Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

There's a big puffy cloud of smoke hanging over the vaping versus cigarettes debate this week.  It's all kicked off because the Government's handing out free vapes to smokers to stop them getting what we know could be a death sentence.  They've done a deal to buy a bunch of them for $500,000. Between last January and July, 3000 smokers were given vaping kits and nearly half of them stopped smoking. Which, ordinarily, you would think would be a good news story.  Not so for Kelly Burrowes, Auckland University Vaping Researcher. She said on Newstalk ZB that it wasn't.  So I spoke yesterday to Robert Beaglehole. Yes, the Robert Beaglehole. Former boss of the World Health Organisation. Public health expert.  He says some of the searches are from laboratory-based scientist with no epidemiological or public health experience and doesn't have the big picture in mind. He says one of the other antagonists to this approach clearly doesn't comprehend the evidence, because it's a mystery to why someone would oppose something that is much less harmful and cheaper.  It feels a bit to me like the Covid days when you had so-called experts piping up about the harms of a disease without taking a helicopter view of the best way a society should manage such risk for the least-overall harm.  There's a political element to this, too. Because we know there are certain politicians desperate to paint Casey Costello as some sort of big vape lobbyist in drag.  The choice, really, if you'd call it that, seems to come down to the devil we know and devil we don't. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liquor licensing mayhem for Christchurch bar owners as the opening of the new stadium nears.   Super Rugby's Super Round games will be played at One NZ Stadium on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Anzac weekend.   But alcohol laws mean bars must close at midnight on Friday and can't serve alcohol without a meal before 1pm on Saturday.   Hospitality NZ's Canterbury President Jeremy Stevens told Ryan Bridge they've been hoping to get an exemption.  But he says despite the council and Mayor Phil Mauger being on board, current legislation won't allow it  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former chair of Health New Zealand says a fix to issues within health data systems has likely been put off, after a possible hack of MediMap.  The platform's widely used across the country, especially in aged care, disability, hospice, and community health.  Rob Campbell told Ryan Bridge there's a lot of issues within data systems that need fixing.  He says it's expensive, can be complex and isn't headline grabbing, so it's the sort of thing people put off.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 25th of Feburary 2025, nurses at aged care facilities are going back to paper-based prescriptions after Medimaps data breach, Former Health NZ Chair shares his concerns.  Christchurch bar owners say Anzac Day liquor laws will ‘shut the city down’ on the new stadium’s opening night, Jeremy Stevens Hospitality NZ Canterbury Branch President tells Ryan how much it'll impact bars.  Pharmac's looking at funding two new Melanoma drugs, medical oncologist and Melanoma specialist Dr Gareth Rivalland tells Ryan how big of a difference the drugs would make.  UK/ Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on trade minister Chris Bryant calling Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as a "rude, arrogant and entitled man" and a baby boy has become the first child in the UK to be born using a womb transplanted from a dead donor. 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 treatment options for melanoma are being described as the global gold standard.   Pharmac's proposing to increase access to nivolumab and ipilimumab for treating stage 3b and 4 melanoma, from May.   Pre-surgery use of the immunotherapy drugs can lower the chance of cancer returning.  Medical oncologist Dr Gareth Rivalland told Ryan Bridge it's state of the art treatment.   He says it's the best combination and will kill off the cancer in 60% of people.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Government has made fast-track a buzzword. After yet another massive hack of private information on Sunday, it needs to put that buzzword into action and sharpen up our privacy laws. Like, yesterday.  Especially if we're talking about your health information getting stolen and potentially posted online by hackers for a ransom.  The hackers it seems, are pretty much a mystery and never get caught. That ship seems to have sailed, and we can, at least for now, put that in the too hard basket.  But the folks we can fine, which we currently don't, are the businesses asking for our information and not doing enough to protect it in the first place.  If there was ever a need for better regulation and harsher penalties, it's with cases like this - what should be your private data.  In New Zealand, Consumer says there is no express penalty or fine for a breach.  The Privacy Commissioner has the power to issue a fine of $10k. Yes, just $10k. And that's only if a company doesn't report a breach of tries to hide it.  The Aussies will whack you with a fine of up to AU$50 million. That makes ours look like a slap with a wet bus ticket.  Companies should be scared to ask for your private information because the risk of it being nicked is evidently very high.  In two months, we're had the largest ever hack in our history, through Manage My Health, and now this MediMap breach.  Last week I went shopping for some new clothes, a few t-shirts and some shorts. I was asked for my name and email and address. Why? A mailing list no doubt.  I didn't have to provide this data, but if I did, I'd pay 10% less for the clothes. I paid full price but couldn't leave with a receipt unless I handed over my email.  Businesses want our information because they can sell us more stuff, but it should be illegal to ask unless the law requires it.  And if the data they do have is stolen, that should be their problem under the law. The fines ought to reflect how serious the breach is. With health, it ought to be millions.  They should be scared, like with health and safety laws, to even ask for your personal information. It's not like this problem has suddenly sailed into port.  