Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Positive steps for Pope Francis, following his five-week battle with double pneumonia.  The 88-year-old's been discharged from hospital back to his Vatican residence -- thanking onlookers from his balcony.  UK/ Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Andrew Dickens further details of The Pope's hospital condition have emerged upon his release.  He says it's been confirmed Pope Francis suffered two significant medical episodes, where his life was in danger.  Pope Francis will now take a two-month break from duties, under strict doctor's orders. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While I was away tramping all over the top of the Coromandel Peninsula, we had some good and bad news.  GDP came out better than we expected with a rise of 0.7% in the fourth quarter, which should signal the start of green shoots and recovery and confidence.   But at the same time, the consumer confidence figure came out and it was the worst we’ve seen since the 90s.   And then Paul Bloxham, the Australian economist who invented the rock star economy name, came out and said our recession has been the worst in the OECD.   So why aren’t we confident? And why was our recession so hard? Here’s my take: the Reserve Bank and the Government need to start working together.   During the pandemic the bank slashed interest rates while the Government turbo charged spending, leading to a hangover that needed medicine.   The previous Government was rightly blamed for the mess it was responsible for but we had been double hit by the bank and the Government. All levers pulled.   The new Government came in and promptly slashed spending to reduce borrowing and reduced revenue through tax cuts, but the Reserve Bank had already started attacking inflation a year before hand with interest rates.   So once again we were doubly hit. And the tax cuts, which Fran O’Sullivan six weeks ago described as badly timed, meant we weren’t paying back debt. We’re struggling to pay interest.  So as Paul Bloxham has now described, we had an excessive pandemic reaction followed by an excessive inflation reaction.   Now all the stuff we’ve done is technically correct, and this is easy to criticise with 20/20 hindsight.   But it’s been as if the left hand and the right hand doesn’t know what each other are doing, which means our recovery will be slow.  All parties claim they are the prudent fiscal managers and all Reserve Bank Governors claim the same. But on the evidence of the past five years, that’s not true.  We need to learn from this unless we want to keep reeling from boom the bust over and over again. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While I was away tramping all over the top of the Coromandel Peninsula we had some good and bad news.  GDP Came out better than we expected with a rise of 0.7 per cent in the fourth quarter.   Which should signal the start of green shoots and recovery and confidence.   But at the same time the consumer confidence figure came out and it was the worst we’ve seen since the 90s.   And then Paul Bloxham the Australian economist who invented the rock star economy name came out and said our recession has been the worst in the OECD.   So why aren’t we confident? And why was our recession so hard.   Here’s my take. The Reserve Bank and the Government need to start working together.   During the pandemic the bank slashed interest rates while the Government turbo charged spending leading to a hangover that needed medicine.   The previous Government was rightly blamed for the mess it was responsible for but we had been double hit by the bank and the Government. All levers pulled.   The new Government came in and promptly slashed spending to reduce borrowing and reduced revenue through tax cuts.   But the Reserve Bank had already started attacking inflation a year before hand with interest rates.   So once again we were doubly hit. And the tax cuts which Fran O’Sullivan 6 weeks ago described as badly timed meant we weren’t paying back debt. We’re struggling to pay interest.  So, as Paul Bloxham has now described we had an excessive pandemic reaction followed by an excessive inflation reaction.   Now all the stuff we’ve done is technically correct. And this is easy to criticise with 20/20 hindsight.   But it’s been as if the left hand and the right hand doesn’t know what each other are doing which means our recovery will be slow.  All parties claim they are the prudent fiscal managers, and all Reserve Bank Governors claim the same. But on the evidence of the past 5 years that’s not true.  We need to learn from this unless we want to keep reeling from boom the bust over and over again. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fonterra farmers are in line for a large payout on interim results.  The co-op’s lifting its dividend to 22 cents a share, from 15 in the previous comparable period.  It's reporting its first-half profit increased 8% to $729 million.  Federated Farmers’ Richard McIntyre told Francesca Rudkin that for the first time in quite a while, he’s hearing farmers starting to talk about what they could or should invest in for their farms.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's out of recession, but many Kiwis could take a while to feel better off.  Our economy grew by 0.7% in the December quarter – surpassing all economists' expectations.  But unemployment's expected to keep rising this year, and many households are still doing it tough.  Council of Trade Unions Economist Craig Renney told Francesca Rudkin that confidence in the New Zealand economy is still lacking.  He says that many people will need to feel the difference in their wallets in order to believe the economy is recovering.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Napier community feels underwhelmed despite retaining its overnight urgent care.  The Government’s back tracking on a leaked proposal to cut the service due to low demand, which sparked community backlash.  It will remain nurse-led, but with no doctors on-site.  Patient Voice Aotearoa Chair Malcolm Mulholland told Francesca Rudkin the community deserves a robust urgent care service, including a GP.  