Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

ACT is calling for an end to taxpayer-funded election ads.  They’re calling for the Government to consider ceasing the “broadcasting allocation”, given to election campaigns to buy television and radio ads.  MP Todd Stephenson suggested it in the Justice Select Committee’s inquiry into the 2023 election, and the report was made public this week.   He told Ryan Bridge the taxpayer doesn’t need to be forking out just over $4 million every year for political parties to pay for their TV and radio ads.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After days of mounting pressure, the Archbishop of Canterbury is stepping down over his handling of abuse allegations.  Justin Welby —the leader of the Anglican Church— has been under fire following the release of a report into abuser John Smyth.  Smyth, who is believed to be the most prolific child abuser associated with the Anglican Church, died in 2018 without facing justice.  Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge the report's found Welby failed to take appropriate action.  Specifically, he says the report found Welby hadn't followed up rigorously on reports of abuse of 100 young boys and men that go back as far as 2013. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Commuter chaos.  It's one of the prices we must pay for living in a democracy.  I know this won't be popular with Aucklanders this morning or others around the country where this hīkoi is heading, but it's a cost we must bear.  They're closing two lanes of the Harbour Bridge this morning, and if you've got kids getting to an NCEA exam, then you will be fuming about this.  But let's remember, this is a one-off protest.  It's not like those dickheads from the public rail or whatever they were in Wellington. Remember them? They repeatedly shut down the motorways. They did it time and time again. They repeatedly stopped the ambulances from getting to call outs, the kidney patients from getting to dialysis.  They deserved to be swept to the curb, and it seems like for the most part they have been, which is a good thing.  This is a one off from a group of people who feel, rightly or wrongly, that they're getting a hard time from this government. They feel they're not being heard in our democracy.  And whether you agree with that or not is beside the point, the point is we live in a democracy and the right to protest is, well, a right.  It can be an annoying one, but the minute you say you can't do it, we all lose.  If we learned anything through Covid, it's that this whole system is rather fragile when people feel ostracized or maligned – we do better to listen rather than suppress and silence debate and dissent. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 13th of November, the Auditor General's report into last year's election has been released. The results have prompted ACT MP Todd Stephenson to call for an end to the broadcast allocation that sees taxpayer money used for television and radio campaign advertisements.  Traffic chaos could be on the way for Auckland with the hikoi heading across the bridge, but it's the price we have to pay for living in a democracy.  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 Australian Government is pushing ahead with regulating of social media and AI, despite the incoming Trump administration's opposition to both.  It's in the process of developing "guardrails" for high-risk uses of AI.  Donald Trump is promising to repeal American regulation of AI, claiming it hinders innovation and imposes radical left-wing ideas.  But Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge the Australian Government believes the public wants action.  She says the Government's planning to work with other countries if possible, but is prepared to act alone.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Survivors are hoping the Government won’t stuff it up when it comes to the abuse-in-care reparations.  Abuse survivor Jim Goodwin says the Government's apology is a huge moment for many people.  But, he told Ryan Bridge, today's words will need to be followed through with actions.  Goodwin says he's worried about how the Government will provide support for survivors and what they'll do to prevent future abuse-in-care.  He says that compensation is important but it’s only part of what survivors need.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who's got a trillion dollars to spare this morning?  That's the value of our new climate change tab from COP29 – the climate change conference.  This year all the officials, the politicians, the experts, the industry, every man and his dog, has flown to Azerbaijan to lecture everybody not in the room about climate change.  And they're already cranking the classics through the stage:  We're at a turning point, the Paris Agreement’s at a crucial tipping point because Donald Trump's going to pull out, even though we've been through this crucial tipping point before.  This is the problem with COP-insert-number-here: no one really listens.  Every year they make the same pilgrimage and give the same speech, and every year we shrug our shoulders and wonder why doesn't the number ever match the year?  Shouldn't it be COP24?  Oh well, back to the mall for another coffee at Robert Harris. I also need to pick up some presents from Kmart for the grandkids this Christmas.  If the definition of insanity is doing the same thing every year over and over and expecting a different result, then these guys are beyond nuts.  The big push this year is finance.  