Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Concerns the Middle East conflict will make rising grocery prices worse. The Infometrics-Foodstuffs New Zealand Grocery Supplier Cost Index finds suppliers charged 2.3 percent more on average in February, compared to a year earlier. Annual average produce department costs rose 2.9 percent, the fastest in two years. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Ryan Bridge this doesn't capture rising fuel prices. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hamilton's welcoming the Homegrown Music Festival back to the city where it all began.  Organisers announced last year the festival would leave Wellington after being held on the capital's waterfront for 18 years.  Homegrown Chief Executive Andrew Tuck says Hamilton's Claudelands Oval will offer two-and-a-half times as much space, with acts like SIX60 and LAB set to take the stage.  He says the lineup for this year’s festival is the strongest they’ve ever put together.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An electrification advocate says the rising price and falling supply of gas may not be a bad thing in the long-term.  PwC research —commissioned by Gas Industry Co— has found New Zealand's gas market will need to shrink sharply as domestic supply declines.   It warns this could mean business closures, job losses, and higher energy costs.  Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey told Ryan Bridge it's going to be a tough transition, but we need to move away from gas anyway.  He says gas is an expensive and inefficient technology, especially in homes, and the more people get off it, the better it will be for them in the long run.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand is still a long way off from car-less days, AA fuel spokesman Terry Collins predicts.  Government ministers yesterday were receiving advice on emergency fuel measures that could be taken if fuel stocks got too low as a knock-on effect of Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz.  But Collins told Ryan Bridge Early Edition the Petroleum Demand Restraint Act, which allows for carless days and other options like fuel rationing, is very old fashioned.  “In those days we didn't have things like working from home and all the types of IT that we do today that makes us maintain productivity in another way.”  New Zealand also has a fuel security plan which was updated last year. “We hope it never has to be implemented, but at least we've got a plan and we've got legislation that if it's needed, we can implement.”  There have been reports South Korea could ban exports of refined fuel products to ensure they had sufficient supply at home. That would have major impacts here as New Zealand receives 48% of its refined fuel from the east Asian nation.  In that event, New Zealand would have to look for different markets including Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia, Collins said.  “We get a tiny bit out of places like India and the US, but basically we'd be in the same scramble as many other countries.”  Oil prices are “so unpredictable”, he said. “One thing history's taught me is America tends to underestimate how long they stay in conflict. So I'm very concerned when they talk about weeks when it looks like it could be months.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're learning a few hard truths this week and the old saying rings true - you don't know what you've got 'til its gone. Parties on the left and the right all crying out for more oil. Turns out, it's actually still quite important. A decent supply of it at a stable price. And we're a long way off from that strait opening and running at full capacity again. Trump's talking victory. Winston told me this week the war will be over before people think. But there are sea mines and rocket launchers and drones hitting that strait. No shipping company, or insurer, is going near there for a while yet. The uprising we were told would happen hasn't happened. We've go the old boss' son in charge, and they've just killed his mum, dad and most of his family. He's not giving up anytime soon, is he? More important than oil is food. We've got the Wattie's plant closures. The frozen vegetables are grown here. Peas and beans. Like peaches before them, there'll be some cheaper imported alternative filling the shelves. The farmer's complaints? Regulation. They're drowning in it. Paperwork up the wazoo. It was the same story with pork. Again, you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone. So once this crisis is over, perhaps we remember how important food and oil are to our daily lives and stop demonising the very people trying to keep our tummies and gas tanks full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 13th of March 2025, the Government could consider car-less days to help with fuel security, AA Fuel Spokesperson, Terry Collins shares his thoughts.  Homegrown Festival is back, but this time in Hamilton, Homegrown Festival Founder Andrew Tuck shares his thoughts.  According to a new report the Maui gas field could run dry by 2027, Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey tells Ryan Bridge what impacts that could have on the energy sector.  Plus, UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on Iran targeting the international financial district in Dubai with a drone and a British man has been charged under cyber-crime laws in Dubai after allegedly filming Iranian missiles over the city. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga is a contender to be named as one of Dave Rennie’s assistant coaches, possibly on defence.  The Moana Pasifika mentor would replace Tamati Ellison.  Newstalk ZB’s voice of rugby, Elliott Smith told Ryan Bridge it’s not really a surprise.   He says he’s got a strong connection to Rennie, having played under him for Wellington and the NPC going back 25 years.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's new education spokesperson says giving non-unionised educators pay increases will divide teachers further. Boards can now make individual employment offers to non-NZEI primary teachers after the union rejected three recent deals. Ginny Andersen told Ryan Bridge it undermines existing bargaining and teachers would get more under the collective if it kept being negotiated. She says this is a short-cut that gives them less money and not as good conditions.  Ginny Andersen took over the portfolio in Labour's shadow Cabinet reshuffle yesterday, replacing Willow-Jean Prime. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The impact of the Heinz Wattie's restructure won't be felt by growers straight away.  The company plans to shut three manufacturing facilitates in Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin, and packing operations in Hastings.  It's because of a planned move away from selling frozen vegetables, Gregg's Coffee, and several dips, which means 350 jobs are on the line.  Process Vegetables New Zealand Chair David Hadfield told Ryan Bridge the current year's contracts have been locked in.  He says harvests are either finished, halfway through, or about to start, so it will only effect growers next season.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025 Labour's new education spokesperson Ginny Anderson shares her thoughts on non-union teachers offered a pay rise from the Public Service Commission.  Watties is looking to axe production of its frozen vegetables, Chair of Process Vegetables NZ David Hadfield explains how it will impact growers.  All Blacks legend Tana Umaga has reportedly been picked by Dave Rennie to be an assistant coach, Newstalk ZB Rugby Editor Elliot Smith tells Ryan how significant this appointment could be. Plus US Correspondent Jagruti Dave has the latest on US strikes on Iranian naval vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and the International Energy Agency's decision to release 400 million barrels of stockpiled oil.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I can't see what the problem is with teachers getting a pay rise. If that sounds weird, it's because it's the union complaining.  The union that's always saying teachers are undervalued and underpaid doesn't want the pay rise. They're actually going to take legal action to try and stop it happening.  It's upside down day today folks.  The primary teachers' union is dragging out their collective bargaining (9 months and counting). So in the meantime, old mate Sir Brian Roche is offering non-union teachers employed on individual agreements up to an extra 4.7% within 12 months. 2.5% from 20 March plus 2.1% percent next year. That's, according to the Government, an extra $50-$76 a week per teacher. A third of primary teachers —about 10 thousand— aren't part of the union.  Now the union doesn't like this because, they say, it's the Government trying to break their unity.  But the reality is, they're not united. A third of them don't pay subs to the union so therefore can go down the individual route with school boards.  Last time I checked, they were adults. It's the kids they're teaching.  And the union members, by the way, can accept this offer too, but chose not to.  To your average Kiwi, a union trying to stop non-union teachers from getting a pay rise during a cost of living crisis by bringing in their expensive lawyers looks messy, controlling, and unfair.  Throw into the mix other teachers unions' demands for updates on the war in Gaza and the fact student achievement was in the bin, and they start look beyond out of touch with the rest of us. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's under pressure to act to ensure airlines can continue operating.  Air New Zealand's raised fares due to rising jet fuel costs, increasing domestic fares by $10, short-haul fares by $20, and long-haul fares by $90.  Air Chathams has also raised its standard fare by $20.  Chief Executive Duane Emeny told Ryan Bridge the Government could be playing a role in helping the industry out.  He says they could focus on aviation and start working on things to support airlines should the conflict continue.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lawyer who represented opponents of vaccine mandates says the real test of the Covid inquiry is whether the country learns from its mistakes.  The second phase of the inquiry has found New Zealand's overall response was effective.  But it's found some mandates lasted too long, and the Government didn’t always communicate well with Kiwis.  Lawyer Matthew Hague told Ryan Bridge people don’t expect perfection if another pandemic hits, but decisions need careful reflection.  He says one of the report's recommendations is the introduction of legislation to better protect human rights, and he thinks that's a good idea.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 11 March. 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.

