Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Questions have been raised over what can actually be achieved today with Russia and Ukraine both backing away from sending their leaders to peace talks in Turkey. After the Kremlin confirmed it's sending low-level official Vladimir Medinsky, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy decided to send his Defence Minister instead. Zelenskyy says Russia isn't serious about real talks after he'd challenged Vladimir Putin to be there in person.  Kyiv based foreign policy analyst Jimmy Rushton told Ryan Bridge essentially, Putin had challenged Zelenskyy first. The timing of the meeting remains unconfirmed.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buongiorno! Italia is going to host the 38th America's Cup in summer 2027.  The Auld Mug once again heads to European waters - the first time the Italians will play host. They've had the World Series but never the big one. It'll be Mt Vesuvius in the background, not Rangitoto. Pizza lining the bellies of fans, not fish and chips. Auckland has missed, which we already knew. Athens has missed out. Giorgia Meloni's excited. Luna Rossa, obviously pumped.  But the question for you this morning: do you wake up feeling jealous? Was there a pit of disappointment in your stomach? Do we lambaste our messily, stingy government for not prioritising a sailing race?  My feelings are, well it's nice they have somewhere to sail and good luck to them.  But I don't feel FOMO. We were on the hook for tens of millions of dollars - Wayne hasn't got his bed tax, yet.  Politically, it was the right call, too.  Imagine with this announcement coming a week out from Budget Day the outcry from the unions and Opposition. You're spending how much on men sailing round the harbour while cutting women's pay? Can you just imagine it? Plus, when we debated all this a few months back, we didn't know at that point Dalton was quietly walking away contract negotiations with Peter Burling.  So, we would have spent millions a race for a boat with an Aussie at the helm, not our beloved Burling.  And that's fine. We've had one before in Glen Ashby, but there's no doubt the preference was for Burling to continue. Grant Dalton told me that at the time.  But there's a bigger point here. When times are tough, when the kitty's running on low, you can't afford the nice to haves.  For Team New Zealand, that was Burling. For us, it was the competition itself.  And if you're worried Dalton has regrets about Auckland failing to get a look in, take a look at the press release for today's announcement.  He say's Italians, not us Kiwis, are quote "the most passionate and engaged America’s Cup audience in the world and the city is the best option for growing global audiences".  It's summer in Europe. If you're sailing mad, might be time to look at some flight options for a mid-winter getaway. Some difficult Captain's calls have been made, but for us, and for them, it sounds like they were necessary ones and the necessary choices are always the right ones. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A US parole board will decide next month if infamous brothers serving life sentences can be freed, after their sentences have been reduced.   Erik and Lyle Menendez killed their parents in 1989.   An LA judge has now resentenced the pair to "50 years to life", with time served making them instantly eligible for parole.   US Correspondent Toni Waterman told Ryan Bridge the brothers have always maintained they killed their parents as they feared they would be killed after years of sexual abuse at the hands of their father.  She says that over the years, family members have come out and advocated for them.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The stage is set in Turkey for a potentially historic meeting in a few hours between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia.  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's personally attending and has challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin to do the same.  It has now been confirmed that Putin will not attend the meeting, but the Kremlin had previously refused to confirm either way.  BBC Senior Russia Reporter Olga Ivshina told Ryan Bridge that Putin follows his own logic – which is quite unpredictable.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Signs of systemic failures when it comes to our children.   UNICEF's Innocenti research reveals New Zealand's recorded the highest child suicide rate of 36 countries, and ranks last for mental wellbeing.   It also finds we have one of the highest rates of child obesity and bullying.   UNICEF Aotearoa's Tania Sawicki Mead told Ryan Bridge that although some of the decrease in life satisfaction can be attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic, it wasn’t the only factor.  She says that the suicide rate didn’t shift significantly enough over the period pre- or post-Covid to make a dent in the statistics.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Speaker of the House is reminding MPs the rules of the House must be followed. The Privileges Committee have suggested three Te Pati Māori MPs be temporarily suspended from Parliament, ranging up to 21 days, for their role in a haka over the Treaty Principles Bill. Te Pati Māori says these suspensions are the longest in Parliament's history. Sir Lockwood Smith told Ryan Bridge members need to think before they ignore the rules. He says the three-week suspension and missing part of the budget debate will hopefully make people take notice. The recommendation will be put to the House next Tuesday and likely pass.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here’s a few c-words for your Thursday morning: communist, coalition, and crash. Crash, because that’s what’d happen to the economy if we lived in the Green utopia complete with the $88-billion tax train wreck.  