Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

The latest Rabobank survey's found farmers' faith in the broader agricultural economy is at its second highest level in the last decade, up to 46 percent. 51 percent expect it to improve in the year ahead - up three percent from the last quarter. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay told Ryan Bridge it's pleasing to see - as it's good for the country's economy. He says when the primary sector's doing well and prices are up, they start spending money. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’ve had it with people whinging about state of this county and people fleeing to Australia who then refuse to stop and ask why we got here and how we get out of it. Chucking up a post up on TikTok or waving a banner at a protest won't cut it.  Productivity (that’s how much we get out for what we put in) is crap. It's been getting worse or flat-lining for decades. Australia’s is better. Wages are 30% higher. We’re smaller, we have to be smarter.  And that means doing what the banner wavers of the world hate most - getting roadblocks and innovation-killers like government out of the way. Doing business needs to be as cheap and easy as possible. Let smart people be smart people and do what they do best: invent, optimise, invest, grow, thrive. We did this post-Muldoon with agriculture - subsidies and deregulation.  We’re now the most productive in world. It's proof. There of course are those who reckon the solution is to have a politician sign a piece of paper and artificially increase the minimum wage, or write a blank cheque to teachers, the question is: who's going to pay for it when our best and brightest are leaving NZ and businesses are closing? Who can afford that? Show me a democracy that got rich by increasing the size and influence of the government and I’ll give you a million bucks.  And not one of those Scandinavian ones that did it off the back of massive mineral deposits - which we're not allowed to touch, remember? We’ve fallen so far behind we can’t be 'managing' a 2% GDP economy. This country needs 7% for at least three years. New Zealand needs a growth spurt. We’ve fallen too far behind.  Please don’t be fooled by the false prophets, waving their banners and posting their nonsense, they have no idea what they’re talking about. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 16th of September 2025, the Government's investigating local rules that are holding Eden Park back from hosting more big events, Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck tells Ryan about the impact this could have on Auckland.  Agriculture Minister Todd McClay shares his thoughts on farmer confidence climbing.  Gisborne council’s forestry rules have company directors warning they could go bankrupt. Plus, Australia correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on a record fine for misconduct by one of Australia’s big four banks. 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.

Hopes a new events fund will make Auckland an attractive choice for international acts.  The Government is pumping $40million dollars to secure large scale events from next year - part of a bigger $70million dollar boost. Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner says his dream would be a Spice Girls reunion concert.  But he told Ryan Bridge any big name will be good for the city.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 15th of September 2025, The government's dropping $70 million to supercharge events and tourism, Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner shares his thoughts. Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport.  One in four of our schools need help to achieve the government's 2030 attendance target, NZ Principals Federation President Leanne Otene explains what help is needed.  Plus 26 police officers have been injured while policing a protest organised by a far-right activist, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest.  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 view that factors schools can't control are the reason school attendance is static. About 600 schools are struggling to reach the 2030 goal of having 80 percent of students attending more than 90 percent of the time. That's almost one in four schools. Principals' Federation President Leanne Otene told Ryan Bridge this data includes both unjustified and justified absences - as well as transience. She says this can be kids needing to move around for social housing, or those in families impacted by high unemployment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's no doubt punters will like this new major events fund.  $70-million of new and old money.  Some for infrastructure like the cycleway network which needs an upgrade. $10-million for regional tourism.  And the showstopper is this $40 for "significant, high-impact events for New Zealand from 2026".  The PM and Minister Upston came out yesterday and said these big major events are money-makers.  Hospotality does well. Tourism operators do well. Retail does well.  They called it a bonanza.  But if you're a fan of ailing. If you like the America's, you might scratching your head.  It was only five months ago the PM say nah to backing the America's Cup.  Why? We're in a fiscal mess, we need to invest in "proper infrastructure" like hospitals and roads.  