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
Kevin Putt: Former Springbok previews the final Greatest Rivalry test between the All Blacks and Springboks
The All Blacks are hoping to rally after back-to-back losses to the Springboks. But this time they're not on South African territory, instead the two sides are clashing on the neutral ground of Baltimore in the United States. But whether or not the All Blacks manage to tie the series, former Springbok Kevin Putt believes Dave Rennie has already got the tick. He told Ryan Bridge h
Leon Panetta: Former Defence Secretary and CIA Director on the US-Iran war
A retired US politician believes the Iran war has no end in sight. The Wall Street Journal reports top advisers told President Trump privately that his war would likely drag on through the rest of his term. It differs from his comments yesterday, in which he was telling supporters it'd end immediately after the November mid-terms. Former Defence Secretary and CIA Director Leon Panetta
Graeme Edgeler: Constitutional law expert on an MSD review which found more than 30-thousand cases, where benefits and payments were wrongly suspended
A warning from a constitutional law expert that every time the Government rushes legislation, it risks a major stuff up. The Ministry of Social Development's apologising after 30 thousand winter energy payments and main and supplementary benefits were wrongly cut. It was caused by an error in legislation which was passed under urgency through Parliament last year. Graeme Edgele
Full Show Podcast: 11 September 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 11th of September 2026, the Ministry of Social Development has released its review into two issues that meant thousands of pensioners, veterans and beneficiaries had their benefits incorrectly cut, constitutional law expert Graeme Edgeler shares his thoughts. Former US Secretary of Defence and former Director of the CIA Leon Panetta, j
David Seymour: Regulation Minister on the review into the hospitality sector
A clearer direction for the hospitality sector, with red tape set to be slashed. The Ministry for Regulation's completed a review into cumbersome rules hindering food and drink operators from doing business. It highlights several recommendations designed to make things easier for the sector. Regulation Minister David Seymour told Ryan Bridge the changes would make life easier for peop
Graeme Muller: Tech New Zealand CEO on Labour's AI policy, data centres
Tech New Zealand's hoping AI becomes a hot topic this election as Labour releases its policy on the new technology. If elected, the party wants stronger regulations on the use of copyright materials, private information, and the energy needed to power data centres. Labour also wants stronger oversight through an Office of AI and would establish an online safety regulator. Tech N
Rawdon Christie: Real estate agent on house prices could be on track for a faster recovery
House prices could be on track for a much faster recovery than ASB expects. The bank says national prices are still 15% below their late-2021 peak and won't fully recover until 2029. But real estate agent Rawdon Christie thinks the market's about to pick up. He told Ryan Bridge the sheer number of people he's talking to points to a strong start to 2027. Christie says that's because people have acc
Full Show Podcast: 10 September 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 10th of September 2026, the Minister for Regulation, David Seymour tells Ryan how big of an impact the Hospitality review will make for the sector and what comes next. Real Estate Agent Rawdon Christie shares his thoughts on ASB picking house prices will return to 2021 peaks by late 2029. Labour's put out an AI policy
Ryan Bridge: Cutting red tape by adding complexity
Do we really need a Minister of Booze? Back in the good old days, they were all Ministers of Booze. The whole cabinet – especially Robert Muldoon. But the idea that we need a Minister responsible for alcohol is well-intentioned, like all 80-odd portfolios that reviews and recommendations have created. This one is a recommendation from the Hospitality Sector Regulatory Review.
Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on Israel taking measures against the UK after it announced sanctions on West Bank settlements
Israel's taking several measures against the UK, including closing its consulate in Jerusalem and banning 11 MPs from entering the country. The move's in retaliation to the UK saying it'll ban the imports of goods from Israeli settlements in the illegally occupied West Bank. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Andrew Dickens the language used in the British Parliament was startling, with
John Glover: Queenstown Mayor on National's alternative to a bed tax
Queenstown's Mayor says National's alternative to a bed tax is better than nothing. The party's pledging to change how the International Visitor Levy is spent, pouring $100 million into conservation a year and $50 million for tourism. The rest would be dished out to councils based on how many international visitor nights they get. Queenstown would get $17.1 million in the firs
Full Show Podcast: 09 September 2026
On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 9th of September 2026, new numbers on how students are are comparing with the rest of the world and it's good news, Secondary Principals Association Chairman Steve McCracken shares his thoughts. Nationals got an alternative to a bed tax, redirecting international visitor levy money to councils, Queenstown Mayor John Glover te
Kate Acland: Beef + Lamb Chair on Labour's plan to review the ETS
Beef + Lamb New Zealand is welcoming Labour's plan to review the Emissions Trading Scheme. Labour says ETS prices are too low to meaningfully cut emissions, and make planting exotic forests more attractive than growing food. It wants farmers to adopt new technology to reduce emissions and isn't campaigning on making them pay directly for agricultural emissions. Beef + Lamb Chair Kate Acland told A
Andrew Dickens: The jungle drums are starting to thrum for the fast-track regime
Well, the jungle drums are starting to thrum for the fast-track regime. Word on the street is that legal action is coming for a number of the proposals currently before the committee. Meanwhile, there was a fiery Auckland Council meeting yesterday full of anger at residential fast-track developers. Mayor Wayne Brown has vowed to be a thorn in the side of subdivisions looking to
Alastair Bunkall: Sky News European Correspondent on Germany's far-right party AfD winning the state election in Saxony-Anhalt
Germany's far-right AfD is piling pressure on parties to work with them after a state election win. Preliminary results show the party is three seats short of an outright majority in Saxony-Anhalt. However most German political parties refuse to work with the AfD. If it finds support, it would be the first far-right party to govern a German state since World War II. Sky New
John Carnegie: Energy Resources Aotearoa CEO on the Government's first investments from the Gas Security Fund
The oil and gas industry is welcoming the first loans from the Government’s $200 million Gas Security Fund. It's investing $23.5 million into two projects, including drilling a new well and accessing deeper gas at existing fields. Both with be run by Todd Energy, while there are 17 other proposals sitting on the Government's desk. Energy Resources Aotearoa CEO John Carnegie told Ryan B
Full Show Podcast: 08 September 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2026, Todd Energy getting up to $23.5 million in government loans for gas security projects, Energy Resources Aotearoa CEO John Carnegie shares his thoughts. The Government’s splashing another $5 million on regional tourism, Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell tells Ryan what the money will go to in Rotorua. Europe is shaking in it's boots afte
Tania Tapsell: Rotorua Mayor: on the Government investing $5 million for local tourism
Overseas visitors are being encouraged to get out of the main centres so our tourist hotspots stay fully booked all year round. The Government's putting $5 million into six initiatives designed to entice travellers to visit the regions, ahead of the peak season. Rotorua NZ will lead a $995 thousand food campaign focused on Chinese visitors, as well as co-leading another aimed at Aust
Ryan Bridge: Standing still is not a strategy
We've got another report from another ratings agency, Moody's. They've taken a look at our credit, they've taken a look at our economy, much the same as the S&P one we spoke about last week. But here's a few things this country cannot afford to forget. We are a trading nation; we have a small population. Unless we sell stuff to the rest of the world, which the world then pa
Full Show Podcast: 07 September 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 7th of September 2026, National’s promising to make it easier to get into your first home if re-elected, Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson tells Ryan what difference it would make to the property market. Former Senior Royal Protection Officer Scott Hamer shares his views on Prince Harry and Meghan's security si
Kelvin Davidson: Cotality Chief Property Economist on National's plan to expand the First Home Loan scheme
National's plan to expand the First Home Loan scheme could help more people buy their first home - but isn't expected to transform the housing market. The party wants to widen access to five percent deposits. If elected, National would increase the income threshold so anyone earning less than 300-thousand dollars combined could access the scheme - up from the current 95-thousand dollars for single
Ryan Bridge: The war in Iran isn't going anywhere
Told you when this whole thing kicked off that it wouldn't end tomorrow, and it hasn't. This is the war between the US and Iran. It is still going on. The biggest problem was always going to be the Strait of Hormuz, and the Strait of Hormuz is not open. In fact, there were tankers going through the other day in a shoulder that the US should be said should be safe, and guess what, they weren't.&nbs
Sean Fitzpatrick: Former All Black previews the third Greatest Rivalry test against the Springboks
The All Blacks are preparing for the third test in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry. South Africa levelled the series in Cape Town, making this match effectively the decider, even though there is a fourth test in Baltimore. They're clashing at FNB Stadium in Soweto – the match kicking off at 3.10am Sunday. Former All Blacks Captain Sean Fitzpatrick told Ryan Bridge that the team is fini