That's why the legislation should be fast-tracked, bipartisan, and tough as nails.  Otherwise, we can all look forward to another data breach coming to a town near you soon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former UK ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.  Mandelson was fired and has been under investigation over his alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein.  It comes as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has written to his UK counterpart Keir Starmer, calling for the former Prince Andrew to be removed from the royal line of succession.  Australia correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge the line of succession is a very complex legal framework.  She says the charges require all Commonwealth countries to pass new laws, but Albanese says they're grave allegations and Australia takes them very seriously.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long term benefits could justify the Crown pouring more money into Genesis Energy.   The company's revealed a $400 million capital raise to up its investment in renewables.  Now the Crown's purchasing $200 million worth of new shares to maintain its 51% shareholding.   Major Electricity Users' Group Chair John Harbord told Ryan Bridge Genesis is focused on storing electricity for dry years.  He says that backup supply is the most important electricity for the system.   But Harbord says the investment doesn't do much in the short term for affordability issues.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Airways New Zealand is pushing for the Civil Aviation Authority to lower the age New Zealanders can get an air traffic control licence amid worries our talent's being poached overseas.  The air traffic control provider's sounded the alarm during an address before a Parliamentary Select Committee.   CEO James Young says there's a global shortage of controllers, and in other areas like controller training.   Aviation Industry Association CEO Simon Wallace told Ryan Bridge a licence can currently only be obtained at 21 or older.  He says this is something Airways has brought up, and the regulator should be looking at this.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, the Government’s forking out $200 million to keep its majority stake in Genesis Energy, Major Electricity Users' Group Chair John Harbord tells Ryan if this is a good investment.  Warnings that staffing shortages could spell big problems for our airline industry, Aviation Industry Association CEO Simon Wallace shares his concerns. Auckland councillor Alf Filipaina tells Ryan why he wants Police stationed at the City Rail Link long-term.  Plus Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on Anthony Albanese writing to Sir Keir Starmer supporting laws to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of royal succession and a monsoon low is heading across three Australian states, bringing torrential downpours and flash flooding.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police say they can't keep an ongoing presence at Auckland's new City Rail Link long term.  The country's largest transport project is scheduled to open to passengers sometime in the second half of the year.  But a Police official told an Auckland Council Safety Committee this month they're preparing to ramp up operations in quarter three.  Auckland Councillor Alf Filipaina tells Ryan Bridge conversations need to be had.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwis are known around the world for their kindness.  We open doors, we say please and thank you, we help out our neighbour. We leap in to help when help is needed.  It’s one of the traits we’re most proud of. But one thing we hate more than anything else is when that kindness is taken for granted - then it’s no more Mr Nice Guy. We say this with kids stealing from dairies and ram-raiding poor old hard-working dairy owners. The minute they started destroying livelihoods and beating people with screw drivers and hammers, sympathy evaporated. Sure, some of these kids may have had hard upbringings, but there are plenty of kids with tough upbringings who choose not to drive a Nissan Gidda through a four-square window at 3am. So, we voted for boot camps. We reversed our ‘no chase’ police pursuit policy. We cracked down. Kindness has its limits.  A long time ago, for those who frequent the city, we crossed the same line with beggars and rough sleepers. We care about them. We donate our time and money to the City Mission. We pay our taxes knowing they should be going to help in some way, improve their lives. But there are also a bunch of idiots taking advantage with squirted bottles at traffic lights. They can be aggressive and dangerous. Same goes for the rough sleepers on the footpaths in some of our big cities.  It’s costing businesses. It’s destroying the reputation of entire swathes of city shops. These shops provide jobs for the rest of us. Especially in our biggest city, where foreign tourists first impressions should not be a punch up between two roughies on the footpath. So, while the headlines about this ‘’move on” policy, like the crackdown on ram-raiders before it, or the hardline on Kainga Ora tenants before it, will scream cruel and mean.  They’re out of step with the reality people are facing in their own lives. The good grace cup hath runnith empty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Monday the 23rd of Feburary 2025, The Government’s moving to give Police new powers to move on beggars and rough sleepers, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith tells Andrew about the difference this will make for town centres. Donald Trump's announced a new 15% global baseline tariff with a new law, after the US supreme court ruled his existing tariffs illegal, Federal Tax Economist at Tax Foundation Alex Durante shares his thoughts.  Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport.  Plus, UK/ Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on new Epstein files say London police officers were instructed to provide security for a dinner party at Jeffrey Epstein's New York home and Spanish police have arrest a 20-year-old man suspected of hacking a hotel booking website and reserving luxury rooms priced at up to €1,000 per night for just one euro cent.  