He said we need to be more responsible with taxpayers money.  And now we have new money for a pearl jam concert.  To be fair, the sums involved here are important. The Cup would have cost somewhere between 40 and 70 million on its own.  This entire fund, the bit for major events, is $40 million total.  But if you follow the reasoning and ask yourself the basic question, is there less demand for hospital or roading infrastructure now than there was then, you'd be right to feel a bit confused by all this. Either the cup was a crap investment, or these investments, more generally are simply not a priority. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a big weekend for rugby, with the Warriors final against the Panthers falling at the same time as the All Blacks second clash with South Africa.   It’s been ten years since the All Blacks claimed victory over the Springboks in Wellington – will they be able to pull off another win?  And the Warriors are entering the playoffs in 6th place after a season filled with ups and downs – how will they fare against the Panthers?  Newstalk ZB’s voice of rugby Elliott Smith and sports journalist Nick Bewley joined Ryan Bridge to preview the weekend’s clashes.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concern there's a creep towards privatisation in a refreshed curriculum.  The Government's overhauling senior secondary school subjects, with new options to be phased in from 2028.  Vocational subjects including engineering, building, and construction will be industry-led.  Principal of Auckland's Albany Senior High School Claire Amos told Ryan Bridge it could mean losing the benefits of a school-led approach.  She says some of the most powerful vocational learning is happening in the context of schools meeting the needs of their distinct communities.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 12th of September 2025, Erica Stanford's revealed the new subjects which will be included in the replacement of NCEA, Albany Senior High School Principal Claire Amos shares her thoughts. Newstalk ZB's Elliot Smith and Nick Bewley provide some analysis ahead of the All Blacks and Warriors games this weekend.  A manhunt is still underway in the us to search for the killer of conservative activist, Charlie Kirk, Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian David Smith has the latest out of the US.  Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on Peter Mandelson's sacking. 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 FBI is releasing images of the latest person of interest following the shooting of Charlie Kirk.  The highly influential conservative activist was shot at an event at Utah Valley University yesterday morning and later died in hospital.  The manhunt continues for the person responsible after two people were questioned but later released from custody.  Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian David Smith has the latest out of the US.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week NASA found the clearest sign yet of ancient life on Mars. We learned that for the first time in human history, there more obese children on earth than underweight children. In the Middle East, missiles bomb peace talks. Over the skies of Europe we’ve got drones and fighter jets. In the US, supposedly the first among free nations, another political assassination. It’s times like this you think, what a strange species.  If those Martian aliens turned up here, what would they think of us? How would we explain ourselves? Religion is about loving thy neighbour, but we fight in the name of it. Food is scarce but some have too much and others too little. Democracy means freedom until you’re shot in the head for speaking your mind. Of course none of this is unusual. We’ve done this since the beginning of time. Fight, kill, war, rinse and repeat. Animals fight for territory, food and survival. We do that to, but we also fight just because we can't agree with each other.  I think what it all boils down to is the fact we’re social beings. It can work for us but it can work against us - arguably, social media is making this all worse. So what are we to conclude? How are we to explain ourselves to an alien?  What if they landed tomorrow in some big spacecraft, who would you take them to meet? Donald Trump? Xi Jinping? The Pope? The King? Honestly I don’t know. Maybe we’d be better off asking a question: have you got any room for me up there? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand appears to be a gateway for migration to other countries.  Latest Stats NZ data shows there were 14 thousand migrant arrivals and nearly 10 thousand departures in the year to July.  Massey University sociologist Paul Spoonley told Ryan Bridge we're seeing more people migrate to New Zealand, who then move on to Australia.  He says the Australians have been actively recruiting here for a number of years, offering better salaries and pension conditions.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Calls for swift intervention to keep our young people healthy.   A United Nations report suggests 9.4% of those aged five to 19-years-old are obese, and 9.2% are underweight.  In the year 2000, 12% were underweight and just 3% were obese.   Save the Children Advocacy Director Jacqui Southey told Ryan Bridge there needs to be better education around what is and isn't healthy.   