Rawdon Christie: Real Estate Agent on the state of the property market, Cotality data showing prices fell by 0.4% in August
The property market's remaining subdued with a suggestion it'll be a while until there's real growth in prices. Cotality data shows values on average fell by 0.4% over August, marking the fifth declining month in a row. It notes global geopolitical tensions, the OCR lifting, and the upcoming general election is contributing to market uncertainty. Real Estate Agent Rawdon Christie
Full Show Podcast: 04 September 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday the 4th of September 2026 the All Blacks take on the Springboks for their third test in Johannesburg, former All Black captain Sean Fitzpatrick tells Ryan what we can expect. House prices continuing to fall for the fifth month in a row, real estate agent Rawdon Christie shares her thoughts. The ACT Party is calling for an e
Warwick Bagg: Auckland University Dean of Medical and Health Sciences on ACT campaigning on scrapping Māori and Pacific med-school places while keeping review findings private
ACT's plan to campaign on scrapping Māori and Pacific med school places is being seen by some as electioneering. A review into Auckland and Otago university admission programmes is part of the ACT-National coalition agreement, but its findings haven't been made public. An ACT spokesperson claims the scheme shows unjustified discrimination. Auckland University Medical Dean Warwick Bagg told Ryan Br
Ryan Bridge: Books I've been reading lately
Look don't mind confessing you, dear listener, that I don't read many books. I do listen to them on audio, I do read on holiday, but who has the time to actually sit down and get stuck into hundreds of pages? People don't even watch full movies anymore. You can't do much when you're checking your phone on average one billion times per hour. But I did happen to stumbl
Mark Wilkshire: Co-operative Bank CEO on the impact of the OCR hike on home loan rates
Banks aren't expected to increase fixed rates after the latest OCR hike. The Reserve Bank raised the Official Cash Rate another 25 basis points yesterday, bringing it to 2.75%. Governor Anna Breman says they are moving it towards a neutral level of around 3%. Co-operative Bank CEO Mark Wilkshire told Ryan Bridge the hike was largely expected, so those rates were already built in.
Gillian Blythe: Water New Zealand CEO on the lessons that can be learned from the Moa Point disaster
A warning to asset owners across the country to take lessons from Wellington's Moa Point disaster. The Government has released the findings of an independent Crown Review into the massive February malfunction at the wastewater plant. It doesn't blame a single technical fault, but finds decades worth of significant gaps in accountability and risk management from asset owners. Wate
John Carnegie: Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive on Methanex closing its Taranaki plant
Methanol producer, Methanex, has confirmed it is shutting the Taranaki plant that has run for 40 years. It says it's struck a deal to sell most of its natural gas entitlements under current contracts, starting in next year's first quarter. The company says continued decline in domestic natural gas, and no clear pathway to meaningful new supply, means continued operations in New Zealand
Full Show Podcast: 03 September 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 3rd of September 2026, Co-Operative Bank CEO Mark Wilkshire shares his thoughts on the Reserve Bank hiking the OCR for the second time. The country's biggest gas user Methanex announcing its getting out of New Zealand, Energy Resources Aotearoa John Carnegie tells Ryan this is the economic cost the country is paying for a shrin
Ryan Bridge: It's not the mistakes that kills trust, it's the accountability dodgers
There's an air of arrogance and butt-covering to the stench that is Moa Point. In a nutshell, the council, its water management company, and the contractor were all a bit shit at their jobs. And Wellington's South Coast has been shat on – 14 billion litres of raw sewage, to be precise. None of them took charge of and ownership of the water treatment plant. And they didn't talk
Marg Foster: Former Silver Fern on the confirmation of a privatised domestic netball competition
New Zealand's netball ecosystem is breathing a sigh of relief after confirmation of a privatised domestic league for next season and beyond. Rich-lister couple Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams are set to take the licence for the competition and its teams via an initial agreement with the sport's national body. Former Silver Fern Marg Foster told Ryan Bridge this is a really good thing, bu
Kelly Eckhold: Westpac Chief Economist on the expectation the Official Cash Rate will be hiked
Another OCR hike is widely expected today and the Reserve Bank could signal more are coming. It announces its decision at 2pm, with the Official Cash Rate expected to rise from 2.5%. Economists are picking one or two further hikes. Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Ryan Bridge the Reserve Bank's view has shifted sharply since the start of the year. He says they're
Full Show Podcast: 02 September 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 2nd of September 2026 another OCR hike is looking likely from the Reserve Bank, Westpac chief Economist Kelly Eckhold tells Ryan what we can expect. New Zealand and America are teaming up to build a port for the Cook Islands; international relations professor Robert Patman shares his thoughts. Netball New Zealand have made the decis
Robert Patman: Otago University International Relations expert on the US re-engaging with the Pacific
The US appears to be re-engaging with the Pacific as it invests in Cook Islands infrastructure. New Zealand's pledged to co-invest with the US to build a port on the Penrhyn atoll in the Cooks, a former military base. China had been interested in seabed mining in the area. Otago University International Relations expert Robert Patman told Ryan Bridge the Trump administration hasn't shown a lot of
Ryan Bridge: Is this really AI theft?
