Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

An independent economist says there'll be lasting questions about Adrian Orr's legacy as Reserve Bank Governor.  His shock exit, announced yesterday, is halfway through his second five-year tenure.  It also comes as the Reserve Bank is in the process of agreeing its funding increase for the next five years.   Cameron Bagrie told Andrew Dickens everyone will have their own thoughts on the bank's recent choices.  He believes they over-engineered the economic recovery and downturn.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canada could be seeing some potential relief from US tariffs.  Prime Minister Justin Trudeau slammed the 25% import levies as a "very dumb thing to do", as Ottawa announced it will impose tariffs of its own.  Trudeau is reportedly set for showdown talks with Donald Trump later today about the issue.  But US correspondent Mitch McCann told Andrew Dickens Trump's commerce secretary has hinted some sectors could be left unscathed.  He says it's been reported the auto sector could be tariff-free later today, with many cars and car parts transferring between Mexico, Canada, and the US.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, Adrian Orr is gone in a month. And he’ll probably breathe a sigh of relief.  He’s been at the centre of public scrutiny ever since he got the job as NZ Super Fund CEO back in 2007.  During his tenure as Reserve Bank Governor, he was damned no matter what he did because with every move there were victims who felt punished in the pocketbook.   So, everyone has an opinion of Adrian Orr, and most are not that complimentary. Who needs that? He’s 63 and wealthy and I’m sure keen to return to anonymity.   So, was he as bad as many say? At the Super Fund he was generally hailed as a good operator who increased our savings. But he was also vilified for taking a million-dollar salary - a sum that was well below equivalent private positions.   Was he stupid? No. He’s got an impressive CV. There’ve been stints in Paris at the OECD then back here with the National Bank, the Reserve Bank, Westpac, and the Reserve Bank again, before landing the CEO job for the super fund in 2007 and then Reserve Bank Governor.   If I have one criticism of Adrian Orr it’s his lack of confidence in New Zealanders.   When the pandemic started, he made money virtually free believing the economy would collapse.  It didn’t because Kiwis found a way.  And the flood of money fuelled the fire of inflation combined with a government drunk on spending.   When inflation raged, he reacted in an orthodox way by raising the interest rates.   But he didn’t figure on a government that then turned the Government spending tap off turning his big stick for the economy into a sledgehammer.   Our macroeconomic policies have reeled from feast to famine over the past 5 years. It’s certainly time for stability and conservative policies.   So Adrian, after getting the ship headed towards a stable path has called it a day.   I wish him and his family all the best and I hope he enjoys the peace, and I hope I never hear about him again. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A return to growth in New Zealand's housing market.  Corelogic's Home Value Index saw property values rise by 0.3 percent in February -- the strongest increase in more than a year.  That follows a cumulative negative 4.1 percent decline from March to September last year.  Chief Property Economist, Kelvin Davidson says [told Andrew Dickens] he thinks the housing market's returned to a more stable phase, post-pandemic.  He says with wage growth coming through, there's a path to reasonably stable house prices ahead. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Thursday 6th of March 2025, Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr has resigned out of the blue - Independent Economist Cameron Bagrie tells Andrew Dickens who he thinks will be next in line for the top job.     We might have some signs of life in the property market, CoreLogic Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson shares the latest numbers in the CoreLogic Home Value Index.  The Government's announced it’s increasing the number of training places for nurse practitioners specialising in primary care to 120 a year, Professor Warwick Bagg from the University of Auckland tells Andrew how much of a difference it will make.   US Correspondent Mitch Mccann shares the latest on what came out of US President Donald Trump's congress speech and the trade war.   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.

