Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

“Enormous” swings in the price of oil are making it very difficult to gauge the severity of the shock to markets from the Iran war, ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner says. Oil hit $120 per barrel yesterday but dropped back below $100 after the G7 nations signalled they could release strategic oil reserves. Zollner told Ryan Bridge she agreed with Finance Minister Nicola Willis' assertion that the duration of the shock was just as important as its size. Market volatility would continue, with “headlines all over the place”, and that uncertainty could lead to people spending less money. But central banks would be keen not to do anything rash by rushing to raise interest rates, Zollner said. For New Zealand’s Reserve Bank, “as long as inflation expectations remain well anchored then they can tolerate a bit of noise in the near term, rather than feel they need to deliberately head the recovery off in order to make sure inflation's back at 2% quickly”. But if the shock was long and sustained “it will be more difficult to look through those inflationary impacts - and then it could get a bit ugly”.  LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Little is known about Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, but he’s likely to continue his father’s “hardline, hostile attitude” toward the US, Israel and the West more generally, one expert says. Andrew England, the Financial Times’ Middle East editor, told Newstalk ZB’s Ryan Bridge that hostility would be compounded because Khamenei's father, mother, wife and sister have all been killed. Khamenei has not given any statement since the war began, England said. “We don't know where he is and we don't really know what the fate of him is. We don't know if he was in that compound, you know, if he's wounded, if he's fit and healthy.” US President Donald Trump had called Khamenei a “lightweight” and warned any new Iranian leader wouldn’t last long without his approval, while the Israelis had suggested they would assassinate a new leader. The choice of Khamenei was a sign of defiance from Iran, suggesting the regime would continue to fight, so he was likely to be a prime target, England said. It was unclear how big Iran’s arsenal was nor how badly they had been damaged, England said. But “from the Islamic regime's perspective, endurance is a victory, survival is a victory. And as long as they can continue firing a missile here, a drone there, and survive this onslaught from the world's most powerful army, to them that will be victory.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner shares her thoughts on how the New Zealand economy will react to the war in Iran.  A new Westpac report says we need to send more public health procedures to the private system, NZ Private Surgical Hospitals Association CEO Chris Roberts shares his thoughts. Iran has appointed a new supreme leader, Financial Times Middle East editor Andrew England tells Ryan what we should know about about him.  Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on fuel rations beginning in Western Australia in response to Iran war and hundreds of people evacuated to Darwin in Northern Territory floods, with loads of crocodile sightings. 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 war in Iran is not a shocking event in the sense that we knew it was coming. Trump has been not so much hinting, but sounding a fog horn for months. As we’ve been covering on this show, he’s been amassing military assets in the region since the end of January.  So not surprising. What has surprised is Iran hitting their neighbours, the Gulf states, so hard, including oil fields and refineries. This has surprised markets. Hence what we’re seeing in Asia and at home. Same goes for the price of oil. Yesterday when we talked about that Goldman Sacks estimate of $100 a barrel by the end of the week. We got there by the end of Monday. Remember they also warned of $150 a barrel by the end of the month? Let’s hope we’re not there by Friday.  Oil and fertilizer run our agriculture sector. I listened to a grain farmer in Christchurch yesterday say daily harvesting costs would increase by $2000-$3000. Already.  We are not immune to the price spikes, but we’re also not very well insulated from them either.  We’re reliant on energy imports to keep us afloat now more than ever. Marsden Point used to refine 70% of our petrol and 90% of our diesel. Extracting oil and gas became a cardinal sin under Labour. You don’t know what you’ve got ‘till it’s gone. The international shocks, which as we all know, aren’t now so shocking, are also driving a surge in support for economic nationalism and self-reliance. Think New Zealand First. To this Government’s credit, it has extended our emergency oil back-up supplies and done deals with the Singapores of the world so we don’t run out. As a back stop, we’re about to do LNG. But again, that’s imported and subject to shocks. The more global events we have, the more we yearn for self-reliance and greater energy independence.  Our world-beating exports keep us afloat, but what use are they without a reliable supply of reasonably priced inputs that help produce them?