/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/rss 九一星空无限 Sat, 23 Aug 2025 14:18:59 Z en /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/sam-ackerman-sports-commentator-previews-the-second-rugby-championship-clash-against-argentina/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/sam-ackerman-sports-commentator-previews-the-second-rugby-championship-clash-against-argentina/ The All Blacks are demanding a discipline improvement as they count down to the rematch against Argentina in Buenos Aires.  After having the better of the penalty count nine to four in the first half of the opening win, the tally was 12 penalties a piece at fulltime.  The All Blacks also copped two second half yellow cards, one of which went to centre Billy Proctor and he says the need to tidy their discipline up.  Sports Commentator Sam Ackerman told Ryan Bridge the team will definitely be wanting to play more consistently in this game, as the Argentinian side can not be taken lightly.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 21 Aug 2025 23:09:47 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/david-cunningham-squirrel-mortgages-ceo-on-first-home-buyers-dominating-the-market/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/david-cunningham-squirrel-mortgages-ceo-on-first-home-buyers-dominating-the-market/ A notable shift in the housing market as first home buyers have the highest share of purchases in two decades.  The Cotality Monthly Housing Chart shows first home buyers account for 27% of market activity in July, a 5% jump on the long-term average.  It also finds existing homeowners trading up or down, remain at historically low levels.  Head of Squirrel Mortgages' David Cunningham told Ryan Bridge there's less pressure on buyers to instantly throw an offer on a home.  He says interest rates have gone down, KiwiSaver balances are higher, and there's less competition.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 21 Aug 2025 23:03:51 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/john-wineera-retired-lieutenant-colonel-and-defence-expert-on-the-new-planes-helicopters-defence-spend/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/john-wineera-retired-lieutenant-colonel-and-defence-expert-on-the-new-planes-helicopters-defence-spend/ Our defence aircraft could soon be playing cat-and-mouse with submarines following a multibillion-dollar investment.  The Governments putting $2.7 billion towards two new Airbus A321 planes to replace older planes.  Five Seahawk helicopters are also being bought, equipped with anti-submarine torpedo systems.   Retired Lieutenant Colonel and defence expert Josh Wineera told Ryan Bridge the helicopters will bring military combat to the next level.  He says they're essentially a submarine-hunting aircraft, but can also carry out other tasks.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 21 Aug 2025 22:41:05 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/vincent-mcaviney-europe-correspondent-on-the-israeli-military-beginning-first-stages-of-ground-offensive-in-gaza/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/vincent-mcaviney-europe-correspondent-on-the-israeli-military-beginning-first-stages-of-ground-offensive-in-gaza/ Israel's military has begun the first stages of a planned ground offensive in Gaza City, causing Palestinians to flee. It's pressing ahead with its plan to occupy the war-torn city despite international criticism. New Zealand's one of 27 countries demanding Israel give foreign media access to Gaza to cover the “unfolding humanitarian catastrophe”. Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Ryan Bridge Israeli hostage families are concerned about the 60-thousand reserve force soldiers to set foot in Gaza. He says they think hostages will be executed or caught up in the firing, while soldiers try to access the tunnel network where it's believed the rest of Hamas remain. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 21 Aug 2025 18:14:27 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-22-august-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-22-august-2025/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 22nd of August 2025, The Government's gone shopping for some new planes and helicopters, at the tune of $2.7 billion, retired Lieutenant Colonel and security expert, Josh Wineera shares his thoughts.  New data from Cotality shows people getting on the property ladder are actually at the highest share of purchases in the last two decades, David Cunningham from Squirrel Mortgages tells Ryan Bridge what he's been seeing.  The All Blacks take on Argentina again in Buenos Aires, Sports Commentator Sam Ackerman tells Ryan what we can expect.  Plus UK/ Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on Israel preparing for a new offensive to take over Gaza City.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 21 Aug 2025 18:08:22 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/julian-leys-building-industry-federation-ceo-on-fletcher-buildings-financial-loss/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/julian-leys-building-industry-federation-ceo-on-fletcher-buildings-financial-loss/ It's been another tough year for Fletcher Building.  The construction giant's announced a net loss of $419 million, compared to a loss of $227 million last year.  It's pondering selling its residential and development division and continues to consider offers for its construction division and other subsidiaries.  