Coalition, because that’s what you’d get if Labour shacks up with their neighbours on the far left. Hipkins yesterday first claimed not have read the manifesto. Whatever.  This is the manifesto of a party he could well be sitting round the cabinet table within a year from now.  He then refused to rule out anything in it. It won't rule out the hammer. And I won't rule out the sickle.  The Greens are by far Hipkins' biggest Achilles heel, and therefore Luxon’s greatest strength.  Remember the hit in the polls Labour took over "defend da police"? Here's the thing about us New Zealanders, your middle voters, we may not right now be affected by the inheritance taxes, wealth taxes, higher income taxes, the company tax hikes which would put them amongst highest in the developed world. But the problem for Hipkins and Co. is that we'd like to be.  Kiwi families would like to start a business and create a life for their families. An asset. An income. A future. They dream of working their way up the ladder to get that better salary to get that house they’ve been saving to own. They don’t think it’s fair for part of mum and dad’s life work and savings to be stolen by the state.  The election of John Key showed us families are ambitious.  They believe in themselves to do better.  They’re motivated and ready for this recession to be over so we can get on with it. I’ve never doubted that spirit in New Zealand. That spirit hasn't left for Australia, it was hidden under a rock for six years. And yes, there are social problems here too. But what we learnt from the fading days of Hipkins reign is that voters don’t trust if they give up their hard-earned money and assets, that the state has the ability or wherewithal to change any of this. To fix it. They’re like Temu versions of a Michael Joseph Savage. Many of the houses he built still stand, building never started on most of Chippy's. And that brings us to the final C word: communist, because what else do you call them?  The Greens are planning a roadshow after their pre-Budget announcement.  My only question for Chlöe, Mārama and Co. is: will you be travelling to these towns and cities by bicycle or will be flying on an aeroplane?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 15th of May 2025, Putin still hasn't confirmed he'll turn up to a meeting with Zelensky in Turkey, BBC Senior Russia Reporter Olga Ivshina has the latest.  The privileges committee has suspended the Te Pāti Māori Co-leaders and MP for Hauraki-Waikato Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke for the haka in Parliament.  According to a Unicef report New Zealand has around three times the average rate for youth suicide - the worst out of 36th high-income countries, Unicef Director of Communications Tania Sawicki Mead shares her thoughts.  Plus US Correspondent from Feature Story News Toni Waterman has the latest on The possible release of the Menendez brothers and Trump announcing deals with Qatar.  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.

Cyber threats are estimated to have cost New Zealanders $1.6 billion last year.  New data from the National Cyber Security Centre has revealed half the country has been the target of online scam in the last six months.  Up to 830,000 experienced some financial loss.  Director of Mission Enablement Michael Jagusch says good cyber security practises can reduce harm.  He says it includes using two-factor authentication and having long, unique passwords on main accounts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's backtracked on requests for a ceasefire to come before talks with Russia.  He's set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey this week to discuss the Ukraine war.   This comes as Western allies in the 'Coalition of the Willing' have offered a US backed 30-day cease-fire proposal to Russia, alongside the threat of sanctions.   Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge it's still uncertain if the meeting will take place, but Zelenskyy is hopeful.  He says Zelenskyy hasn't won the introduction he'd hoped for, as he requested a ceasefire agreement first, and a meeting second.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meridian Energy's denying its purchase of Flick Electric is a takeover by New Zealand's big power companies.  The power gentailer is paying $70 million to Z Energy for Flick's 41,000 electricity customers and the brand.  It'll increase Meridian’s market share to 18%, maintaining its position as our fourth largest electricity retailer.  Meridian Energy Chief Customer Officer Lisa Hannifan told Ryan Bridge this isn't about market consolidation.  She says Flick wanted to leave the market to focus on transport and EVs, so they're pulling out of New Zealand and Australia.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 14th of April 2025, The government's looking at changes to the Kiwisaver scheme, Kiwisaver and Superfund expert Jonathan Eriksen shares his thoughts.   Half of New Zealanders were the target of online scam and fraud last year National Cyber Security Centre's Director of Mission Enablement Mike Jagusch tells Ryan Bridge what to look out for.  Meridian has bought Flicks, Chief Customer Officer Lisa Hannifin tells Ryan what this will mean for the energy sector.  Plus Uk Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on A man who has served 38 years in a UK prison for the murder of a woman having his conviction quashed by the Court of Appeal after new DNA evidence emerged. 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 will pass an economic milestone in 2028, with the Government making it's first ever Super Fund withdrawal. The Finance Minister revealed yesterday they'll begin offset superannuation costs by withdrawing $32 million from the New Zealand Super Fund. From 2031, withdrawals are expected annually.  