Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Farmers are pushing ACT and New Zealand First for less politicking and more action.   The two parties have expressed interest in withdrawing from the global Paris Agreement unless more realistic emissions targets are produced to fight climate change.   But Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says they're in government and could be resolving the problems creating uncertainty for farmers now.   He told Andrew Dickens the Paris Agreement in itself isn't necessarily the problem.   Langford says we need to dig deeper and look at what's setting Paris back, because it's actually what we're setting on ourselves as a government.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Wednesday 3rd of September 2025, Should we pull out of the Paris Climate Accord? Federated Farmers National President Wayne Langford makes his case.  A international visitor survey shows there was a 5% increase in visitors over the last year, Hospitality NZ Head of Advocacy Sam Mackinnon shares his thoughts. The Government’s rejected tougher entry rules for universities, Grant Edwards Vice Chancellor Lincoln University tells Andrew whether or not we need tougher restrictions.  Plus UK/ Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the UK government long-term borrowing costs reaching their highest level since 1998. 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.

Pulling out of the Paris Climate agreement has got the backing of ACT and New Zealand First, who say we're overdoing it. And my first reaction is yes. The thing isn't working. It's never worked.  It has always felt like something the world does to make itself feel like it's doing something, even though it's doing nothing When you combine it with the Emissions Trading Scheme —which is a giant Ponzi scheme made to make Coldplay feel better about touring the world in jet planes, meanwhile filling our pastures with trees— then the whole thing seems useless, so why be involved? And we're so little. New Zealand's biggest contribution to CO2 numbers is our farming, which is fairly benign polluter, because the world needs food.   The world doesn't need more cheap jeans and plastic crap, but the people who make that stuff are merrily pumping rubbish into our atmosphere. So why should we be punishing the cornerstone of our economy when in the scheme of things, it contributes so little while the real polluters keep on polluting? So yeah, let's stand up. Tell the world they're in a fool's paradise of virtue signalling and get on with feeding the people we can. But. The rest of world, with the exception of the United States, still believe in this mirage.  And they're the ones buying our food, and they're also the ones who will find any way to blacklist our awesome agricultural products. So pulling out of the charade may see us cutting our nose off to spite our face.  It may reduce the compliance costs on our farmers in the first instance, but what's the point of that if it makes the rest of the world turn their back on our milk and butter and meat? ACT and New Zealand First may think that this posturing is helping our farmers, but in fact it could be penalising them even more heavily And maybe ACT and New Zealand first are playacting this for votes just as much as the Paris Climate Accords are playacting for the environment So let's call this thing for what it is, and rather than just pulling our in a flounce, advocate for real change to the Accords and the policies and actually get on with helping the environment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Overseas visitors are back and here to spend, with tourism hotspots like Queenstown reaping the benefits. The latest International Visitor Survey results show a 5% increase in international tourists over the past year. Spending has increased by more than 4%, but still remains at 86% of pre-pandemic levels.  Hospitality New Zealand spokesperson Sam Mackinnon told Andrew Dickens he's hoping the spending will soon become more regionally dispersed. He says councils across the country are working on their destination management plans, so they can get a slice of the tourism pie. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A push to slim down New Zealand’s unusually large number of ministerial portfolios is being met with caution.  A report by the New Zealand Initiative's found comparable countries have a third of our 81 portfolios and is calling for a cull.  PSA's national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons says they don't object to a discussion around this.  But she told Andrew Dickens it's taking place in a political context, driven by the ACT Party.  Fitzsimons says David Seymour's been vocal about dismissing more public servants and moving to a model of privatisation.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A drive to attract foreign investors could deliver more than just financial gain.  The Government’s tweaking visa rules, letting Active Investor Plus holders buy or build one New Zealand home worth at least $5 million.  This is on top of the minimum $5 million investment pledge needed to get the visa.  