They wanted rich countries, supposedly like ours, to pay $100 billion a year to poor countries to stop them from burning coal and adapting to climate change by 2020.  Well, we missed that goal and now they want a trillion dollars a year.  That's 1000 billion, or four Elon Musk's.  Despite all the talk, and flying around, and threats, and end of day speeches, global emissions went up last year reaching record levels.  Do we care about climate change? Yes.  Enough to change our habits in a major way? No.  We keep electing leaders to fix other things like inflation, and until that changes, or all of our houses actually do catch fire, we'll be at the mall down at Robert Harris not listening to Azerbaijan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fonterra is expected to receive global interest when it sells off some of its most well-known brands.  The dairy giant has confirmed plans to sell its consumer arm, including brands like Anchor, Mainland Cheese, and Kapiti Ice Cream.  The sale could bring in up to $3 billion.  Forsyth Barr Senior Analyst Matt Montgomerie told Ryan Bridge he expects large dairy companies like Nestle would make a bid if it's put to a trade sale.  He says there could be multiple buyers at play, or the brands could be sold through an IPO.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's hoped today's Cup Day in Christchurch will be bigger —and better-behaved— than in years before.  Addington Raceway is reporting higher ticket sales after slashing general admission ticket prices from $40 to just $25.  Christchurch City Councillor Jake McLellan says the event is huge for Canterbury's economy.  He told Ryan Bridge he hopes everyone will keep their behaviour in check.  McLellan says misbehaviour been in an issue in the past, but Police have made progress in improving the situation in recent years.  Gates open at Addington at 11am.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 12th of November, it's a big day in the capital as the Government is set to deliver the national apology to survivors of abuse in care. Survivor Jim Goodwin speaks to Ryan ahead of the apology.  Fonterra is selling its consumer products businesses – why, and how much would it cost? Forsyth Barr Senior Analyst Matt Montgomerie joins the show.  It's Cup Day in Christchurch. Councillor Jake McLellan speaks to Ryan about what this day means for the city.  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.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to join a nine-day hīkoi, which has left from Cape Reinga bound for Parliament.  It will follow the route taken by Dame Whina Cooper in the 1975 Māori land march.  The Act Party leader says he hasn't got any extra security, and doesn't think he will need it.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 2021, there have been nearly 96,000 new cases of diabetes in New Zealand - bringing the total to 324,000.  Diabetes NZ says this is a "worst case scenario" which will only get worse.  CEO of Diabetes NZ Heather Verry joins Ryan Bridge with more.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 11th November 2024, David Seymour talks ahead of the planned hikoi against his Treaty Principles Bill. Diabetes is on a rapid rise in New Zealand, Diabetes NZ CEO Heather Very shares her concerns on the latest statistics. Ryan vents about what has him riled up this Monday including questioning how slow is too slow in a 110km zone, after a slow trip on the Waikato Expressway. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's questioning the Government's decision to bring forward the introduction of the Treaty Principles Bill.  The bill was introduced to the House yesterday ahead of its first reading next week.  If adopted, it would set treaty principles into law to be used when interpreting legislation.  Labour's Justice Spokesperson, Duncan Webb, told Ryan Bridge that introducing the bill 11 days earlier than expected appears to have been a strategic move.  Webb says introducing it during US election week has helped keep it on the "low down".  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The meat sector is bracing for the impact of a Donald Trump presidency.  The President-Elect has campaigned on tariffs of up to 20% on all imports, with higher tariffs for imports from China.  The US is our largest market for red meat.  Meat Industry Association Chair Nathan Guy told Ryan Bridge the tariff plan will hit the sector pretty hard.  He says it will hit US consumers even harder as they'll have to pay more for the red meat and burger patties we produce.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rosemary Banks – remember that name. She now has one of the most important jobs for New Zealand – a potentially $2 billion job. She's woman in Washington DC, our ambassador to the United States. Her mission: get us an exemption from Trump's tariffs. The scale of the problem: massive. Early estimates show that at 20% it could cost us $1.7 billion every year. Total exports currently $8.8 billion. It can be done: the Aussies got an exemption on steel and aluminium in 2018 under Trump. Is she up to the job? I'm told yes. If anyone can do it, Rosemary Banks is the person you want up there. I'm told she has excellent contacts in the Republican Party and is working the phones hard. She was asked to stay on by Winston Peters back in May, in anticipation Trump might get in. She's the same ambassador who was in charge when we nearly got an FTA during Trump's first term. Of course, it's not all on her. Winston and Todd McClay and Luxon will play their parts too. But the ground game is on Rosemary. We may have some advantage here in that we export food, and food is something Trump probably doesn't want to make more expensive. Then there's the uncertainty of whether Trump will actually make good on his campaign big talk. Rosemary's not waiting round for that certainty, they have a plan and by God it better be a good one. We like to hate on diplomats - oh they just go to nice dinners, drink wine and shmooze. Well, it's time to crack out our best pinot, use the contacts and make the deals happen. The weight of our export nation is on your shoulders. Best of luck.