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
Liam Napier: NZ Herald Rugby Correspondent previews the All Blacks v Stormers test
The Greatest Rivalry in sport is back. The All Blacks kick off their tour of South Africa tomorrow, taking on the Stormers. Coach Dave Rennie says that every player will get a chance to impress in the opening matches, and potentially get a spot in the Springbok test teams. NZ Herald Rugby Correspondent Liam Napier told Ryan Bridge they’re expecting to see a comfortable victory.&n
Leeann Watson: Business Canterbury CEO on Labour's proposal to scrap the Investment Boost, back small businesses
There’s a view Labour's small business policy would give owners more room to grow. The party wants to up the GST threshold, lift the asset write-off, and require big businesses to pay small suppliers faster. It'll cost $1.5 billion and will scrap the current Government's more expensive Investment Boost scheme. Business Canterbury CEO Leeann Watson told Ryan Bridge it's great st
Liam Hehir: Lawyer and political commentator on PM's interest in a MMP referendum
The Prime Minister's interest in an MMP referendum's being labelled as a potential blunder. Christopher Luxon's revealed on Newstalk ZB he's open to another vote on the 1996 Mixed Member Proportional system, if re-elected. It provides a party and an electoral vote and was reaffirmed in a 2011 referendum. Lawyer and political commentator Liam Hehir told Ryan Bridge no one's able to say if thi
Full Show Podcast: 07 August 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday the 7th of August 2026, Christopher Luxon floats the idea of a referendum on MMP, Liam Heir Political commentator shares his thoughts on Luxon's bold statement. The All Blacks kick off their tour of South Africa Saturday when they take on the Stormers, NZ Herald rugby correspondent Liam Napier tells Ryan what we can expect.
Ryan Bridge: Buckle up; Luxon's going rogue
Christopher Luxon's going rogue. The risk when making constitutional policy pronouncements 92 days out from an election, blindsiding your colleagues and diverting attention from your key messaging, is that you look erratic. At best, voters might see this as a distraction play. They might see this as a means to regain the oxygen. But it's not something anyone's actually asking fo
Chris Small: ABC Business Sales CEO on the unemployment rate rising to 5.6%, impact of AI
AI might be contributing to our rising unemployment rate. Stats NZ data shows unemployment jumped to 5.6% in the June quarter, up from 5.3% in March. It's the highest rate in 11 years and higher than most economists had been picking. ABC Business Sales’ Chris Small told Ryan Bridge when you compare the South Island’s rate of 3.7% to the North Island’s 6%, it seems like more of a
Jordan Williams: Taxpayers Union Executive Director on the investigation into the Ministry of Justice for Russell Harrison pay saga
The Ministry of Justice is being accused of turning a blind eye to some internal issues after a staffer facing money laundering charges stayed on its payroll for five years. Former Lotto host Russell Harrison was arrested days after starting at the ministry in 2021, admitting guilt in June. Documents obtained by the Taxpayers Union reveal four other ministry employees are on leave whil
Ryan Bridge: Unemployment isn't as bad as it seems
A couple of things on the unemployment number that came out yesterday. It looks worse than actually it is because a bunch of people decided they would start looking for work in the second quarter rather than the one before it. So, there are a bunch of reasons for this happening, but basically you don't really know. You don't know what you don't know. It's anyone's guess. It could be tha
Gwenda Kendrew: Aviva General Manager on delays in protection orders
There are concerns family violence victims are waiting too long for protection orders to be served. Data released under the Official Information Act reveals nearly half of temporary protection orders served by Police in 2025 took four days or longer to reach respondents. Northland recorded the longest average delay at 16 days. Aviva's Gwenda Kendrew told Ryan Bridge their concern is the state of l
Full Show Podcast: 06 August 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 6th of August 2026, unemployment's climbed to highest level in nearly 11 years, ABC Business Sales CEO Chris Small tells Ryan why the rate is so high currently. The Taxpayers Union has revealed four more employees at the Ministry of Justice are on leave while facing criminal charges or serious misconduct investigations, Exe
Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the migrants rescued from the boat that caught fire crossing the English Channel
More than 170 migrants have been rescued after a boat crossing the English Channel caught fire. The vessel left France on Monday night before bursting into flames on Tuesday morning. Eleven people suffered minor injuries, while an Egyptian national has been arrested. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge the Government believes its measures are working, with crossings down
Nick Beeby: Meat Industry Association CEO on the record red meat exports for June
The red meat sector's celebrating its best June on record for exports. The Meat Industry Association's found $1.37 billion worth of red meat was exported over the month – twice that of June last year. Sheepmeat surged 40% in volume and more than doubled in value, while the value of beef climbed more than a fifth. Chief executive Nick Beeby told Ryan Bridge the increased demand is a result of the p
Mark Smith: ASB Senior Economist previews the latest unemployment figures
The job market is expected to remain tight for quite some time. Many economists are picking today's unemployment rate will increase from 5.3% to 5.5% for the June quarter. ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith told Ryan Bridge the war in Iran and the surrounding uncertainty has probably spooked many employers. He says they may even hold off making any hiring decisions until next yea
Denise Garland: Retail NZ Advocacy Manager on Shoplifting rising to its highest level in 15 years
There's scepticism from retailers that Police will turn up to a theft as shoplifting rises to a record high. Official Information Act data shows Police laid the highest number of shoplifting charges in 15 years across the 2024/25 year. This resulted in the highest number of convictions being dished out in the country’s courts. Retail NZ Advocacy Manager Denise Garland told Ryan Bridge Police are s
Full Show Podcast: 05 August 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 5th of August 2026, unemployment's expected to edge up from 5.3 to around 5.5%, ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith shares his thoughts. June saw $1.37 billion worth of red meat exports, Meat Industry Association CEO Nick Beeby tells Ryan how significant this is for meat farmers. Shoplifting is at its highest rate in 15 years,
Ryan Bridge: Where are all the wise owls at hardware stores?
I've been spending a bit of time in hardware stores lately. Which is great because most let you bring your dog along, and when it's raining you can basically walk the dog for half an hour indoors. Anyway, last week I was in the shop looking for a sealer for a limestone tile. Now, I have no idea about sealers and don’t know much about limestone tiles either. But this is
Carl Taylor: Combined Building Supplies Co-operative CEO on housing consent approvals rising 19%
A building material supplier wants to see the consents given to new homes turn into actual work. Stats NZ figures show approvals rose 19% annually to June – topping 40 thousand for the first time since 2023. Infometrics says Auckland and Canterbury continue to dominate, making up 80% of residential growth. Combined Building Supplies Co-operative CEO Carl Taylor told Ryan Bridge
Cameron Bagrie: Independent Economist on consumer arrears falling to the lowest level since 2021
Signs of life in the economy as overall debt improves. Centrix data for June shows consumers' credit performance is continuing to improve, with arrears plunging to the lowest level since 2021. However, the results still show 84 thousand people with payments 90 or more days overdue. Independent economist Cameron Bagrie told Ryan Bridge there seems to be a bit less stress on our
Full Show Podcast: 04 August 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2026, The Government's keeping the extra $50 fuel relief for now, Waitomo Group CEO Simon Parham shares his thoughts on where we're at with fuel prices. Centrix's consumer credit shows arrears are at the lowest level since 2021, Independent Economist Cameron Bagrie tells Ryan why we're seeing a shift. New home consents have topped 40,00
Simon Parham: Waitomo Group CEO on the government extending fuel relief
There's support for continued fuel relief, with motorists still sensitive to price rises. The Government's extending the in-work tax credit, higher mileage rates for health workers and eligible patients, and reimbursements for relievers. That's despite average pump prices staying below $3 for four weeks. Waitomo Group CEO Simon Parham told Ryan Bridge people change their behaviour once prices clim
Ryan Bridge: Is it too late for the Nats to roll Luxon?
