Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Moana Pasifika's future looks uncertain despite their fourth and most successful Super Rugby campaign.  The Herald reports concerns centre around the charity Pasifika Medical Association Group which bought the franchise last year and a reduction in their Whanau Ora contracts.  Those have previously been used to bolster Moana Pasifika's finances, a strategy reported as quietly contentious among Polynesian health service providers.  Earlier this month, 15 players were released from this year’s squad.  Newstalk ZB’s Jason Pine told Ryan Bridge that sponsorships are never easy to come by.  He says there’s a lot of revenue streams, but none of them are increasing, so it’s got to be furrowing the brows of those at Moana Pasifika HQ.  LISTEN ABOVE  Note: The original story from the NZ Herald has been updated to clarify that Whanau Ora funds flowed to the Moana Pasifika Charitable Trust, and the current owner of the Trust and the team, Pasifika Medical Association, has emphasised that no Whānau Ora funds have been used to fund the Moana Pasifika professional rugby team. The Herald has removed from the story the contention that Whānau Ora funds were directly used for the professional team in the fiscal years 22/23 and 23/24.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some in the Auckland real estate sector are giving the Government's move to require taller apartments near key rail stations the tick of approval.   The Resource Management Bill will be amended to force Auckland Council to allow apartments at least 10 or 15 storeys tall around City Rail Link stops.  LJ Hooker Head of Network Campbell Dunoon hopes locals get behind what he believes is a good idea.   He says everyone's been looking forward to the City Rail Link, and more accommodation around those hubs makes sense.   But Dunoon says green spaces and carparks will need consideration.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 26th of 2025, the government announces it will be forcing Auckland Council to allow new developments of at least 15 storeys next to City Rail Link train stations, LJ Hooker Head of Network Campbell Dunoon shares his thoughts.  Trouble could be brewing for super rugby's Moana Pasifika, Weekend Sport host Jason Pine explains. A report from the Infrastructure Commission has found we're not getting bang for buck when it comes to spending on infrastructure, Infrastructure NZ CEO, Nick Leggett tells Ryan Bridge what needs to happen to create some tangible change.  Plus US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on President Donald Trump again vowing “total obliteration” of Iran’s nuclear program during the NATO summit in the Netherlands. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand isn't good at maintaining its infrastructure. The Infrastructure Commission's released a 30-year draft plan revealing its first look at how New Zealand needs to invest in our future builds and upgrades to roads, hospitals, and buildings. Infrastructure New Zealand Chief Executive Nick Leggett told Ryan Bridge big parts of government don't have a record of what they own, and therefore no plan on how to maintain it.  He says we're good at building things but not maintaining them. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's obvious to anyone paying attention that we don't have enough young people working to support the cost of health and Super for the elderly.  This problem is going to get much worse in the coming decades.  All this is spelled out in a Treasury report, which Thomas Coughlin published in the Herald today.  This is not new. We've known this for a long time.  Future governments will either have to take a sledgehammer to spending on health or raise the age of Super.  The obvious answer is to raise the age of Super. It'll happen eventually, of course, just not while Winston's around.  But the other thing we could cut is our expectations.  Boys born in the early 1960s (who are reaching 65-years-old) could expect to live to around 79 years on average, and girls to around 83 years. Boys born in the early 2020s (the latest data available) could expect to live to around 88 years on average, and girls to around 91 years. So we've added about 10 years to our lives.  This is very expensive. This is only going to get better, or worse, depending on how you look at it.  Now, I was speaking to a woman in her 70s this week who firmly believes when you reach the age of 80, you must choose: the pension or the health care.  How can we afford to fill our hospitals keeping 80+ year-olds alive, and keep paying their pensions, and not send the country bankrupt?  I know this sounds jarring. I know it sounds cruel.  But isn't it fair to ask how we plan to fund the very expensive, long lives we are now planning to live? Which, by the way, was not the intention when the pension was set up, when it was universal - the age has blown out massively hasn't it? I know. It sounds a little jarring. But if we're on the road to financial Armageddon, as this Treasury report makes clear, is not fair to ask how long we're wanting to stay on this road and exactly what our destination is? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

