday, demanding that politicians remember them.   And one of the biggest things on their mind is the rules around retirement villages. Here’s an example: A couple had been in their retirement village for 10 years. Needing more care, they decide to move out and find a more appropriate place to live.   They’d bought their villa for $600,000, but under the current situation they’ll get just $400,000 of that money back. So, no capital gain at all.  The village is then free to on sell the villa say for $1.2 million, and they don’t have to pay the couples $400,000 back until they find some to take over the licence. In some cases that may take two years.  So, no capital gain, in fact a loss, and then no funds at all in the bank until the village decides to re-licence  The only way a village works for you is if you stay in it until the day you die. But you will not be passing on any capital gains to your kids, you’re going to lose half your capital.   That’s the deal.  Labour’s Ingrid Leary promised to do something about this but lost the mandate.  Now the Government continues to say they support our seniors, and they are also railing against taxes on capital gains.  But our seniors are being hit with a defacto capital gains tax that far exceeds anything Labour has suggested.  I think it may be time to walk the walk that you’ve been walking and talking but not doing. Let’s not ruin our seniors' last days by taking too much of the money they spent their whole life working to have. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 5th of November 2025, the unemployment figures get released today with economists picking a nine-year high, BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones tells Andrew what today's figures mean for the Reserve Bank.  Winston Peters has submitted a members bill which would ban the importing and sale of fireworks, Fire and Emergency NZ Regulatory Compliance Manager Adrian Nacey shares his thoughts.  It seems the red meat industry might've survived despite trump's tariffs for now, Meat Industry Association Chair Nathan Guy tells Andrew what the future is looking like for the industry.  Plus, UK/ Europe Correspondent Peter Anderson has the latest on British far-right activist, Tommy Robinson found not guilty of a terror offence and former England football captain Sir David Beckham has been formally knighted for his services to football and British society. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.