Movement in housing affordability could spell good news for first home buyers.  Cotality NZ's Housing Affordability report for Quarter 4 2025 shows the national value-to-income ratio fell to 7.2.  This is the lowest level since a brief period in 2019 and before that 2016 The Property Investors Federation's Matt Ball told Ryan Bridge it is still higher than the long-term national average of 6.8.  He says the decrease is great for young people, but it would be better for it to come down even more.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You've got to feel a bit for the Air New Zealand boss.  If ever there was a poisoned chalice, he's drinking from it. He's glugging it back. Drowning in it. They've suspended their guidance after the gas price went nuts. Doubled on Iran. That's after announcing a loss of $60 million for the half year. And now they're hiking prices up to $90 on international fares and, reportedly, looking at cutting some routes.  On top of all that you've got David Seymour barking loudly about selling half of you off.  His problems are financial, but the implications are very political. As they always are for the boss of our national carrier.  It's up there with the PM and Rennie's job at NZR in terms of profile and criticism.  But when the going gets tough, you've got to front.  If an NZX update of the kind we saw yesterday was put out by the CEO of a company not half owned by voters, then you'd get away with no public interviews.  But that is not the case for Air NZ.  I spoke to Greg Foran the other day —another Air NZ boss who timed his landing into the job terribly (Covid)— and thanked him for always fronting to the public when the going got tough.  Over the years, he made himself very available. Didn't really matter whether the news was good or bad. There was plenty of bad, engine issues, prices, Covid travel refunds, etc.  Which begs the question, as the airline faces new headwinds, where in the world is Nikhil Ravishankar?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research highlights a need to send more public health procedures to the private system.  Westpac's latest healthcare report shows New Zealand currently spends about 10% of GDP on healthcare, split between 7% on public care and just 3% on private.  It argues the private sector is nimbler, with extra capacity that can help cut wait times and improve outcomes.  Private Surgical Hospitals Association Chief Executive Chris Roberts told Ryan Bridge its hospitals are investing in new facilities and operating theatres.  He says they don't tend to have the staffing issues some public hospitals do, so are looking to provide a bigger service.  LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Enormous” swings in the price of oil are making it very difficult to gauge the severity of the shock to markets from the Iran war, ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner says. Oil hit $120 per barrel yesterday but dropped back below $100 after the G7 nations signalled they could release strategic oil reserves. Zollner told Ryan Bridge she agreed with Finance Minister Nicola Willis' assertion that the duration of the shock was just as important as its size. Market volatility would continue, with “headlines all over the place”, and that uncertainty could lead to people spending less money. But central banks would be keen not to do anything rash by rushing to raise interest rates, Zollner said. For New Zealand’s Reserve Bank, “as long as inflation expectations remain well anchored then they can tolerate a bit of noise in the near term, rather than feel they need to deliberately head the recovery off in order to make sure inflation's back at 2% quickly”. But if the shock was long and sustained “it will be more difficult to look through those inflationary impacts - and then it could get a bit ugly”.  LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Little is known about Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, but he’s likely to continue his father’s “hardline, hostile attitude” toward the US, Israel and the West more generally, one expert says. Andrew England, the Financial Times’ Middle East editor, told Newstalk ZB’s Ryan Bridge that hostility would be compounded because Khamenei's father, mother, wife and sister have all been killed. Khamenei has not given any statement since the war began, England said. “We don't know where he is and we don't really know what the fate of him is. We don't know if he was in that compound, you know, if he's wounded, if he's fit and healthy.” US President Donald Trump had called Khamenei a “lightweight” and warned any new Iranian leader wouldn’t last long without his approval, while the Israelis had suggested they would assassinate a new leader. The choice of Khamenei was a sign of defiance from Iran, suggesting the regime would continue to fight, so he was likely to be a prime target, England said. It was unclear how big Iran’s arsenal was nor how badly they had been damaged, England said. But “from the Islamic regime's perspective, endurance is a victory, survival is a victory. And as long as they can continue firing a missile here, a drone there, and survive this onslaught from the world's most powerful army, to them that will be victory.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner shares her thoughts on how the New Zealand economy will react to the war in Iran.  