News GPs can soon prescribe ADHD medication from the outset is being hailed as a community breakthrough.   From February, GPs can offer a patient stimulant medications without them needing a specialist recommendation first.   Specialist wait times vary across the country, but can surpass a year.   ADHD NZ spokesperson Darrin Bull New Zealand has a major underdiagnosis issue, with only 2.2% of the population diagnosed with ADHD, compared to the 4-5% overseas.  He says this change will give the community access to the help and support they need, and provide greater access to medication.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teachers and principals are relying on other students to know if someone is bringing a weapon to school.   Figures released under the Official Information Act show 526 students were stood down, suspended, or excluded for using or having a weapon at school last year.  That's 80% higher than in 2018.  PPTA President Chris Abercrombie told Ryan Bridge the experience of most schools tends to be the same.   He says bag searches are very rare, and more often than not, students tell staff about the weapon.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US President's received praise for his involvement in a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel.  Both sides are claiming the other has breached the truce.  Donald Trump scolded both for early violations but directed particularly stinging criticism at Israel over the scale of its strikes.  US columnist Henry Olsen told Ryan Bridge it's a win for Trump, but earlier US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities may only have short term effects.   He says if the nuclear programmes only been kicked into low gear, the next president will have a difficult decision to make.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 15th of June 2025, Trump's ceasefire deal between Iran and Israel has fallen apart, Washington Post Columnist Henry Olsen has the latest.  The number of students being disciplined for using or having a weapon at school has more than doubled, PPTA President Chris Abercrombie shares his thoughts. From February GPs will be able diagnose and treat ADHD, Darrin Bull ADHD New Zealand Spokesperson, shares what a difference it will make.  Plus, UK/ Europe Correspondent Gavin grey has the latest on the ‘Historic’ NATO summit beginning in The Hague. 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.

US President Donald Trump has landed in the Netherlands for his first NATO summit since 2019. World leaders are gathering for the alliance meeting in The Hague to agree on increases in defence spending.  The new target will be to spend 5 percent of the size of their economies, measured by GDP, on "core defence" along with defence-related areas such as security. UK and Europe correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge Trump going to be delighted with these targets. He says it looks like all 32 leaders are set to commit to spending the five percent. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's just amazing the shear breadth and diversity of things we get outraged by on any given week.  Whether its Brian Tamaki, who after literally decades taking to the streets and stirring the pot, nobody should be outraged by. Or whether it's a bunch of chicks in bikinis rolling around in cow's milk trying to make a buck on OnlyFans. The Police were called.  Yes, I kid you not. Couple of lasses, bikini clad, making some wholesome down-on-the-farm country-style content. And SAFE gets involved.  Then MPI contacts the Police.  What on earth are the police going to do with two girls, one cow? Who on earth would they arrest? Some might say the cow was lucky to be milked. Besides, what's more indecent? Girls in bikinis or the naked cow?  The answer of course is rather simple. Police will do nothing. MPI will do nothing. Because there's actually nothing to do anything about.  Same goes for Brian and his gang of thugs. To be fair to him and them, I didn't pay any attention to their protest at the weekend, I was too busy enjoying my long weekend.  But from what I've read, a few flags were burnt and signs waved about. People are calling for hate speech laws and restrictions on speech and all sorts of things.  Guess what? That also won't happen. And nor should it.  