IP lawyers will be licking their lips with all these AI cases landing on their desks. The latest, we spoke about it yesterday, was Sony and Warner going after Anthropic. Their argument is basically that Anthropic's AI models, the ones we use to get answers to questions, scrape and bottom trawl the internet for information. That information, including song lyrics, is often IP o
Terry Collins: AA Fuel Spokesperson on the Government pushing back and reducing the fuel tax hike
The Government's being criticised for giving the country the run-around with next year's fuel tax. It's cancelled the 12 cent per litre hike and equivalent lift to road user charges that were set to take effect in January. The next rise of five cents a litre now kicks in from January 2028. AA Fuel Spokesperson Terry Collins told Ryan Bridge the Land Transport Fund has been und
Parmjeet Parmar: ACT's Immigration Spokesperson on their proposed changes to Permanent Resident Visa requirements
ACT's proposing changes to Permanent Resident Visa requirements to make sure holders are actually living here. The party wants to increase the initial two-year travel condition for Resident Visa holders to five. Residents would be able to travel freely in and out of the country after this period, but would need to spend at least 730 days here during any rolling five-year period.
Tracey Martin: Aged Care Association Chief Executive on concerns Labour’s nurse policy could shift staff pressures to aged care
There are concerns Labour's graduate nurse policy could simply shift staffing pressures from hospitals to aged care. Labour's promising $525 million to give every graduate nurse a job offer after they pass their exams. But the Aged Care Association says while that could ease pressure on hospitals, it could leave aged care struggling to recruit. Chief Executive Tracey Martin told Ryan Bridge that's
Full Show Podcast: 01 September 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday the 1st of September 2026, the Government has agreed not to raise the fuel excise tax next year, AA fuel spokesperson Terry Collins shares his thoughts. Act says it wants permanent residents to actually reside in New Zealand, Act Party MP Dr Parmjeet Parmar explains. Labour’s promising every graduate nurse a job in the public he
Ryan Bridge: We can't afford a credit downgrade
You know how New Zealanders love it when foreign countries, or media, or even tourists talk about us? They're always the most read stories on news sites – it's like a national pastime. Oh look! Brad Pitt says New Zealand is beautiful! Oh look, Jason Mamoa did a bungee and Queenstown is beautiful! Well, have I got news for you, New Zealand. S&P, the global ratings age
Aidan Donoghue: Victoria University Student Association on National's student loan changes
Students are underwhelmed by the loan changes National would make, if re-elected. Graduates would be able to pay off their debt over a longer period - with compulsory repayments lowered from 12 to 10 percent. But those living overseas would be charged an extra one percent in annual interest. Victoria University Student Association president Aidan Donoghue told Ryan Bridge student
Full Show Podcast: 31 August 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 31st of August 2026, National's promising to cut student loan repayments if re-elected, VUWSA President Aidan Donoghue tells Ryan if this will make much of a difference for students. Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on a Jackson Hole meeting of Central bankers but while US fed and ECB now anticipated to raise rates in
Ryan Bridge: Have we found the next leaky building saga?
Two questions for you this morning if you're buying or have bought a property recently. 1. Did you get a pre-purchase inspection done? 2. And did that person have a qualification? Remember leaky buildings? Well, there are a builders and surveyors out there who reckon we're sitting on another leaky building saga. There was a very good piece in the Herald at the weekend about this.