A new Westpac report says we need to send more public health procedures to the private system, NZ Private Surgical Hospitals Association CEO Chris Roberts shares his thoughts. Iran has appointed a new supreme leader, Financial Times Middle East editor Andrew England tells Ryan what we should know about about him.  Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on fuel rations beginning in Western Australia in response to Iran war and hundreds of people evacuated to Darwin in Northern Territory floods, with loads of crocodile sightings. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The war in Iran is not a shocking event in the sense that we knew it was coming. Trump has been not so much hinting, but sounding a fog horn for months. As we’ve been covering on this show, he’s been amassing military assets in the region since the end of January.  So not surprising. What has surprised is Iran hitting their neighbours, the Gulf states, so hard, including oil fields and refineries. This has surprised markets. Hence what we’re seeing in Asia and at home. Same goes for the price of oil. Yesterday when we talked about that Goldman Sacks estimate of $100 a barrel by the end of the week. We got there by the end of Monday. Remember they also warned of $150 a barrel by the end of the month? Let’s hope we’re not there by Friday.  Oil and fertilizer run our agriculture sector. I listened to a grain farmer in Christchurch yesterday say daily harvesting costs would increase by $2000-$3000. Already.  We are not immune to the price spikes, but we’re also not very well insulated from them either.  We’re reliant on energy imports to keep us afloat now more than ever. Marsden Point used to refine 70% of our petrol and 90% of our diesel. Extracting oil and gas became a cardinal sin under Labour. You don’t know what you’ve got ‘till it’s gone. The international shocks, which as we all know, aren’t now so shocking, are also driving a surge in support for economic nationalism and self-reliance. Think New Zealand First. To this Government’s credit, it has extended our emergency oil back-up supplies and done deals with the Singapores of the world so we don’t run out. As a back stop, we’re about to do LNG. But again, that’s imported and subject to shocks. The more global events we have, the more we yearn for self-reliance and greater energy independence.  Our world-beating exports keep us afloat, but what use are they without a reliable supply of reasonably priced inputs that help produce them?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel is launching a new wave of strikes in Tehran, which has been choked by smoke following attacks on its energy resources.  Iran state-media says a new supreme leader has been chosen but they're yet to be named.  Israel is also claiming its first military deaths of the war with two soldiers dead in southern Lebanon.  Iran continues to lash out at US allies with Saudi Arabia authorities saying two have been killed and 12 injured in a recent attack.  The Guardian Washington Bureau Chief David Smith told Ryan Bridge that Iran is risking further spreading the war.  LISTEN ABOUT See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A shake-up to GP trainee employment could make the pathway into general practice more appealing. Health New Zealand will now directly employ all first-year trainees not already in private practice - with applications opening today for next year. Currently, doctors must switch to being employed by the College of GPs. Health Minister Simeon Brown told Ryan Bridge it’s been one of the barriers discouraging doctors from specialising as GPs. He says they effectively become employees of the college and lose leave balances and other conditions - which is a challenge for recruitment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday the 9th of March 2025, Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian David Smith shares the latest on the conflict in the Middle East.  Health New Zealand will now become the direct employer for all first-year GP trainees, Health Minister Simeon Brown tells Ryan how this will benefit new trainees. Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport.  Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on Trump telling Starmer he doesn't need his assistance of an aircraft carrier to fight Iran as the war has already been won and Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has been the latest to call for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to be removed from the royal line of succession.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This country's fines make no sense.  you can get$70 for parking a few minutes over in the wrong spot, $150 for driving in a bus lane at the wrong time, which is the same texting while driving, an act that could, in theory, distract you enough to kill somebody on the road. So what gives?  You get $30 for going a few Kms over 100 on a main road.  Anyone who's been to Australia knows things are different. Way harsher. People, generally, follow the rules as a result.  Burt that doesn't mean nobody's crashing and dying on their roads, does it.  The problem is revenue gathering. If you actually set the fines based on the potentially damage an action may cause, we'd have a totally different system and set of punishments.  But you'd also have councils and cops who take the piss and revenue grab - speeding cameras in areas nobody's seen a crash in decades.  