Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

There's an expectation it will take two years to get the number of international students in vocational education back to pre-Covid levels. There were about 75-thousand international students in New Zealand last year - 40% less than a peak in 2016. Vocational Minister Penny Simmonds says told Ryan Bridge centralising Polytech's into Te Pukenga is a big factor, as it caused a financial mess. She says it's been a nightmare, which is being unpicked. Te Pukenga is being disestablished by January, with power then going back to individual Polytech's. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another Reserve Bank rate cut.  It was largely as expected - 25 basis points. The rest of the press conference and much of the Monetary Policy Statement itself was focused on the ‘unpredictable’ global environment.  We can’t say this because we don’t know what Trump will do. We can’t be certain about that because XYZ. Trade war, etc, etc. But at what point does unpredictability become predictable, and therefore not the great threat we make it out to be? Yes, Trump went nuts on Liberation day. The sky fell in, then he calls a ceasefire in May. The markets have recouped all their losses, the indices are patchy but largely back to where they were. Trade talks are ongoing. The IMF yesterday upgraded Britain’s growth. US consumer confidence actually increased last month. China’s industrial growth for April was positive yesterday. Our agriculture exports are doing the business abroad.  Trump rants and raves on twitter. He un-announces stuff as quickly as he announces stuff.  He’s impulsive, emotionally reactive, and vindictive. He’s a weathervane.  The political equivalent of Katy Perry, cause he’s hot then he’s cold. He’s in then he’s out. He’s up then he’s down. He’s yes then he’s no. He’s wrong when it’s right, he’s black when it’s white... You get the point.  The point ism we know this about him. We know he’s unpredictable and that makes his unpredictability, predictable. I reckon we aren’t taking his threats as seriously as we were two months ago. Not the US consumer, not Chinese industry, not us.  And you know who else should stop paying him so much attention? The Reserve Bank. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 29th of May 2025,  The Reserve Bank cut the OCR by 25 basis points, ASB bank Chief Economist Nick Tuffley shares his thoughts.  International student numbers are down in Secondary schools and for vocational training, Minister for vocational education Penny Simmonds tells Ryan Bridge what the Government's doing to help.  The New Zealand Initiative has come up with a plan to bring competition to the grocery sector, Sue Chetwin from the Grocery Action Group shares her thoughts. Plus US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on the US government halting international student Visa appointments.  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.

Renewed warnings that people are 'rolling the dice with their life' when partaking in 'run it straight' style games.  Ryan Satterthwaite has died after a private version of the game in Palmerston North.   The 19-year-old suffered a serious brain injury on Sunday and died in hospital on Monday.   AUT Human Performance Professor Patria Hume told Ryan Bridge Police can intervene in these games, particularly at official events.  She says event organisers are legally required to ensure the health and safety of participants.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Major questions about how a man was able to drive his car into a massive crowd in Liverpool yesterday, injuring 50.  Eleven people remain in hospital, all in a stable condition and recovering.  A 53-year-old British man has been arrested for attempted murder.  Fans of Liverpool Football Club had flooded the city's streets to celebrate its Premier League title win.  Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge the driver defied police traffic management by following an ambulance into the area.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Port of Auckland's fee hikes are a bitter pill to swallow for transport operators.  The port has announced a 77% increase for trucks entering the Fergusson Container Terminal during peak times – going from $130 to $230 by July next year.   National Road Carriers Chief Executive Justin Tighe-Umbers told Ryan Bridge it's not so simple to work off peak, as they don't have the workforce to cover those hours.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025 Wednesday 28th of May, It's OCR day today, Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold shares his thoughts on what the Reserve Bank will do.  A 19 year old has died from a 'run-it-straight' style game with his friends, AUT Human Performance Professor Patria Hume warns about the risk of letting these events continue.  Auckland's port is hiking its access fees once again, National Road Carriers Association Chief Executive Justin Tighe-umbers tells Ryan Bridge about the impacts it'll have. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the car that drove through closed off streets at the celebration parade for Liverpool Football Club.  