Former Labour Cabinet minister Stuart Nash told Andrew Dickens these investors will bring experience, contacts, and networks with them.    He says they'll bring in a whole mix of different skills and competencies - which will create a lot of value  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More people are getting mortgages approved as they prepare for the Official Cash Rate to fall further. Latest Centrix figures show mortgage enquiries are up 16% for the month of July and new mortgage lending rose almost 25%. Key Mortgages broker Jeremy Andrews told Andrew Dickens many people are getting approved and just holding off. He says there's been more activity lately - with one client of his going to auction, and nine people registered to bid. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government’s new plan for water services is called Local Water Done Well. It’s all about keeping control in the hands of local councils and communities, rather than shifting everything to big centralised bodies.  Which was what Three Waters did. Eventually Labour caved and the policy got renamed 10 Waters because there would be 10 regionalised bodies, but even that was not popular. And of course there was the troublesome identity politics around Māori co-governance that freaked a lot of people out. So now, Councils have to submit Water Services Delivery Plans showing how they’ll manage drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater safely, sustainably, and affordably.  There’s still strong oversight from regulators, but the focus is on local decision-making, community accountability, and better outcomes for everyone.  So Councils must submit their Water Services Delivery Plans (WSDPs) to the Secretary for Local Government and the deadline is the third of September. These plans outline how each council will deliver and fund water services - that’s tomorrow and it’s looking like it’s going to be a bust  And the big sticking point is funding, which was at the core of Three Waters. Three Waters was going to force water services to be amalgamated, the assets used to borrow against, and the loans paid off by water rates, not rates. Local Water Done Well allows for that to happen too, but the difference is that it has to be done voluntarily by the councils, and they don’t want to do that.  Here’s a concrete example: Thames Coromandel is a nightmare water services situation. The area is mountainous and the weather events extreme. There’s hardly any ratepayers and the population expands immensely in the summer. The Thames Coromandel Council wanted to join forces with Tauranga and Western Bays to form a bigger regional body to fund water off their existing assets.  Tauranga doesn’t want the hassle of Thames Coromandel and so the deal hasn’t happened. The estimation is that this will put 500 to 600 dollars onto the Thames Coromandel rates. We all want better water, but we all want lower rates. We’ll find out tomorrow what’s going to happen with water but at the moment it looks like the policy should be renamed Local Water, done not very well and not funded. After all the talk about water reform we’re right back at where we started from and you, the ratepayer, will have to pay for it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Tuesday 2nd of September 2025, the government's made moves of the foreign buyers ban, former Labour minister Stuart Nash shares his thoughts.  Interest rates are softening but the property market’s still in limbo, Jeremy Andrews from Key Mortgages provides analysis on the latest Centrix Credit data. The NZ Initiative has done a report which found we have about three times as many ministries as countries we like to compare ourselves to, PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons shares her thoughts. Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on Anthony Albanese speaking on the Nauru deportation plan.  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 New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey reveals most violent crimes have been dropping in the past two years. It finds the number of sexual assault victims steadily increased over this time. More beat officers are being deployed in Auckland to act as a deterrent to crime. Chief Victims Advisor Ruth Money told Andrew Dickens that these numbers are highly volatile. She says there's lots of high pressure times, like Christmas which can see an uptick of crime in the community. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 1 September. 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.