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 Government is proposing a law which would allow Police to order someone rough sleeping or begging, to leave a public space for up to 24 hours.  They could be fined up to two thousand dollars or three months in jail if they don't. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith joins Andrew Dickens. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If I was asked whether I’d back Defence Force professionals over politicians on Defence protocols and training, I’d back the professionals every time.  ACT and New Zealand First, Winston and David, have asked questions of the Defence Minister Judith Collins on the amount of Māori culture, lore and language which is part of the Defence Force’s preparation for combat.  This is not a new complaint.  Questions about Karakia and haka come up from time to time.  Some see this a against the old God, King and country ideal.  But the Defence force has always used Māori tikanga to build cohesiveness.  They use haka to bring the forces together.  It’s a war dance after all.  They use Karakia, Powhiri and other tikanga Māori a lot because a lot of Māori serve in the defence forces. Proportionately more than other segment of the population.  It’s part of their organizational identity because the culture is unique to New Zealand and therefore beneficial in bonding the team.   And when serving in multi-national military actions it differentiates us from all the other grunts with guns.   The question is whether all this multi-cultural woke stuff detracts from making us fighting fit. Well, I’d like to see David Seymour say that to a Māori SAS officer.  And we’ve had race-based military before.  The Māori battalion. And they made us proud and the world take notice.  The military has always embraced Māori culture because they see it as a strength and not a weakness.    It’s only performative politicians in their shiny suits in election year that sees Māori culture in the Defence Force as a problem.  As any of the 150,000 people at the Edinburgh Military tattoo over the weekend will tell you. The Māori stuff is well liked and is respected. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A shocking morning for the UK, with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor being held in custody.  Police have been investigating allegations the former Prince shared confidential information with late sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein.   The BBC understands Police gave advance warning of his arrest to the Home Office – the UK government's internal affairs department.  It says his brother King Charles wasn't told of the arrest in advance, but he's released a statement saying the law must take its course.  UK correspondent Vincent McAviney told Ryan Bridge this marks a huge day.  He says you have to go back about 350 years since a member of the Royal Family was captured in any way.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The spotlight's on the Royal Family following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.  This follows allegations the former Prince shared sensitive information with late sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein.   The family of late Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, who also accused Mountbatten-Windsor of misconduct, told the BBC they celebrated after hearing of his arrest.  Mountbatten Windsor's brother King Charles says the law must take its course.   Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Ryan Bridge with everything in the public eye, it'll be hard to keep calm and carry on.  He says it seems Mountbatten-Windsor's in for a very tough ride, but so is the Royal Family.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's optimism newly introduced visa-free travel for Chinese and Pacific tourists will prove successful long-term.  The trial allows visitors to enter New Zealand for up to three months on a valid Australian visa.  The Government says arrivals have almost tripled since December, reaching 36,800 visits.  Immigration Minister Erica Stanford told Ryan Bridge the scheme will be reviewed around the 12-month mark to assess its success and any risks.  She says there's little to no risk, as we're essentially piggybacking off Australia's robust system.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Auckland City Counsellor says the Government's plans for the CBD won't be clear for a while.  It's reducing the proposed homes allowed in the Supercity from 2 million to 1.6 million.  The revision to new density rules will focus more on builds in the central city and around key transit hubs, than in suburban areas.  Franklin Ward Councillor Andy Baker told Ryan Bridge he doesn't think it'll please everybody and isn't the silver bullet some people have been asking for.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's been arrested and is in custody over alleged misconduct in public office, Royal Commentator Richard Fitzwilliams tells Ryan about the impact this will have on the Royal family's reputation.  The Government's down a u-turn on housing intensification in Auckland, Franklin Ward Councillor Andy Baker shares his thoughts.  Immigration Minister Erica Standford tells Ryan the latest on the success of visa-free travel for chinese and pacific island tourists.  Plus, UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest from Buckingham Palace on former Prince Andrew's arrest.  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 was driving through a street just out of Auckland’s CBD yesterday and saw all these apartments for sale. New buildings. Many looked empty. Loads of 'for sale' signs.  Why don't people want to buy them? Is it the price?  Some older 70s brick and tile types close the city are apparently selling in the $400 thousands. Newer ones seem to run more, depending on location. Wellington has a few steals at the moment. But again, not many interested buyers. Is it the economy? Is it the annoying body corporate fees? Is it the leaky building memories? The fact you can’t swing a cat in most of the living rooms? Having to see your neighbours in the lift? Are they poorly designed and made? Perhaps they overheat in summer?  