She says some products may appear healthy but are actually packed with sugars, salts, and fats.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A big commitment from Jetstar and its parent Qantas as both airlines make big moves to expand routes. Jetstar's adding new routes from Brisbane to Queenstown and Hamilton to Christchurch and increasing capacity on five domestic and trans-Tasman routes. Qantas is also expanding routes and will begin flying state-of-the-art A220 aircraft between Wellington and Brisbane from February. Aviation Commentator Irene King shares her thoughts with Ryan.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Remember it was only a month ago Trump was parading around an Alaskan Air Force base, talking up peace for Ukraine. Within weeks, Putin sends 800 drones across the border - the biggest attack of the war so far. He’s targeted EU and British government buildings in Kyiv. He’s now entered NATO airspace. The fighter jets were scrambled. The alarm bells rang in Brussels.  Does any of this sound like progress? Does any of this sound like diplomacy is doing a god damn thing to stop regular folk being slaughtered in the crossfire? No, of course not. Meanwhile Netanyahu’s firing missiles into Doha.  And who was he aiming for? The Hamas lead negotiator. The same guy who, as recently as last week, was being given ceasefire details from the Americans via the Egyptians and Qataris.   If you really want peace, you don’t fire missiles at the guy you’re negotiating with. Now if you’re Hamas, what are you going to do now the place you thought was safe to have talks no longer feels safe? Some in Hamas believe the whole thing was a set-up, according to the BBC.  The American ceasefire proposal was all a trick to get them in one place at time, then bang. Bomb them. Blow them up.  Can’t blame them for thinking that.  It doesn’t matter where you look, which continent, which war, diplomacy is not working.  The Americans look weak. Trump looks weak. Netanyahu’s taking him for a ride. Putin couldn’t care less. And one guy in the world sitting back watching, smiling, biding his time, and growing a military empire is Xi Jinping of China.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 11th of September 2025, more New Zealand citizens are leaving the country than ever before, Massey University Sociologist Paul Spoonley tells Ryan about the impact it'll have on the country's growth.  Jet Star's announced it's biggest ever expansion here with over 600,000 extra seats, Airline Commentator Irene King tells Ryan about the impact it'll have on Air New Zealand. More children are now obese than they are underweight, Jacqui Southey from Save the Children shares her thoughts. Plus could there be life on Mars? US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest from a NASA press conference about a rock showing potential of ancient life.  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 concern the Government’s school shakeup could drive more students to drop out early.   New data shows that over 1,300 students were granted an early leaving exemption last year – the highest since 2007.  The Government is proposing to remove subjects from senior school general subject list, reclassifying them as a limited vocational option – one being Outdoor Education.  Whenua Iti Outdoors CEO Mark Bruce-Miller told Ryan Bridge that outdoor education allows all students flourish in areas that are difficult to work on within a classroom environment, such as teamwork, leadership, communication, resilience, and initiative.   He says students need to be as well-rounded as possible when leaving school, and removing outdoor education from the list means some students won’t get those benefits.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A children's advocate says Tom Phillips' children are not "public property" and the public don't have a right to know and debate their lives.  Authorities say the children are safe and healthy and continuing to receive support.  Their father died on Monday morning after being shot by police near Marokopa in western Waikato.  Child Matters Chief Executive Jane Searle told Ryan Bridge we don't need to know everything we want to know about the children.  She says they have a lengthy process of reintegrating into society and rebuilding their lives, and for that to be a public story wouldn't be healthy for those children.  The Police officer injured in Monday's altercation is still in hospital.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 10th of September 2025, the missing Marokopa kids have been found, but how can we make sure we don't traumatise them further? Child Matters CEO Jane Searle shares her thoughts.  There's concern the Government's change up of the school curriculum could drive more students to drop out early, Mark Bruce-Miller CEO of Whenua Iti Outdoors explains why it's important to focus on more than just the core subjects.  A report on organised crime says we need a dedicated minister to be responsible for transnational crime and bring agencies together, Customs Minister Casey Costello shares her thoughts. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on French President Emmanuel Macron urgently seeking a new Prime Minister after his government collapses.  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.