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 Reserve Bank's expected to cut interest rates again this afternoon, to aid economic recovery.  Economists are projecting a 25 basis point OCR cut to 3.25% - the lowest cash rate since September 2022.  Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold says beyond that, there's a bit more debate.  He says told Ryan Bridge Westpac is forecasting they'll stop at three percent.  Eckhold says next year if the global environment looks weak, then inflation could fall back quite rapidly - so some commentators are suggesting rates could get to 2.5%.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happened in Palmerston North with the death of this young man was an absolute tragedy. We don't know exactly what happened here, other than it was linked to another viral challenge.  The sad reality is stuff like this will happen again. And again. And again.  The campaigners and professionals will warn about the dangers.  And then kids will be kids, and another craze will come along and somebody else will get hurt or worse. Ten years ago… remember planking? The came skin art, where young people paint sunscreen on some parts of their bodies and burn the rest in the sun.  An American family lost their son to the infamous blackout challenge, where kids choke themselves or their friends for fun. For ages teenagers, especially boys, have played bullrush, drank to excess, and driven cars way too fast. Frontal lobes don’t develop properly until age 25. That’s when reason overtakes risk in the brain. Behaviour changes. If you ask me honestly if society can ever prevent these tragedies from happening again, I’d say look at the numbers, the trends and social media algorithms. But more than that, that overwhelming urge to, when you’re young, experiment with danger. To push the boundaries in life. To just goof off with your mates. That primal urge has existed since the beginning of time and doesn’t appear to be going anywhere in a hurry.  All we can do as individuals is offer our sincere condolences to this poor family and hope that others learn a lesson from his death. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's greyhound racers aren't going without a fight.  Greyhound Racing NZ is applying for a judicial review of Racing Minister Winston Peters giving the industry 20 months to wind down, from last November.  Trainer Craig Roberts told Ryan Bridge he believes people have been fed misinformation about the industry.  He says about 95% of greyhound injuries aren't serious, and just prevent them racing for a short period of time.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers are sounding the alarm, warning the sheep industry is collapsing.  Numbers in flocks have declined from 70 million just over 40 years ago to 25 million today.   Farmers say carbon farming is the main factor, with 260 thousand hectares of land converted into forestry between 2017 and 2024.  They say the farms harbour pests like stoats, feral pigs, and deer, which come onto their land and harm their livestock.  Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard told Ryan Bridge the problem has grown in the last three or four years – a lack of hunting during the Covid lockdowns seemingly allowing pests to breed.  He says as they redo the Biosecurity Act, they’ll be looking at the clause dictating a landowner must maintain and control pests within their boundary, to see if it needs tightening.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 43-year-old Australian man arrested in Bali for smuggling cocaine, could face the death penalty.  Lamar Aaron Ahchee was picked up by Police at the location where the drugs were allegedly delivered.  More than 200 small packages of cocaine were confiscated, weighing almost two kilograms.  Australian correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge Ahchee has yet to be charged, but has been presented to media at a press conference wearing an orange jumpsuit and black balaclava.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retail NZ is calling for an urgent meeting with the police minister. RNZ reports staff have been directed to not investigate shoplifting below $500 and online fraud below $1000.  Police say they may not take look further into crime below the threshold and lacking evidence.  Retail NZ Advocacy Manager Ann-Marie Johnson told Ryan Bridge they know officers aren't going to turn up at every small incident. She says they just want to know Police are taking these crimes seriously and arresting where they can. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, Winston has definitively ruled out working with Chris Hipkins. Not Labour, but Hipkins.  He had of course already pretty much done this earlier in the year after his State of Nation address, in which called the Labour leadership a bunch of liars and unreformed losers.  But this is crystal clear now. He’s spoken to Thomas Coughlin at the Herald - it’s a firm no, thank you. This is interesting for two reasons. 