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 8th of November, what could Trump tariffs mean for our red meat industry? Nathan Guy from the Meat Industry Association speaks to Ryan.  New details on the Treaty Principals Bill which has been introduced to Parliament. Labour's Duncan Webb joins the show to discuss.  Can the All Blacks win against Ireland this weekend? Newstalk ZB's Voice of Rugby Elliott Smith is on the ground.  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.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 7th of November, in a historic win - Donald Trump is set to head back to the White House for a second term. Former Prime Minister John Key talks to Ryan about why a Trump victory is good for the economy.  Famous Election Analyst Sean Trende discusses the win for Trump and Republicans, who are set to take back control of the Senate. Republican and former Marco Rubio staffer Matt Terril has rection from the GOP.  Markets have reacted positively to the news - what does it mean for the New Zealand dollar and our markets set to open later this morning. Mitch McCann is live in Detroit Michigan, where the state is yet to be called - and when are we expecting to hear from Kamala Harris.  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.

It’s been a successful night for the Republican Party.  While control of the House is still up for grabs, Republicans have won control of the Senate, and Trump has claimed the Presidency.  Trump says his return to the White House will usher in a ‘golden age’ for America.  Matt Terrill, Marco Rubio’s Former Chief of Staff, told Ryan Bridge Trump has been clear throughout the campaign what he plans to do with the power of the Senate, Presidency, and likely the House of Representatives.   He says that it’s one thing to win the Electoral College, but to have control of both chambers of Congress, that mandate will allow him to go in and implement the policies he campaigned on.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the space of 12 hours the whole world has changed.  Not only is Trump back baby, but he's more powerful than ever.  Republicans have flipped the Senate and are on track to retain the House of Representatives.  That gives the GOP enormous power to set budgets, start or stop funding wars, and impose tariffs on anyone they like.  Kiwi farmers and primary producers, our exporters, the backbone of this trading nation, will be waking up this morning with a pit in their stomach.  America is our second largest export market, overtaking the Aussies last year. Tariffs on our meat and dairy could be a brutal blow.  Plus, our number one trading partner in China is about to whacked even harder by Trump's Washington.  A trade war could wipe almost 1% of global growth in the next year, which is tipped to be around 3.5%. That's massive, and will send shockwaves around the world, and we will feel it.  Add in Trump potentially pulling support for Ukraine's war and his bullish comments on the Middle East and you've got yourself a highly unpredictable and, to use a couple of overused terms, unprecedented and consequential, set of variables.  For all the hand-wringing pre-election that Trump was an existential threat to democracy, that very system has elected him the 47th President, serving his last term with more power. This is Trump unleashed.  Buckle up and brace yourselves. Everything we knew yesterday about the global economy and global conflicts is about to change. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having a clear winner so early in the US Election process could give some certainty for investors.  Donald Trump is set to return to the White House, having claimed more than the 270 Electoral Votes needed.   Markets are reacting strongly to the win, the US dollar surging in value, and bitcoin hitting a record high.  But, Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Ryan Bridge, there could still be some nerves and jitters until Trump is sworn in.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a range of emotions in the United States following Election Day.  Donald Trump has claimed a likely win, securing more than the 270 Electoral College votes needed to secure the presidency.  While Kamala Harris is yet to formally concede, CNN projects that Trump will secure 276 votes, and Harris only 223.  US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Ryan Bridge the mood was sombre at the Democratic watch party in Detroit, the event even closing down early as everyone was going home.  On the other hand, he says there are a lot of happy Republicans, with one of his contacts feeling “like a million bucks!!!!!”.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been a tense night in the United States as the vote were counted.   While the House is still up for grabs, CNN projects Republicans will win control of the Senate and Trump will win the popular vote.  