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel is launching a new wave of strikes in Tehran, which has been choked by smoke following attacks on its energy resources.  Iran state-media says a new supreme leader has been chosen but they're yet to be named.  Israel is also claiming its first military deaths of the war with two soldiers dead in southern Lebanon.  Iran continues to lash out at US allies with Saudi Arabia authorities saying two have been killed and 12 injured in a recent attack.  The Guardian Washington Bureau Chief David Smith told Ryan Bridge that Iran is risking further spreading the war.  LISTEN ABOUT See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A shake-up to GP trainee employment could make the pathway into general practice more appealing. Health New Zealand will now directly employ all first-year trainees not already in private practice - with applications opening today for next year. Currently, doctors must switch to being employed by the College of GPs. Health Minister Simeon Brown told Ryan Bridge it’s been one of the barriers discouraging doctors from specialising as GPs. He says they effectively become employees of the college and lose leave balances and other conditions - which is a challenge for recruitment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday the 9th of March 2025, Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian David Smith shares the latest on the conflict in the Middle East.  Health New Zealand will now become the direct employer for all first-year GP trainees, Health Minister Simeon Brown tells Ryan how this will benefit new trainees. Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport.  Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on Trump telling Starmer he doesn't need his assistance of an aircraft carrier to fight Iran as the war has already been won and Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has been the latest to call for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to be removed from the royal line of succession.  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.

This country's fines make no sense.  you can get$70 for parking a few minutes over in the wrong spot, $150 for driving in a bus lane at the wrong time, which is the same texting while driving, an act that could, in theory, distract you enough to kill somebody on the road. So what gives?  You get $30 for going a few Kms over 100 on a main road.  Anyone who's been to Australia knows things are different. Way harsher. People, generally, follow the rules as a result.  Burt that doesn't mean nobody's crashing and dying on their roads, does it.  The problem is revenue gathering. If you actually set the fines based on the potentially damage an action may cause, we'd have a totally different system and set of punishments.  But you'd also have councils and cops who take the piss and revenue grab - speeding cameras in areas nobody's seen a crash in decades.  That's basically why we are where we are.  There is one change they can make that I support - free parking for over 80s.  Gore already does it. Oamaru is looking at doing it.  They've got new parking meters installed in December and it's apparently, according to Age Concern, making the elderly anxious.  They're digital. You get two hours free but then have to enter your details for a third hour. The fear of getting a $70 ticket is too much for them so they just don't drive into town. That's a massive setback for an older person.  That's less chatting to people in the mall, shop-owners and cafe owners, less socialising.  If you've made it to 80, you deserve to head into town. In your own car. Without being scared of half yah pension flying out the window in fines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 Formula 1 season is kicking off in Melbourne today.  Homegrown racer Liam Lawson will be facing the Albert Park street circuit once again – the race that saw him fail to finish last year.  NZ Herald Sports Reporter Alex Powell told Ryan Bridge it’s been a tricky start to the year for everyone, with new cars and new regulations, so everyone’s waiting with bated breath to see how they’ll go.  He says today will be the first time we’ll see these cars and race situation on a track.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are claims a Parliamentary inquiry into online safety is rushing toward regulation without fully considering the consequences.  A Select Committee is backing a social media ban for under 16s and calling for an online regulator and tougher controls on harmful apps and algorithms.  ACT MP Parmjeet Parmar initiated the inquiry last year but says the recommendations don't have adequate analysis.  She told Ryan Bridge concerns about youth online are real, and we need to find real solutions for them.  Parmar says it's a complex issue and wasn't dealt with the seriousness that parents and young people deserve.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Other countries are using our medicinal cannabis products more than we are.   ACT leader David Seymour says he's looking at further improvements to speed up processing for exports of the plant, which he believes could one day rival the wine industry.   