Elliott Smith: Newstalk ZB rugby reporter on the second test against the Springboks
The All Blacks are back in action this weekend for their second clash against the Springboks. They're aiming to keep their momentum rolling after a clean sweep of the tour so far and a decisive victory in their first test against the South African side. Newstalk ZB's voice of rugby Elliott Smith joined Ryan Bridge to discuss the changes to the team, and how he thinks things will play
Paul Quickenden: Swyftx New Zealand Country Manager on ACT's plan for tax-free profits on crypto
Crypto investors are hoping a new policy will stop punishing them in the long term. ACT's campaigning on modernising regulations, including allowing tax-free profits on crypto held for more than a year, and a 12 month brightline test. Party Leader David Seymour believes our tax system currently treats crypto coins as an asset. Swyftx New Zealand Country Manager Paul Quickenden to
Dom Kalasih: Transporting NZ CEO on Labour ruling out increasing fuel taxes for three years if elected
Freight drivers are warning against pushing back roading projects. Labour's promised no hikes to the fuel excise over the next three years, if elected. Instead it'll consider pushing back National Land Transport Fund projects to make up for the reduced income. Transporting NZ Chief Executive Dom Kalasih told Ryan Bridge this would be a mistake as a reliable road network is extre
Ryan Bridge: Are we about to witness the return of the pothole?
Are we about to witness the return of the pothole? Both Labour and National want to freeze increases to the petrol tax. Labour would stop 22c a litre over three years. The Nats probably won't, coalition willing, go ahead with the 12c hike pencilled in for January. The problem is this money goes into a big fund —along with RUCS from trucks— to pay for building and fixing our roa
Full Show Podcast: 28 August 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 28th of August 2026, National says it won't increase the petrol tax in January by 12 cents a litre, Transporting NZ CEO Dom Kalasih tells Ryan why this is problematic for roading infrastructure. Newstalk ZB's voice of rugby Elliott Smith is in Cape Town for the All Blacks game against the Springboks, he tells Ryan what we can expect.&n
Adrian Macey: NZ Climate Change Research Institute Adjunct Professor on ACT's pledge to scrap the Climate Commission
ACT's pledging to abolish the Climate Commission. The Party claims it's cost $100 million since it was established and only writes reports, duplicates work, and proposes ridiculous ideas. They're proposing folding responsibility for assessing emissions reduction progress into mega-Ministry MCERT, culling the Commission and its Board. NZ Climate Change Research Institute's Adrian
Kimberly Crewther: Dairy Companies Association Executive Director on the sector's exports and job creation
The dairy sector's booming, but some are calling for more support to ensure it continues. A report commissioned by DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association has found dairy exports reached almost $29 billion in 2025, and supports more than 51 thousand jobs. It also finds the dairy sector is a backbone of much of regional New Zealand's economy, wages, and job market. Associatio
Cameron Bagrie: Independent Economist on Westpac's GDP forecasts
The overall economy seems to be holding together as it slowly gets back on track. Westpac's August overview forecasts 2% growth across this year – accelerating to 3% in 2027. It points to an uptick in activity after falling flat in the three months to June. Independent economist Cameron Bagrie told Ryan Bridge the war in Iran has played into a lot of uncertainty in recent
Mitch McCann: US correspondent on Meta agreeing to pay 18 billion US dollars in a settlement deal
Meta's cut a landmark US trial over teen social media addiction short, agreeing to pay US$18 billion in a settlement deal. 29 US states brought the case against the Instagram and Facebook owner in a California federal court. As part of the agreement the social media giant will include daily limits and night-time blocks for teenage users on its platforms. New York correspondent Mitch McCann told Ry
Ryan Bridge: How low is too low for house prices?