The bar for criminal charges is rightly high. People must be free to air their views - no matter how distasteful or wrong.  Boils must be lanced, so long as they're lanced peacefully.  Besides, you don't have to look too far into the world section of your newspaper this morning for a glimpse at why we should value freedom of expression. Russia. Iran, anybody? As for the udder story, so long as the cow's aren't being mis-teated, I'm heifer it!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Robertson has called up five new faces for his first All Blacks class of 2025, with his 35-man squad for next month’s series against France named.  Following a spate of injuries and departures offshore, Robertson has put his faith in four newcomers to face Les Bleus, themselves weakened by an inability to select from their full complement for the tour opener.  All Blacks regulars Dalton Papali'i, Ethan Blackadder, and David Havili have been left out of the squad to play France next month.  The 33-player group features five uncapped players - Ollie Norris, Brodie McAlister, Fabian Holland, Timoci Tavatavanawai, and Du'Plessis Kirifi.  Nick Bewley told Ryan Bridge that it’s tough to pick an All Blacks team, and the challenge now is for Robertson to whittle it down to 23 players for match day.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flares have lit up the sky above Doha following threats Iran would retaliate against US strikes on its nuclear sites.  Iran's also reportedly launched an attack on another US base in Iraq.   Qatar has confirmed no deaths following Iranian missile attacks on an US Air Force Base Al Udeid.   Qatar closed its airspace earlier amid threats from Iran, and a flight from Auckland to Doha has since been diverted to Oman's Muscat Airport.  Middle East Correspondent Alistair Bunkall told Ryan Bridge that Iran had to respond in some way to the attacks, but this could be the end of their response.  He says it could provide an off-ramp for the conflict, but it depends on the way Donald Trump sees it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran's strikes on Qatar and Iraq have sent oil prices tumbling.  Crude prices fell about 6% following the news.  Analysts have been warning of steep rises if Iran retaliates against Sunday's US strikes, by targeting oil infrastructure and closing the Strait of Hormuz.  AA Principal Policy Advisor Terry Collins told Ryan Bridge that the talk of potentially doubling the price of oil per barrel is overblown.  He said if it did happen, it would be a short-term spike as alternative shipping routes were established.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's no downside to New Zealand's latest 'golden visa' scheme, according to a former Labour Cabinet Minister.  The Government's confirmed almost 200 applications have been received from overseas investors since settings loosened in April.  Former Minister Stuart Nash, who launched golden visas in 2022, told Ryan Bridge it's not just about the financial investment.  He says it's about the networks, connections, competencies, capabilities, and experience these people will bring to Aotearoa and the companies they're investing in.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 24th of June 2025, the golden Visa scheme has taken off former Labour cabinet minister Stuart Nash shares his thoughts.  Newstalk ZB Sports reporter Nick Bewley provides analysis on the new All Blacks squad.  AA Principal Policy Advisor Terry Collins shares his thoughts on fears petrol prices could increase by 30c a litre as Iran's leadership considers whether to block vessels from sailing through the strait of Hormuz.  Plus Middle East Correspondent Alistair Bunkall has the latest on Iran launching missiles at US airbases in Qatar and Iraq.  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 couple of investment-related revelations from the Government this week proves a couple of basic points about business: you've got to sell something people want, and you've got to do it at a competitive price.  Take the golden visa numbers the Government's crowing about.  The golden visa category changes are netting results. This where we give residency to wealthy foreigners, but they've got to buy their way in.  In the three months since the Government changed the rules, we've had 600 people apply via 200 applications.  The old category had 116 applications in 2 and half years!  So clearly loosening the rules, allowing property and bonds to be included as investments, and lowering the amount required, has given this visa the rocket up the jacksie it needed.  Half the applicants are American.  So you've got a bunch of wealthy American families —fed up with Trump or on the hunt for a new bolthole, whatever— and suddenly, our requirements are at least as competitive, or more competitive to similar options, and voila!  