/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/rss ¾ÅÒ»ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ Start your day informed. Early Edition with Ryan Bridge is a fast-paced news programme. Setting the agenda for the day, Early Edition with Ryan Bridge is Fri, 20 Jun 2025 00:13:10 Z en /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/katie-fisher-us-correspondent-on-the-us-involvement-in-the-iran-israel-conflict-republican-response/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/katie-fisher-us-correspondent-on-the-us-involvement-in-the-iran-israel-conflict-republican-response/ Whether the United States will intervene in the Iran-Israel conflict remains up in the air.  President Donald Trump says he 'may' or 'may not' order American military involvement.   US correspondent Katie Fisher told Ryan Bridge the uncertainty is causing some rifts within the Republican camp.  She says that some of his “right-wing cheerleaders” like Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Green are saying that by entering the Iranian war, Trump would be turning his back on his America First policy.   LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 18 Jun 2025 23:58:00 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/erica-stanford-immigration-minister-on-the-travel-authority-for-chinese-visitors/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/erica-stanford-immigration-minister-on-the-travel-authority-for-chinese-visitors/ From November, transiting Chinese passport holders won't need a visa to pass through New Zealand airports.   They'll can instead get a New Zealand electronic Travel Authority that's processed in four hours, and lasts for two years.   Immigration Minister Erica Stanford told Ryan Bridge our Chinese visitor numbers are lagging at about 65% pre-Covid levels, so they're doing anything to help.   She says it will also significantly increase the amount of freight from China and South America and bring down freight prices.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 18 Jun 2025 23:16:51 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/dave-sweas-dodson-group-ceo-on-the-gdp-figures-set-to-be-released/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/dave-sweas-dodson-group-ceo-on-the-gdp-figures-set-to-be-released/ An Auckland manufacturer is feeling good about the current economic position.  GDP figures are due to be revealed this morning.   Economists and the Reserve Bank are expecting 0.7% growth for the first quarter of the year – slightly higher than the 0.4% predicted earlier this year.  Dodson Group CEO Dave Sweas told Ryan Bridge things turned a corner around February and March.  The precision manufacturers boss says there's been some trepidation about what's coming out of the US, but overall order books are holding up strong.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 18 Jun 2025 22:08:05 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/rhema-vaithianathan-aut-professor-on-5-year-census-getting-scrapped/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/rhema-vaithianathan-aut-professor-on-5-year-census-getting-scrapped/ The traditional census as we know it is coming to an end. Stats NZ is moving to a system using Government collected admin-data, saying the current five yearly Census is financially unsustainable. Census-style questions will still be asked in much smaller annual surveys looking at a small fraction of the population. Auckland University of Technology Professor Rhema Vaithianathan told Ryan Bridge the price of census is eye-watering. She says admin data also allows information to be released yearly, which is more useful than waiting five to find out what's happening. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 18 Jun 2025 18:08:29 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-19-june-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-19-june-2025/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 19th of June 2025, Dave Sweas CEO of Manufacturer Dodson group, joins Ryan Bridge to talk about the GDP figures out today.  The government scrapped the 5-year census, AUT director of the centre for social data analytics, Rhema Vaithianathan shares her thoughts.  We've got more Visa changes for Chinese nationals, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford tells Ryan Bridge what it means.  Plus, US Correspondent Katie Fisher has the latest on Trump's stance on Israel.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 18 Jun 2025 18:08:18 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-we-shouldnt-ignore-conflict/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-we-shouldnt-ignore-conflict/ I’m as guilty as the next Kiwi of complaining about the tyranny of distance, but the fact is we’re bloody lucky to live far across the ocean and out of harm’s way.  We’re at least 10,000 kilometres away from the nearest nuclear weapon launch site, whether it’s China’s Jingxian Province or the United States' Pacific Coast.  That doesn’t mean we’re immune to threats and fallout from conflict, nor should we ignore them. Foreign Minister Winston Peters this week remarked he’d never seen such an uncertain geostrategic circumstance as the one we’re currently living in. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute published its yearbook Monday with a warning that the risk of a nuclear weapon being used is increasing. Most of the nine nuclear armed states are either upgrading or replacing their stockpiles.  Over the next few years, it estimates the rate at which new nuclear warheads replace old ones will accelerate to the point where, for the first time since the Cold War era, we’ll have an overall increase nuclear weapons.  No matter how far from the frontlines we may be, and how safe we may feel as a consequence, it doesn’t mean we don’t or shouldn’t care about the rest of the world. We Kiwis love travelling the globe and experiencing all the complexities and differences it has to offer. In doing so, we learn to appreciate our own backyard that wee bit more.  This Matariki weekend I'll be taking a moment to be grateful that when I look to the night sky, I'll see stars rather than incoming missiles and drones.  Wed, 18 Jun 2025 18:05:44 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/simon-arcus-business-central-ceo-on-the-rising-optimism-among-business-leaders/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/simon-arcus-business-central-ceo-on-the-rising-optimism-among-business-leaders/ New Zealand businesses believe things are looking up, with optimism at a high.  