Superannuation expert Jonathan Eriksen told Ryan Bridge it's exactly what the Superfund was set up to do. He says it's up to $80 billion currently and is generating returns of 10% per annum, with 1% of that being $80 million. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the Budget we got the same message we got from a barefoot, jandal wearing Chippy on day one of his post summer break. More debt. Borrow more and spend more.    Name an issue, pick a portfolio, any portfolio, where Labour has not criticised the government for cuts and promised to restore spending to pre-Willis levels.  The latest example is pay parity, but that is just the latest in a long and growing list of items on the wishlist.  In case they didn’t get the memo, Kiwis voted for cuts at the last election. If we’re doing our bit, the government ought to do its bit. That’s the politics of it. The economics have been up for debate. Net core crown debt has more than doubled on pre-Covid to $182 billion or 42.6% of GDP. Like our tourist arrivals, debt has unfortunately not returned to normal pre-Covid levels.  Some of this is inflation but much of it is not. There’s spending that went too far and got baked in. A couple of things to note. Yes, government debt is low compared to other OECD countries. But, the credit ratings agencies are telling us we must get back to surplus and start paying it down. If you risk a credit downgrade, then borrowing costs you more. We’re already spending more financing debt than we do on defence, Police, Corrections, Justice, and Customs combined.  And remember, we’re the shakey isles with huge exposure to trade. We need headroom to borrow big if shit hits the fan.  Ask any economist or the person who runs your household and they’ll tell you borrowing for everyday spending is a bad idea. We’ve been doing that year, after year, after year, and Willis is actually still doing more of it.  If that’s enough to convince you on debt, here’s the kicker. The real doozy.  Private debt. We have student loans and business debt and houses. We love houses. Loads of mortgages, and the problem is how much we owe and who we owe it to.  Household debt is 120% of GDP and higher than America, Spain, Germany, Ireland a bunch of other countries. What’s worse, much of it is owed to foreign banks. We don’t have enough savings to lend to ourselves.  This makes us more vulnerable as a country, keeps Reserve Bankers awake at night, explains why Nicola Willis’s knickers are always in a twist when it comes to getting the government’s debt levels down.  Willis could, and many argue, should go harder and faster as she’s still spending more than Grant Robertson.  But one thing you can be sure of, because it has come from Hipkins mouth repeatedly this week, is that spending and therefore borrowing would be higher right now had they be given a third term.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Police officer says it's beyond him why Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming would ever access porn on a work device.  McSkimming had been suspended on full-pay since December.   He was under a criminal investigation by police on unrelated different allegations, the nature of which can't be reported.   Our newsroom understands while investigating the original complaint, detectives allegedly discovered porn on one of his electronic work devices.  Former crisis negotiator Lance Burdett told Ryan Bridge it's shocking.  He says it's not the accessing of the pornography that's the problem; it's the fact it's on a police computer, which leaves it open to malware.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's Business Chamber CEO says we have nothing to lose by loosening transit visas for Chinese nationals.  Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's updated his Auckland Manifesto, laying out a Beehive to-do list.  It includes calling for the Government to reconsider loosening transit visas for Chinese Nationals, giving them more freedom for short stays in the country.  Simon Bridges told Ryan Bridge it would be an easy sugar hit for the economy.  He says he can't think of single reason not to do it, as China's a lot more developed and wealthy than other South-East Asian countries.  Bridges is also backing the mayor’s renewed call for a tourist bed tax in the city.   Browns calling for the Government to reconsider an Auckland tourist bed tax, adding a small levy on short term accommodation.  Bridges told Bridge it'll help bring in funding so more major events can come to the city.  He says both central and local government are failing Auckland when it comes to major events.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If what’s they’re saying about a Flick Electric shutting up shop is true, and I’ve no reason to doubt it, then it should come as no surprise. This is a BusinessDesk report - it's owned by Z and so far, they're not saying anything. It’s one of the smaller retailers that help keep the bigger gentailers honest, but the cracks started showing ages ago. Winter 2021, they closed their books to new customers. The great wholesale price crunch hit them hard.  Last year, again, wholesale prices shot up above retail.  You can’t run a business like that, and we were warned then about what is happening now. Means little guys can’t hold on. The problem is hedging. They couldn’t afford the cost of hedging during the crunch for new customers.  That means less choice for us, and we know what that typically means for prices.  Unlike your Air New Zealand regional airfares debate this past week, there is a quick fix for this problem. At least a partial one.  The government announced to much fanfare in February that the big gentailers would no longer be allowed to offer sweetheart deals to their own lot, and transparency about those deals would be forced upon them. The generator part favouring its own tailer, but not other, smaller players. So, the odds are stacked against them and flick - out goes the lights.  