Concern tertiary students are having to choose extra work over studying - to keep up with increased living costs. More than 34-million-dollars in hardship funds has been given out by institutions since 2020. Victoria University's Student Association spokesperson, Aidan Donoghue, says things haven't improved much since Covid. He told Andrew Dickens they received 940 applications for their Winter Energy Grant this year, compared to 265 two years ago. Donoghue says every application is limited to one address - so that's 940 households.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Quigley marched off into the sunset at 5.49pm on Friday. Late enough for the news to miss the TV 6pm bulletin.  It’s an old PR trick. Leaving the shock value to dissipate over the weekend before the start of play on Monday.  It was evidence to me that successive governments and the Reserve Bank have failed to respect each other or realise that even though they are independent their actions combine and affect all of New Zealand  In the Covid years the Reserve bank reacted and made money essentially free.  But the Labour government wanted to be seen to be doing something, so they started overspending and throwing borrowed money away.  The result was a superheated economy that crashed spectacularly and spectacularly quickly  So, then the Reserve Bank made money expensive again to attack the overheating.  But the new Government, this time National, again wanted to be seen to be doing something so they cancelled government expenditure throwing us into a deeper economic funk than anyone had expected.  In both scenarios the governments didn’t seem to realise what was happening at the Reserve Bank. And the Reserve Bank was too proud to take into account the stupidity of governments.  Government’s need to heed the advice that they give Council’s.  Stick to the knitting. Their job is to do the basics.  Fund Health, Education and the Police.  And build us stuff to help us do business like roads and rail and ferries. Not to worry about the price of butter or the number of supermarkets.  And keep the borrowing as low as is reasonable Meanwhile let the Reserve Bank worry about inflation and the big financial stuff.  That’s how successful governments respected the independence of the Reserve Bank and how the last two amateur governments did not.  The saga also shows how political Treasury is.  Their advice wavers in the wind of whoever is in power and is not to be trusted. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Ferns’ opening Rugby World Cup win has come at a cost.   They crushed Spain at the start of the week, claiming victory 45-8, but lost loose forward Kaipo Olsen-Baker to injury.  However Back and Skills coach Riki Flutey told Ryan Bridge they’re confident Olsen-Baker, along with outside backs Ayesha Leti-I’iga and Amy du Plessis will play in next week’s clash against Ireland.   But before that is a clash against Japan, and the Ferns aren’t taking the team lightly.  Flutey told Bridge there’s threats throughout the Japanese team, but they’re confident in the team’s ability to defeat them.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine has suffered its worst night of strikes in months.  Nineteen people have been killed, including four children, and dozens are injured following a bombardment of missiles and drones in the capital of Kyiv.   It marks Russia's deadliest onslaught on Kyiv since July.   UK correspondent Vincent McAviney told Ryan Bridge the strikes hit residential areas and the offices of those representing the EU and UK.   He says Britain is taking it as an attack on their presence there, and Ukraine's President Zelensky says this is evidence that Putin's not serious about negotiating a peace settlement.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese investment in New Zealand is growing, but slowly.  The New Zealand China Council’s annual report shows China ranks 12th as a source of foreign investment in New Zealand, providing less than 1% of total inflows.  Investment grew 9% a year between 2014 and 2024, but has flat lined since 2019.  NZIER Principal Economist Chris Nixon told Ryan Bridge the problem is that investment is a long-term game, so other countries have a greater advantage.   He says we've been trading with China for the last 20 years so it will take time for the relationship to build.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It could soon be easier to go to the pub for a big overseas sports match amid tough times in hospitality. The Government's proposing to loosen certain regulations and allow for businesses to respond to objections for them having a license. Ministers will be able to grant one-off special trading hours for businesses that stream major events.  Auckland's Kingslander Bar owner Steve Gillett told Ryan Bridge it's a time of need for the industry. He says this would be an opportunity to increase revenue streams and up total sales. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 29th of August 2025, changes to alcohol regulation laws means ministers can grant one-off special trading hours for businesses that stream major events, Kingslander bar owner Steve Gillett tells Ryan how big of a difference it will make.  Black Ferns backs and skills coach Riki Flutey catches up with Ryan on the Rugby World Cup ahead of the Black Ferns game against Japan.  China ranks 12th in direct foreign investment to New Zealand, NZIER Principal Economist Chris Nixon shares his analysis. Plus, UK/ Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on Ukraine suffering the worst night of strikes in months with at least 19 killed. 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.