The 2degrees 2025 Shaping Business Study reveals 45% of surveyed business leaders are more optimistic about the year ahead – up on last year's 34%.  46% of businesses also report they're more productive than last year.   Business Central CEO Simon Arcus told Ryan Bridge things will probably still fluctuate in coming years.   He says there are often moments where things seem to improve, then sink back again.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 17 Jun 2025 23:21:23 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/cameron-bagrie-independent-economist-on-food-inflation-prices-increasing/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/cameron-bagrie-independent-economist-on-food-inflation-prices-increasing/ Food inflation is up, rising 4.4% annually.   Meat, poultry, and fish had the biggest annual increases, while butter, milk and cheese drove grocery prices.  Butter surged by more than 51% over the year.  Independent economist, Cameron Bagrie told Ryan Bridge the numbers are creeping up, but the composition of the inflation matters more than the inflation itself.   He says they feel a bit of comfort that domestic inflation still heading south.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 17 Jun 2025 23:09:42 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/helen-buckland-clinical-psychologist-doctor-on-new-5-year-plan-for-suicide-prevention/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/helen-buckland-clinical-psychologist-doctor-on-new-5-year-plan-for-suicide-prevention/ Uncertainty on the Government's action plan for suicide prevention. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey's unveiled a five-year approach for addressing high suicide rates.  The new Suicide Prevention Plan includes strengthening the workforce, targeting higher-risk populations, and improving community care.  Clinical Psychologist Doctor Helen Buckland told Ryan Bridge there's been a lot of thought, but more needs to be done. She says it's not a suicide prevention plan, it's a response plan, for people who are already suicidal. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 17 Jun 2025 18:15:23 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-is-run-it-straight-really-that-dangerous/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-is-run-it-straight-really-that-dangerous/ The moral outrage over Run It Straight competitions is a tricky one.  As more and more young men ran at each other head-on and tried to knock each other out, as the injuries piled up, the outrage was palpable. Lots of pearl clutching and horror.  The reaction from some rugby stars and sporting legends was more nuanced, for obvious reasons.  They also run full steam ahead at one another on a Saturday, with great risk of personal injury and even death. Certainly, the chance of broken bones and concussion.  They do this because A. They enjoy it. B. It's often all they've ever known. And C. Presumably, because it pays well.  And that's the problem with the outrage over Run It Straight.  They had a guy in the news yesterday who won $20 thousand in trials held in Auckland. He's booked a spot in a final in Dubai. The money, he says, is putting clothes on his kids backs.  He said this: "We got to pay off some debts and stock up the fridges and the cupboards, food for our little ones, especially with the economy and stuff like that here in New Zealand. Nothing's cheap these days." He saw it as a couple of hours work with a huge payday.  I happen to think if somebody wants to play a high-risk sport like rugby, or UFC, or anything with horses, then good on them. It's their life, I'm not here to judge.  The question for the rest of society —and this is what our listeners most often email me about with Run It Straight— is ACC.  To qualify for ACC, your injury has to be the result of an accident. An accident is basically something you didn't intend to happen, happening. A mistake.  Run It Straight is bloody dangerous but I think ultimately, its injuries are accidents, like rugby or horse riding.  The system doesn't judge based on the threat of injury, just whether it's an accidental one or not.  Tue, 17 Jun 2025 18:11:27 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-18-june-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-18-june-2025/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 18th of June 2025, the Government's announced a five-year suicide prevention plan, clinical psychologist Dr Helen Buckland tells Ryan Bridge whether the plan will be enough.  Food inflation is up the highest it's been in eighteen months, independent economist Cameron Bagrie shares his thoughts.  New data from 2degrees shows business optimism is at its highest since 2021, Business Central CEO Simon Arcus tells Ryan why businesses are feeling more positive.  Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the G7 summit.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 17 Jun 2025 18:08:19 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/donna-demaio-australian-correspondent-on-the-sydney-kebab-shop-shooting/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/donna-demaio-australian-correspondent-on-the-sydney-kebab-shop-shooting/ Three people have been injured in a shooting in a Sydney kebab shop.  According to NSW Police, two masked gunmen walked into the shop, firing eight shots in total, before leaving the scene in a black BMW with a cloned licence plate.  A 50 year old woman was shot twice in the torso, a 26 year old man was shot in the arm and shoulder, and another man of unknown age was shot in the face.  Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge that according to police, one of the victims has had two previous attempts on his life.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 16 Jun 2025 22:55:16 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/julia-macdonald-asia-new-zealand-foundation-research-and-engagement-director-on-more-kiwis-seeing-china-as-a-threat/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/julia-macdonald-asia-new-zealand-foundation-research-and-engagement-director-on-more-kiwis-seeing-china-as-a-threat/ A new poll shows more Kiwis see China as a threat, but experts say a good economic relationship is vital.  The Asia New Zealand Foundation surveyed 2,300 locals between November and December, and again in March.   