So, we've known about this unfairness since at least 2021 for Flick, we've had belatedly an announcement something might change, but years later no change and another retailer bites the dust.  40,0000 customers off to, you guessed it, Meridian - one of the big gentailers. Losing Flick, if true, is another sign winter is coming, and I can’t see anybody in much of a hurry to do much about it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's putting $100 million into primary and intermediate maths in this year's Budget. It will be used for maths checks in the first two years of school, to identify the students struggling with the subject.  About $40 million will go towards tutoring at intermediate level. Upper Hutt Principals' Association President Robyn Brown told Ryan Bridge there's many children with diverse needs in our schools. She says children are going to be accessing additional support for numeracy and literacy, when they need more support for their learning needs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 13th of May 2025, Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming resigns suddenly, Former Cop Lance Burdett shares his thoughts.  Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown believes Auckland's the ticket to getting our country out of recession, Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges shares his thoughts.  The Government's announced $100 million of the 2025 budget will go to helping kids with maths over four years, Upper Hutt Principals Association President Robyn Brown tells Ryan Bridge whether or not it will work.  Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on hundreds of distressing claims of childcare abuse at one of Australia’s biggest childcare companies. 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 National Party has dropped their social media ban for under-16s and it will instead be lead by Education Minister Erica Stanford. The Prime Minister announced social media restrictions will become a part of the Government’s work programme. Stanford will work across government to explore options for legislation and bring them to cabinet for consideration. Social media parenting expert Malinda Maclean talks to Ryan Bridge about the plans. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors put on a nail biting performance over the weekend, coming back from what was looking like a loss.   A 69th minute Luke Metcalf field goal proved decisive, as the Auckland team hung on for a 15-14 victory over the St George-Illawarra Dragons. It takes the Warriors to a 7-2 record for the season – cementing their top-four position.  Sports reporter Andrew Alderson talks to Ryan Bridge about the win, the New Zealand crickets fleeing India and Pakistan and Ryan Fox at the Myrtle Beach Classic in South Carolina. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Public funding for the Royal Household has tripled since 2012, with the rise largely driven by repairs and building work at Buckingham Palace.  The Sovereign Grant was introduced in 2012 at £31m per year. That has now risen to £132m, data from the House of Commons Library shows, and once inflation has been taken into account, that represents about a threefold increase. Royal aids say the funding will come down again.  UK Correspondent talks to Ryan Bridge about the rise and potential talks between Ukraine and Russia.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday the 12th of May 2025, The Government's promising to clamp down on boy racers, Police Association President Chris Cahill tells Ryan Bridge whether or not the legislation will work.  Erica Stanford will lead work on reducing social media harm for under-16s, social media parenting expert from B416, Malindi Maclean shares her thoughts.  Andrew Alderson has the latest from weekend sport.  Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey shares the latest on Putin offering face-to-face talks with Ukraine. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tougher penalties hope to put the brakes on boy racers and fleeing drivers. The Government's establishing a presumptive sentence of vehicle destruction for street racers, those who flee police, and intimidating convoys.  Police will also get greater powers to manage illegal vehicle gatherings by closing roads or public areas.  Police Association President Chris Cahill says told Ryan Bridge something needs to be done because the situation is out of control. He says these aren't just boy racers, they are deliberately antagonising Police, throwing bottles and ramming cars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The youth are out of control.  We'll crush the cars. We'll crush the smartphones.  Which all sounds nice this will... like most laws designed to make us feel like we're getting a handle on social problems, will all come down to enforcement. For all the time Judith Collins spent at the scrap metal yards for photo ops, was not quite the Crusher those photos ops made her out to be.  In the five years after they passed the law, three cars were crushed.  But that was a three-strike solution, Mark Mitchell, the destroyer, is moving us to a first strike programme... so you're one Gone in 60 Seconds Street race away from destruction or your car ending up on the Turner's auction site.  If you've tried to get some sleep in an area where they convoy in some Subaru at 3am in the morning, you'll know how annoying these so-called meet ups are.  It wastes so much police time. They're crashing into each other and hurting themselves. Ripping up the road.  So yeah, why not double down on the crusher, but this won't make the problem disappear.  Somewhat ironic, too, because we're saying screen time is bad. Get off your phone. Go outside and do something.  