Or is it just that we still want a stand-alone house with a backyard?  We just hate apartments? The Government yesterday just announced a 23% reduction in new homes for Auckland as part of changes, but we are still getting 1.6m new homes. And many of them will be apartments.  My question is, will any of them sell? There’s an entire block in Auckland, newly built by a developer, that had to be rented because they wouldn’t sell. A recent housing survey found 80% of people would consider living in a standalone house. 69% a townhouse. An apartment? One third. I get it, ideally, we all want space and gardens and lawns to mow. But if we can’t get that and want somewhere to live, why aren’t we buying apartments? Especially young people, who apparently don’t mind high-rise living as much. We can’t be that dissimilar to the rest of the world, surely? I think what it comes down to is that people don’t want to invest in something that’s relatively expensive vs. income, doesn’t appreciate like land, and may not sell quickly if you need to get rid of it. Which makes you wonder who’s going to buy and live in all these one and two-beddy’s going up all over town. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An economist is pointing out a potential problem with the Reserve Bank’s economic forecast.  The Monetary Policy Committee, chaired by Anna Breman, has decided to keep the OCR unchanged at 2.25% for now.  It says while inflation is above the target band, the economy still needs some time to recover.  Cameron Bagrie told Ryan Bridge that the problem with the Reserve Bank’s forecast is the assumed uptick in productivity growth.  He says they’re assuming the supply side capacity, via productivity growth, will improve, which will keep inflation lower, but if we can’t get supply side capacity up, inflation will prove to be a lot stickier.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two new blood cancer medications could soon be available to patients as pills, with one accessible through private clinics.  Pharmac will consider funding treatments for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, which could be available from May 1st.  They can be taken in pill form and take away the need for chemotherapy.  Blood Cancer NZ CEO Tim Edmonds told Ryan Bridge the medications take a targeted approach to first-line treatment, which means they’ll be able to access targeted therapy instead of chemotherapy once diagnosed.  He says instead of visiting the hospital up to 20 times in six months, they can take an oral tablet every day from home and actually get better outcomes.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions around why action wasn't taken sooner following a fatal dog attack in Northland.  62-year-old Mihiata Te Rore was killed by three dogs on Tuesday as she visited a home in Kaihu, north of Dargaville. Local MP Shane Jones says jail terms should be considered for owners of what he labels 'homicidal dogs'. Animal behaviour expert Mark Vette told Ryan Bridge animal management were aware of the dogs, so it's a shame they didn't step in earlier.  He says this clearly shows something was wrong, and that they were aware of the high-risk situation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So the OCR decision was largely as expected yesterday, but what the Reserve Bank made very clear is where they think growth will come from. As we’ve spoken about on the show lately, house prices aren’t running away here like in Australia, bar Queenstown. In previous recoveries, the wealth effect kicks in and people go shopping when their house prices go up. But this time the bank says prices will stay flat, then pick up again later this year, but only at the rate of income growth.  In other words, the opposite of what we’re used over the past few decades.  Usually, as anyone who’s tried to buy a house will know, the price of a three-beddy in Auckland grows quicker than your salary. That’s all changed now because we have more supply, at least according to the bank. So without the tickle up, where does economic growth come from? Anna Breman answered that question specifically yesterday and was pretty clear: agricultural exports, tourism, and more recently, some signs that manufacturing is picking up. These are industries that bring us money from offshore. They provide the basis for other sectors, like services, to pick up. If you’re a farmer or tourism operator in Queenstown or Rotorua, you should feel proud of that. And we, through our government, should support them.  That means staying off their backs and letting them get on doing what they do best: feeding the world and providing unforgettable experiences for visitors. On manufacturing, it’s hard to ignore the energy debate. If we don’t have a steady and reliable supply of electricity, trying to run a factory or a mill, as the central North Island has learnt the hard way just recently, becomes very difficult. So while LNG and coal for Huntly, or methane target changes, might sound bad, they’re basically what ensure we support the industries that support us. What the Reserve Bank said unequivocally yesterday if that without them, there is no growth.  And without growth, there are no new jobs. There ain’t more tax. No new hospitals. Etc. etc. This is not to say it’s a perfect world. There are costs to not doing environmental stuff. But for them to work, you need the world on board. In the meantime, the question is whether we can afford to bite the economic hand that feeds us. If you listen to the bank, it wouldn't appear so.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 19th of Feburary 2025, RBNZ Governor Anna Breman held the OCR at 2.25%, Independent Economist Cameron Bagrie shares his thoughts.  Pharmac is moving closer to backing two new drugs for people living with chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Blood Cancer NZ CEO Tim Edmonds tells Ryan why funding for the drugs is important. Shane Jones has called for jail sentences for owners of roaming animals, Dog zen owner and pet behaviour expert Mark Vette shares his thoughts.  Plus, US Correspondent has the latest on peace talks in Geneva between Russia and Ukraine and Mark Zuckerberg appearing in court for a landmark trial on youth social media addiction. 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.