You get some wins. That's potentially $845m invested. But what they're essentially buying is our lifestyle - they want a beautiful, safe place at the bottom of the world to call home. Or home away from home.  The numbers Seymour revealed in his press conference yesterday on overseas investment show that while we've made that process more attractive, more competitive, you've still got to have something worth selling at the end of the day.  Which in this case is an attractive investment.  You can make it as easy and hassle-free to invest here as you want but if the opportunities aren't here, if the potential for wins aren't there, the investment won't follow.  Overseas investment decisions are now being made twice as fast after Seymour's intervention, but the number of applications have gone down in the last year. Why? Because the property market's gone kaput.  Which is not to say the process shouldn't have been simplified. But it just goes to show, if you want investment, you've got to have something attractive on offer. Right now, the lifestyle is what we've got going for us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 23 June. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Defence Force team is heading to the Middle East, ready to assist an estimated 180 Kiwis spread between Iran and Israel. Defence Minister Judith Collins announced a Hercules will leave today for an undisclosed destination, for security reasons. Airspace in the region is closed, and it's unknown when it will re-open. Collins says our Defence team will be ready to help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So we now know the Americans used seven B-2 Stealth bombers to attack Iran's three nuclear sites.  They used a dozen bunker-buster bombs - the first time these massive 140o KG big boys have been used in combat. They flew in the dark of night, dropping the payload just after 2 AM local time.  They fired Tomahawk missiles from US Navy ships nearby. Decoys were used to throw the Iranian off the scent - some of the B-2's attacked from the US East Coast, while others flew across the Pacific.  B-2 bombers that attacked flew from Missouri while a different set of B-2s flew west over the Pacific to throw off Iran They called it Operation Midnight Hammer. They claimed it was successful. But what we don't actually know is how successful and what success means.  Satellite imagery doesn't show you what's happening underground.  The bunker buster bombs are designed to blow stuff up around 60 metres underground.  Nobody but the Iranians know exactly how deep their enrichment facilities are hidden. Nobody knows how thick the concrete is they put on top of it.  It's possible the main guts of their facilities haven't been hit at all.  And then you ask, what does success mean?  If success is destroying Iran's nuclear capability, well that hasn't happened. Some scientists were taken out in Israel's first strikes but not all of them.  Iran has very smart people with knowledge of nuclear weapons and enrichment. China has been sending them uranium. This strike will have set them back, but this is a country who's shown time and again  not just how capable they are, but how determined they are to have nuclear Weapons.  It doesn't mean the strike wasn't worth it it if they wouldn't negotiate, but also, success depends on how you define it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether the United States will intervene in the Iran-Israel conflict remains up in the air.  President Donald Trump says he 'may' or 'may not' order American military involvement.   US correspondent Katie Fisher told Ryan Bridge the uncertainty is causing some rifts within the Republican camp.  She says that some of his “right-wing cheerleaders” like Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Green are saying that by entering the Iranian war, Trump would be turning his back on his America First policy.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From November, transiting Chinese passport holders won't need a visa to pass through New Zealand airports.   They'll can instead get a New Zealand electronic Travel Authority that's processed in four hours, and lasts for two years.   Immigration Minister Erica Stanford told Ryan Bridge our Chinese visitor numbers are lagging at about 65% pre-Covid levels, so they're doing anything to help.   She says it will also significantly increase the amount of freight from China and South America and bring down freight prices.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Auckland manufacturer is feeling good about the current economic position.  GDP figures are due to be revealed this morning.   