Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Kudos to Qantas for introducing a wellbeing zone on the cattle class of the aircraft.  Airlines are cramming us in like sardines, anyone who's travelled will know this.  They serve you booze, you recline your seat, the planes dry you out and then as a natural consequence, people go nuts.  Unruly passengers ripping open the emergency doors, running up and down the aisles screaming like mad people.  Globally, physical assaults on aircrafts are up 60% post-pandemic. Air New Zealand alone deals with 200 reports a month of abusive behaviour.  People are responsible for their behaviour, yes, but the airlines are responsible for the environment which you travel in. The world is full of nutty people, and you have to cater for nutty people on aircraft, don't you?  So good on Qantas. From 2026 they will have a dedicated wellbeing area at the front of economy, they've got sculpted wall, integrated handles for exercise, stabilising you in doing some squats or whatever you want to do.  They've got a cabinet of healthy snacks, fruit juices, smoothies, self-service.  Now, here's the kicker - It's for their 20-hour flights. Would you do it?  Would you do it, even if there's fruit smoothies and integrated handles for stretching and exercise?  The answer for me is a resounding no, but at least they're trying something. Others should follow suit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is confident their support of frontline Police is coming to fruition.  Recruitment numbers have soared in the past year, with almost 1,400 applicants in July – the highest since 2014.  It's seen around five and a half thousand applicants in the first eight months of the year, more than double across the same period last year.  Associate Police Minister Casey Costello told Ryan Bridge it's encouraging, but there's still some work to do.  She says their attrition rate is still low at 4.8%, while other public sectors have rates of up to 54%.  Costello also assures that the surge in recruits won't compromise the quality of the training, as nothing will change in their approach.  She says they’ve totally committed to ensuring the same standards are maintained.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health New Zealand is expecting its financial deficit for the past financial year to be near a billion dollars.   The agency's released its report for the June quarter.   Earlier in quarter three, a $299 million surplus was forecast - but the preliminary financial result for the year to the end of June is a $934 million deficit.  Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Executive Director Sarah Dalton told Ryan Bridge services and departments are going to be dealing with significant cuts.   She says some of it will impact staffing levels, and some the ability to implement digital solutions that'll make staff and systems more efficient.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 4th of October, Dunedin has declared a state of emergency following significant rainfall overnight and surface flooding. Civil Defence Controller Scott Maclean has the latest.  Police recruitment wings will be expanded from next year following record applications to join the force. Associate Police Minister Casey Costello speaks to Ryan.  Health New Zealand has gone from a forecast surplus to a nearly $1 billion deficit. What's gone wrong? The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists are on the show to discuss.  Ghost houses - more than 100,000 empty houses found in 2023 census data; do we need a tax on them?  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.

Mood of the boardroom survey, more than 100 of our top business leaders have had their say on the government, its ministers and the economy today. CEOs ranked the performance of the Cabinet Ministers with ‘1’ being not impressive and ‘5’ - very impressive. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon scored with 3.73 whilst keeping his cabinet focused on delivery and education, Minister Erica Stanford was top of the class for Minister Performance resulting with a score of 4.01. Simeon Brown, Nicola Willis and Chris Bishop came closely behind Stanford, Brown resulted with a score of 3.89, Willis and Bishop tied on 3.88. Managing editor for NZME Duncan Bridgeman says that after a year of having a new government, he believes there's some uncertainty around the delivery that Christopher Luxon and his team can pull through when coming down to economic growth with the business community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly 50,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) are on strike Tuesday against the nation’s East and Gulf Coast ports. They are demanding a $5/hour increase in pay every year for the next six years. Mitch McCann, US Correspondent says that New Zealand exporters are likely to be affected by congestion and delays. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade at home advises exporters to stay in contact with the freight companies to see what options are available for them. McCann told Ryan Bridge while the strike continues, they're also advised to keep in touch with the US customers to inform them about potential delays in the coming weeks. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The real proof will be in the pudding – if smoking rates come down, does it matter how she did it?  If it was a non-tobacco company getting a tax cut to provide a product that was less harmful than ciggies would there be outrage?  Or are we blinded by the fact it's a multinational whose legacy has been peddling cigarettes that clouds our judgement?  Are we being rational about this?  Isn't the ultimate goal to reduce smoking rates?  Are the ‘try anything, do it differently’ policies she's pushing going to bring smoking rates down?  Time will tell.  She should have been more on to it and open about the advice she had received on heat not burn products, sure. It's being released this week, we're told.  But calling for her to resign and labelling her as corrupt and in the hands of the tobacco lobby are a bit much.  Costello's own father died of smoking related respiratory disease. She's a Māori woman herself.  Can you imagine if the shoe was on the other foot and National was accusing a Māori wahine toa minister, who's dad had died of cancer, of being in the pocket of big tobacco and actively trying to cause genocide on her own people, what the reaction would be form the left?  If the argument is that she should be more open and transparent, half of Labour's last cabinet should have resigned in their first term too,  So far, no smoking gun. Let's see what she's achieved once the smoke clears. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 3rd of October, Air NZ has made more cuts to regional flights, and we still don't have a plan for an Interislander replacement. Do we have a transport problem in New Zealand? Former Transport Minister Maurice Williamson joins the show to discuss.  The PPTA are now allowing charter school teachers to join the union in what David Seymour has called a "come to Jesus moment".  The New Zealand Herald's Mood of the Boardroom survey for 2024 is out - what do business leaders have to say about the government? NZME's Managing Editor of Business Duncan Bridgeman 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.