Organised crime is being described as the number one threat to New Zealand's national security. The Ministerial Advisory Group on Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime see it as such a significant issue, it's recommending the government should give one minister the responsibility of tackling the problem. A new report says police and customs regularly encounter drug shipments which were once thought unthinkable.  Customs Minister Casey Costello told Ryan Bridge she sees merit in the recommendation. She says it's been done before, in the 80s when the Serious Fraud Office was set up to respond to a specific type of criminal offending. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I watched a movie Sunday with a group of friends. Here are 12 things I learnt: 1. You probably aren’t hungover on the couch at home uber-eatsing Maccas from the sofa. 2. You have taken the extraordinary measure of walking, using your perfectly capable legs even though you're still a bit stiff and sore from the gym. 3. This means you have visited the gym four times this week to ensure your ass will squeeze into the ever-shrinking vice of a seat provided these days. 4. You chat amongst yourselves loudly while the shorts are playing because you just do not give a flying shite about that level of decorum any longer. Nobody paid for the shorts, they paid for the film - the rest is marketing. 5. The short you do watch has Leonardo DiCaprio (heartthrob of youth) playing the cantankerous father figure to group of young actors you wouldn’t know from a bar of soap. 6. You feel nostalgia that the movie is set in the early 2000s. 7. You find the young actors replicating that style —the clothes, the hair, the style— immediately lame for copying what we clearly wore better. 8. One of your friend has a moon boot on after a ‘fall’ he took while out walking with this same group of friends the weekend prior. 9. You love the movie 'Caught Stealing' with Austin Butler. Not just because it’s a good simple hearty action thriller but because it’s only an hour and half long. 10. That means only one toilet break because it’s impossible to sit on 660mls of fizzy water without the feeling you bladder may explode into a thousand pieces.  11. The timeframe is just enough before you need to rearrange to alleviate back pain. 12. You laugh, you’re enthralled, you feel content sitting there in the dark with your buddies. Happy in the knowledge any worries you had going in are a world away from the grungy lower east side of Manhattan where the film is set.  It’s the little things you notice that paint a picture of where your life is at, how old you are and how you fit into a world of ever changing demographics. It’s a reminder to enjoy the good moments in life with the people that make you happy. Because one day we’ll either have dementia or be dead.   Here's to middle age. Halfway dead and fine with it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data shows rents are down to the lowest point since 2023.  They’ve dropped 3% in the last year to $628 per week according to realestate.co.nz.  Urban centres had the biggest decline, with Wellington leading with 11.8% drops and Auckland following with 2.3%.  ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Ryan Bridge its very much an economics lesson in basic supply and demand.  He says that we not only have more listings coming onto the market, but also net immigration has fallen over the past few years, so there’s less demand for rentals.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A private investigator who previously tried tracking down Tom Phillips says the area where the fugitive’s campsite was found was where people expected.  Phillips was killed in a shootout with police after a quad bike he was riding with one of his children was spiked by police on a rural Waitomo road yesterday morning.  Following a large manhunt, the remaining two children were found at a campsite two kilometres away.  Chris Budge told Ryan Bridge the area is rugged in parts, back country gravel roads, with little isolated farming communities.  He says the area is quite hard to look through, which is why police weren’t able to locate them over the last few years.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 9th of September 2025 Tom Phillips has been shot dead and his three children have been found safe, Private investigator Chris Budge tells Ryan what happens from here.  New data shows rents are down 3% nationwide to the lowest point since 2023. The PPTA is telling members to vote down the government's new pay offer, Leighton Watson Senior Lecturer of maths and statistics at Canterbury University, shares his thoughts.  Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the details of Mushroom Cook Erin Patterson's sentencing.  