Economists and the Reserve Bank are expecting 0.7% growth for the first quarter of the year – slightly higher than the 0.4% predicted earlier this year.  Dodson Group CEO Dave Sweas told Ryan Bridge things turned a corner around February and March.  The precision manufacturers boss says there's been some trepidation about what's coming out of the US, but overall order books are holding up strong.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The traditional census as we know it is coming to an end. Stats NZ is moving to a system using Government collected admin-data, saying the current five yearly Census is financially unsustainable. Census-style questions will still be asked in much smaller annual surveys looking at a small fraction of the population. Auckland University of Technology Professor Rhema Vaithianathan told Ryan Bridge the price of census is eye-watering. She says admin data also allows information to be released yearly, which is more useful than waiting five to find out what's happening. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 19th of June 2025, Dave Sweas CEO of Manufacturer Dodson group, joins Ryan Bridge to talk about the GDP figures out today.  The government scrapped the 5-year census, AUT director of the centre for social data analytics, Rhema Vaithianathan shares her thoughts.  We've got more Visa changes for Chinese nationals, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford tells Ryan Bridge what it means.  Plus, US Correspondent Katie Fisher has the latest on Trump's stance on Israel.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m as guilty as the next Kiwi of complaining about the tyranny of distance, but the fact is we’re bloody lucky to live far across the ocean and out of harm’s way.  We’re at least 10,000 kilometres away from the nearest nuclear weapon launch site, whether it’s China’s Jingxian Province or the United States' Pacific Coast.  That doesn’t mean we’re immune to threats and fallout from conflict, nor should we ignore them. Foreign Minister Winston Peters this week remarked he’d never seen such an uncertain geostrategic circumstance as the one we’re currently living in. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute published its yearbook Monday with a warning that the risk of a nuclear weapon being used is increasing. Most of the nine nuclear armed states are either upgrading or replacing their stockpiles.  Over the next few years, it estimates the rate at which new nuclear warheads replace old ones will accelerate to the point where, for the first time since the Cold War era, we’ll have an overall increase nuclear weapons.  No matter how far from the frontlines we may be, and how safe we may feel as a consequence, it doesn’t mean we don’t or shouldn’t care about the rest of the world. We Kiwis love travelling the globe and experiencing all the complexities and differences it has to offer. In doing so, we learn to appreciate our own backyard that wee bit more.  This Matariki weekend I'll be taking a moment to be grateful that when I look to the night sky, I'll see stars rather than incoming missiles and drones. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand businesses believe things are looking up, with optimism at a high.  The 2degrees 2025 Shaping Business Study reveals 45% of surveyed business leaders are more optimistic about the year ahead – up on last year's 34%.  46% of businesses also report they're more productive than last year.   Business Central CEO Simon Arcus told Ryan Bridge things will probably still fluctuate in coming years.   He says there are often moments where things seem to improve, then sink back again.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food inflation is up, rising 4.4% annually.   Meat, poultry, and fish had the biggest annual increases, while butter, milk and cheese drove grocery prices.  Butter surged by more than 51% over the year.  Independent economist, Cameron Bagrie told Ryan Bridge the numbers are creeping up, but the composition of the inflation matters more than the inflation itself.   He says they feel a bit of comfort that domestic inflation still heading south.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 18th of June 2025, the Government's announced a five-year suicide prevention plan, clinical psychologist Dr Helen Buckland tells Ryan Bridge whether the plan will be enough.  Food inflation is up the highest it's been in eighteen months, independent economist Cameron Bagrie shares his thoughts.  New data from 2degrees shows business optimism is at its highest since 2021, Business Central CEO Simon Arcus tells Ryan why businesses are feeling more positive.  Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the G7 summit.  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.