1) Winston is a political wizard and knows how to read the room and play the game. This is not a random outburst. This is a calculated decision based on the path he thinks will get New Zealand First back to the Treasury benches. By virtue of ruling out Hipkins, assuming he doesn’t get rolled and replaced, Winston has reduced his bargaining power. Which is not an outcome a kingmaker takes lightly.  The key to his success on the campaign trail has always been as much about what he stands against as what he stands for - immigration and Treaty issues spring to mind. He’s decided that in 2026, the punching bag will be a three-headed clown show marriage of the Greens, Labour, and Te Pati Māori. He’s read the room and picked his side.  In 2023, Winston ruled out Labour before Chippy definitively ruled Winston out. He has yet to do the same for 2026.  He’s now missed his chance, and any moral high found that went with it. Remember, Hipkins must appeal to a base that despises the anti-woke agenda Winston peddles. This year alone he’s labelled him a pale version of Donald Trump, a conspiracy theorist, and spokesman for the tobacco lobby. Hipkins’ failure to rule out working with him undermines the high horse he canters around the Parliament. His protestations were sounding a bit hollow. The question for Hipkins this morning: are you willing to rule out working in Winston given he's already done the same to you? Or is there a wee small hope in your head that he might just change his mind and under MMP, an open door is is worth walking through, even if it leads you to the across to the dark side?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, Full Show Podcast Tuesday the 27th of May 2025, Retail NZ's Ann Marie Johnson tells Ryan Bridge why they've has called for an urgent meeting with Police Minister Mark Mitchell after Police were told to no longer investigate allegations of shop lifting below $500.  Greyhound racing New Zealand are calling for a judicial review into the Government's decision to ban the sector, Greyhound trainer Craig Roberts shares what the ban will mean for him. Federated Farmers are warning of declining sheep numbers, Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard tells Ryan Bridge what this means from a Government stand point.  Ryan Bridge shares his thoughts on Winston Peters ruling out working with Chris Hipkins.  Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on a snap ban on machetes in Victoria after a violent brawl in a suburban shopping centre. 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 wasn’t a good weekend for Warriors or Auckland FC fans, with both teams losing to Australian rivals. Auckland FC lost To Melbourne Victory, destroying their A-League debut double dream. Meanwhile the Warriors winning streak came to an end when they lost 16-10 to the Raiders. Newstalk ZB’s Andrew Alderson talks to Ryan Bridge about the weekend that was in sport. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Half of the children on the dental surgery waitlist have been waiting for more than four months.  Health New Zealand data shows nearly three-thousand kids have been waiting for more than 120 days.  Otago dentistry Senior Lecturer Samuel Carrington tells Ryan Bridge waiting patients have complex issues with their teeth.  "By the time Tamariki reach hospital care, they're usually in a lot of significant pain and have multiple infected or abscessed teeth," he says.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The European Union's trade chief said the 27-member bloc is committed to securing a trade deal with the US based on "respect" not "threats". It comes after US President Donald Trump threatened to slap a 50% tariff on all goods sent to the US from the EU. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey talks to Ryan Bridge about the message, and the scientists turning their attention to dolphins.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 26 May. 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 view that new sanctions for beneficiaries failing to meet jobseeker obligations, are "sensible." The changes, as part of the Government's traffic light system, are being rolled out today. It includes money management - which puts half of someone's benefit onto a payment card, that can only be used at approved stores for four weeks. Former Welfare Expert Advisory Panel Member, Phil O'Reilly told Ryan Bridge sanctions encourage people to get off a benefit. He says they also keep taxpayers' faith in the system too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KiwiSaver.  I was thinking about this at the weekend. I get why the government is doing the old switcharoo. I get it. Means test the government sweet we, halve it for everyone else… save some money.  Then we workers… and our employers… will slowly put more into the scheme… So that when it all comes out in the wash, we’re at least no worse off than before budget day.  