There are fresh developments in the Government's Cook Strait ferry headache.  Hyundai is back in the running to land a deal after the coalition canned its original contract in 2023, blaming ballooning costs.  Documents show the Government's set aside $300 million to cover that broken deal, which must be paid regardless of whether a new deal is struck.  Rail and Maritime Transport Union General Secretary Todd Valster told Andrew Dickens the Government rushed to cancel the original deal.  He reckons the amount of money lost is far higher, saying the $300 million doesn’t recognise costs of procurement – with estimations up to a billion dollars could have been spent.  Although, he says, it's good to see Rail Minister Winston Peters has made a trip to Korea to speak with the ship builders.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine's President is ready to sign the US deal for a ceasefire only hours after America's decision to pause military aid to the war torn nation.  Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his fiery meeting with Donald Trump at the White House was "regrettable".  He's ready to work with Trump to sign a minerals deal and reach a peace deal.  Former chief of staff to Marco Rubio —who is now the US Secretary of State— Matt Terrill told Andrew Dickens reaching a peace deal was a huge part of Trump's campaign.  He says this administration is standing by the deal because they believe in its economic and security guarantees.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Truck drivers say it will take more than just congestion charges to address Auckland's traffic woes.   Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is hoping for practical solutions to traffic after a report found congestion will cost the city 2.6 billion dollars a year by next year.   The National Road Carriers Association says it supports congestion charges, as long as they're fair.  But Chief Executive Justin Tighe-Umbers told Andrew Dickens it still needs a second harbour crossing and fixes to council roads.   He says some parts of the motorway also need to be widened. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Wednesday 5th of March 2025, Donald Trump has paused all military aid into Ukraine, Marco Rubio's Former Chief of Staff tells Andrew Dickens what he thinks will happen next.   New documents reveal $300 million was set aside by the Government to cover it's broken ferry build contract with Hyundai.  Could congestion charges come in sooner than expected? National Road Carriers Association CEO Just Tighe Umbers shares his thoughts.   UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey shares the latest on US vice-president JD Vance sparking a row with comments he made about the potential involvement of international forces to police a peace deal in Ukraine.   Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You could hear the disappointment oozing out of the Maritime Union Spokesperson yesterday as we found out the break fee for the Interislander ferries would be around 300 million.    The ferries only cost 551 million at 60 per cent of the cost of the ferries.   All up 1 billion dollars has been spent on nothing at all.   It’s making Labour’s light rail fiasco look trivial.  The Union guy called the situation Nicola Willis’ mistake. And it is.   She’d be hoping to be remembered as the Saviour of the economy, but she will never escape the billion-dollar boat botch up.   A botch up she jumped into just to strike a blow against Labour and KiwiRail   As Winston Peters rushes to patch things up we seem to forget what the real cost of the project is.  It’s the wharves and more particularly the Wellington wharves   They need to be renovated.   They need to be earthquake strengthened.   We need to decide if they need rail infrastructure so we can roll a train on a ship.   We need to decide the capacity of the terminals.   These are questions that never make the public discussion. As we wait for Winston’s grand answer to a 3-billion-dollar question, I hope that he’ll cover those issues as much as the floating stock.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions over the future of Wellington Water's chairman, with calls for him to go after troubling findings within the organisation.  A scathing review has found poor procurement processes, potential for fraud, and a serious lack of value for money.  Board chair Nick Leggett says if the region's mayors ask him to go, he will, but thinks he's taken good action on the issues.  Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says he doesn't need to go.  She told Andrew Dickens they’re a year out from water reforms and him and Pat Dougherty are working exceptionally well together to achieve them.  Baker says she doesn’t see the point.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queensland's bracing for Cyclone Alfred to hit later this week.  It's been upgraded to category two overnight, and is brewing off the Australian coast, where it's already causing heavy surf and high tides.   Correspondent Donna Demaio told Andrew Dickens it's expected to hit on Thursday or Friday.   She says there's a possibility of destructive winds and life-threatening flash flooding.