Reading the Air New Zealand results was a bit disappointing - even more so was the commentary after.  Profit's down, demand is down, costs are on the march, capacity still buggered by engine problems.  Here's the real punch in the guts for our national carrier: they won't be back to full capacity for the best of two more years. Foran confirmed it last night.  There's something about a national carrier that should make you feel a bit proud.  When you've been overseas and travelled the world, not seen a Kiwi in ages, jumping onboard that last leg home, hearing the accent - the comfort of Kiwi service.  Foran's had a rough time in the job. Border closures and lockdowns, is there anything worse for the new boss of a global airline?  The Rolls Royce and other engine issues - again, not really his fault.  You can plan around that stuff but even those plans have had to change. The engine makers' timelines for a fit-it job have been pushed out. And then there's the prices - we all love to whine about the prices, including me.  A return weekend flight from Auckland to Wellington, for the middle of next month, will cost me close to 800 bucks! And guess what? They're going to keep going up - an extra five percent in the near future. As Foran hits the departure lounge to make way for a new Captain of our national treasure —if we'd still call it that— the question is what would or should he have done differently?   For all the faults and complaints and price hikes, is there anything anyone has suggested that could have fixed these problems while not simultaneously sinking the business, or worse, forcing it to go, once again, cap in hand to the government for another handout? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Minneapolis Catholic school's been left devastated after a gunman killed two children and injured 17 other people.  He was armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, and shot through the church windows before turning a gun on himself. Annunciation Catholic School was marking their first week of school with morning mass and had highlighted their theme for the year as 'hope'.  US Correspondent Toni Waterman told Ryan Bridge the shooter doesn’t have an extensive criminal history, despite showing up fully armed.  It’s unknown what the motive was at this stage.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's positive news for hubs like Auckland and Wellington where housing affordability gains have been most visible.  Cotality NZ’s new report finds the national value-to-income ratio reached its lowest point since mid-2019 in the June quarter, at 7.5%.   One Roof Editor Owen Vaughan told Ryan Bridge buyers should target housing pockets like Auckland's Otara, where's there a lot of value.  He says prices have come down around 20% since Covid, and houses can go for around 600 thousand dollars.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labour Party is accusing the Government of dillydallying on changes to the grocery market.   Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis announced plans to speed up the supermarket consent process.   Labour Party Commerce spokesperson Arena Williams says Labour is working on a suite of changes, but she didn't reveal what they are.   She told Ryan Bridge the consenting changes could be used by the existing players.   Williams says it could create less competition and drive more profits to the duopoly.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 28th of August 2025, the government's fast tracking new supermarkets to boost competition in the sector, Labour's Arena Williams shares her thoughts.  Figures from Cotality show house price/income ratio his back to pre-covid levels, Oneroof Editor Owen Vaughan tells Ryan why that is. The gender pay gap is at the lowest it's ever been, Mind the Gap co-founder Dellwyn Stuart shares her thoughts.  Plus US Correspondent Toni Waterman has the latest on a school shooting in Minneapolis.  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.

All good so far from Nicola Willis on supermarkets.  She's got to the nub of the problem, which is basically red tape. Governments of all stripes, including her, have been quick to point the finger at private enterprise for high prices. And there's truth in that, but most haven't looked in the mirror like Willis did yesterday and admit it's them that also has a problem. We all do, really.  Everybody moans about prices but then moans about construction of anything new - not in my backyard.  Consultation up the wazoo, committees, petitions, Duncan Webb on a soapbox - that's democracy. Like Churchill said, the lesser of two evils.  It's taken them two years to get here, but they could have just listened to our interview with the former Managing Director of Costco back in March - he told us all this then. The other big problems were real estate prices and shipping - getting goods here on their timeframes.  I predicted this (humble brag) all last week. They'll tinker round with fast-track and consumer laws and plaster their pressers with the threat of breaking up the duopoly. Divestment. Forcing Pak'nSave to sell some stores to a new entrant, forcing Foodstuffs to sell some distribution centres.  What I said last week is still true now, ACT won't go for it.  Plus, the even the Commerce Commission said it's risky as. Cost could outweigh benefits.  So, Willis should stop with the threats. If you own a supermarket right now and your livelihood is being threatened, are you going to invest? Hire staff? Plan expansions? The threat is purely political and could end up doing the opposite of what Willis wants it to.  Put it in the bin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Belief an improving gender pay gap is due to a weaker labour market. Stats NZ's revealed the difference in pay between women and men fell to 5.2% in the June quarter - its lowest point to date A year ago, it was 8.2%. Mind the Gap co-founder Dellwyn Stuart told Ryan Bridge the number will likely go back up as the economy improves and more part-time jobs become available again for women. She says they're still carrying majority of the parenting load and tend to opt for part-time roles more, which are often the ones cut first. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a belief new tax rules will attract top tech talent to the country.  