Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.
Episodes
Vicky Pryce: Business Correspondent on the upcoming UK Budget announcement, cost of living protests in Europe
The UK's new Chancellor is set to deliver his first Budget. John Healey will set out Labour's tax and spending plans on October 28th, with tax increases possible. Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce told Ryan Bridge there have been some hints about what the Budget will include, such as some redistribution of funds from the wealthiest to those who need it the most. But she says it'
Erica Stanford and Ginny Andersen: National and Labour's Education Spokespeople on curriculums, fundamentals, learning support
There's potential for National and Labour to find common ground on education, despite disagreement over curriculum reforms. National's Erica Stanford told Ryan Bridge she tried to engage Labour while NCEA changes were being drafted, but to no avail. She says a recent meeting with Ginny Andersen revealed plenty they agree on —like the structured literacy mandate— but Labour still doesn'
Oliver Hartwich: NZ Initiative Executive Director on ACT's policy manifesto
Most voters have not realised how difficult New Zealand's fiscal predicament is, says a think tank boss. New Zealand Initiative executive director Oliver Hartwich said the ACT Party's manifesto shows it is the "most radical" about getting government spending to 2017 levels. Released yesterday, the manifesto pledged to cut "wasteful spending" by $22 billion over four years, getting debt
Ryan Bridge: Will the US midterms matter more to Kiwis than our own election?
Odds are on we'll get another hike to the OCR tomorrow. That'll take us to 3%. Markets are pricing the chance of that hike happening at about 85%. It's not great timing for a Coalition government trying to get elected when cost of living is the number one issue. But that's obviously not something the Reserve Bank should or would care about. Their job is inflation. All
Full Show Podcast: 27 October 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2026, Education Minister Erica Stanford and Labour's Education spokesperson Ginny Anderson join Ryan for an election special discussing schools, children and education policy. Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on the forthcoming budget in the UK and what it means for capital markets and the controversial approval in UK of the
Bill Geradts: Armageddon Expo Organiser on this year's Auckland event
The country's biggest pop culture extravaganza Armageddon starts in Auckland today. Around 50 thousand sci-fi, anime, fantasy, and gaming fans are expected to flock to Auckland Showgrounds this weekend. It's filled with more than 400 exhibitors, including a reunion of the Supernatural cast, a High School Musical sing-along panel, and international guests like Highlander star Christop
Francesca Rudkin: Why are charter schools vilified?
Education Minister Erica Stanford’s education overhaul has been impressive this government term. We’re seeing improvements in primary school student achievement, the NCEA qualification is not long for this world, and how good is it to have cellphones out of the classroom? But for all the changes, there are families who feel the system simply doesn’t work for their child, whose needs, interests or
Full Show Podcast: 23 October 2026
Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 23 October. 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.
Barbara Edmonds: Labour's Finance Spokesperson on CPI falling to 3.7%
Inflation's eased up slightly - but it's also become more persistent and widespread. The official inflation rate has fallen in the past three months - from 4.1 percent to 3.7 percent - due to a brief fall in fuel prices. But underlying core inflation has been rising and more items are increasing in price. Labour's Finance Spokesperson Barbara Edmonds told Francesca Rudkin the government doesn't ha
Andrew Alderson: Newstalk ZB Sports Reader ahead of the Indian cricket tour
The Indian cricket tour begins tonight with a T20 against New Zealand at a sold-out Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The sides last met in March's World Cup final at Ahmedabad, won by the then-hosts. However, the start times for this tour seem to be an issue, as an 8pm start means the games won't be ending until nearly midnight. Newstalk ZB Sports Reader Andrew Alderson told Ryan Bri
Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber CEO on the Mood of the Boardroom weeks out from the election
Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges says politically, the Mood of the Boardroom shows a "tactical draw" between National and Labour. The survey of business leaders shows dissatisfaction and a desire for more investment in infrastructure, reform, leadership and talk of productivity, Bridges told Ryan Bridge. "Because you'd expect, and they are in their numbers, the Nats as a cen
Mike Jones: BNZ Chief Economist on the latest inflation figures being released today
A warning we could see some more nasty inflation spikes before the year is out. Stats NZ is releasing the inflation data for the three months to September just before 11 this morning. Economists expect it to show inflation’s sitting around 3.7%. BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones told Ryan Bridge they're expecting inflation to rise to 4.7% in the next update. He says most of it