Praise for the Infrastructure Commission's 30 year plan.   It lays out 16 recommendations for the next three decades, including prioritising hospital investment and better managing assets through maintenance.   Civil Contractors New Zealand says the plan recognises the role that infrastructure plays in people's quality of life.   Chief Executive Allan Pollard told Ryan Bridge it’s a good, open, honest assessment of the challenges faced in New Zealand’s infrastructure programme.   He says it reflects a lot of the things they’ve been advocating for – including the need for a clear, consistent pipeline of work, rebuilding capacity and capability, and a long-term vision.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some reassurance a jump in bread prices isn't major as food price inflation rises sharply.  Latest Stats NZ data shows the rate's risen from 4% a month ago to 4.6%.  In the past year, the very cheapest loaf of white bread has gone up by almost 60%, and steak and chocolate more than 20%.  Baking Industry Association President Bernie Sugrue told Ryan Bridge most loaves of bread haven't had price rises as much as this, despite increased costs for bakeries.  He says 60% doesn't represent a lift in all bread prices, just that one particular loaf.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 18 February. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We'll learn today where the new Reserve Bank Governor sees the OCR heading. The central bank's expected to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 2.25%. Governor Anna Breman will be releasing her first Monetary Policy Statement since taking charge 11 weeks ago. It's likely to show when inflation should start easing, and when the economy should recover from last year's downturn. Economists expect the OCR will rise again late this year and early next year. Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold shares his thoughts with Ryan.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The answer depends on whether you can afford it. Congestion charging is coming and that'll add to the cost if you need to drive for work.  This is only a proposal, based on the original toll, inflation-adjusted, almost 70 years ago.  The suggestion, nothing's hard and fast, comes from an Infrastructure Commission report.  We know there'll be a toll to cross the new bridge, or tunnel, whichever gets built - the Government already told us that.  What we know now is that the both the old and the new crossing will be tolled. So, there's no avoiding it. If you can avoid it, they don't collect the revenue they need to pay for the new one.  Why $9? They reckon it's the sweet spot that will get enough people using it to make enough to pay for the new build, without scaring everybody off and, again, leaving it short on revenue.  So basically, driving a car over the bridge becomes a luxury item. You'll either need to be a bit rich or as happens overseas, your employer will pay for your car or Ute or truck to cross.  And what about everybody else? Well, when they build the new bridge, it'll have bus lanes and other public transport options that'll be cheaper.  Most people, they reckon, will opt for public transport.  Which is fine, so long as public transport suddenly becomes reliable and more linked-up and bus drivers aren't getting stabbed and bashed all the time.  The other point here is, is $9 actually that much money in the scheme of things? People cross the harbour by ferry for about that price. But, there's a cap to how you pay overtime and you usually haven't got car running costs and petrol, etc. So, driving would become a premium option.  The question then becomes, do you not build because $9? The answer is simple, of course you do.  If we complain about the cost of building stuff and never build a thing, we will continue this death spiral we've been in.  We need productivity growth and infrastructure and all those good things. They don't come from nowhere. They come from good, planed investment.  What we need is good financial controls on the design and construction. We need a government doing the budget, rather than a gold-plated version. And we need that government to agree with the one that comes after it that this is a national interest project.  Mess with the bridge and you mess us.  Then just get on a build the thing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bittersweet result for Contact Energy’s shareholders.   The energy company released their half-year results yesterday, recording a 44% rise in net profit.   But it's now in a trading halt while it starts raising capital for more renewable energy projects.  Shareholders Association CEO Oliver Mander told Ryan Bridge Contact is unlikely to be the last to announce a capital raise – with more likely coming up later in the year.  He says it’s important for current shareholders to make an active decision going forward, as there’s no value gained by simply doing nothing.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The business events sector's working to bump up our international multi-day conferences, which are currently lagging behind domestic bookings.  A Business Events Industry Aotearoa report shows events contributed $925 million to the economy last year.   Multi-day conferences generated approximately 1.5-million visitor nights for accommodation, nationwide.  BusinessNZ Advocacy Director Catherine Beard told Ryan Bridge if you want to attract events you have to have good venues that are big enough to take big conferences – like the new International Conference Centre in Auckland.  She says it’s a bit like stadium shows for major music acts – if you don’t have the events and can’t draw the crowds, you’re going to miss out.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, The government’s ordered an independent review over what happened at Wellington Water’s Moa Point, Mayor Andrew Little tells Ryan what he hopes will come out of it. A new report shows business conferences contributed nearly $1 billion to the kiwi economy last year, Business NZ Advocacy Director Catherine Beard shares her thoughts.  Contact Energy posted a half year net profit increase of 44% to $205 million, Shareholders Association CEO Oliver Mander provides analysis.  Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on the alleged Bondi terror gunman’s first court appearance and a major supermarket chain accused of misleading customers, faces court action. 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.