The battle for the right and centre-right vote is the most interesting thing about the Election. Because it's the battle that will determine who wears the pants in the next Government. I'm still of the view that the Coalition will be re-elected. The make-up of the cabinet is what they're now fighting for. That's why over the past week we've seen the biggest dust ups between the t
Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent gives updates on European wildfires
Two people have died after their helicopters collided in mid-air, while fighting wildfires west of Athens in Greece. A British pilot and Greek fire service liaison officer survived the crash and have been taken to hospital. Greece is among many parts of Europe suffering devastating wildfires after a summer of extreme heat. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge that so much
Full Show Podcast: 03 August 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday the 3rd of August 2026, NZ First's wants to give parents money to have more children, parenting expert Nathan Wallis tells Ryan if it's enough of an incentive. Paul Henry's unveiled his first Act Party policy, giving teachers the legal power to remove naughty students from the classroom, Secondary Principals Council Chair Steve M
Steve McCracken: Secondary Principals' Council Chair on teachers given more legal power to remove disruptive students from class
A view ACT's classroom behaviour policy misses the mark. It wants to give teachers more legal power to remove seriously or persistently disruptive students from class and introduce mandatory stand-downs for those who assault teachers or classmates. Parents who repeatedly fail to engage with schools would also face fines. Secondary Principals' Council Chair Steve McCracken told Ryan Bridge teachers
Ryan Bridge: David Brent strikes again
Did you see the news Prime Minister's pep talk to business leaders on Friday? The business chamber boss said Rotorua's had its sharpest fall in business confidence in a decade, and business are wondering how long they can actually stay in business. Luxon's reply is what got people talking. A friend sent it to me and said, 'David Brent strikes again'. He said the following: "I thi
James Smith: National Road Carriers Association General Manager of Policy and Advocacy on the first stage of the Northland Expressway
Freight operators are laying out what they want out of the first stage of the Northland Expressway. The Government's signed a $3.6 billion deal with the Northway consortium to design, build, and operate the 26-kilometre, four-lane expressway from Warkworth to Te Hana. Construction's due to start late next year, with the expressway scheduled to open in 2033. National Road Carriers
Kim Mundy: ASB Acting Chief Economist on the construction and manufacturing sectors showing signs of recovery in latest survey
Manufacturing and construction are showing signs of recovery. ANZ's latest Business Outlook survey finds confidence rose 19 points over the last month, to 56%. In terms of past activity, manufacturing was highest, while agriculture saw a marked fall and construction lifted. ASB acting chief economist Kim Mundy told Andrew Dickens the construction sector has been struggling for so
Full Show Podcast: 31 July 2026
On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Friday 31st of July 2026, the Government has signed a PPP with the Northland consortium to get the first part of the Northern Expressway built, General Manager of Policy & Advocacy at National Road Carriers James Smith tells Andrew Dickens this is a big step in the project. Acting Chief Economist at ASB Kim Mundy shares his thoug
Mike Casey: Rewiring Aotearoa CEO on the Ministry of Regulation wanting to cut red tape for solar
Confidence that cutting regulations to make solar power more accessible - won't jeopardise people's safety. A new Regulation Ministry reports laid out a potential blueprint to legalise plug-in solar and reduce the time and cost of panel installation. Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey shares his thoughts with Andrew Dickens. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Andrew Dickens: Winston should know better
Winston Peters escaped censure yesterday from the Speaker after his little outburst against a Green MP. But Mr Peters is still being judged in the court of public opinion. Carmel Sepuloni was jumping up and down demanding he resign, or be sacked, or just go away, which is not going to happen. China complained to MFAT. You've got to hand it to China – they play a subtle ball. The
Alison Vaughan: SPCA Senior Scientific Officer on the Government's decision not to ban the public sale of fireworks