Results show the number of people concerned about China rose from 28% to 40% over four months.  Research and Engagement Director Julia Macdonald says New Zealanders can appreciate the need for a good economic relationship.  She told Ryan Bridge that China has been at the top of the list of most significant countries for New Zealand’s future for a number of years, and Kiwis understand the need to continue to engage China.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 16 Jun 2025 22:28:09 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gregg-carlstrom-middle-east-correspondent-on-the-conflict-between-israel-and-iran/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gregg-carlstrom-middle-east-correspondent-on-the-conflict-between-israel-and-iran/ It's thought that as long as the United States doesn't get involved, the Iran and Israel conflict should stay contained.  Tension continues to escalate between the two countries as air strikes continue to fire.  Speculation around a ceasefire is being discussed with US President Donald Trump encouraging the nations to talk before it’s too late.  Middle East correspondent Gregg Carlstrom told Ryan Bridge Israel has been planning this war for years, and isn't willing to stop after a few days.    He says the Iranians are willing to talk about a mutual ceasefire but doesn't think Israel or the United States are at a point where they would push for that.   LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 16 Jun 2025 22:16:14 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-17-june-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-17-june-2025/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025 Tuesday 17th of June, conflict continues between Iran and Israel, Middle East Correspondent Gregg Carlstrom has the latest on an Iranian TV studio struck by an Israeli airstrike.  A new survey from the Asia New Zealand Foundation shows our trust in China is slipping, Director of research and engagement, Dr Julia Macdonald tells Ryan Bridge what it means for our relationship with China.  Disposable vapes are out from today, Action for Smokefree 2025 Director, Ben Youdan shares his thoughts on how big of a difference it will make.  Plus Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on what will the Australian Prime Minister and Trump will discuss in their first face to face meeting in Canada. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Mon, 16 Jun 2025 18:08:19 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/ben-youdan-action-for-smokefree-director-on-crack-down-on-disposable-vapes-starts-today/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/ben-youdan-action-for-smokefree-director-on-crack-down-on-disposable-vapes-starts-today/ Smokefree advocates are hoping a new vaping crackdown coming in today doesn't deter smokers trying to quit. The new rules include stricter advertising restrictions for vape retailers and a ban on disposable vapes. It's an effort to clamp down on youth vaping, with around 10% of teenagers currently regular vapers. Action for Smokefree Director Ben Youdan told Ryan Bridge it's about striking the right balance. He says just leaving products cheaper than smoking but not too cheap for young people, is important. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 16 Jun 2025 18:07:31 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-economys-been-a-sick-patient-for-a-long-time/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-economys-been-a-sick-patient-for-a-long-time/ If growth is the game we're in then the Reserve Bank should keep cutting interest rates.  The problem is growth is not the game they're in. They're in the business of taming inflation, and that's about it.  The Government ditched the dual mandate —introduced by the last lot— that saw Adrian and Co. also focus on keeping people in jobs. Maximum sustainable employment.  That's now gone and inflation's in the band.  So the bank is going to take things slow. Ease the next few cuts over a longer period of time out of fear they'll overcook it again. They'll be thinking about Trump's tariffs and the fear of price hikes, even though these haven't materialised —even in the data out of the States— as yet. They'll be worried about the Middle East and the price of oil.  It's an imported cost and it's in everything, not just our cars, but transport of goods, production, you name it.  It directly and indirectly contributes up to 30% of our inflation when the price is high – like when somebody's dropping bombs in the Middle East.  But that wouldn't be my main concern if I was setting monetary policy.  Sure we'll get a solid growth number of around 0.7% for Q1 on Thursday, but there've been a couple of signs this week of things being a bit shaky in Q2 – the one we're in now.  Yesterday it was a Mayday call from the services sector – going backwards for the month, again. This time, a bigger drop than last. And again, way out of whack with our trading partners. Our golden dairy run will continue but there are signs production will be up this year on last, which could effect price.  Cutting rates sooner and faster would help avoid any surgical complications as we revive the economy, which as been a very sick patient for a very long time.  Mon, 16 Jun 2025 18:04:33 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/alastair-crozy-director-of-the-new-zealand-china-council-discusses-new-visa-changes-for-chinese-tourists/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/alastair-crozy-director-of-the-new-zealand-china-council-discusses-new-visa-changes-for-chinese-tourists/ Director of the New Zealand China Council Alastair Crozy joins Ryan Bridge to discuss a new visa for Chinese tourists. The change will allow Chinese tourists visiting Australia to enterNew Zealand with their Australian visa. Crozy says that this change has already increased searches for “New Zealand travel” on Chinese tourism websites like CTrip. This change comes ahead of Prime Minister Luxon’s visit to China where he will meet President Xi Jingping in a face-to-face meeting. Sun, 15 Jun 2025 20:03:19 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gavin-grey-nations-respond-to-rapidly-escalating-situation-between-israel-and-iran/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gavin-grey-nations-respond-to-rapidly-escalating-situation-between-israel-and-iran/ More nations are responding to the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. The two countries are continuing to exchange air assaults, after Israel's initial attack on Friday and Iran launched waves of missiles, in response. UK and Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge Iran believes any support of Israel from the West, makes assets from those countries fair game. He says Britons are being advised against travelling to Israel, as the UK says it's unable to keep them safe in this fast-moving situation. Sun, 15 Jun 2025 19:41:46 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-16-june-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-16-june-2025/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 16th of June 2025, The Police Commissioner has given body cams the all clear, Police Associaiton President Chris Cahill shares his thoughts.  