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's sinking just under $12 million into salmon farming.  The five-year aquaculture investment will increase production and drive-up exports.  It's estimating the extra support will create an additional $500 million of exports by 2035.  Aquaculture New Zealand Chief Executive Gary Hooper told Andrew Dickens that's a conservative figure.  He says when everything is up and running, there will be up-to 60-million tonnes worth of exports annually – pushing a billion dollars in value.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concerns general practices will take too many patients to secure performance-based Government funding.   The Health Minister's set aside 285 million-dollars to help uplift general practices as part of a larger boost to healthcare.   The General Practice Owners Association welcomes the initiatives - but is cautious about the impacts.   Chair Angus Chambers told Andrew Dickens practices will open their books to get more money without increasing their workforce.   He says he's waiting until it's made clear how performance will be measured.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did we manage to bring so many people into the country and fail to have enough doctors when they get here? This is the question we’ve all asked every surge of immigration we’ve ever had.   And there’s been many. I’m one. I came out in 1965 with my English father and Kiwi mum.   And there’s been many more waves.   Every time we’ve opened the door there seems to have been an attitude that we’ll take the immigrants labour, money, and advantages but ignore the consequences of a bigger population.  So Simeon Brown's announcement of a faster track to qualifying overseas doctors who come here is welcome and about time.   Our immigration booms have distorted our society.   It swamped our motorways; it put strain on housing and infrastructure.   And it crushed our service sector including doctors.   Yet it also made people think we had a rockstar economy. It was artificial.  If the economy is rocking but you can’t see a doctor, is it really rocking?   Finally, we seem to be realising that if we bring in more people, we need to look at the whole picture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 4th of March 2025, The new Health Minister's begun making moves to try save our deteriorating healthcare system, Genpro Chair Dr Angus Chambers tells Andrew Dickens how big of a difference it will make.   Councils in Wellington are furious with a new scathing report into Wellington Water, Porirua Mayor Anita Baker shares a plan for how to move forward.   Good news for the Aquaculture sector, the Government is Putting almost twelve million dollars into salmon farming.   Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio shares the latest on the prominent ex football player joining a class action against the AFL - alleging racial abuse.  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.

Pope Francis has been unable to deliver his traditional Angelus prayer in person for the third week in the row.  The Vatican published the Pope's written comments instead, saying he had written the text from his hospital room in a Rome "in the past few days." UK Correspondent Gavin Grey talks the Andrew Dickens about the Pope's current health, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's meeting with European leaders. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said his intention in the Oval Office was for the US to "stand more firmly on our side."  During the meeting Trump told Zelenskyy to make a deal with Russia or the US would be out.  Former US Defence Department official Jeffrey Price joins the show to discuss the meeting that continues to be felt around the world. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors have faced a crushing defeat in Las Vegas as the 2025 NRL season opener.  The Black Caps also crumbled to India by 44 runs.  Dame Lydia Ko, on the other hand, has won the LPGA Women's World Championship.  Newstalk ZB's Elliott Smith joins the show to debrief our sporting events over the weekend.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Dickens: Trump's meeting with Zelensky was schoolyard bullying Well who didn’t see the Trump Zelensky meltdown coming? The whole thing has been a show for the crowds and not a real play for peace. Before the summit Zelensky made it very clear that he wanted a ceasefire but with security guarantees.   