Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

International technology stocks are being credited with the New Zealand Super Fund reporting another record-high investment return: up 15% in the year to June. Super expert Jonathan Eriksen told Ryan Bridge the results make up for a poor return when markets fell in 2022. He says they've always gone into a wide range of assets but they're playing it extremely well. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changes have been revealed to the Treaty Principles Bill. The Bill's architect David Seymour confirmed that Cabinet discussed the Bill yesterday and agreed to its broad outline before it goes to Parliament's drafters. He says it'll now acknowledge the rights of hapu and iwi at the time of the Treaty. Labour's Māori Development spokesperson Willie Jackson told Ryan Bridge it's interesting he's made some type of concession. He says it's a backdown, because Seymour hasn't ever acknowledged the rights of hapu and iwi before. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The IRD is giving your data to Facebook – taxpayers' data to Facebook, that was the headline yesterday. We give them our data in trust and confidence. Well, we don't actually, we give them our data because the law says we must file our tax returns and tell them who we are and how much we're earning. But perhaps you assume that the law says that they must keep it to themselves. Not so. I think this is a scandal. To be honest when I read the headline, I thought IRD must have been hit by one of those phone scams. You know, they've been cold called by Nigerian prince and handed over our private data. But no, the RNZ report says they give Facebook and the big tech guys some of our information because it's anonymised. They're calling it hashed. So they can't see who you are when they hand it over. And it's only for the purposes of IRD placing ads on these platforms like Facebook, et cetera, so don't worry about it. Sorry, I am worried, and I reckon most Kiwis will hate this. The reason is pretty simple: it's trust. Do you trust Facebook? No. Do you believe they will keep your data secure? No. Do you believe they won't marry up your private data that our government has just handed them on a silver platter with the profiles they have on you already? No. No one trusts these guys. I don't want some government department sending my data to some Silicon Valley server so that some tech guy can bug me with intrusive ads about what undies to buy. I actually think there's more to this story, and there will be because they have a life of their own. It won't just be the IRD that's doing it. There will be other government departments, there'll be other private data, there'll be more of us affected. Luxon should get ahead of this and just say let's have some kind of little review because otherwise you're going to get these headlines ticking over and over and over, and I think people will be sick of it. Also, as citizens, we need to have faith that when we give our data to the government that it is kept secure and safe, and even a perception that it's not is not good enough. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday10th of September, slight changes were made to the controversial Treaty Principles Bill in Cabinet yesterday. Labour's Māori Development spokesperson Willie Jackson joins the show to discuss. Superfund has reached a value of $76.6 billion - a record for the fund. But what does it mean for the government and New Zealand's markets? Superfund expert Jonathan Eriksen speaks to Ryan. There were 80 suspected suicides in the construction industry in the past year, so what is the sector doing to improve mental health and wellbeing? MATES in Construction researcher Dr Lauren Donnan joins the show to talk about her latest research and what the industry could do to reduce the number of suicides. 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.

Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzales has arrived in Spain after fleeing the country after its presidential election. Gonzales had an arrest warrant issued after he disputed July’s election, which was won by incumbent Nicolas Maduro. The US, EU and Latin American countries have also questioned the election results after Venezuela refused to publish official election data to prove the result. Europe correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge he arrived on a Spanish Royal Air Force plane near Madrid, where he’ll be granted political asylum after having stayed at its embassy in Caracas. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was a high level of suspense when Peter Cowan crossed the finish line in the final of the men’s single va’a VL3 200m canoe sprint race in Paris. In his Paralympic Games debut, the 29-year-old from Hawke’s Bay flew out of the blocks in the final to battle for the early lead. As the contest went on, it looked to be a case of two races for medals; Ukrainian Vladyslav Yepifanov and Jack Eyers of Great Britain contesting the top two spots on the podium, while Cowan, Australian Curtis McGrath and China’s Pu Yi were locked in a race for bronze. The eight-strong race was over in about 50sec. It was a further 45sec before Cowan got word that he would be the third man on the podium. “It feels unreal,” Cowan told TVNZ of winning a medal in his Paralympics debut. In tough, windy conditions, the Kiwi stayed the course and might have been a bit fortunate that McGrath drifted in his lane toward the final stretch of the race, with Cowan crossing the line just 0.06sec ahead of the Australian who beat him in their heat. Because Cowan finished second in his heat, he had to qualify for the medal race through the semifinal rather than get direct entry into the medal race. Cowan finished second to Eyers in the semifinal to secure his place, and left everything out there in the final; a look of elation – with perhaps a hint of disbelief – on his face when he finally heard that he had claimed the bronze. “Coming into the race all I really focused on was the performance itself and not jumping the gun,” Cowan said. “There were times this week when I would think about the podium, but me and my coach are pretty grounded in our goals and that’s just to focus on every performance as they come; every breath, every stroke in every race. “In the start gate, I was just thinking about what I needed to do to build into that finish line because I never know where I’m coming in the races. I do believe the performance will give the right result at the end of the day, so to find out I made the podium, I was mind-blown.” Yepifanov won the race with a Paralympic Games best of 47.49sec, with Eyers second in 47.87sec. Cowan finished in 48.28sec. The three medalists were all first-time Paralympians. Cowan’s medal took New Zealand’s haul to nine in Paris, with one gold, four silver and four bronze. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interesting op-ed from The Conversation by Chris Gledhill, Professor of Law at Auckland University of Technology. It's about the Government's new gang legislation and argues that the changes that are being made in some last-minute ones could impinge on the Bill of Rights, and it makes some good points. It says people join gangs for various reasons for some it's a matter of family connections, for others gang membership may arise from being marginalised from society. The Royal Commission on Abuse and Care highlighted that abuse was also a pathway into gang membership, and in 2018 a report highlighted that imprisonment feeds gang recruitment. So, you don't have a choice? If you are poor, if you have family in a gang, if you went to jail and they recruited you in jail, that's on society, not on you. You don't have a choice in the matter? It's a crucial part of the puzzle because it sets up the entire system of response to dealing with the problem. If you're not responsible or capable of saying no to a gang life, how can you be punished for that association? Is the expectation that if you join a gang, and you've been raised in a household that is associated with a gang, that you are impoverished, that you don't know what is right and what is wrong? And if so, how can you be punished? I interviewed a guy called Puck out of Hawke's Bay, he was with the Mongrel Mob. This was years ago, and he was done for a homicide and spent time in prison, but then turned his life around and had a positive role model. I sat down with him for a good couple of hours, had a good chat. He knew what he had done was wrong and was remorseful and really sorry and wanted to apologise to the people that he had hurt. I found out about a year later he was back in jail. He had turned his life around, and the then Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had used him as an example of somebody who could turn their life around with a positive role model. He then did some horrendous domestic violence stuff, dealing meth in prison. I mean, you name it. So there's a guy who I know, who knows what he did was wrong, and he had bad influences growing up all of that stuff. But he knows what he did was wrong and did it anyway. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mayor of the Ruapehu District wants the Government to step in to save two businesses facing closure. Hundreds of jobs are on the line - with the Kariori pulpmill and Tangiwai sawmill both under pressure, as energy costs have gone up significantly in recent years. A meeting on the fate of hundreds of workers is expected tomorrow. Ruapehu District Mayor Weston Kirton told Ryan Bridge this is not a new issue - as Tiwai Point was bailed out. He says the Government can cap electricity prices to allow the mills to get over the line until the issue evens out. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A criminal defence lawyer says it's very rare to see the public caught in the crossfire of a homicide. Since the start of August, Police have launched 11 homicide investigations around the country. One has since been deemed not a homicide and has been referred to the coroner. Lawyer John Munro told Ryan Bridge Police may be stretched. “The promising thing is that we have a very, very good Police force. They’re very well-equipped, they’re good Police, they’re competent.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 9 September. 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.