That's basically why we are where we are.  There is one change they can make that I support - free parking for over 80s.  Gore already does it. Oamaru is looking at doing it.  They've got new parking meters installed in December and it's apparently, according to Age Concern, making the elderly anxious.  They're digital. You get two hours free but then have to enter your details for a third hour. The fear of getting a $70 ticket is too much for them so they just don't drive into town. That's a massive setback for an older person.  That's less chatting to people in the mall, shop-owners and cafe owners, less socialising.  If you've made it to 80, you deserve to head into town. In your own car. Without being scared of half yah pension flying out the window in fines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 Formula 1 season is kicking off in Melbourne today.  Homegrown racer Liam Lawson will be facing the Albert Park street circuit once again – the race that saw him fail to finish last year.  NZ Herald Sports Reporter Alex Powell told Ryan Bridge it’s been a tricky start to the year for everyone, with new cars and new regulations, so everyone’s waiting with bated breath to see how they’ll go.  He says today will be the first time we’ll see these cars and race situation on a track.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are claims a Parliamentary inquiry into online safety is rushing toward regulation without fully considering the consequences.  A Select Committee is backing a social media ban for under 16s and calling for an online regulator and tougher controls on harmful apps and algorithms.  ACT MP Parmjeet Parmar initiated the inquiry last year but says the recommendations don't have adequate analysis.  She told Ryan Bridge concerns about youth online are real, and we need to find real solutions for them.  Parmar says it's a complex issue and wasn't dealt with the seriousness that parents and young people deserve.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Other countries are using our medicinal cannabis products more than we are.   ACT leader David Seymour says he's looking at further improvements to speed up processing for exports of the plant, which he believes could one day rival the wine industry.   He is open to improving regulation domestically as well.  Cannabis Clinic CEO Waseem Alzaher told Ryan Bridge there's are a lot of companies growing the plant locally.  He says that product is being sent offshore, in forms people can't get in New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK Prime Minister has an uphill battle to convince the public his response to the war in Iran is the right one. Sir Keir Starmer has announced four extra Typhoon jets are being sent to join the squadron in Qatar, while helicopters with anti-drone capabilities will shortly arrive in Cyprus and the HMS Dragon is being deployed to the Mediterranean. The move follows a strike from an Iranian-made drone at the UK’s Akrotiri air base in Cyprus. But Starmer is still being accused of having “completely misjudged” the need to put defences into Cyprus, UK Correspondent Grey told Ryan Bridge. The HMS Dragon wouldn’t arrive for around a week, while other European nations were very quickly filling the void by sending naval assets. “Frankly many people think Keir Starmer has been caught rather napping on this - plus the fact, rather embarrassingly for him, the first...government-chartered flight out of the Middle East for people who were stuck there had been delayed for some engineering problems.” The flight had now taken off, Grey said. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 6th of March 2025, a parliamentary committee’s final report in online youth harm recommends a social media ban for under 16 year olds, Dr Parmjeet Parmar who represents Act on the committee says she was hoping for a different outcome.  The Formula One 2026 season kicks off in Melbourne today, NZ Herald sports reporter Alex Powell joins Ryan from Melbourne. David Seymour thinks the medicinal Cannabis industry could be an untapped goldmine, with export levels similar to our wine industry, Cannabis Clinic CEO Waseem Alzaher shares his thoughts. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on Keir Starmer announcing the UK will send four fighter jets to Qatar to strengthen UK defensive operations and Spain pushing back against the White House’s claim that it agreed to cooperate militarily with Washington amid the conflict with Iran.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I don't mind paying the train tax in Auckland, even though I won't be using it.  Rates are going up 7.9% next year. Which let's be honest, is like Woolworths selling butter for $7.99.  It's 8%. Wayne Brown is the 8% man.  Mr Fix it is hitting us in the pocket, and it will hurt.  An extra $320 for your average ratepayer. The average goes from $4,055 to $4,375.  If we didn't have to subside the City Rail Link's operations, it'd be 0%.  Now, usually, something like this would get me a bit angry. I'd be tempted to go tag the side of a locomotive in the middle of the night with a cartoon of Wayno saying some like "Let's F Auckland". Just remove the ix from his campaign slogan. I don't generally use public transport because it's not convenient for me to do so. It's a timing and location issue, really.  