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
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
Full Show Podcast: 16 July 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 16th of July 2026, Bird flu has landed in New Zealand, University of Otago Professor, Evolutionary Virologist, Jemma Geoghegan tells Ryan how concerned we should be. Official Stats NZ Spending data shows a seasonally adjusted decrease of 1.4% card spending in June compared with May, First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wi
Ryan Bridge: Should we just ban kids' cell phones altogether?
Is banning smart phones for kids a dumb idea? That would leave them with dumb phones, sans apps and the internet, just texts and phone calls. Remember the old Nokia? Or Alcatels? They came in that weird light orangey-peachy colour and a purpley-blue. David Seymour's talking about this after a blog post suggesting it'd be easier, and less restrictive for everyone else, if we
Mark Hooper: Federated Farmers Banking Spokesperson on agricultural lending falling by $1.4 billion and increased satisfaction with banks
This autumn's been positive for farmers, with less debt and an improved relationship with banks. Agricultural lending dropped $1.4 billion to $61.2 billion in the year to April. A Federated Farmers survey also reveals record satisfaction with bank communication, with fewer farmers feeling undue pressure. Banking Spokesperson Mark Hooper told Ryan Bridge that banks are currently
Brigitte Morten: Political Commentator on Paul Henry standing for ACT in the 2026 election
Paul Henry's profile is expected to provide ACT with the exposure it may need going into the election. The former broadcaster's running as a party list candidate but is gunning for a ministerial role if elected. He's best known for hosting TVNZ's Breakfast in the early 2000s, where he famously mocked an Indian politician's name on air. Political commentator Brigitte Morten told
Full Show Podcast: 15 July 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 15th of July 2026, former broadcaster Paul Henry's the next big name making the jump to parliament, Political Commentator Brigitte Morten tells Ryan what this will mean for the Act Party. The Reserve Bank says farmer lending dropped nearly one and a half billion in the year to April, Federated Farmers Banking Spokesperson Mark
Malcolm Fleming: Certified Builders Chief Executive on good signals in the construction sector
Good signals in the construction sector with costs much lower than the industry expected. The latest Cordell Construction Cost Index shows a 1.1% rise in the three months to June. Annual growth is at 3.5% - below the long-term average of around 4%. Certified Builders Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming told Ryan Bridge with the backdrop of the Iran war, they're surprised by the minim
Ryan Bridge: Is swearing really that bad?
Swearing. Most of us do it. Unless you're a Bishop (or maybe they do it in private, too?). Especially in New Zealand. We all know what a GC is and it's nothing to do with the white sandy beaches of Queensland. You don't say them in front of mum, and you shouldn't shout them in anger at people, unless they really deserve it. But have you noticed the media's obsession with calling
John Howard: Retired Major General and NZ Initiative Senior Fellow on their warning about the state of New Zealand's warships
Cabinet's being warned its window for a decision around replacing our two ageing warships is rapidly closing. An NZ Initiative research note says the frigates are set to retire within a decade and the complex geopolitical environment adds another layer of urgency. Retired Major General John Howard says we're seeing more volatility both in our region and at home. He told Ryan Br
Cameron Bagrie: Economist on the latest BNZ-BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index, state of the economy
A sign the economy is getting back on track. The latest BNZ-BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index shows the sector's grown in June – only the fifth month of growth in the last two and a half years. The hospitality industry is continuing to contract, but it’s offset by the good results in transport and storage. Economist Cameron Bagrie told Ryan Bridge the car is moving in the
Donna Demaio: Australia Correspondent on Sir Sam Neill's passing
Sir Sam Neill is being remembered as a gentle soul - who helped put New Zealand film on the map. The Northern Ireland-born actor, who moved here at the age of seven, has died suddenly aged 78. He was surrounded by family at a Sydney hospital. Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio tells Ryan what the reaction has been in Australia. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privac
Full Show Podcast: 14 July 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 14th of July 2026 the services sector is just barely creeping back into growth, founder of Bagrie Economics Cameron Bagrie shares his thoughts. Retired Major General and New Zealand Initiative Senior Fellow John G. Howard, tells Ryan why he's sounding the alarm about the state of the New Zealand's Navy fleet. Plus, Australia Cor
