https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/rss NZME Thu, 16 Apr 2026 02:39:53 Z en https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/andrew-dickens-why-we-got-the-auckland-harbour-bridge-wrong/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/andrew-dickens-why-we-got-the-auckland-harbour-bridge-wrong/ There was a letter to the editor over the weekend about the Auckland Harbour Bridge which made a very good point. Sun, 13 Apr 2025 18:06:31 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/roman-travers-wellingtonians-suffering-at-the-hand-of-inept-council/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/roman-travers-wellingtonians-suffering-at-the-hand-of-inept-council/ After another sweltering weekend with many of us seeking the shade of a big old tree, or taking a trip to our favourite rivers, lakes and beaches; it’s so sad to see Wellington suffering with poor leadership. Sun, 21 Jan 2024 18:24:02 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-im-as-impatient-as-the-next-guy/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-im-as-impatient-as-the-next-guy/ I’m as impatient as the next guy but can we cut Luxon some slack here? He’s dealing with Winston. He’s dealing with two parties, both deeply ambitious, principled and headstrong, and one of them has Winston at the helm.  Sun, 19 Nov 2023 19:25:23 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-hard-working-david-seymour-is-hitting-all-the-right-notes/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-hard-working-david-seymour-is-hitting-all-the-right-notes/ The big winner out of last night’s One News Kantar poll is David Seymour. Mon, 08 Aug 2022 19:20:35 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-my-heroes-this-week-are-the-locals-that-fought-back-against-thugs/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-my-heroes-this-week-are-the-locals-that-fought-back-against-thugs/ My heroes of the week this week are the locals who fought back at thugs with axes and hammers, attempting a smash and grab at an Auckland jewellery store. It was the second time in a month this store had been hit – the owners suspect by the same offenders. Thu, 28 Jul 2022 19:12:00 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-it-seems-we-are-going-to-stay-in-orange-for-any-winter-flu-from-now-on/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-it-seems-we-are-going-to-stay-in-orange-for-any-winter-flu-from-now-on/ Hands up if you had no idea yesterday was a traffic light announcement day. Tue, 24 May 2022 19:17:47 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-turns-out-i-gave-the-government-too-much-credit/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-turns-out-i-gave-the-government-too-much-credit/ So just when I was giving them the benefit of the doubt, the Government showed its true colours again yesterday and went back to its head in the sand approach.  Mon, 09 May 2022 19:19:17 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-auckland-cbd-isnt-bouncing-back-the-way-it-should/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-auckland-cbd-isnt-bouncing-back-the-way-it-should/ I was out in Auckland city last night - which if you know me, you know is extremely rare on a weeknight for me to be out anywhere, far less the CBD. But I was driving through downtown Auckland with my kids in the car and I couldn't believe how heaving town was for a Thursday night. Thu, 05 May 2022 19:11:58 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-poto-williams-is-acting-immaturely-and-naively/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-poto-williams-is-acting-immaturely-and-naively/ This Government has an image problem and that may be partially reflected in their poll result. Wed, 04 May 2022 19:10:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-its-a-rare-day-but-i-agree-with-winston-peters/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-its-a-rare-day-but-i-agree-with-winston-peters/ It’s a rare day I find myself agreeing with Winston Peters, in fact I’d go so far as to say it’s never happened. But given the circumstances of yesterday, I’d have to agree with Winnie; Trevor Mallard has lost the plot.  Tue, 03 May 2022 19:18:24 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-wealth-tax-chat-is-a-fishing-expedition-for-govt/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-wealth-tax-chat-is-a-fishing-expedition-for-govt/ So do we have a big backflip from the PM coming? The Heralds Political Editor Claire Trevett reminded us all yesterday of Ardern’s words regarding a wealth tax during the 2020 election campaign, remember that? It seems not even the PM recalled what she'd said, given she’s now saying something different.   