The Government's announced changes to Visa's for Chinese nationals ahead of the Prime Minister's visit to China this week, The NZ China Council tells Ryan Bridge how significant the visit will be.  Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport.  UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the UK advising Britons against all travel to Israel amid an escalation in the country's military activity with Iran.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Sun, 15 Jun 2025 18:28:23 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/chris-cahill-police-association-president-on-the-police-commissioner-giving-body-cams-the-green-light/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/chris-cahill-police-association-president-on-the-police-commissioner-giving-body-cams-the-green-light/ The Police union is celebrating the decision to work towards rolling out body cameras - but wants it done right.  Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says staff are assessing options for equipping frontline officers with the technology.  The Police Association says it could clear-up misconceptions in the field, reduce complaints, and lead to more guilty pleas.  President Chris Cahill says body-cameras have become the international standard.  He says many officers in Australia don't want to deploy without the technology.  Sun, 15 Jun 2025 18:04:49 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-a-lot-going-on-in-the-world/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-a-lot-going-on-in-the-world/ The Prime Minister’s jetting off on a diplomatic mission this week and he’s heading into a very undiplomatic world. Israel and Iran are going at it. Netanyahu says Tehran is close to producing a nuclear weapon. As missiles and drones fly across the Middle East, talks for a nuclear deal with Iran’s leadership in Oman are on hold. The UK is mobilising fighter jets in the region as Iran warns it will strike western targets if they dare support Tel Aviv.  Israeli’s blockade of Gaza continues despite protests from this country and most others through the UN and sanctions. Talks in Turkey to end the war in Ukraine haven’t stopped the violence. Diplomacy has so far failed.  China continues buying oil from Russia and tacitly keeping its war in Europe alive. The US continues supporting Israel, keeping its wars on Gaza and Iran alive. China and the US themselves are doing direct battle of a different kind on trade. We’ve got politically motivated assassinations in America. Marines and national guard troops on the streets of Los Angeles. All this as the global economy splutters along under the weight of it all and I haven’t even mentioned Pakistan and India.  As Luxon prepares to meet with Xi Xinping and then attend a NATO leaders meeting in the Netherlands, the big question is not what to do, but where to start? New Zealand's influence in all of this is, is course, is limited. Most of these conflicts date back further than the birth of our nation. We rely on the United Nations - who's P5 VETO power renders is about as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike. Utterly useless. This no the first time the world has faced a collision of crisis involving wars backed by competing global superpowers. While diplomacy has failed to prevent them, history tells us it's also the best and only way to eventually solve them.  Sun, 15 Jun 2025 18:01:37 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/paul-anderson-nz-ski-ceo-on-the-opening-of-queenstowns-skifields-tomorrow/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/paul-anderson-nz-ski-ceo-on-the-opening-of-queenstowns-skifields-tomorrow/ Skifields in Queenstown have got the chair lifts turning ahead of opening day tomorrow.  NZ Ski Chief Executive Paul Anderson says the Remarkables and Coronet Peak have had eight solid days of snow making, mixed in with natural snowfall.  He says there's more than a metre of snow on the main trails and both skifields should have their main chairlifts running, providing a chance at top to bottom skiing across the mountain.  Mount Hutt attempted to open this morning but rainfall caused the snowpack to become unstable, pushing launch day to tomorrow.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 12 Jun 2025 22:30:58 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/helen-clarke-former-prime-minister-on-the-us-reviewing-aukus/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/helen-clarke-former-prime-minister-on-the-us-reviewing-aukus/ Helen Clark says the future of the AUKUS security pact remains very uncertain.  The Pentagon's reviewing the agreement between Australia, the UK, and the US to ensure it meets Donald Trump's America First agenda.  It's still unclear what that might mean for New Zealand's potential involvement.  But Clark —the former Prime Minister and UNDP Head— told Ryan Bridge there's a chance Trump could scrap the pact altogether.  She says the leaders of all three countries have changed since the agreement was signed, and the US has become increasingly unpredictable.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 12 Jun 2025 21:48:27 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mark-mitchell-corrections-minister-on-the-prison-population-will-increasing-by-36-percent-by-2035/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mark-mitchell-corrections-minister-on-the-prison-population-will-increasing-by-36-percent-by-2035/ The Corrections Minister believes our prisons will be ready for an increase in demand.  The Ministry of Justice expects the prison population will increase 36% by 2035, to more than 14,000 people. It's prompted concerns for the country's ability to cope with demand.  