Except that we will be worse off, because it’s us and our employers paying for it. We pay more up front. Our employers pay more up front. That’s added cost. Businesses recover cost by putting up prices, which we end up paying, or by lowering costs, like wages… which is how most of us make a living, right? So the net effect is worse for us and better for the government. Now again, I get why they need to slash spending but the irony with tinkering with KiwiSaver is this. For your average kiwi working hard and saving and planning for retirement… that’s what we’re told to do…. These changes throw all your calculations out of whack. You plan on a long-term, predictable set of circumstances. When they’re changed without warning and at random, it punishes people who are trying to do the right thing.  We need more of a heads up on changes to KiwiSaver… and more importantly… NZ Super. It’s not a matter of if but when that also gets means-tested. Even if the when is post-Winston.  Nicola Willis says she’s been giving this some thought. The future of superannuation. I’d like to know, and other hard-working Kiwi-savers I’m sure would also like to know, sooner rather than later, what those thoughts are. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC are looking to book their spot in the A-League Grand Final. The club has the second leg of their A-League semi-final clash against Melbourne Victory tomorrow night. It’s the home leg for AFC – with Go Media Mount Smart Stadium expected to be a sellout with 28-thousand fans. Football Commentator and Newstalk ZB's Weekend Sport host Jason Pine told Ryan Bridge with Auckland up 1-0, he absolutely backs the team to make the final.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's defending its claim the Government's Kiwisaver changes steal 66-thousand dollars from a young person's retirement savings. The Government's halving its yearly contributions, and bringing in a cap at incomes of 180-thousand. Default employer and employee contributions will also rise to four percent. The party's finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds told Ryan Bridge halving the Government's contribution will have a big impact. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good morning and guess what? Things are looking up. The future's looking pretty good. Not from budget announcements themselves, necessarily, but the Treasury forecasts. We'll hit just shy of 3% growth next year. It'll average 2.9% across the next four years. Unemployment gets back below 5%. Inflation is beaten at 2%. Wages grow faster than costs at 2.7%. These are the best forecasts we have, and they show that even if the global outlook gets worse, we'll still grow by a whisker shy of 3% next year. We've been talking about them all year but thank the Lord for our primary sector exports. They're in high demand. Prices are up. Payouts are up. Tourism is coming back back on, albeit slowly. Finally, after effectively two years of going backwards, and four years of feeling very poor, things look like they're finally turning a corner. The good old days are coming back. But the pain isn't over yet. The forecasts have us actually going backwards 0.8% this year. And you can feel that and see it some of the confidence, employment, card spending and PSI data we spoke about the other day. The services sector is still in contraction, unlike most of our trading partners. The government surplus is also a fly in the ointment. Despite average growth of almost 3% a year for the next four years, Nicola Willis won't, in any of them, return to books surplus and actually start paying down the debt. Debt's costing us more than Defence, Police, Corrections, Justice, and Customs combined. It peaks at 46% in 2028 and won't come down below 40% target in this forecast period. Why not? Net debt doubled under the last lot and your net borrowing is still increasing as a proportion of the economy, and the economy's going to grow. Nicola Willis says this would have required harsher cuts to health and education. If you were running a business, you'd gut the costs out because there's more fat to trim. But she's not running a business, she's running a country. Cut too deep and your risk being turfed out in 2026 and the next lot reversing all the cuts anyway. In a way, deep cuts are less sustainable, politically, than smaller, incremental ones. That's not to take away from the growth track. The question of reliability is a reasonable one to ask. Treasury's been wrong before. The elephant in the White House is, of course, Donald Trump. He's to economists what cyclones are to meteorologists, quite hard to predict with accuracy. Trying to nail down an accurate forecast is like trying to whack a pinata, blindfolded, and drunk. So all of this is to say that finally, on the whole, you'd have to feel a bit more hopeful about the future of this country today than you did yesterday.          See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwisaver changes in this year's budget are expected to have long term benefits, but it might be a tough road for some to get there. While the Government's halving its contribution,  its also gradually increasing the default rate from 3 to 4 percent. Analysis from the Retirement Commission says the vast majority of salary and wage earners will eventually have higher retirement savings. Simplicity Chief Economist Shamubeel Eaqub told Ryan Bridge these long term benefits will come with short term pain. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 23 May. 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.