Reportedly America told Zelensky not to mention the security guarantees at the press conference. But that’s the heart of his position. He doesn’t trust Putin because they’ve had a ceasefire with Putin before that Putin broke. Trump made it very clear he wants out and he wants a payoff of minerals for everything the US has put in so far. He has a mandate for that. He campaigned on it and he got the vote. So when they met and the press started recording, Trump and Vance spoke as though their plan was a fait d’accompli. But it wasn’t. Ukraine has always said “no security guarantee no deal” So when Zelensky starts reminding them of what had happened in the past, Trump and Vance went 2 on 1 and gave him a lesson. It was schoolyard stuff. Beating up the immigrant kid with English as a second language. Trump and Vance were playing to their American public. The American public that voted for Trump that are sick of trillions of their dollars going to a place they barely know. That American public is now saying Zelensky wants to continue with the war. But that's not so. Europe is prepared to insure the peace but America is not. Putin must love it. America is now selfish and irrelevant while Europe's underinvestment in defence is glaring. And I need to remind Americans that back in the day when Winston Churchill came to Washington to convince America to enter World War 2 he came dressed in a military boiler suit to signify he was in an actual war while the Americans weren’t. Zelensky is in a war. Trump and Vance are not. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is trying to hit the mark on work-life balance as it announces a new Police training site in Auckland.   The Police Commissioner says he hopes to open the new base by the end of June to help the force reach its goal of 500 new officers.   However, Richard Chambers says they are yet to confirm its location.    Associate Police Minister Casey Costello told Andrew Dickens the base will attract people wanting to live at home while training.   She says there are currently barriers to police college for people starting young families.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast for Monday 3rd of February 2025, Auckland's getting a new police training facility, Associate Minister for Police Casey Costello tells Andrew Dickens how it will help with reaching the Government's goal of increasing the number of frontline police by 500.  Former US Defence Department Official Jeffrey Price analyses the weekend's spectacle between US President Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky where Trump told Zelensky to make a deal with Russia or theUS would be out.  And UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey shares the latest on the European leaders summit in London where security talks have been under way.  Newstalk ZB's Elliot Smith shares the latest on the Black Caps facing India in the ICC Champions trophy in South Africa.  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.

Well, who didn’t see the Trump Zelensky meltdown coming?   The whole thing was a show for the crowds and not a real play for peace.   Before the summit Zelensky made it very clear that he wanted a ceasefire but with security guarantees.     Reportedly America told Zelensky not to mention the security guarantees at the press conference. But that’s the heart of his position.   He doesn’t trust Putin because they’ve had a ceasefire with Putin before Putin broke.   Trump made it very clear he wants out and he wants a payoff of minerals for everything the US has put in so far.   He has a mandate for that. He campaigned on it and he got the vote.  So, when they met and the press started recording, Trump and Vance spoke as though their plan was a fait d’accompli.   But it wasn’t. Ukraine has always said “no security guarantees no deal”   So, when Zelensky starts reminding them of what had happened in the past, Trump and Vance went two on one and gave him a lesson.   It was schoolyard stuff. Beating up the immigrant kid with English as a second language.   Trump and Vance were playing to their American public.   The American public that voted for Trump that are sick of trillions of their dollars going to a place they barely know.   That American public is now saying Zelensky wants to continue with the war.   But that's not so. Europe is prepared to ensure the peace, but America is not.  Putin must love it. America is now selfish and irrelevant while Europe's underinvestment in defence is glaring.  And I need to remind Americans that back in the day when Winston Churchill came to Washington to convince America to enter World War 2 he came dressed in a military boiler suit to signify he was in an actual war while the Americans weren’t.   Zelensky is in a war. Trump and Vance are not.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors have gone to Las Vegas with a purpose.  The team is in Sin City for their season opener, clashing with the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.  CEO Cameron George told Andrew Dickens the team has prepared really well.  American sports fans seem to be enthusiastic as well, as George says that 15,000 of the 48,000 tickets sold have been purchased by Americans.   “It’s a great sign that the game’s being, y’know, accepted over here.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hope from farmers and growers as the Government commits to speeding approvals for animal and plant health products. It's accepted all 16 Ministry of Regulation recommendations for cutting red tape in agriculture and horticulture.   Its review last year looked into processes for new veterinary medicines and agrichemicals.  Animal and Plant Health NZ CEO, Liz Shackleton, says this is a sign change is coming.  She told Andrew Dickens that when farmers have these products, it’s a race to the top, but without them it’s a race to the bottom.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changing the rules of the electricity sector is one thing, getting the sector to follow the rules could be another.  