The SPCA says it's devastated by the Government's decision to override official recommendations to ban the public sale of fireworks. A cross-party Parliamentary select committee unanimously recommended the full ban in May – also supported by Fire and Emergency. The Government's opted not to change any laws. SPCA Senior Scientific Officer Dr Alison Vaughan told Andrew Dickens the
Matthew Hague: Lawyer on the Government's response to the Covid Inquiry
Transparency is being welcomed in the Government's response to the Covid Inquiry. It's issued its response to the Covid Inquiry, accepting all recommendations to varying degrees. The Government agrees information on key decisions during any future pandemic will be made public within five working days, which didn't happen with vaccinations. Lawyer Matthew Hague, who fought against
Chris Penk: Defence Minister on new military strike drones
The Defence Minister's tight lipped over how much the Government will fork out for one-way military strike drones. It's looking into the human-operated machines which explode on a target and serve as a lower-cost alternative to missiles. The Government's also considering unarmed long-range aerial drones for maritime surveillance. Chris Penk told Andrew Dickens they'll be spending
Andrew Dickens: The bigger problem isn't oil
The New Zealand Government has officially granted the first new offshore oil and gas exploration permit since reversing its ban, awarding it to Adelaide-based Australian explorer EnZed Energy. EnZed Energy, an Australian start-up. So, it’s their first rodeo. They get a 12-year petroleum exploration for a 546-square-kilometre zone in the offshore Taranaki Basin, east of the currently producing Kupe
Full Show Podcast: 30 July 2026
On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Thursday 30th of July 2026, The Government's responded to the Covid Inquiry, accepting all 63 recommendations in some form, Covid Lawyer Matthew Hague shares his thoughts. The Government's rejected calls to ban public sales of fireworks, Senior Scientific Officer at SPCA Dr. Alison Vaughan shares her thoughts. The Government is looki
Colin Bond: New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated CEO on the Government's planned changes to the RSE scheme
Kiwifruit growers are welcoming seasonal workers being given more flexibility to change jobs. The Government's tweaking the RSE scheme, focusing on accommodation standards, clarifying rules, and strengthening pastoral care. It includes making online access for workers mandatory and creating more opportunity for them to switch between accredited employers. New Zealand Kiwifruit Gr
Steve Giles: Taupo District Council Events and Venues Manager on the success of the Supercars double header in Taupo and Christchurch
The success of Supercars' first double header weekend is being hailed, despite one day being lost due to a major storm. The two events generated more than $21 million in visitor spend, attracting 95 thousand petrol heads across Taupo Park one weekend and Christchurch the following one. A full day of racing was cancelled in Taupo, due to Cyclone Vaianu. Taupo District Council eve
Full Show Podcast: 29 July 2026
On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Wednesday 29th of July 2026, The Government's shaking up the Recognised Seasonal Employment Scheme, NZ Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated CEO Colin Bond shares his thoughts. Supercars’ first-ever ITM New Zealand Double Header delivered a major boost to New Zealand’s visitor economy, generating $21.4 million in domestic and international
Andrew Hoggard: Biosecurity Minister on preparing farms for a bird flu outbreak
Just because New Zealand hasn't recorded more bird flu cases, doesn't mean it's time to relax. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has announced legislation requiring anyone with more than 100 birds to have a bird flu prevention and response plan. This country has two confirmed cases of the globally circulating H5N1 strain in Petone and Carterton. Hoggard told Andrew Dickens MPI has investigated a
Andrew Dickens: Maybe we were too quick to write off the Comm games
It took a while for the Commonwealth Games to get going, but yesterday they did. Lewis Clareburt took gold in the 200 metres butterfly with an insane burst over the last 50 metres, in a race even he called stupid. It was a good feeling for the nation, because no disrespect to the earlier medallists, it’s gold that gets the nation going. It’s been a funny old Comm Games thus far. It’s a
Laurence Carey: Squid Group Founder on TikTok reportedly boosting local economies by $1.2 billion
A digital marketing agency says more New Zealanders are turning to TikTok to decide where to eat and shop. A new Infometrics report shows the app supported almost 10 thousand local jobs last year and helped boost the local economy by an estimated $1.2 billion. It reveals more than 300 thousand New Zealand businesses are using the platform each month. Squid Group founder Laurence