Political analyst Sean Trende told Ryan Bridge the result has exposed some real pressure points for the Democrats.  He says that Trump won one in four black male votes, and black voters have been a backbone of the Democratic coalition since the 1930s.  Trende says that to see Trump make those advances suggests there’s something really amiss in the coalition.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's victory in the United States is being hailed as historic. He is promising to turn around America, upon his return to the White House. While Kamala Harris is yet to concede defeat, CNN projects Trump will secure 276 votes, while Kamala Harris will secure 223. Plus, CNN projects the Republicans will win control of the Senate, while control of the House is still up for grabs. Former Prime Minister Sir John Key told Ryan Bridge he's not surprised by the scale of the victory.  "Once you've got polls indicating that two thirds, if not more, of the country think you're going in the wrong direction, when the big issues are the issues you're campaigning on, then a change is very likely," Sir John say.  He told Bridge there is likely to be a downside for New Zealand - with Trump's proposed tariffs on foreign goods.  "I think there will be some tariffs, he's talking about 60 percent in China and 10 to 20 percent around the rest of the world," he said.  "But of course, that has some quite big repercussions, not only for us, but actually the consumers that pay that so I wonder whether that might be tempered a little bit," Sir John says.  "There is some downside for New Zealand and I'm not going to sugarcoat that, and they concern me."  But he says there are upsides as well - like a strong stock market and a vibrant capital market.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US is bracing for protests, regardless of who wins today's election.  The race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is expected to go down to the wire, with the final result being determined by key battleground states like Pennsylvania and North Carolina.  Washington DC is installing reinforced fencing in the Capitol, over fears of protests if Harris wins.  And former Democratic Party Treasurer Bill Derrough told Ryan Bridge there could be protests in Democrat strongholds like New York, if there's a Trump victory.  He says that tensions are very high, and the rhetoric is very intense.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trying to control kid criminals – you are damned if you do and damned if you don't. This week, a document from children's minister Karen Chhour on the subject was leaked. It says giving military-style boot camp providers the power to use force in extreme circumstances would be controversial. Well, of course it would. But what are you meant to do? Let the kids punch each other and not intervene? Let them run on the road, let them escape and just wave goodbye as they leave? Oh, he's nearly killing the other kid. Well, remember we can't actually do anything so we'll just watch it happen. How can you run a boot camp without the last resort right to intervene and restrain where necessary? Rawiri Waititi says it's disgusting and unacceptable, and I can understand why Rawiri is worked up on this one. The abuse in state care inquiry showed the worst that can happen. What went on was disgusting and disgraceful. But does that mean that we can never use programmes to rehabilitate these young or serious offenders ever again? And where does that leave them? In adult jails? They don't like that. In youth detention centres? They don't like that either, plus they escape from these things pretty regularly. At home? Well, they were there, but they committed serious crimes repeatedly. So, where does that leave the kids and the governments tasked with trying to sort them out? Well, between a rock and a hard place with an impossible job on their hands, that's where.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data out this morning is expected to show the job market has caught up with the economy.  Stats NZ is releasing the latest unemployment rate at 10.45.  Economists believe it will rise from 4.6% in the June quarter to about 5% in the September quarter.  ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Ryan Bridge that until now, employment has been holding up in spite of the economic downturn.  He says that situation now appears to have changed.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claims of voter fraud are already hanging over the US election as millions of Americans head to the polls.  Almost a third of eligible voters have cast an early ballot.  Experts say the result could go either way, with Donald Trump and Kamala Harris still neck-and-neck in the key battleground states.   FSN Correspondent Nick Harper told Ryan Bridge there are fears Trump will sow confusion and misinformation by calling his win prematurely.  He says if Trump were to lose, it's likely he will claim the vote was rigged against him.  Harper says it may be days until the final results are clear.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 6th of November, it's Election Day in the United States. We're live to New York with the Democrat's Former Treasurer Bill Derrough, to get his thoughts ahead of the polls closing tonight.  Nick Harper joins us live from Washington D.C. where Kamala Harris will be holding her election night event.  Back home, unemployment numbers are due out this morning, and economists are predicting we'll hit 5%. ASB's Nick Tuffley speaks to Ryan.  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.