The Electricity Authority is proposing requiring the four main electricity generators to sell power to independent companies at the same price they sell power to themselves.  The independents would also get the same access to hedge contracts, protecting them from price fluctuations.  Mike Casey —the chief executive of electrification advocacy group Rewiring Aotearoa— told Andrew Dickens the rules need to be given teeth.  He says there is a lot of work that needs to be done to make sure this actually happens, rather than being enforced after the fact.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speculation over how much the United States intervened in the Romanian justice system, to help the Tate brothers reach American soil.   A private jet believed to be carrying Andrew and Tristan Tate has landed in Florida, in the midst of Romanian investigations into their trafficking, and rape charges.   European Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Andrew Dickens it appears Richard Grenell - a special US presidential envoy - held a meeting with the Romanian foreign minister at the Munich Security Conference to let them leave. McAviney says once in the US, it's highly unlikely extradition for Romanian and UK charges would be possible.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast for Friday 28th of February 2025, The energy competition task force is making moves to bring down power bills.   The Government is committing to speeding up approvals for animal and plant health products, Liz Shackleton Chief Executive of Plant and Animal Health NZ tells Andrew Dickens what she'd like to see come out of it.   Warriors CEO Cameron George joins Andrew from Las Vegas where the Warriors will take on the Raiders in the season opener this Sunday.   Sir Keir Starmer makes his first trip to visit President Trump in the White House in the hope of convincing him to support Ukraine ahead of President Zelensky's visit tomorrow, UK Correspondent Vicent McAviney shares the latest.   Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.    LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now I'm a bit of a policy wonk. I don't care which party it is. If they come up with a policy, I like to break it down and see if it makes sense. Now I know politicians are addicted to announcements, attention and media coverage. Which means they sometimes say the first thing in their heads that sound like they’ll get votes. No matter if it’s deliverable or not. Labour had a bad case of it. Phil Twyford and his 100 thousand Kiwibuild fantasy.  Michael Wood was the champion. Based on five minutes on the back of an envelope he announced a nearly $900 million bike bridge. Faced with backlash from Dominion Road businesses he stuck the light rail project underground. Tripling the price to an unaffordable $18 billion dollars. Now it seems like the National led coalition has a case of the same disease.  Paul Goldsmith has it bad. This week he announced a change to citizen's arrest rules but had no idea of what the changes are going to be. Classic announcement of an announcement. But the king of wishful thinking is the prince of the provinces, Shane Jones. First, he proposed a special economic zone for Marsden point begging the question why not turn the whole country into a special economic zone. The whole place needs a hand.  Then he proposed repairing Marsden point refinery. A fanciful idea that was shot down in hours as the enormous cost of nearly $8 billion dollars came to light.  The reason why no Government has repaired the refinery ever since it was sold 40 years ago.  The thing about leadership is that you need to make adult decisions and proposals.   If you’re a cabinet minister you can’t just let the first Walter Mitty like thought bubble pop out of your mouth, when you know there’s nothing there.   That’s the lesson Labour learnt last term.   Hopefully the Government figures that out soon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A return to form for international tourist spending.  Data shows it was up 60% to nearly $17 billion in the year to March 2024, just under pre-pandemic levels.  Total industry expenditure crossed $44 billion – a near 15% rise on the year prior.  Tourism Holdings Chief Executive Grant Webster told Andrew Dickens it was bound to happen.  He says it's in people's DNA globally to want to explore, and New Zealand's an attractive destination, so they're coming.  However, there are questions over whether our infrastructure is up to a tourism boom.  Queenstown officials believe New Zealand's shift from seeking high-wealth visitors to mass tourism is unsustainable.  But Webster told Dickens he’s pushing back.  He says it's a very small point relative to a few locations, at a short time of the year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Government has raised concerns about China's warships in the Tasman Sea at the highest level, as our Defence Force continues to monitor the ships' movements.  Foreign Minister Winston Peters has discussed the issue with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi during a meeting in Beijing.  