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 comparisons show teacher salaries have plummeted relative to the minimum wage. PPTA members are voting on a new Government pay offer, while primary teachers have decided to reject their latest offer. Canterbury University maths lecturer Leighton Watson's done a comparison of teachers' pay with the minimum wage. He told Ryan Bridge a beginning teacher was paid $33 thousand in 1999, and now they get $64 thousand. Watson says it seems like a great increase, but if they got paid the same now, relative to the minimum wage, it would be $100 thousand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s brutal, but Tom Phillips brought this whole thing on himself. Yes, he was killed and that is a very hard and sad fact his kids are going to have to live with for their rest of their lives.   Their father is dead. But, he shot a cop - an innocent local Constable who was trying to do his job. Tom Phillips also deprived his children of their mum, of any professional medical attention, of any formal education, for four years. Ember was five when they were taken to the bush and hasn’t been to school since - she is now 9. The kids were essentially used as helpers as their dad carried out bank robberies, burglaries, and break-ins.  These are not the actions of a father who wants the best for his kids. Any parent who loves their children knows you don’t put them in harm's way. Much will be made of the custody situation in the coming days, but the fact is we don’t know much detail about this. and likely never will. The full story won’t come out. When he went bush the second time, Tom was in breach of a custody order. But that’s about all we know because Family Court cases are wrapped up in suppression like Fort Knox in this country to protect the kids.   Fair enough too. But whatever happened in court, before court, no matter how unfair or unjust a case may be, if you take the law into your own hands, run away with your own kids, deprive them of an education and contact with society for four years, then the outcomes are yours to own. And yours alone.  The outcomes here are bittersweet.  A father is dead. A police Constable is in hospital lucky to be alive.  And three children have survived, at least physically, a dangerous situation they should never have been out in in the first place.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unfinished business for a former Labour minister, who may jump ship and campaign for New Zealand First.  Stuart Nash, who was Police Minister during the last Government, made a surprise appearance at New Zealand First's annual convention in Palmerston North over the weekend.  He was sacked from the last Government's Cabinet after a string of scandals including revealing confidential information to former donors.   Nash told Ryan Bridge he's been enjoying running a business, but believes there are things that need to be done in Parliament.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 8th of September 2025, The Government's patting itself of it's back for new data showing it’s smashed elective surgery targets, Health Minister Simeon Brown gives an update on surgery wait times.  Former Labour leader Stuart Nash makes his pitch for becoming a NZ first MP.  Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport.  Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on UK police arresting thousands at an ongoing demonstration against the government's ban of the campaign group Palestine Action. 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.

As you know I’ve been saying for some time this election is National’s to lose.  The economy will pick up, this government’s only two years in and kiwis like to give incumbents the benefit of the doubt. I still think this holds true. But, as we’ve been reporting since April, Trump’s tariffs - which took everybody (including the markets) by surprise, making a bear of a bull - hammered business and consumer confidence just as we were showing signs of those green shoots the pundits love talking about. This has shortened Luxon’s window for a real economic recovery, which is the platform he’s relying on for re-election. Talk of a leadership coup by Christmas is in my view daft.  Any National MP who thinks they can outpoll Luxon in the current climate’s got to be dreaming. A short-term bump, maybe. But there are political costs - namely - instability. Remember Muller? Then this newly elected Leader must go to Winston and David and no doubt relitigate all and sundry just as the later begin firing up for a showdown. Winston and Shane were in full flight at the weekend. And it’s only September 2025. Timing is everything and that’s Luxon’s card to play - in 12 months from now the country will (likely) feel a much different place to live. That means a late election. If National are smart they’ll stick with the devil they know and wait for brighter days ahead. The risks outweigh the benefits at this point in the cycle.  If needs be, a transition can happen in pretty short order… Jacinda Ardern is proof of that. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Belief progress is being made, when it comes to cutting wait times for elective surgeries. The Government's exceeded its half-year target, by delivering more than 16-thousand extra operations before the end of June.  It's also wanting 95 percent of patients to be waiting less than four months by 2030. Health Minister Simeon Brown told Ryan Bridge they're on track to reach 63 percent this year. He says the list kept growing until the beginning of this year, when it dropped to 58 percent - so they have caught up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s world No 1 v No 2, a repeat of the World Cup final, two of the great sporting rivals squaring off once again. It might just be the biggest test for the All Blacks this year.  