Mark Mitchell says the Waikeria prison expansion will help provide enough beds.  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 12 Jun 2025 18:17:34 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-13-june-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-13-june-2025/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 13th of June 2025, a report from the Ministry of Justice is predicting our prison population to grow by 36% over the next 10 years, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell shares his thoughts. The Ski season kicks off this weekend, NZ Ski Chief Executive Paul Anderson tells Ryan Bridge what people can look forward to. The US is "reviewing" it's AUKUS security pac, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark shares what this means for New Zealand's position.  Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on the Air India plane crash which killed more than 200 people.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 12 Jun 2025 18:08:24 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-luxons-rhetoric-is-starting-to-match-the-reality/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-luxons-rhetoric-is-starting-to-match-the-reality/ It’s fair to say Christopher Luxon’s had a rough run at the top. The transition from CEO to PM hasn’t been all that smooth. His approval ratings have been way out of whack with those of any predecessor at the same time in their reigns. We hardly saw a honeymoon. One of the problems has been communication. You ask people and they tell you: it’s hard to connect with him. We don’t really get what he’s about.  His loudmouth coalition partners have largely filled the personality void to his detriment. As a business executive, you’ve got to optimistic. You’ve got to project positivity, and that positive, upbeat style has jarred with the reality of our economy.  The more he said things are improving and this economy is turning a corner, the more out of touch he has sounded.  Jacinda Ardern encountered this problem when she refused to call the cost of living crisis a crisis. You lose the room. It's like a bit like trying to entertain a crowd of Metallica fans with a choir - a bit of a bum note.  And that problems has befallen Luxon. Until now.  Despite this morning's card data going sideways, there’s no doubt the economy’s on the up. We’re about to see another jump in GDP next week as we get Q1 data, which follows positive Q4 data. Treasury reckons this current year will see growth hitting almost 3%. Thanks to our exporters and global conditions, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. You can feel it - shops are filling up. Manufacturing’s on the up. Company’s are hiring.  And this is massive for Luxon because it means his rhetoric is starting to match the reality.  It’s the missing piece of the puzzle that could turn his political fortunes around.  Thu, 12 Jun 2025 18:03:26 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/tracie-shipton-voyce-whakarongo-mai-chief-executive-says-young-m%C4%81ori-are-over-represented-in-oranga-tamariki/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/tracie-shipton-voyce-whakarongo-mai-chief-executive-says-young-m%C4%81ori-are-over-represented-in-oranga-tamariki/ An Independent Children's Monitor report finds almost half the reports of concern relate to young Māori.  They make up two-thirds of those in care - and more than three-quarters in youth justice custody.  Voyce Whakarongo Mai Chief Executive Tracie Shipton told Ryan Bridge that change is possible.  She says it's a stark reminder if we get in early with wrap around services for whanau and young people, we can make a difference.  LISTEN ABOVE   Wed, 11 Jun 2025 21:57:06 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/robert-patman-international-relations-professor-on-trumps-criticism-of-nz/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/robert-patman-international-relations-professor-on-trumps-criticism-of-nz/ The US has criticized New Zealand for banning two Israeli Ministers.  Winston Peters has decided to jump on the bandwagon with allies such as Australia and Canada by banning Israel’s finance minister and national security minister from entering the country.   But the US has denounced these sanctions and said that New Zealand should focus on Hamas instead.  International relations professor Robert Patman talks to Ryan Bridges about the situation and what can be expected from both sides going forward.  LISTEN ABOVE       Wed, 11 Jun 2025 21:42:08 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mitch-mccann-us-correspondent-discusses-trumps-new-deal-with-china/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mitch-mccann-us-correspondent-discusses-trumps-new-deal-with-china/ US Correspondent Mitch McCann talks about Trump’s new “deal” with China after China threatens to cut off the US’ supply of rare minerals.  China issued these threats in response to the treatment of Chinese students studying in the USA. China also wants the USA to continue exporting semiconductors to China.  President Trump has said that these terms will be met, although current details are unclear.   Although communication between the two nations is positive, the discussion isn’t over yet as McCann says, “it’s a bit of a framework to continue working on a deal.”  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 11 Jun 2025 21:22:35 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/sirma-karapeeva-meat-industry-association-chief-executive-on-food-and-fibre-exports-on-track-to-break-records/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/sirma-karapeeva-meat-industry-association-chief-executive-on-food-and-fibre-exports-on-track-to-break-records/ Red meat's among food and fibre exports surging in value, with revenue forecast to surpass $60 billion for the first time. The latest forecasts projects export earnings of $59.9 billion for the year ending later this month.  It's now on track to reach $65.7 billion by 2029. Meat Industry Association Chief Executive Sirma Karapeeva told Ryan Bridge we're seeing strong global demand and healthy prices across key markets. She says there's demand from the US and EU, with a good recovery in exports to China. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 11 Jun 2025 18:18:40 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-dial-has-shifted-in-farming-and-emissions/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-dial-has-shifted-in-farming-and-emissions/ I’ve been reflecting this Fieldays week on how much the dial has shifted in farming and emissions. We had Chris Hipkins on the Herald Now programme Tuesday admit they essentially don’t currently have a policy in putting agriculture into the ETS.  