Gillian Blythe: Water New Zealand CEO on the threat to drinking water sources revealed in report into the state of water infrastructure
More evidence in black and white of the need for more investment in water infrastructure. The Water Services Authority's third annual Network Environmental Performance Report finds there is an average 31 wastewater overflows a day. It also finds some 15% of assessed drinking water and wastewater pipes are in poor condition. Water New Zealand chief executive Gillian Blythe told
Wattie Watson: Professional Firefighters Union National Secretary on ACC cover for firefighters with work-related cancer
A push for New Zealand to catch up with other countries on firefighter cancer cover. The Professional Firefighters Union is backing a Green Party Member's Bill to automatically provide firefighters with ACC cover for work-related cancer. Under current rules, firefighters must prove their cancer was caused by their job. Union National Secretary Wattie Watson told Andrew Dickins most of the time ACC
Full Show Podcast: 28 July 2026
On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Tuesday 28th of July 2026, Water New Zealand Chief Executive Gillian Blythe shares her thoughts on the water services authority’s national report. TikTok advertising is boosting New Zealand's GDP by $1.2 billion, Laurence Carey Squid Group Founder and Managing Director shares his thoughts. The Greens want firefighters to have automat
Leeann Watson: Business Canterbury CEO supports National's paid parental leave policy
Support for National's paid parental leave policy, from at least one business leader. The party's promising to extend paid parental leave from the current 26 weeks, to 30 weeks by 2029 if re-elected, with further increases possible if finances allow. Parents would also have more flexibility to share, or take leave at the same time. Business Canterbury CEO Leeann Watson told Andrew Dickens th
Full Show Podcast: 27 July 2026
Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 27 July. 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.
Tom Rutherford: Bay of Plenty MP on fresh slips at Mount Maunganui landslide site
The Bay of Plenty MP says fresh slips at Mauao in Mt Maunganui put further strain on the community. Adams Avenue remains closed after eight-thousand cubic metres of debris came down over the weekend. Three have been three slips near the original landslide which claimed six lives in January. MP Tom Rutherford says told Andrew Dickens the restored track to the summit - hasn't been
Andrew Dickens: Food security should be an election priority
As if the world hasn’t already got enough to worry about what with war, and fuel crisis and inflation, there comes another concern This weekend The Independent published a piece on UK Farmers warning that food shortages are just 10 days away for the UK and there are signs that suggest they’ve already arrived Farmers have sounded the alarm about a growing food crisis, and experts say that Britain’s
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on Stats NZ introducing monthly inflation reports in 2027
Hopes more regular inflation reports will mean more accurate analysis for businesses. From next July, Stats NZ will phase in monthly Consumer Price Index reporting, on top of the current quarterly reports. Statistics Minister Scott Simpson says it'll keep businesses, households, and decision-makers, like the Reserve Bank, better-informed. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad O
Andrew Bayly: Port Waikato MP on his member's bill aiming to crack down on unreported child abuse
The architect of a member's bill aiming to crack down on unreported child abuse is confident it will receive widespread support. The bill, which would make it mandatory for people to report known or suspected child abuse to police, has been drawn from the biscuit tin. Port Waikato MP Andrew Bayly says the current laws hinder the ability of police to effectively investigate chil
Full Show Podcast: 24 July 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 24th of July 2026 , Port Waikato MP Andrew Bayly tells Ryan why his members bill on toughening up child abuse reporting is important. The 2026 Commonwealth Games are underway in Glasgow, Newstalk ZB Sports Reader Andrew Alderson has the latest. From, July next year Stats NZ is going to report on inflation monthly instead of
Andrew Alderson: Newstalk ZB Sports reader on the Commonwealth games kicking off in Glasgow
New Zealand has kicked off its Commonwealth Games campaign in Glasgow. Ahead of the opening ceremony, Shannon McIlroy beat Tonga's Liam Hill 2-nil at the men's singles on the indoor bowls rink. And in the women's pairs, Katelyn Inch and Selina Goddard won a tie-break against Kenya after the match initially finished one end apiece. Newstalk ZB Sports Reader Andrew Alderson joined
Ryan Bridge: Would we send our troops to fight the Houthis?