Scott Robertson’s side look to continue a proud record at Eden Park stretching back to 1994, while also needing to bounce back from a defeat to Argentina.  The All Blacks have remained undefeated at the Fortress for over 30 years – a record that could be tested tomorrow.  Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner is nervous about the record being broken, telling Andrew Dickens that they want it to continue, and are confident it will.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Truck drivers are feeling increased pressure to deliver on time – even breaking the law to do so.  The Workers First Union believes the timeframes set up for drivers to complete jobs within allocated driving hours is unachievable.  The union signed up to support the Safe Rates international labour campaign, which makes employers and customers responsible for the financial pressures put on drivers.  Union organiser Lance Gush told Andrew Dickens the campaign makes a level playing field for those fighting for contracts.  He says companies are dropping vehicles out of their fleets in order to try to keep up with contract costs.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast 2025, criminals with New Zealand residency could now face deportation for up to 20 years after arriving, immigration lawyer Simon Laurent shares his thoughts.  The All Blacks will be taking on the Springboks at Eden Park this Saturday, Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner tells Andrew what they're doing to prepare for the big match.  Truck drivers say they’re being pushed to speed, skip breaks, and bend the law just to keep freight moving, Workers First Union organiser Lance Gush tells Andrew the impact it's having on drivers.  UK/Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on a Portuguese funicular crash and the possible digital ID scheme to combat illegal migration.  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.

What could be a reactive move - as Immigration Minister Erica Stanford sends a clear message to immigrants, to obey the law. Criminals with New Zealand residency could now face deportation if they've been here for less than 20 years. That's double the current limit of under 10 years.  Immigration lawyer Simon Laurent told Andrew Dickens this is a response to an overall mood that's surfacing, particularly in the UK and Australia. He says it's an approach that's been sweeping through other democracies, for the past few years. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now seeing as I am a 60 year old white guy, some will consider my comments inherently racist, but I am allowed my opinion just as you are allowed yours.  Opinions are like bums - we all have one, so why fight it? Firstly, the coming out of the Māori Queen.  One thing is for sure, Māori do this customary and ceremonial stuff well. The attendees are seeing history, a young Queen about to take leadership.  But I’m always amazed at the one year silence thing. Sure you’re getting the lay of the land and forming your ideas for your reign and paying respect to your predecessor, but come on.  It seems to me that the year's silence gives the courtiers more power over affairs of state. When the cats away the mice will play.  Now to the Tamaki Makaurau by-election.  I couldn’t believe how many voters got the City Council Elections and the by-election to be a Member of Parliament confused.   One person on telly wondered if Oriini Kaipara was running for Mayor. And you wonder why we get strange governments and councils.  The candidates also ran chaotic campaigns.    Oriini Kaipara had a shocker. Claiming her party, who have not been in government since 2017, had repealed laws. No they did not - back then they were support partners and so not able to repeal laws.  Then she had to grab her phone to check policy while Jack Tame looked on quizzically.  Then she said her Labour opponent should be Prime Minister of New Zealand, which must have raised the eyebrows of Rawiri and Debbie. I understand Oriini's appeal. She’s young and smart. She was a respected journalist, and she has the Māori Party sartorial style. Fine alternative statement clothes - they always looked like they’ve been styled by Zambesi. But it’s not what you look like or seem, it’s what you say. She seems underdone and would get better with more time.  Then there’s Peeni Henare. A product of Māori's hierarchical society where a lot of weight is given to your family, your whakapapa, and your journey.  He’s always been mentioned as a future Prime Minister. It seems like it’s owed and not to be earned. If he loses this one it’s over, because you can’t be a Prime Minister if you couldn’t win a Māori electorate. Twice. He also had a shocker going against the gang patch law having to be corrected by Chippy. Also I didn’t need to see him working out with David Letele, I want to know what he thinks, not how he sweats  You know I don’t think I could vote for either if I could.  