Full Show Podcast: 22 October 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 22nd of October 2026, economists are expecting a mixed bag in today's inflation figures, BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones takes his pick. The Black Caps open their five-match t20 series against India in Christchurch tonight at 8pm, with the first game at Hagley Oval, Newstalk ZB Sports Reader Andrew Alderson shares his though
Ryan Bridge: My final election prediction, Qiulae's out
Nearly there. Voting's already happening for Kiwis overseas. Monday, we start in-country. Two weeks later it's all over and counting begins. The result looks as tight as a fish's bum. Here's my predictions: Opportunity won't get 5% and the Coalition will be returned to power. I want to be clear, this is not based off a scientific poll-by-poll or electorate
Sarah Helm: NZ Drug Foundation Executive Director on the new report showing three people are dying a week from preventable overdoses
Opioids remain the biggest driver of overdose deaths, often with a cocktail of other substances. The latest NZ Drug Foundation report reveals the country's losing around three people a week to preventable overdose. It also shows a rise in hospitalisations from stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine. Foundation executive director Sarah Helm told Andrew Dickens that in 85% of
Sarah Dalton: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Executive Director on Labour's plan to cut down ED wait times
A health sector leader's praising Labour's plan to get our emergency departments into recovery mode but says there are still gaps. The party's released its plan combining all their health election policies, including three free GP visits, a stock take of empty hospital beds, and training more extended care paramedics. Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Executive Director Sara
Full Show Podcast: 21 October 2026
On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 21st of October 2026, Police arrests for retail crime are through the roof, Retail NZ CEO explains. Labour’s promising to cut emergency department wait times, Association of Salaried Medical Specialists' Executive Director Sarah Dalton tells Andrew if the plan will work. The Drug Foundation says three New Zealande
Carolyn Young: Retail NZ Chief Executive says retailers are celebrating a Police crackdown crime
There's a view retail crime's reduced as penalties have strengthened. The Ministry of Justice's latest data shows finalised charges for theft from a retail premises were more than 21,000 for the year to June, more than tripling since 2022. Retail NZ believes offending's dropped as much as 30% since last year. Chief Executive Carolyn Young told Andrew Dickens retailers are reporti
Andrew Dickens: A Government before Christmas is unlikely
The other day Christopher Luxon sent conniptions through the commentariat by saying we'll be lucky to have a Government by Christmas. I'm not surprised. So we have an election on November 7th. Writ day is December 3rd – that's the deadline for all the votes to be counted. It's three weeks later. It's always been three weeks later. Now here's a thing: same day voting
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the NZ Superannuation Fund posting a return of 14.17%
Our Superannuation fund is seeing great returns, but growth is still needed for the long term. The 25-year-old fund is now worth $94.35 billion dollars, excluding tax, with it earning $9.3 billion in the past reporting year – a return of almost 14.2%. Infometrics' Brad Olsen told Andrew Dickens that it's useful money to have, but the expectation for the fund is to grow it to $200 billi
Danielle Adsett: New Zealand Apples and Pears CEO on the India Free Trade Agreement coming into effect
There's excitement in the apple sector over access to 1.4 billion Indian consumers being unlocked. Our new Free Trade Agreement with the world's most populous nation takes effect today, with 57% of exports to India now tariff-free. The number of tariff-free exports would rise to 82% over time, with the next round of cuts due from next year. Apples and Pears Chief Executive Daniel
Full Show Podcast: 20 October 2026
On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Tuesday 20th of October 2026, Labour's pledging to ban social media for under-16s within its first 100 days if elected, Secondary Principals Association Chair and B416 expert advisory panel member Steve McCracken shares his thoughts. The New Zealand Superfund has posted a 14.17% increase, Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen te
Steve McCracken: Secondary Principals Association Chair and B416 Expert Advisory Panel member on Labour's social media policy
A school leader says it's fantastic both major parties are backing a crackdown on children's social media use. Labour says if elected, an under-16 social media ban will go before a select committee within 100 days, alongside a new digital duty of care law. National introduced a similar bill to Parliament in August. Secondary Principals Association Chair and B416 expert advisory p
Andrew Dickens: We need more dentists