Building Industry Federation CEO Julian Leys told Ryan Bridge Fletcher’s loss underscores the broader downturn they’re seeing across the whole sector.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 21 Aug 2025 00:17:23 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/john-battersby-massey-university-senior-fellow-on-the-report-from-the-security-intelligence-service/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/john-battersby-massey-university-senior-fellow-on-the-report-from-the-security-intelligence-service/ The fact a terrorist attack on New Zealand remains a future possibility is coming as no surprise to one security expert. A Security Intelligence Service report states we're facing one of the most challenging national security environments in recent times.   It's kept our terrorism threat at low, indicating an attack is realistically possible.  Massey University's John Battersby told Ryan Bridge he's often been critical of Kiwis' complacency.   He says all of the things listed in this threat assessment have existed for quite some time.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 20 Aug 2025 22:58:03 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nicola-willis-finance-minister-on-reserve-bank-cutting-the-ocr/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nicola-willis-finance-minister-on-reserve-bank-cutting-the-ocr/ A steady slide to the OCR is gently flowing through to households.  The Reserve Bank's cut the cash rate from 5.5% to 3% over the past 13 months and is also signalling further possible cuts on the way.  Assistant Governor Karen Silk says many people have been fixing on higher short-term rates while they hold out for lower long-term rates.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Ryan Bridge it’s important that monetary policy can stimulate the economy, and the Reserve Bank has made a clear decision to ensure interest rates can fall further.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:19:38 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-21-august-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-21-august-2025/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 21st of August 2025, Finance Minister Nicola Willis shares her thoughts on the Reserve Bank cutting the OCR by 25 basis points to 3%.  A violent extremist attack in New Zealand is a realistic possibility, according to the NZSIS Massey University security expert John Battersby gives his take.  Fletchers suffered a net loss of over $400 million last year, Building Industry Federation Chief Executive Julian Leys tells Ryan what their poor performance mean for the industry as a whole.  Plus, US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on US and European military planners beginning exploring post-conflict security guarantees for Ukraine. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:08:16 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/kelly-eckhold-westpac-chief-economist-on-ahead-of-todays-ocr-announcement/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/kelly-eckhold-westpac-chief-economist-on-ahead-of-todays-ocr-announcement/ Economists are expecting a 25 point basis cut from today's OCR announcement, but it could be the last one for a while.   The Reserve Bank will announce it's decision at 2pm.   Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold says last time around there were more notable arguments among the board. He told Ryan Bridge at least one member of the board didn't want to cut last time around.   Eckhold says with those sort of debates going around, it makes further cuts less certain.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 19 Aug 2025 23:18:00 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/margaret-cooney-octopus-energy-chief-operating-officer-on-the-new-electricity-authority-rules-for-generators/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/margaret-cooney-octopus-energy-chief-operating-officer-on-the-new-electricity-authority-rules-for-generators/ Changes for our electricity sector could just be small steps in levelling the playing field.  New Electricity Authority rules will require generators to sell energy to everyone at the same rate.  This will stop our big four companies, known as gentailers, offering themselves discounts and limiting competition.  Octopus Energy Chief Operating Officer Margaret Cooney told Ryan Bridge she's afraid new rules won't crack down enough on the big four.   She says there's been lots of small steps, but it would be good to actually get to the nub of these issues.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 19 Aug 2025 21:08:38 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/kyle-brewerton-aucklands-remuera-intermediate-principal-on-only-a-quarter-of-year-8-students-achieved-curriculum-writing/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/kyle-brewerton-aucklands-remuera-intermediate-principal-on-only-a-quarter-of-year-8-students-achieved-curriculum-writing/ Belief changes to class sizes and staffing are needed to improve writing achievement at intermediate level. The Government's launching a new digital tool for students sitting below the standard and introducing more professional development in literacy.  New data shows only a quarter of Year Eight students achieved their curriculum writing level last year.  