Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

The hunt continues for the thieves who stole priceless jewels in a heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The world's most famous art gallery is closed after a group of thieves used a ladder and small chainsaws to enter the Apollo Gallery, and escaped on scooters with items of 'incalculable' value. UK/ Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 20th of October 2025, inflation data comes out this morning, ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley shares his thoughts.  Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport.  Resources Minister Shane Jones is on a mission to sell our minerals on the global stage, he tells Ryan how he's going to do it. Plus UK/ Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on Police in Paris hunt a gang of thieves who broke in to the Louvre museum and the media reports Prince Andrew tried to get a police officer to dig up dirt for a smear campaign against his sexual assault accuser Virginia Giuffre. 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.

Don’t expect a handout. That’s basically the message to homeowners hoping the Government will swoop in and buyout houses after the next big cyclone. Watts is the climate Minister. He took a paper to cabinet. I had a read in the weekend. They haven’t immediately turned the tap off to buyouts, but they’re making it pretty clear it won’t e long before they do. How long? Doesn’t say, specifically. Just sometime in the medium to long term. If you’re buying a house or land, you’re going to want to check flood zones very carefully. After the Auckland floods - you know which parts of suburb are more prone to flooding. That’s, generally, where you don’t want to buy. Mor you can and manage the risk and mitigate. Council and government spent $2 billion on buyouts. That may not happen next time. Guess how many homes are sitting in flood prone areas right now? Hundreds of thousands. They’re worth $180 billion. It means insurance will be more expensive or non-existent for some areas and properties. The government basically wants to take itself out of the risk equation. Cause it’s cheaper for them.  Buying out flood prone land distorts the market. If you know a buyout will happen, you’ll be less worried about flooding and pay more than you should for it The scientists tell damage from cyclones and flooding will get more intense and frequent. Consider this a warning from the government that it doesn’t want the same thing happening g to the state of its books. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economic consultancy Infometrics says the impacts of the latest OCR cut probably won't be felt until mid to late next year - by which point the economy will be growing.  It could mean greater inflation - with predictions the OCR will rise again as early as late next year.  Independent economist Cameron Bagrie told Ryan Bridge that caution is needed. He says if the economy does kick into gear, there could be capacity issues, and inflation could rear its ugly head again.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's suppression laws are back in the spotlight. This comes after the Mowbray family called out those on TikTok who placed Mat Mowbray at the centre of a child abuse material case.The man who was jailed in this particular case has permanent name suppression and has been identified only as a member of a wealthy Kiwi family.But that didn’t stop people on social media from pointing the finger at Mowbray—and now the family are calling for a review of our suppression laws.Retired law professor Bill Hodge joined Ryan Bridge to discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's hard listening to all the tributes for Jim Bolger and not feeling like we're being short-changed by our current crop of leaders.A few short generations ago, this country was a different place.Before the internet. Before the phones. Before the anxiety.Before career politicians—those who go straight from school to university, into the student union, and then directly into politics.Jim Bolger was in Parliament a long time. But he had a productive life before that. He left school at 15 and went straight into work. Hard work. Manual work. On the farm in Taranaki, and later in Te Kuiti.Now it's straight from school, into a student union at university, and then into Parliament.Have you watched Parliament TV lately? There are MPs who literally don't know how to ask a question.It's like watching a video buffer.No idea about standing orders. No idea about the rules that govern the place. And no apparent desire to learn, either.Just walk in. Full of entitlement. Sit down. And start yelling.One of the most important tools in the modern MP’s toolbox seems to be an unwavering ability to take offence.At anything and everything.Intolerance for another's point of view—the antithesis of Jim Bolger—is now commonplace.Where once there was decency, there's mistrust.Wisdom has been usurped by incompetence.And decorum has been thrown out the window and replaced with petulance.People aren't recognised for their standing in the community and voted into Parliament.They're there because politics is now an industry—and more importantly—because nobody else would hire them or pay the going rate we do.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 17th of October 2025, retired law professor Bill Hodge tells Ryan the Mowbray family has a point over their complaints about name suppression in our justice system.  Former Silver Fern Margaret Foster previews the opening Constellation Cup test against Australia with Dame Noeline Taurua still stood down.  Ryan reckons Jim Bolger's death has put a spotlight on how our current crop of polticians aren't up to much.  And Cameron Bagrie joins the show and agrees with Infometrics' warning that the OCR cuts are risking actually overcooking the economy. 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.