There's an election promise to train more dentists in Otago – the first increase in training numbers in 10 years. And if it comes to pass, you'll have to ask, why did this not happen earlier? In John Key's day, economic policy supercharged our economy on the back of mass immigration and surging property prices. But as our population rapidly grew, nobody stopped to have a hmm. &
Full Show Podcast: 19 October 2026
On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Monday 19th of October 2026, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Labour's health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall joins Andrew to discuss health policy ahead of the election. National wants to scrap the right to silence in child murder cases if re-elected, Victims advocate Ruth Money shares her thoughts. Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce ha
Ruth Money: Chief Victims Advisor on National's promise to remove the right to remain silent
A suggestion National's promise to remove the right to remain silent could be expanded beyond cases involving children. If re-elected, the party wants to remove the right, when a child under 12 is killed. The party admits the policy may breach the Bill of Rights Act, but says bringing accountability to unresolved cases outweighs the potential harms. Chief Victims Advisor Ruth Money told Andr
Andrew Dickens: Split voting is undemocratic
The split voting thing. In the weekend papers were full of full-page ads paid for by RCR. This appears to be the vessel for Don Brash and Nick Mowbray to promote their tactical voting tactic to create an overhang that benefits the centre right. I don't like it the same way Don Brash doesn't like John Key telling people how to vote and of course their platform benefits in that th
Elliott Smith: Newstalk ZB Rugby Commentator on the second Bledisloe Cup test
After a decisive victory over the Wallabies last week, it's time for round two. The All Blacks secured the Bledisloe Cup, but pride is still on the line as the two teams clash at Sydney's Accord Stadium. Newstalk ZB's Elliott Smith told Andrew Dickens the Kiwi side will be wanting to go our and deliver a similar performance to what we saw at Eden Park, given they got back on track afte
Mike Casey: Rewiring Aotearoa CEO on the political promises to make plug-in solar available in New Zealand
A solar advocate agrees National's six-month timeframe to get plug-in solar in shops is doable. New Zealand doesn't yet have regulations to permit the trade of plug-in systems. National's pledging to prioritise finishing work already under way in getting them into shops if re-elected. Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey told Andrew Dickens it's a simple process, which many countri
Malcolm Mulholland: Patient Voice Aotearoa Chair on Starship cancer treatment delays
A patients advocate says the news of Starship treatment delays isn't about making anyone look bad, but keeping families informed. The Auckland children's hospital's confirmed about 20 chemotherapy cycles have been delayed by a few days due to staffing shortages. Health NZ says it had to make adjustments amid high demand and high staff sickness. Patient Voice Aotearoa Chair Malcolm Mulholland
Full Show Podcast: 16 October 2026
On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Friday the 18th of October 2026, Cancer treatments for children at Starship hospital have been delayed, Patient Voice Aotearoa Chair Malcolm Mulholland shares his thoughts. After a whopping at Eden Park last week, the Wallabies are getting ready to stare down the All Blacks again, Elliott Smith joins Andrew from Sydney. Nationa
Andrew Dickens: Is the Greens' co-leadership a thing of the past?
Yesterday's talkback outrage was all about the MPs and the gangs. A meeting that was condemned by both the Chrises in the Leaders debate. But despite this weight of opinion, Marama Davidson doubled down on the visit – and then she promised more funding for gang run social programmes. Well, I don't think Marama quite understands the issue. I actually don't mind MPs talking
Brigitte Morten: Political Commentator unpacks the second major leaders debate
Is there a clear winner in the wake of the second major leaders debate? Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins went head-to-head in the NZ Herald's Leaders Debate last night, clashing on education, geopolitics, and wages, amid other things. Political Commentator Brigitte Morten told Ryan Bridge the real competition wasn't just between the two leaders, but rather whether or not they could
Casey Costello: Associate Police Minister on the near-record number of new police officers entering the force
This year is set to be one of the highest graduating years in the history of the New Zealand Police, despite wings often not being at capacity. Around 730 recruits are expected to graduate from police college in 2026, almost 50% more than the average over the past two decades. Police say the incoming pipeline remains healthy with more than a thousand people in different stages of the a
Grant Webster: Tourism Holdings Chief Executive on tourism numbers nearly reaching pre-pandemic levels