Ryan Bridge: We need to believe in our economy
We're cruising towards 2% growth off the back of these two bits of good news on the economy. 2% is not rocketing along, but it's not stuck in a ditch either. And given the war, and diesel, and Trump, some (i.e. the Government) might even say it's fantastic. As you know, we follow the data quite closely on this show – many of you are businesspeople, farmers, small business owners,
Full Show Podcast: 13 July 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 13th of July 2026, New Zealand and India have now agreed to a strategic partnership, India Business Council Chair, Edwin Paul shares his thoughts. The Employers and Manufacturers Association wants more certainty for businesses ahead of the election, Employment Expert, Max Whitehead tells Ryan what the Government needs to do to im
Edwin Paul: India Business Council Chair on Narendra Modi's visit to New Zealand
Narendra Modi's visit has added further impetus to the excitement surrounding the Indian market. India's Prime Minister attended a series of business, political and community events in Auckland on Saturday. He's agreed to a roadmap with Chris Luxon - aiming to double two-way trade by 2030. India Business Council Chair Edwin Paul told Ryan Bridge why he isn't concerned about the $20-bil
Ryan Bridge: There's TMI from the TMO
TMI and TMO Dave Rennie had a bit of a crack at the TMO over the weekend. A FIFA ball hit a spidercam in the USA and Norway went nuts because the TMO didn't do anything about it. Apparently it should be an automatic drop-ball. Both of these these games, different sports, played half way round the world from each other, tell you all you need know about TMO's. When you're up and winning,
Nick Tuffley: ASB Senior Economist on the Reserve Bank raising the Official Cash Rate to 2.5%
The Reserve Bank says more OCR hikes are "likely", but it doesn't know how many more will be needed, or when they're likely to happen. The central bank's raised the cash rate to 2.5% – the first hike in more than three years. It wants to get the OCR back to a "neutral" level that doesn't contribute to inflation. ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Ryan Bridge they believe the b
Malcolm Gillies: Hurricanes Chairman on Hnry Stadium selling out for the All Blacks v Italy clash
The Hurricanes' rampaging success in this year's Super Rugby championship may have helped the All Blacks sell out the Cake Tin. Around 34 thousand people are expected at Hnry Stadium on Saturday as the All Blacks take on Italy. The game had initially struggled to sell out, with four thousand tickets still available at the end of last week. Hurricanes Chairman Malcolm Gillies told
John Harman: Director of solar company Lightforce suggests levelling playing field between gentailers and retailers before homes switch to solar
There's a suggestion a level playing field between gentailers and retailers is needed before homes switch to solar. Election policies of National and Labour would both let homeowners pay back low interest loans for solar through their rates. Labour's plan would also let local line companies provide loans, repaid through power bills. Director of solar company Lightforce John Harm
Ryan Bridge: We can't bash the Reserve Bank
The problem with bashing the Reserve Bank of New Zealand in real time is that nobody really knows how badly they might have cocked something until well after the cocking's happened. There weren't many —though not none— chiding Orr for low rates until it was bleedingly obvious in actual data, and what Prince Harry would term 'lived experience', that prices were on the march. The RBNZ ha
Full Show Podcast: 09 July 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 9th of July 2026, The Reserve Bank has finally pulled the trigger and hiked the OCR 25 basis points, ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley shares his thoughts. Labour's released a similar solar policy to National, John Harman, Director of Lightforce Solar tells Ryan which policy is better. Wellington's Cake Tin is official
Shayne Currie: NZ Herald Media Insider author on Sky TV securing NRL broadcasting rights for next seven years
Sky TV is inking a deal with the NRL. They’ve locked in exclusive broadcast rights for the next seven years, the deal running from 2028 to 2034. It’ll broadcast on their Sky Sport paid platform, with free to air options rumoured to come. NZ Herald Media Insider’s Shayne Currie told Ryan Bridge that Sky has essentially claimed the top three sports for at least the next five years
Ruth Michaelson: Guardian Journalist on the NATO alliance summit, Trump's comments around Greenland and selling fighter jets to Turkey
Donald Trump's floating the idea of selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, despite a Congressional ban. The US President is in the country alongside other European leaders for a NATO summit – our Defence Minister Chris Penk is also heading there for the NATO Defence Industry Forum, and meeting counterparts from allied countries. Trump's suggested lifting US sanctions imposed on Turkey an