He says they do feel like they've been let down by the government.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did the news yesterday that the economy had grown more than expected, by a whopping 0.7%, put you in a good mood for the week?    Maybe the news that Fonterra has reported an 8% lift in first-half net profit to $729 million put a spring in your step.  Or the opportunity to grab a bargain in the Afterpay Sales this weekend is putting a smile on your face.  Or maybe none of these things had an impact on your happiness.    According to the World Happiness Report, published yesterday by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, happiness isn’t just about wealth or growth – it’s about trust, connection and knowing people have your back.   It's not a huge surprise; Finland is the happiest country in 2025, for the 8th year in the row.    Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden came in at 2nd, 3rd and 4th, and Costa Rica and Mexico both ranked in the top 10 for the first time. New Zealand came in at 12th, between Australia and Switzerland.    I tend to roll my eyes every time we compare New Zealand to a Scandinavian country – we make constant comparisons due to population size, but we are different countries with different resources and rarely follow their lead. But it is intriguing to look at why Finland, with its dark, chilly winters and border with Russia, is such a happy place.    According to the managing director at Gallup who partnered on the study, the reason Finnish people are happier than most is because of “a belief in others,” optimism for the future, trust in institutions, and support from friends and family.    Does any of that feel familiar to us right now? 12th for New Zealand feels about right, I think. Between 2016 and 2020 we were 8th, and we’ve been slowly slipping down the list since 2021.   We all know health and wealth are not solely responsible for happiness, but they play a part. The less you have to stress about, the more you can focus on being happy. But the study has turned up some unexpectedly strong predictors of wellbeing. Sharing meals with others, having somebody to count on for social support, and household size all play a part. Basically, social connection is key to happiness in this era of social isolation and polarisation.    This applies particularly to young adults – the study found 19% of young adults across the world reported in 2023 that they have no one they could count on for social support. That is a 39% increase compared to 2006. It may of course be a hangover from the pandemic, or more likely the consequence of giving our lives over to devices and social media.   The Harvard Study of Adult Development —the famous 80+ years study into happiness— has already established a strong correlation between deep relationships and well-being. So, this revelation about social connection isn’t new news, but it’s an important reminder for us all to put our phones down, sit up at the dinner table, and have a chat.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 21 March. 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.

There are fears public health doctors are losing their ability to speak freely.  They're being told they need permission before speaking out on regional issues which could impact public health.  Health Minister Simeon Brown says he's fed up with them giving advice on things like fast-food.  Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Executive Director Sarah Dalton told Francesca Rudkin Brown is overstepping.  She says there are widespread concerns of attempts to silence doctors – to stop them speaking up on public health and patient safety issues.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's anticipation more homeowners will change their borrowing behaviour this years. 90% of home loans were floating or fixed for less than a year in January.  But CoreLogic forecasts borrowers will fix for longer as interest rates come down.  Chief Property Economist, Kelvin Davidson told Francesca Rudkin it's anecdotal at this point, but believes February data will prove it's happening.  He says there was intense competition between banks last month, for two and three-year fixed term rates.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand is believed to be crawling to economic recovery.  Figures —due out from Stats NZ this morning— are expected to show the economy grew between 0.3 and 0.5% in the three months to December.  That would lift New Zealand out of technical recession, but further growth will be slow.  ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley told Francesca Rudkin an uplift in agriculture in quarter four will have helped.  He says the sector —particularly dairy— had a strong lift into Christmas.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gee, we’ve gone stadium mad here in Auckland. We already have seven pretty substantial stadiums ranging from 4000-person capacity to 50,000, spread across the city from the North Shore to Mt Eden, Penrose to Manukau, not including other sporting and event spaces.  But we can’t stop suggesting we build more.    While we wait for Auckland’s Councilors to ponder feasibility studies done by Eden Park and the proposed new waterfront stadium in Quay Park and announce who will go on to win the title of Auckland’s main stadium – another stadium is being pitched, this time for Western Springs.    So, Western Springs Speedway has its final event on Saturday night —although we’ve heard that before— and now Auckland Council is interested in what to do with this valuable inner-city site.    This is a really exciting opportunity, especially after years of kafuffle around the speedway. Auckland might not need another entertainment or sporting venue, but they are really nice to have, especially when someone else is coughing up the money for them.    So, Auckland has to ask itself: what facilities do we need? What would the inner city benefit from, and can these new facilities be used by as many teams, and individuals as possible. Real estate this valuable needs to be well utilised, year-round.   