Iran has sent up to 350 missiles and drones into Israel, setting off the sound of explosions and sirens. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan says the US Navy destroyers stationed in the Mediterranean Sea intercepted Iranian missiles. He says it was a significant escalation from Iran and it was equally important they could step up to defend Israel. Habib Baar, Journalist and founder of Beirutreport.com speaks to Heather du Plessis-Allan saying he believes Israel has no incentive to stop as they have the full backing of the Western allies of the United States. Israel says nobody was killed because the iron dome worked. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions in the Middle East are on a knife's edge in the aftermath of Iran's barrage of missiles on Israel.  The Israeli defence force says there's been no reports of casualties and most of the around 180 projectiles were intercepted.  Iran has confirmed the attack and says it's targeting Israel in response to deaths of Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah.  Reuters Bureau Chief for Israel and Palestine James Mackenzie told Ryan Bridge it’s a big deal despite there having been an attack from Iran back in April.  He said that the first time there was limited damage and a sort of tacit agreement to let it slide, but with it happening again, the stakes are definitely raised.  They’ve already seen a really sharp uptick in essentially the beginning of a war in Israel.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new Bio-Refinery at the Marsden Point Energy Precinct is being proposed. Channel Infrastructure NZ Limited announces it has entered into a conditional project development agreement with Seadra Energy Inc, who is partnering with the likes of  Qantas, Renova Inc, Kent Plc, and ANZ. It would utilize some of the decommissioned oil refinery assets which would be refurbished and reconfigured- taking up approximately 18-20 hectares of land on the site. Brian Cox, Bioenergy Association Chief executive shares his thoughts with Ryan Bridge. “The aspect is we could use the natural resources that New Zealand is rich for. The biggest part is biomass from trees,” says Cox. He states that it could be processed to be used as either fuel or plastic. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

JD Vance and Tim Walz are set to do battle for what looks to be the final debate of this US presidential election.  The vice-presidential candidates will meet for their only debate in New York today, which gets underway at 2pm NZ time.  US political commentator Danielle McLaughlin says the buzz could reach the levels of Joe Biden vs Sarah Palin in 2008.  She told Ryan Bridge vice-presidential picks are normally safe, but Walz and especially Vance are really out of the mainstream.  McLaughlin says Vance has been attacking cat ladies and Taylor Swift and has repeatedly spread crazy rumours about Haitian immigrants eating pets in the mid-west.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So Luxon is back in the news. Bryce Edwards written a piece saying our members of parliament own 2.3 homes per MP - more than most of us.  Jacinda made $330,000 on her property while Prime Minister. Luxon has made close to half a million dollars on his properties.  Now let's really talk about a capital gains tax, because we essentially have one on investment property - the bright line test.  You can argue over how long that should be, and governments have changed this from red to blue, from 10 to 2 years.  But let's sideline property for a second and talk about business.  Do you really think it's fair to tax capital gains on the sale of business?  Business owners take huge risk, work incredibly hard and have to deal with stress, late nights, untold hours of lost sleep.  They also employ people, pay them, pay tax on earnings, help support jobs, grow the economy, provide tax base of hospitals/education etc.  Then when they finally are either burnt out or wanting to move on grow something else, bang! We hit them with a tax on their earnings.  It doesn't seem fair to me. We need people to invest confidently into their businesses and grow them for the benefit of all of us.  I don't think a capital gain tax on business will achieve that. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 2nd of October, Iran has started firing missiles towards Israel with the iron dome defence system working to stop them. We're live to the Middle East for the latest news.  Tim Walz and JD Vance will take to the stage for the US Vice Presidential debate in New York tomorrow. It could be the final debate ahead of the election in just a few weeks time. Political Analyst Danielle McLaughlin speaks to Ryan.  