Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

The economy has set the mood for the latest political polling.  Both the Taxpayers' Union Curia poll and the 1 News Verian poll show the left bloc has the numbers to form a government if an election was held today.  Both also have Chris Luxon losing support in the preferred Prime Minister stakes.  Political commentator Brigitte Morten told Andrew Dickens some of the Government's announcements on the economy won't be flowing through yet.  She says a lot of them are also around economic growth, rather than moves that are going to affect households. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It only took nearly twenty years to address, but high school rowing teams will no longer be able to have year 14 students in their crews. These were young people in their 6th year of secondary school.  They gave their crews an advantage because they’d had an extra year of training and development.  It's been a bugbear of many schools wanting a level playing field. Many of the year 14s were back at school finishing their academic work so they could take advantage of rowing scholarships, but the schools still included them in their rep crews. Critics of that decision said the problem was not just the young adults themselves but also the others at school who missed out on a place because of the year 14s. The first moves to police the practice involved age limits, but it still saw year 14 students with birthdays just after the cutoffs competing.  They still brought the advantage of an extra year of training. So now year 14s are gone. And that’s a good thing.  It’s stopped the attitude of schools who believed in win at any cost. It’s returned fairness in sport. And it showed those struggling with rules on trans gender athletes who have been through puberty that it’s possible to be fair if you’re clear minded and decisive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 11th February 2025, Infrastructure New Zealand CEO Nick Leggett tells Andrew Dickens wants he wants to see come out of the Government's two-day Foreign Investment summit.  Claire Matthews, Associate Professor at the Massey University Business school shares her thoughts on an New Zealand First members bill which intends to stop banks withdrawing services from customers for "woke" reasons.  And two recent polls give lean to the left block and spell trouble for the coalition, Political Commentator Brigette Morten gives her take. Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on how Donald Trump's new steel tariffs will impact Australia.  Kendrick Lamar's Superbowl half time show featured latest Grammy winning dis track "Not like us", his brutal takedown of rap rival Drake which earned one billion streams on Spotify.  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.

England played France in a good 'good old rugby' showdown over the weekend, beating the French side by just one point. Fans are bringing into question Warren Gatland's coaching abilities after a 14th straight defeat for Wales.  Newstalk ZB's Andrew Alderson joins the show for a rundown of the weekend's sport.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is replacing the current visa settings with two new categories that will see visa settings relaxed.  In a bid to encourage more foreign investment, the Government is introducing the balanced category and the growth category, the latter requiring a minimum a $5 million invested for a minimum of three years.  Auckland Business Chamber Chief Executive Simon Bridges explains the change to Andrew Dickens.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have begun to unplug from Russia's electricity grid and join the EU's network, more than three decades after leaving the Soviet Union.  The three nations will officially transition away from the grid that has connected them to Russia since the years after World War Two and integrate with the European supplied via Poland. UK Correspondent Gavin Gray talks to Andrew Dickens about the separation, a British couple that was found murdered in their French home, and the auctioned-off first edition Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is officially Super Bowl Sunday in the US! The Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Philadelphia Eagles at Louisiana's Superdome in New Orleans in what is to be a star studded night in sport.  Taking the stage in the half time show performance is rapper Kendrick Lamar.  Sirius XM Radio host Ben Harlum joins the show live from the Super Bowl.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’d like to applaud the outbreak of common sense exhibited by the new Minister of Transport, Chris Bishop. He has decided to revisit some of the blanket speed limits imposed by central Government in the wake of concerns by locals. Let me first say it is the new Government that has imposed blanket speed limits not the last. This new Government has determined that all speed limits should be either 50, 100 or occasionally 11km per hour over all roads. No matter the condition of the roads, their usage or their ability to cope with the higher speeds. They used the phrase blanket speed limits which was a great vote catcher but had little to do with the situation on the ground. The old Government left most speed limits in the hands of local authorities who maintain and operate local roads.   