He is open to improving regulation domestically as well.  Cannabis Clinic CEO Waseem Alzaher told Ryan Bridge there's are a lot of companies growing the plant locally.  He says that product is being sent offshore, in forms people can't get in New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK Prime Minister has an uphill battle to convince the public his response to the war in Iran is the right one. Sir Keir Starmer has announced four extra Typhoon jets are being sent to join the squadron in Qatar, while helicopters with anti-drone capabilities will shortly arrive in Cyprus and the HMS Dragon is being deployed to the Mediterranean. The move follows a strike from an Iranian-made drone at the UK’s Akrotiri air base in Cyprus. But Starmer is still being accused of having “completely misjudged” the need to put defences into Cyprus, UK Correspondent Grey told Ryan Bridge. The HMS Dragon wouldn’t arrive for around a week, while other European nations were very quickly filling the void by sending naval assets. “Frankly many people think Keir Starmer has been caught rather napping on this - plus the fact, rather embarrassingly for him, the first...government-chartered flight out of the Middle East for people who were stuck there had been delayed for some engineering problems.” The flight had now taken off, Grey said. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 6th of March 2025, a parliamentary committee’s final report in online youth harm recommends a social media ban for under 16 year olds, Dr Parmjeet Parmar who represents Act on the committee says she was hoping for a different outcome.  The Formula One 2026 season kicks off in Melbourne today, NZ Herald sports reporter Alex Powell joins Ryan from Melbourne. David Seymour thinks the medicinal Cannabis industry could be an untapped goldmine, with export levels similar to our wine industry, Cannabis Clinic CEO Waseem Alzaher shares his thoughts. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on Keir Starmer announcing the UK will send four fighter jets to Qatar to strengthen UK defensive operations and Spain pushing back against the White House’s claim that it agreed to cooperate militarily with Washington amid the conflict with Iran.  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.

I don't mind paying the train tax in Auckland, even though I won't be using it.  Rates are going up 7.9% next year. Which let's be honest, is like Woolworths selling butter for $7.99.  It's 8%. Wayne Brown is the 8% man.  Mr Fix it is hitting us in the pocket, and it will hurt.  An extra $320 for your average ratepayer. The average goes from $4,055 to $4,375.  If we didn't have to subside the City Rail Link's operations, it'd be 0%.  Now, usually, something like this would get me a bit angry. I'd be tempted to go tag the side of a locomotive in the middle of the night with a cartoon of Wayno saying some like "Let's F Auckland". Just remove the ix from his campaign slogan. I don't generally use public transport because it's not convenient for me to do so. It's a timing and location issue, really.  But if we don't subsidise the users, then it won't get used. If it doesn't get used, then roads will stay clogged. If roads stay clogged, that's time and money down the drain.  If the thing does what it says on the label —and we haven't actually seen that yet because the bloody thing hasn't opened— it'll be worth the extra $300 a year to me via other gains.  This might be naïve or a touch too hopeful, but if this thing works then I don't mind paying the train tax.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dave Rennie era is upon the All Blacks.  New Zealand Rugby announced his appointment as Head Coach yesterday, succeeding Scott Robertson in the role.  His assistants have yet to be determined, but it’s a focus of Rennie’s.   Sports Commentator Sam Ackerman told Ryan Bridge that there should be something resembling continuity, and Jason Ryan could be one to stay in the mix.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whanau Ora's Chair believes there's more focus on removing children from their families, rather than their safety further down the track.  A critical report from the Independent Children's Monitor argues that little progress has been made in living up to National Care Standards introduced six years ago.  It finds the percentage of young people suffering abuse or neglect in care has risen from 8% to 10% in the year to July last year.   Chair Merepeka Raukawa-Tait told Ryan Bridge once children are in care, the minimum standards are not adhered to.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 5th of March 2025, Dave Rennie has been named the new All Blacks head coach, sports commentator Sam Ackerman shares his thoughts.  Does the conflict in the Middle East risk knocking out our export gains? Trade Minister Todd McClay explains. The Independent Children’s Monitor says abuse in state care is rising Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency Chair Merepeka Raukawa-Tait tells Ryan what needs to happen to make change.  Plus, US Correspondent Jagruti Dave has the latest on the Pentagon press briefing on Iran and the Senate set to vote on a war powers resolution.  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.