New Zealand's looking to attract more tourists from Europe and the US to reduce our reliance on Australians. Stats NZ data shows almost 249 thousand overseas tourists arrived in August - 99% of 2019 levels. The figure includes more Australians than in any August on record. But Tourism Holdings Chief Executive Grant Webster told Ryan Bridge Chinese visitors have overtaken Australians as Queenstown'
Ryan Bridge: We need more ambitious leaders in education
Story of the week this week goes to a Herald piece about Ngaire Ashmore, the principal of Auckland Girls' Grammar. Ten years ago, she took over and turned the place upside down. Where there was failure, there's now a 92% university entrance mark for Year 13s. It was less than 50% when she started. The article gives the impression of a driven, serious, and quite determined lead
Full Show Podcast: 15 October 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 15th of October 2026, political commentator Brigitte Morten shares her thoughts on the New Zealand Herald Leaders debate. New Zealand is a whisker away from pre-covid tourism levels, Grant Webster Tourism Holdings Limited Chief Executive tells Ryan how the industry has bounced back. Record numbers of new cops are about to hit t
Glenn Dobson: Drug Detection Agency CEO on workplace testing revealing surging cocaine use
Employers are being warned cocaine use is surging in workplace drug testing. Drug Detection Agency data shows the drug made up 3.2% of positive tests in three months to October, up 118% year on year. Amphetamine-type substances, including meth, accounted for 25.4%, up 9.4% over the past year. Chief Executive Glenn Dobson says there are similar trends in the US and Australia. 
Steve McCracken: Secondary Principals' Council Chair on Labour's plan to axe the mandatory hour of reading, writing, and maths despite parent approval
School leaders want more information from Labour on its plan to scrap a mandated hour of reading, writing, and maths in schools, while achievement results are improving. Leader Chris Hipkins announced last week teachers would be given more choice over how they spend their time. But a Curia Market Research poll shows 74% of Kiwis support the mandated hour policy. Secondary Princip
Rachel Mackintosh: Etū National Secretary on the aluminium sector warning of job losses after govt declines request for safeguards
There are concerns a flood of cheaper aluminium imports from China could lead to local manufacturers shutting their doors. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer has declined a request for safeguard measures to protect them. MBIE noted the domestic industry is struggling, with the increase in imports just one reason among many, including increasing costs. E tu Nat
Full Show Podcast: 14 October 2026
On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 14th of October 2026, a new poll shows just how popular the hour of reading, writing and maths has become, Secondary Principals Association Chair Steve McCracken tells Andrew if teachers are on board with it too. There's concern for New Zealand's aluminium industry after the Government rejected protection against cheap import
Andrew Dickens: Why is Qiulae Wong polling so well when her policies are so radical?
So, if Qiulae Wong is generally considered to be the best thing in last night's debate, how did she do it and how is her fringe party keeping popular enough to perhaps enter Parliament? Her greatest strength last night was acting like a normal person. It struck me that she was the only person on our screen that was not a career politician. That includes the panel who were full of
Lawrence Xu-Nan: Green Party MP on their proposal to regulate artificial intelligence
The Greens want to keep a tight rein on AI. The Party wants people held accountable for decisions made using Artificial Intelligence, and to have a public register of AI systems used by Government agencies. It wants people to be able to opt-out of AI-assisted decision making and wants to put a pause on hyperscale data centres. Green Party MP Lawrence Xu-Nan told Andrew Dickens A
Leeann Watson: Business Canterbury CEO on the ASB research showing economic activity doesn't tend to slow down ahead of elections
ASB says elections aren't usually a handbrake for business or household decisions. Fresh analysis from the bank has found activity doesn't tend to slow down before an election or speed up right after one. Senior Economist Mark Smith says there were two exceptions around the 2008 and 2020 elections but adds that was probably because of the GFC and the pandemic. Business Canterbu
Geof Nightingale: Tax expert says National's tax relief seems a fair way off
A tax expert suggests National's trademark tax relief seems a fair way off, with little wiggle room in its fiscal plan. The Party says it can't offer tax cuts until it gets on top of debt. It says all its commitments are costed, matching Labour's $2.4 billion Budget operating allowance. Tax expert Geof Nightingale told Andrew Dickens the $7.5 billion left over arrives in 2029, so it's
Full Show Podcast: 13 October 2026
On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Tuesday the 13th of October 2026, National’s dangled the carrot of tax cuts, but not until the books are back in surplus tax expert Geof Nightingale shares his thoughts. The Greens' newest policy takes on their biggest rival yet -- AI, Green Party MP Lawerance Xu Nan explains how they plan to regulate it. ASB are challenging the old idea t