Auckland's Remuera Intermediate Principal Kyle Brewerton told Ryan Bridge these poor figures are due to a lack of resourcing. He says there's big class sizes and little staffing, while in high school it's vice versa. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 19 Aug 2025 18:15:26 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-20-august-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-20-august-2025/ Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 20 August. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. Tue, 19 Aug 2025 18:08:25 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/lesley-yeomans-australian-correspondent-on-qantas-being-fined-90-million-for-illegally-firing-workers/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/lesley-yeomans-australian-correspondent-on-qantas-being-fined-90-million-for-illegally-firing-workers/ Former Qantas workers are claiming victory over its $90 million fine for illegally sacking more than 1800 workers.   The court's found outsourcing baggage handlers, cleaners, and ground staff in 2020 was done to curb union bargaining powers.   Qantas says this judgment holds them accountable.  Australian Correspondent Lesley Yeomans told Ryan Bridge $50 million of the fine will be going to the Transport Workers Union, and what happens with the other $40 million will be decided at a later date.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 18 Aug 2025 23:26:27 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/matt-montgomerie-forsyth-barr-senior-analyst-on-a2s-profit-increase-purchase-of-the-pokeno-plant/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/matt-montgomerie-forsyth-barr-senior-analyst-on-a2s-profit-increase-purchase-of-the-pokeno-plant/ Another dairy sector shake-up.  Infant formula and dairy company a2 Milk is buying the Yashili plant in Pokeno and selling its majority stake in the Mataura Valley plant in Gore to Open Country Dairy.  A2 Milk's announcement comes as it reports a 21% rise in profit, off the back of a 9.3% rise in revenue.  Forsyth Barr Senior Analyst Matt Montgomerie told Ryan Bridge a2 has stood out over the last couple of years, consistently exceeding expectations despite operating in a relatively tough formula market in China.  He says the decision to acquire the plant in Pokeno is quite a big step in continuing that growth pathway.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 18 Aug 2025 23:21:21 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/malcolm-fleming-certified-builders-ceo-on-the-govt-changing-liability-rules-for-building-consents/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/malcolm-fleming-certified-builders-ceo-on-the-govt-changing-liability-rules-for-building-consents/ Praise for new building consenting rules.   The Government will change liabilities, holding parties responsible for their share of work.   Certified Builders Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming says the building guarantee or building system should be mandated.   He told Ryan Bridge that will add cost to the price of building, but it's minuscule in the scale of things.   Fleming says on a $500,000 project, a guarantee would cost just $1,500.   LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 18 Aug 2025 22:59:26 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nick-harper-feature-story-news-us-correspondent-on-trump-and-zelensky-meeting-at-the-white-house/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nick-harper-feature-story-news-us-correspondent-on-trump-and-zelensky-meeting-at-the-white-house/ A reasonable chance of the Russia-Ukraine war ending if a trilateral meeting with both country's leaders occurs. This comes from Donald Trump ahead of today's big meeting at the White House. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived, along with several European leaders.  Russia's President Vladimir Putin met with Trump on Saturday, and Trump says he'll have a phone call with him after today's talks.  Trump says the whole world is tired of the war, and they’re going to get it ended. Feature Story 九一星空无限 US Correspondent Nick Harper shares the latest.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 18 Aug 2025 18:23:09 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-19-august-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-19-august-2025/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 19th of August 2025, Trump is meeting Zelensky and EU leaders at the White house to discuss peace talks, US Correspondent Nick Harper has the latest.  Forsyth Barr analyst Matt Montgomerie shares his thoughts on A2 Milk posting a $200 million profit and purchasing Yashii NZ's plant in Pokeno.  The Government's made some changes to building consents, Certified Builders CEO tells Ryan about the difference it'll make.  Plus Australia Correspondent Lesley Yeomans has the latest on Qantas now facing a $90 million penalty for outsourcing ground staff during Covid.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 18 Aug 2025 18:08:18 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/sue-chetwin-grocery-action-group-says-statsnzs-inflation-figures-are-higher-than-they-should-be/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/sue-chetwin-grocery-action-group-says-statsnzs-inflation-figures-are-higher-than-they-should-be/ Following the food inflation figures from Friday, Foodstuffs has challenged StatsNZ’s numbers.  