Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Some are struggling to see the point of the Government's face-lift to workplace health and safety obligations.  Minister-in-Charge, Brooke van Velden confirms small businesses will only need to manage risks relating to death or serious injury – to reduce compliance costs.   Institute of Safety Management Chair Mike Cosman told Andrew Dickens multiple things the Government's painted as an issue are imaginary.  He says there's no current requirement to report minor injuries or have signage for minor risks.  Cosman believes the Government's created a myth and is now congratulating itself for cracking that.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Commerce Commission and Auckland Airport's latest interactions are being seen as a sign regulation is working.  Auckland Airport isn't lifting its airline charges for the next two years as much as intended, after the commission's report showed their targeted returns were too high.   The report also found the airport's multi-billion-dollar infrastructure investment plan is appropriate.  New Zealand Airports Association Chief Executive Billie Moore told Andrew Dickens the investigation is all part of the part of the process.  She says the feedback wasn't unexpected because these processes take time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston’s great rail solution is now revealed: it’s just like KiwiRail’s iReX but cheaper.   The boats are still big and they’re rail enabled but the portside infrastructure is more reasonable.   And that’s always been the thing. The original boats were a good deal, but the kicker came portside.   KiwiRail was under the belief that the project had to be future proofed.   This was something that had to last 50 years - a type of thinking that New Zealand hasn’t done often.   So, the Ferrari was not the boat, it was the ports.  Now Winston says Picton needs a big revamp. But the earthquake prone Wellington port just needs a revamp.  In an ideal world this is not ideal. But it is, as Winston says, pragmatic.  I know people involved with the original iReX deal on the Government side.   And when this story first broke, they told me that KiwiRail shouldn’t come to the Government expecting an open cheque book.   And he was right. The original iReX deal was a good deal, and the one that we should aspire to.  But as the Government keeps telling us, now is not the right time for aspirational long-term planning.   But if not now, when will we ever do anything right first time? And while this deal looks like a saving short term, will we end out paying more long term? The upshot is that we have ferries coming and they’re less likely to sink than the ones we already have. That’s about it - we’re right back to where we were 30 years ago.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Tuesday 1st April 2025, Todd Valster General Secretary of the Rail and Maritime Union shares his thoughts on the Government's plan for the new Cook Strait ferries.   The Commerce Commission says Auckland Airport's been over-charging airlines by $190 million since 2023, NZ Airports Chief Executive Billie Moore shares his thoughts.   The Government's announced changes to workplace health and safety Mike Cosman, Chair at the NZ Institute of Safety Management tells Andrew Dickens what this will mean for businesses.  Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio shares the latest on the Australian Prime Minister responding to a Chinese research ship travelling in Australian waters.   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.

Moana Pasifika completed the biggest win in the Super Rugby season so far, beating the Crusaders 45-29. It’s the first time the team have beat the Crusaders. Sports Contributor Andrew Alderson joins the show to discuss the win, Ryan Fox at the Houston Open, and the Warriors win. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prince Harry has been accused of "harassment and bullying at scale" by a former chair of a charity set up by the Prince.  The allegations come as the individual and several others quit the organisation last week.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey joins the show to discuss the accusation, and how H&M is using AI to create twins.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health NZ will cut $204 million of contractor and consultant spending, making up for more than half of the Government's target of $400m.  The public health agency has been using contractors to fill vacant roles.  Why is Health NZ not employing full time staff?  Health NZ Chair Rob Campbell joins Early Edition.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Monday 31st of March 2025, nearly half of the Government's contractor and consultancy spending cuts are set to come from Health NZ, Former Health Nz Chair Rob Campbell shares his thoughts.  The Government's looking at bringing a third player in the grocery sector to break up the duopoly, Grocery Policy Expert Ernie Newman  tells Andrew Dickens how this could work.  Andrew Alderson has all the latest sport from over the weekend.  UK/ Europe Correspondent shares the latest on the chair of the charity set up by Prince Harry has accusing him of "harassment and bullying at scale" after he and several others quit the organisation earlier this week.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.          LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A grocery sector expert says he's pleasantly surprised by Nicola Willis's plans for the sector. The Economic Growth Minister has confirmed she's seeking advice on potentially breaking up the supermarket duopoly. That could include separating the retail and wholesale arms of Foodstuffs and Woolworths. Ernie Newman says told Andrew Dickens he was sceptical before the announcement but is impressed by what he's heard. He says Nicola Willis has come across as a "minister on a mission" and she's done her homework.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spent all weekend waiting for more details about the death by dog in the Bay of Plenty.   This story upset me greatly. We heard about the victim.  A cheeky cheery 4-year-old kid. His family say he had a little mischief in his smile, a little wid in his heart and a heart full of cuteness.   We heard a statement from the Marae that something had happened suggesting this was in Maori circles. For a while I thought it was an incident on the Marae but it wasn’t.   We heard another person was injured and presumably they were trying to save the boy.  On social media I saw claims that the boy may have razzed the dogs but that’s not the point. That’s victim blaming.   The thing that always gets me on these stories is that dogs should not kill people.   Even though 4 people have died at the teeth of dogs in the past 5 years.  Dogs are man’s best friend. Dogs are a useful tool. But dogs should never kill humans. The way robots are programmed to never kill humans.  Even the dogs who’s jobs are to be security for humans should not kill other humans even if the humans are bad.   The only dogs who kill humans are dogs who are owned or controlled by humans who do not know how to control their dogs.  And if they have dogs who are not controllable, they are humans who don’t realise the threat those dogs pose. Therefore, they should surrender those dogs before bad stuff happens.  And when these things happen the concerned start raising rules and regulations that the bad owners ignore and the only thing they do is irritate and criminalise good owners.   Any dogs that kill that can be traced to an owner means that owner must face a custodial sentence.   Because your weapon just killed an innocent child. I don’t know how you live with yourself and don’t you dare defend the dog. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liam Lawson has officially been demoted from the Red Bull Formula One team.   He lasted two Grands Prix before management decided to replace him with Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda for his home event next weekend at Suzuka.   The switch confirms widespread speculation of a new partner for defending champion Max Verstappen.  F1 Journalist Thomas Maher told Andrew Dickens that this is a risk for Red Bull, as if Lawson does well in the Racing Bulls car, the blame for his struggles in the big leagues will fall back onto the car.  He says Yuki Tsunoda is a known quantity when it comes to racing, so answers about whether the car is to blame will be gained very quickly.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eden Park has triumphed in its battle to be Auckland's Council's preferred stadium over building a new facility near the city's waterfront.  The council has voted to endorse in principle the first stage of upgrading the Park – 17 in favour and two against, with one abstention.  But it's making it clear it won't pay for it.  Councillor Shane Henderson told Andrew Dickens that while both bids had their issues, Eden Park had less to do to become viable.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK and France have agreed to lead a "reassurance force" in Ukraine.  British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says Europe is mobilising on a scale "not seen for decades" to be ready for peace, following a leaders summit in Paris.  They've agreed not to lift Russian sanctions as Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy calls for stronger US support.  But Europe correspondent Vincent McAviney told Andrew Dickens Putin has previously said he doesn't want any NATO troops involved in Ukraine.  He says that doesn't leave really any European soldiers these days, after long holdouts Sweden and Finland joined NATO after Russia's invasion.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former associate finance minister believes public sector job cuts are needed to grow the economy.  Latest Public Service Commission data shows the core workforce reduced by four percent in the year to December 2024.   The Tertiary Education Commission, Archives New Zealand, and Department of Corrections yesterday earmarked further cuts.  But former Minister Sir Lockwood Smith told Andrew Dickens the sector has got productivity problems.  He says there's so much unproductive work going on by well-meaning good people, who lack focus on what's needed to deliver an effective workforce. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Friday 28th of March 2025, Red Bull have officially demoted Liam Lawson, F1Planet.com Editor and Journalist Thomas Maher shares the latest from Red Bull.   Auckland Council is backing an Eden Park upgrade for the city's new stadium plan, Councillor Shane Henderson shares the reasons for the decision.   The Government almost doubled its target for cutting consultancy spending, Former Associate Minister of Finance, Sir Lockwood Smith shares his thoughts.   UK/ Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney shares the latest on European leaders gathering in Paris to discuss plans for a coalition of the willing peacekeeping force and continued sanctions on Russia.   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.