Their roads, their rules. The Labour Government issued a schedule of over 300 sections of road on the state highway network which are the only roads they control. This schedule was put in place over dangerous roads, badly built roads but mostly they were around rural schools who were concerned at motorists screaming past at pick up time at 100 km. Now Chris Bishop has indicated that he will listen to local concerns. Which is a good thing. Because until you use a road you don’t know what an appropriate limit is.   And there’s no way a central Government locked in Wellington has any idea of the local reality. Meanwhile on behalf of all classic car owners who own the most serviced and beautiful cars on the road can I also praise Chris for his common sense one more time. The changes to the warrant of fitness system for cars over 40 years old is a no brainer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast for Monday 10th February 2025, Auckland Chamber of Commerce CEO Simon Bridges shares his thoughts on the Government relaxing Visa settings to encourage more foreign investment. We head to the US where Superbowl Sunday is underway, Ben Harlum a Radio host at Sirus XM paints a picture of the big day. We get an update on the weekend's sport - Black Caps batter Rachin Ravindra suffered a sickening blow to the head after he appeared to misjudge a catch during their One-Day International victory over Pakistan. And Tiaan Whelpton for setting the second fastest time by a New Zealand 100 metres runner. Andrew applauds the outbreak of common sense exhibited by the new Minister of Transport, Chris Bishop. More than three decades after leaving the Soviet Union, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have begun to unplug from Russia's electricity grid and join the EU's network, Gavin Gray shares the latest. Get the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US allies are broadly rejecting Donald Trump's plans for a US takeover of the Gaza strip.  The US President has again doubled down on the idea, posting on social media that Israel will turn over Gaza to the US when fighting has "concluded".  He's also reiterating his plan to resettle Palestinians in new housing elsewhere in the Middle East.  Correspondent Vincent McAviney says US allies in Europe and the Middle East aren't criticising Trump directly, but they aren't supporting the idea.  He says leaders have been restating their support for a two-state solution, with Palestinians being able to keep their land.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers is calling on the Government to double its funding of the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust.  The trust was established to encourage protection of natural and cultural features on private land, without selling or donating it.  But its base government funding runs out in June and is warning it will have to scale back the new covenants it can support.  Vice-president Colin Hurst says the $4.3 million in funding hasn't increased in 10 years, but demand for it has.  He says it's increased from 4,000 to 5,200 covenants —around 28 percent— with no extra funding.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More details have been revealed about a potential deal between the Cook Islands and China.  It's being reported that Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown will travel to Beijing today, where he's expected to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership with China.  MFAT says it would have expected our Government to be consulted by the Pacific nation before such an arrangement is struck, under the free association model.  Geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller told Andrew Dickens the Cook Islands PM has said it's economic focused.  He says it will not contain defence and security, and it's likely to be a comprehensive strategic partnership, something New Zealand signed with China back in 2014.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the country's most iconic multi-sport events returns today.  The first day of the South Islands' Coast to Coast kicks off from Kumara Beach, with athletes biking, kayaking, and running to Christchurch's New Brighton Beach.  Around 1,700 participants are competing in the 43rd edition of the event.  Race director Glen Currie told Andrew Dickens Klondyke Corner will be an unusually busy spot, full of spectators and competitors.  He says the odd tramper is normally the only one at the Arthurs Pass National Park campsite, but there will be seven thousand people there tonight.  Records could also be broken this year.  Currie says that Simone Maier is going for a sixth win in tomorrow’s Longest Day event, which would give her the most wins for any female ever.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The last thing I did before the Waitangi day holiday was talk to Kieran McAnulty about the financial strife surrounding Kainga Ora, and it's bugged me ever since.  The Labour Housing Spokesperson denied the agency was in financial difficulty.  He told me that Housing New Zealand's asset base was so large there was no problem borrowing more money to keep its construction schedule on track.  And that bugged a lot of you too.  