Will this week bring redemption for the All Blacks? Last week saw them lose to South Africa, the Springboks taking the win at Ellis Park. This Sunday will see them facing off again in Cape Town, and Coach Scott Robertson has made a few changes to the lineup in preparation. Former Springbok and Rugby Commentator Kevin Putt joined Ryan Bridge to preview the match and give his thoughts on the changes to the squad. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are hopes New Zealand can help lead the effort to clean up space. Space Minister Judith Collins has announced we've joined a US-led multi-national space initiative: Operation Olympic Defender. International space expert Maria Pozza told Ryan Bridge that as well as defence, it will see New Zealand contribute to reducing space debris. She says in recent decades space junk has become a key issue, and sustainable use of space is becoming increasingly important. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France has a new Prime Minister, ending the country's months long political limbo. President Emmanuel Macron has named conservative Michel Barnier as the new Prime Minister. It comes two months after a snap election ended with a political stalemate. Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Ryan Bridge that Barnier was the EU's former chief Brexit negotiator. He says they'll see whether it gets France going again after the truce they've had through the Olympics. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's making changes aimed at bringing down the cost of building homes. It's introduced new legislation to make it easier to import building supplies from abroad. It'll enable recognition of overseas standards and Building Consent Authorities will need to accept products already certified offshore. Building Industry Federation Chief Executive Julian Leys told Ryan Bridge this will impact a number of supplies. He says they're looking at products with the biggest costs - like internal linings, external claddings, windows, plumbing products and insulation. The Bill will have its first reading later this month. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 6th of August, overseas building supplies could soon be introduced to the market to help lower building costs. Building Industry Federation Chief Executive Julien Leys speaks to Ryan about what it means. New Zealand has joined the multinational space programme Operation Olympic Defender. How could it benefit us? Space law expert Dr Maria Pozza joins the show. Can the All Blacks recover from last week's loss to the Springboks? Rugby commentator and former Springbok Kevin Putt 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.

Semi-professional rugby tours may soon be back on the table. New Zealand rugby is reportedly close to signing off a three-test, eight-match itinerary away against South Africa in 2026 - the Springboks would reciprocate in 2030. Former All Black Ian Jones told Ryan Bridge it's wonderful news. He said that it’s an absolute trip of a lifetime, and wonderful news not only for the players, but for the fans if they’re able to make their way over to watch. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a difficult retirement outlook for many Kiwis. The latest Financial Services Council Money & You research reveals 94% of Kiwis worry about money, and one in five don’t have enough in their retirement savings to get them through the next year. Many are dipping into savings to cover basics, with some having to juggle priorities. Simplicity Founder Sam Stubbs told Ryan Bridge that a couple of things need to happen with KiwiSaver. He said that we’re getting to the point where it needs to become compulsory, as it’s all very well that 79% of people are saving, but that still leaves 21% who’s retirement will be funded by the taxpayer. The other thing, Stubbs said, is that the contribution needs to go up. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the group who are upset about the monopoly-duopoly that's happening in our grocery sector, you could save, at most per person, about $74 per year. That's if they were to have perfect competition in the sector, which obviously would be very hard to achieve. Do you know what else costs you $80 a year? A friend and I were chatting at the gym the other day and he showed me his rates bill, which he had kindly brought to the gym to encourage him to run faster. There's an $80 targeted rate for the food compost bin. He said, what's that for? And I was like, it's the green bin that's on the street that no one uses. Then he was running faster than I've ever seen him run on the treadmill. So apparently 60 to 65% of us don't use them. I know they have them in other parts of the country, in Auckland we've only got them just recently, so we're all getting a bit used to them. But $80 a year is what you have to pay. And I got quite angry because if you're on a fixed income, $80 a year is a lot of money. If you're a pensioner and you cannot opt out of this service. Who else can charge you for a service that you don't want or need? What about a pensioner who does their own composting in the backyard? They can't opt out of it. They have to have this bin, and they have to pay $80 per year for the privilege. It's like a barber giving a lady a beard trimmer and saying here, I'm going to charge you for that. I don't need it. Oh, well, you have to have it. Why? Just cause. And you know what? They're all made of plastic, these bins, so how's that for the environment? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Grocery Action Group wants more regulation in our supermarket sector. The Commerce Commission's first annual report on grocery shows competition has not meaningfully improved. Foodstuffs and Woolworths could now face hefty fines for failing to treat small suppliers fairly or breaking a new wholesaler code. Group lead Sue Chetwin told Ryan Bridge we need structural change to split up this big duopoly. She says the Government has to bite the metal here and say we need more regulation to address the state of the industry. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 5th of September, the grocery commissioner says the sector has no meaningful competition and retail margins have increased. Grocery Action Group's Su Chetwin chats to Ryan about what it means and what to do from here. The All Blacks and South Africa could be resuming full tours from 2026, and NZ Rugby say there won't be any changes to rules preventing Kiwis playing overseas from representing New Zealand. Former All Black Ian Jones joins the show. One in five Kiwi retirees don't have enough savings to get them through the next year - that's according to the Financial Services Council. They also want a review into KiwiSaver to make sure New Zealanders are getting the most out of it. So, what needs to change? Simplicity Founder Sam Stubbs speaks to Ryan. Mitch McCann has the latest on the U.S. election - new polls in battleground state are showing mixed results for both Harris and Trump. 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.