Principals are welcoming a new method for bringing students’ failing maths back up to standard.  The Government's announced a trial programme over the first two terms of next year, for about 2000 Year 7 and 8 students behind in maths learning.  It will use small-group tutoring and supervised online tuition for 30 minutes, up to four times a week.  Auckland Primary Principals' Association President Kyle Brewerton says the hybrid system sounds good.  He says the approach has some merit, because it identifies the fact that one size doesn't necessarily fit all.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Homeownership continues to be the dream for most Kiwis, but a growing number of us think we'll never achieve it.  Kiwibank's latest State of Home Ownership Report has found 85% of people want to own a home, with most believing it's the key to getting ahead.  But over two-thirds of non-homeowners doubt they'll ever own a home, with millennials particularly pessimistic.  Simplicity Founder Sam Stubbs told Ryan Bridge KiwiSaver is now the key for most people, but the long wait to save for a deposit is a problem.  He says either wages have to increase, taxes have to decrease, or people have to put more in KiwiSaver.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get out your fascinators and place your bets: it's Melbourne Cup Day.  The 164th running of the Melbourne Cup begins about 5pm.  Donna Demaio is Newstalk ZB's Melbourne Cup correspondent at Flemington.  She told Ryan Bridge there are 24 horses in the final field for this year's big race.  They include three trained in New Zealand: 'Trusting You', 'Positivity' and 'Sharp and Smart'.  In addition, she said, this year there are also four women jockeys for the second time ever.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America is heading to the polls as a nation deeply divided down partisan lines.  Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are making their final pitch to voters on the eve of election day, with latest polling showing the pair remain locked in a tight race.  Harris has strong support from women voters, while Trump has been gaining ground with Hispanic voters, especially men.  Herald Deputy Political Editor Thomas Coughlan told Ryan Bridge opinions are different everywhere you look.  He says parts of each battleground state show clear preferences for either candidate.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Youth Court is a good idea because it tries to steer kids away from adult prisons and a life of crime. But when it fails, it fails spectacularly, and we all pay the price for leniency.  Take teenager Dontae Eden. When he was 16, he bashed a 78-year-old man nearly to death while the old guy slept in his bed.  A Youth Court judge gave him a warning and told him to keep out of trouble.  If that's not lenient, I don't know what is. Did he stay out of trouble? No.  Stuff reports that three months later he robbed a bloke in Wellington, stole from a petrol station, and resisted arrest by the cops.  He's now 18 and will be dealt with by the same judge in the District, not Youth Court.  I'm all for second chances, and the youth court in some cases, but surely if you beat someone nearly to death in such a brutal fashion, there's nothing particularly youthful about your actions.  You're not acting like a youth whose made a wee mistake and needs a hand turning things around. You've acted like a thug, and more should have been done to stop another crime from being committed.  This guy was seen running from the old guy's house with a crowbar. The judge gave him home detention for this second round of offending.  So, you can beat an old man, mug another, rip off a gas station, and fight with the cops, and never see the inside of a cell?  Keeping him out of jail might be better for him in the long-term, we're told, but is it better for us, the public - walking down the street or, God forbid, sleeping in our own beds at night? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 5th of November, it's Election Eve in the United States, so what's happening in the critical swing states, and has a new poll put Iowa back in play? Herald Deputy Political Editor Thomas Coughlan joined live from the swing state of North Carolina.   New government maths tutoring is on the way for students falling behind – how will it work and are schools expecting to see positive results? Remuera Intermediate School Principal Kyle Brewerton gives his thoughts.  Kiwis are open to alternative paths to home ownership, according to a new Kiwibank report. Sam Stubbs talks through the options.  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.

