Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast 2025, the Government’s adding 140 new hospital beds across five hospitals from mid next year Health Minister Simeon Brown tells Andrew Dickens the difference it'll make to capacity. Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekends sport.  The PSA’s taking ACC to the employment relations authority, PSA National Secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons says workers have been blindsided over new work-from-home rules. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on two people in critical condition after ten were injured by two men with knives on a train heading to London from Doncater 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 are set to face Ireland in Chicago for the first match of their Grand Slam Tour.  This will be the first time the two sides have faced each other in nearly a year, where the All Blacks beat Ireland 23 - 13.  ZB's Voice of Rugby Elliott Smith told Francesca Rudkin that '[the game] promises to be a special occasion even if it's not tearing the headlines off the front pages.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Minister receiving advice on allowing babies to receive measles vaccine as the outbreak spreads. New Zealand has two new Auckland cases bringing the total to 13.  A national immunisation week starts on Monday - to help bring it in under control.  Minister Simeon Brown told Francesca Rudkin there is the potential that if children are immunised earlier than 12 months, their longer term immunity wouldn't be as good. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Donald Trump testing the limits with his latest nuclear weapon testing comment? The US President posted on social media - saying he has no choice but to restart testing, because of other countries testing programs. If the US follows through it'd mark the first official nuclear weapon testing - apart from North Korea - this century. Geopolitical Analyst Geoffrey Miller told Francesca Rudkin that it's part of Trump's game. He says he's constantly playing this game of brinkmanship, where he'll go right to the brink before pulling back. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 31 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.

Signs are looking good for Fonterra's major sell-off to get the green light this morning.  By 10:45 today, the shareholders will decide if selling big brands like Anchor and Mainland to global dairy giant Lactalis is the right decision.  Fonterra Shareholder and Supplier Garry Reymer told Ryan Bridge that the majority of shareholders seem to be in favour of the sale. 'I hear a few farmers who tell me they're gonna vote against it, but by and large the majority seem to accept,' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opinion remains split on whether we have to renew our vehicles' Warrants of Fitness,  too often.  Proposals up for consultation from today would further stretch out WOFs for light vehicles, to once every two years.  The one-year rule would continue for vehicles older than 10 years.  AA Principal Policy Adviser Terry Collins told Ryan Bridge that they've surveyed their members to get their thoughts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know how we're a free trade country? It’s our thing. We export, we earn, we sell, we get richer. And we want open supply chains and free movement of goods across borders, etc., etc. Well, today Trump and Xi of China are finally signing that deal—or at least the framework of a deal—to bring an end to this war. This should, in theory, benefit both of them. The region. And us. That's a good thing. We're also likely to sell our dairy consumer brands to the French today, in a deal worth $4 billion. That's a good thing. Yesterday, Westpac released some research—they reckon our GDP wasn’t actually that bad in June.They revised down their estimate from a 0.9% contraction to just 0.1%. They say it all came down to an accounting glitch related to the closure of the Marsden Point oil refinery. In all of these stories, two ideologies are playing out. Are we a free trade, open-the-door, globalist sort of country? Or are we the Winston Peters, protectionist, don’t-sell-your-milk-brands, keep-Marsden-Point-open type of place? Are we New Zealand First? Because the more countries out there protecting themselves, the stronger the argument becomes for us doing the same.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Belief that both employers and the Government need to up their game to ensure Kiwis are being hired before migrants.  The Immigration Minster's getting tougher on employers hiring more migrants than unemployed New Zealanders. Erica Stanford says employers will be stripped of the chance to recruit migrants if they're not looking closer to home. Business NZ Immigration Specialist Rachel Simpson told Ryan Bridge the Ministry need to help businesses prioritise Kiwis.  She says employers will always look locally but immigration is about the skills those people bring to the country.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 30 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.