Ting Huang: NZIER Senior Economist on economists spilt over whether OCR will rise or stay put
There's division over whether the Official Cash Rate will be hiked or hold steady at 2.25%. ANZ and BNZ are both picking it will be raised by 25 points. NZIER is expecting the Reserve Bank's board to be split and for Governor Anna Breman to make the captain's call on it. NZIER Senior Economist Ting Huang told Ryan Bridge her own group had mixed views but one prevailed. She
Full Show Podcast: 08 July 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 8th of July 2026, Volodymyr Zelensky's urging allies to get more air defence systems to Ukraine as Russian attacks escalate. NZ Herald media insider Shayne Currie has the latest on Sky beating TVNZ to secure NRL rights for another seven years. NZIER Senior Economist Tina Huang takes her pick for what the Reserve Bank will
Ryan Bridge: National needs Labour's support on its social media bill
Where is National's social media bill at? We know Seymour doesn't like it. Winston is apparently has reservations with the wording, though that's only according to Stuff, rather than the man himself. Labour might need to step in and save the day by supporting it from across the aisle. In Australia, half the kids who were on socials are still on socials. Here, there's no shortage
Simon Cameron: Federated Farmers West Coast President on the Green Party's policy around rivers and oceans
Federated Farmers is challenging the Green Party's crack down on nitrate levels in fresh water. If elected, the party's promising stronger national standards for fresh water, more robust rules for wastewater discharges, and the phasing out of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser. Federated Farmers West Coast President Simon Cameron told Ryan Bridge there have been issues in the past, but th
Penny Simmonds: Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology on the push to bring more data centres to New Zealand
The Technology Minister says the global demand for more data centres is great, as the Government pushes to bring more here. Invest New Zealand is looking to attract up to $30 billion in offshore investment in the centres over five years. It says it could generate $70 billion in broader economic activity and employ up to 3,500 people. Technology Minister Penny Simmonds told Ryan
Edwin Paul: India Business Council Chair on the India FTA showing early signs of growth before coming into force
The India Business Council isn't surprised to see the Free Trade Agreement have an impact already, before coming into force. New export numbers show apples are in high demand – volumes jumping 63% on the 2024 season when negotiations began. Last month, Matariki Forests sent its first shipment of logs from Bluff to India since 2020. Council Chair Edwin Paul told Ryan Bridge there's an i
Full Show Podcast: 07 July 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 7th of July 2026, Invest NZ wants foreign companies to invest $30 billion investment in ai data centres over 5 years, Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Penny Simmonds shares her thoughts. The Government says exporters are already experiencing a 'halo effect' of the India FTA, India Business Council Chair Edwin Paul
Ryan Bridge: Banning and taxing won't solve the problem
This week the Tony Blair Institute warned Andy Burnham that you can't tax your way to prosperity. Some of our politicians could use a similar lecture. We have parties wanting new taxes to fund what is basically a Universal Basic Income, even though AI hasn't yet stolen the number of jobs they claimed it would. A Wall Street Journal piece this morning talks about exactly this point – even big tech
Ryan Bridge: Democracy is a privilege billions still don't have
It was a weekend of big events. A wedding, a funeral, and a milestone birthday. Congratulations, in that order, to America on its 250th anniversary, to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce on their wedding, to those Iranians who suffered under the Ayatollah's rule, and to the All Blacks for beating France. America's birthday is worth pausing on. If you take 1840 as the beginning of New Zealand's democrac
Nathan Guy: Independent Chair of Meat Industry Association and Special Agriculture Envoy reacts to National's trade promises
New Zealand's special agricultural envoy says the first steps have already been taken in securing new trade agreements. Chris Luxon's promising to attempt seven new deals in five years, if re-elected. These are Brazil, Switzerland, Argentina, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Uruguay and the European Free Trade Association. Meat Industry Association Independent Chair Nathan Guy told Ryan Brid
Full Show Podcast: 06 July 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast, Monday, 6 July 2026, National outlines the trade deals it wants to strike in its second term. Meat Industry Association Chair Nathan Guy tells Ryan which country is at the top of his list. Business correspondent Vicky Pryce, out of the UK, fills us in on the latest with Andy Burnham as his policy platform begins to take shape. The All Blacks