Of course, Donald Trump is going to win the US election, of course he is. I've been saying that since July on this programme, not that anyone will listen to me. He would have also whipped Biden like a bottle of cream. Too many Americans are hurting with the cost of living, and that's all the motivation you need really to get out and vote, isn't it? Republicans are doing it early in record numbers, which they don't normally do, including in the swing states. In Georgia, half of the 8 million eligible voters there went early, which is astonishing. They also included 700,000 people who never voted in 2020. Now, why would they be voting this time around? You could say it might be the fact it's a, you know, a female or woman of colour that they're wanting to elect, but the polls show the more likely motivation is financial. You feel poor pissed off and you vote the current lot out, be it Biden or Harris. Plus, Harris hasn't helped herself swearing black and blue that Bidenomics is working when people know in their pockets that it's not blindly defending Biden's mental state despite everyone thinking he's gone doolally. It's sort of reminiscent of Jacinda Ardern. She refused to call the cost of living crisis a crisis despite the fact It's like the toughest economic period in a generation. It enrages people when you do that, and calling Trump a Nazi or a fascist isn't going to stop him because people don't vote for Trump because he's a saint, do they? Add to that the fact that the markets are pricing in a Trump victory, the fact he always does better on election day than in the polls because his voters don't like pollsters and that while he's not ahead in the popular vote, his polling now is higher at this stage of the campaign than when he won in 2016. Add those things together, you have a pretty strong case. I think that Donald Trump is going to take back the White House this week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From today, Police are dialling back the number of mental health callouts they will attend. Phase One of the reduced service will see Police complete faster handovers in the Emergency Department. Transport requests and attendance at mental health facilities will need to meet a higher threshold. Four phases are set to be implemented by September next year. Associate Professor in Mental Health Nursing at University of Waikato Anthony O’Brien tells Ryan Bridge police will now negotiate with health services whether they feel their presence is required on callouts where they are requested. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angry crowds of people have confronted Spanish King Felipe VI in Valencia, a town that has been severely affected by flash floods. A hostile crowd threw mud at him and shouted “murderer”, in response to what they say has been a woeful response to the tragedy that has killed at least 210. UK & Europe correspondent Gavin Grey tells Ryan Bridge many are angry that weather warnings came too late. Meanwhile, details about the UK Royal Family’s finances have been revealed – including rent received from the NHS, schools and the armed forces. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps took out an unprecedented clean sweep in India, Liam Lawson races in the Sao Paulo F1 and the All Blacks scraped by with a tight result in Twickenham. Newstalk ZB Sportsreader Andrew Alderson joins Ryan Bridge to recap the weekend’s packed sporting schedule. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report shows the eye-watering social, economic and fiscal costs of the current approach to dental healthcare in New Zealand. Current dental policy settings cost $2.5 billion in lost productivity. Further costs are incurred through sick days, inpatient care, and cardiovascular disease, prompting calls for universal dental care. ActionStation campaigner Max Harris tells Ryan Bridge lost productivity includes many not attending job interviews because of shame and stigma. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday the 4th of November. Phase one of police reducing their presence at mental health callouts starts today - is the healthcare system ready? Associate Professor in Mental Health nursing Anthony O'Brien joins the show. A new report says our current dental system is costing us more than universal dental care would - so do we need to make a change? ActionStation's Max Harris speaks to Ryan. Another busy weekend of sport - The All Blacks win against England, Black Caps make history in India and F1 is on after qualifying delays. Andrew Alderson has your weekend sport wrap. 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.