The Government's changing the rules so migrants will only pay tax on income they actually receive.   Currently new arrivals are taxed on estimated overseas income, even if that ends up being wrong.   Business NZ immigration specialist Rachel Simpson told Ryan Bridge this law would ensure people coming here for a short period wouldn't get double taxed.  She says it would make rules around people working as social media influencers clear.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More foreign investors could soon flock in to work hard on Kiwi businesses.   The Government's new Business Investor Visa will give foreign businesspeople who invest at least $2 million into an existing Kiwi business a fast-track to residency.  If a business is worth $2 million, the applicant would have to buy it, and if it's worth more, they'd have to invest at least a quarter of its total value.  Auckland Business Chamber Chief Executive Simon Bridges told Ryan Bridge this definitely justifies a fast-track to residency.  He says the person who buys will have to work on the business for a period of time.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 27th of August 2025, the government's introducing a new investor Visa, Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges shares his thoughts.  A new Westpac report into economic conditions across the Tasman shows our growth rate may outpace Australia's in the coming years. Migrants will no longer be taxed on estimated overseas income, only on what they actually earn, Business NZ Immigration specialist Rachel Simpson shares her thoughts. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on Nigel Farage’s new political party, Reform UK, saying it would be prepared to deport 600,000 migrants over five years if it won power at the next election. 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 very good reason National’s talking about a revamping the major events fund - or as the PM said on Monday, stuffing the pipeline with more events.  It’s the same reason you’re seeing them announce just half an hour ago they’re creating a new business investor visa - foreigners will get a fast-track to residency for chucking $2m into a Kiwi business.  It’s the same reason they’ll announce in a few weeks that some wealthy investors will be able to buy expensive houses here. From November, they're trialling visa-free holidays for the Chinese coming here via Australia. Expect to see more where this came from. The reason is to boost growth, but specifically, they hope, in our largest city. It’s all about Auckland. It’s the giant missing piece of the puzzle. Their runway for sorting the economy by election time hinges on them throwing the kitchen sink at the Jaffas. It’s 40% of our GDP but a sort of economic malaise has set in. Not everywhere and not in every industry, but the two speed recovery is real, the vibe’s off, and the numbers back it up. I asked the PM about this on Monday, he says they’re basically looking at everything and anything for Auckland. I reckon they'll campaign on a bed tax and announce they intend to that late this year or early next.  To win the next election, you don’t need to win all of Auckland, but if you lose Auckland, you're stuffed. Ask Chippy - Labour scored 29% of the party vote in Auckland.  This is increasingly a city of migrants, and these policies are aimed at them, their families, and their businesses.  42% of Aucklanders were born overseas. Along with Otago, it's where most of the expensive houses are that wealthy investors will be able to buy. To boost this economy in a short to medium term window the government’s clearly targeting migration, foreign investment (which often comes through existing connections to this city), foreign students, Chinese tourists, and big events. The question is how quickly they can give this city the tickle up in needs and whether they’ve left enough runway to turn things around. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand could see faster economic growth than Australia, but fewer jobs. In New Zealand, Westpac's now forecasting an economic growth rate will hit 2.4% this year, and 3.1% next year. In Australia, it's forecasting a growth rate of 2% this year, and 2.2% next year. Senior Economist Satish Ranchhod told Ryan Bridge we've been seeing more OCR cuts, but it hasn't flowed through to the job market. He says New Zealand's seeing high unemployment and low wage growth, and Australia hasn't seen a similar spike in unemployment. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A reassurance that banking won't be much riskier even if capital rules are changed.   The Reserve Bank's put out two proposals to loosen capital requirements after the government called for it.   One of them is reducing minimum capital requirement for deposit takers from $30 million to $5 million.   Founder of KiwiSaver provider Simplicity, Sam Stubbs told Ryan Bridge there are other rules, so it won't make it much more hazardous.   He says the Reserve Bank will still keep a close eye on any group calling themselves a bank.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Self-employed people are opting out of KiwiSaver, putting their retirements at risk.  A new report from the Retirement Commission and accounting firm Hnry's reveals only 44% of self-employed people actively contribute compared to 78% of employees.   It shows 41% of self-employed workers don't get any government contribution.   Hnry CEO James Fuller told Ryan Bridge when the Government halved KiwiSaver contributions in this year's Budget, many decided to put their money elsewhere.  He says self-employed people have started putting their money into high-risk, short-term investments, meaning they won't have enough retirement savings.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 26th of August 2025, The Reserve Bank’s giving capital rules a second look, Simplicity Founder Sam Stubbs shares his thoughts.  The Retirement Commission is warning that self-employed people are investing at less than half the amount into their retirement than that of employees. University of Auckland sociology of education professor Elizabeth Rata tells Ryan whether an A-grade today at university worth the same as an A-grade 20 years ago.  Plus Australia Correspondent Lesley Yeomans has the latest on Erin Patterson returning to court.  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.