But if we don't subsidise the users, then it won't get used. If it doesn't get used, then roads will stay clogged. If roads stay clogged, that's time and money down the drain.  If the thing does what it says on the label —and we haven't actually seen that yet because the bloody thing hasn't opened— it'll be worth the extra $300 a year to me via other gains.  This might be naïve or a touch too hopeful, but if this thing works then I don't mind paying the train tax.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dave Rennie era is upon the All Blacks.  New Zealand Rugby announced his appointment as Head Coach yesterday, succeeding Scott Robertson in the role.  His assistants have yet to be determined, but it’s a focus of Rennie’s.   Sports Commentator Sam Ackerman told Ryan Bridge that there should be something resembling continuity, and Jason Ryan could be one to stay in the mix.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whanau Ora's Chair believes there's more focus on removing children from their families, rather than their safety further down the track.  A critical report from the Independent Children's Monitor argues that little progress has been made in living up to National Care Standards introduced six years ago.  It finds the percentage of young people suffering abuse or neglect in care has risen from 8% to 10% in the year to July last year.   Chair Merepeka Raukawa-Tait told Ryan Bridge once children are in care, the minimum standards are not adhered to.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 5th of March 2025, Dave Rennie has been named the new All Blacks head coach, sports commentator Sam Ackerman shares his thoughts.  Does the conflict in the Middle East risk knocking out our export gains? Trade Minister Todd McClay explains. The Independent Children’s Monitor says abuse in state care is rising Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency Chair Merepeka Raukawa-Tait tells Ryan what needs to happen to make change.  Plus, US Correspondent Jagruti Dave has the latest on the Pentagon press briefing on Iran and the Senate set to vote on a war powers resolution.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s export boom is accelerating. New international trade figures show exports climbed to $29.2 billion in the December quarter - up $2.2 billion on a year earlier. Two-way trade also jumped to just over $61 billion. Trade Minister Todd McClay told Ryan Bridge dairy is performing strongly, with meat exports up a remarkable 21%. He says growth has soared with countries we have free trade agreements with, like the EU, UK, and Australia. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know how they say cranes in the sky is a good sign of growth?  Well, not in Auckland. Not at Seascape. It’s meant to be this city, this country, tallest tower. 187 metres tall. Beautiful expansive views of the water. 52 stories. A statement building for a city on the move. But for two years we’ve had this… construction stopped, half finished, beams and nuts and bolts exposed. Then yesterday the Chinese outfit developing it folded completely. Gone-ski. So what happens to this half-cooked tower down by the wharf? It’s kind of hard to miss, you know. Imagine the Sky Tower with scaffolding on it for a year. Whatever happens needs to happen fast.  Auckland is getting its mojo back. We’ve been talking all over the city lately, the areas your tourists venture, it’s coming alive. The ICC, the CRL stations, the shops, Ponsonby, viaduct and waterfront; absolutely humming and heaving.  There’s a buzz in the air and it’s not just politicians talking it up. Go and see if for yourself. It’s happening. Even a lot of the road cones have disappeared.  Someone out there will be eyeing a bargain, surely, and answer our prayers. Get in there and finish the job. Polish that turd and help make this city shine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Utilities Dispute service is welcoming changes to power rules.   The Electricity Authority's new rules, which kick in from October 30, will force power companies to simplify their bills and tell customers if they're on the best plan they provide.   It will also mean power companies could only send backdated bills once every six months.   Utilities Dispute Commissioner Neil Mallon told Ryan Bridge it won't just benefit customers.   He says it will lead to fewer complaints and make it easier to resolve complaints.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s concern youth offending boot camps don't cater to the issues impacting children the most.  Newstalk ZB understands the programme for young offenders is starting in Palmerston North on Monday, for 10 youths.   They'll spend more time in the residential facility than in the pilot, and this iteration will have more input from local iwi.  Kickback co-founder and youth worker Aaron Hendry told Ryan Bridge these are kids who are often struggling in poverty and homelessness themselves.  He says parents don't have the adequate support to help children get through tough issues.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, tourism total spend hit $46.6 billion in the year to March Tourism Minister Louise Upston shares her thoughts.  New changes to your power bill could mean money back in your pocket, Utilities Disputes Commissioner and CEO, Neil Mallon explains. Youth social workers are warning the Government bootcamps won’t fix youth crime, Aaron Hendry, youth development worker and Kickback co-founder tells Ryan why.  Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the UK government is considering whether to send a Royal Navy warship to the Mediterranean to increase security while helping British citizens currently stuck in the Middle East get home and Rachel Reeves has updated MPs on her economic plans.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s confidence tourism spending will soar even more.  Stats NZ data shows tourism spending hit $46.6 billion in the year to March 2025, up 3.3%.  International visitors spent $18.1 billion – a 7% jump.  Tourism Minister Louise Upston told Ryan Bridge Chinese arrivals remain below pre-Covid levels but have surged recently, driven by last year’s policy changes.  She says one is allowing visitors with an Australian visa into New Zealand, which has had a significant impact.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If this is still going on in two or three weeks, lots of countries, including ours, will start to feel the pinch.  Brent Crude Futures topped out at $85 a barrel overnight, the highest price since 2024. JP Morgan says it could hit, worst-case, $120.  The Iraqis are now pulling back production because of the Hormuz logjam.  Refineries in Asia are, according to Bloomberg, thinking about cutting production by 20-30% for the same reason. You've got tankers backing up and unable to port.  All this stuff means delays.  Our economy is quite dependant on oil and gas. It's a common misconception that we aren't. Because we generate 80% of energy as renewables, or thereabouts, people often think that's the same as use. In fact, about 60% of our energy comes from fossil fuels.  Kelly Eckhold from Westpac told me yesterday it's likely petrol prices will go up for us. As of yesterday, he estimated 8 cents a litre at the pump within a week or two.  Oil prices are lower by comparison of late but that $100 to $120 barrel JP Morgan scenario is key. That's the point at which our inflation forecasts would have to change.  And we know that that means, prices going up.  Think about how much of what you do in a day, driving a car, using a plastic pen, powering your business, trucks getting food to supermarkets, uses oil.  And once you get those prices going up, you get general prices going up.  And then you get the Reserve Bank's back up. And then what? Do consumers pull back spending again? Is this event the hill our recovery dies on?  Let's hope not. It's early days. Scenarios are exactly that. A lot of TBC. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stability is continuing to erode across the Middle East with another day of large-scale combat.   The White House advises its military attacks on Iran could last weeks.  The strikes have killed Iran's Supreme Leader and numerous officials and more than 1250 targets have already been struck.   Tehran's been retaliating, sending strikes over surrounding countries, with six US servicemen among the dead.  National Security Expert Matthew Schmidt told Ryan Bridge that when all is said and done, there are a few basic groups who may gain control in Iran.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The commander of naval vessel HMNZS Manawanui is facing a court martial —alongside two other officers— over its sinking off Samoa's coast in 2024.  Charges laid under the Armed Forces Discipline Act allege errors on the bridge meant the vessel grounded on a known navigational hazard.  Commander Yvonne Gray, Lieutenant Commander Matthew Gajzago, and a third unnamed officer are facing charges.  John Battersby, Senior Fellow at the Centre for Defence and Security Studies, told Ryan Bridge that as a commander of a naval vessel, your one job is to keep it above water.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister’s being accused of playing politics over Iran.  Christopher Luxon says the Government will make a decision very shortly on whether to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity.  Former Foreign Minister Phil Goff told Ryan Bridge if Luxon wanted to take a stand, he should have done it already, as moving now would look opportunistic.  He's questioning why the Government's treating Iran differently than countries like Russia, and thinks we need consistency.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 3rd of March 2025, New Haven University Director of International Affairs and National Security Expert Matthew Schmidt shares the reaction from the US following the latest developments with Iran.  The captain of the Manawanui Commander Yvonne Gray, is among three navy officers being charged over its sinking in Samoa last year, Massey University Centre for Defence and Security Studies Senior Fellow John Battersby shares his thoughts.  The PM’S signalling the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could soon be officially listed as a terrorist organisation here, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Former Minister of Defence Phil Goff tells Ryan how New Zealand should react to the ongoing situation in the Middle East. Plus, Australia Correspondent Lesley Yeomans has the latest on a state of emergency in central Australia following torrential rain and Aussie dairy farmers want law changes to stop labelling non-dairy products as "milk".  