It was a signature policy platform under Ardern. We had to do it, they told us. It was immoral not to.  Farmers had to pay a higher price, and who cares if it’s CO2 or methane, emissions are emissions.  Labour’s now open to ditching that altogether and softening its tone on farmers. This is happening for two reasons. 1. People are alive to the fact that without our strong agriculture export prices, our regions would feel a lot more our main centres right now: economically depressed and limping along. Actually, selling a bunch of stuff we already know how to do well is exactly what a small trading nation likes ours should be doing. 2. The Government has successfully changed the narrative on emissions, basically through repetition: our farmers are the most efficient in the world. The world demands meat and dairy. If we cut back and burn the farmers, bite the hand that feeds our regional economies, somebody else meets that global demand with, you guessed it, higher emitting meat and dairy products.  So for reasons of basic economics and political reality, the dial has been shifted in farming and emissions.  Labour’s a little late to the party, but at least acknowledging the landscape has well and truly changed.  Wed, 11 Jun 2025 18:11:47 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-12-june-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-12-june-2025/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 12th of June 2025, Food and Fibre exports are on track to break new records, Meat Industry Association Chief Executive Sirma Karapeeva, shares her thoughts on how red meat exports are going.  The US has criticised NZ for sanctions on Israel, international relations Professor Robert Patman tell Ryan Bridge how this makes us look.  We've got another report showing some Maori children are falling through the cracks, Voyce CEO Tracey Shipton shares her thoughts.  Plus Mitch McCann has the latest on deal between the US and China.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 11 Jun 2025 18:08:19 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/rhys-gardner-gfactor-edge-co-founder-on-their-vr-simulators-fieldays/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/rhys-gardner-gfactor-edge-co-founder-on-their-vr-simulators-fieldays/ Fieldays has opened at Hamilton's Mystery Creek, with 100 thousand visitors expected over the next four days.  1200 vendors will be plying their wares at the Southern Hemisphere's largest agribusiness event, displaying the latest farming innovations.  GFactor Edge co-founder Rhys Gardner is bringing his company’s VR driving simulators to the event – the technology allowing people to learn how to drive heavy machinery in a controlled environment.  He told Ryan Bridge they’re recreating real accidents and near misses and allowing people to experience the outcomes of their decisions.   LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 10 Jun 2025 23:01:18 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mike-casey-rewiring-aotearoa-ceo-on-the-queenstown-electrification-accelerator-project/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mike-casey-rewiring-aotearoa-ceo-on-the-queenstown-electrification-accelerator-project/ Queenstown could soon be leading the world’s renewable energy future.  Rewiring Aotearoa is launching the Queenstown Electrification Accelerator project to speed up the transition to electric machines that run on renewable electricity.  It wants to make it easier for homes and businesses to go electric.  Chief Executive Mike Casey told Ryan Bridge one of the biggest barriers to going solar is the up-front cost.  But he says with some of New Zealand's highest energy prices, Queenstown is the best place to turn renewable.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 10 Jun 2025 22:49:15 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/sarah-helm-drug-foundation-executive-director-on-the-number-of-drug-overdose-deaths-nearly-doubling/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/sarah-helm-drug-foundation-executive-director-on-the-number-of-drug-overdose-deaths-nearly-doubling/ Drug overdose deaths have almost doubled in less than a decade and at the same time, the number of people accessing specialist help is trending downward.   The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission found 188 people died from an overdose in 2023.  That's more than half the road toll, and more than twice the number of drowning deaths.  Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm told Ryan Bridge we lose three New Zealanders every week to accidental and preventable drug overdose.   She says at the same time there's been a decline in access to addiction services.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 10 Jun 2025 20:15:59 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-nobody-wants-to-give-more-money-to-councils-who-waste-it/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-nobody-wants-to-give-more-money-to-councils-who-waste-it/ If you're in Auckland and waking up this morning feeling poorer, it's because you are. It's because we all are.   CVs down 9%, rates are up 6% at the start of the month – that's an extra 223 bucks a year. Now the CVs aren't the market value, obviously, but the market value of our houses has also dropped.   And so it's right that we feel poorer, we are. But spare a thought for Wellington – CVs down 24%, rates up 17%. No, thank you.   Everyone's asking why are we paying more when our houses are worthless? The answer is just because it's how councils collect money, and they have few options to do it any other way.   I saw a graph yesterday in defence of councils – this is a tax as a percentage of GDP,  over the last 130 years, since the 1800s. The blue line was central government. They tax us through income, y’know, spending via GST, a whole bunch of stuff was up around 30%, peaked at about 35% of GDP.   Greedy. Disgraceful. Poor. Old in orange. Your Councils basically flatlining for the last 70 years at 2% of GDP. This is why they want more options to make money, like charging rates on government buildings in their districts. Because yes, the government doesn't pay rates at present. Bit rude, isn't it? We have to.   