The primary sector's going gangbusters, with a billion-dollar monthly trade surplus for the first time in five years.  Stats NZ data reveals it sat on $1.4 billion in April, compared with a $12 million deficit for the same time last year.  The dairy sector's been the big winner.  Federated Farmers Dairy Chairperson Richard McIntyre told Ryan Bridge a lot of dairy farmers have smiles on their faces.  He says they're proud of their contribution to the economy, and the wider standard of living they help Kiwis generate.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The country's soon going to see if the Government will stay true to its proclaimed 'year of growth'.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis is hours away from unveiling her second budget and is promising no frills or excess.   It's been slowly teasing figures, with a vast majority of initiatives being funded through cost-savings and cuts.  Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges told Ryan Bridge it'll need a sufficient response to where the country is at.  He says businesses will be looking for strong, clear evidence of the "going for growth" agenda.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Providing I make it to 65, and you don't count your blessings, but assuming for a second that I do, I don't expect I'll be receiving the full pension.  And you know what? I'd rather receive less, at a later age, than pay more taxes through my working life. In 2006, the number of Kiwis aged 65+ was 495,000. It's increasing by about 80 people a day and is likely to reach 1 million by 2028. By 2050? 1.5 million.  Compared to the OECD, we have the highest basic pension paid from general taxes. With fewer young people working to support it, Treasury has long forecast a cost blowout and the need for much higher taxes to afford this system.  Personally, I'd like to take a pass on that.  With about another 30 years on the clock before reaching this magical age, how much extra tax must I pay?  Which colour government will be in charge when the inevitable happens?  Why can't I instead invest my own money, and with the help of compounding returns, hopefully set myself up for my own retirement? Whatever measly amount I might get, I don't expect to get at 65. The UK, Australia, Denmark, US, Germany France and the Netherlands have all increased the age threshold. We will of course do the same at some point.  Like most Kiwis, I hope, and again, you don't count your blessings, will have invested wisely and saved adequately to feed and house myself.  If that changes, then a means tested system should always be a safety net.  But at some point, it'll have to move from Think Big, to think Smaller. NZ Super will have to go on a diet.  Crash dieting is never a sustainable way to trim the fat. Smaller, incremental changes over a long period of time afford best results.  The same is true of NZ Super. And if the choice is higher taxes for 20 or 30 years instead of me investing that money myself. I'd back myself over the State any day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has identified increased foreign investment as an important strategy to raise economic growth. Shane Jones told Ryan Bridge to pay attention through the course of the day. He says if we're not happy about using coal we have to think of other ways to boost the gas industry and interest in New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 22nd of May 2025, It's Budget day today, Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges and Council of Trade Unions Economist Craig Renney tell Ryan Bridge what we can expect.  Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is making a case for Octopus farming, he tells Ryan why it could benefit us.  We had a trade surplus of 1.4 billion dollars in April... the first time we've topped the billion dollar mark in five years, Richard McIntyre Federated Farmers Dairy Chairperson shares what it means for exporters.  Plus, US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on South African President Ramaphosa is meeting President Trump.  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.