More MPs and longer parliamentary terms have been deemed key to modernising a decades old electoral system.  Fresh New Zealand Initiative research found 30 years on from the introduction of MMP, our parliament is in the need of a four year term and 50 more members.  That would take the Parliament to 170. Report author and Senior Fellow Nick Clark says MMP has delivered fairer and more representative parliaments.  But he says these changes would create better balance between members and the executive.  Clark says right now there is a huge number of ministers compared to members, making it harder for MPs to hold those ministers to account. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's early days for new curriculum changes, as not all subject documents have been uploaded. The Education Minister has unveiled proposed changes to content for Years 1-10,  on top of the English and Maths refresh announced earlier -  changing subjects like health and history.  The Immediate Past President of the Auckland Primary Principals Association Kyle Brewerton told Ryan Bridge that only some documents are fully visible at the moment.  He says his immediate reaction is there's a lot of content change and it's now the schools responsibility to feedback. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Labour leader says there'll be a sense a relief among many to see a new capital gains tax policy. Labour's announced the policy for next year's election campaign, targeting commercial and investment properties, but not family homes.  The revenue would go into health, creating a Medicard scheme providing free GP visits. Phil Goff told Ryan Bridge the OECD has been calling out New Zealand for being the only country in the western world not to have the tax. He says Labour's putting it in place for the sake of fairness and making sure investment decisions aren't distorted by being the odd one out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 29th of October 2025, The Government’s finally unveiled its new school curriculum for years 1 to 10, Immediate past President of the Auckland Primary Principals Association, Kyle Brewerton shares his thoughts.  A new report for the NZ Initiative believes our MMP system needs 50 more MPs, report author and senior fellow at the NZ Initiative, tells Ryan why.  Former Labour Party leader Phil Goff shares his thoughts on who leaked the capital gains tax.  Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on asylum seekers could be housed in military sites and UK ministers to look at complaints modern cars have headlights which are too bright. 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.

Did you catch the comments yesterday from Malaysia Deputy PM. He was talking to a kiwi delegation off in KL for ASEAN. "This will be your new market and we welcome any halal product from New Zealand." I have always been pretty sceptical about these trade missions, whether they actually achieve something or are just a giant junket. The truth is their a bit of both.  On a trip to Vladivostok in Russia back in 2011, our PM got a sit down with Vladimir Putin.  The guy was late. We waited in the rain for hours. And then he came in in, sat down, spoke in Russian, then had his body guards usher us out of the room.  He and John Key spoke for about an hour.  At the time, NZ was trying to cut a free trade deal with Russia - including Belarus and Kazakhstan. You just don't get that sport of access everyday. Of course, you wouldn't be doing that deal today. We suspended talks in 2014 with Ukraine. So I grew to accept these meetings actually do achieve something. Besides, the hotels and accommodation they'd scraped together in a hurry, ahead of the event. So overtime and rushed, the walls in pour provided accommodation wings was still wet with paint, and the lift broke down everyday.  They're not always glamorous. Great fun all the same.  But back to the Malaysian Deputy PM. If a Kiwi politician said that to a foreign company wanting to export here. It wouldn't mean much to importers here.  But there, it's different. If there's anything I learnt about Asia is that's politicians have sway.  They often control large contracts, have close relationships or control over parts of the economy you wouldn't seen in more western style democracies.  So when the a leader in a country of 35 million, in a region with 700 million, says something like that. It's probably worth the trip. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's making moves on aged care reform - hoping to better meet New Zealanders' needs. It's establishing a Ministerial Advisory Group to recommend changes to the aged care funding model - expected by mid-next year.  The group will also look at the changes needed to support integration between aged care and health and disability services. Associate Health Minister Casey Costello told Ryan Bridge most people want to stay at home for as long as possible, so they want to develop a system that supports this. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's met with various South East Asian leaders but missed out speaking with US President Donald Trump, as he attends talks in Malaysia. Chris Luxon's attending the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur for bilateral talks with regional leaders.  Donald Trump was at the talks briefly, before leaving for Japan to meet their new leader. Senior Political Reporter Azaria Howell told Ryan Bridge the pair will have a chance to cross paths again, with APEC in South Korea later this week. She says Luxon told a news conference it's unlikely there'll be any reprieve from tariffs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's unclear how much the Labour government will raise, from its just announced new capital gains tax. The targeted tax would apply to profit made from selling commercial or residential property, to raise funds for universal free doctors visitors. The family home, farms, KiwiSaver, shares, business assets, inheritances, and personal items will be exempt. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Ryan Bridge the announcement doesn't specify how much the tax is likely to raise. He says it's hard to assess based on the information whether the tax would raise millions, hundreds of millions, or billions of dollars of revenue over any time period. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 28th of October 2025, Labour's announced a capital gains tax, Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen shares his thoughts.  The Government’s finally making moves on aged care reform, Associate Minister of Health Casey Costello tells Ryan what changes they plan to make.  Newstalk ZB Political reporter Azaria Howell has the latest on Luxon in Asia.  Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport.  Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on a crocodile attack in Queensland.  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.