Winston Peters turned into a grumpy old conservative man in the house yesterday.  A role he assumes to hoover up votes from his constituents rather than the stately Foreign Minister image he shows to the rest of the world.  He complained that Ricardo Menéndez March, the Green MP, wore a leather jacket in the house. It was a glossy little number, but was it disrespectful?  It raises the question about clothes in the workforce.  If you wear a $1,500 designer leather jacket, is that less respectful than a $300 suit from Laidlaw + Leeds from Farmers? Things have obviously loosened. Our big boss wears a jacket, but I’ve never seen him in a tie.  Casual Friday has become casual weekday.   So, I’m not worried about Ricardo’s leather jacket - even though it gave off Boy George vibes and he looked like he was off to the disco.  He obviously took care of his look and turned up well-groomed, even if he looked like a clown.  And it’s not called the House of Representatives for nothing. It should be representative of all of us, including the leather jacket wearers.   I’ve sometimes wondered at the ensembles that appear on our screens worn by public servants and MPs. Many are obviously expensive purchased on wages provided by the taxpayers.   Flaunting your public purse wealth at us.   But the biggest problem with Ricardo Menéndez March's leather jacket is that it’s leather.   I thought you were a Green MP opposed to products derived from animal cruelty.   The thing about symbolism is that it’s symbolic, and Ricardo’s leather jacket screamed hypocrisy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Motorsport expert Bob McMurray claims Liam Lawson's been treated unfairly by Red Bull as he faces demotion two races into the Formula One season.  Racing Bulls driver Yuki Tsunoda is reportedly set to swap with Lawson for next weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.  Lawson's didn't finish at Melbourne and came 12th in Shanghai - Tsunoda returned 12th and 16th place results at the same events.  McMurray told Andrew Dickens he’s being made a scapegoat for the failings of the team themselves.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's debate over the potential loosening of bank rules.  Reserve Bank requirements —forcing banks to have enough capital to withstand a one-in-200-year shock— look set to be loosened.  Banks say that could reduce the cost of borrowing.  But Simplicity Chief Economist Shamubeel Eaqub told Andrew Dickens it won't address the underlying reasons why banks aren't lending more money.  He says mortgage rates are currently 2% over the cost of borrowing, and banks aren't lending enough to businesses and farms.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Primary healthcare appears to be bearing the brunt of a vicious funding cycle.   New Royal New Zealand College of GPs research shows the sector's facing financial neglect, receiving just 5.4% of each health budget since 2009.   President Dr Samantha Murton told Andrew Dickens it's costing more in the long run, as people get sicker.   She says people are going to hospital at greater expense, meaning money can't be invested into primary care where the best work is done to prevent hospitalisations in the first place.   Murton says they need 10% of the funding pool at least.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White House says screenshots of a top US officials group chat didn't contain classified information.  The Atlantic magazine editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg was accidentally added to a group thread on the encrypted messaging app Signal.  Screenshots made public overnight include exact timings of drone and missile attacks on the Iran-backed Houthis, followed by updates on targets hit.  US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Andrew Dickens the Democrats claim the messages were classified.  He says they're now calling on Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who sent some of the messages, to resign. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Thursday 27th of March 2025, could Liam Lawson be dropped by RedBull already? Motorsport expert Bob McMurray shares his thoughts. New research from the Royal NZ College of GPs shows primary healthcare is being financially neglected, President Samantha Murton shares her concerns. Westpac is calling for the Reserve Bank to relax capital requirements, Chief economist at Simplicity, Shumabeel Eaqub tells Andrew Dickens if it'sa good idea. US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on the Atlantic deciding to publish additional text messages from the group chat of top Trump national security officials, on the Houthi attack. 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.