A Texas biotech firm is forging ahead with plans to bring the South Island giant moa back from extinction.  The Colossal Bioscience team is working on the project alongside Ngai Tahu researchers.  Chief executive Ben Lamm told Ryan Bridge that they'll use ancient DNA and gene editing to bring back the giant bird — the same way they've recreated dire wolves and mammoths. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Airports Association is defending itself after airlines blame their charges,  for spikes in airfares.  An international airport group says New Zealand’s domestic airfares have shot up more quickly than any other country by 63-percent in six years.  But Air New Zealand says its fares are only up 35-percent. Association chief executive, Billie Moore told Ryan Bridge the biggest driver is air capacity reduction, so smaller numbers of passengers are footing bigger bills.  She says criticising airport charges has long been a strategy for major airlines but they're not the reason.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 16 October. 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.

Kainga Ora's large-scale ownership of state houses may not be the most effective way to provide housing help to Kiwis. A report by The New Zealand Initiative lists several reasons why government ownership can be problematic and wasteful. Its cost structure appears to be approaching double the usual private landlord benchmark, based on indicative calculations. NZ Initiative Senior Fellow Dr Bryce Wilkinson told Ryan Bridge the Government has a poor track record and seemingly can't manage all 77-thousand housing units. He says tenants are often getting into large rent arrears and causing problems for their neighbours - and Kainga Ora don't respond quickly enough.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This idea that our trading partners will somehow punish us for lacking ambition in climate change doesn’t pass the sniff test. Yes, there are some provisions in some agreements, but they’re vaguely worded enough to get around. If the UK or the EU or even the Aussies really wanted to punish us, they could. But the question is whether they would, nor could. And why would they? We’re a fraction of global emissions so what difference would it make anyway? It’s methane we’re talking about, cow’s burping milk which helps feed 40 million humans. But, most importantly, our trading buddies would have to call pot kettle black. The Aussies set a target of 62-70% reduction target on 2005 levels last month. That was lower than forecast, criticised by green groups and contrary to advice from their equivalent of the climate change commission. In the UK Starmer’s being told to prepare government buildings for temperatures 2 degrees higher than normal, rather than the 1.5 limit everyone’s hoping but failing to achieve. The big four aren't exactly doing their bit either.  Just this morning... another new climate report... guess what? A record amount of CO2. The largest increase since modern measurements began in the 1950s.  So, it’s not like the rest of the world is covered in glory.  It’s a dog-eat-dog world. Everyone’s out for themselves. And New Zealand’s no exception. Does this mean the government’s made the right call? Can stand saddle up on its high horse? No. But it also doesn’t mean we’re about to get sued or blocked by our trading partners. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support for a crackdown on dress codes and behaviour in Parliament.   Speaker Gerry Brownlee's cracking down on rules in the House following what he sees as multiple disruptive incidents.   The latest saw Te Pati Māori MP Oriini Kaipara's maiden speech go well over time.   He will look at attendance records, dress standards, and leave provisions.   Political commentator Liam Hehir told Ryan Bridge dressing for particular environments reminds you you're there for an occasion.  He asks what occasion is more important than doing the people's business, and says it's not wrong for the Speaker to insist on standards.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Improved relationships between teachers and students are being credited as just as important as the Government's curriculum changes.  New Education Review Office research shows teachers are seeing more engaged students in maths and English, and three-quarters of parents say their child is making progress.   Principal of Rotorua's Kaitao Intermediate, Phil Palfrey told Ryan Bridge it's also that more people are realising the importance of school.   He says teachers have been working hard to build relationships with their students, which is equally as important as any curriculum changes.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cafes are continuing to see their profits squeezed. Sales in the hospitality sector have increased 1.4% in the past year according to just-released figures from the Restaurant Association. But sales for cafes and restaurants only rose 0.3%. Coffee Club Director Brad Jacobs told Ryan Bridge they're having to absorb rising costs to remain competitive. He says the minimum wage has gone up much faster than the price of coffee over the past decade. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 15th of October 2025, The speaker's set out plans to crack down on standards after Oriini Kaipara's maiden speech, political commentator, Liam Hehir shares his thoughts.  The hospitality sector's hit record sales of $15.9 billion, Franchise NZ Chairperson and Coffee Club co-owner Brad Jacobs tells Ryan revenue doesn't always mean profit.  