There's a view that NCEA has impacted how Universities grade their students. A report by the New Zealand Initiative has found the proportion of A grades has increased from 22% to 35% since 2006. It shows a dramatic rise during Covid - and can't be explained by academic improvement. Auckland University Sociologist of Education, Elizabeth Rata told Ryan Bridge students now expect to get high marks. She says it's what they've encountered at high school, where a high mark is guaranteed from certain subjects. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the rate it’s going, this by-election could cost Labour the real election. Peeni Henare’s popping out policies toxic to the general electorate but popular with the 10,000 odd voters he’ll need to win Tamaki Makarau.  First it was bringing back the gang patches, which left middle New Zealand scratching their heads. We’ve been there, done that with the gangs. We’re over it. We want them sorted out.  When people started getting bullet holes through the front window on a Saturday night, kids cowering in the hallway, we all decided enough was enough. Labour lost the war on crime and with it, the mandate to govern. You might think it’s an issue they’d steer clear of, but not Peeni - Labour’s electoral kryptonite.  Last night he was back at it. I was watching the Tamaki Makarau by-election debate with Oriini and Peeni, which was a good watch. Good debate.  Peeni was asked about cost of living. He said when Labour was last in power, they were in talks with iwi to build a third supermarket chain across the country to compete with the current duopoly. Last night he said they'd support it again if elected.  So, the question is, what does support mean? Does that mean taxpayer funding?  In 2023, they were talking about dolling out loans, maybe even grants, or taxpayer support to secure land for a third entrant.  Now, there's nothing wrong with an iwi-led supermarket chain. There's nothing wrong with a third chain - hell, we'd all like to see that.  But do we want it to be taxpayer supported? If private capital can't make it work at these prices, what chance would the state have?  The problem with this stuff is it feeds the perception the only response Labour has to anything is more money. Kiwi build, anyone?  There's a philosophical question in all of this which Hipkins is yet to answer because of his no policy rule.  In the meantime, Peeni's certainly keeping us guessing and getting tongues wagging. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A clear message has been sent around driving under the influence after the jailing of a 20-year-old, who killed one of his friends in a crash.  Alexander Lucas Kerr has been sentenced to 27 months in prison after his friend died, and the other was severely injured.  Kerr had cannabis in his system when he crashed his car in a semi-rural part of Havelock North on January 2.  Criminal lawyer Steve Cullen told Ryan Bridge this is a stark warning of what can happen.  He says the starting point's four to five years imprisonment for cases like this, so it's inevitable for someone to find themselves behind bars.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 25th of August 2025, Police Minister Mark Mitchell joins Ryan to talk about the issues with Police recruits.  Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport.  Criminal Lawyer Steve Cullen shares his thoughts about where to draw the line on drug driving.  Plus UK/ Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the UK government planning an overhaul of the asylum appeals system. 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.

The Police Minister says our Police force is 'world-class' after concerns were revealed about officers' preparedness. A survey of training officers released to the Herald found 55 percent feel new cops were barely or not at all well equipped with knowledge of arrest and charge procedures.  Mark Mitchell says told Ryan Bridge this is about probationary constables, who receive two years of supervision on the job. He says policing is a unique job, and it's unrealistic to expect rookies to come out being experienced officers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How many more children and pets will we tolerate being maimed and punctured to death on suburban streets before this actually gets taken seriously I’ve personally had three people in my life who who’ve been out for a walk with their wee pups, on a leash, registered for $200, poop bags in hand to do the right thing.  Only to be attacked by some absolutely viscous mongrel. And I mean absolutely ripped to pieces. Puncture wounds. Owners taken down to the ground. Blood everywhere. Shock. Hospital visits the humans, expensive vets for their animals. If they are lucky to survive, the road to recovery is long and poor old pup never shakes the anxiety. Nor does the owner. Kids faces look like they’ve been through the butchers. It’s gruesome. In Auckland alone. Last year. 3000 attacks. 15,000 roaming dogs reported.  This is a crisis and council say they’re cracking down but it’s not working and too slow.  The frustrating part is paying $200 to register your dog every year and then councils running scared when it comes time to destroying the aggressor.  They string it out. It goes through the courts. All the while mongrel often remains living near the aggressor. Same neighbourhood.  