That’s why I like the proposal from the team behind Auckland FC. The proposal for their new facility features a 12,500 seated stadium, covered basketball courts and padel courts. It’s championed and backed by NBA star Steven Adams, All Blacks rugby legend Ali Williams, Anna Mowbray of ZURU fame, and Billionaire football club owners Bill Foley and Bennett Rosenthal.    The group have targeted football, basketball and padel because they are the fastest-growing sports in the world but lack infrastructure in Auckland. They aren’t just meeting a community need, it would also be the home of Auckland FC, signalling this team is a long-term commitment. These are all good things.    I would observe things have gone pretty well at Go Media Stadium for Auckland FC this season, but maybe not everyone likes traveling to Penrose. Maybe it’s felt an inner-city location near hospo hubs will help sustain interest in the team.    According to those who have seen the proposal, this sporting facility would be built “at zero cost to the ratepayer”. The only downside is existing occupants Ponsonby Rugby Club would need to move – and they would need to be supported to do this.    There are two more proposals. The Ponsonby Rugby Club wants to turn it into a bigger venue, and an entertainment group wants to turn it into a multi-purpose entertainment and community sports venue, but we’re yet to hear details for these proposals.    In fact, there is a lot of information we’re yet see, but fingers crossed this process will move faster than the decision around the Speedway.    Whatever plans are presented, remember the locals are a vocal and determined lot. Win them over, and you might just have a chance.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 20 March. 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 Kremlin appears to have emerged victorious from a call with US President Donald Trump.   Russia's agreed to pause firing on energy and critical infrastructure and continue discussions about a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea.  It's a clear deviation from Trump's goal going into talks – of Russia agreeing to a full 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine.  Otago University International Relations Professor Robert Patman told Andrew Dickens that Trump hasn’t put that much pressure on Putin.  He says all the concessions have been from Ukraine, and Trump has already pre-emptively given away bargaining concessions to Russia.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A property investor advocate says landlords should consider lowering their rents, rather than offering incentives.  Changes in the market have seen landlords offer prospective tenants sweeteners like grocery vouchers and free weeks of rent to try to lure them in.  But Sarina Gibbon from the Auckland Property Investors' Association told Andrew Dickens she's not sure incentives work.  She says if you put lipstick on a pig, it's still a pig, and the better option is for landlords to look realistically about what they're expecting for a property.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After nine months stranded in space, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will be back on Earth today. Their stay on the International Space Station was only supposed to last eight days but their mission had to be extended after the spacecraft they arrived on experienced technical issues.  They are coming home this morning - and are expected to splashdown just before 11am New Zealand time.  Retired NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson told Andrew Dickens on what they should expect after such a long time in space.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cops will stay on the beat in the Auckland CBD.  The government will boost anti-crime measures across central Auckland with $1.3 million of funding as a result of the Proceeds of Crime Fund.  The Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 enables New Zealand Police to seize money and assets that have been obtained directly or indirectly from the proceeds of crime. Once all legal matters are addressed, the recovered money is placed in the Proceeds of Crime Fund. This latest move was announced by Auckland Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee an it's been greeted wholeheartedly by retailers and residents It will see the new federal street station open 24/7.  That station will open in the middle of the year. And of course, this is a good thing. My question was always why did we stop doing this in the first place? The cop on the beat is a sign to one and all, citizens and criminals, that the police are in control of the streets, not the ratbags. For me, it's the first thing the police would fund not the last. And that perception that it's important has been reinforced by the new funding coming from the Proceeds of Crime Fund and not the general budget. My question is who thought no cops on the beat was a good idea in the first place? It's tempting to blame Andrew Coster and the last government who were soft on crime. But it' been going on far longer than that. It's another example of public service being told to cut budgets and then cutting good stuff instead of bad. And another thing about the funding. This is not just a problem for the Auckland CBD.  It's nationwide in cities and towns and suburban shopping centres.  What about them?  We'll wait to see if the budget shows a changed emphasis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Wednesday 19th of March 2025, Otago University International Relations Professor Robert Patman breaks down what might come out of Donald Trump's call with Vladimir Putin to try and secure a ceasefire deal in Ukraine.  Andrew Dickens praises the renewed focus on getting police officers on the beat. After 9 months at the International Space Station, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally coming back to Earth. We find out what they should expect after such a long time in space.  And as landlords offer incentives to attract tenants, Andrew asks whether the pendulum has swung in favour of renters in the rental market.  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.