Z Energy is looking to top up the supermarket conversation.  Newsroom reports the gas station chain is expanding its grocery offering as part of a diversification push.  Chief Executive Lindis Jones says it will target customers looking for convenience between their large shops – for snacks or staples.  Monopoly Watch spokesperson Tex Edwards told Ryan Bridge it's still not going to solve competition between supermarkets, which is hurting the economy.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Postponement of the Privileges Committee recommendations in Parliament gives National a chance to take the moral high ground.  The debate of the suspension recommendations for those who did a haka during the Treaty Principles Bill's vote last year was adjoined after 20 minutes.  The Leader of the House Chris Bishop moved the vote until June 5th, to leave this week free for the Budget.   Political commentator Brigitte Morten told Ryan Bridge National clearly showed they know how to use the rules of Parliament.  She says they've therefore been able to take the high ground and let the Te Pati Māori MPs be there for the Budget.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report from JLL says almost 255-thousand square metres of new retail space is needed over the next five years, to meet demand. It says Kiwi consumers still value in-store shopping, despite the rise of online shopping. Retail NZ's Ann-Marie Johnson says told Ryan Bridge this shows there's a positive future for retail following a tough period for the industry. She says we've been through cycles like this before - and it will eventually end. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 21st of May 2025, House leader Chris Bishop revealed a last-minute decision to delay the vote on Te Pati Maori's privileges committee punishment, Political commentator Brigitte Morten shares her thoughts. A new report from JLL we need nearly 250,000 square metres of new retail space in the next five years to keep up with demand, Retail NZ's Ann-Marie Johnson shares her thoughts. Z energy wants to roll out grocery offerings, Monopoly Watch Spokesperson Tex Edwards tells Ryan Bridge what this will mean for competition in the grocery sector.  Plus Gavin Grey has the latest on the UK suspending trade talks with Israel and summoning its ambassador. 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.

Politics is all about perception and the perception of his last time on the ninth floor was bad for three reasons.  Crime - they were too soft.  Spending - too much waste. And debt - too much with nothing to show for it. All of this fed into the cost-of-living crisis. Basically, Labour was too loose on the purse strings and the gangs, too harsh on businesses and middle New Zealand.  Yesterday, Hipkins stood up in the Parliament and argued for shorter sentences for some MPs after gun-gesture-gate.  Arguing for a reduced sentence from 21 days to 1 day was ill-advised.  No matter where you sit on the actual debate, politically for Chippy in the eyes of the middle voter, it was a bad move.  Arguing for a 95% discount on sentencing just plays into a narrative they ought to avoid like the plague.  That was strike three.  Strike two came earlier in the day on debt.  He refused to commit to the debt ceiling of 50% of GDP.  It's the sacred threshold Treasury warns we shouldn't cross.  It's the same threshold even Grant Robertson said we shouldn't cross.  The same threshold even ol' Barb from accounts said we shouldn't cross a day earlier.  So now National can run around till the election screaming "debt monster" till their blue in the face and won't be wrong until he commits otherwise.  Strike one came courtesy of the Greens last week.  The mad-hatter alternative budget... the plan so toxic it'd kill growth like roundup on your weeds.  Chippy first said he hadn't read it, which nobody believed. Then he said he'd read it and wouldn't rule anything out. So, he might allow some or all of the roundup to be sprayed on our economic prosperity.  Then he says some of the stuff was bad, some was okay, but not committing to anything.  Obviously, this is the high tide mark on a Green party negotiating position post-election and most of won't actually happen. In the same way the privileges committee thing is not that big of a deal to most voters.  But politics is about perception. And perception is reality. It's three own goals in a week. Three strikes for Chippy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A view that AI could be used as a tool in school exams in the future.  NZQA investigated 876 alleged exam breaches last year, and almost 60 involved AI.  Principals believe the technology was used in some of the 200-odd authenticity breaches.  Canterbury University Associate Professor of Digital Education Kathryn MacCallum told Ryan Bridge AI use is seen as cheating, which isn't always true.  She says writing an essay can still be an assessment of a student's learning with AI, we just need to change the way we assess.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament's Speaker will hold all the power in today's vote on three Te Pati Māori MPs.  The Privileges Committee's proposing 21-day suspensions for the party's leaders, and a seven-day suspension for MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke for their behaviour at last year's Treaty Principles Bill vote.   The public gallery will be closed for safety and security reasons.  