I know people who’ve moved suburbs to avoid dogs because they’ve got kids or a small pet themselves. This is completely ridiculous.  The solution is simple. Dog should be destroyed. Immediately. Owner banned from owning.  But they’re not. They’re treated like they’re the victims, too. And here’s one piece of advice in the meantime, if a dog is attacking you, or you witness a dog attacking another person or another dog, kill it.  It’s legal. If your actions will stop that attack from continuing, you have the right to seize or destroy it.  It’s the safest and most just action to take, if you can do so safely.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks are demanding a discipline improvement as they count down to the rematch against Argentina in Buenos Aires.  After having the better of the penalty count nine to four in the first half of the opening win, the tally was 12 penalties a piece at fulltime.  The All Blacks also copped two second half yellow cards, one of which went to centre Billy Proctor and he says the need to tidy their discipline up.  Sports Commentator Sam Ackerman told Ryan Bridge the team will definitely be wanting to play more consistently in this game, as the Argentinian side can not be taken lightly.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A notable shift in the housing market as first home buyers have the highest share of purchases in two decades.  The Cotality Monthly Housing Chart shows first home buyers account for 27% of market activity in July, a 5% jump on the long-term average.  It also finds existing homeowners trading up or down, remain at historically low levels.  Head of Squirrel Mortgages' David Cunningham told Ryan Bridge there's less pressure on buyers to instantly throw an offer on a home.  He says interest rates have gone down, KiwiSaver balances are higher, and there's less competition.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our defence aircraft could soon be playing cat-and-mouse with submarines following a multibillion-dollar investment.  The Governments putting $2.7 billion towards two new Airbus A321 planes to replace older planes.  Five Seahawk helicopters are also being bought, equipped with anti-submarine torpedo systems.   Retired Lieutenant Colonel and defence expert Josh Wineera told Ryan Bridge the helicopters will bring military combat to the next level.  He says they're essentially a submarine-hunting aircraft, but can also carry out other tasks.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 22nd of August 2025, The Government's gone shopping for some new planes and helicopters, at the tune of $2.7 billion, retired Lieutenant Colonel and security expert, Josh Wineera shares his thoughts.  New data from Cotality shows people getting on the property ladder are actually at the highest share of purchases in the last two decades, David Cunningham from Squirrel Mortgages tells Ryan Bridge what he's been seeing.  The All Blacks take on Argentina again in Buenos Aires, Sports Commentator Sam Ackerman tells Ryan what we can expect.  Plus UK/ Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on Israel preparing for a new offensive to take over Gaza City.  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.

Israel's military has begun the first stages of a planned ground offensive in Gaza City, causing Palestinians to flee. It's pressing ahead with its plan to occupy the war-torn city despite international criticism. New Zealand's one of 27 countries demanding Israel give foreign media access to Gaza to cover the “unfolding humanitarian catastrophe”. Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Ryan Bridge Israeli hostage families are concerned about the 60-thousand reserve force soldiers to set foot in Gaza. He says they think hostages will be executed or caught up in the firing, while soldiers try to access the tunnel network where it's believed the rest of Hamas remain. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We should all be happy, the weekend’s finally here. But there’s an issue of major national significance I need to get off my chest: I have had it with car parks so small, you couldn’t fit a shopping trolly in them. What exactly do they think we’re driving? Go-karts? No. People are buying big cars. Utes that cross the white lines.  Station wagons that hang out the backend, blocking the road. Enormous SUVs that do both. The Spinoff wrote about this the problem last week - the Civic in Auckland is one of the worst offenders.  Yesterday I saw a pregnant woman trying to squeeze herself, a handbag, and an unborn baby out of sedan in a carpark building. She was literally using the handbag to protect her belly from the car door. Are we trying to send them into early labour?  Apparently new cars are getting 1cm wider every two years. People like bigger cars because they feel safer. We’re also getting way more obese so literally can’t fit in Honda Civic anymore. Safety features take up lots of room. Side impact protection technically takes up a lot of space. Are councils and Wilson’s doing anything about this?  Or are we expected to bend, fold, and stretch our way into our cars if we want to leave Westfield mall? Are they going to pay for our Physio appointments? Should we take yoga classes? Colchester Council in the UK this year spent a million pounds repainting the white lines to make their bigger. Good on them.  