It was only a matter of time before Dame Noels was allowed back where she belongs. You could almost hear the cheers from fans not just of netball but of sport in general. The problem with this whole saga is that for the most part, we the public have been left guessing what was really going on behind the scenes. The reason people became so invested, and it eventually became political, was the narrative around the story. Speak to your average punter and they’d made up their minds. Dame Noels is a bloody legend. She’s a straight shooter. She calls a spade a spade. She’s hard and hearty and gets results. It’s not tiddlywinks. It’s professional sport. And that’s why this story took off like a rocket.  High performance sport is about exactly that. If you can’t take heat, get out of the kitchen. The public backed Dame Noels because this looked like a small group of players, notably excluding star Grace Nweke, who didn’t like the coaching style. They got sour grapes. They thought they were bigger than the boss.  With Netball NZ acting as an overzealous HR department, the whole thing spiralled and the results points differential across the Tasman spoke for itself. The problem is we don’t really know exactly what went on behind the scenes. But the message from the public is pretty clear. Sports not meant to be easy. It’s not meant to be rainbows and butterflies.  It's meant to be tough. Sure, you shouldn't hit your players. Or stand on the sideline swearing at them.  But nobody has said that was happening.  And they wouldn't be taking her back if it did.  So, the best thing Netball NZ can do now is get specific on exactly what happened. And nor step aside and let cooler heads run the place.  Because this whole saga's been handled terribly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Deputy Prime Minister isn't buying the argument strikers have won the war on public sentiment. Thousands downed tools across the education, health and public sector yesterday and took to the streets calling for better pay and working conditions.  David Seymour - who's also the Associate Health Minister - told Ryan Bridge that it's important to talk about facts, rather than sentiment.  He says the pay requests being made aren't sustainable with the Government's current finances.  Seymour says teachers and nurses have had recent pay increases - more than many tax payers.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's economy could look to benefit from Fonterra’s proposed sale. The proposed sale of Anchor and Mainland brands to French company Lactalis could unlock around 4.5 billion in additional spending. Forsyth Barr Senior Analyst Matt Montgomerie shares his thoughts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 24th of October 2025, the mega strikes have been and gone, Deputy Prime Minister and Associate Health and Education Minister David Seymour tells Ryan what happens next.  Nick Bewley has this scoop on this weekend's all-southern NPC final.  A new ASB report out this morning says Fonterra’s plan to sell its retail brands could unlock $4.5 billion in extra spending across the economy, Forsyth Barr Senior analyst, Matt Montgomerie shares his thoughts. Plus, UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on Zelensky in Brussels and King Charles becoming the first head of the Church of England to pray publicly with the Pope. 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 100,000 workers went on strike. Now what? The cost to settle these claims will run into the billions. Easily.  1979 was the last time we a strike this big. A general strike. 300-thousand people. It was Muldoon days. It was over a dispute with driver unions and transport. It went to arbitration and the unions won. This time, senior doctors refused binding arbitration.  Secondary teachers have a few more strikes before Christmas. And the primary teachers have more dates set down for pay talks next month.  You’d have to say, based purely on vibes and a little bit on polling, that the workers win the week. They 've won the PR battle. We're already sick of hearing how much senior doctors get paid. Parents will be sick of their kids missing school. Anymore delayed hip operations and there’ll be hell to pay. If the unions expect strikes to kick off again next year, they might find themselves falling out of favour with workers in the private sector. The median wage is $70k. Private sector workers haven’t been getting the same increases as the public ones. The offer these teachers are rejecting would have almost 80% of them on $100k or more. Base salary.  Arguing for more and dragging our industrial action for to long and you risk looking, well, political. Or greedy. Given the state of the books and the enormous deficit blowout this current lot inherited.  So the unions have won the battle. Can they win the war? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unions say the mega-strikes today - are not just about them.  Tens of thousands of workers across health and education are stopping work in their fight for better pay and conditions.  More than 100 members gathered in Auckland last night - discussing the importance of strong public education and health systems.  PPTA President Chris Abercrombie says that the public service commission hasn't yet made contact, but the teachers have made it clear, "we're more than happy to talk about anything they want to talk about." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour plans to expand rebate for game development industry. Labour says that, if re-elected, they will expand the game development rebate, which gives Kiwi studios access to $40million a year to grow the industry.   The subsidy currently covers 41 different game studios, and in the 2025 financial year $24million of the $40million was spent.  Game Developers Association Executive Director Joy Keene told Ryan Bridge that, “the world can't get enough of New Zealand developed games.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More children are being harmed in Oranga Tamariki's care.  The agency's annual report reveals 530 children in care experienced harm in the year ending in March - 23 more than the previous 12 months.  There were more findings of emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect in this period - but an eight percent reduction in findings of physical harm. Instances of harm in secure residences fell for the first time - something the Children's Minister is celebrating.  