Andrew Dickens: We need to do something about the retirement age
With National finally releasing its fiscal policy, it’s easy to generalise the plan as more of the same. The only difference from Labour is that they are in love with pay equity, which comes at a huge cost and leaves the whole balancing act with very little wriggle room. But the enormous ogre under the bridge is the rapidly expanding cost of Superannuation. How long are we going
Louise Upston and Willow-Jean Prime: National Social Development Minister and Labour social development and employment spokesperson on their new policies
The election season is well underway, and employment is a key issue for many voters. National has pledged more drug testing for beneficiaries, to ensure more Kiwis are ready to get into work, and Labour has voiced opposition to this idea. National Social Development Minister Louise Upston says she's confident the Government's measures to reduce unemployment are working - but there's more to be don
Vicky Pryce: business correspondent on Europe's reaction to Trump easing Russian diesel import restrictions
Trump has made a new diesel deal with Russia, and it's sparked concerns in Europe. Under the agreement, 300,000 tonnes of Russian diesel will be released to the US immediately, followed by a further 500,000 next month. Business correspondent Vicky Pryce says some people are worried about the optics of this arrangement - especially in terms of what it could mean for Ukraine. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystu
Full Show Podcast: 12 October 2026
Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 12 October. 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.
Jonathan Eriksen: Superannuation expert, National and Labour agree to cross party support on superannuation
A view it's clearly time our political parties come together to tackle the issue of superannuation. National and Labour have agreed they'll support a cross-party political accord on the retirement system. Act and National are both campaigning on gradually raising the super age to 67. Labour and New Zealand First are both campaigning to keep it at 65. Superannuation expert Jonathan Eriksen told And
Andrew Dickens: Split voting and overhangs won't do us any good
There’s been a concerted campaign by Don Brash and Nick Mowbray to get National voters to split their vote and engineer an overhang. A move John Key has said would be the opposite of clever. Over the weekend, Don Brash went to print again to explain why it’s a good idea. The upshot is that National’s strength in the electorates could mean a loss of list seats, which would affect several senior min
Ricardo Menéndez March: Green Party Social Development Spokesperson on National's plan to drug-test beneficiaries
The Greens are condemning National's plans to drug-test people on welfare and reduce payments. National's promising to randomly drug test ten thousand beneficiaries next year. From April 2028, it would also cut Jobseeker payments for people on the scheme for two of the previous three years, claiming it'll push people into work. Greens' Social Development Spokesperson Ricardo Mené
Nick Sautner: Eden Park CEO on this weekend's Bledisloe Cup test between the All Blacks and Wallabies
Eden Park's CEO is looking forward to welcoming the All Blacks back to the Fortress. The stadium is hosting the first Bledisloe Cup clash this weekend, the All Blacks taking on the Wallabies for the first time since they returned from South Africa. Nick Sautner told Andrew Dickens the All Blacks have a phenomenal record at the stadium, as they haven't lost to Australia there since 1986
Full Show Podcast: 09 October 2026
On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast 2026, the Green Party is not happy with National's benefit policy, Green Party Social Development Spokesperson Ricardo Menedez March explains why. The trans-tasman rivalry’s back at Eden Park, CEO Nick Sautner tells Andrew what to look out for. Labour say they have a plan to tackle unfair plane ticket costs, NZ Herald Aviation
John Weekes: New Zealand Herald Aviation Journalist on Labour promising greater transparency on airline fees
Labour's making big promises in aviation if re-elected. The Party would require airlines to publish airfares including every fee upfront - making the full cost clear. It would mandate automatic refunds when big airlines like Air New Zealand and Jetstar cancel or significantly change flights, and for them to publish data on cancellations and delays. New Zealand Herald Aviation Jo
Andrew Dickens: These flip flops from the right and the left need to stop
I had to chuckle after yesterday's interview with Mr Abercrombie from the PPTA who grudgingly accepted that improvements to the education sector by the government is a factor in teacher registrations being up 40 per cent this year Mr Abercrombie, other industry advocates and the Labour led opposition have been dead set against the changes but now they’re slowly admitting that things are bett
Nick Harper: US Correspondent on Christa Pike's lawyers asking for evidence from the botched execution to be preserved