These kids are off their phones, fixing their cars. Learning about engines. Chatting with one another face-to-face. Actually, out there doing something other sitting at home on Tiktok.  The TikTok problem is the far bigger problem because it affects all of them not just the few who race cars.  By their first year of High School, 90% of kids have a smartphone.  This is interesting now because we've moved beyond Member's bill to a government bill being proposed, so a social media ban is now officially on the agenda.  The problem with enforcement here is obvious - how do you do when there are so many workarounds.  And the enforcers will not be police, they'll be parents.  And here's the problem. Most parents spend time more time on social media than their kids. Nearly half of kiwi teens say their parent is at least sometimes distracted by their phone when they’re trying to talk to them. Isn't that a bit hypocritical? Like telling them not to smoke while puffing away on a pack of winne blues?  Enforcement of whatever rules we pass to manage the impulses of teenagers will ultimately determine how successful those measures are in stopping them doomscrolling or joyriding. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's struck his first trade deal since last month's tariff announcement – an agreement with the UK.  The US will slash tariffs on British steel and aluminium, and most British cars.  But UK exporters will still face the same 10% base tariff also faced by New Zealand exporters.  On the flipside, the UK has agreed to remove the tariff on ethanol for US goods, and agreed to reciprocal markets for certain products, including beef.   UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Ryan Bridge that in particular is likely to be quite controversial, as the UK has higher standards when it comes to agricultural products than the US does.   He says it raises a question as to what that means for the farming industry in the UK.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Record income for NZ Rugby was not enough to save them from their third yearly deficit in a row.  Yesterday, NZR Chair David Kirk revealed a $19.5 million loss, despite the body bringing in a record $285 million.  Former CEO David Moffett told Ryan Bridge it’s symptomatic of rugby around the world.  He says professional rugby is living in quicksand – no matter where you look, it’s in real trouble.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's expected the government could find more savings by selling state owned assets.  The Government's scraped the bottom of the barrel to find more money for the upcoming Budget.  Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's promising an extra $400 million for maintaining and upgrading assets, on top of the already projected $3.6 billion.  New Zealand Initiative Executive Director Oliver Hartwich told Ryan Bridge they could go into a process of asset recycling.  He says selling some existing assets would give the government more room for new ones.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first ever American Pope's spoken in front of a crowd of tens-of-thousands of faithful at the Vatican.  69-year-old Robert Prevost will be known as Pope Leo the 14th.  It comes after white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel shortly after 6pm local time, following the fourth Conclave vote. Catholic journalist Mark O'Conner is at the Vatican and told Ryan Bridge while the new Pope was born in Chicago, he has experience around the world.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was the last day of school in Parliament yesterday.  It happens after MPs sit through urgency, they get restless, excitable, a bit crazy.  They were shouting, interrupting, it was a bit chaotic - even Gerry Brownlee finished question time saying this has not been our finest hour.  Opposition MPs, particularly women, were up in arms and incensed over the Pay Equity bill for the second day in a row. The question for National is whether this outrage in Parliament will translate to outrage at the ballot box.  33 claims cancelled and must start again. Sure, there's a new legal framework set up with high thresholds for pay equity claims. But Labour is doing it's darndest to create the impression there's not. That this is the end of the road for low-paid workers of the fairer sex.  Dutton was emasculated at the polls last Saturday in part because he wasn't well liked by women.  The red landslide swept his heartland, handed Albo the win, and cost him his unfortunately named seat of Dickson. In Brisbane's Northern suburbs and across Queensland new residents, young voters, and women broke for Albo.  It was a big part in Dutton's down trou. So, the question for National is whether it's just created a problem for 2026? Will women voters give Luxon a swift kick in the gonads next year?  The bill creates a risk of them doing so. To counter that you've got the sell the changes. Right now, in the fog of war, they're not getting cut through. The critics, the Jan Tinetti's, are winning the PR war at present.  When the dust settles, they need to explain, with specific examples, which of those 33 deals in the pipeline or deals done thus far were bad or rotten and why. Why is it important we save billions? What's it good for? This is not to say all women vote the same or even together in a bloc. Life's not one big sisterhood of the travelling pants. Every woman is different and doesn't necessarily vote on their gender.  After all, women didn't show up for Kamala last November, even though MSNBC was basically saying Trump removed your womb.  Women ditched Labour after Jacinda left the building and the Nats picked them up.  The pay equity bill is a risk to that support, a bit of a gamble - not one that can't be overcome, but you've got to sell your story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 9th of May 2025, A new Pope has been elected, Catholic Journalist Mark O'Connor shares the latest live from the Vatican.  