Marsden Point could soon be home to a refinery again. Channel Infrastructure announced a proposal to open a biorefinery on the site using some of the old infrastructure. Brian Cox from the Bioenergy Association joins the show to discuss.  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 Monday 1st of October, The Government has released its action plan for the fourth quarter of the year. ACT MP and Under Secretary to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform Simon Court is on the show to discuss the new targets.  The Insurance Council wants people to stop building in “dumb places” where there is a higher risk of a natural disaster. So how do you know you're building in a safe place? Urban planner Bruce Weir speaks to Ryan.  Air New Zealand's regional route between Wellington and Invercargill will stop operating from mid-January 2025, how could it impact tourism in the region? Great South's Chief Executive Chami Abeysinghe joins the show.  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 Government's moving into its next quarterly plan - with infrastructure the focus. It achieved 39 of its 40 goals in the third quarter - largely targeting law and order. This quarter's 43 actions include passing the first Resource Management Amendment Bill and introducing the second RMA reform Bill as well as a National Infrastructure Agency. Under Secretary to the Minister for RMA reform, Simon Court told Ryan Bridge that he doesn't know how much the agency will cost - but it's needed. Court says it's vital that there's an agency that can coordinate funding from the private sector needed for the public private partnership projects. He shares that there's a number of parties lining up to make submissions when the agency is open. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's refusing to say if it will designate Hezbollah's political wing as a terrorist entity.  In a statement to Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, our Terrorism Designations Working Group says the Iran-backed group's military wing was declared a terrorist entity in 2010.  "Designations are considered based on recommendations from the National Security Board, on the basis of advice from the Terrorist Designations Working Group. The Working Group considers a variety of entities regularly, through a long-standing and well-established inter-departmental process."  It basically says they won't talk publicly about whether they're considering going further with Hezbollah.  "To maintain the integrity of the process it is not standard practice to confirm publicly which entities are under consideration."  This all comes of course after Israel killed Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah. The United States called his death "justice".  The group itself actually makes no distinction between its military and political wings.  What's interesting here is two things:  1. Christopher Luxon and Winston Peters designated Hamas a terror group in its entirety back in February, after years of making a distinction for the political wing. Will they do the same with Hezbollah?  2. In Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is cracking down on protesters in New South Wales and Victoria who were seen waving Hezbollah flags and allegedly chanting violent verses.  If such a thing were to happen here would the lack of a designation stop our authorities from taking action?  Leon Goldsmith told me yesterday Australia and Canada don't make any distinction like we do.  Ultimately what we do is not going to stop war in the Middle East, but it could affect how we deal with the fallout here at home. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a debate over who should be responsible for the consequences of building in high-risk areas.  The Insurance Council is asking the Government to ensure natural hazard changes to the Resource Management Act mean people don't build in what it's calling "dumb places". Urban designer Bruce Weir told Ryan Bridge if building on a risky site comes down to personal responsibility, there needs to be a paying factor holding people accountable.  Weir says if someone drives drunk they lose their licence and know they aren't insured.  He questions why people should be bailed out when it comes to knowingly doing stupid things when it comes to property.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand's direct flight between Wellington and Invercargill will soon be no more.  It's being scrapped, with its last service in mid-January.   Great South chief executive Chami Abeysinghe says customers are still able to fly to Wellington via Christchurch, and the airline's adding more flights between Christchurch and Invercargill.  