The All Blacks are switching it up this weekend as they face England.  The squad named to play at Twickenham is largely different to the one that played Japan, with only three players keeping their role.  Beauden Barrett will start at first five-eighth against England, taking over from Damian McKenzie who’s previously worn the number 10 jersey.   Rugby Commentator Tony Johnson told Ryan Bridge that McKenzie’s been given a fairly long leash this year, and he’s just been a bit to erratic.  He said that Barrett’s experience will be invaluable, and perhaps a little more consistent.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another treatment to help people to manage the symptoms of menopause is available from today.    Estrogel will now be available for those requiring oestrogen to meet rising demand for hormone replacement therapy. The other funded patch option is in global short supply.   Menopause specialist Dr Linda Dear says Estrogel will make a massive difference for patients, doctors and pharmacists.   She says having another option out there means we're not so dependent on patches anymore, which is good news for a lot of people.   Pharmac funding's also taking effect for a suite of new treatments, for various cancers and other medical conditions.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Communities in Eastern Spain have been devastated by flooding that's killed at least 158 people.   Rescuers are now searching for bodies.   The Valencia region has been the hardest hit, with widespread destruction to roads and railways.   Europe correspondent Vincent McAviney told Ryan Bridge there were some warnings about strong rainfall.   But, he says, people are saying there should've been more of a response when the rain fell, to alert people to get off the roads and get to higher ground.  McAviney says the region had been experiencing a severe drought for months, and water was unable to seep into the hard, dry earth.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A free trade deal with the Middle East countries belonging to the Gulf Cooperation Council has come at the right time for exporters.  The FTA's expected to provide a sizable boost to the annual $3 billion of two-way trade.  If treated as one country, all six countries —including Saudi Arabia and the UAE— would be New Zealand's seventh-largest export destination by value.  Former trade negotiator Charles Finny told Ryan Bridge the timing couldn't be better.  He says the demand for exports into China is slowing down and there's uncertainty ahead of the US election.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You can't say you care about and want to hear from people with so-called 'lived experience' and then dismiss them when you don't like what they say.  Everyone knows he doesn't have a PHD in mental health studies. Settle down, Sally.  He looked to me to simply be riffing his opinion. So what?  Props to the Mental Health Foundation and the Minister who've both handled their responses well. Giving kudos to Mike for his incredible work for Kiwi kids while also pointing out the fact there's research out there which doesn't support his view of the world.  Is there really a big deal here outside of Labour trying to score a hit job 'cause they're pissed King bashed them at the last election?  Also, what's worse for mental health in this country? Mike King going on a booze rant or Labour spending $1.8 billion on mental health and delivering not a single new acute mental health bed in five years?  What's, to use terms they love, more 'dangerous' for our 'vulnerable Tamariki'?  It's not Mike King, that's for sure. We can have all the experts, researchers, academics and politicians in the world writing essay after essay, at great expense, explaining our mental health problems - and it's fine that they do.  But what they will never deliver is anything like the practical, grassroots, counselling sessions and awareness Mike King has for our kids. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 1st of November, a new trade deal has been struck between New Zealand and the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council - what does it mean for our exporters, and how hard would negotiations have been? Former NZ trade negotiator Charles Finny speaks to Ryan.  A new look All Blacks team are set to face England over the weekend - how are the All Blacks expected to go? Rugby Commentator Tony Johnson joins the show.  Pharmac is funding new hormone replacement therapy medication from today - what sort of difference will it make for those going through menopause? Dr Linda Dear from Menodoctor speaks to Ryan.  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.

Another season of sport, another season of sideline abuse.  Police are investigating a serious assault made on a female football coach in September.  The Ellerslie FC volunteer was attacked by a male supporter of the opposing team following an under-10s game.   Northern Region Football CEO Laura Menzies told Ryan Bridge a sideline attack is an absolute extreme.  She said in most cases this type of behaviour is perpetrated by those on the sideline, and while it’s not always the parents, they can take action against them if they behave inappropriately.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What could have been a win for the Democrats has become a bit of a storm in a teacup.  The Trump campaign received a huge amount of backlash after a comedian suggested that Puerto Rico is a floating island of garbage.   Joe Biden responded to the comments on a Zoom, saying that Puerto Ricans are good, decent, honourable people, and the only garbage he sees floating out there are Trump’s supporters.  US correspondent Mitch McCann told Ryan Bridge the White House says Biden was calling the racist language garbage, not Trump supporters.  However, he says that even Kamala Harris has distanced herself from the comments, saying she disagrees with any criticism of people based on who they vote for.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest estimate from the Social Development Ministry shows the average time people spend on a main benefit is around 13 years and four months.   For people under the age of 25, that figure jumps to more than 20 years.  Time spent on main benefits is 26% higher than in 2016, following a sustained period of increases under Labour.   Labour's Social Development spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni told Ryan Bridge any government needs to focus on risk factors that lead to people going on welfare.  She says that Minister Louise Upston continues to make out that it's going on the benefit itself that is problematic and should be punished, but the reality is that there are other factors involved.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.