Christopher Luxon and the Indian Prime Minister have agreed on several priorities while in a private meeting yesterday, including on security.   Luxon is leading a delegation in India this week and announced negotiations for a free trade agreement will kick off next month.  The Herald's Adam Pearse is with Luxon and Narendra Modi, and told Andrew Dickens it's been a very cordial meeting.  He says the pair have been getting along well, and are spending quite a bit of time together, taking part in things Modi wouldn't normally take part in.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Papa's popular Gallipoli exhibit is going to be around for another seven years.  The Scale Of Our War exhibit, which showcases giant Weta Workshop made sculptures of New Zealanders at war, was meant to close in 2019.  But it's been extended three times now, the latest extension stretching to 2032.  Te Papa's Kate Camp told Andrew Dickens it's the most popular exhibit the country's ever seen.  She says the sculptures do have a shelf life, but they've been surprised by how long they've lasted, so they want to see it continue.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new chapter for the Act Party, as it takes on local body elections for the first time.   Leader David Seymour is calling for expressions of interest of anyone keen to stand -- saying it's time for a clean out of local councillors.  Act isn't considering challenging the mayoralty in any parts of the country.   Political Editor, Jason Walls says told Andrew Dickens the party is unhappy with widespread rate increases and wants a change.  He says Act wants to take its war on wasteful spending from the Beehive, around the country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Tuesday 18th of March 2025, NZ Herald Political Reporter Adam Pearse shares the latest on the Christopher Luxon meeting with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.   Te Papa's Gallipoli exhibition is shaping up to be the most successful art exhibit in the country, with the museum extending it's stay for another four years.   Act's announced it will have candidates in this year's local elections, Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls tells Andrew Dickens what this means.   Andrew believes the Government's announcement that free trade talks between New Zealand and India will start next month is great news.   Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.        LISTEN ABOVE    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a bit easy to be negative these days. Times are tough and talk is cheap, and I like to manage expectations and not get too carried away with rhetoric.  But today I'm going to praise the Government and be positive.  The surprise announcement that free trade talks between New Zealand and India will start next month was great news.   Like PPPs, it won’t be a game changer short term, but it is a step in the right direction.  The welcome given to Christopher Luxon was quite a thing.   Flags and billboards all over town.  A rowdy welcome from folk dancers and then the news that finally we will negotiate.   Our recent battle in cricket is top of Indian minds and they know that we are already good friends.   The benefits for both countries are large.  For too long our need for dairy to be part of a comprehensive deal has held talks back. But India is still a way away from needing us.   They have a huge but poorly performing herd of cows, but they are still self-sufficient with estimates of local production falling short in 25 years' time and not tomorrow. They will need us in the future.   The Chinese free trade deal saw dairy finally included 20 years after our first agreement. This free trade thing is a long conversation.   But there’s a lot more to India than dairy.  Space is a no brainer. India is already aiming for the moon, and we’d love to help.  IT is another sector that we can benefit from India's expertise to help our productivity.  And with all eyes on Chinese expansion in the Indo-pacific region there is many reasons for a closer relationship. If tensions with China increase, our manufacturers will need India’s cheap labour.   And on China, we need to have India on our side the same way we walk the tightrope with America on pacific security and a relationship with China.  While we will always recognize dairy as a cornerstone to our competitiveness in global trade, we have often spoken of the need for diversification in our export markets.   This deal offers a chance to grow and become broader based.   And with a bit of luck dairy will join the ride as years go by. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's target to reduce the number of people on the benefit hasn't gone to plan.  Recent statistics show a 12% increase in people getting assistance in the past 12 months.  22,000 more Kiwis are currently receiving financial support from the jobseeker benefit alone.  Employment relations specialist Max Whitehead joins the show to discuss the numbers.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced military planning to protect a potential Ukraine ceasefire is moving to an "operational phase."  