A report by the Education Review Office shows primary-aged kids are not only getting better at English and Maths, but they're more excited about doing it, Kaitao Intermediate School Principal Phil Palfrey tells Ryan how big of a change he's seen in his school.  Plus, UK/ Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on an Afghan man who came to the UK on a small boat and threatened to kill Nigel Farage, being jailed for five years. 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 a warning for Hipkins as he plots higher taxes for Kiwi businesses, investors, and savers - it comes from across the ditch. Albanese’s been having problems getting his super tax plan across the line, despite having a majority in Parliament. The Opposition to it has come not just from the usual suspects, but also former PM and Labor stalwart Paul Keating - even the Unions cried boohoo. So he’s had to U-turn on unrealised gains, which have always been a stupid thing to try and tax. How can you pay tax on money you haven’t earned?  The Greens want to do this. David Parker wanted to it. Te Pati Māori wants it. And Debbie said at the weekend that she and Chippy are on the same page when it comes to a wealth tax.  He denies this, but does anyone believe a guy who won’t tell you what he’s really thinking or what he really stands for?  Until he rules something in or out, he looks like a guy plotting in secret. He and Barbara are squirrelled away with an abacus and a calculator quietly conjuring up a new and inventive revenue streams. We’re left wondering whose business, whose property is ripe for the picking. The warning from Australia is pretty night and day, if you’re going to tax something, and that’s a big "if" here at home, but if you’re going to do it, you’d better make sure it’s a realised gain and not a tax on imaginary, on-paper earnings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A peace summit is now underway in Egypt following the release of Israeli and Palestinian hostages.  The summit was attended by US President Donald Trump, who said that ‘the sun rises on a holy land that is finally at peace.’  Former Chief of Staff for Marco Rubio’s 2016 presidential campaign Matt Terrill told Ryan Bridge that there is still a lot of work to do before peace can finally be declared.  ‘You have a great opportunity here to forge lasting peace, but this is a peace deal. More work needs to be done.’  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A growing range of international visitor markets means New Zealand's on track to beat pre-Covid tourism numbers.  Overseas arrivals reached 92% of pre-pandemic numbers in August. That's up from 87% in July. Board of Airline Representatives Executive Director Cath O'Brien told Ryan Bridge increased airline capacity from the Americas, Singapore, Hong Kong markets means we're seeing more than just Aussies.  She hopes this is meaningful for tourism businesses who have waited a long time to see this recovery.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I've got some numbers for this morning. QV House Price Index for September quarter: guess what? Going backwards. Auckland leading the fall.  Homes are worth an average of 1.1% less. Auckland's 2.5% less.  And how does that make you feel, really?  Most homeowners won't care because they're not trying to sell. But for those who are, it's depressing.  Now first home buyers are cranking - a quarter of new mortgages went to first home buyers in the first half of the year.  So we've got to ask ourselves: is this really what we want?  When the numbers are bad for owners they're good for would-be-owners.  We're forever complaining about the price of property, until we need to sell.  So if this is the new normal, we'd better get used to it.  It's interesting to look at what's selling. We had another developer —apartments— go bust in Auckland yesterday.  Have a look at the apartments, even the nice ones, they were building - is that really somewhere you'd want to live? Guess what's not selling? These buildings without carparks.  This idea that somebody will want to buy a Shoebox and catch a bus is clearly not working out - they're taking the longest to sell.  Turns out people also like privacy. Who would have thought?  The bigger story here is that prices are lower and deep down, even though we say we want to fix the housing crisis, most people aren't happy about it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 14th of October 2025, Donald Trump has arrived in Egypt for a peace summit, Matt Terrill, former Chief of staff for Marco Rubio's 2016 presidential campaign, tells Ryan what Trump will need to do next to keep the peace deal successful.  Australia is helping push us towards out first pre-covid tourism summer, Cath O'Brien the Board of Airline Representatives Executive Director shares her thoughts.  Kids are reading better and the Government’s taking credit, Kaiapoi North School Principal Jason Miles, tells Ryan whether or not he's seen a difference in students learning.  Plus Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on Qantas customers still fuming over data breach that led to dark web leak and record car thefts making Victoria the crime capital of Australia.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roughly 70% of Kiwis did not vote in the recent local elections.  It's shaping up to be the worst voter turnout in 36 years, with only 23% of Aucklanders voting in the local elections.  Senior fellow at the New Zealand Initiative Nick Clark told Ryan Bridge that making local elections in larger cities even more local would encourage more people to vote.  "It might be a bit of an out there solution to make councils more local rather than less local." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beef and Lamb's declaring methane target cuts, great news for New Zealand.  The Government's reducing targets to 14 to 24-percent below 2017 levels.  That's between 24 to 47-percent lower than previous targets.  Beef & Lamb Chair Kate Acland told Ryan Bridge the Government's right to say a number of farmers would have been put out of business without this change.  She says the new targets are in line with what the rest of the world is doing, with most countries also looking to incentivise not penalise. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealanders have voted against steep rates rises in the local elections. Auckland's Wayne Brown and Christchurch's Phil Mauger have both been re-elected over the weekend, with a commitment to keep rates rises lower. Wellington's Andrew Little and Hamilton's Tim Macindoe have indicated they'll rein in their cities' steep rates rises. In Dunedin - Sophie Barker has won the mayoralty over incumbent Jules Radich.  Newstalk ZB's Callum Proctor, Claire Sherwood, Max Towle and Michael Sergel joined Ryan Bridge to recap the results so far.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the Coalition was looking for an endorsement of its rates cap idea, it got one over the weekend. Of the 18 councils that hit ratepayers with double-digit hikes this year, 13 elected new mayors. Newsroom had great coverage of the results. Tim Macindoe won in Hamilton. If the name sounds familiar — he’s a former National MP. Rates there rose 41% in three years. Go figure. Voters aren’t stupid and should never be taken for granted. Rates hikes are driving domestic inflation. Not only are you paying more to your council — they’re helping to keep interest rates higher. It’s a double burn in the back pocket. Our most important city councils — Auckland, Christchurch, and Hamilton — are now led by right-of-centre mayors. The results speak for themselves. But the problem, of course, is the sample size. Seventy percent of us didn’t bother voting. Ask ten pundits why, and you’ll get ten different answers. I think the problem is simple: the size and scope of local government is out of control. In a small Pacific island nation at the bottom of the world, we just elected 1,500 people to sit on 78 different councils. Mayors are just one vote at the table — they’re not really that special. Low turnout isn’t a rejection of the candidates. It’s a rejection of the system. It’s too big. Too much compromise. Too many meetings, committees, and club sandwiches. If the Coalition listens to the 30% who did vote and caps rates, they should also listen to the overwhelming silent majority who didn’t. That means throwing entire councils in the bin. Halve the number of councillors. Give the mayor a veto vote so there’s accountability and a vision to vote for. The lowest voter turnout in 36 years is a mandate for change — and change looks like a giant local government bonfire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 13 October. 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.

Property investors are celebrating new methamphetamine contamination laws coming in next year.   Properties with meth residue exceeding 15 micrograms per 100-square centimetres will be considered contaminated, requiring treatment.  Landlords and tenants will be able to quickly end tenancies with excessive levels.  Property Investors Federation Advocacy Manager Matt Ball told Ryan Bridge the new standards will reduce costs for some landlords.  He says the threshold for decontamination, which can cost a considerable amount, were conflicting under the previous guidelines, resulting in some spending money that they shouldn’t have needed to.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The road to peace in Gaza is not without its obstacles, despite a major breakthrough.   Israel's security cabinet's meeting to vote on implementing the first phase of a ceasefire proposal.   The deal would allow the release of hostages early next week and would see Israeli troops pull back to agreed lines.   The Guardian Washington Bureau Chief David Smith told Ryan Bridge it will get more complicated from this point onwards, with components like the de-militarisation of Hamas to discuss.   He says even going further forward, in phases two to four, one has to look to the future governance of Gaza.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ACC Minister's confident the insurer's growing deficit is on track to be brought under control.  The scheme's recorded a net deficit of $1.5 billion, blowing the total out to $13.8 billion. Minister Scott Simpson told Ryan Bridge the net deficit is still a lot better than last year's $7.2 billion shortfall.  He says good work has already started, but there's still a lot to do.  Simpson says this involves doing the basic stuff consistently well. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 10th of October 2025, Donald Trump says the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire deal has been signed, Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian David Smith has the latest out of the US.  ACC has reporter yet another deficit, Minister responsible for ACC Scott Simpson shares his thoughts.  New rules are out on when a rental’s too contaminated with Meth, Property Investors Federation Advocacy Manager Matt Ball tells Ryan how big of a difference this will make.  Plus, UK/ Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on Israel's stance on the Gaza ceasefire deal.  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.