The typical response was typical socialist – just borrow more and more to fund your ideological programme.  But it doesn't really have anything to do with your political bent, it's basic fiscal management.  The world is full of people who have the assets to borrow whatever they like, but the devil in the detail is whether they have the capacity to pay it back.  Increasingly we don't.  Yes, our debt is internationally insignificant and still not at an extreme level.  We're not the UK or the United States who have debt ratios over 100% of GDP, and we're certainly not like Japan who has a debt of over 250% of GDP – a country that's stuck with stagflation and has been since the 1990s.  But we're still heavily indebted and our cashflow is poor.  And what Kieran and the Labour Party don't realise is that is the principal reason they no longer control the Treasury benches.  Yes, there were sideshows like the gender war, Māori relations, and benefit levels.  But at the core of Labour's electoral collapse was the feeling that they were not fiscally prudent and that recklessness with debt was not the right direction for the country.  It's a lesson for the current government, who, for all their posturing that they are the most prudent fiscal managers, are still running deficits, falling further into debt, and the timing of future surpluses is sliding ever further into the future.  Deficits mean borrowing, and New Zealanders are not happy voting for anyone who commit us to that track. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast for Friday 7th February 2025, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mike Brown is travelling to Beijing today where he is expected to sign a major partnership deal between the Cook Islands and China. Geoffrey Miller explains what it means for New Zealand.  Federated Farmers are calling on the Government to double the amount of funding landowners get to help protect special areas and species on private farming land.  Andrew shares his thoughts around Kainga Ora's new plan.  And UK and Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney shares the latest on the State of Emergency declared in the popular Greek island Santorini, after days of earthquakes.   Get the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's announced a funding boost for Māori economic development projects on the eve of Waitangi Day.  Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says $7.1 million will go towards three projects in Northland and Taranaki.  He says a major infrastructure upgrade at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is going well, and some new facilities will be open in time for this year's celebrations.   Senior Political Reporter Sophie Trigger is on the ground and told Andrew Dickens it's set to be a busy day, with politicians arriving this morning.   She says last year there was a separate powhiri for Government and Opposition, but they'll all be arriving side-by-side today.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The opposition is criticising Kainga Ora's turnaround plan.  The Government's told the landlord to focus on its core service: social housing.  It's announced savings including ending sustainable housing certification requirements and shedding a quarter of its staff.  Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty told Andrew Dickens he's perplexed that the Housing Minister calls this a success.  He says the need for social housing continues to grow and the governments answer is to not build houses.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week it was the perennial should he or shouldn’t he go debate about the Prime Minister.  Personally, I’d always go to Waitangi if I were Prime Minister, even if it was just for one of the days of ceremonies.  The Air Force is weak but they’re perfectly capable of getting him to both Waitangi and Akaroa if he wanted to.  It’s said his non-attendance is a snub of Māori but there’s another way of looking at it.  He could be staying away because he doesn’t want to ruffle Māori feathers.  He has publicly said repeatedly that the Treaty Principles Bill is going nowhere so why go somewhere where he’ll get the heat for something he’s never intended to do?  David Seymour can go and is.  It’s David’s baby and he’s more than happy to stand to it. He’ll take the heat, and he’ll give it back  But our PM doesn’t want to go somewhere where he’ll be yelled at for something he won’t do.  So maybe this isn’t a snub of Māori but it is one of his right wing supporters. They are getting increasingly vocal that they’ve been sold a damp squib. That he’s no different to the other mob. A liberal. A globalist. A Māori apologist. And worst of all, a man without a plan.  His weekly media round is becoming increasingly fractious with all sides demanding he actually do something more than cutting all spending.  Questions about policy is being answered repeatedly with “we’re looking at that down the track”. Which is this year’s version of working groups and announcements of announcements.  Hopefully Christopher Luxon has a pleasant time at Akaroa Harbour because that’s the way he likes it.  A quiet deferential crowd who loves the PM just because he’s the PM. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 5 February. 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.