Mon, 02 May 2022 19:14:26 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-shocker-of-a-week-for-the-government/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-shocker-of-a-week-for-the-government/ Not a great week for the government this week. Wed, 12 May 2021 23:16:43 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-when-did-we-get-so-grumpy-at-the-supermarket/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-when-did-we-get-so-grumpy-at-the-supermarket/ I took my life into my hands yesterday, and went to the supermarket. Wed, 12 May 2021 00:44:30 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-is-it-really-a-bad-thing-that-more-teens-are-online/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-is-it-really-a-bad-thing-that-more-teens-are-online/ I found a report from the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment interesting. It showed 15 year olds in this country “spend more time on the net than their peers in all countries except Denmark, Sweden and Chile.” That’s quite something. Tue, 11 May 2021 00:04:33 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-australia-pipped-us-to-the-post-on-seasonal-workers/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-australia-pipped-us-to-the-post-on-seasonal-workers/ It’s extremely sad to see the demise of strawberry growing at Perry’s Berrys in Auckland. Sun, 21 Mar 2021 22:15:53 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-study-shows-cannabis-legalisation-leads-to-increase-youth-use/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-study-shows-cannabis-legalisation-leads-to-increase-youth-use/ Imagine my surprise when (a) a new study published by the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found cannabis legalisation leads to increased youth use, and (b) that the media didn’t report it. It’s justification that NZ made the right decision in voting No. It also flies in the face of what the Yes camp were saying – which was that legalising cannabis would not lead to any increase in use. Wed, 17 Feb 2021 19:02:07 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-lets-hope-a-three-day-lockdown-is-all-it-is/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-lets-hope-a-three-day-lockdown-is-all-it-is/ As I drove into work this morning, there it was flashing up in lights on the motorway, the familiar sign. 'Wash your hands', it said, and 'be kind'. Sun, 14 Feb 2021 22:47:16 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/tim-dower-we-need-purpose-built-quarantine-facilities/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/tim-dower-we-need-purpose-built-quarantine-facilities/ If we're thinking about opening up a trans-Tasman travel bubble and the signs are we're getting close, do we also need to be re-thinking the way we handle quarantine? Thu, 01 Oct 2020 21:47:24 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-this-mt-roskill-mini-cluster-is-so-frustrating/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-this-mt-roskill-mini-cluster-is-so-frustrating/ The big story this week, for Aucklanders especially, has been the Mt Roskill mini cluster. Thu, 10 Sept 2020 21:58:19 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-whats-driving-push-for-diverse-entertainment-industry/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-whats-driving-push-for-diverse-entertainment-industry/ A lot of things have come to a grinding halt in 2020. Air travel, overseas holidays, many weddings and funerals, and yesterday the shocking news that The Kardashians will be no more. Wed, 09 Sept 2020 22:31:58 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-why-are-women-targeted-more-than-men-on-social-media/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-why-are-women-targeted-more-than-men-on-social-media/ COMMENT Tue, 08 Sept 2020 21:57:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-in-an-economic-crisis-labour-announces-a-public-holiday/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-in-an-economic-crisis-labour-announces-a-public-holiday/ It was a great, if not welcome and blessed relief, to finally see some policy released by Labour yesterday. Not before time. Mon, 07 Sept 2020 21:25:12 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-misinformation-around-cannabis-referendum-concerning/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-misinformation-around-cannabis-referendum-concerning/ COMMENT: Mon, 07 Sept 2020 04:29:23 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/tim-dower-weve-put-the-issue-of-live-exports-on-hold-for-too-long/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/tim-dower-weve-put-the-issue-of-live-exports-on-hold-for-too-long/ Things aren't looking good for the remaining crew of the Gulf Livestock 1. Thu, 03 Sept 2020 22:07:13 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/tim-dower-should-people-on-the-benefit-be-made-to-do-voluntary-work/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/tim-dower-should-people-on-the-benefit-be-made-to-do-voluntary-work/ You've perhaps heard this idea doing the rounds for people on a benefit to be doing some kind of voluntary work. Wed, 02 Sept 2020 22:45:59 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-greens-will-be-hoping-supporters-have-short-memories/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-greens-will-be-hoping-supporters-have-short-memories/ COMMENT Tue, 01 Sept 2020 20:27:10 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/tim-dower-wheres-the-plan-for-the-next-covid-outbreak/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/tim-dower-wheres-the-plan-for-the-next-covid-outbreak/ COMMENT Mon, 31 Aug 2020 21:49:29 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-goodwill-fading-with-each-new-covid-19-blunder/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/kate-hawkesby-goodwill-fading-with-each-new-covid-19-blunder/ Our excitement in Auckland to get down to level 2 may have been slightly thwarted at the weekend by the unnecessary panic caused by incorrect messaging around testing. Sun, 30 Aug 2020 21:47:42 Z