New Zealand’s export boom is accelerating. New international trade figures show exports climbed to $29.2 billion in the December quarter - up $2.2 billion on a year earlier. Two-way trade also jumped to just over $61 billion. Trade Minister Todd McClay told Ryan Bridge dairy is performing strongly, with meat exports up a remarkable 21%. He says growth has soared with countries we have free trade agreements with, like the EU, UK, and Australia. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know how they say cranes in the sky is a good sign of growth?  Well, not in Auckland. Not at Seascape. It’s meant to be this city, this country, tallest tower. 187 metres tall. Beautiful expansive views of the water. 52 stories. A statement building for a city on the move. But for two years we’ve had this… construction stopped, half finished, beams and nuts and bolts exposed. Then yesterday the Chinese outfit developing it folded completely. Gone-ski. So what happens to this half-cooked tower down by the wharf? It’s kind of hard to miss, you know. Imagine the Sky Tower with scaffolding on it for a year. Whatever happens needs to happen fast.  Auckland is getting its mojo back. We’ve been talking all over the city lately, the areas your tourists venture, it’s coming alive. The ICC, the CRL stations, the shops, Ponsonby, viaduct and waterfront; absolutely humming and heaving.  There’s a buzz in the air and it’s not just politicians talking it up. Go and see if for yourself. It’s happening. Even a lot of the road cones have disappeared.  Someone out there will be eyeing a bargain, surely, and answer our prayers. Get in there and finish the job. Polish that turd and help make this city shine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Utilities Dispute service is welcoming changes to power rules.   The Electricity Authority's new rules, which kick in from October 30, will force power companies to simplify their bills and tell customers if they're on the best plan they provide.   It will also mean power companies could only send backdated bills once every six months.   Utilities Dispute Commissioner Neil Mallon told Ryan Bridge it won't just benefit customers.   He says it will lead to fewer complaints and make it easier to resolve complaints.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s concern youth offending boot camps don't cater to the issues impacting children the most.  Newstalk ZB understands the programme for young offenders is starting in Palmerston North on Monday, for 10 youths.   They'll spend more time in the residential facility than in the pilot, and this iteration will have more input from local iwi.  Kickback co-founder and youth worker Aaron Hendry told Ryan Bridge these are kids who are often struggling in poverty and homelessness themselves.  He says parents don't have the adequate support to help children get through tough issues.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, tourism total spend hit $46.6 billion in the year to March Tourism Minister Louise Upston shares her thoughts.  New changes to your power bill could mean money back in your pocket, Utilities Disputes Commissioner and CEO, Neil Mallon explains. Youth social workers are warning the Government bootcamps won’t fix youth crime, Aaron Hendry, youth development worker and Kickback co-founder tells Ryan why.  Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the UK government is considering whether to send a Royal Navy warship to the Mediterranean to increase security while helping British citizens currently stuck in the Middle East get home and Rachel Reeves has updated MPs on her economic plans.  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.

There’s confidence tourism spending will soar even more.  Stats NZ data shows tourism spending hit $46.6 billion in the year to March 2025, up 3.3%.  International visitors spent $18.1 billion – a 7% jump.  Tourism Minister Louise Upston told Ryan Bridge Chinese arrivals remain below pre-Covid levels but have surged recently, driven by last year’s policy changes.  She says one is allowing visitors with an Australian visa into New Zealand, which has had a significant impact.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If this is still going on in two or three weeks, lots of countries, including ours, will start to feel the pinch.  Brent Crude Futures topped out at $85 a barrel overnight, the highest price since 2024. JP Morgan says it could hit, worst-case, $120.  The Iraqis are now pulling back production because of the Hormuz logjam.  Refineries in Asia are, according to Bloomberg, thinking about cutting production by 20-30% for the same reason. You've got tankers backing up and unable to port.  All this stuff means delays.  Our economy is quite dependant on oil and gas. It's a common misconception that we aren't. Because we generate 80% of energy as renewables, or thereabouts, people often think that's the same as use. In fact, about 60% of our energy comes from fossil fuels.  Kelly Eckhold from Westpac told me yesterday it's likely petrol prices will go up for us. As of yesterday, he estimated 8 cents a litre at the pump within a week or two.  Oil prices are lower by comparison of late but that $100 to $120 barrel JP Morgan scenario is key. That's the point at which our inflation forecasts would have to change.  And we know that that means, prices going up.  Think about how much of what you do in a day, driving a car, using a plastic pen, powering your business, trucks getting food to supermarkets, uses oil.  