Military leaders will meet in London on Thursday to secure plans that will back a peace deal.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey joins the show to discuss the Starmer's announcement, and the fire that killed at least 59 people in North Macedonia. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports reporter Andrew Alderson catches us up on the weekend that was in sport.  Liam Lawson was eliminated in his first Red Bull debut in Melbourne yesterday, and Mclaren showed it's the team to beat.  The Black Caps played Pakistan at the Hagley Oval in the second T20, the Kiwi's winning by nine wickets.  Warriors fans were in for a treat when the team took home a 36 - 16 win in front of a home crowd.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Monday 17th of March 2025, the number of people on the Jobseeker Benefit is rising, employment relations specialist Max Whitehead explains how we can change that. There's calls for a national reporting system for bullying in schools. UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey shares the latest on the hundreds injured in a nightclub fire in North Macedonia. Andrew Dickens believes the school lunch programme has been a train wreck and lunches should be targeted at those who need them. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's thought more work is needed, before a national school bullying database could work. New Zealand holds the highest level of bullying in the OECD, according to a 2024 report. Schools are required to develop prevention and response approaches - but there's no regular data reported to the Ministry of Education. PPTA President Chris Abercrombie told Andrew Dickens he isn't opposed to a database He says the issue is every school has its own definition of bullying, which would need to be discussed and rectified.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week as the world puzzled over war and peace and the end of globalisation and rules based free trade, New Zealand was watching the slow-motion train wreck of a free lunch programme.   David Seymour, a long-term opponent of the idea, was put in charge of it by the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Which may have been a genius political move but may rebound in his face.   The Act Leader then reckoned he could centralise it and cut costs until each lunch cost 3 dollars a child.   But the providers had problems. None more so than Libelle who went bust and we finished the week bringing in lunches from Australia.   But there was more sting in the tail.  Long time listener Matt, and long-time opponent of the idea, was incensed by part of a story from last week and sent me an email.   It was part of the story about a Gisborne kid who got burnt by his school meal.   But what got Matt is the revelation that the school orders 310 lunches each day.    But 150 go untouched by the kids who don’t like the look of the offering.   And some have given up on the school lunches and they’ve started bringing their own meals from home.   Which is exactly what the parents should have been doing in the first place.   Matt hates the entitlement of those who took the meals but didn't need them. But I think it’s entirely predictable. Offered a free meal who says no.   Except it’s not free. Taxpayers pay for it. But some parents will argue that’s them getting their tax back   Labour thought that if one child goes hungry then all children should be fed which opens this up to exploitation.  So how do we fix this.   Help should be targeted. If a kid comes in hungry and empty handed, then they should be helped.  How about a lunch club. Where the children are offered the chance to make a meal for themselves if they need it. A toasted sandwich or even a marmite sandwich to make the PM happy.  What’s that Chinese proverb. Give a man a fish then he eats for a day. Teach him how to fish and he feeds himself for a lifetime.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liam Lawson will get his first taste of Formula One as a fulltime Red Bull driver when practice begins this afternoon for the season-opening Melbourne Grand Prix.  His only previous experience at the circuit came via a lap in a V8 Supercar last year.  Motorsport Commentator James Allen told Andrew Dickens that there’s no question Lawson’s got talent.   He says he wouldn’t judge him too much on how he performs on the Melbourne track though, as it has some very strange characteristics and doesn’t really reflect anything of the season ahead.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Push back on the Act Party's attempts to get Auckland University to scrap its compulsory ‘Waipapa Taumata Rau’ course.  The near $6 thousand paper covers the Treaty of Waitangi and traditional Māori tikanga for first year students.  Act says international learners shouldn't be forced into a course irrelevant to their studies and future careers.  University Students Association President Gabriel Boyd told Andrew Dickens it teaches essential skills to help new students and isn't unfairly priced.  