Former Defence Minister Andrew Little says it will have been a frank conversation.  The Chinese Naval vessels are now moving west in Australia's exclusive economic zone, but Little told Andrew Dickens they still aren't in Australia's territorial waters.  Little says China is following the law of the sea and will presumably seek permission before entering the 12-mile zone.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Safety concerns are top of a mind for one retail representative, at news the Government is proposing to loosen citizen arrest laws.   The measure is being pitched as a remedy for retail crime, by allowing workers and the public to detain suspected thieves with "reasonable force".  But Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young told Andrew Dickens it's dangerous, especially when many retailers are so young.   Young says they fear it will create situations where offenders will arm themselves more out of fear of being restrained.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The power of citizen’s arrest was all the talk yesterday.   And I think we all agree that poor old dairy owners and small retailers who watch ratbags nicking their stuff need the ability to be able to detain the thieves.   But the announcement comes without many details.   Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says the changes will expand a person’s ability to detain someone committing a crime to any time of the day and over any stolen goods.   Under current legislation, a citizen’s arrest couldn’t be made outside the hours of 9pm-6am unless the goods being stolen were worth at least $1000. You can make a citizen’s arrest, but you need to know your law.   You need to know whether the crime committed is going to attract a custodial sentence of more than three years and you need to know the legal definition of reasonable.   When appearing on Ryan Bridge's show last night the Minister stammered and stressed that it’s only a proposal and he seemed vague on the rules of engagement. Which is critical information.   In other interviews the Minister also said that the courts will provide guidance as to the boundaries of the law.   In other words. Have a crack. And if it all goes wrong and the shopkeeper ends out in court, we’ll figure out the rules better.   No wonder many in retail say it will change nothing.   It’s a big risk taking on a criminal. You’ll probably discover they’re much more at home with violence than you are.   Already we’ve seen shopkeepers defend their shop from robbers with softball bats and not get into trouble so does it really help.   We’ll see when it’s written. At the very least I would like a good robust law that enables shopkeepers to be able to stop customers leaving shops with stuff in their bag.   You may remember the known criminal Golriz Gharaman got away by refusing a bag check.   But so far this is an announcement of an announcement and needs a lot more work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast for Thursday 27th of February 2025, Retailers don't seem to be onboard with the Government's proposed changes to citizens arrests, Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young tells Andrew Dickens why.   International tourism expenditure has returned to pre-Covid levels.   Former Defence Minister Andrew Little analyses Foreign Minister Winston Peter's visit to China to meet their Foreign Minister Wang Yi.   Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK's confirmed the biggest boost in defence spending since the Cold War.  It comes as our Government is committing to a "very significant" increase in defence spending.  British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says the world has entered a "dangerous new era", where defence and national security must come first.  UK Correspondent Wesley Smith told Andrew Dickens the funding is coming at the cost of cuts to international aid, much to the disquiet of those fearing the impact this will have on the UK’s international reputation.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A growing infrastructure pipeline is being welcomed, but more work is needed.   The latest update from the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission shows the value of projects in the pipeline increased $60.4 billion in the last quarter.   The pipeline is now made up of 7,600 projects, worth $204 billion.   Infrastructure New Zealand Policy Director Michelle McCormick told Andrew Dickens it's good to see growth, but only half those projects have funding committed.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Praise from a vocal retail crime critic and ministerial advisor over the Government's strategies to curb crime rates.  New data shows ram raids halved last year while violent crime dropped 2%.   However, overall retail crime increased 12%.  Dairy and Business Owners Group Chair Sunny Kaushal told Andrew Dickens it will take time, but the tougher approach is working.  He says retailers and dairy owners have lived in fear every day for years, and people are feeling the difference between the two governments.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concern about the uptick of opioid use in the workplace.  