It's why Wayne Brown wants other levers to pull, like bed taxes. But here's the problem: they have a good argument for more funding streams, but they keep blowing up their sympathy with dumb, expensive, useless stuff like cycleways, and raised pedestrian crossings, and road calming measures, and food scrap bins we have to pay for. The list goes on.   The problem councils have is that nobody wants to give more money to somebody who wastes it. For as long as that keeps happening, their sympathy tank is on empty.  Tue, 10 Jun 2025 19:42:49 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-11-june-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-11-june-2025/ Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 11 June. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. Tue, 10 Jun 2025 18:08:21 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/simon-porter-halo-sport-managing-director-and-rugby-player-agent-on-mark-robinsons-resignation/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/simon-porter-halo-sport-managing-director-and-rugby-player-agent-on-mark-robinsons-resignation/ New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson has stepped down from his role.  Robinson has been chief executive of NZR since January 2020, and will leave NZR at the end of this year.  In a statement, Robinson said he will join his family in Australia when he has finished in the job.  Halo Sport’s Simon Porter told Ryan Bridge he’d agree with Robinson’s assessment that he left the organisation a better place than he found it.  He says it’s been a pretty tough six years with Covid, and they’ve made some substantial changes and split the organisation, but hopefully its set itself up to be a bit more nimble as it moves forward.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 09 Jun 2025 23:12:51 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/casey-costello-customs-minister-on-the-need-for-action-to-mitigate-corruption-in-new-zealand/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/casey-costello-customs-minister-on-the-need-for-action-to-mitigate-corruption-in-new-zealand/ New Zealand's becoming more vulnerable to corruption by organised crime.   An independent advisory panel's urged the Government to take immediate action.   It says police officers, immigration officials, and private sector employees have facilitated drug smuggling, leaked sensitive information, and undermined our border system.   Customs Minister Casey Costello told Ryan Bridge she agrees we can't rest on our laurels.  She says we are the only Five Eyes partner that doesn't have a national corruption strategy, and our legislation isn't fit for purpose.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 09 Jun 2025 22:50:37 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/tania-tapsell-rotorua-mayor-on-government-injects-135-million-into-tourism-nz/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/tania-tapsell-rotorua-mayor-on-government-injects-135-million-into-tourism-nz/ The Government's pumping more funding into tourism marketing, with a goal of generating an extra $300 million in spending.  Minister Louise Upston's announced a $13.5 million injection into Tourism New Zealand -- targeting Australia, the US, and China.  It's expected to bring an extra 72 thousand visitors over coming years.  Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell told Ryan Bridge the spending goals easily achievable.  She says Chinese visitors spend an average of $6,000 here, which is why they're being targeted. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 09 Jun 2025 18:18:10 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-10-june-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-10-june-2025/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 10th of June 2025, a new report has found our corruption-free nation is at odds with evidence, Ryan Bridge asks Customs Minister Casey Costello what difference the Government can make.  The Government's investing $13.5 million in tourism, Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell shares her thoughts.  Plus NZ Rugby Boss Mark Robinson calls it quits, Simon Port Managing Director and Rugby Player agent for Halo Sport, tells Ryan Bridge what skills the new CEO needs to bring to NZ Rugby.  Ryan shares his thoughts on Greta Thunberg's aid boat being intercepted by the Israelis.  Plus Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on the Australian PM asked to intervene after an Aussie journalist was hit by a rubber bullet in LA riots. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Mon, 09 Jun 2025 18:08:19 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-serial-protestors-arent-helping-anyone/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-serial-protestors-arent-helping-anyone/ Honestly… it’s time Greta got a grip. This is a stunt. She’s sailing on a yacht with a diesel motor, which they’ve been using because the sails haven’t been up. There’s been photos and video, Greta doing the Titanic at the bow, on her merciful mission to save the Middle East onboard the vessel complete with Aircon and TVs and Instagram. As for being kidnapped, this must be the first time a victim has broadcast their own hostage video. How does that work? It’s a tiny yacht. How much aid can you actually have on board? There’s no doubt Palestinians desperately need aid because of Israel’s inhumane blockade. Unfortunately, they’re not going to get any from this attention obsessed Swede.  This is the problem I think people have with protesters. Not the ones who protest and then do something useful like become scientists and invent a solution to global warming. Protesters who protest for the sake of it and change causes with the wind.  One day it’s the climate and oil is the devil and the house is burning down. Then the next it’s powering through the Med on a diesel laden yacht to rescue Gaza.  And it’s a bit like a drug.  John Minto is a case in point. Serial protester. Most recently seen promoting a bounty tipline for hunting out Israeli's holidaying in New Zealand.  You name a cause; he’ll get behind it. In Europe they’re defacing ancient artefacts, throwing soup on paintings and confetti on the Court at Wimbledon. While they’re doing all these ridiculous stunts, hoovering up social media followers along the way, they claim, as Greta did yesterday, that it’s not about them. It’s about the Palestinian people, not me, said Greta.  