Political Commentator Liam Hehir told Ryan Bridge the punishment is unprecedented but so is the offence.  He says the suspension needs to be looked at in the context that these were never before seen actions.  Hehir says it's an unusual situation, as the debate technically has no time limit.   He says Speaker Gerry Brownlee has the unique ability to regulate how long people speak, tell them if they're repeating themselves and close off debate.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government's set aside $65 million over four years to loosen the capitalisation rules for investors that could be putting them off.   Infrastructure NZ chief executive Nick Leggett says told Ryan Bridge this sends a signal to the world that New Zealand wants partners for building infrastructure. He says if people want a stronger economy and money to pay for schools and hospitals, infrastructure is vital to that. The Government's also allocating $10 million to help start-ups attract staff by deferring taxes on shares. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 20th of May 2025, the Government's announced it will allow foreign businesses to fund a bigger chunk of their investments in New Zealand through tax deductible debt, Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett shares what this will mean for investment in infrastructure.  Educators are cracking down on the use of AI in school exams, Dr Kathryn MacCallum Associate Professor of Digital Education Futures at University of Canterbury shares her thoughts.  Parliament votes on the decision to suspend three Te Pati Maori MPs today, Columnist and Political commentator Liam Hehir tells Ryan Bridge what he thinks will happen from here.  Plus, Donna Demaio has the latest on a new species of octopus found off the West Australian coast. 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.

Government debt is the worst it’s been since the 1990s but today, two days out from a Budget designed to fix it, our Parliamentarians be debating a haka.  The public largely doesn’t care about this stuff. Pocketbook politics always trumps theatrics - except if you're Te Pati Māori. No matter how today’s debate over the Privileges Committee report goes, and it could go on for a long time, Te Pati Māori wins. A loss for them in our Westminster system, what we might think of as a sanction or punishment, is to them a badge of honour. Already their well-followed social accounts are beating the drum of discontent.  There are some who say that 21 days without pay is too harsh. People are comparing the haka and Debbie’s gun gesture to Brooke's C-bomb.  They miss an important point.  Both the c-bomb and the haka were pre-planned choreographed stunts. The difference between the two is Brooke asked the Clerk in advance of her stunt if she was allowed to use the word. The answer was yes. Te Pati Māori did not. Brooke’s stunt did not disrupt a vote being taken in the House. Te Pari Māori's did.  Voting is the essence of democracy, where the elected express the views of the electors. It’s Parliament’s Holy Communion.  And nobody’s yet said sorry. That doesn’t mean the punishment a slim majority of government members voted for is not overly harsh.  The Clerk reckons it is. Brownlee clearly reckons it is. The Opposition reckons it is. Does the punishment really fit the crime? Or have standards slipped so badly, the House such a hot mess, that a precedent and a message needs to be sent?  The public, largely, doesn’t care. The question today is how long will National let this debate drag on with amendments and filibustering before a compromised is reached? Winston and Seymour will be hardliners, of course. As will the Greens and TPM. But for the bigger parties the risk is if you play politics over policy for too long you look childish.  The only winners from today’s sideshow will be the minnows and, of course, the rest of us. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC have beaten Melbourne Victory by one point. It means the team is one game away from making the grand final. Newstalk ZB’s Andrew Alderson talks to Ryan Bridge about the game, Super Rugby over the weekend and Ryan Fox’s dreams coming true. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

London and the EU will hold their first bilateral summit tomorrow since Brexit. It’s a big moment for the bilateral bitterness provoked by Brexit. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey says it’s ‘a really significant moment.’ LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government will officially announce its annual budget this Thursday. It comes as Wellington’s economy has been particularly hit hard over the past 12 months. The capital’s seen public service job cuts, people working from home and slow infrastructure. What does the city need from the budget? Business Central CEO Simon Arcus talks to Ryan Bridge ahead of the budget. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Monday 19th of May Full Show Podcast 2025, the Government's committing $164 million over four years for five new 24/7 urgent healthcare clinics, Health Minister Simeon Brown has the details.  Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekends sport.  It's budget week this week, Business Central CEO Simon Arcus tells Ryan Bridge what's on the business Wishlist.  Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the EU and UK hold their first bilateral summit since Brexit. 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.