Uncertainty on the Government's action plan for suicide prevention. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey's unveiled a five-year approach for addressing high suicide rates.  The new Suicide Prevention Plan includes strengthening the workforce, targeting higher-risk populations, and improving community care.  Clinical Psychologist Doctor Helen Buckland told Ryan Bridge there's been a lot of thought, but more needs to be done. She says it's not a suicide prevention plan, it's a response plan, for people who are already suicidal. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The moral outrage over Run It Straight competitions is a tricky one.  As more and more young men ran at each other head-on and tried to knock each other out, as the injuries piled up, the outrage was palpable. Lots of pearl clutching and horror.  The reaction from some rugby stars and sporting legends was more nuanced, for obvious reasons.  They also run full steam ahead at one another on a Saturday, with great risk of personal injury and even death. Certainly, the chance of broken bones and concussion.  They do this because A. They enjoy it. B. It's often all they've ever known. And C. Presumably, because it pays well.  And that's the problem with the outrage over Run It Straight.  They had a guy in the news yesterday who won $20 thousand in trials held in Auckland. He's booked a spot in a final in Dubai. The money, he says, is putting clothes on his kids backs.  He said this: "We got to pay off some debts and stock up the fridges and the cupboards, food for our little ones, especially with the economy and stuff like that here in New Zealand. Nothing's cheap these days." He saw it as a couple of hours work with a huge payday.  I happen to think if somebody wants to play a high-risk sport like rugby, or UFC, or anything with horses, then good on them. It's their life, I'm not here to judge.  The question for the rest of society —and this is what our listeners most often email me about with Run It Straight— is ACC.  To qualify for ACC, your injury has to be the result of an accident. An accident is basically something you didn't intend to happen, happening. A mistake.  Run It Straight is bloody dangerous but I think ultimately, its injuries are accidents, like rugby or horse riding.  The system doesn't judge based on the threat of injury, just whether it's an accidental one or not. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three people have been injured in a shooting in a Sydney kebab shop.  According to NSW Police, two masked gunmen walked into the shop, firing eight shots in total, before leaving the scene in a black BMW with a cloned licence plate.  A 50 year old woman was shot twice in the torso, a 26 year old man was shot in the arm and shoulder, and another man of unknown age was shot in the face.  Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge that according to police, one of the victims has had two previous attempts on his life.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new poll shows more Kiwis see China as a threat, but experts say a good economic relationship is vital.  The Asia New Zealand Foundation surveyed 2,300 locals between November and December, and again in March.   Results show the number of people concerned about China rose from 28% to 40% over four months.  Research and Engagement Director Julia Macdonald says New Zealanders can appreciate the need for a good economic relationship.  She told Ryan Bridge that China has been at the top of the list of most significant countries for New Zealand’s future for a number of years, and Kiwis understand the need to continue to engage China.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's thought that as long as the United States doesn't get involved, the Iran and Israel conflict should stay contained.  Tension continues to escalate between the two countries as air strikes continue to fire.  Speculation around a ceasefire is being discussed with US President Donald Trump encouraging the nations to talk before it’s too late.  Middle East correspondent Gregg Carlstrom told Ryan Bridge Israel has been planning this war for years, and isn't willing to stop after a few days.    He says the Iranians are willing to talk about a mutual ceasefire but doesn't think Israel or the United States are at a point where they would push for that.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025 Tuesday 17th of June, conflict continues between Iran and Israel, Middle East Correspondent Gregg Carlstrom has the latest on an Iranian TV studio struck by an Israeli airstrike.  A new survey from the Asia New Zealand Foundation shows our trust in China is slipping, Director of research and engagement, Dr Julia Macdonald tells Ryan Bridge what it means for our relationship with China.  Disposable vapes are out from today, Action for Smokefree 2025 Director, Ben Youdan shares his thoughts on how big of a difference it will make.  Plus Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on what will the Australian Prime Minister and Trump will discuss in their first face to face meeting in Canada. 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.