He says it's in-line with course costs for international learners, which they're aware of before they come.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is threatening to slap 200% tariffs on European alcohol.  The EU is planning to impose tariffs on American bourbon next month, in retaliation to steel and aluminium levies.  A spokesperson for the bloc says they're preparing to discuss the situation with the US.  Europe correspondent Vincent McAviney told Andrew Dickens spirits, wine, and champagne would all be affected.  He says it would be absolutely drastic to their prices, which are both big EU exports but also in high demand in the US.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The jury's still out on how much foreign capital the Government's Infrastructure Investment Summit will pull in.   More than 100 offshore entities are attending the two-day event in Auckland.   There's already talk of public-private partnerships for prisons and roads, after day one.   Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls, who's there, told Andrew Dickens multiple investors have expressed how keen they are to invest in our assets.   He says for example; Italian companies have told media of their interest in the Northern Expressway extension. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Friday 14th of March 2025, Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls tells Andrew Dickens what came out of the Government's Investment Summit. The Formula one Grand Prix kicks off in Melbourne this weekend where Kiwi race car driver, Liam Lawson will be racing for RedBull, Motorsport Commentator James Allen tells Andrew how he expects it to go. The Act Party is calling for Auckland University to scrap a compulsory traditional Maori knowledge course for international students. Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney tells Andrew the latest on Trump's envoy meeting with Russia is in Moscow for talks on a ceasefire deal. 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.

So, Barbara Edmonds is in front of the investment conference today, representing the Labour Party who may or may not be in charge of the Treasury benches in the future.  The conference will be waiting to see if Labour is on the infrastructure bus. If they will support the projects the National-led government are into, and if they’re on board with foreign investment in our infrastructure plans   It’s actually the critical address of the weekend. Yesterday we heard that the big concern is the pipeline of work.   Overseas investors don’t want to set up shop in New Zealand for a project only to find we back out, leaving them with a big investment and nowhere to go.   To be fair, National has done it with the cancellation of big projects like the ferries.   Labour also did it with a moratorium on road development. It’s time for a bipartisan accord on what we need to do, but that will be hard to find as our parties have used infrastructure as a way to differentiate between themselves. That’s dumb.  For instance, roads are neither left wing or right wing.   Labour’s anti-road sentiment has been based on faulty logic. Somehow, they think building roads means more emissions.   Which is ridiculous, it means the same emissions on bad roads. In fact, it means more emissions as traffic gets stalled.   A good road is an efficient road, and an efficient road helps with both emissions and productivity.   So, all eyes on Barbara to see if she’s logical or ideologically driven. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are hopes proposed changes to the Foreign Investment Fund will boost our own productivity.  The changes will allow new migrants to be taxed on a realisation basis for interests not easily disposable and acquired before coming to New Zealand.  Revenue Minister Simon Watts says the legislation for this will likely be introduced in August.  Phase One Ventures chief executive Mahesh Muralidhar told Andrew Dickens there are also opportunities to transfer skills from migrants to our entrepreneurs.  He says it allows for more Kiwis to start investing and playing a global game, which is the main thing we need to do to be more productive.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public trust and confidence in New Zealand Police is recovering.  The latest Crime and Victims Survey shows its risen to 69% – a 2% rise in the year to October 2024.  More than 80% of Kiwis believe officers conduct themselves professionally.  Former Police Negotiator Lance Burdett told Andrew Dickens it's good news, and follows changes to the organisation's leadership.  He says new Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has front-line experience and is making alternations that have a flow-on effect to officers.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Expectations we'll have a strong showing of investment opportunities for our venture-hungry guests.   More than 100 offshore firms are making an appearance at the Government's Infrastructure Investment Summit in Auckland over the next two days.    