The Drug Detection Agency released its drug testing findings in the three months to December.  Cannabis continues to be the most prevalent substance detected in workplace drug tests, accounting for 59 per cent of cases.  But CEO Glen Dobson told Andrew Dickens 12 percent involved opioids, which is the most high-risk drug in the workplace.  He says we're starting to see the trends we see internationally, like the widespread Fentanyl issue in the US. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 26th of February 2025, Violent crime has increased by 2% for the first time since 2018, Dairy Business Owners Group Chairperson Sunny Kahsual shares the experience of business owners.  The Drug Detection Agency has found use of the drugs amphetamines and opioids is on the rise.   Infrastructure NZ Michelle Mccormick shares how the Government can speed up our infrastructure pipeline.   UK Prime Minister announces biggest rise in defence spending since the Cold War, UK/ Europe Correspondent Wesley Smith tells Andrew Dickens the latest.   Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Say what you like about Cam Slater, but the boy can write. He's had his ups and downs and paid for some bad behaviour on his website, but he has a good flow in his writing. He’s also had a good contact book but whether those contacts are still talking to him is anybody’s guess. On his website, now called good oil, he’s written a think piece called the coming National coup. He reckons Christopher Luxon’s continued bad numbers mean the National Party is now seriously talking about replacing him as leader.  He claims sources inside caucus say that Luxon has three months to turn around his numbers. He claims Women don’t like him. People who believe in anything don’t like him because nobody knows what he believes. His Coalition partners know what they believe. Free marketers can go with Act. Nationalists can go with New Zealand First. He says the opposition can smell blood and then lumps the media into the opposition camp. Even though ironically, he is the media as well and getting stuck into Christopher Luxon. Slowly Christopher Luxon seems to be losing the support of the centre right. Not that he had much in the first place. He was not given a honeymoon period because I think the electorate could see the performative nature of his politics. But these are easy editorials to write. Everyone can point out the flaws and the problems with anything. Only the truly talented can provide a solution. So, if the problem is Luxon. What is the answer? Willis? Bishop? Stanford? or Simeon? They’re the next four. If you want to go deeper. Would Mitchell, Goldsmith, Collins be any better? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 3,000 charges have been filed against gang members in the three months from the launch of new laws.  Police have seized 76 gang patches and 67 guns under the Government's patch ban.  The Police Commissioner says gang members have been mostly compliant since the laws banning insignia began.  Police Association President Chris Cahill told Andrew Dickens the gangs seem to have realised very quickly that if they wear their patches, they’ll lose them permanently.  And if they don’t act immediately, police will turn up with a search warrant the next morning, he says.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Germany's conservatives are celebrating after the country's snap election.  Friedrich Merz is most likely to become the country's next chancellor.  His centre-right Christian Democratic Union has topped votes at just under 29%, with far-right Alternative for Germany, AFD, inching more than 20%.  Merz must now form a coalition, but has ruled out working with AFD.  Director of Berlin's Global Public Policy Institute, Thorsten Benner told Andrew Dickens the only option is for the CDU to govern with the outgoing Social Democrats.  He says it's one of the better outcomes, as only a two-party coalition is necessary.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A defence of the gap between Andrew Bayly's resignation and it being revealed to the public.   The Port Waikato MP resigned from his ministerial portfolios after a staffer complained about him laying a hand on them last week.   Bayly resigned on Friday, and it was then made public yesterday.   Political commentator Brigitte Morton says giving him time to tell his family was a good move and reminds us that politicians are human too.   She told Andrew Dickens the delay is no big deal.   Morton says his portfolios weren't important ones like health or civil defence where an emergency is likely to arise. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How many times in the middle of an intense argument with a stupid work mate have you been tempted just to smack their stupid little face. But you don’t.   In fact, you know that you can’t even touch them. You can glower and scowl and talk with a low harsh intensity.   But no touchy touchy and no raised voices.   It’s hard but being civilised and rational and being grown up demands you keep control.   Andrew Bayly didn’t. But what is good is that he knew it.   Sometimes you have to hold yourself to account is what he said when he resigned. That was a great line. Wouldn’t you love more people to hold themselves account.    