In a few hours we'll know who's won the Nobel Peace Prize.  It's the world's most prestigious award, and Trump wants it really, really badly.  Every year since 1901, a bunch of Norwegians sit around a table and sort through their candidates.  This year there's almost 330 entries. Four US Presidents have previously won it: Obama, Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson - Jimmy Carter got his two decades after he left office.  But one man wants it more than anyone else, and Benjamin Netanyahu's just tweeted that Trump should win it. The criteria? The prize goes to whoever has done the most for fraternity between nations, whoever gets rid of or reduces the size of armies, and whoever promotes peace.  Basically, who's really good at peace.  Here's the thing, Trump's not going to win this.  They met and decided on Monday. That was before this Gaza deal was announced.  It actually isn't even for this year. It relates to 2024 or prior. Trump wasn't even in office at that point and applications closed only a month into his second term. He's pulled out of Paris and WHO, and they don't like that kind of thing. Look I may be proven wrong in a couple hours, but my money's on Trump not winning this thing.  And if it doesn't happen, if he doesn't get his wish, look out, because he'll probably declare war on Norway. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The discourse surrounding the R360 League is growing increasingly heated. The rugby unions of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, England, Ireland, Scotland, France and Italy issued a joint statement on Wednesday (NZT) refusing to endorse the proposed Saudi-funded competition. Sport commentator Sam Ackerman says the unions are overreacting- "that's like saying back in the day, if you had converted to, to rugby league, then you could never go back to rugby union or vice versa." He told Ryan Bridge that the players shouldn't be blamed for taking a good opportunity. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank's cut the OCR 50-basis-points to 2.5%, despite acknowledging inflation is above or almost above where they'd like it.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis says they've factored in broader economic conditions.  She says the central bank clearly thinks any fluctuation in inflation will be constrained by spare capacity in the economy.  Labour's Finance Spokesperson Barbara Edmonds told Ryan Bridge it’s a direct response to the economic damage caused by Christopher Luxon.  She says the economy has gone backwards under the Coalition Government, with 36,000 jobs lost, 2,700 businesses liquidated, and more Kiwis moving overseas.  “Christopher Luxon promised to make it better, but he’s made it worse.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Locals are raising eyebrows at the camping areas selected within a proposed freedom camping bylaw that goes before council this week.   The Queenstown Lakes District Council bylaw proposes 15 designated freedom camping sites for the district following a surge in freedom campers.  Save Clean New Zealand spokesperson Andrea Beryl says she's not against freedom camping, as the area relies on tourism.  But she told Ryan Bridge the places given the green light for camping are bizarre.   Beryl says it's like they've just pointed at places on a map.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former FBI director James Comey is standing by his innocence after being targeted by US President Donald Trump.  Comey was indicted last month and made his first court appearance in Virginia today. He's pleaded not guilty to charges of making false statements and obstructing a congressional investigation. US correspondent Nick Harper told Ryan Bridge Trump has described Comey and other political enemies as 'guilty as hell'.  But he says Comey's lawyers are calling it a selective and malicious prosecution.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 9th of October 2025, Labour Finance Spokesperson Barbara Edmonds thinks the Reserve Bank is taking a risk cutting the OCR by 50 basis points, she tells Ryan why. Freedom camping across some of the South Island’s most popular holiday hot-spots has surged to the highest levels, Save Clean New Zealand spokesperson, Andrea Beryl shares her thoughts.  Rugby Unions around the globe are banding together against R360, Sports commentator Sam Ackerman has the latest. Plus US Correspondent Nick Harper updates us on former FBI Director James Comey appearing in court charged with lying to Congress.