An economist says some groups of people will be hit harder by rising unemployment. The country's labour market data for the final quarter of 2024 will be released this morning.  Most experts predict the unemployment rate will rise from 4.6-percent to about 5-percent.  ASB senior economist Mark Smith told Andrew Dickens the Wellington region's likely to be heavily impacted He says it picks up in the younger age group, because what typically happens is the last ones into the labour market are the first ones out. Smith says some ethnic groups will also be effected, like Maori and Pacific Islanders. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An ageing population is playing into an increase in urban Land Search and Rescue missions.  Over the past six months, the volunteer group's been called on 23% more year-on-year.  It's meant 22% more volunteer responders have been deployed.  Chief development and project officer, Johnny Franklin told Andrew Dickens that alongside alpine and bush rescues, urban rescues have been of particular concern.  He says urban rescues account for about 25% of operations and is expected to increase as the population gets older.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An environmental law professor says it wouldn't make sense to pull out of the Paris Agreement.   Speaking to The Country, ACT Leader David Seymour's floated the idea of New Zealand leaving the agreement, suggesting it appears half the world is leaving.  It follows US President Donald Trump pulling the United States from the climate deal.  Waikato University's Dr Nathan Cooper told Andrew Dickens that while the US is leaving, other big players are likely to stay.  He says climate change, which is what the Paris Agreement is there to respond to, is a global challenge.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A mortgage broker is advising people to hedge their bets as uncertainty continues over upcoming Official Cash Rate announcements.   Centrix is hoping the Reserve Bank will make more cuts, as its latest Credit Indicator report shows almost half a million New Zealanders are behind on repayments, with consumer arrears levels up 1.3%.  Key Mortgages' Jeremy Andrews told Andrew Dickens people shouldn't necessarily hope rates will drop.   He suggests fixing loans midterm, adding he's never seen so many people with floating rates.   The next OCR announcement is due in a fortnight on February 19.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suddenly it’s tough to get a job.  Which is amazing, because just a few years ago we had jobs for everyone and then some.  Now we learn teenagers in search of their first job are struggling to land anything in the current employment market - some searching for as long as two years.  And you can see why.  In tough times you need experienced workers, and with so many experienced workers losing their jobs there is suddenly a cohort of older workers who are taking the jobs the youngsters used to get.  And you can’t blame the older guys. You need to ditch your humility and concentrate on cashflow to survive in 2025.  But the older generation is feeling the heat too.  Old workers are finding it harder and harder.  They may have the knowledge but bosses younger than them wonder about how many years they can give to the company, particularly when the super looms, the kids have left, and the mortgage is paid.  It’s said that we need to be a meritocracy again. Hire the best person for the job. Ditch the DEI.  You know the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – the stuff that's seen as a pretension.  So, if that’s an anathema then surely we should be hiring the experienced guys even if they can only give five years, and we should be hiring the kids who, with a bit of investment, will pay their way back for 25 years.  The real endangered class should be the middle management who seem to always be looking for reasons not to hire a person. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 4th of February 2025, our future involvement in the Paris Agreement's up in the air, with David Seymour hinting at ACT campaigning on leaving the accord after the 2026 Election.  Over the last six months, there's been a significant increase in search and rescue operations, compared to the year before. NZ Land Search and Rescue’s Johnny Franklin discussed the rising count.  New Centrix data shows reported financial hardship increased 19% in the past year, most of those cases were down to mortgage repayment issues.  Andrew shares his thoughts on youth struggling to get any work experience in the current job market.  Plus, Donna Demaio shares the latest on the 17 year old teenager who died in a shark attack.  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 country is desperate to go for growth. The question is: how? We got 3 points of view over the weekend - Friday it was the turn of Matthew Hooten. His piece was called New Zealand needs a strategic approach to building wealth like Singapore's Temasek. Temasek own and manage assets that are held directly by its government. They operate a major bank and insurance company, Singapore airlines, the country’s main port, and a load of other things. It's as if we’ve been investigating it for decades. Even Grant Robertson was interested but nothing’s ever happened. So it has cross party appeal, but why hasn’t it happened? Who knows. Ask the politicians - all talk no action.  