At least 12 people have died after the capsize of a migrant boat in the English Channel. The French Coastguard has rescued more than 50. It's the deadliest disaster in the Channel so far this year. Downing Street is labelling the disaster "truly horrific", and says it's determined to further crack down on dangerous people-smuggling operations. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge that more than 20,000 people have made the crossing from France to the UK this year, but the number of deaths has also risen significantly. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I have zero issues with foreign visitors paying more to visit New Zealand. The tax hike that is being touted is big – $35 up to $100 per visitor, and that is substantial. Crucially though, our Aussie mates are exempt, and they make up 40% of our market. So that's a good chunk who won't be contributing and shouldn't be affected in terms of numbers visiting us here. The impact, the overall impact still quite unclear. The Government on one hand says they've got MBIE advice, which is always good advice, saying that it won't be a significant impact. The industry says we will have 48,000 fewer visitors coming here and they'll take their almost $300 million spend elsewhere. The industry says this is alarming. It's possible they're both right here. The total tourist numbers visiting in the year to June is 3.2 million. So, 48,000 is both not significant if you're the Government, but alarming if you're the industry. The cold, hard reality is we're not as hot as we used to be when it comes to New Zealand as a destination, not as sexy, you could say. Post-Covid, our recovery has stalled. I think we're at about 73% of pre-Covid levels in terms of visitors. Largely, this is about cost. It’s not because our mountains are any less beautiful, our lakes less attractive, it’s largely about the cost of getting here. But those issues, you know, the plane supply, the routes, et cetera, should subside. And when that happens, don't we want the extra money to maintain our walking tracks and to give the Germans somewhere to go to the loo? I would have thought so. And if it's going to put anyone off, wouldn't it be the low spending, high infrastructure using smelly backpacker variety? Of which I have been one, I'm not disparaging them, and, well, I suppose I am disparaging them a little, disparaging myself. But don't we want sort of higher spending, higher yield tourists coming here? Using less of the country and less of its resources and infrastructure but spending more? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel experts believe that now isn't the time to push up the fees for overseas tourists. The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy is rising almost 200% from next month, from $35 to $100. The money raised will go back into services and infrastructure used by visitors to the country. Intrepid Travel general manager Eve Lawrence told Ryan Bridge New Zealand's tourism recovery is still lagging behind other countries. She says we're only sitting at 80% of pre-Covid numbers, while Australia is expected to hit 100% by the end of the year. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A terrorism expert says New Zealanders need to be more aware of the threat of terrorism. The SIS identifies a person acting alone as our biggest terrorist risk and warns of a small number of people subscribing to violent extremist ideologies. It's also concerned about foreign interference and how many young people are engaging with violent extremist rhetoric. Massey University International Security Expert John Battersby told Ryan Bridge that locals need to wake up to the realistic possibility of an attack. He says New Zealanders tend to not take potential risks seriously. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 4th of September, visitors to the country will soon have to start paying a $100 levy, up from $35. Eve Lawrence from Intrepid Travel talks to Ryan about what it means for the tourism industry. The SIS has released its second annual report detailing security threats to New Zealand. Massey University’s John Battersby joins the show to discuss the findings. 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 state of New Zealand's general practices is being dubbed a crisis. A GP Owners Association survey of about a quarter of GPs reports they're being squeezed by rising costs, high patient demand, and staff shortages. It found nearly 60% have doctor and nurse vacancies, and about 70% are financially worse off than a year ago. Chair Angus Chambers told Ryan Bridge that Government funding doesn't keep pace with running costs. He says the Government must urgently overhaul the out-of-date funding model. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People appear to be getting a better handle on their financial situations. The latest Centrix figures for July show overall the number of people behind on their payments fell month-on-month by nine thousand to 456 thousand. Chief Operating Officer Monika Lacey says there's also positive signs when it comes to those who are several months behind. She says that number is decreasing too, which indicates people are starting to manage their financial positions quite well. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tiger handler remains in hospital after being attacked by a tiger at Dreamworld on Australia's Gold Coast. Investigations are underway after the trained handler was set upon by one of the theme park's nine Sumatran and Bengal tigers yesterday morning. It follows a fatal tiger attack on a keeper at Hamilton Zoo in 2015. Correspondent Lesley Yeomans told Ryan Bridge the attack seemed to come out of nowhere. She said the incident is now being thoroughly reviewed. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The country could be driving towards a need for cross party agreement on transport. The Government's National Land Transport Plan will see almost $33 billion pumped into roading, public transport, and maintenance. Employers and Manufacturers Association head of advocacy Alan McDonald told Ryan Bridge there should be a broad agreement on what the main priorities are. He says that's critical if we want to get value from these projects and keep costs down. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health New Zealand is the country's largest organisation by far, it employs more than 80,000 people. Roughly the same number of teachers are employed by state schools in our education system, and these numbers dwarf any private enterprise that's currently operating here. Fletcher buildings has about 18,000 staff, Woolworths about 18,000, Fonterra about 16,000, the Warehouse in New Zealand, Kmart, they're up there too. Here's a question for you: which of these organisations provides a quality or even adequate service to us? When a private airline says they'll fly you somewhere on a certain date at a certain time, it generally happens. When you go to the supermarket, you generally know you can reliably leave with some milk and some bread in your hand. And when you go to Kmart, are you ever told you must wait 18 months for that $12 lamp that you've been eyeing up in the latest catalogue? No. So why does this happen with our healthcare system? Why are we constantly told you must wait, you must line up. It's never good enough. Is there a reason we have students failing exams, teacher shortages, low pay, hospital wait times, and a lack of access to quality care? Is the reason for this because they're all run by the state? I know, big question for a Tuesday. The workforces are never happy, but they heavily unionised too. Is that part of the problem or is that an attempt at a solution? Don't get me wrong, big Corporates have their own issues. We hate to see them profit and I don't imagine that we would stomach big profits off our kids' education or grandma's hip replacement. We consider these things to be basics, right? International examples of privatised healthcare don't exactly scream success, good day America, but if we're paying taxes, and an adequate service for basic needs is not being provided, is it not fair to ask whether the fact that they're public entities might just be part of the problem? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 3rd September 2024, the Government has allocated $32.9 billion dollars in transport funding over the next 3 years. How could it improve our roading network and the economy? Alan McDonald from the Employers and Manufacturers Association speaks to Ryan. Nine out of ten general practices say they are looking at raising their prices due to difficult economic times, and 70% of them say they're in a worse financial position than last year. General Practice Owners Association Chair Angus Chambers joins the show to give an insight into the situation. Company liquidations are on the rise as consumer arrears continues to ease. What does it all mean? Centrix Chief Operating Officer Monika Lacey chats to Ryan about the situation. 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.