Wellington Mayor Andrew Little says everyone is now in the hands of central Government, as an inquiry is announced into the catastrophic failure at the Moa Point Water Treatment Plant. A Crown Review team's being appointed to look into the failure of Wellington's wastewater facility. Little was met with clear frustration from locals at a lack of clear answers at a public meeting on the issue in Kilbirnie last night. He told Ryan Bridge people need the chance to express their anger, but says the review is now a matter for ministers. He says they need to figure out what happened as a matter of public confidence. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's like a hungry child screaming for more food, even though you've just fed them dinner and pudding.  Across the Tasman, Jim Chalmers, the Aussie Treasurer is facing high debt and deficit. They've managed to achieve the highest level of spending to GDP of any Government in 40 years, outside the pandemic. Sound familiar?  To deal with this, the IMF has just told them they should cut their cloth.  They've also suggested the Federal Government may need to bail out some states who are also weighed down by the Double Ds of post-Covid governance - debt and deficit.  Let's not forget this is the lucky country. The one that's been firing on cylinders we don't even have. The Flying Aussie Roos, it turns out, haven't quite been putting away for a rainy day despite making hay while the sun shines.  So, what do they do? There's a report out from The Australian this morning that they're considering taxing more.  Remember they already have a capital gains tax, the thing we don't have but Labour's promising to introduce.  But they have a discount on it for assets held for at least a year - once you flick it off you get half off the tax.  Their Treasurer has apparently been keen on getting rid of this discount before, and not ruling it out now.  It brings them an extra $10 billion in revenue.  So when parties here say they'll solve our problems with new taxes, is that the end of the story? Or does the insatiable beast come back for more?  This is a problem unique to government. In private business, as you well know, you only put prices up so high in order to cover costs.  People have choice about what they buy and they might put you out of business. So you cut costs. You innovate. You change and adapt to remain competitive.  Government's can raise taxes indefinitely.  The problem with some of them is that, given the chance, they would.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hopes new events settings coming to Eden Park stadium will bring more foot traffic through Auckland's city-centre. The stadium will be allowed to host up to 12 large and 20 medium-sized concerts a year under the changes - without the need for resource consent.  This will bring the total of concerts allowed up from the current 12. Night-time sport will also be allowed on any day, as long as the games finish by 10.30pm. Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck told Ryan Bridge she thinks back to the Metallica concert last year - and the buzz that it brought to the city.   She says fans stayed around for days - and were queuing round the block for merchandise. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 16th of Feburary 2025, The Government's allowing Eden Park to host 22 concerts a year, on any day, without the need for resource consent, Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck shares her thoughts.  Labour’s laying down conditions on the FTA with India, Beef and Lamb Chair Kate Acland tells Ryan what it will take to get the deal across the line.  Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport.  Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the UK and Europe accusing the Kremlin of assassinating Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and a water leak at the Louvre that caused damage to 19th century painting.  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.