Smokefree advocates are hoping a new vaping crackdown coming in today doesn't deter smokers trying to quit. The new rules include stricter advertising restrictions for vape retailers and a ban on disposable vapes. It's an effort to clamp down on youth vaping, with around 10% of teenagers currently regular vapers. Action for Smokefree Director Ben Youdan told Ryan Bridge it's about striking the right balance. He says just leaving products cheaper than smoking but not too cheap for young people, is important. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If growth is the game we're in then the Reserve Bank should keep cutting interest rates.  The problem is growth is not the game they're in. They're in the business of taming inflation, and that's about it.  The Government ditched the dual mandate —introduced by the last lot— that saw Adrian and Co. also focus on keeping people in jobs. Maximum sustainable employment.  That's now gone and inflation's in the band.  So the bank is going to take things slow. Ease the next few cuts over a longer period of time out of fear they'll overcook it again. They'll be thinking about Trump's tariffs and the fear of price hikes, even though these haven't materialised —even in the data out of the States— as yet. They'll be worried about the Middle East and the price of oil.  It's an imported cost and it's in everything, not just our cars, but transport of goods, production, you name it.  It directly and indirectly contributes up to 30% of our inflation when the price is high – like when somebody's dropping bombs in the Middle East.  But that wouldn't be my main concern if I was setting monetary policy.  Sure we'll get a solid growth number of around 0.7% for Q1 on Thursday, but there've been a couple of signs this week of things being a bit shaky in Q2 – the one we're in now.  Yesterday it was a Mayday call from the services sector – going backwards for the month, again. This time, a bigger drop than last. And again, way out of whack with our trading partners. Our golden dairy run will continue but there are signs production will be up this year on last, which could effect price.  Cutting rates sooner and faster would help avoid any surgical complications as we revive the economy, which as been a very sick patient for a very long time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director of the New Zealand China Council Alastair Crozy joins Ryan Bridge to discuss a new visa for Chinese tourists. The change will allow Chinese tourists visiting Australia to enterNew Zealand with their Australian visa. Crozy says that this change has already increased searches for “New Zealand travel” on Chinese tourism websites like CTrip. This change comes ahead of Prime Minister Luxon’s visit to China where he will meet President Xi Jingping in a face-to-face meeting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More nations are responding to the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. The two countries are continuing to exchange air assaults, after Israel's initial attack on Friday and Iran launched waves of missiles, in response. UK and Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge Iran believes any support of Israel from the West, makes assets from those countries fair game. He says Britons are being advised against travelling to Israel, as the UK says it's unable to keep them safe in this fast-moving situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 16th of June 2025, The Police Commissioner has given body cams the all clear, Police Associaiton President Chris Cahill shares his thoughts.  The Government's announced changes to Visa's for Chinese nationals ahead of the Prime Minister's visit to China this week, The NZ China Council tells Ryan Bridge how significant the visit will be.  Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport.  UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the UK advising Britons against all travel to Israel amid an escalation in the country's military activity with Iran.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police union is celebrating the decision to work towards rolling out body cameras - but wants it done right.  Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says staff are assessing options for equipping frontline officers with the technology.  The Police Association says it could clear-up misconceptions in the field, reduce complaints, and lead to more guilty pleas.  President Chris Cahill says body-cameras have become the international standard.  He says many officers in Australia don't want to deploy without the technology. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister’s jetting off on a diplomatic mission this week and he’s heading into a very undiplomatic world. Israel and Iran are going at it. Netanyahu says Tehran is close to producing a nuclear weapon. As missiles and drones fly across the Middle East, talks for a nuclear deal with Iran’s leadership in Oman are on hold. The UK is mobilising fighter jets in the region as Iran warns it will strike western targets if they dare support Tel Aviv.  Israeli’s blockade of Gaza continues despite protests from this country and most others through the UN and sanctions. Talks in Turkey to end the war in Ukraine haven’t stopped the violence. Diplomacy has so far failed.  China continues buying oil from Russia and tacitly keeping its war in Europe alive. The US continues supporting Israel, keeping its wars on Gaza and Iran alive. China and the US themselves are doing direct battle of a different kind on trade. We’ve got politically motivated assassinations in America. Marines and national guard troops on the streets of Los Angeles. All this as the global economy splutters along under the weight of it all and I haven’t even mentioned Pakistan and India.  