The prime minister's announced an extra almost half billion dollars in capital spending in upcoming budget, New Zealand Initiative Executive Director Oliver Hartwich shares his thoughts.  Record income for New Zealand Rugby was not enough to save them from their third yearly deficit in a row, Former NZR Boss David Moffett tells Ryan Bridge why NZR isn't making enough money.  Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on a new trade deal between the US and the UK.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The unemployment rate has come out better than anticipated.  It remained unchanged at 5.1% in the three months ending March.   The number of people in full-time work fell by 45 thousand, while the number in part time work grew by 25 thousand.  Westpac Senior Economist Michael Gordon told Ryan Bridge that people are likely using reduced hours as an alternative to layoffs.  He says it’s likely one factor as to why the unemployment rate has risen, but not as high as some economists were forecasting.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts fighting organised crime say New Zealand must pick up its act to keep pace with trans-national criminals.   They've released their second report, criticising New Zealand's response to modern crime and money laundering.   It wants cash to be made a less attractive option for criminals and to ban crypto currency ATMs.   Drug Detection Agency Chief Executive Glenn Dobson told Ryan Bridge the criminals work quickly, and so must authorities.   He says New Zealand must get with the times to block criminal groups from using their profits.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transpower is looking to make a key investment into the Cook Strait electricity cable.  It's consulting on a $1.4 billion upgrade to the 610 kilometre link connecting the North and South Island. The existing cables are likely to reach their end of life in the late 2030s.  Major Electricity Users' Group Chairman John Harbord told Ryan Bridge the link's important when hydro-lakes in the South are low in water. He says the North Island's often moving forms of renewable electricity down to the South Island. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, after all the handwringing, the complaints, the stomping of feet, the Commerce Commission's shooting down talk of an investigation into domestic airfares. Greg Foran and Co. will see this as vindication - validation that, despite the headlines and Consumer NZ's claim the market is quote broken, the reality is their costs have gone up and, surprise surprise, it's expensive to run routes with high fixed costs to small places with few people.  So they conclude doing a market study —which is easy politics, it scratches the itch— won't actually achieve anything.  And they say it won't lead to consumers getting a better deal.  Refreshing honesty. Could the same refreshing honesty not have been applied to the claims about banking/supermarkets/petrol stations, etc, etc, etc? Like most things post-Covid, costs have gone sky high. Airport landing charges - up. Air traffic control - up. Security levies - up. And when you're a business, one owning to the tune of 51% remember, you recoup those costs by putting your own prices up.  We don't want them subsidies flights and crashing our business, right?  We sold off the national carrier in 1989. We re-nationalised it in 2001after Ansett went bust - that cost us close to a billion bucks.  Ansett's problem was high costs and regulation changes - when airlines fail, it gets expensive for taxpayers. Now I don't want to defend an airline charging me $400 to fly for 40 minutes anymore than the next guy. But this is the crux of most of the complaints we hear about through the media.  Short flights, regional flights are expensive right now and people don't use them often enough.  They use more fuel as a proportion of total flight time because take-off and climbing is when you burn through it - it takes a bit of gas to lift us into the sky. The cost of fuel is a third of operating cost —something Foran can't control— that's more the purview of a Putin or a Sultan. Planes spend way too long sitting on the ground, your costs are higher, and you've got fewer passengers to spread those costs over. Using jets would be more efficient but, again, we don't have the people to fill them.  Which is why I said the other day —and it's true but doesn't make it palatable— we're a small country, we pay a price for sparsely populated, beautiful and untouched landscapes.  The ComCom does say there's room for improvement, but on the whole, the real enemy here is the politician or talking head who tells us by simply bashing Air New Zealand's head into a wall, they can make Kiwis fly on the cheap.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025 Thursday 8th of May, Glenn Dobson Drug Detection Agency CEO shares insight on a new Ministerial Advisory Report on organised crime.  Much to the surprise of economists The unemployment rate remained flat at 5.1% for the first three months of this year, Westpac Senior economist Michael Gordon shares his thoughts.  Transpower says they need to replace the electricity cable connecting the North and South Island at the tune of $1.4-billion, Major Electricity Users' Group Chair John Harbord explains how it will impact power bills.  Plus, US Correspondent Nick Harper has the latest on Joe Biden's first interview out of the White House.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social media for under 16s is being compared to the harm caused by cigarette smoking.  Clear evidence shows that social media can be linked to depression and anxiety.  This has led to National introducing a member's bill to ban social media for those under 16 years of age, to protect kids.  