Sonny Lam: Queen City Law Immigration Expert on the potential changes to the immigration settings in the India FTA
The Foreign Affairs Minister's claims around our trade deal with India have an immigration expert warning the settings could be more tough than usual. Winston Peters let loose accusations last week National was covertly changing immigration settings in bad faith. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford now says initial decisions consistent with the FTA have been sent to ministers for feed
Full Show Podcast: 03 July 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 3rd of July 2026, seems like the Government is moving to put restrictions Indian immigration, Sonny Lam, Immigration expert at Queen City Law shares his thoughts. The All Blacks take on France in the first test of the season at the sold out One New Zealand stadium, Chief Executive Venues Otautahi, Caroline Harvie-Teare tells Ryan
Kelly Seaburg: Advocates for Early Learning Excellence Chair on the ENRICH programme
There are hopes new progress in language learning will go beyond early childhood education. The Government's widening access to ENRICH for a further 450 centres. The programme is now backed by three decades of evidence, with practical tools to increase toddler-teacher communication. Advocates for Early Learning Excellence Chair Kelly Seaburg told Ryan Bridge it paves the way for
Ryan Bridge: Only hungry children should be fed by the State
The Government's looking to "move on" from free school lunches for every kid in a poor school. David Seymour told me this week they're looking at making changes, potentially tightening things up. At present, if your kid's school is signed up, your kid automatically gets a lunch. The only way to stop that is to actually contact the school and opt out on an individual basis. I reck
Rawdon Christie: Real estate agent on house prices continuing to fall in Cotality's latest Home Value Index
House prices still seem to be going in the wrong direction. Cotality’s latest Home Value Index shows the national median fell 0.2% in June. Average values are down 0.8% for the previous quarter, 0.9% year on year, and 17.5% on the early 2022 peak. Real estate agent Rawdon Christie told Ryan Bridge that prices in the second half of the year are likely to be influenced by three ma
Kelly Eckhold: Westpac Chief Economist on the International Monetary Fund's report card, capital gains tax
An economist believes there could be merit to introducing a capital gains tax as the International Monetary Fund releases New Zealand's report card. The IMF's recommending spending cuts and continued tax rises to support this. It also suggests we introduce a comprehensive capital gains or land tax. Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Ryan Bridge a capital gains tax could
Casey Costello: Associate Health Minister on considering a review of the tobacco excise tax
An Associate Health Minister says cost is not longer a deterrent for smoking as she considers a review of the tobacco excise tax. Earlier this week authorities seized more than a 1.3 million cigarettes and made five arrests across Rotorua, Waikato, and Auckland. It estimates illicit tobacco accounts for 50% of the Australian market. Minister Casey Costello told Ryan Bridge New Ze
Full Show Podcast: 02 July 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 2nd of July 2026, the IMF's given New Zealand a fairly positive report card, Kelly Eckhold Westpac Chief Economist shares his thoughts. House prices still going in the wrong direction, real estate agent Rawdon Christie tells Ryan why. Customs Minister Casey Costello has the latest on customs seizing 1.3 million illegal cigarett
Ryan Bridge: Should we care what the IMF thinks?
Don't you find it annoying when some economist or think tank or some 'group' comes to our country and tells us what they think we need to do to make it better? There's the odd case where you'd want to listen; former world leaders, current world leaders, banks who lend you money, rating agencies who dictate your cost of borrowing. But your OECDS, IMFS and World Banks, and United Nations? They all c
Nicola Waldren: Restaurant Association CEO on the launch of the New Zealand Michelin Guide
New Zealand restaurants are getting their sparkle back, thanks to some joining elite ranks. More than 100 venues have been recognised by the Michelin Guide, with 14 awarded a single star, including Auckland's Ahi and Wanaka's Kika. Essence in Queenstown was the only venue to receive a coveted two stars. Restaurant Association CEO Nicola Waldren told Ryan Bridge the country wasn't
Cameron Bagrie: Former Treasury economist on the independent review into the Treasury
A former Treasury economist believes the agency has lost its mojo. A new report's calling for Treasury to up its game, detailing a litany of blunders, including incorrect ACC deficit numbers, and costings for the Interislander ferry replacements. The Public Service Commission also finds some ministers are losing confidence in its advice. Economist Cameron Bagrie told Ryan Bridge