Auckland Business Chamber Chief Executive Simon Bridges told Andrew Dickens expects to see the opening up of public-private partnerships in areas like health, justice and the Māori economy.  He says investors want the sizzle and the vision, but that's ultimately what they're coming to see - and we need their capital.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a big deal for Rod Duke to go public with his concerns about his country yesterday.   The Managing Director of Briscoe’s was announcing his company’s full year result.   His company did well. Holding on to it’s revenue in a difficult year.   Rod and his team have been praised for their performance over a number of years. They’re smart operators who can wring blood out of a stone.  But it’s not part of the job description to pass comment on the government of the day. But he did.   Which is symptomatic of today's climate.   We’re sick of the doldrums and we want a captain to lead out out of the quicksand.   So, Rod as a Corporate Leader said the government needs to get it’s arse into gear and do something.   He said it’s been a year since the last lot so there’s been more than enough time to get proactive.   He believes the closer we get to an election the more pro-active the government will get but he’d like more action now.   But when asked what, he said it’s not his business.   And that’s the New Zealand problem right there.   We’re good at identifying problems but not finding solutions.   We ask our government to do something. They don’t so we vote for the other lot. They say have the answers but they don’t. And so we flip flop again with nothing happening.   Then yesterday we had the IMF coming out saying that New Zealand needs to lower it’s corporate tax because we’re becoming uncompetitive.   But they also say we need a capital gains tax because a country needs to balance it’s budget.     We need to spend but we also need to raise the revenue to spend.   So, the IMF come up with an answer.     Is the Government reducing corporate tax. Not so far.     Meanwhile is the Labour party championing a capital gains tax. Not so far.    Is any party offering both? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Thursday 13th of March 2025, the Government's big investment summit kicks off today in Auckland, Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges tells Andrew Dickens what to expect.  The latest survey from the Police shows 31% of people still don't trust the cops, Former Police Negotiator Lance Burdett shares his thoughts.  The Government's proposing tax changes to make things easier for foreign investors starting businesses in New Zealand.  US Correspondent Mitch Mccann shares the latest on the trade war between Canada and the US.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changes to Qantas’ loyalty scheme are taking off today.  They’re raiding the competition, with other airlines’ frequent flyers of gold status or higher able to get Qantas Gold by earning just 100 credits – a discount of 600 credits.  Air New Zealand also updated its Airpoints system in 2024, increasing flexibility for its flyers.   Aviation Commentator Irene King told Andrew Dickens that this move from Qantas is hugely tactical.  She says it’s about cash flow and getting more engagement from high spending, high value customers.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some changes to the Government's procurement rule book are being welcomed.  Currently, there are 71 rules a business must follow to be awarded a government contract, but the Finance Minister is bringing that down to 47.   It's also introducing a new economic benefit test which will consider the wider benefit to New Zealand when awarding contracts to Kiwi firms.  Wellington Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Simon Arcus told Andrew Dickens this should've been happening from the start.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An arrest has been made in the case of the fiery North Sea collision, which saw two large ships —one at anchor— erupt in balls of flame.  English Police have announced the arrest of a 59-year-old man, understood to be the captain of the cargo ship, and charged him with suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Andrew Dickens the charge is due to the fact that one man is still missing, presumed dead.  He says it’s also due to the fact that conditions were good at the time of the collision, so people can’t understand how the crash could’ve occurred.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changes to Qantas' loyalty scheme start today, Aviation Commentator Irene King explains what it means for competition in the sector.   Major school lunch provider Libelle has been placed into liquidation creating uncertainty for the school lunches programme, Kaitao Intermediate Principal tells Andrew Dickens the programmes had issues from the beginning.  UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey shares the latest on one crew member still missing and one of the ships still alight following the collision between a cargo vessel and an oil tanker in the North Sea.   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.