Karen Chhour told Ryan Bridge she's pleased by the 14 percent drop - as it shows recent system changes are yielding results. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Massey Uni releases these numbers each year.  They tell you how much you might need to retirement.  In the city... two people in a house... want to live comfortably... need $1 million.  $450,000 in the provinces. Now, you then start working backwards. In terms of you're net worth.  Depending on your age, you may not be able to rely on the pension.  Some government will eventually means test it or change the age or cut it back. It's inevitable.  So there's a shortfall you're probably going to have to fill.  KiwiSaver contributions need to go up. And they are. Slightly, from 3 to eventually 4%.  But realistically, we'll need to be doing 10%. And I know people are doing that - who are, even in their 30s, going hard on saving and investing for this express purpose.  So people are planning and working hard. Slogging their guts out. Just being responsible and making sure they can take care of themselves and their families.  Which is why it smacks of entitlement that politicians live in i a different world on super. Totally different world.  They get a super subsidy 2.5 times the percent they contribute from their salary, up to a maximum payment of 20 percent. RNZ reported earlier this year that a backbencher gets $170,000. 20 percent of that would be about $34,000 We get dollar-for-dollar from our employers up to 3 percent.  The argument is their jobs aren't secure, so they need more security.  They aren't the only ones in that situation. But they are the only ones I know of who get retirement nest egg like that. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 23rd of October 2025, an estimated 100,000 teachers, nurses, dentists and medical staff are all walking off the job today, PPTA President Chris Abercrombie tells Ryan some rallies have been called off due to severe weather.  Labour’s keeping the policy train rolling and this time it’s all about video games, New Zealand game developers Association Executive Director Joy Keene shares her thoughts.  The Children’s Commissioner and Independent Children’s Monitor have called out the Children's Minister for cherry-picking statistics on abuse in state care, Karen Chhour makes her case. Plus, US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on Trump demanding the Justice Department pay him $230 million in compensation for the federal investigations into him and the government shutdown is now entering its fourth week. 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.

A Māori rights lawyer is not buying the Government's explanation for a change to foreshore and seabed laws.  It says amendments to the Marine and Coastal Areas Act restore the legislation to its original intent - an argument criticised by the Act's original author former Attorney General Chris Finlayson.   It's expected to make getting Māori customary marine titles more difficult.  Lawyer and former Waitangi Tribunal Registrar Tom Bennion told Ryan Bridge the Government's won't admit they're trying to eradicate coastal rights.  He says people just about have to have been standing on the shore since 1840 with a taiaha telling everyone to go away - or they won't get anything.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicolas Sarkozy's become the first French ex-president to go to jail. He's started a five-year sentence for conspiring to fund his election campaign with money from late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.  Sarkozy, who was president from 2007-2012, has appealed against his jail term at La Santé prison, where he will occupy a small cell in its isolation wing. UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was always going to be a risky strategy but it's backfiring quite badly for Labour. The two-year policy drought is over. Then heavens have open.  And a flood, or more like a few rain drops, of policy. It's gone haywire not just because Hipkins forgot his Health spokesperson was actually announcing a policy yesterday.  But because of the contents of that policy. In a nutshell it’s about letting some independent group of experts decide on health funding. And as I mentioned yesterday, a trend is now emerging.  Labour doesn’t trust itself to make wise choices. Or rather, it knows the electorate doesn’t trust it make wise choices with their hard-earned money. That’s why they’ve outsourced decision making to other people. They did it with the Future Fund and now they've done it on health. In some ways it’s smart. They're trying to suggest National will sell off assets and de-fund doctors so there needs to be an independent group making decisions.  But mostly it’s dumb because if there’s one thing kiwis don’t like backing, it’s a loser. And this strategy feels like a loser because it lacks confidence. It's the message its sending. It doesn’t say here’s where I’ll put your money and here’s how and here’s why. It says, “I’m not too confident that you’re confident in me so I’ll give your money to someone else to decide”. It feels a bit weak. It’s not a plan or a policy; it’s an admission of guilt. Of failure.  If the goal was in fact to box National into a corner during the election campaign, that also creates problems. Are these the best policies to grow NZ Inc and get the best outcomes, or are these just politically expedient policies designed to start fights on a campaign? All of this, of course, comes ahead of their capital gains tax announcement, which is apparently weeks away. What’s next? They’ll let a group of accountants decide who should pay what tax on what assets? Confidence is key in politics. You’ve got to know what you want and you’ve to go for it. Chippy’s so far left his mojo at the door and it’s showing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 22nd of October 2025, The Foreshore and Seabed Amendment Bill has passed into law, maori rights lawyer and former registrar of the waitangi tribunal Tom Bennion shares his thoughts.  Agriculture Minister Todd McClay shares his views on farmer-shareholders voting in favour of a $270 million investment from Dawn Meats into Alliance.  A new sector survey shows abuse toward roadworkers is out of control, Civil Contractors NZ CEO Alan Pollard tells Ryan why the problem is getting worse.  Plus UK/ Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on Nicolas Sarkozy becoming the first French ex-president to go to jail. 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.