Parenting expert Nathan Wallace told Ryan Bridge implementing a ban for under 16s sends the message that, like cigarettes and alcohol, social media is something we need to monitor.  He says social media is worse than we originally thought, so we now need to take the responsible steps to protect our kids from it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mixed opinions on when unemployment will reach its peak.  Stats NZ data out this morning is predicted to show rates increased to around 5.2% during the March quarter.  ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner expects this will likely be as high as it will go.  While ASB senior economist Mark Smith told Ryan Bridge it could be a bit higher later in the year.  He says they've seen firms hold back on hiring as disruptions to trade and economic concerns continue.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The doors of Rome's Sistine Chapel officially lock tomorrow morning as the conclave selects a new pope.  135 cardinals from around the world will vote on a successor to Pope Francis, who was laid to rest almost two weeks ago.  There's no timescale for how long it'll take, but the last two papal elections lasted for two days.  Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge it's set to be most secretive election of all time.   He says there'll be no televisions, newspapers, or radio, and they can't even open the windows.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The future of a pay equity deal for teacher aides may fizzle out under newly introduced Government legislation.  The proposed law, which would lift the threshold of pay equity claims of gender-discrimination, is expected to have its third reading this morning.  A deal reached by union teacher aide members in 2020 is due to be reviewed - but may no longer go ahead.  Union Member Ally Kingi told Ryan Bridge it was based on comparison between teacher aides and Corrections staff.  She says it meticulously compared the general areas of responsibility for each group to the pay they received.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 7th of May 2025, The government wants to overhaul the Gender pay equity claims process, Teacher aide Ally Kingi explains how it will impact her workforce.  National's putting forward a member's bill that bans social media for under 16-year-olds, parenting expert Nathan Wallis shares his thoughts.  We get the unemployment figures from Stats NZ this morning, ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith shares his take.  Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the new UK and India trade deal. 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.

Bad news this morning for any productive, hard-working, and busy members of our society. The climate protesters who brought Wellington to a standstill - rush hour traffic to a stand still - will be back at it again soon.  Mark my words.  You'll see more idiots gluing themselves to motorways, abseiling down Mt Victoria, hanging signs from gantries, roads closed, police resources distracted from important stuff, and chaos to start your day.  Why?  The Crown has walked away from, abandoned, the prosecution of more than 20 defendants facing charges over protests in Wellington.  These guys are off on their merry way.  They're from the Restore Passenger Rail group.  Some were awaiting re-trial after juries couldn't come to a verdict on whether they endangered transport.  Anyway there's a lot of hands that should be in cuffs that will soon be covered in glue again. How do we know this?  They told us. One of the nutters said he hopes the Crown decision sets a precedent and that protesters won't be prosecuted for future climate change activism. We had numpties sleeping in coal cart trying to shut down the Stockton mine on the West Coast over Easter.  Dangerous stuff. Expensive stuff. I remember a woman stuck in traffic on SH1 missing her chemo appointment at hospital.  Their point is emissions are bad for the climate, but tens of thousands of cars sitting idle stuck in traffic while some climate hero gets his five seconds of TikTok fame abseiling onto our state highways would surely, if anything, make those emissions worse.  Also, did you know they hire gas-guzzling diesel vans to ferry them to and from their stunts? Hypocritical losers, even Tory Whanau said they were dumb. These people are not about climate solutions. They're about themselves.  I'm all for constructive discussion on how our small country can play it's part.  But every time I see an ambulance stuck in a traffic jam caused by unnecessary attention seekers, it makes me want to let the planet burn just to spite them.  Sadly, the rest of us can all look forward to dealing with much more of this in the months and years ahead. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Government delegation has landed in the Indian capital to kick-start Free Trade Agreement talks.   The Prime Minister, along with several other ministers, visited India earlier this year to improve diplomatic ties.   India New Zealand Business Council Chair Bharat Chawla told Ryan Bridge India will hope to make movement in New Zealand easier for its people.   He says it will also be looking to make use of New Zealand's fruit and dairy industries.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tough winter ahead for meat processing plants as livestock numbers continue to decline.   Latest figures from Stats NZ show a 21% drop in sheep numbers over the past 10 years – a total decline of 6.2 million sheep since 2014.   The number of dairy cattle also fell 13% over the same period.   Federated Farmers Meat and Wool Chair Toby Williams told Ryan Bridge keeping livestock processing plants open, profitable, and running efficiently is a significant challenge.   