As we squabble over toast for new mums in hospitals and funding for street dance performers in Auckland, we are penny pinching a lot lately, aren't we? We're bickering about all sorts of things, should nurses be getting the free toast in the smoko room if they're doing a night shift? The insignificance of all of these debates is being laid bare this morning. There's an article in the Herald, it's a bit of a truth bomb from the Treasury boss. She's leaving the job, the data is not really new, but the way that she is speaking so openly and frankly is quite new. Her name is Dr Caralee McLiesh. You probably don't know her name, she doesn't do many interviews, she doesn't want to be in the press. She's Australian, she's apolitical, and her five year term coming to an end. She's actually going back to Australia to be the auditor general over there. So, what has she said? Well, she said the chickens are coming home to roost after covid, we have a structural deficit and it is so bad that the penny pinching or the pinching pennies, whatever you want to call it, is just not going to cut it. "Significance concerns about underlying fiscal sustainability of our operating model" she says. Our net core crown debt is at 43% of GDP. Yes, that is still within a prudent level, but it is well up on the sub 20% of pre covid. This is the problem. And so what do we need? She says capital gains tax, more comprehensive than the one we've got, and a change to the pension age. Boy, did we screw the pooch during COVID, right? Everyone said, oh, don't worry, we're going to spend all this money so we don't have a recession, but we've still had recessions. So it doesn't really matter how much penny pinching, though, we still need the penny pinching.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Officials are being told to take a clear look at the financial impact of our ageing population. Outgoing Treasury boss Dr Caralee McLiesh [Cara lee Mick Leesh] has made it clear there's a need for a Capital Gains Tax and superannuation changes, as her five-year term comes to an end. She says with an ageing population, an increasing share of government transfers are going to the wealthy. Independent tax advisor Geof Nightingale told Ryan Bridge more of the population will be taking the national super and needing more healthcare. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The final moments of the deadly sinking of the superyacht Bayesian have been revealed by crew members. New Zealand-born captain James Cutfield is being investigated for possible manslaughter, after seven people died in the disaster. Ship engineer, Tim Parker Eaton, and watchman Matthew Griffiths are also under investigation. Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge everyone was thrown into the water when the ship tilted, according to Griffiths. He says they were walking on the walls of the boat, trying to save every passenger. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday the 2nd if September 2024. The outgoing Treasury Chief Executive has called for a capital gains tax and rise to the retirement age to stop future budget deficits. Could it work? Tax expert Geof Nightingale joins the show. Lambing season is underway and our red meat exports are down 2% from last year. What does it mean for the industry? Silver Fern Farms Chief Executive Dan Boulton chats to Ryan. The All Blacks lose 27 - 31 to the Springboks in South Africa, and team NZ are back on the water just days after damaging their boat when their crane failed. 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.

It’s a big weekend for the All Blacks as they’re set to face South Africa at one of the toughest rugby venues. They’re playing the Springboks in the Rugby Championship early Sunday morning. Former Springbok and Rugby Commentator Kevin Putt told Ryan Bridge that the All Blacks will be walking into a really confrontational, hostile place, but that’s the reason they play the game. He said there’s a reason someone like Sam Cane was brought back, as that experience of playing there with success will be key. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roading advocates say a sudden shift to widespread user charges would be relatively straightforward. Petrol cars could be hit with road user charges from 2027 under the Government's Revenue Action Plan. It's also exploring tolling for all new roads, including the Roads of National Significance. Auckland's Rodney Local Board member and roading campaigner Geoff Upson told Ryan Bridge it's a tried and true system used by diesel and electric vehicles. He says no matter the engine size, drivers will be paying per kilometre driven. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawke's Bay Regional Council is rethinking its policies after facing backlash for allowing patched gang members into a meeting. Images were posted online with the patched members after the council voted to retain Māori wards. Ministers David Seymour and Simeon Brown are frustrated it isn't the forcing the new patch ban. The council's chair, Hinewai Ormsby, told Ryan Bridge it was the first time something like this happened in its chambers. She says a gang patch policy hasn't been in place, but one is needed now. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I've got an amazing wonder drug to tell you about New Zealand, and it saved me in the last couple of weeks. People are talking about it from top of the country to the bottom and it's not Ozempic. No, I'm not taking Ozempic, though, I wouldn't mind trying it. I think a lot of people are curious. David Seymour made this drug a priority. Yes, I'm talking about pseudoephedrine. I felt sick, I took it, the symptoms disappeared. I had a wedding recently and people said they wouldn't have come without it. What must it be doing for our productivity as well? Fewer sick days. I spoke to a friend of mine who's a mum, she's got young kids, and you send your kid to daycare, they get all the bugs under the sun, they bring the germs home. The kids are gross and they pass it on to mum and dad. Mum and dad go down like flies, they take time off work, et cetera, et cetera. And then bam, pop the miracle drug. Pseudo mums and pseudo dads. So they are absolutely over the moon about this. It's the drug we forgot we needed, isn't it? I said to my friend, what about the meth addicts? Because that's the argument, you know, the meth addicts will get it and then they'll cook it up and it could be stolen. It's the precursor to p and she said, I don't care, they'll find it anyway. And I just need to get through my work week and get the kids to school. So thank you David Seymour for Pseudoephedrine. And thank you to Big Pharma. It's really underrated Big Pharma, a lot of people give it a hard time. It's like big oil, you know, just sometimes they do good things. So cheers to whoever it is that makes it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 29th of August, the Government says all vehicles could face road user charges as soon as 2027 to help pay for more transport infrastructure. Rodney Local Board Member and Road Safety Campaigner Geoff Upson joins the show. Hawke's Bay Regional Council are under fire for letting patched gang members attend their vote on Māori wards. Council Chair Hinewai Ormsby speaks to Ryan about what went down. And the All Blacks will face the Springboks in South Africa over the weekend. Will they have an advantage being on home soil? Former Springbok Kevin Putt shares his predictions. 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.

Kamala Harris has finally agreed to her first interview. The Democratic nominee has agreed to an interview on CNN alongside her running mate Tim Walz. The interview is set to air at 9pm eastern time, or 1pm Friday afternoon in New Zealand. US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Ryan Bridge that Donald Trump has released a press release containing potential questions for Harris to asked. Some questions he wants asked are if Harris knew about Joe Biden’s cognitive state, why she decided to stop building the border wall, and why she abandoned her “radical rural position”. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's optimism from the sector over the prospect of more effective infrastructure development. The Infrastructure Minister's launching a National Infrastructure Agency from December to manage funding and proposals and facilitate private investment. Infrastructure New Zealand says the current system is complex, time-consuming and expensive. Chief Executive Nick Leggett told Ryan Bridge that priorities change from one government to the next, but the system itself needs to be sound and pretty secure. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A reassurance that students failing new NCEA pre-requisite tests will still have options to get their qualifications. Less than half of the 55 thousand students who passed the tests passed numeracy, with 59% passing reading, and 56% passing writing. Students must pass all three tests to start receiving NCEA qualifications. PPTA President Chris Abercrombie told Ryan Bridge there's no real time limit on this. He says students could do it in their last year of school and there are still dual pathways. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are hopes a revamp of emergency service communication will streamline responses. Five hundred radio towers and 15 thousand units for first responders are being switched out to make way for a new digital, and encrypted, radio communication system. Politicians and experts say the current analogue system is deteriorating and needs to be replaced. Next Generation Critical Communications Director Steve Ferguson told Ryan Bridge it's worked well, but it's time to move on. He says a digital system will mean better co-ordination between Police, Fire and Emergency, and ambulance services. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the Auckland High Court this morning at 10am, Darleen Tana will be seeking an interim injunction. It's been sought to stop the Greens from meeting to try and waka jump her, and that meeting is meant to go ahead this weekend. There's also going to be a judicial review. The saga continues, and we all know why this is happening, don't we? Because her husband's business is in the hole. The creditors are owed money. I think there was around $100 in the till when they went in there and tried to clean things up. So let's think like the Greens for a second and take a step back. Here is a wahine Māori, she has fallen on hard times. She's made mistakes, sure. Though not proven in a court of law, just a party report at this stage. A party with white privileged elites at the top of it, including Chlöe Swarbrick, a party with resources, a power imbalance. Her actions may have resulted from structural racism, for all we know. This is how the Greens generally approach issues like this. And what does Chlöe and Co. do to this victim, what do they do? They boot her out on the street. Don't let the door hit you on the way out. Despite Chlöe saying this: "We are being careful about the statements that we are making publicly. We have continued to follow process as best as we possibly can to centre our Green Party, kaupapa." Green party kaupapa. If this is the kaupapa of the Green Party, I don't recognise it. Number one, it doesn't sound very greeny, and doesn't sound very in line with how they approach other victims. And number two, and this is the kicker for us. I think we're on the hook for the legal bills here, aren't we? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 29th of August, the Government has a new plan for national infrastructure, could it stop political interference from stopping major projects? Infrastructure NZ's Nick Leggett speaks to Ryan. The rollout of a new radio network for our emergency services has started. How is the $1.4 billion dollar project tracking? Director of Next Generation Critical Communications Steve Ferguson joins the show. Thousands of students have failed new NCEA tests, leaving secondary school principals calling for a complete rethink. PPTA President Chris Abercrombie takes us through the latest. 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.

BNZ is picking our house prices to rise after the new year. They forecast an increase of 7% over 2025, following a flat 2024. Brad Olsen, Infometrics Chief Economist, told Ryan Bridge that while 7% is a little bit higher than what most expect at the moment, everything is quite uncertain. He said that we’ve got a little bit to get through in 2024 before we get too close to understanding 2025. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s another option that could help us fill the gaps in the energy crisis: solid biofuel. It makes use of forestry slash, burning it to generate heat and electricity as a cheaper alternative to gas. New Zealand exports around 20 million tonnes of wood per year, and we would only need to divert around 30% of those export logs to decarbonise every industrial gas and coal boiler in the country, Solid Bioenergy Group CEO Rob Mallinson says. Mallinson told Ryan Bridge that it’s renewable, half the cost of LNG, and we need it to be part of the solution for the current energy crisis. He said he’s not saying it's the silver bullet, but it’s a huge potential part of the solution, especially for the North Island. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s pressure from the Police union to speed up the process to seize gang assets. In a major win for authorities, the High Court released a decision yesterday ruling the Head Hunters must forfeit $15 million in assets, including its Mount Wellington gang pad. It follows a decade of investigation and court processes. Police Association President Chris Cahill told Ryan Bridge it shouldn't take that long. He hopes the milestone decision will mean a new standard in the gang crackdown. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Awful for the family to see – this is the people who were filming that tragic fatal accident on the southern motorway. The news media will cover it, they will film it go out to a story. They will film if the bodies in the accident, they will film the accident aftermath, but they would not show it to the audience. Here we have social media, everyone's got a camera, it's the new word of mouth. You film what you see, and you post it online. It's the Wild West. The cops are upset with this. "I thought that was disgusting. It really was. I mean, I saw some of the footage, it was filmed before emergency services arrived. There were close ups of people deceased in the van and injured lying on the road." Yeah, close ups are people who are injured, lying on the road, not a nice thing to see or to experience. But so long as you're not driving and filming, isn't it actually potentially useful evidence? Couldn't it help with an investigation if police are able to review some of this footage of a crash or the immediate aftermath of a crash? Was that safety barrier strong enough? By the way, how often does a truck's tire blow out? I mean, that sounds like a horrible thing to happen, and frightening, but it obviously happens, then what? You've got no control and it's all over. Back to the filming. It is the new word of mouth; people don't just tell each other what happened anymore. They need to show me. I mean, this is just the way I think that society is going. I'm not saying that I'm on board with it at all, but it's the way it's going, isn't it? There's very little chance we will turn that ship around now and trying to do so may be a little futile. In society we are increasingly desensitised to stuff and insensitive to the feelings of those around us. That's just, that's just who we are now, isn't it? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.