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s been a lot of chat about AI replacing jobs lately. And I get it, there are signs it’s happening. For certain roles, especially more junior ones, the threat is real. But there are some things a computer will never know and never be able to do. Like reading somebody’s emotions. Burger King in the US, this is a story out this week, is trialling AI software to judge how courteous and friendly its staff are. They’ve got an aptly named AI assistant, Patty, apparently doing this task. Party lives in their headsets, monitoring their every word. If you’re handing out Whoppers at a drive thru, Patty will apparently record how many times you say welcome, please, and thank you. Patty then delivers the Whopper crew a daily friendliness score. Apart from sounding like a peak micro-managing pain in the ass, Patty, with respect, actually doesn’t know what she or it is talking about.   Can Patty detect sarcasm? Does Patty know if you’re dead in the eyes while welcoming the next hungry customer? Customer service isn’t so much about what somebody says, but how they say it.  It’s a glint in the eye. An affectation of the face. In Japan a polite bow of the head. In New Zealand, too much talking and fake friendly could be seen as rude. We’re more of a smile and polite hand gesture-type country. Human interaction is intricate and unique and takes even trained humans time to properly figure out.  We humans have more than 40 facial muscles and using them in different ways can apparently convey 10,000 subtle emotional messages. I went to the bank yesterday to order a Eftpos card. The bank manager came over to say hello and I can’t tell you most of she said, but I know she was lovely. I went home and told my partner about her.  Is this a job AI can master? I mean really?  Even if Patty had a camera on our eyeballs, a microphone, and pulse checker, I don’t it could truly tell what we’re really thinking in a way only other humans can. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A barrier stopping rural workers from using KiwiSaver is being lifted. Farm workers, rural teachers, police and defence staff have been unable to make first-home withdrawals, because they’re required to live in employer housing. The Government’s now allowing them to use their savings, including towards buying a farm. Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Ryan Bridge that these workers have been locked out of the KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal for too long. She says if people are working hard to get ahead, where they live shouldn't exclude them from the property ladder. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Israeli Prime Minister says bombing in Iran could continue for days.  Coordinated strikes with the US have killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and multiple senior officials - resulting in Iran launching counter strikes across the Middle East.  Three US service members have been killed in the military operations while nine people in Israel have been killed in Iran's retaliatory attacks.  Iranian officials have formed a transitional council to lead the country.  The Guardian Washington Bureau Chief David Smith told Ryan Bridge Benjamin Netanyahu wants the offensive to continue - but US Congress likely won't.  He says they will want US President Donald Trump to leave Iran as soon as possible. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have a new issues poll out this morning.  It's from IPSOS. 1000 people. Was taken after Waitangi weekend.  The numbers are bad for National, because they should be winning on more issues.  But Luxon won't hate the numbers because they're going in the right direction of a few key issues.  A significant increase on Cost of Living - after a period of trending in the wrong direction.  Another 'significant' increase on healthcare/hospitals- closing the gap from 19 to 12 points since October.  After being overtaken on the economy, they've come back to draw with the reds.  Interestingly, concern from voters about poverty and inequality is trending down - despite the big push in the media last week.  The reality is that Labour is still ahead on three of the five issues.  But no election is won or lost on a single issue, is it? Although Covid in 2020 and cost of living in 2023 were dominant.  What the election will come down to, as I've always said, and everyone already knows, is Winston Peters.  He has told me that he will not form a government with Labour if 1. Hipkins is in charge. And 2. it needs propping up by the Greens or TPM.  He says they're nuts.  So, as long as the polls, stay roughly where they are, the National party strategists will stick largely to the same script and wait for Winston at the alter.  Barring, of course, nay campaign snaffus that might get any of the above into trouble and offside with us, the voters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian David Smith, has the latest on US/Israel strikes on Iran.  The Government will allow farmers to use their KiwiSaver to buy their first home or farm, Finance Minister Nicola Willis tells Ryan about the impact this will have.  Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport.  Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on UK troops at a base in Bahrain are narrowly missed by a rocket fired from Iran and tens of thousands face flight disruption as airlines are continuing to cancel and divert flights serving the Middle East. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.