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This story about sick or disabled teenagers getting the benefit doesn’t make any sense. The Government wants to cut the dole for teenagers whose parents earn $65k plus - okay. Their justification? If poor old mum and dad have to cover their living costs, said teenagers will go find a job. Okay, fine. That’s about 4000-odd 18–19-year-olds. But here’s where it gets complicated.  It turns out around half that number are getting the benefit not because they can’t find work, but because they can’t work. Like physically. Have a look on the WINZ website, it lays out the criteria. You have to prove the reason with a doctor’s certificate. Basically, you can’t work full-time because you have a disability, injury, or health condition which prevents it. There’s mention of chronic stuff like haemophiliacs and chronic asthma sufferers. So here’s the rub.  If Johnny can’t work —and we accept that because a doctor has said so— and the point of cutting Johnny’s benefit is to encourage him to work, then we have an obvious problem. You can’t encourage somebody to work who can’t work, can you? This makes no sense. Either the Government is not believing the health conditions are real, or they are not that serious. Or they’re saying that parents on $65k plus a year should be financially responsible for their kids until they’re 20, even if those kids can’t work for good reason. Which is, I think, wrong.  Johnny’s parents didn’t choose, I’m sure, to have a disabled child or a kid injured in a car crash at home in the prime of their lives. Ministers need to better explain this announcement or U-turn on this portion of it before the ink dries. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kier Starmer has urged students not to protest on the anniversary of the October 7 attacks. UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge that they aren't listening.  In London on Saturday nearly 500 people were arrested in a protest linked to Palestine Action which has been labelled a terrorist organisation by the UK Government.  Starmer warns of rising antisemitism while protesters say conflating the Israeli Government's actions and Jewish people is antisemitic.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has signed off changes that let NZ Post cut back to just two delivery days a week in towns and three in rural areas. Postal Workers Union co-president John Maynard said to Ryan Bridge that they are 'very critical' of the decision as it appears NZ Post prioritises returning a dividend to the Government over it's customers. But NZ Post says nothing is changing yet, and rural communities will still get extra protections under this new deal. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More students now think it's important to attend school everyday. A new Education Review Office report shows students are taking school more seriously than three years ago, with six in ten attending regularly - back to pre-Covid levels. It also found that 80 percent think education is important for their futures, and 75 percent think attending every day is important. PPTA president Chris Abercrombie told Ryan Bridge having the government focused on attendance has helped, however the threat of punishments isn't working for everyone. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economists say a 25 basis point cut to the Official Cash Rate could be the Reserve Bank's most strategic option.  The central bank will announce its latest review of monetary policy at 2pm.  It's largely expected we'll see a cut from the current rate of 3%, but the size of the reduction isn't clear.  ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner told Ryan Bridge we're just getting into the spring period for the housing market, and the next six weeks will reveal a lot about the rebound.   She says a 25-basis point cut would leave the most options open. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday October 8th 2025, ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner shares her thoughts on what will happen with the OCR.  The Government letting NZ Post cut back to just two delivery days a week in towns John Maynard co-president of the Postal Workers Union tells Ryan about the impacts it'll have on the workforce.  School attendance is back up to pre-covid levels, PPTA President Chris Abercrombie tells Ryan how much of difference he's seen with truancy.  Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on UK students ignoring pleas by the UK PM not to join pro-Palestinian protests and the latest with the French political crisis.  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.