She told Ryan Bridge there's multiple factors for the decision including softening domestic demand and engine issues.  Abeysinghe says one of the key factors is ensuring accessible flights between the main centres.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grumbling and discontent in regional New Zealand is growing louder and louder, and Wellington ought to pay attention. The latest was in Dunedin. 35,0000 locals turned in protest, waving signs with Nicola Willis swinging atop a wrecking ball. The wrecking ball was Luxon's head. The reason the government should heed and listen is because of the size of the protest. 35,000 is huge - and it wasn't just your usual mob of rent-a-crowds and serial protesters. Dunedin normally votes red so do you bother listening if you're the government? Problem here is it's not just Dunedin, It's everywhere. Give me a region and I'll give you a grievance. Central North Island: Plant closures. Marlborough: Ferry cancellations. Tararua: the Manawatu Gorge. West Coast: uprising over health cuts Now I think the government will compromise on Dunedin, but for most of the rest of regions waving placards and marching the message will be simple - Blame Labour. They spent with gay abandon during and after covid. Inflation ran rampant and now we're having to come in and clean it up. That's also why we need to toll roads to get these things finished, that's why we need downsize new hospitals, why we have to cut this bridge or that school or this funding. The question for the government is, are these people going to turn around and vote Labour in anger? The answer is probably not. People understand why we're in this mess and most are just trying to sway the current government, not change it completely. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big changes to consenting processes could be on the way. Currently, 67 building consent authorities receive and approve consents – with each one taking a slightly different approach to the rules. Building and construction minister Chris Penk has proposed creating larger regional authorities to help standardise the process and reduce costs for builders. New Zealand Certified Builders Chief Executive Malcom Fleming tells Ryan Bridge there is a lot of pressure on the system right now and moves towards quickening building consent processes are supported. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Austria’s general election could see the far-right opposition Freedom Party (FPÖ) top the polls for the first time as voters head out to cast their ballot. The party’s leader describes himself as Volkskanzler (people's chancellor), which was used to describe Adolf Hitler in the 1930s. UK & Europe correspondent Gavin Grey tells Ryan Bridge the party has promised to build a fortress to restore security, prosperity and peace. And, a former Russian spy and his daughter, who were victims of the Salisbury poisonings, will not be called to give evidence at a UK public inquiry out of fears for their safety. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ZB Sports Adam Cooper joins Ryan Bridge to recap the weekend in sport. The Silver Ferns faced a series-opening 59-58 loss to the England Roses. The Taini Jamison Trophy series got underway in Auckland on Sunday and the teams will meet again on Wednesday in Porirua. The Black Caps suffered a heavy defeat in their test series in Sri Lanka. And, the All Blacks managed to go the full 90 minutes to beat Australia 33-13 in the final match of the Rugby Championship. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fears of major escalation in the Middle East are high after Israel’s assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Otago University Professor for Middle Eastern and Comparative Politics, Dr Leon Goldsmith tells Ryan Bridge the leader is rarely seen in public and it is clear killing was planned for a long time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday the 30th of September. Big changes could be on the way for the building industry with an overhaul of the consenting process proposed by the government. Could it help the industry lower costs? NZ Certified Builders Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming joins the show. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has been killed in an Israeli airstrike, among other senior leaders from the group. New Zealand has only declared Hezbollah's military wing a terrorist organisation, but not he political wing - so where do we stand on the issue? Dr Leon Goldsmith from the University of Otago speaks to Ryan. Grumbling and discontent in regional New Zealand is growing louder and louder with possible cut backs coming for the new Dunedin hospital. Why Wellington need to listen. 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.