Improvements to urgent care are set to roll out over the next four years.  The Government is increasing funding by 164 million dollars - 41-million dollars a year.  Health Minister Simeon Brown says it will take pressure off the rest of the health system, especially our overburdened EDs.  He's laid out the order that each region will get the boost. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's a question for your Monday morning.  If somebody came up to you on the street and asked for DOB, next of kin, phone number, personal address, your interests, sports and hobbies.... what would you say?  Bugger off. Why do you want all that? What will you do with it? Do you need it?  and yet, when some random business asks you this stuff while you're buying shampoo or a computer mouse on the internet, we happily give it away, hand it over, pay for our loot (using a credit card number and password, then promptly think nothing more of it.  The reason we do this is because we're asked to do it. And we often don't have much choice.  If you don't answer those pesky questions with the asterisk on them.... you can't get the thing that yo want. Even if you've paid.  Privacy Commissioner has a new survey out. Survey says F-off, basically.  Two-thirds say protecting their personal information now a major concern in their lives (yes, major. Presumably up there with death and a mortgage) 80% say they want more control over it. Honestly, why does my hairdresser need to know my date of birth when I'm booking an appointment?  Does it tell them how thin my hair might be at a certain age?  Do they need my address to ship my cut hair back to me after its swept off the floor?  Do they need my surname because it may denote frailty in my follicles passed down through generations?  No. It's because they can ask for it. So, they do.  They make money off, presumably.  Honestly, my online supermarket and electricity provider know more intimate details about me than some of the ex's.  We regularly reveal more personal details to Countdown than we would a first date! Companies here can basically ask you anything. You often have to answer. They must take reasonable steps to keep keeping it secret.  Then along comes the hackers. Then it's all out the window.  The EU has strict rules... Business must give you option to reject cookies. Informed consent. Only ask for stuff related to what you're buying or doing. AND you have the right to change or delete the info companies hold open you.  You could avoid the internet altogether but that train's sort of left the station. So, can I suggest a question for businesses? Could you please stop asking us so many damned irrelevant and annoying questions? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A large social services provider is welcoming the Government's new cross-sector social investment approach.  The Social Investment Fund is receiving $190 million in this years budget, aiming to invest in social services early to prevent future harm and save costs.  Social Service Providers Aotearoa CEO Belinda Himiona told Ryan Bridge it allows the work to be tracked across different government agencies.  She says it allows them to tackle the hard cases, not just one contract dealing with a particular issue like education.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC are heading across the ditch for the first leg of the A-League semifinal.  They’re facing off against the Melbourne Victory at Melbourne's AAMI Park on Saturday, before returning home to Mt Smart for the second leg.   CEO Nick Becker told Ryan Bridge they want to go in there tomorrow night and lay down their intentions.  He says the team won’t take anything for granted.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 16th of May 2025, Social investment is getting a boost, Belinda Himiona from Social Service Providers Aotearoa CEO shares her thoughts on $190 million going towards a new social investment fund.  Putin didn't turn up for peace talks with Ukraine, Kyiv based foreign policy and security analyst Jimmy Rushton tells Ryan Bridge what happens from here.  it's all go this weekend for Auckland FC ahead of the semi-final clash against Melbourne Victory on Saturday, Auckland FC Boss Nick Becker tells Ryan what we can expect.  Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on the UK PM is in talks about sending failed asylum seekers abroad. 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.