The lady doth protest too much, methinks. Mon, 09 Jun 2025 18:06:12 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gavin-grey-asylum-seeker-spending-down-but-not-down-enough/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gavin-grey-asylum-seeker-spending-down-but-not-down-enough/ “It’s down, but it’s down not very much.” says UK Correspondent Gavin Grey in this morning’s immigration discussion with Ryan Bridge.  The UK Government is spending $4.4billion on hotel bills housing migrants. Although this is down from $4.6billion the previous year, Grey says it isn’t enough.  Money to fund this is coming from the overseas development fund, a system that Grey calls, “unsustainable.”   Arrests for immigrants working illegally in the UK have increased, but Grey says the hotel bill continues to get longer with no end in sight.   LISTEN ABOVE  Sun, 08 Jun 2025 20:14:46 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/andrew-alderson-rugby-tennis-and-the-weekends-sports-summary/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/andrew-alderson-rugby-tennis-and-the-weekends-sports-summary/ A packed weekend for Kiwi and international sport this weekend, and Andrew Alderson joined Ryan Bridge to talk about it. Today’s fill includes Coco Gauff’s victory at the French Open, the latest from the world of Golf and this weekend’s main event: The Blues vs. The Chiefs. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 08 Jun 2025 19:55:14 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/geoff-upson-road-safety-campaigner-discusses-young-driver-education/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/geoff-upson-road-safety-campaigner-discusses-young-driver-education/ Rodney local board member and road safety campaigner Geoff Upson join Ryan Bridge to talk about the safety of young people on the road. Upson says that although road fatality rates are declining, there is more work to do when it comes to educating first-time drivers. He said that professional driver training alongside more time in the car with Mum and Dad could make all the difference tomake sure teenagers know how to conduct themselves on the road. Upson also said that education about the car itself is also lacking, with misunderstandings in tire grip capacity leading to more accidents in the rain. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 08 Jun 2025 19:24:23 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-09-june-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-09-june-2025/ Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 9 June. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. Sun, 08 Jun 2025 18:28:24 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/parmjeet-parmar-act-party-immigration-spokesperson-on-new-parent-boost-visas/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/parmjeet-parmar-act-party-immigration-spokesperson-on-new-parent-boost-visas/ A new 'Parent Boost' visa will make it easier for some migrants' parents to visit the country. From September, it will grant parents of citizens multi-entry access for five years, with the opportunity for renewal once - meaning they could hold the visa for 10 years. Applicants will also need to meet specific health, income, and insurance requirements. Act Party Immigration Spokesperson Parmjeet Parmar told Ryan Bridge it's hard to know how many people will apply. She says it could be between two and ten thousand.  Sun, 08 Jun 2025 18:16:55 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-how-much-will-winter-cost-us-this-year/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-how-much-will-winter-cost-us-this-year/ She was a chilly weekend.  Even in Auckland it was only 5 degrees.  We had the heat pump cranking the entire weekend. I spoke to a friend in Marlborough who had the fire going all weekend. They had a proper frost there.  It's right about now you start thinking... how much is all this going to cost me? The answer $250 for May for a house of two persons, one dog.  Already we've spent $70 for June.  This is one of the few bills I pay in our household so it's one of the few I notice.  It's not going through the roof... and is tracking roughly the same as last year.  And disclaimer... our place is old and cold, poorly ventilated and you basically need either air con or heat all the time. There is good news on the energy front for 2025, not that it directly affects us as much, more the big industrial users.  Forsyth Barr released an energy note on Friday... they reckon we'll avoid another big energy crunch this winter. The next one is due 2026.  That means no risk of blackouts. The reason we've avoided this is because electricity producers did a deal with Methanex. And we've had rain - so the hydro lakes have been given a top up.  To avoid future blackouts, we'll need to cut industrial demand and burn more coal.  And that brings us to gas - a shortage of which caused last year's energy price crunch. Forsyth Barr reckons the government's push for gas is unlikely to solve out problems.  It takes two to three years to get a gas field up and running. First you have to find it. Right now, nobody's even looking. No fields are being explored.  By the time you get gas out of the government's $200-million budget buy-in, the energy shortages will likely have passed. It's one thing to let the producers go it alone, it's another to put our money on the line to develop these fields.  There's a genuine question about whether this is smart investment in our future or if taxpayer money is being wasted. A bit like the heat escaping from my old house.  Sun, 08 Jun 2025 18:01:37 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/don-brash-former-national-leader-voices-concern-over-winston-peters-approach-to-china/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/don-brash-former-national-leader-voices-concern-over-winston-peters-approach-to-china/ Winston Peters is accusing Don Brash and Helen Clark of "relevance deprivation syndrome", after their criticism of his approach to China.  The former National and Labour leaders are warning the Government that it could be putting our largest trading relationship at risk by aligning too closely with the US.  Brash believes that it is unwise to shift priority from China to the US given the current tension between the two superpowers. Peters says he stands by the government's independent foreign policy, and he sees no value in indulging in tired arguments from former politicians.  LISTEN ABOVE      Thu, 05 Jun 2025 22:34:58 Z