A weather expert says creating one state weather forecasting system is the right decision.  The Government's announced it's agreed in-principle to NIWA acquiring MetService - merging the two.   Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins says streamlining the two will make it easier to access information from a single trusted source and improve response to severe weather events.  WeatherWatch head forecaster Phillip Duncan told Ryan Bridge that it’s been a bit of a weird journey to get to this point, but it’s definitely the right thing.  He said that a government having two opposing agencies doing weather forecasts and saying different things is a recipe for disaster.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks kept their grip on the Bledisloe Cup last week, beating the Wallabies 31-28 in Sydney. However, they still have another test to play, the second Bledisloe Cup test being the All Blacks’ final home test for the year. Elliott Smith, Newstalk ZB’s voice of rugby, told Ryan Bridge that the team needs to get their “20 minute jinx” sorted out as it’s becoming a real problem for the team. He said they were still good enough to get the win against Australia last week, but they need to sort that out, and find some points in the last twenty minutes of the game. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Auckland principal says teaching isn't a job, it's a service. The Government's instructing schools to have Stepped Attendance Response plans by 2026. It's also instructed them not to take teacher-only days in term time, unless authorised by the Minister. May Road Primary School principal Lynda Stuart told Ryan Bridge that it’s a complex situation because she knows that in her school, teachers are basically just limping towards the end of the term. She says that teachers need time in the holidays to recuperate before they’re back in their classrooms preparing for next term, and they don't have as long of holidays as some people think. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thank God the UN General Assembly is underway in New York. Nothing solves global conflict like a good UNGA session.  I've been to one of these before, back when John Key was the Prime Minister – there was a resolution on Iran.  A lot of sitting around talking and listening, which as Winston Peters pointed out yesterday, is quite important!  Netanyahu's enroute. Zelensky's there. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Putin the Pariah obviously won't be, but does anybody hold out any hope that the UN will fix the big issues? Magically solve the wars and conflict?  As we reported to you on Thursday's show, China's launching missiles into the South Pacific for the first time since the 1980s. A Japanese warship’s just sailed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time overnight. Israel's hammering Lebanon - today they said "no thanks” to a peace deal.  Putin's lowering the threshold for nuclear weapons. Trump says Ukraine is dead, and delegates are talking over the top of Winston Peters at the Security Council, which he wasn't happy about, calling for the room to be quiet.  "Maybe a third principal, when somebody's addressing you, the rest of the people in the room keep quiet.”  Some would say these are challenges the world can face together, united as one United Nations, but most of the time it's about as useful as ashtray in a motorbike, and most countries and their leaders know this.  But off they go to the off to the Big Apple, to do their dance and thump their fists and have their say, while the rest of world largely ignores and carries on - business as usual. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 27th of September, David Seymour is cracking down on school attendance as new numbers show it's improving. But will the new moves, which could see parents prosecuted, work? May Road Principal Lynda Stuard joins the show. The two government owned weather forecasters NIWA and MetService could soon be one, with an agreement in-principal signed for NIWA to acquireMetService. Weatherwatch Head Analyst Philip Duncan speaks to Ryan about what the move means for our forecasting. The All Blacks will face Australia in Wellington this weekend their final home test this year. Can they make it the full 90 minutes? Newstalk ZB's voice of rugby Elliott Smith joins the show. 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.

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Donald Trump says an attack on a former President is a death wish for the attacker. The former president's campaign team claims he's been briefed on a suspected Iranian assassination plot. It follows a man being formally charged for an assassination attempt near Trump's Florida golf course and a shooting in July. Correspondent Mitch McCann told Ryan Bridge that Trump's campaign sees the Iranian threats as real and specific. He says these are different from other attempts on his life. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s been a push for New Zealand to follow England's lead in combating obesity rates. NHS figures suggest England's turned the tide on rising obesity rates for the first time in two decades. Obesity rates in adults have remained stable for the past five years. Auckland University nutrition expert Boyd Swinburn told Ryan Bridge rates will keep going up in New Zealand until something changes. He says we've been told by WHO and panels across the world on what to implement - but the country hasn't listened. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hipkins is doubling down on the idea of a shake-up to the tax system. ANZ boss Antonia Watson says the "time has arrived" for a capital gains tax. Both Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis rejected the call, joking that the boss of a big Australian bank just wants to take more money off Kiwis. The Labour leader told Ryan Bridge New Zealand's tax system's loaded against working people because we're not taxing other forms of income. He says salary and wage earners end up paying a disproportionate share of tax. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 26th of September, Chris Hipkins joins the show from the UK where he met the new Labour government and attended their annual conference. Obesity rates in in England have stabilised for the first time in two decades. How do we use their numbers and lessons as an example to improve our shocking obesity rates here? How do we make sure our long term infrastructure is up to scratch? Infrastructure NZ Chief Executive Nick Leggett gives his thoughts 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.