On Friday, StatsNZ reported a 5.0% rise in the year to July.  But Foodstuffs is reporting a 3.4% year on year increase – arguing they have a clearer measure of grocery prices.  Sue Chetwin from Grocery Action Group told Ryan Bridge that StatsNZ is including restaurants and takeaways in their reporting, which is throwing off their final stats.  LISTEN ABOVE  Sun, 17 Aug 2025 19:25:47 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gavin-grey-european-correspondent-on-europes-leaders-moving-to-discuss-ukrainian-security-with-donald-trump/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gavin-grey-european-correspondent-on-europes-leaders-moving-to-discuss-ukrainian-security-with-donald-trump/ Europe's leaders are rallying together to discuss Ukrainian security with Donald Trump.   Over the weekend Vladimir Putin met with the US President in Alaska, which concluded without any movement.   Now, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, France's Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky are some of the leaders meeting in Washington tomorrow to continue discussions.    European Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge their biggest fear will be the press conference being ambushed again, like it was for Zelensky last time.   He says Europe wants to show solidarity no matter what happens as a result of negotiations with Russia.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 17 Aug 2025 19:08:04 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-18-august-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-18-august-2025/ Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 18 August. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. Sun, 17 Aug 2025 18:08:23 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/brad-olsen-infometrics-principal-economist-on-debt-nearing-1-trillion/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/brad-olsen-infometrics-principal-economist-on-debt-nearing-1-trillion/ We are well on our way to a collective one trillion dollars in debt. In the year to the end of May, New Zealand hit just over 870-billion in gross debt - up 5.4 percent from almost 830-billion last year. It represents an average of just over 160-thousand dollars in raw debt for every person in the country. At the current rate of growth, New Zealand will hit the trillion dollar landmark,  inside the next three years. That rate has eased in the past two years as the Government has sought to curb borrowing, and the housing market has been flat. Sun, 17 Aug 2025 18:05:22 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/josh-kronfeld-former-all-black-previews-the-rugby-championship-opener-against-argentina/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/josh-kronfeld-former-all-black-previews-the-rugby-championship-opener-against-argentina/ A reversion to a largely first-choice team for the All Blacks as they open the Rugby Championship against Argentina on Sunday morning in Cordoba.  The return of captain Scott Barrett from a calf injury headlines the side, while Du'Plessis Kirifi gets his second straight test start at openside flanker.  Although the New Zealand side has never lost to the Argentinian team at their home, former All Black Josh Kronfeld told Ryan Bridge that there’s always a chance.   He says they’re giant killers, having beaten all of the top 10 nations, and it all depends on who turns up where.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 14 Aug 2025 23:07:33 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/toni-waterman-us-correspondent-on-the-meeting-between-donald-trump-and-vladimir-putin/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/toni-waterman-us-correspondent-on-the-meeting-between-donald-trump-and-vladimir-putin/ Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are gearing up for tomorrow's highly anticipated talks in Alaska.   The US and Russian presidents will discuss ending the war in Ukraine, with suggestions a second meeting could follow if it goes well.   The Kremlin's already dangling financial incentives, saying there's untapped potential in US-Russian relations.  US Correspondent Toni Waterman told Ryan Bridge there are reports Trump is considering granting Russia access to Alaskan natural resources, as well as potentially allow them to access rare minerals in the territories it occupies in Ukraine, among other things.  She says in Trump’s mind, this would be an incentive for Putin to take negotiations seriously.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 14 Aug 2025 22:56:29 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/richard-dawkins-federated-farmers-meat-and-wool-chairperson-on-sheep-and-beef-numbers/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/richard-dawkins-federated-farmers-meat-and-wool-chairperson-on-sheep-and-beef-numbers/ The country's red meat sector may struggle to reach a goal set by the Government to double exports by 2034. Data from NZ Beef + Lamb's found breeding ewe numbers have dropped by nearly two-percent, while beef cattle numbers were up 4.4-percent. It reveals 2.6 million units of sheep and beef stock have been lost due to afforestation over the past eight years.  Federated Farmers Meat and Wool Chair Richard Dawkins told Ryan Bridge the rules don't extend to land where most beef and sheep farms are. He says it appears they're siding with polluters over producers, because a simple solution would be to extend it to all land use classes. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 14 Aug 2025 18:19:36 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-15-august-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-15-august-2025/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 15th of August 2025, All eyes are on Alaska ahead of a crucial meeting between Trump and Putin, US Correspondent Toni Waterman is in Alaska and has the latest.  The All Blacks are taking on Argentina in Córdoba, former All Black Josh Kronfeld shares his thoughts ahead of the game. Sheep and beef cattle numbers are improving, Federated Farmers Meat and Wool Chairperson Richard Dawkins shares his thoughts.  Plus UK/ Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on President Zelensky visits Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street.   Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 14 Aug 2025 18:08:20 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/matt-ball-nz-property-investors-federation-pr-advocacy-manager-on-the-property-resale-profits-hitting-a-decade-low/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/matt-ball-nz-property-investors-federation-pr-advocacy-manager-on-the-property-resale-profits-hitting-a-decade-low/ Times are tough for property owners as they see the lowest resale profits in over a decade.  Cotality’s latest Pain & Gain Report shows 89.4% of homes sold above their purchase price last quarter – the lowest since 2014.  Christchurch was the most resilient of the main centres, with 4.9% of Q2 resales made at a loss, well below the national average of 10.6%, while Auckland recorded the highest proportion of loss-making sales at 15.9%.  NZ Property Investors Federation’s Matt Ball told Ryan Bridge this is only a problem for those who are being forced to sell.  For property investors, he says, unless you bought at the peak and have to sell for some reason, this is just another cycle to ride out.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 13 Aug 2025 23:37:00 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/andy-england-darfield-high-school-principal-on-ncea-level-1-achievement-falling-secondary-teachers-strike/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/andy-england-darfield-high-school-principal-on-ncea-level-1-achievement-falling-secondary-teachers-strike/ NCEA Level 1 achievement's dropped to its lowest level in a decade, while all qualifications saw improvement.  In 2024, achievement in Levels 2, 3, and University Entrance went up for the first time since 2020.   Student's completing Level 1 continued to drop, and Māori also fell further behind.  Darfield High School Principal Andy England told Ryan Bridge there've been problems with the qualification since its introduction.  He says there's been a lot of tinkering for teachers to get their heads round and some of the introduction texts were awful.  And secondary teachers will soon swapping their pens for pickets.  Post Primary Teachers' Association members will put down the tools next Wednesday, rejecting a 3% pay increase over three years.  Public Service Minister Judith Collins says the union didn't even have a counter offer.  PPTA member and Rangitoto College teacher Paul Stevens says the offer is essentially a pay cut during a teacher shortage.  He says it means wages don't even match inflation.  England told Bridge with an incoming NCEA overhaul he gets where teachers are coming from.  He asks what would you say if your boss offered to pay you less and work harder.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 13 Aug 2025 23:18:29 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/brooke-van-velden-minister-in-charge-of-covid-19-inquiry-on-chris-hipkins-and-jacinda-ardern-not-appearing/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/brooke-van-velden-minister-in-charge-of-covid-19-inquiry-on-chris-hipkins-and-jacinda-ardern-not-appearing/ The ACT Party's laying into the former Ministers who lead our Covid-19 response for refusing to front public hearings.  Labour leader Chris Hipkins, and former Ministers Jacinda Ardern, Grant Robertson, and Ayesha Verrall have declined to appear as part of the Royal Commission's Inquiry.  Commissioners are confident it won't hamper efforts. Act's Brooke van Velden, who's in charge of the inquiry, told Ryan Bridge these Ministers stood publicly and made huge decisions about people's lives. She says it's confusing for many members of the public who are still feeling the effects of the Covid lockdown.  LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 13 Aug 2025 18:17:34 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-14-august-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-14-august-2025/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 14th of August 2025, Jacinda Arden and Chris Hipkins won't show face at the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19, Minister responsible Brooke Van Velden shares her thoughts.  Property owners are seeing the lowest resale profits in over a decade, Matt Ball from the NZ Property Investors Federation tells Ryan why.  New NCEA achievement data shows mixed results, Darfield school Principal Andy England breaks it down.  Plus, US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on the Trump and Putin meeting.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 13 Aug 2025 18:08:23 Z