Full credit to Tom Slingsby at the Aussies on their victory over the weekend. It obviously didn’t hurt that the Black Foils and Burling, and the French, crashed out.  It was brutal to watch. I was at the racing on Saturday in the grandstand and up close, you get a sense of how fast they’re going and how close they are to one another. And that’s what makes it such a thrill. You’re not meant to say that, but everybody there on Saturday was as hyped about the near-misses and close calls as they were about the results and actual racing. That's human nature. You can’t look away from a car crash.  It’s the same reason UFC is nipping at the heels of boxing and Run If Straight is now a thing people watch and get paid for. We like the excitement of somebody possibly getting hurt or injured. Throw in the fact athletes take the risks, hopefully calculated ones, and come out victorious… and you have yourself an afternoon of entertainment. There’s skill and talent and technology involved, no doubt. But you wouldn’t turn up to watch a Sail GP boat race itself.  The question is whether people will still be thrilled by a split-fleet format with fewer boats jostling for position, which is a move that was apparently on the cards anyway. And if this is the first of many safety improvements, how different will the competition look and feel? Look at what happened to rugby union when safety overtook entertainment.  If you don’t give people action, they go find it elsewhere.  Now, don't get me wrong. I’m not saying I want crashes galore and let’s throw caution to the wind and create the equivalent of bumper cars on water, but it must surely be something organiser will be thinking about.  And as for Burling, did he push it too far? If he executed the exact same race and won without crashing, nobody would be complaining. But that’s the thing about this competition, it’s fractions of technology, weather and conditions that make a difference. There's talk his rudder failed him. Was that driver-inducted failure or just bad luck? Nobody wins playing safe. And people don’t watch sport for its safety features. At the same time, to win a race you’ve got to finish it. And that lesson, more than any change to the rules, might be what slows drivers like Burling down a touch in future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday the 13th of Feburary 2025, The Government says Kainga Ora has exceeded savings targets, delivering $211 million in operating cost reductions, Associate Minister of Housing tells Ryan how they've made savings. New Zealand First's announced they'll be campaigning for a referendum to put an end to Māori electorate seats, former Te Pati Māori co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell shares his thoughts.  The Sail GP is back in Auckland, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited CEO Nick Hill tells Ryan how big of a boost this will be for the city.  Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on Sir Jim Ratcliffe apologising for saying the UK is 'colonised by immigrants' and US President Donald Trump's multi-billion dollar lawsuit against the BBC has been scheduled to go to trial in February 2027, according to court documents.  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.

All eyes are on Auckland's waterfront this weekend - as Sail GP returns.  Thirteen teams on foiling catamarans will race around the Waitematā Harbour tomorrow and Sunday. Last year's Sail GP drew in more than 25-thousand spectators - for Auckland's first time hosting.  Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Chief Executive Nick Hill tells Ryan what they're doing to prepare. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know how everyone complains the lights at supermarkets are too bright? People reckon they do it on purpose.... it's a trick to make you awake and alert, no matter the time of day, so you keep shopping and buy more stuff.  Well, the opposite is true of movie theatres, right.  You go there and they dim the lights because it makes you feel relaxed and comfortable. The screen is a sensory overload - that's what you're paying for the. The lighting enhances that. Well, can I just say that you shouldn't never go the movies early, before they've dimmed the lights.  I went to the movies the other day in the afternoon. My usual cinema was not showing anything at te time I wanted.  Off I go.. down to... wait for it... Queen Street.  $17 for parking. That's on me.  $40 for the ticket and coke... which went down smoothly after I choked on the price.  Anyway, the cinema's empty but the lights are on. Like flood lights. Like Supermarket lights.  There is precisely zero glamour about a Queen Street movie theatre in full glare.  It's like when they turn the lights on at a nightclub.  The seat was so worn in the backside and shoulders there was no tread left on the thing.  Then there were the stains...and I don't really want to go into those.  The carpet was all worn and tatty and under the seats - popcorn for Africa. It's like somebody vacuumed the bits you walk on and everything else they forgot.  Now. I'm not complaining about this. Believe it or, I just don't really complain about bad experiences at restaurants and stuff because I always think, if you don't like something, just don't go.  And I like going to the movies. Even though I knew it was a bit gross and tatty, I sat down and pretended I was at the Silky Otter.  All I'm saying to you this morning, dear listener, is you wouldn't shop in the dark, so don't visit the movies in the light. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Draught beer excise tax has been frozen in Australia and there are calls for the same to be done here.   The goal is to relieve some pressure on local pubs.  It rises in New Zealand automatically every year, while beer consumption has fallen to the lowest on record.   Founder and Director at Abandoned Brewery Tim Ward told Ryan Bridge he questions what the tax is trying to achieve.  He says it's meant to offset alcohol harm and discourage consumption, but it's a blunt instrument.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand homeowners are holding onto their properties for the longest period yet.  