Swedish authorities have accused Iranian intelligence of hacking into a text messaging service last year. In 2023, several individuals in Sweden set fire to the Quran in public, prompting outage. The events were followed by 15,000 people receiving text messages calling for “revenge against the Quran-burners". SAPO, the country’s Security Service, says the texts were sent by the Iranian Intelligence Service, connected to the Revolutionary Guards. Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge that although they think they know who’s behind the mass-text, authorities are unable to do anything about it as there’s no extradition treaty. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s relief from the bus drivers union as the Government announces new measures to improve workplace safety. It includes new aggravating factors in sentencing for attacks on transport workers and a $15 million injection into safety precautions. Tramways Union President Gary Froggatt told Ryan Bridge that it’s another weapon in the armoury defending against this type of crime. He said it will make some passengers think again before assaulting a bus driver, however it’s not going to be a solution on its own, and the sooner things like safety screens can be installed, the better. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a suggestion facial recognition isn't the sole factor behind a drop in supermarket retail crime. Foodstuffs North Island —which owns Pak'n'Save and New World— says early results from its six month trial show it prevented about 130 serious incidents. It also reported around 4,700 incidents across all stores in April to June – an 8% drop quarterly. First Retail Group managing director Chris Wilkinson told Ryan Bridge there are other elements too. He says there's also a new Police Minister, a new letter of expectation with Police, and more determination around the sector, which have had a ripple effect. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel says it has killed a senior Hezbollah commander as fighting in Lebanon continues. The Lebanese health ministry says strikes have killed around 500 people. The Israeli Defence Force says its mission is to stop the Iranian-backed group from firing rockets into Israel's north and to push them back from the border. International relations analyst Stephen Hoadley told Ryan Bridge he expects air and artillery attacks will continue, and hopefully Hezbollah's rocket attacks on Israel will stop. He says that would cause a lull, but a repeat of the cycle of violence is possible in another year or two. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's time I reckon we started sending bills to those protesters for wasting police time and resources. I watched yesterday with growing anger as a couple of Greenpeace people climbed on top of an awning on The Terrace in Wellington. They were just one floor up, they stood there looking like numpties with their overalls and their helmets on. Nothing wrong with protesting, but there were eight first responders on the scene, at least three police cars, a fire truck – they even had to use their cherry picket to get these guys off the roof. The cars were at a standstill, and instead of solving crime a poor cop was marshalling traffic to allow the fire truck to position itself in place. What a waste of time. Just hang your banner and piss off. Please don't waste any more of our time. It's like those crazy ones that used to block the motorways in Wellington, remember that? Thank goodness they seem to have given up and gone away. Good riddance. The motorway protesters made people late for their cancer appointments. I do hope they're ashamed of themselves for that. This lot though on The Terrace, they can just jog on. If the court's initial reaction to the motorway ones was anything to go by you can expect another slap on the wrist with a wet bus ticket for this lot. I say send them the bill for the police, the use of the police cars, the communications centre, the fire truck fee, the cherry picker fee, the firefighters charge out rate, double it and make them pay it. And if the individuals won't pay for that, then send the bill to Greenpeace. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 25th of September, could facial recognition help reduce retail crime? Foodstuffs North Island’s trial of the technology has just ended, and they say it's helped. First Retail Groups Managing Director Chris Wilkinson speaks to Ryan about what this could mean for retailers. Conflict is continuing to escalate between Israel and Hezbollah. International Relations expert Stephen Hoadley joins the show to talk about the reasons behind the conflict. A new aggravating factor for offences against public transport works has been introduced, as well as new funding for security measures. Tramways Union President Gary Froggatt 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.