Consistency is key to the success of crucial roads, which are next on the Government's construction hit list.  It's funnelling nearly 1.2 billion into 17 highway projects countrywide,  as part of the Roads of National Significance programme.  National Road Carriers Policy manager James Smith told Ryan Bridge newly built roads of significance such as the Kapiti Expressway have seen significant benefits.  He says not only do they lead to slightly faster travel times, but the route is now more reliable and dependable.  Smith says in his industry, drivers need to know what time they will arrive. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Belief that small businesses are the backbone of New Zealand but are under-served in current Government schemes.  Labour has pledged to launch a Future Fund - that re-invests dividends from specified Crown assets into businesses and infrastructure projects. Prospa Managing Director Adrienne Begbie told Ryan Bridge her company helps small businesses get off the ground, and it's great Labour is taking steps forward for these Kiwis.  She says hopefully this fund gives some different kinds of investment to help businesses grow and spark up New Zealand. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A rates cap is one of those policies that immediately sounds appealing.  Look no further than yesterday’s CPI number. It’s one of your top three inflation feeders. So, throw a cap on them. Tie their hands behind their backs. Reign 'em in! Get rid of the hundred-thousand-dollar bike rack here, the million-dollar disco toilets there, the coffee machines for staff over there. But in practice, how do actually make it work without starving these councils of revenue they actual need to fix the pipes? I spoke to Ben Bell from Gore yesterday. He said almost 90% of council spending there goes on basics - pipes and roads.  The rest is "nice to haves". Libraries and swimming pools etc.  There’s no club sandwiches as council meetings. They're drinking instant coffee. And yet, Gore’s rate increases have been double digit or close to it for several years. They’ll be close to double digits again this year.  Despite that, the good people of Gore have re-elected Bell for a second term. So, we say we want lower rates, of course we do, but the question is what will it cost to us?  Will capping them actually hurt us? Our local economies, productivity, efficiency.  Last week, Wayne Brown told me on Herald Now that Auckland could have a ZERO increase next year if it wasn’t for the City Rail Link spending coming online. It’s a major transport project. It'll, in theory, benefit Auckland and the country. It was paid for by both Jaffas and taxpayers. If we want lower rates, we could just not run any trains on the tracks.  But is that sensible. Don’t get me wrong, I’m the first to criticise the big spending bozos who chuck money at dumb stuff. But most council spending isn’t that. Most of it is stuff we need.  D-day is looming for the government’s plan to cap rates, and it needs to be a measured response. We need spending on pipes and roads to continue and waste on disco loos flushed down the dunny.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 21st of October 2025, the Government's set aside a combined total of $1.2 billion to get key projects moving in the roads of national significance programme, National Road Carriers General Manager of Policy and Advocacy, James Smith shares his thoughts.  Inflation’s hit 3% for the year to September -- up from 2.7%, but still within the reserve bank’s target. Adrienne Begbie Managing Director of Prospa NZ shares her thoughts on Labour's Future Fund idea.  Plus, Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on Trump's meeting with Albanese at the White house.  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.

Shane Jones is determined to use his voice to attract mining investors to our shores - no matter the next election outcome.  The Resources Minister and self-proclaimed 'mining champion' is heading to the International Mining and Resources Conference in Sydney, to promote our supply of rare earth minerals.  Jones told Ryan Bridge regardless of the risk of the opposition taking power, if there is no strong advocate for mining, then we surrender to woke-ism. He says investors are warming to the fact New Zealand has a voice that is pushing back the tide, and without it, we'd be poorer.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.