On Sunday, it was the turn of Don Brash and Michael Reddell who in a shared piece said our problem is our low productivity. No kidding! Every politician says that and none have come up with an answer. Brash and Reddell's only proffered solution is to lower company tax rates to attract overseas and local investment. They claim we have the one of highest company tax rates in the world, which is balderdash. We sit at 28 per cent. Australia at 30, the US and the UK around 26. We're slightly above median and no disrespect to Don Brash, you had terms as a reserve bank governor and leader of a couple of political parties and plenty of opportunities to lift productivity and failed. then there was Sam Stubbs who said if we’re selling public assets lets sell them to new Zealanders like super funds so the wealth stays in New Zealand instead of being exported. To me that’s the key. Stop saying productivity and start saying wealth creation.   find out how to make or supply stuff that the world wants and then keep the profits and the workers in New Zealand, then we start generating wealth and then we recycle it to create more great businesses.. That's Denmark's trick. That's why they operate the second largest container ship operation in the world, to import capital rather than export it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on goods coming from Canada, Mexico and China, sparking fears of a trade war. China is facing 10% on imports, while Canada and Mexico will see 25%.  Canada has already hit back with retaliatory 25% tariffs for the US.  Geopolitical Analyst Geoffrey Miller talks to Andrew Dickens about what these decisions will mean for the US and if New Zealand has to be wary.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phase two of the Covid-19 inquiry begins today, creating space for the public to submit feedback around key decisions the New Zealand government made during the pandemic. Whether it is vaccine mandates, lockdowns, extended lockdowns, rat tests, and tracing, anyone can have their say.  How will this phase differ from the first initiative?  Matthew Hague is a lawyer who defended a client who didn't want the COVID jab, and talks to Ryan Bridge about what this new phase means.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happened over the weekend in sport? Newstalk ZB's Andrew Alderson joins the show to discuss the India v England T20 match, Auckland FC's 'impressive' win, Lydia Ko's struggle and the NFL heading to Australia.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 3 February. 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's confidence from the wool sector that Kainga Ora will learn the value of wool carpets.  The social housing agency's back-tracking on a previous ban after using synthetic carpets for more than a decade.  It will now allow wool carpet providers to tender for carpet and underlay contracts.  Campaign for Wool general manager Kara Biggs told Andrew Dickens there's an opportunity to show Kainga Ora how wool can compete on price and value now.  She says that wool is natural, flame resistant, warmer, and more absorbent, which means it's a better and healthier alternative for those in community housing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand remains in the dark about Donald Trump's tariff plan, as new data shows the US has overtaken Australia as our second largest destination for exported goods.  Business NZ Advocacy Director Catherine Beard told Andrew Dickens blanket tariffs wouldn't have the same impact as targeted tariffs.  She says it would mean the cost will be passed on to the US consumer rather than having to be absorbed by exporters, and we would still be competitive against other markets.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 31 January. 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.

Children's Minister Karen Chhour has reversed an Oranga Tamariki decision to pull funding from the Barnardos helpline. It comes after Oranga Tamariki providers were given little notice their funding would end last year, a process the Auditor General is looking into. The Minister has told Oranga Tamariki to pause it's review of funding and extend existing contracts with providers until the end of the year. Barnardos Chief Executive Matt Reid has welcomed the reversal. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So the word of the week was privatisation. It became a debate because David Seymour said we should do it now in his state of the nation speech on Monday. So obviously the media asked the Prime Minister want  he thinks of the junior coalition partner’s thoughts. And Christopher Luxon vacillated, he gave the cautious political answer trying not to upset anyone. It's something we might look at, but not without a mandate, so we might campaign on it in 2 years time. So it won’t happen for two years, or maybe more,  so don’t worry about. We’re cool. It was an answer so convoluted that obviously the media asked more questions. And then of course the people said bloody media, trying to stir up trouble with their leftist bias.  But it was the Prime Minister's fault for faffing about trying not to upset anyone or more specifically the centre left and nationalists who hate it. Well that didn't work. Why couldn’t he just say good idea, we agree, next time.  Because we all know he agrees with the idea, and we all know his supporters agree.  But he didn’t, because he’s like every other politician who’s values blow in whichever wind they think the electorate is blowing. Politicians who don't just say yes but nor do they say no. They say maybe which is even worse. They all do it, ask Chris Hipkins about capital gains tax. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Council's sounding the alarm over a spike in rubbish-truck fires this month.  It says more and more risky batteries and battery-powered devices are being illegally dumped in bins.  In December alone, nearly 600 laptops and more than 300 12-volt batteries ended up in Auckland’s regional recycling facility.  