Tamatha Paul: a woman mocked for her views on Police.   Chris Hipkins says her views on beat Police were unwise, and then he went further and said they were stupid.   The Prime Minister says she’s in lala land.  Yesterday I commented that life must be really sweet on her planet - pity it’s not ours.  But that didn’t stop her doubling down yesterday on her views, because they are not untrue.  She pointed out that brown people have quite a different perception of police than others.  Look up profiling and it’s meaning.  She pointed out the terrible failure of the police in the case of the 11-year-old confused with a twenty-year-old that we’re all shocked at.  She highlighted the hassle of homeless.  She didn’t back down because as she said they are legitimate experiences amongst her constituents.   And she has constituents. She’s not a list MP. She won Wellington Central fair and square.  However, the complaints of one are not the complaints of a hundred. The vast, overwhelming, majority of New Zealanders feel better with cops on the beat.  So, she is wrong. But I will defend her right to point out the flaws, because that is the true meaning of free speech.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The just revealed Australian Federal Budget is being criticised as an election sweetener.  The Treasurer's announced tax relief for households.   Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is yet to call the election, but it's expected in coming months.  Australia Correspondent Lesley Yeomans says they’ve tried to give people a little bit of everything in this budget, with tax cuts, more energy bill relief, wage increases and cheaper medicines.  He says the Government is probably hoping it will sway people, but it’s hard to tell whether it will or won’t.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neither of two options for Auckland's main stadium are entirely feasible.   Auckland Council staff say feasibility studies for either an upgraded Eden Park or a new stadium at Quay Park found both lacking.   The report says the Eden Park option would not be financially feasible without council or central Government funding, and Quay Park has optimistic assumptions around infrastructure and construction costs.   Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson told Andrew Dickens he’s questioning why the council is being brought into it.  He says the Mayor has made it clear the council won’t be contributing financially.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Caveats to the new Russia-Ukraine Black Sea ceasefire deal are causing uncertainty.  The United States says both countries have agreed to stop military strikes in the Black Sea and develop measures to implement a ban on energy facility strikes.   But Newstalk ZB European Correspondent Gavin Grey told Andrew Dickens Ukraine's warned any Russian naval movement would be a violation.  He says in return, Russia's demanding sanctions on banks, insurers, and food exporters must be lifted first.   Sky News reports Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the maritime ceasefire is effective immediately, and no one can accuse them not moving towards peace after this.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Wednesday 26th of March 2025, officials warn neither options for an Auckland stadium are feasible, Auckland Councilor Maurice Williamson explains why.   Australia's Federal budget is out and tax cuts are on the way, Australia Correspondent Lesley Yeomans shares the latest.   Employment confidence is down across the country, Employment Expert Tom O'Neil says employers can sense the desperation from applicants.   UK/ Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey shares the latest with more protests and arrests expected in Turkey following the detention of the Ekrem Imamoglu.   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.

A blow for Kiwi business confidence, which has slumped to its lowest level since the post-2020 Covid lockdown lows.  The Westpac-McDermott Miller index shows despite the weaker overall result, confidence has only fallen in four of 11 regions.  That includes the biggest job market -- Auckland -- which dominated the national average.  CV.co.nz Managing Director, Tom O'Neil told Andrew Dickens he reckons it's partially due to looming American tariffs.  He believes there's been a massive hangover encapsulating all the difficulties New Zealand's faced since 2020. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, Auckland looks like it’s doing it again: dilly dallying in decision making about big stuff.   A council advisory group has informed us that neither the fancy waterfront stadium nor an upgrade of Eden Park is considered feasible.   The full council still must vote on it on Thursday, so we’ll see if anyone has some balls.    Now by "not feasible" they mean not viable without public funding. We don’t seem to have a charitable billionaire in our midst so the dough would have to come from the public purse.   This is a question every major city wrestles with, but other cities seem to be braver.   This week Brisbane has casually announced a new stadium to host the Olympics, calming putting nearly four billion dollars on the line.  We’re a growing nation. We need a venue for the events that come in 2025. Whether it’s big sport or big concerts. We’ve seen how much fun Eden Park has been this week, three different sports in one week.   It would be great to have a venue that’s modern, complete, and full of character.   I love stadiums. I’m super excited about Canterbury’s Te Kaha. Forsyth Barr is great, and Sky Stadium just needs new seats and maybe a roof.   But what do I want for Auckland? Now first I have to admit that Eden Park has given me tickets to events, but I would be happy for the waterfront stadium to go ahead. We’d never regret it   I’m also happy for an Eden Park upgrade, after all Sydney ripped down the perfectly functional Sydney football stadium and completely replaced it.   But it really is time for someone to put their neck on the block and just do it.   Every city needs a Cathedral, and every city needs an iconic stadium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Great news for football fans – the All Whites are heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.  Their 3-0 win over the New Caledonia side was enough to book their trip next year to the US, Canada, and Mexico.  Weekend Sport host Jason Pine told Andrew Dickens that quite a few people probably expected the game to be fairly straight forward, but it didn’t take long for those illusions to be dispelled.