And once you get those prices going up, you get general prices going up.  And then you get the Reserve Bank's back up. And then what? Do consumers pull back spending again? Is this event the hill our recovery dies on?  Let's hope not. It's early days. Scenarios are exactly that. A lot of TBC. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stability is continuing to erode across the Middle East with another day of large-scale combat.   The White House advises its military attacks on Iran could last weeks.  The strikes have killed Iran's Supreme Leader and numerous officials and more than 1250 targets have already been struck.   Tehran's been retaliating, sending strikes over surrounding countries, with six US servicemen among the dead.  National Security Expert Matthew Schmidt told Ryan Bridge that when all is said and done, there are a few basic groups who may gain control in Iran.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The commander of naval vessel HMNZS Manawanui is facing a court martial —alongside two other officers— over its sinking off Samoa's coast in 2024.  Charges laid under the Armed Forces Discipline Act allege errors on the bridge meant the vessel grounded on a known navigational hazard.  Commander Yvonne Gray, Lieutenant Commander Matthew Gajzago, and a third unnamed officer are facing charges.  John Battersby, Senior Fellow at the Centre for Defence and Security Studies, told Ryan Bridge that as a commander of a naval vessel, your one job is to keep it above water.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister’s being accused of playing politics over Iran.  Christopher Luxon says the Government will make a decision very shortly on whether to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity.  Former Foreign Minister Phil Goff told Ryan Bridge if Luxon wanted to take a stand, he should have done it already, as moving now would look opportunistic.  He's questioning why the Government's treating Iran differently than countries like Russia, and thinks we need consistency.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 3rd of March 2025, New Haven University Director of International Affairs and National Security Expert Matthew Schmidt shares the reaction from the US following the latest developments with Iran.  The captain of the Manawanui Commander Yvonne Gray, is among three navy officers being charged over its sinking in Samoa last year, Massey University Centre for Defence and Security Studies Senior Fellow John Battersby shares his thoughts.  The PM’S signalling the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could soon be officially listed as a terrorist organisation here, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Former Minister of Defence Phil Goff tells Ryan how New Zealand should react to the ongoing situation in the Middle East. Plus, Australia Correspondent Lesley Yeomans has the latest on a state of emergency in central Australia following torrential rain and Aussie dairy farmers want law changes to stop labelling non-dairy products as "milk".  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.

There’s been a lot of chat about AI replacing jobs lately. And I get it, there are signs it’s happening. For certain roles, especially more junior ones, the threat is real. But there are some things a computer will never know and never be able to do. Like reading somebody’s emotions. Burger King in the US, this is a story out this week, is trialling AI software to judge how courteous and friendly its staff are. They’ve got an aptly named AI assistant, Patty, apparently doing this task. Party lives in their headsets, monitoring their every word. If you’re handing out Whoppers at a drive thru, Patty will apparently record how many times you say welcome, please, and thank you. Patty then delivers the Whopper crew a daily friendliness score. Apart from sounding like a peak micro-managing pain in the ass, Patty, with respect, actually doesn’t know what she or it is talking about.   Can Patty detect sarcasm? Does Patty know if you’re dead in the eyes while welcoming the next hungry customer? Customer service isn’t so much about what somebody says, but how they say it.  It’s a glint in the eye. An affectation of the face. In Japan a polite bow of the head. In New Zealand, too much talking and fake friendly could be seen as rude. We’re more of a smile and polite hand gesture-type country. Human interaction is intricate and unique and takes even trained humans time to properly figure out.  We humans have more than 40 facial muscles and using them in different ways can apparently convey 10,000 subtle emotional messages. I went to the bank yesterday to order a Eftpos card. The bank manager came over to say hello and I can’t tell you most of she said, but I know she was lovely. I went home and told my partner about her.  Is this a job AI can master? I mean really?  Even if Patty had a camera on our eyeballs, a microphone, and pulse checker, I don’t it could truly tell what we’re really thinking in a way only other humans can. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A barrier stopping rural workers from using KiwiSaver is being lifted. Farm workers, rural teachers, police and defence staff have been unable to make first-home withdrawals, because they’re required to live in employer housing. The Government’s now allowing them to use their savings, including towards buying a farm. Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Ryan Bridge that these workers have been locked out of the KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal for too long. She says if people are working hard to get ahead, where they live shouldn't exclude them from the property ladder. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Israeli Prime Minister says bombing in Iran could continue for days.  Coordinated strikes with the US have killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and multiple senior officials - resulting in Iran launching counter strikes across the Middle East.  Three US service members have been killed in the military operations while nine people in Israel have been killed in Iran's retaliatory attacks.  Iranian officials have formed a transitional council to lead the country.  The Guardian Washington Bureau Chief David Smith told Ryan Bridge Benjamin Netanyahu wants the offensive to continue - but US Congress likely won't.  He says they will want US President Donald Trump to leave Iran as soon as possible. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have a new issues poll out this morning.  It's from IPSOS. 1000 people. Was taken after Waitangi weekend.  The numbers are bad for National, because they should be winning on more issues.  But Luxon won't hate the numbers because they're going in the right direction of a few key issues.  A significant increase on Cost of Living - after a period of trending in the wrong direction.  Another 'significant' increase on healthcare/hospitals- closing the gap from 19 to 12 points since October.  After being overtaken on the economy, they've come back to draw with the reds.  Interestingly, concern from voters about poverty and inequality is trending down - despite the big push in the media last week.  The reality is that Labour is still ahead on three of the five issues.  But no election is won or lost on a single issue, is it? Although Covid in 2020 and cost of living in 2023 were dominant.  What the election will come down to, as I've always said, and everyone already knows, is Winston Peters.  He has told me that he will not form a government with Labour if 1. Hipkins is in charge. And 2. it needs propping up by the Greens or TPM.  He says they're nuts.  So, as long as the polls, stay roughly where they are, the National party strategists will stick largely to the same script and wait for Winston at the alter.  Barring, of course, nay campaign snaffus that might get any of the above into trouble and offside with us, the voters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian David Smith, has the latest on US/Israel strikes on Iran.  The Government will allow farmers to use their KiwiSaver to buy their first home or farm, Finance Minister Nicola Willis tells Ryan about the impact this will have.  Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport.  Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on UK troops at a base in Bahrain are narrowly missed by a rocket fired from Iran and tens of thousands face flight disruption as airlines are continuing to cancel and divert flights serving the Middle East. 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 Danish Prime Minister has called a snap election, hailing it a decisive next four years for her country.  Mette Frederiksen says the election will be held on March 24 instead of the original end of October date.   It comes after months of politics dominated by Donald Trump's threats to annex Greenland – the semi-autonomous Danish territory.   UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge before that, polls had been unfavourable towards her.   He says her handling of Trump gave her a popularity boost, which she may be capitalising on.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Excitement in Christchurch as the city gears up for one of the biggest weekends of the year.   Electric Avenue is officially the biggest festival in Australasia, with 90 thousand attendees over the two days.  Kiwi band Split Enz is headlining, joined by Australian DJ Dom Dolla.  Last year's festival brought in $10.5 million in visitor spend – the largest local event since the 1974 Commonwealth Games.   Christchurch NZ Visitor Economy Manager Anne Newman told Ryan Bridge 23 thousand people are visiting the city for the festival.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Taupō Mayor says he'd be surprised if Air New Zealand cut its popular regional route.   Some regional flights could be on the chopping block after the airline posted a $40 million half-year loss.  It's pointed to ongoing fleet constraints, a slower recovery in domestic demand, and persistently high aviation system inflation.   Mayor John Funnell told Ryan Bridge he understands costs are rising, but the Taupō to Auckland flights are close to full every time.  He says they have a good relationship with Air New Zealand and isn't expecting any changes.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A victims advocate is attributing a switch up of crime figures to changes in policing and sentencing.   Data from the latest Crime and Victims Survey shows there were 49 thousand fewer victims of violent crime in the year to last October, compared to the two previous years.  The Government says there's no doubt the gang patch ban has played a part.   Chief Victims Advisor Ruth Money told Ryan Bridge many victims think it is because of a bolstered police presence.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 27 February. 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.