How much do you really want the value of your property to fall? Plenty of us say we want cheaper house prices, but do we really mean it? Once you own a house, you usually have mortgage on it. The less your house is worth, the less equity you have. Your net worth goes backwards. In New Zealand, half of the average household’s wealth is land and property. That is now w
Full Show Podcast: 27 August 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2026, Westpac have upgraded their GDP forecast, Independent Economist Cameron Bagrie tells Ryan what this means for our economy. Act wants to abolish the Climate Change Commission, Adjunct Professor at the NZ Climate Change Research Institute Adrian Macey shares his thoughts. Dairy exports reached $28 billion in the year to December, Da
Viv Beck: Heart of the City CEO on the State of the City report for Auckland
A number of wins for Auckland as the city heads into a new era. The fourth annual State of the City report, commissioned by the independent non-partisan Committee for Auckland, compares the super city to others globally. It scored well on innovation, international business events, and the number of people coming here, but did less well on things like productivity and keeping talent.&
Andrew Little: Wellington Mayor on the Government's promise to introduce a 4% council rates cap
Wellington's Mayor says new rates cap could mean cutting back on important work. The Government's clarified key aspects of its plan to cap council rate hikes at 4%, which is expected to come into force in 2029. Councils would be expected to prepare for it from next July, although the scheme excludes water services. Wellington Mayor Andrew Little told Ryan Bridge they currently h
Ryan Bridge: Parliament's backlog is becoming a problem
This past week is proof a four-year Parliamentary term is probably a good idea. Elections disrupt the housing market. People get scared off buying for fear of the unknown – who knows what government will get in and what they'll do to price of a house. Same goes for business decisions – should I buy that extra tractor if a pro-regulation party gets round the cabinet table? But the
Ben Youdan: Action for Smokefree 2025 Director on Labour's pledge to return the smokefree generation commitment to the table
Labour's determined to see the end of smoking in New Zealand if re-elected to government. The party plans to reinstate the Smokefree Generation, introduce a licensing regime to stop illicit sales, and cancel tax breaks for tobacco companies. Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says smoking's our leading cause of preventable death. Action for Smokefree 2025 Director Ben Youdan told Ryan
Full Show Podcast: 26 August 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 26th of August 2026, the Government’s pushing ahead with its 4% rates cap, Wellington Mayor Andrew Little shares his thoughts. The Labour party says they'd bring back our Smokefree generation goals if they get back in government, Action for Smokefree 2025 Director Ben Youdan tells Ryan why this is important. A new report s
Jane Turner: ASB Senior Economist on retail spending contracting in Q2 as petrol prices surged
Retail's been taking a hit since the Iran war began, with people staying home to save money and fuel. Stats NZ data shows the June quarter's inflation and seasonal-adjusted sales volumes fell 0.5% on the three months to March, but after accounting for surging fuel prices, petrol station sales actually plunged 13%. The only significant growth was in computer and appliance store sales, w
Malcolm Mulholland: Patient Voice Aotearoa Chair on the data showing almost a quarter of nurse shifts were understaffed
Scepticism as Health New Zealand claims staffing levels may not be as bleak as they look. The agency's released data across almost 615 wards last year, showing for 740-thousand shifts, around a quarter were below the target level at some point. Chief Nurse Nadine Gray says the figures could represent five minutes or less of under-resourcing across an eight hour shift. But Patient
Reuben Davidson: Labour's Spokesperson for technology and media on the under-16's social media ban
The Government wants under-16's banned from social media, but any law change is many months away. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced the move yesterday, which will require platforms to verify age via face scanning or either digital or physical IDs. It's not clear if the bill will have enough support, with ACT and New Zealand First agreeing to disagree, and Labour yet to fully
Full Show Podcast: 25 August 2026
Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 25 August. 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.
Ryan Bridge: Labour's fallen for Nicola's election trap
Labour's fallen into a cunning wee trap set by Nicola Willis a few weeks ago. She laid the bait —releasing 'fiscal rules' her party would abide by if re-elected— and challenged Labour to do the same. On the weekend, they took the bait and released their own 'fiscal strategy'. Which is different form their 'fiscal plan' – more on that in a second. The problem for Labour is that
Full Show Podcast: 24 August 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday the 25th of August 2026, National’s pushing ahead with a social media ban for under-16s, Labour Spokesperson for Technology and Media Reuben Davidson, tells Ryan what it will take for Labour to support the bill. Q2’s retail numbers show the Iran war is starting to hit the hip pocket, ASB senior economist Jane Turner shares her thought
Sean Fitzpatrick: Former All Blacks Captain on the All Blacks victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park