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers are keeping an eye on how some aspects of Resource Management Act reforms will work in practice.  The Government's new framework for planning includes new acts around development of land and on protection of the natural environment.  It also includes greater property rights – including allowing landowners to seek compensation against unjustified restrictions on their land.  But Federated Farmers RMA spokesperson Mark Hooper told Andrew Dickens it's important local voices take precedence.  However, he says there's a good line being developed regarding proposing each individual district have its own plan.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A sizable boost to defence spending's expected in Australia's budget.  Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers will hand down his fourth federal budget for Labor tonight.  The Defence Minister says it will include bringing forward a billion dollar spend on defence.  It comes as New Zealand ministers hint at more spending in defence here too.  Australia correspondent Donna Demaio told Andrew Dickens it's a significant spend.  She says it will be the biggest defence spend since World War II, and will boost the country's military capability.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Save the Children says Oranga Tamariki needs to step up communication in the name of trust, so they can do their job.   A newly released review has highlighted nine representative privacy breaches, with at least one leading to a mother being abused after her address was shared to her child's father.   Save the Children Advocacy Director Jacqui Southey told Andrew Dickens if the public don't trust the agency, they'll struggle to receive the reports they need to work effectively.    Southey says it cannot be underestimated how critical it is for them to step up and communicate how they're rectifying this and making the changes people want to see. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Tuesday 25th of March 2025, The Government's finally scrapping the Resource Management Act, Federated Farmers RMA Reform Spokesperson Mark Hooper tells Andrew Dickens what he thinks of the new plan.   The All Whites won 3-0 to New Caledonia, Newstalk ZB Weekend Sport Host Jason Pine was on the sidelines at the game.   Oranga Tamariki has still not fixed systems that led to privacy breaches Save the Children Child Rights Advocacy and Research Director, Jacqui Southey shares her concerns.  Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio keeps us up to date with the finishing touches on Australia's Federal Budget.  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 no secret to anyone that we do not have enough doctors in New Zealand. Recent policy moves to attract more qualified overseas doctors have been eagerly received. As have directives to increase the number of doctors we train locally - the Government's decision to fund another 50 medical school places from next year, increasing the cap to 639 first-year students. But what is the point of training more doctors if we don’t have jobs for them? Medical Council data showed 30 percent of medical graduates left the country within 10 years. They leave because Health NZ do not fund enough jobs. The jobs they do fund are low paid and future prospects are limited, except for a talented few. They get paid better overseas and they can pay off their student loan faster. And it starts from day one. Each year Health NZ fails to fund internships for 25 to 30 graduates, forcing them to look overseas.  Sure, some were overseas students but after spending 7 years here they’d quite like to stay if prospects are good. Now all tertiary education is partially subsidised by you and I, but what’s the point of spending taxpayer money training doctors if to save taxpayer money, we don’t offer them a career path after their studies? How about this for a radical idea: the Government wants to fund training for 639 doctors next year, why not also fund 639 internships?  And if any of them don’t want to stay we use any excess funding to pay the guys who want to stay in New Zealand more.  Because to fund training of doctors and then refuse to fund their jobs is wasteful spending.  And we all know how this Government feels about wasteful spending.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB Sports Reporter Andrew Alderson joined Andrew Dickens to wrap this weekend’s sporting events.   They discussed the Chinese Grand Prix and Liam Lawson’s unfortunate run, and the life and legacy of Alex “Grizz” Wyllie.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tax expert says changes to the tax system must not stand in the way of economic growth.  A UN committee is calling on countries to ensure tax policies are being applied proportionally to the wealthier individuals.  It says regressive and ineffective policies can disproportionately affect already disadvantaged groups.  But PWC partner Sandy Lau told Andrew Dickens while fairness is important, it's a complex issue.  She says company tax rates needs to be competitive to attract foreign investment.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public servants appear unconcerned by the Government's recent request to help identify further cost cuts.  Thousands of public servants across all agencies have been asked in a census to identify taxpayer value in their work, and any changes needed.   PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons told Andrew Dickens the survey was expected as it comes around every five years.   She says they don't think it's going to lead to any more harsh cuts, because there is nothing left to trim.   Fitzsimons says there is room for efficiencies, and she hopes the Government listens to workers ideas.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Monday 24th of March 2025, The Public service has been asked by the Government to find areas for cost cutting, PSA  Assistant Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons shares the reaction of Public Servants.  A United Nations Committee has questioned the fairness of world tax systems and GST, PWC Partner Sandy Lau shares the issues around fairness in our tax system.  Andrew Alderson shares with Andrew Dickens the latest on sport that happened over the weekend.  UK/ Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey tells Andrew the latest on Pope Francis being discharged from Rome's Gemelli hospital. 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.

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.