But I can’t. I’m not allowed to. And that seems to be how the electorate feel with indications of a terrible turnout this weekend.  And that’s a bad thing. If you respect the treaty, if you’ve chosen to be on a Māori roll, then you owe your people to use that privilege, or right if you prefer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A separate argument against major tech firms paying more tax.  A report from tax expert Nick Miller says companies like Google are able to skirt their dues by taking payments from New Zealand subsidiaries, listed as service fees.  He says they could be seen as royalties, which come under a withholding tax.   However, another independent expert in the field, Geof Nightingale, told Andrew Dickens the Trump administration would push the cost back onto New Zealand businesses and consumers.  If we were to tax the US tech giants more, we'd be slapped with a higher tariff on exports.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Optimism in the education sector as the number of people studying to be a teacher rises.  There's been about 3,500 new domestic enrolments to initial teacher training this year – up 30% on the same time last year.  Primary education's grown by 31%, while enrolments in secondary are up 28%, and 24% for ECE.  PPTA President Chris Abercrombie told Andrew Dickens that doesn't reflect the need, in terms of shortages.  He says in secondary education, they are often short of subject specialists.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Thursday 4th of September 2025, a report from the Chief Justice says trials are becoming longer, more complex and it's clogging up the system, former high court judge and former Chair of the NZ parole board, Sir Ron Young shares his thoughts. Independent tax expert Geof Nightingale gives his take on how big tech pay their fair share to our economy. Data from the Ministry of Education show enrolment numbers are up 30%, PPTA President Chris Abercrombie tells Andrew how big of a difference it'll make to our teacher shortage. Plus US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on Trump hitting out at President Xi and other leaders during China's military parade. 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.

Complex cases appear to be clogging up our justice system, with manslaughter and murder offences making up more than 70% of all High Court trials. Chief Justice Dame Helen Winkelmann says the system is struggling to keep pace, in her latest Annual Report. Her report reveals a mix of delays, burnout, safety issues, and under-funding. Former High Court Judge and Parole Board Chair Sir Ron Young told Andrew Dickens it's horrifying that manslaughter and murder trials are taking 17 days or more. He says in the 1970s and 80s, murder trials took about three to five days.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The game of rugby this weekend is starting to take on a life of it’s own.  Some have called it the biggest game of rugby since the last World Cup Final featuring the same two teams - and this is even though the Lions have just toured Australia in a record-breaking financial success.  But it is going to be a cracker. It’s been fortified by Eden Park’s record as a fortress - 30 years and 50 games where the All Blacks have not been defeated.  We’re vulnerable as the last test against Argentina showed, meanwhile the South Africans seem genuinely inspired by playing at Eden Park.  It’s been 8 years since they have done that. The revenue is generated by them, and I wonder if it's been purposeful to keep them away from it for so long.  And the French have been in the media as they were the last to beat New Zealand at the Garden of Eden way back in 1994. Interestingly the first time I went to an All Blacks game, only to see them lose.  They too have been rhapsodising about the mythical qualities of what is a pretty patchy stadium.  There’s a very real chance we’re going to lose this one. Graham Henry has been quoted as saying there’s something not quite right with the team’s mentality.  Yet it’s a reminder that if the biggest game of rugby in the world is to be played, it had to played at Eden Park.  The good people of Christchurch who are about to take possession of a spiffing new stadium will argue that Eden Park’s self declaration that the park is our national stadium is misplaced.  But that’s not true. Eden Park is sacred ground and Auckland still needs to figure out how to make it better, because it’s the best place for what is about to happen this weekend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's tertiary refresh has sparked conversation around whether the country's dumbing down the sector.  Universities Minister Shane Reti's announced a package of initiatives, including a new education strategy and updated governance rules.  He decided against making university entrance harder.  Universities NZ chair Grant Edwards told Andrew Dickens there's no need for more limits on who can hand out the top academic qualifications.  He says universities are the only institutions to do research-led teaching in the country, so research-led Masters and PhDs should be awarded within them.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.