Australia's consumer watchdog has launched legal action against the Australian arm of Woolworths, and its main rival Coles. The ACCC's accusing the supermarket giants of breaching consumer law by misleading consumers, raising prices by 15% at times before dropping the price as part of a promotion. The watchdog claims the price of hundreds of products were affected. Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge the ACCC is taking both retailers to federal court in separate cases and will be seeking significant penalties. She said they’ll also be aiming to impose community service orders on both Woolworths and Coles, which means they’ll have to fund a registered charity to deliver meals to Australians in need. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A criminal defence lawyer says the Polkinghorne verdict isn't a surprise. Eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne was found not guilty of the murder or manslaughter of his wife Pauline Hanna at their Remuera home in April 2021. The verdict —given at the High Court in Auckland yesterday— followed 10 hours of deliberations over two days. Criminal defence lawyer Roderick Mulgan told Ryan Bridge if there's doubt, there has to be an acquittal. He says even though many people were suspicious, it's not enough. There's a high bar and it's difficult to convict people on circumstantial evidence. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwifruit exports are on the rise, with values now at their highest point ever. Exports for the fruit were worth $3.1 billion in the year to August. It's an increase of just over half a billion from 2023, with gold kiwifruit rising by 24%. Green kiwifruit were up 9.9%. Motueka grower Evan Heywood told Ryan Bridge the number of Ruby Red kiwifruit exported is also increasing. He says it's early days, but the demand is there for a good future in the market. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington businesses could reap the benefits of calling public servants back to the office. Public sector agencies are being told to enforce stricter Working From Home guidelines. It's suggested the move could help Wellington's struggling economy, as well as boost productivity and collaboration. Backbencher Pub owner Alistair Boyce told Ryan Bridge it will absolutely make a difference. He says they've been missing key public sector clients. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a travel advisory for the city of Wellington: do not travel to New Zealand's capital. Environment considered dangerous. Basic necessities like flat whites and pints are difficult to find. The government-ordered a crackdown on civil servants is currently in action. A warning other civil servants may be hiding inside homes and not immediately visible on city streets. Risk of political turmoil and unrest is extreme. Infrastructure is in a perilous state. Access to fresh water is limited, burst water and sewerage pipes scattered across the city. Check for faeces before swimming in the harbour, water’s freezing too. In case of an emergency - carparks are difficult to find. There are cycleways aplenty, but treacherous weather and wind conditions make use incredibly difficult. The city is in a state of utter chaos with little to no control by lord Mayor Tory Whanau. Specific populations asked to avoid Sky Stadium include the All Blacks - they've lost six tests in a row at the venue, chance of further losses highly likely. If the All Blacks are unsure which venue this bulletin refers to, please look for urine-yellow coloured seating. Locals refer to the venue as the Cake Tin. If travel is essential, please exercise extreme caution. Take your own water, coffee, alcohol, body armour, a pen, paper, calculator, and Chat GPT to help decode the mayor's mixed messaging. Dress for disappointment, pack for evacuation, and if somebody tries to sell you a cheap car - run. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 24th of September, a jury has found Auckland eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne not guilty of murdering his wife, Pauline Hanna. Criminal Defence Lawyer Roderick Mulgan gives his analysis. The Government wants public sector workers to stop working from home and return to the office. What has the impact of working from home had on central Wellington businesses? Backbenchers Pub Owner Alistair Boyce joins the show to explain. Kiwifruit exports have reached a new record value, hitting $3.1 billion in the year ending August. Are growers seeing the returns? Motueka grower Evan Heywood 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.

Yes to a four year term please. Our politicians are too short sighted. Think about infrastructure, think about productivity, think about immigration settings, basically take your pick at any long term problem in this country. We need longer terms. Yes, it will suck if it's not the party that you like in at the time that it's introduced, but it needs to happen for the better of the country, doesn't it? The government's looking at this because it is in the coalition agreements with both Act and New Zealand First. There's no strict timings in those coalition agreements, but on Friday, Luxon was talking to a Bloomberg Q and A and seemed to indicate that we might have a referendum on this at the next election. It's a no brainer, we have big problems in short terms in this country. The big question is who will get the first one? Will it be that lot, will it be your lot? Those are the big questions, and also will it be a binding referendum? Which is what New Zealand first is pushing for. I say just do it, get it done. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of families living in emergency housing has reduced by 57%, according to new figures from the Ministry of Social Development and Housing and Urban Development. Community Housing Aotearoa Chief Executive Paul Gilberd tells Ryan Bridge getting children out of motels is fantastic. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The far right could be on the brink of it's first election victory in Germany. Brandenburg, close to Berlin, has been governed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) ever since German reunification. But two million voters are heading to the polls today for a tightly fought regional election that Alternativ für Deutschland (AfD) stands a chance of winning. Plus, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has accepted tens of thousands of British pounds in gifts, hospitality and tickets to events since becoming Labour leader. This includes nearly £66,000 over the last year for accommodation, clothes and "multiple pairs of glasses". UK & Europe correspondent Gavin Grey tells Ryan Bridge the PM has now said his top team won't accept any more clothing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.