They’re calling it one of the All Blacks’ greatest wins in years. A huge 33-16 victory over the Springboks at Ellis park -- our biggest ever there, and first win in South Africa in four years. Former All Blacks Captain Sean Fitzpatrick joins Ryan Bridge from Johannesburg. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ryan Bridge: Let's celebrate the wins
Well, well, well. Look who's feeling good on a Monday morning? We are. Little old New Zealand. Did we just beat the Springboks at Ellis Park? Yes, we did. Five tries to one. At altitude. Our first win in South Africa in four years. That's just for starters. The Black Ferns rolled the Aussies 66-19. If you thought the All Blacks six tries were impressive, how about 10
Kevin Putt: Former Springbok previews the first clash between the All Blacks and Springboks
A big showdown in Johannesburg this weekend. The All Blacks are facing the Springboks for the first time on their tour of South Africa, clashing at Ellis Park at 3am Sunday. The Kiwi side is on a winning streak against the domestic sides, but the Springboks have won four of the past five meetings. Former Springbok Kevin Putt told Ryan Bridge the South African side is taking physi
Claire Matthews: Massey University Head of Accountancy, Economics and Finance on Kiwibank's financial results
Kiwibank is reporting a 9% drop in annual profit. It comes amid talk of a potential merger between Kiwibank and TSB Bank, if the current TSB-Heartland merger falls through. The Crown-owned bank says it's dealing with a challenging economic environment. Its net interest income —the gap between what it's receiving in interest and paying out in interest— has risen 1.7%. Massey
Peter Fraser: Dairy Industry Analyst on NZ First's proposal to amend the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act
New Zealand First's plan to force more Fonterra milk into the hands of rival manufacturers is being dismissed as a “dumb idea”. The party wants to amend the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act, giving qualifying manufacturers access to up to 500-million litres of Fonterra milk a year for six years – up from the current 50-million. Dairy industry analyst Peter Fraser told Ryan Bridge if NZ
Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on the latest with Harry and Meghan returning to the UK
Questions whether Megan and Harry's feud with British tabloids will be re-ignited once they're back in the UK. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be back in the next couple weeks, with their children due to start school next month. The pair chose to step down as senior members of the royal family and leave for the US in 2020. Newstalk ZB correspondent Vincent McAviney told Ryan
Ryan Bridge: Kiwibank's result proves there is competition for banks
There's a lot of noise around banks in this country, but results speak for themselves. If I had a dollar for every time a politician said there's no competition in the banking sector, that they're price-gouging tyrants, I'd be richer than Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos put together. But let's take a closer look, shall we? Kiwibank reported annual profit was down 9% yesterday.
Shane O'Hare: Queenstown Airport CEO on reporting a $34 million profit for the year to June
Queenstown Airport's turning its focus to managing the pressure of growth after another record year. It’s declared a $20.4 million dividend for the year to June after making $9.1 million in profit and handling a record 2.82 million passengers. Chief Executive Shane O'Hare told Ryan Bridge the community needs to work together to tackle congestion pressures to continue growing. He
Colin Hurst: Federated Farmers President on the Government's changes to the Freshwater Farm Plans
Federated Farmers is feeling refreshed seeing the Government's changes for Freshwater Farm Plans. An amendment paper to the Natural Environment Bill will do away with some mapping requirements and re-certification will be required every six years instead of five. It'll also ensure certification will only be required on parts of farms where higher environmental risk activity occurs.&nb
Sam Uffindell: Tauranga MP on the damning Mt Maunganui landslide review
Tauranga's MP says a question mark's hanging over the head of council's CEO following the damning Mt Maunganui landslide review. The council commissioned report found the loss of six lives in the campsite at Mauao's base in January was preventable. Tauranga City Council had been given expert warnings on the risk for decades. MP Sam Uffindell told Ryan Bridge council need to have a good look
Full Show Podcast: 20 August 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 20th of August 2026, Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell responds to damning findings from the fatal Mount Maunganui landslide inquiry. Business is booming at Queenstown Airport with nearly three million passengers this financial year, Queenstown Airport CEO Shane O'Hare shares his thoughts. The Government has revealed what its going
Ryan Bridge: How fast-food companies are reacting to the weight loss jab craze
You've probably noticed a few people now, there are loads out there, on the jab and looking skinny. The weight-loss miracle drugs mean people eat less. Less food and less often. Fewer cravings. That means demand for fatty, deep fried food and sugar is shrinking, quick as our waistlines. They reckon 15% of Americans will be on the drugs within a decade. Calorie intake will drop
Miguel Maduro: Former Chair of FIFA’s Governance Committee on the Gianni Infantino saga, Kevin Lamour dismissed as FIFA COO
The Gianni Infantino saga rolls on. FIFA has dismissed chief operating officer Kevin Lamour after he criticised Infantino's plan to sell part of the World Cup to investors. FIFA did not comment on the terms of Lamour departure. It comes as Scotland withdraws its support, and the Union of European Football Associations, Asia, and Concacaf call for a review of Infantino’s conduct.&