Another push for the Government to cut its losses with its revamped school lunches.  The Libelle Group - which is contracted to deliver about 125-thousand meals each day - is in liquidation.   The responsibility will now fall solely on Compass Group -- but Minister in Charge David Seymour says that won't impact lunch deliveries.  Rotorua's Kaitao Intermediate School Principal, Phil Palfrey told Andrew Dickens he has little faith it won't create further issues.  He wishes the Government could return to the original programme -- and believes the country can afford to do so. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As with all things lately we’re looking for any little clue that the old normal is coming back. But I don’t think it is.   ASB lowered its house price inflation forecast for this year.   Its Chief Economist Nick Tuffley reckons the pick up in sales has been sluggish and there is a lot of stock on the market.   They believe prices will fall through the first half of this year, therefore, the bank has more than halved its house price growth forecast for 2025 to just 3.4% from 9%.   That’s more in line with inflation than for a long time.   In other words, buying a house at the moment is no longer the path to automatic capital gain.   Faced with that house owners are more likely to stay put.   Back in the old normal, churn was the name of the game. You’d buy and sell often to climb up through the property ladder.   In today’s climate you’re more likely to stay in any house you own because a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.  Stability and security is the now the new normal.   This is more in line with overseas models, where people stay in their houses longer, accepting their limitations and building a day-to-day life you can count on.   Now we’ve been through boom-and-bust periods before.   Prices have always come back - but what if they don’t this time? Is that such a bad thing?   People have often said our property fixation has been at the expense of real productivity growth.   What will happen next is anyone’s guess.   But the bank also points out another factor: immigration levels are staying stubbornly low.   We’re not an attractive destination and that may be because of the image we’ve presented of ourselves as a basket place economy.  It may be that the housing crisis is over and so welcome to a stable economy. It’s not a get rich quick paradise anymore, but it is still a nice place to live.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand is looking to build stronger ties with India.  The Prime Minister is heading to New Delhi and Mumbai on Saturday with a contingent of ministers and business leaders.  Prioritising a deal with the fast-growing economic giant was a coalition condition with NZ First.  India New Zealand Business Council Chair Bharat Chawla told Andrew Dickens he has confidence in this trip.  He says it's a perfect opportunity as a lot of work has been done over the last 24 months to make it happen.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's thought the Prime Minister's communication style doesn't sit well with Kiwis.  The latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll shows Chris Hipkins has leap-frogged Chris Luxon as preferred PM.  Labour's also ahead on 34.1%, with National trailing on 33.6%.  National's support has risen, but support for coalition partners Act and New Zealand First have both dropped.  Auckland University marketing expert, Michael Lee told Andrew Dickens Luxon's question side-stepping on Andrew Bayley's sacking was a good example of what he needs to improve.  He says there are ways of answering that show he doesn't want to respond in a way which could get himself or someone else in trouble, later on.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re awash with polls.   The Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll and research from Horizon.   It all says we’re not happy with the country right now. Therefore, we’re not happy with the Government.    And no kidding - things have not been good for a while now.   No matter who was in power a correction was needed.   We swamped the nation with cash at the start of the pandemic. Unnecessarily we can now say with hindsight, and then we paid the price.   So, the Government is going to be on the backfoot, no matter who they are.   I actually think the surprising thing is how the coalition’s support is holding up.   Sure, Luxon has his problems. Sure, Seymour and Peters say the most triggering things knowing that there’s a bunch of people who love it.   But are the opposition making any sense at all and acting like they’d do better?   Chris Hipkins over the weekend played cagey with his party's positions,   When asked about the capital gains tax, he prevaricated and then talked cryptically about tax reforms.  And that’s about all the policy talk I can rustle up from Labour.   The Greens and the Māori party just keep on saying what they always say, but just personally they appear to be still on holiday.  They’re certainly not in the house.   So, all this poll says is that our blocs are evenly matched in tribal terms - the trick will be the swinging voters who vote for self interest. But let’s see what things will be like in 18 months' time.   A poll at this time is like some small talk at a party that hasn’t started yet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Tuesday 11th of March 2025, The Prime Minister's announced he's taking a large delegation to India, India NZ Business Council Chair Bharat Chawla tells Andrew Dickens what to expect.   Canada's new Prime Minister has vowed to win the trade war with the United States, Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian David Smith shares what the reaction has been.  Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is slipping in the latest polls on preferred Prime Minister, Marketing expert Michael Lee tells Andrew how he can improve.   Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio shares the latest on the clean-up following tropical cyclone Alfred.   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.