The lawyers of US death row inmate Christa Pike have asked for evidence to be preserved from her botched execution. The 50-year-old survived two lethal injections in Tennessee last week – a death sentence imposed for murder in 1996. A statement from her lawyers yesterday stated she's now conscious and speaking, still handcuffed in hospital, and receiving critical care. US Corresp
Claire Matthews: Massey University Financial Professor on Labour's banking policy
A warning there are drawbacks to instant payments as Labour vows to make it possible 24/7 by 2030. The party wants to bring more competition to the sector helping fintech companies take on the big four banks. Part of Labour's plan to achieve this is by introducing e-money licences for businesses offering services like digital wallets and payments. Massey University Financial Pro
Chris Abercrombie: PPTA President on the 40% jump in people training to be teachers since 2023
The country's teacher pipeline is showing signs of recovery. Education Minister Erica Stanford is crediting the School Onsite Training Programme for a 40% jump in the number of Kiwis training to be teachers between 2023 and now. But the current figure of 4,500 is still well below the 6,800 training in 2010. PPTA President Chris Abercrombie told Andrew Dickens there are jobs waiti
Phil Wicks: Small Business New Zealand Founder on National's small business plan
A tick of approval for National's small business plan. The party's released a 47 point plan to cut red tape around things like employment disputes and health and safety. Small Business New Zealand founder Phil Wicks says it creates a fairly cohesive plan. He told Andrew Dickens while any help is appreciated, what businesses really want is a growing economy. Wicks says t
Andrew Dickens: Highlights of the Future of New Zealand debate
I'm Andrew Dickens and I'm the fill in guy and I'm filling in for Ryan Bridge and I'm filling in all week and I'm doing three days next week and three days the week after and the reason for that is that Ryan is preparing to do telly stuff with Herald now. And last night he was doing the first of the big ones and it was a 90-minute thing called The Future of New Zealand. Now it had politician
Full Show Podcast: 08 October 2026
On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Thursday 8th of October 2026, Labour is promising to shake up the banking sector if re-elected, Professor Claire Matthews head of the school of accountancy, economics and finance at Massey University shares her thoughts. National’s got a 47-point plan to cut red tape for small businesses, Small Business NZ Founder & Director of B
Brigitte Morten: Political Commentator unpacks the first leaders debate between Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins
A political commentator believes a lot of weight still sits with the undecided voter. Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins went head-to-head in the first main leaders debate last night. The TVNZ clash saw the pair tussle over tax, education, health, the cost of living, and crime in front of a studio audience of undecided voters. The audience gave Hipkins the win with 49% support t
Leeann Watson: Business Canterbury CEO on business confidence rising to 40% in the September quarter
Pressure's on the next government to keep the momentum going on business confidence. The NZIER's latest Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion shows 40% of firms expect the economy to improve in the coming months. That's up from just 14% last quarter. Business Canterbury Chief Executive Leeann Watson told Andrew Dickens businesses want policies that lift productivity, and more cert
Full Show Podcast: 07 October 2026
On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast 2026, political commentator Brigitte Morten tells Andrew who won the TVNZ leaders debate. Business confidence is rebounding as we head towards the election, Business Canterbury CEO Leeann Watson explains why. National’s promising to cut foreign aid to pay for new medicines, if it leads the next government, Chief Executive of Me
Graeme Jarvis: Medicines NZ CEO on National pledging to boost medicine funding
There's potential for a positive ripple effect as National pledges to boost medicine funding. The party's announced it'll cut 10% of the foreign aid budget, using the savings to increase Pharmac's budget by $604 million. It would also introduce new cancer cell therapy and lower the bowel screening age to 50 by 2029. Medicines NZ CEO Graeme Jarvis told Andrew Dickens medicine's
Andrew Dickens: National’s proposed foreign aid cut shows how far we've fallen
National’s trade-off between foreign aid and Pharmac is a sign of just how far we’ve fallen. Firstly, our spend on medicines through Pharmac has always been woefully low. It pales beside Australia’s investment and that’s never made sense to me. Medicines funded by Pharmac save money within the health system by preventing ongoing costs through hospitalisation and ongoing care. T
Dom Kalasih: Transporting New Zealand CEO on National's pledge to construct the Belfast-to-Pegasus Motorway
There are concerns National's $800 million promise for a major Canterbury road will be able to deliver enough bang for its buck. National is promising to start construction on the Belfast-to-Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass if re-elected, with the money allocated in Budget 2027. Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Dom Kalasih told Andrew Dickens that's about $73 million