As Luxon prepares to meet with Xi Xinping and then attend a NATO leaders meeting in the Netherlands, the big question is not what to do, but where to start? New Zealand's influence in all of this is, is course, is limited. Most of these conflicts date back further than the birth of our nation. We rely on the United Nations - who's P5 VETO power renders is about as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike. Utterly useless. This no the first time the world has faced a collision of crisis involving wars backed by competing global superpowers. While diplomacy has failed to prevent them, history tells us it's also the best and only way to eventually solve them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Skifields in Queenstown have got the chair lifts turning ahead of opening day tomorrow.  NZ Ski Chief Executive Paul Anderson says the Remarkables and Coronet Peak have had eight solid days of snow making, mixed in with natural snowfall.  He says there's more than a metre of snow on the main trails and both skifields should have their main chairlifts running, providing a chance at top to bottom skiing across the mountain.  Mount Hutt attempted to open this morning but rainfall caused the snowpack to become unstable, pushing launch day to tomorrow.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Helen Clark says the future of the AUKUS security pact remains very uncertain.  The Pentagon's reviewing the agreement between Australia, the UK, and the US to ensure it meets Donald Trump's America First agenda.  It's still unclear what that might mean for New Zealand's potential involvement.  But Clark —the former Prime Minister and UNDP Head— told Ryan Bridge there's a chance Trump could scrap the pact altogether.  She says the leaders of all three countries have changed since the agreement was signed, and the US has become increasingly unpredictable.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Corrections Minister believes our prisons will be ready for an increase in demand.  The Ministry of Justice expects the prison population will increase 36% by 2035, to more than 14,000 people. It's prompted concerns for the country's ability to cope with demand.  Mark Mitchell says the Waikeria prison expansion will help provide enough beds.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 13th of June 2025, a report from the Ministry of Justice is predicting our prison population to grow by 36% over the next 10 years, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell shares his thoughts. The Ski season kicks off this weekend, NZ Ski Chief Executive Paul Anderson tells Ryan Bridge what people can look forward to. The US is "reviewing" it's AUKUS security pac, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark shares what this means for New Zealand's position.  Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on the Air India plane crash which killed more than 200 people.  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’s fair to say Christopher Luxon’s had a rough run at the top. The transition from CEO to PM hasn’t been all that smooth. His approval ratings have been way out of whack with those of any predecessor at the same time in their reigns. We hardly saw a honeymoon. One of the problems has been communication. You ask people and they tell you: it’s hard to connect with him. We don’t really get what he’s about.  His loudmouth coalition partners have largely filled the personality void to his detriment. As a business executive, you’ve got to optimistic. You’ve got to project positivity, and that positive, upbeat style has jarred with the reality of our economy.  The more he said things are improving and this economy is turning a corner, the more out of touch he has sounded.  Jacinda Ardern encountered this problem when she refused to call the cost of living crisis a crisis. You lose the room. It's like a bit like trying to entertain a crowd of Metallica fans with a choir - a bit of a bum note.  And that problems has befallen Luxon. Until now.  Despite this morning's card data going sideways, there’s no doubt the economy’s on the up. We’re about to see another jump in GDP next week as we get Q1 data, which follows positive Q4 data. Treasury reckons this current year will see growth hitting almost 3%. Thanks to our exporters and global conditions, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. You can feel it - shops are filling up. Manufacturing’s on the up. Company’s are hiring.  And this is massive for Luxon because it means his rhetoric is starting to match the reality.  It’s the missing piece of the puzzle that could turn his political fortunes around. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Independent Children's Monitor report finds almost half the reports of concern relate to young Māori.  They make up two-thirds of those in care - and more than three-quarters in youth justice custody.  Voyce Whakarongo Mai Chief Executive Tracie Shipton told Ryan Bridge that change is possible.  She says it's a stark reminder if we get in early with wrap around services for whanau and young people, we can make a difference.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US has criticized New Zealand for banning two Israeli Ministers.  Winston Peters has decided to jump on the bandwagon with allies such as Australia and Canada by banning Israel’s finance minister and national security minister from entering the country.   But the US has denounced these sanctions and said that New Zealand should focus on Hamas instead.  International relations professor Robert Patman talks to Ryan Bridges about the situation and what can be expected from both sides going forward.  LISTEN ABOVE      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Correspondent Mitch McCann talks about Trump’s new “deal” with China after China threatens to cut off the US’ supply of rare minerals.  China issued these threats in response to the treatment of Chinese students studying in the USA. China also wants the USA to continue exporting semiconductors to China.  President Trump has said that these terms will be met, although current details are unclear.   Although communication between the two nations is positive, the discussion isn’t over yet as McCann says, “it’s a bit of a framework to continue working on a deal.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.