It's possible our Defence Force could send personnel to the Middle East to help stop the Houthis. They're the group in Yemen, backed by Iran, currently firing drones and cruise missiles at Saudi tankers. They're the ones, along with the Revolutionary Guard in Iran, pushing up the price of oil this morning. They're the ones blocking the B route for getting crude out of the Gulf.&n
Sebastian Leuzinger: AUT Professor and Plant Ecologist on the report on New Zealand's climate change efforts
A plant ecologist says New Zealand would get a B on its climate change report card. A Climate Change Commission report has found New Zealand needs to more than double its efforts in emissions reduction to meet our climate goals. AUT Professor Sebastian Leuzinger says compared to the OECD, we're middle of the pack. He told Ryan Bridge while we can make energy and transport chan
Nathan Limm: NZ Herald Netball Correspondent on the future of the ANZ Premiership after Netball NZ is unable to renew staff contracts
The edifice of netball's ANZ Premiership has crumbled further. Administration staff at the three Netball New Zealand-run franchises —the Stars, Magic, and Tactix— have been told their contracts will not be renewed. Players at the affected clubs were left out of the communication chain. NZ Herald’s Nathan Limm told Ryan Bridge that Netball NZ has remained tight-lipped on the subje
Andy England: Darfield High School Principal on the number of students passing NCEA numeracy exams
The trajectory is thought to be heading in the right direction, despite lower NCEA numeracy pass rates. Just over half of students passed the compulsory numeracy course in May – down more than five percentage points on last year. Reading and writing pass rates saw little change. Darfield High School Principal Andy England told Ryan Bridge people shouldn't read too much into the d
Ryan Bridge: Is our data safe with AI?
The more you read about these AI hacks, the less you want to know about them. Basically, the short story is that there was an AI bot out there that went full Terminator. It hacked into another system, another AI system, without being told to do so, acting entirely of its own volition. It was reportedly an OpenAI model that did this. It escaped the environment where it was supposed to b
Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on the latest with the Middle East conflict
The Middle East conflict rages on, with the US launching strikes on Iran for the 11th consecutive night. Meanwhile Tehran has warned Washington against targeting its nuclear facilities. A ceasefire agreed in April collapsed last week, with both sides battling over control of the Strait of Hormuz. US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Ryan Bridge Washington's biggest frustration is Iran continuing to
Full Show Podcast: 23 July 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 23rd of July 2026, there's more speculation over the future of the ANZ Premiership, NZ Herald Netball Correspondent Nathan Limm explains. Barely half of students passed the NCEA numeracy exam this year, Darfield High School Principal Andy England shares his thoughts. The Climate Change Commission says our rate of emission
Mark Wilkshire: Co-Operative Bank CEO on inflation, signals fixed mortgage rate hikes coming ‘pretty soon’
Fixed mortgage rates could be heading up “pretty soon”, says a New Zealand bank boss as wholesale interest rates rise on the back of volatility in the Middle East. Speaking on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, Co-operative Bank chief executive Mark Wilkshire said wholesale rates were up about 30 basis points (bps) in the past couple of weeks. “I think banks will have to start passing that on. “Even
Kate Acland: Beef + Lamb New Zealand Chair on the US hiking tariffs to 12.5% and the potentially higher tariffs for lamb
Our exporters are bracing to be hit with hiked US tariffs but the red meat sector is in the firing line for even more. Trade experts suggest New Zealand could face a blanket 12.5% tariff – up from the current 10%. The US International Trade Commission has also launched an investigation into lamb imports. Beef + Lamb New Zealand Chair Kate Acland told Ryan Bridge it can submit e
Rehette Stoltz: Gisborne Mayor on RNV leaving Waiohika Estate