A report by Cotality NZ reveals the median hold period for profitable re-sales hit a record 10.1 years for the fourth quarter of last year.  Resale profits have also stabilised, with 88% of homes selling for more than their purchase price.  Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson told Ryan Bridge the housing market is pretty flat, so if you want to make some kind of gain you have to hold on for longer than in the past.  He says there’s a stark difference between those who hold on 10-20 years and have a higher chance of making a profit, versus those who sell after only three or four years, who have a higher chance of making a loss.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Signs of fatigue with another review of the country's Covid-19 response now in the works.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis new inquiry looks at the Reserve Bank's monetary policy decisions, including printing $55 billion.  Findings are to be released just weeks before Election Day.  Massey University business professor Claire Matthews says there's potentially some value in it, but the timing feels like an election ploy.  She told Ryan Bridge we're also now six years past the start of Covid. Matthews says the Reserve Bank has also already done a review and taken lessons from it, so how much more are we going to learn.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Signs of fatigue - with another review of the country's Covid-19 response now in the works.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis new inquiry looks at the Reserve Bank's monetary policy decisions - including printing 55 billion dollars.  Findings are to be released just weeks before Election Day.  Massey University business professor Claire Matthews says there's potentially some value in it - but the timing feels like an election ploy.  She told Ryan Bridge we're also now six years past the start of Covid. Matthews says the Reserve Bank has also already done a review and taken lessons from it - so how much more are we going to learn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The brutal death of that poor wee boy Malachi is a disgrace.  It's heartbreaking to think an adult could be so cruel to young child. Malachi was beaten, starved, thrown against walls... you name it. Basically torture.  Now we have these debates popping up about it. Should the Minister front for interviews? Karen Chhour, herself a product of the foster care system, was criticised yesterday for attending a pre-planned lunch event to eat some lamb on Parliament's lawn. She should have, according to the RNZ story, presumably been inside answering questions about why more wasn't being done about this boy's murder, which you might recall was back in 2021.  Kelvin Davis, you may also recall, came in for a hammering from the media when was Minister.  So, I think we should all be really clear, neither Karen nor Kelvin nor any politicians are responsible for the deaths of babies.  The fact there is no culprit for the death of Baby Ru in the Hutt is, you could say, the fault of the Police.  But ultimately, as with all these cases, fault ultimately lies with those who do the killing, and those who do the covering up. You know, the family who won't speak to Police. The partner who won't do in their other half.  They're the real culprits here.  Yes, there are things we can learn. Things we can do. Things we change.  We can change the name of the agency. We can add a red-flag system. We can appoint a Children's Commissioner.  But ultimately none of it does much good, does it?  We average around 10 or 11 kids killed by homicide ever year.  Ask OT, or CYFs before them, and they'll tell reports of abuse seem to be trending down, but they have a new thing called reports of concern which are going up.  We actually don't know if it's getting better or worse because of there's a data lag - I know, incredible. But you'd have to say, on the whole, the picture's not rosy, and no amount of stalking MPs around Parliament is going to fix it.  Any fix, surely, has to happen inside the home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 12th of Feburary 2025, The Government's launching an inquiry into how the Reserve Bank acted during the Covid pandemic, Claire Matthews, Associate Professor at Massey University Business School shares her thoughts.  Kiwi brewers are calling for the Government to freeze draught beer excise, Founder & Director at Abandoned Brewery, Tim Ward tells Ryan how this could help local brewers.  Property owners are holding on to their properties for the longest period on record, Cotality Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson shares his thoughts.  Plus, US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on a meeting between Trump and Netanyahu on Iran and Police have released a man hours after they detained him in connection to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.  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.

More turmoil could be waiting in the wings for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.   He won't be standing down in the wake of his press secretary and chief of staff resigning.   Starmer's former deputy leader, Angela Rayner, has set up a website as part of a potential leadership challenge.   UK correspondent Mike Pearse told Ryan Bridge an upcoming byelection could be another blow for Starmer.   He says the polls have Labour coming last which would be a massive challenge for Starmer.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters' politicking around the India free trade agreement is nothing new.   There's been weeks of back and forth within the coalition about the contents of the deal, which still hasn't been publicly released.   Peters has spoken out about the deal prohibiting a specific cap on Indian student visas.  Queen City Law managing director Marcus Beveridge told Ryan Bridge Peters made similar criticisms about 20 years ago, but was shut down by Helen Clark.  He says Todd McClay and Christopher Luxon have been a bit more feeble and weak on this one, so Peters has more mileage.   Beveridge says we don't cap any foreign students, so the whole thing is a bit of a red herring.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.