I have a theory: panel beaters, the global insurance industry, and parking building designers are actually criminal cartels, conspiring to make us all scrape and dent each other. Forget the Comancheros - they’ve got nothing on these guys.  One things for sure, we cannot let them win.  We must fight. We must band together and put a stop to this madness before there’s no parking spaces left at all. Just think, our children couldn’t enjoy simple pleasures like visiting the mall. Our grandchildren will grow up in a world where people just drive around all day, looking for parks, fighting over parks, then giving up and going home. Is that the future you want for your family? To spend the rest of their lives in a car? I sure don’t. So join me in this crusade for common sense. Together we can help that pregnant woman. We can save our bad backs, our dickey knees, the elderly!  We can stop these crooked cartels. We can start a movement to save the lives of elderly, injured, fat, and pregnant people, not just here, but around the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been another tough year for Fletcher Building.  The construction giant's announced a net loss of $419 million, compared to a loss of $227 million last year.  It's pondering selling its residential and development division and continues to consider offers for its construction division and other subsidiaries.  Building Industry Federation CEO Julian Leys told Ryan Bridge Fletcher’s loss underscores the broader downturn they’re seeing across the whole sector.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fact a terrorist attack on New Zealand remains a future possibility is coming as no surprise to one security expert. A Security Intelligence Service report states we're facing one of the most challenging national security environments in recent times.   It's kept our terrorism threat at low, indicating an attack is realistically possible.  Massey University's John Battersby told Ryan Bridge he's often been critical of Kiwis' complacency.   He says all of the things listed in this threat assessment have existed for quite some time.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A steady slide to the OCR is gently flowing through to households.  The Reserve Bank's cut the cash rate from 5.5% to 3% over the past 13 months and is also signalling further possible cuts on the way.  Assistant Governor Karen Silk says many people have been fixing on higher short-term rates while they hold out for lower long-term rates.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Ryan Bridge it’s important that monetary policy can stimulate the economy, and the Reserve Bank has made a clear decision to ensure interest rates can fall further.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 21st of August 2025, Finance Minister Nicola Willis shares her thoughts on the Reserve Bank cutting the OCR by 25 basis points to 3%.  A violent extremist attack in New Zealand is a realistic possibility, according to the NZSIS Massey University security expert John Battersby gives his take.  Fletchers suffered a net loss of over $400 million last year, Building Industry Federation Chief Executive Julian Leys tells Ryan what their poor performance mean for the industry as a whole.  Plus, US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on US and European military planners beginning exploring post-conflict security guarantees for Ukraine. 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.

Remember just a few weeks ago how Sir John Key wanted 100 point cut from Reserve Bank? We'll, they've almost given him what he wants.  It's easy to be an armchair critic of the boffins down at Number 2 The Terrace - "They should have gone for 50." "Club 25 was too cautious."  But markets listen as much to the guff after the big cut announcement as much as they do the actual announcement. Need proof? Already retail banks have started slashing mortgage rates, both variable and fixed.  That's on top of the cuts they already made last week, pricing in yesterday's 25.  Some of the big ones will, in the coming weeks - I reckon we'll get down to 4.5% on short-term fixed. Look how the currency markets reacted - these guys were surprised.  Coming out with what is essentially a triple shot to 2.5% by Christmas sends is sending a strong signal. It's easy to get caught up in the hysteria of calls for double shot all at once, but the bank can have its cake and eat it too. Get businesses and households spending without risking inflation, which is touching cloth on 3%. Yes, they do look through near-term stuff. But there's also heat in the provinces - it's not all about Auckland. And remember the days of Orr where the Reserve Bank hiked the rate quick as a sherpa up Everest before nosediving it back down again? You can achieve the same outcome without risk overcooking things again.  It's only six or so weeks till the next call. If they need to do more, they can do more then.  There's no doubt we've had a Q2 recovery blip, but we've had promising July manufacturing and improving services data out last week. The message is clear: we're walking back to Everest base camp, not running.  And given the over and under cooking that went on under Orr, that's probably the right speed So, I'm with the four in Club 25 with a caveat - for now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.