Gisborne's mayor believes Rhythm and Vines’ organisers will struggle to get a venue as good as it has currently. This year's festival will be the last held at the Waiohika Estate before it relocates to a new undisclosed site. Organisers say the move will support the festival’s long-term future and will let it keep growing. Mayor Rehette Stoltz told Ryan Bridge it's a tough loss f
Ryan Bridge: The price of being a climate warrior
Chris Hipkins is floating the idea of an effective tariff on imported cement. He reckons it could be a better way of dealing with our cement problem than $60 million in corporate welfare. The reason Golden Bay Cement needs a bailout is the cost of buying carbon credits from 2030 onwards. The cost of carbon credits is because of the ETS. When your builder goes to lay cement, they
Full Show Podcast: 22 July 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 22nd of July 2026, Co-Operative Bank CEO Mark Wilkshire shares his thoughts on inflation hitting the highest level in two years. Rhythm and Vines is ditching Gisborne, Mayor Rehette Stoltz tells Ryan how big of a loss this will be for the local economy. Exporters are staring down a hike to our tariffs sometime this week,
Lucy Fisher: Financial Times Whitehall Editor on Andy Burnham becoming the new UK Prime Minister
Critics are questioning Andy Burnham's first major pledge as UK Prime Minister. Burnham has become Britain's seventh Prime Minister in a decade. His first announcement was committing an extra £340 million over three years to tackle homelessness. Financial Times Whitehall Editor Lucy Fisher told Ryan Bridge questions are already being raised over how he'll fund his wider agenda as
Simon Court: RMA Reform Parliamentary Under-Secretary on the scrapping of iwi-council deals under new reforms
The Government says some council-iwi agreements have gone beyond the initial intention of the law allowing them. Existing iwi partnerships will be tossed out with new planning laws, despite the Government initially planning to allow councils to keep existing agreements. RMA Reform Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Court says the agreements were initially supposed to be about planni
Cameron Bagrie: Independent Economist on inflation figures out today
An economist says digging into today's inflation figures will reveal the real picture. Stats NZ is releasing Consumers Price Index figures later this morning, comparing prices between April and June against the same period last year. Economists expect it surge to somewhere around 4%. Independent Economist Cameron Bagrie told Ryan Bridge he's more interested in core inflation, which strips out food
Ryan Bridge: We don't have the money for corporate welfare
A $60 million corporate welfare cheque for Golden Bay Cement is fixing a symptom but not the disease. It's taxpayer money. It's not a loan – it's free money. Owner Fletcher Building has agreed, in return, to keep the thing open till 2040 and invest $150 million, phased over time. No doubt cement is important for building the country, but so was refined oil. We offshored that. So is mil
Full Show Podcast: 21 July 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 21st of July 2026, Inflation figures are out today, Independent Economist and Founder of Bagrie Economics, Cameron Bagrie tells Ryan what we can expect. Andy Burnham's been sworn in as the 7th UK Prime Minister in a decade, Financial Times Whitehall Editor, Lucy Fisher has the latest on who will be in his cabinet. The way
Camilla Belich: Labour Justice Spokesperson on consent laws
Labour says it's a shame the Government isn't pushing through new consent laws right now. National has announced if re-elected, it'll ensure consent has to be actively given, meaning there must be a "yes" rather than the absence of a "no". It says it brings us in line with other jurisdictions like the UK and parts of Australia. Labour Justice Spokesperson Camilla Belich told Ryan Bridg
Full Show Podcast: 20 July 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 20th of July 2026, National's planned change to sex consent laws is getting very political, Labour Justice Spokesperson Camilla Belich shares her thoughts. Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on Fifa's giving the Spain and Argentina World Cup Final the full super bowl treatment with its first-ever halftime show feat