The Reserve Bank's proposal to set up more branches and ATMs has left one expert stunned.  It's asking for public feedback on requiring banks to provide accessible cash services countrywide, free of charge.   It includes ensuring those in urban areas can reach a service by walking.   But Massey University Banking Professor Claire Matthews says the need isn't high enough to warrant banks spending money on this plan, which she says has come out of left field.   She told Ryan Bridge that while the disaster argument does carry water, this doesn’t seem to be the right solution, as it’s not clear cash has been lacking in most of the one’s we’ve had.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The last piece of the puzzle for overnight air traffic control, with the Government opening up a new 24/7 alternative runway for commercial airlines.   Funding's been approved for the round-the-clock service at Ōhakea Air Force base, near Palmerston North.   Under aviation laws, commercial flights must nominate an alternative runway in case a plane can't land at its destination.   Board of Airline Representatives Executive Director Cath O'Brien told Ryan Bridge this is important as long-haul aircraft often start running low on fuel.   She says it's key to have an airport where airlines can divert to if they need, and then get on their way once they refuel.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, Dairy NZ have unveiled their state of the dairy nation report, Federated Farmers Dairy Chair Karl Dean shares his thoughts.  The Government says the control tower at Ohakea air base will soon operate 24/7, making it the country’s official back-up airport, Board of Airline Representatives of New Zealand Executive Director Cath O'Brien tells Ryan Bridge how big of a difference this will make for airlines.  The Reserve Bank is asking the public for feedback on a proposal that banks must provide a minimum level of cash services, Professor at Massey University Business School Claire Matthews, shares her thoughts.  Plus US Correspondent Katie Fisher has the latest on the reaction to Trump's State of the nation speech.  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.

Dairy farmers are celebrating as the sector delivers a record year.  Data from Dairy NZ's annual state of the dairy nation report shows farmers produced an unprecedented 21 billion litres of milk in the 2024/2025 season.  It's also brought the highest ever export earnings worth $27.1 billion.  Federated Farmers Dairy Chair Karl Dean told Ryan Bridge a lot of it comes down to herd testing to ensure Kiwi cows have the best genetics.  He says as performance and profitability continue to increase, the Government gets more tax revenue.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a big puffy cloud of smoke hanging over the vaping versus cigarettes debate this week.  It's all kicked off because the Government's handing out free vapes to smokers to stop them getting what we know could be a death sentence.  They've done a deal to buy a bunch of them for $500,000. Between last January and July, 3000 smokers were given vaping kits and nearly half of them stopped smoking. Which, ordinarily, you would think would be a good news story.  Not so for Kelly Burrowes, Auckland University Vaping Researcher. She said on Newstalk ZB that it wasn't.  So I spoke yesterday to Robert Beaglehole. Yes, the Robert Beaglehole. Former boss of the World Health Organisation. Public health expert.  He says some of the searches are from laboratory-based scientist with no epidemiological or public health experience and doesn't have the big picture in mind. He says one of the other antagonists to this approach clearly doesn't comprehend the evidence, because it's a mystery to why someone would oppose something that is much less harmful and cheaper.  It feels a bit to me like the Covid days when you had so-called experts piping up about the harms of a disease without taking a helicopter view of the best way a society should manage such risk for the least-overall harm.  There's a political element to this, too. Because we know there are certain politicians desperate to paint Casey Costello as some sort of big vape lobbyist in drag.  The choice, really, if you'd call it that, seems to come down to the devil we know and devil we don't. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liquor licensing mayhem for Christchurch bar owners as the opening of the new stadium nears.   Super Rugby's Super Round games will be played at One NZ Stadium on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Anzac weekend.   But alcohol laws mean bars must close at midnight on Friday and can't serve alcohol without a meal before 1pm on Saturday.   Hospitality NZ's Canterbury President Jeremy Stevens told Ryan Bridge they've been hoping to get an exemption.  But he says despite the council and Mayor Phil Mauger being on board, current legislation won't allow it  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former chair of Health New Zealand says a fix to issues within health data systems has likely been put off, after a possible hack of MediMap.  The platform's widely used across the country, especially in aged care, disability, hospice, and community health.  Rob Campbell told Ryan Bridge there's a lot of issues within data systems that need fixing.  He says it's expensive, can be complex and isn't headline grabbing, so it's the sort of thing people put off.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 25th of Feburary 2025, nurses at aged care facilities are going back to paper-based prescriptions after Medimaps data breach, Former Health NZ Chair shares his concerns.  Christchurch bar owners say Anzac Day liquor laws will ‘shut the city down’ on the new stadium’s opening night, Jeremy Stevens Hospitality NZ Canterbury Branch President tells Ryan how much it'll impact bars.  Pharmac's looking at funding two new Melanoma drugs, medical oncologist and Melanoma specialist Dr Gareth Rivalland tells Ryan how big of a difference the drugs would make.  UK/ Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on trade minister Chris Bryant calling Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as a "rude, arrogant and entitled man" and a baby boy has become the first child in the UK to be born using a womb transplanted from a dead donor. 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.