Regular listeners will know, when it comes to free speech, I'm into it.  How else do we get smarter but to debate ideas, put them through the ringer, shout and scream and reason and argue? We've been doing it since we could talk - which is, well, a long time.  When the MAGA mob came for Jimmy Kimmel, I defended him. On this programme.  Many of you agreed. Some of you did not, which is what we call an argument, and that's okay too.  So yesterday, when the telco OneNZ decided to pull those ads with the activist in them, I had a genuine moral conundrum.  See I think people should be able to protest (not in work uniform, obviously), and not get the sack. I don't like cancelling people.  In this case, the fact she gave out Winston's address on the internet probably crosses a line.  But if we're being honest, did it need to take a crowbar through his front window, shattering glass, for the head honchos at OneNZ to take action? She'd been plastered all over the news for sharing his address for days before crowbars hit glass.  I don't like that she'd been cancelled, but I can see why they did it.  And as for activists more generally, apparently there's a Shortland Street actor packing his bag for some flotilla somewhere - they're just annoying, aren't they?  Same goes for the priests chaining themselves to electorate offices.  Who doesn't need a lecture on geopolitics of the Middle East from a guy who wears a fake stethoscope for a living? In most cases, the real subject matter is themselves. In most cases, they achieve nothing. And in most cases, they're ignored.  The beauty of democracy, along with freedom of speech, is that we can.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Satisfaction on both sides over the Commerce Commission's decision regarding Air New Zealand's airport cost concerns.   The Commission's announced it won't investigate airport regulation but will look into how much information airports should give airlines on major upgrades.   Air New Zealand says it's pleasantly surprised by the outcome.   Airports Association Chief Executive Billie Moore told Ryan Bridge it's constructive.   But she says it's also about balance, as while Air New Zealand say they might pay half a billion in fees, Auckland is their biggest hub.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's thought the roll out of David Seymour's new attendance services will make a difference.   The Associate Education Minister's putting $140 million towards improving attendance over four years, promising to reach twice the number of students.  Extra support is going to 170 schools with chronic absence.  Manurewa Attendance Service Lead Principal Cathy Chalmers told Ryan Bridge it's a much fairer way of distributing the resourcing, but there are still challenges.   She says her school's attendance floats around 60%, so they hope to reach Seymour's goals, but it's an aspirational target.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's mushroom murder case will be heading back to court.  Prosecutors have launched an appeal over the length of Erin Patterson's sentence.  This follows her triple convictions – convictions her lawyer confirmed last week he intends to appeal.  Melbourne correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge the Crown intends to argue her sentence is "manifestly inadequate".  Patterson was spared the harshest penalty available – a life sentence with no parole.  She was instead sentenced to life in prison with a 33-year non-parole period, meaning she could be freed when she's 82 years old.  Patterson's lawyer is yet to outline the grounds for her appeal.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A boost for the vaping industry as the Government asks for tenders for devices for long-time smokers. Health New Zealand's provided three thousand of the devices since January, under a pilot programme. But Newstalk ZB can reveal it plans to order more - including flavours like cinnamon and blueberry at the maximum legal nicotine level.  Health NZ is talking up the PR benefits to suppliers, saying it will increase their health system profile, credibility and visibility.  General Practitioners Aotearoa Chair Dr Buzz Burrell shares his thoughts with Ryan.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just when you thought local council couldn’t get more absurd and extravagant, they’ve dreamt up a new way to not make decisions. To do less, with more. Citizens assemblies. A crackpot idea the Romans once used. But Romans did lots of weird stuff we stopped doing, and this should be one of them. They’ve got one on the boil in Whanganui.  In Napier, 40 unelected locals have just finished sitting around talking about where to put a new swimming pool and what that pool might look like.  Four weeks later. $800 per person, including refreshments and god knows what else - $100,000 total from the rates take. It's basically a catered chinwag between neighbours that they call an assembly.   And guess what? They couldn’t come up with a consensus on where to put the pool. Despite all the expertise, the opinions for Africa, the specialists, the Lamingtons, no location was decided.  You can’t make this stuff up. Why bother with a council, a Mayor, an MP? Like DJ sets and recycled period cups, these citizens assemblies are very much in vogue with the radical left across Europe right now.  But they’re also a massive waste of time and money and the more I read about stuff like this, the more I think we’d be better off dispensing with democracy and bringing in a dictator.  Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise was quoted as saying the assembly’s recommendations "were an invaluable starting point in the journey towards a new pool…” Give me strength.  An invaluable starting point for a new swimming pool is a hole in the ground.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 7th of October 2025 David Seymour's hitting the gas on school attendance targets, lead Principal of the Manurewa attendance service, Cathy Chalmers shares her thoughts on the new plan.  Health NZ is ordering thousands more vapes to help smokers quit, General Practitioners Aotearoa Chair Dr Buzz Burrell tells Ryan what GPs think of it.  The Commerce Commission says it won’t investigate sky-high airport costs despite pressure from airlines, NZ Airports Association Chief Executive Billie Moore shares her thoughts.  Plus Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on the defence treaty between Papa New Guinea and Australia.   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 are questions over how the Government will tackle the benefit serving multiple family members under one roof.  From November next year, parents who earn more than $65,500 must support their 18 and 19-year-olds, rather than them going on the benefit - with a few exceptions. Former Welfare Expert Advisory Group member, Phil O'Reilly told Ryan Bridge those on $65,000, tend to be on some sort of benefit themselves.  He says there'll be a complex interplay at the lower end, of how much Government support the parent and young person will get. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.