Some might say that he was just trying to get urgency in getting things done. But that’s not so.   In these uncivil times we need to remember that basic courtesy and respect for others must exist.   If the strength of your argument is so strong you will not need to shake some sense into anyone.   And I think the world would be better if we had people who were not so inclined to call anyone they disagree with a moron. To threaten them if they have a different point of view.   There are some who are making political capital out of the gap between Friday's resignation and Monday's announcement. But that's just petty. He just spent a weekend pulling himself together to face the music.   Andrew Bayly has acted with honour and the next version of Andrew Bayly will be even better. He’s got a ton of experience, and he’s learnt a harsh lesson.   And you know he learnt it because he punished himself.  But he leaves a problem for the National party.  They're running out of experienced talent.           See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 25th of February 2025, Andrew Bayly is giving up his Ministerial portfolios after an incident with a staffer Political Commentator Brigitte Morton shares her take.   It has been a momentous 24 hours in German politics, Co-founder and Director of the Global Public Policy Institute in Berlin tells Andrew Dickens about the reaction following the snap election.   The gang patch ban appears to be going well according to Police figures Police Association President Chris Cahill shares his thoughts on whether the ban will be sustainable or not.   A Queensland company is planning to launch Australia's first orbital rocket, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio tells Andrew they plan to take a jar of Vegemite to space.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour has announced the Government will make it easier for Kiwi businesses to receive international investment.  The Associate Finance Minister said a reform will be made to the Overseas Investment Act.  How is the business world reacting?  Business New Zealand Director of Agency talks to Andrew Dickens.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB's Andrew Alderson join the show to update the biggest sporting moments of the weekend.  Auckland FC beat Wellington in an enormous 6-1 win, electrifying their home stadium.  After Daniel Dubois pulled out of his fight against Joseph Parker, the Kiwi instead took on Martin Bakole, and the India v Pakistan ODI is live.   LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon is heading to Vietnam this week for bilateral talks. This visit comes as the Asia New Zealand foundation put out a report which explores potential ways that we can improve our bilateral relationship with Vietnam. The report included strengthening trade in fashion and food, and collaborating on defence and security matters.  Chief Executive of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Suzannah Jessep talks to Andrew Dickens. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition Full Show Podcast for Monday the 24th of February 2025, The Government's announced an overhaul of the Overseas Investment Act, Business NZ's Catherine Beard shares reaction from businesses.   The Prime Minister is heading to Vietnam this week for bilateral talks, Chief Executive of the NZ Asia Foundation Suzannah Jessep tells Andrew Dickens what she'd like to see from the meeting.   Andrew shares his thoughts around the Chinese Navy planting ships around the Tasman Sea.   The Vatican announces the Pope’s condition has worsened and continues to be "critical" after suffering a "prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis" Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey shares the latest.   Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, the weekend has been spent watching the Chinese Navy use the Tasman Sea as a firing range.   They’ve never done this so far south before and you have to wonder why.   Defence commentators call it a power projection.   Sure, but don’t project power round here. Don’t divert Air New Zealand and Qantas planes.  Coincidentally and ironically, it comes at the same time that the Cook Islands have signed a deal which includes wharf construction.   How naive and stupid is Mark Brown. New wharves are lovely until the Chinese Navy start using them as a staging point to invade the Pacific.   But it begs the question. Why New Zealand hasn’t built a deep-water base on the island years ago.  We built the international airport which is the island's lifeline. The airport is also a military base if it needs to be.   So why didn’t we build a port and why isn’t a ship stationed over there semi permanently.  The Cook Islands are a semi-autonomous part of New Zealand and should have been our forward base from the get-go. If we were serious about defence. And have we?   So why didn’t it happen? Oh, the same reason everything else is falling apart. We don’t like spending money. It’s a false economy.   But now China has stolen a march from right under our feet. Or should I say our flippers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.