Arena Williams: Labour's Consumer Affairs Spokesperson on their pledge to introduce a right of repair law for car maintenance
Labour's vowing to make life easier for mechanics so more time can be spent training the next generation. If elected, the party would force car makers to share information, tools and manuals, with local mechanics so they can do a job. It would introduce a right of repair law —like Australia— and require the Commerce Commission to enforce the rules. Consumer Affairs spokesperson
Full Show Podcast: 06 October 2026
On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Tuesday 6th of October 2026, National is pledging $800 million to fully fund the 11-kilometre Belfast to Pegasus motorway in Christchurch, Transporting NZ Chief Executive Officer Dom Kalasih tells Andrew why infrastructure comes at such a cost. Labour is promising to make it cheaper and easier to repair your car if elected, Labour Consumer
Glenn Dobson: Drug Detection Agency CEO on an increasing number of Kiwis are using Cocaine
Cocaine seems to be appealing to New Zealanders right across the spectrum. The Drug Trends Survey shows respondents reporting cocaine use increased from 11% in 2018 to 31% this month. The frequency of use is also increasing, with most people who reported using it in the past six months using it at least monthly. Drug Detection Agency chief executive Glenn Dobson told Andrew Dicke
Andrew Dickens: Why don't National and ACT face the same pressures as Labour?
Labour finally released their fiscal plan over the weekend It was much anticipated. In fact, commentator after commentator for weeks now have been demanding it Now it’s being dissected, and mostly by the current coalition parties. But here’s the thing: where’s National’s? And why don't they have the same pressure? And how about ACT? Yesterday I asked David Seyour w
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on Ann Widdecombe's alleged killer being charged with acts of terror
The suspect accused of murdering Reform UK's Ann Widdecombe has been charged with preparing acts of terror, including against party leader Nigel Farage. 28-year-old Joshua Kerry was charged with one count of preparation of terrorist acts, according to police. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Kerry is due to appear in court later this week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
Vicky Pryce: business correspondent on inflation figures going up across Europe
Inflation across Europe jumped to 3.8 percent in September - a higher rate than economists were predicting. This increase was largely down to energy costs, and these are expected to make inflation rates go up further. Business correspondent Vicky Pryce explained how these rates could increase, and how that's likely to impact households. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener fo
David Seymour: ACT Party leader on the party's plan to cut KiwiSaver taxes
ACT is confident its KiwiSaver plan would put more in people's kitty by retirement. The party wants to scrap the Government contribution to KiwiSaver, and the tax paid on investment earnings made through the scheme. It says the tax relief created, would be more substantial than the up to $260 currently contributed by the Government. Leader David Seymour says someone with a small balanc
Full Show Podcast: 05 October 2026
On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Monday the 5th of October 2026, the Act Party wants to scrap tax on Kiwisaver investment earnings, Act Party Leader David Seymour explains. Labour's laid out it's highly anticipated fiscal plan, Independent Economist Cameron Bagrie shares his thoughts. Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the details on Inflation rising sharply in
Cameron Bagrie: Independent economist on Labour's fiscal plan
An economist says it will be tough to achieve the numbers set out in Labour's fiscal plan. The party says all its election commitments are fully costed - with the country returning to surplus in 2028/29. Labour would keep the Budget operating allowance tight at 2.4 billion dollars - and reinstate its pay equity scheme at a cost not yet determined. Economist Cameron Bagrie tells A
Andrew Dickens: Cost of living's become an election issue and supermarkets are getting the blame
The cost of living is once again a key issue in the election But what seems strange to me is that somehow New Zealanders believe it’s a problem that only affects us. A cursory skim through international papers shows it’s an issue for every market on earth Here much blame has been heaped on supermarkets Our duopoly of massive supermarkets are viewed with suspicion with many,
Brigitte Morten: Political Commentator on the first week of the election campaign
Election campaigning is well underway, with the first week complete. So how are all the parties faring? Political Commentator Brigitte Morten told Ryan Bridge so far, National seems to be on the front foot and Labour on the back. She says they both started out strong with their campaign launches, but PREFU bolstered National's position, while attention on Labour's student loan p