He says big plants are struggling to get numbers of livestock through, with close to million less lambs to process this year than last.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Prime Minister's confirmed he's had a 'warm and positive' chat with US President Donald Trump.  Anthony Albanese's Labor Party has swept back into office, securing a historic second term.   It's widely thought Trump's volatility influenced the outcome.   Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge Albanese thanked him for reaching out in such a positive way.  She says they talked about tariffs, and will continue to engage with each other.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tourism organisations from across the North Island are teaming up to shine a light on its tourism offerings. Fifteen operators including Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Rotorua NZ and Northland Inc have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. It aims to generate interest from key tourism markets particularly Australia, North America and China. Northland Inc Head of Destination Tania Burt told Ryan Bridge tourists fly into Auckland and then head straight to the South Island.  She says only 20-30% of their region's visitors are international, hence the need to work together. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Disclaimer: Satire  On the news last night, it was nothing but scandal. Scandal. Scandal. I don’t think I’ve seen political misconduct of this magnitude since Watergate. The Woodward and Bernsteins of our time were busy digging through documents, uncovering truth. Protecting democracy. From corruption. From evil. Erica Stanford, Minister of Education and obvious crook, first in the firing line.  Her crime? Printing off work emails at home.  Disgraceful. A two-part report from 1News leading the bulletin over consecutive nights details how this menace, flagrant in her disregard for best practice, printed papers from her home computer after emailing them to her own private email address. Why? I hear you ask. Why such an egregious act? Well it turns out, and this where the story really gets interesting, Parliamentary IT hadn’t hooked up a printer in her office or home. So instead of ignoring her immense workload, switching off her computer and going to the pub like any decent politician, she emailed them to herself, printed them off. And worked late into the night.  Outrageous.  Other documents, other emails exclusively uncovered - the existence of which made possible because the Minister flagged them with officials for inclusion in future OIA requests. Like the one we're now looking at. So, brazen in flouting the rules she thought she’d never get caught.  Shameless.  One reporter noted Stanford was quote “safe for now”. It’s at least on par with the Hegseth and his signal chat. Kiri Allen drunk driving then crashing a ministerial car before resisting arrest pales into comparison.  But how much worse can this scandal get for Stanford?  We must wait for part two this evening.  Then the next minister in the firing line? Matt Doocey. Mental Health. And this story is crazy - he should be locked up like crooked Hilary.  His crime?  Worse than lying… the newsreader told us the accusation was, wait for it... massaging the message. It's a new charge but thought to be very, very, very serious. Some pages detailing workforce shortages were removed from a glossy Ministerial booklet that went out to the public.  There was one small problem with this future Pulitzer Prize winner. The problem, as cameras bared down, as his crimes were read aloud, was Doocey had no idea what the reporter was talking about - it was old mate Lester Levy. It was Levy's fingerprints over this one, not Doocey's. But he’s already on the way out, so what’s the fun in getting him on camera? Shackling him to the pillory for a flogging? So, it was Doocey in the dock.  The best part about this expose? It came with its very own deep throat. Yes, an insider whose secret cache of draft documents blew the sorry wide open… That person was Ingrid Leary from the Labour Party.  Case closed. It’s a knockout. It’s a slam dunk. Both ministers must be sacked immediately. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 6th of May 2025, A Government delegation has landed in New Delhi for the first round of talks towards a FTA between India and New Zealand, India New Zealand Business Council Chair Bharat Chawla tells Ryan Bridge how we should approach a deal.  New figures from Stats NZ show our livestock numbers are falling, Federated Farmers Meat & Wool Chair Toby Williams tells Ryan whether or not we should be worried.  A brand new alliance of fifteen tourism organisations is hoping to attract more overseas visitors to North island destinations, Northland INC Head of Destination Tania Burt shares her thoughts. Plus Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on The mushroom murder trial entering its sixth day. 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.

Eight men have been arrested in two separate counter-terrorism UK police investigations.  Five people were arrested at various locations around England on Saturday as part of a "pre-planned" investigation into a plot to "target a specific premises." Three other men, all Iranian, were arrested in London on Saturday as part of a separate counter-terror police investigation.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey talks to Ryan Bridge about the investigations.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been re-elected for a second term after Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton.  Dutton not only failed to unseat Albanese, but he also lost his seat of Dickson in Brisbane, making him the first federal opposition leader to ever do so.  Australian Correspondent Lesley Yeomans talks to Ryan Bridge about Saturday's election.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.