Parul Sood, Auckland Council’s Deputy Director of Resilience and Infrastructure, told Andrew Dickens that the council website has a list of places you can take e-waste, and many retailers actually offer to take it back for free.  She says it’s a community responsibility to do the right thing, so people just need to spend a little more time thinking before automatically tossing something in the rubbish bin.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Competition is being touted as a possible answer to banks' climate informed decisions.   NZ First Minister Shane Jones has spoken out against several banks' attempts to reduce lending and services to fossil fuel businesses - decisions he says are driven by "unelected climate apostles".   Federated Farmers banking spokesperson Richard McIntyre told Andrew Dickens that if new legislation came forward, he would like businesses to have other options.   He says that if banks decide they're the moral police of the country, there needs to be enough competition so that those they decline can get lending elsewhere.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast for Thursday the 30th of January. The government is lowering speed limits across the country. Viastrada's Glenn Koorey says it makes sense in some places, but does go against the evidence that roads with lower speeds are safer. Shane Jones has fired off at banks for their attempts to reduce lending and services to fossil fuel business and is understood to have a members bill in the works. Auckland has seen nine rubbish truck fires in just the first months of the year. Are Aucklanders putting the right things in the bin? Get the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has announced the reversal of speed limit reductions on a large number of New Zealand roads, including many in the northern regions of the country. The move will result in speed limits being increased on 38 sections of key routes, including parts of State Highway 1 in Northland, SH16 near Auckland and SH3 in Hamilton. Also on the list are changes to SH2 between Featherston and Masterton, and SH3 Whanganui. Making the announcement in Wairarapa, where the speed limit increase will save drivers around three minutes on their journey, Transport Minister Chris Bishop said: “It all adds up - that is productivity and growth.” Viastrada Certified Safe System Assessor and Level Crossing Safety Impact Assessor Glenn Koorey says the move goes against evidence that lower speeds make for safer roads, but there are some areas where putting the limit up can be justified. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's beggars belief these days when we report that it's hard to make money in a GP practice and that we don't have enough doctors. Primary medical care is the most important care, forget your fancy specialists and rock star surgeons. If your GP can spot and fix a problem as it begins then you can save your life and save the nation a ton on costs down the line so the health of our primary health sector should be of primary importance. But it hasn't been. We've added a million people through immigration over the past 10 years and we've also been creating new New Zealanders ourselves while our numbers of doctors per head of population has plummeted. There's two ways to get new doctors. One way to find them is to import them but that's necessarily difficult because not every Tom Dick and Harry who say they're doctors are in fact doctors. The other way is to train them ourselves and in that area we've been woefully short on numbers. I don't know why, you'd think our doctor training would increase in line with population but it hasn't. And what about the University of Waikato’s new medical school? This was an election policy. It was pushed by the university and supported by the government. Well we’re a year into a new administration and where is it?  The medical unions are saying this is taking too long. The Prime Minister says work is continuing on the business case and it will go to cabinet in the future. But unofficially it is understood that the project has been dogged with problems and is increasingly seen as an unnecessary, costly, and bad idea.  I’m sorry, a bad idea? From well paid consultants? From Steven Joyce? Steven Joyce has many good ideas but this is proof that like everyone not all of them are gold. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK’s population is set to skyrocket.  Net migration is expected to increase the population to 72.5 million in the next seven years – an addition of almost ten million people.  UK Correspondent Gail Downey told Andrew Dickens the statistics also reveal that almost 5 million people are leaving the country to live elsewhere.  She says the government wants to bring down the high migration levels, but won't put an arbitrary cap on the number of people coming in.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tech stocks have been taking a hammering after the debut of DeepSeek.  The Chinese tech firm has created a budget AI model said to be cheaper and more efficient than the other models on the market.  It sent the stocks of Nasdaq and NVIDIA tumbling – Nasdaq falling about 3% and NVIDIA plummeting more than 16%.  Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Andrew Dickens that the market has already recovered about half the drop.  He says everyone is now trying to get a handle on how big AI is and the amount of money they want to invest in it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wondering when a shipment will turn up in New Zealand may hopefully be a thing of the past.   A collaboration has been announced between two of the world's largest shipping companies - Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk Gemini Cooperation.  