Ryan Bridge: A billion-dollar Gamble on oil
New Zealand First wants to spend a billion bucks looking for oil and gas fields to make our country rich again. Well, richer. A bit more like the place our kids go to earn a living, Australia, who've pulled in $430 billion in mining royalties over the past decade alone. A bit more like Norway, where per person GDP is $153,000, one of the highest in the world, ours is on
Elliott Smith: Newstalk ZB's Voice of Rugby previews the Nations Championship clash against Ireland
The All Blacks are facing a tough challenge this weekend. They’re facing Ireland at Eden Park, aiming to continue their 52 match strong unbeaten record at the stadium. Dave Rennie has made a few changes to the squad ahead of the match – adding more bulk to the backline with Tupou Vaa’i shifted to blindside. Newstalk ZB’s Voice of Rugby, Elliott Smith told Ryan Bridge that by and
Willow-Jean Prime: Labour's Employment Spokesperson on the latest Jobseeker benefit stats
Labour's employment spokesperson believes rising benefit numbers comes down to a weak economy. Latest MSD data shows almost 414 thousand people were receiving the main benefit at the end of June – up 1.9% year-on-year. 12.8% of the working-age population is drawing on the main benefit – up from 12.6% a year ago. Willow-Jean Prime told Ryan Bridge the stats reflect a failed gover
Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist on Informetrics saying NZ is on the cusp of an economic recovery, fuel prices
There are hopes prices at the pump don't spike as fighting intensifies between the US and Iran. Strikes from both sides continue for the sixth day of renewed hostilities. The global oil price benchmark Brent Crude has been hovering around US$85 a barrel since the new fighting broke out – its highest point in a month. ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Ryan Bridge he's hopeful
Full Show Podcast: 17 July 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday the 17th of July 2026, Social Development Minister Louise Upston is celebrating 5,000 more people than last year off the benefit and into work, Labour Social Development and Employment Spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime shares her thoughts. The All Blacks face a mighty challenge to their unbeaten record at Eden Park against the Irish this
Ryan Bridge: How much are political parties willing to borrow after a disaster?
Welcome to New Zealand... land of earthquakes, stormy weather, and absolute natural beauty. Another reminder overnight of how shaky these isles can be. Hope everyone's alright this morning. It's always a bit hard to get back to sleep after a decent jolt and it sounds like you had one. We've always had storms, and damage from storms, in this country. But of late we've had mo
Felicity Roxburgh: International Business Forum Executive Director on the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership in Auckland
Hopes new pathways for global trade can be created as officials from small countries around the world meet in Auckland. Trade Minister Todd McClay's chairing the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership meeting tomorrow – bringing together delegates from 21 countries. It includes Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Panama, Rwanda, and Singapore. International Business Forum Executive Dire
Jemma Geoghegan: Otago University evolutionary virologist on the first case of H5N1 bird flu reaching New Zealand
No surprises bird flu has reached our shores, as New Zealanders are asked to keep an eye out for transmission escalation. A sub-Antarctic seabird found on Wellington's Petone Beach last week has tested positive for the H5N1 strain. Officials say symptoms to look out for in birds include paralysis, shaking, respiratory issues, or diarrhoea. Otago University evolutionary virolog
Chris Wilkinson: First Retail Group Managing Director on sluggish retail spending
Belief sluggish retail spending is a reminder retailers need to stick to the basics. Stats NZ says core retail spending last month was only 0.4 percent higher year on year. Spending on clothes fell most - at 4.2-percent - its fourth straight decrease. First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson told Ryan Bridge retailers have to be hungry in the market, with strong retail disciplines - bu