New treatment options for melanoma are being described as the global gold standard.   Pharmac's proposing to increase access to nivolumab and ipilimumab for treating stage 3b and 4 melanoma, from May.   Pre-surgery use of the immunotherapy drugs can lower the chance of cancer returning.  Medical oncologist Dr Gareth Rivalland told Ryan Bridge it's state of the art treatment.   He says it's the best combination and will kill off the cancer in 60% of people.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Government has made fast-track a buzzword. After yet another massive hack of private information on Sunday, it needs to put that buzzword into action and sharpen up our privacy laws. Like, yesterday.  Especially if we're talking about your health information getting stolen and potentially posted online by hackers for a ransom.  The hackers it seems, are pretty much a mystery and never get caught. That ship seems to have sailed, and we can, at least for now, put that in the too hard basket.  But the folks we can fine, which we currently don't, are the businesses asking for our information and not doing enough to protect it in the first place.  If there was ever a need for better regulation and harsher penalties, it's with cases like this - what should be your private data.  In New Zealand, Consumer says there is no express penalty or fine for a breach.  The Privacy Commissioner has the power to issue a fine of $10k. Yes, just $10k. And that's only if a company doesn't report a breach of tries to hide it.  The Aussies will whack you with a fine of up to AU$50 million. That makes ours look like a slap with a wet bus ticket.  Companies should be scared to ask for your private information because the risk of it being nicked is evidently very high.  In two months, we're had the largest ever hack in our history, through Manage My Health, and now this MediMap breach.  Last week I went shopping for some new clothes, a few t-shirts and some shorts. I was asked for my name and email and address. Why? A mailing list no doubt.  I didn't have to provide this data, but if I did, I'd pay 10% less for the clothes. I paid full price but couldn't leave with a receipt unless I handed over my email.  Businesses want our information because they can sell us more stuff, but it should be illegal to ask unless the law requires it.  And if the data they do have is stolen, that should be their problem under the law. The fines ought to reflect how serious the breach is. With health, it ought to be millions.  They should be scared, like with health and safety laws, to even ask for your personal information. It's not like this problem has suddenly sailed into port.  That's why the legislation should be fast-tracked, bipartisan, and tough as nails.  Otherwise, we can all look forward to another data breach coming to a town near you soon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former UK ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.  Mandelson was fired and has been under investigation over his alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein.  It comes as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has written to his UK counterpart Keir Starmer, calling for the former Prince Andrew to be removed from the royal line of succession.  Australia correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge the line of succession is a very complex legal framework.  She says the charges require all Commonwealth countries to pass new laws, but Albanese says they're grave allegations and Australia takes them very seriously.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long term benefits could justify the Crown pouring more money into Genesis Energy.   The company's revealed a $400 million capital raise to up its investment in renewables.  Now the Crown's purchasing $200 million worth of new shares to maintain its 51% shareholding.   Major Electricity Users' Group Chair John Harbord told Ryan Bridge Genesis is focused on storing electricity for dry years.  He says that backup supply is the most important electricity for the system.   But Harbord says the investment doesn't do much in the short term for affordability issues.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.