Port of Auckland Chief Executive Roger Gray told Andrew Dickens the initiative may mean delivery takes longer across multiple ships, but it will also see cargo moved more reliably on a better schedule.  He says importers and exporters will benefit from the schedule reliability, adding not knowing when cargo will arrive has been one of their biggest complaints.   It's also expected to drive down freight prices.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition Full Show Podcast for Tuesday the 28th of January. People on the visitor visa will be allowed to work remotely while in New Zealand in an aim to increase time and money spent in the country. Tourism Export Council Chief Executive Lynda Keene joins the show to discuss how it will work. A new study says less than $500,000 is needed on top of superannuation to live comfortably as a retiree - is it really enough? Superannuation expert Jonathan Eriksen speaks to Roman. Students will be heading back to the classroom this week, but Kidscan say thousands will start the new school year without the essentials. Get the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’ve been watching a lot of the late night shows this week from America on YouTube.  Fallon, Kimmel and Colbert, all of them have used the same joke - “oh my god... it’s only been a week”  And then the audience cheers or laughs or boos or cries, or more likely all of that, all at once because what a week it's been. The second golden era of Trump kicked off and he started doing things, brilliant things. Colombia won’t take deportees, so hit them with killer tariffs and economic sanctions that take hold in a week.  Within 12 hours Colombia folded. Crisis over, back to work, business as usual. That was just one day. A short crisis is so much better than a long festering one where nothing happens. Or take the ceasefire in Gaza. Trump said call a ceasefire, rebuild Gaza.    Well you know that’s what everyone wants. Jewish, Arab and American construction tycoons - because there’s peace and money there.  Gaza may be rebuilt as Israeli condos or Palestinian homes with or without Arab money. But who cares, there’s a ceasefire. Now this may have long term consequences, but again who cares! There’s a ceasefire. Thank God something finally happened. It’s been a week of rapid and effective decisions and that’s what you can do with executive power and every level of government behind you. I talked earlier about how MMP causes indecisive leadership in New Zealand.  Well, Donald Trump is the antithesis of MMP, and that’s probably why so many Kiwis loathe him while so many New Zealanders love him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has suggested National may take asset sales to the next election but denies there are any immediate plans for a sell-off. Act’s David Seymour says it’s time to debate whether some government assets should be sold off if they aren’t delivering returns. Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis on Monday said Treasury had identified some areas where entities were not delivering “as well as it should” and more would be said in the future. Infrastructure NZ Chief Executive Nick Leggett says New Zealand is falling behind on infrastructure and asset sales are needed to bring us back in line with other countries and improve assets we currently have. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An expert is backing a recent recommendation that retirees need a decent amount of money to top up their superannuation.  New Expenditure Guidelines have found less than $500 thousand in savings is enough for most over-65s.   Superannuation and Super Fund expert Jonathan Eriksen told Roman Travers a nest egg is required to top up superannuation.  He says Massey University's half a million dollar figure is right, adding if people want a bit more luxury for holidays, a million is probably needed.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The leader of a kids charity says it's a bleak situation for some families heading into the school year.   KidsCan, which offers schools help with uniforms and food, has 70 schools on its wait list.   Chief executive Dame Julie Chapman told Roman Travers that 20 of those have applied since the middle of last year. She says they're already supporting kids in more than 1,100 schools and early learning centres.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition Full Show Podcast for Tuesday the 28th of January. People on the visitor visa will be allowed to work remotely while in New Zealand in an aim to increase time and money spent in the country. Tourism Export Council Chief Executive Lynda Keene joins the show to discuss how it will work and when we will see an increase in tourists. A new study says less than $500,000 is needed on top of superannuation to live comfortably as a retiree - is it really enough? Superannuation expert Jonathan Eriksen speaks to Roman. Students will be heading back to the classroom this week, but Kidscan say thousands will start the new school year without the essentials. Get the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tourists in Aotearoa on the visitor visa will soon be able to work remotely while here. The change is targeting 'digital nomads', people employed by overseas companies here to holiday and work at the same time, in the hope they will spend more time and money in the country. Tourism is currently New Zealand's second largest export and the latest visitor numbers from Stats NZ show in November 2024 we reached 86% of pre-Covid levels. Chief Executive of the Tourism Export Council Lynda Keene welcomes the move, saying it will help get us closer to pre-Covid numbers, but more should have been done sooner. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.