https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/rss NZME 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 Mon, 25 May 2026 18:56:19 Z en https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/todd-barberel-wellington-nz-general-manager-destination-and-marketing-on-a-drop-in-cruise-visits/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/todd-barberel-wellington-nz-general-manager-destination-and-marketing-on-a-drop-in-cruise-visits/ Glimmers of hope for Wellington - despite another drop in cruise visits.  Preliminary data released to Newstalk ZB shows a three percent drop in port visits compared to last season. The North Island fell 41, and the South Island gained 23.  The capital was the worst hit - losing 24 percent of port calls.  Wellington NZ General Manager Destination and Marketing Todd Barberel told Ryan Bridge visitor numbers and spend is increasing - though not at pre-COVID levels yet. He says there's positive momentum and the challenges from cruise lines need to be balanced with their long-term objectives.  Mon, 25 May 2026 18:18:17 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-enhanced-games-just-a-bit-of-fun/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-enhanced-games-just-a-bit-of-fun/ Some guy won a million bucks for swimming 50m in a pool with a wetsuit on. I know. Awesome, right? Should be stoked for the guy. He's Greek. He's an athlete. He broke a world record.  Problem is, he was taking performance enhancing drugs and the wetsuit was not legit. You wouldn't get away with that at the Olympics.  But what I can understand is the backlash, the tut-tutting, from the medical professionals and sporting bodies.  They're upset for two reasons.  1. These athletes are potentially putting themselves at risk, medically. 2. It undermines traditional non-doping sports.  One the first point, isn't that a bit rich?  Isn't it a bit hypocritical or the medical fraternity, who relies on medical trials of patients with sometimes unknown long-term consequences and risks.  This Greek guy just made a million bucks. That's money he can use to feed his family and change his life.  Are we really going to judge? And as for the sport argument. Name me a sport that doesn't result in long-term injuries or medical problems down the line. Except for maybe competitive walking?  Especially at professional level. Is boxing 100% safe? Can rugby claim no concussions? How many horse riders you know in wheelchairs? I'm not saying there's anything wrong with sport being dangerous.  It's human nature - we love challenging ourselves and sometimes that challenge can lead to damage or death.  We're thrill-seekers, essentially.  The enhanced games are basically that on steroids, literally.  If you don't like, don't watch, but don't judge a guy banking a million bucks just for going for a swim.  Mon, 25 May 2026 18:13:32 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-26-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-26-may-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 26th of May 2026, The Government’s stepping in guarantor banks loans to get profitable businesses off gas, Business NZ Advocacy Director Catherine Beard shares her thoughts. International business events are bouncing back, almost at pre-Covid levels, Chief Executive Officer at Business Canterbury Leeann Watson shares her thoughts.  We've got a 3% drop in port calls from cruise ships this season, General Manager of Destination and Marketing at Wellington NZ Todd Barberel shares his thoughts.  Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on a coroners hearing telling grim details of the police killings in rural Victoria last year and the rise of One Nation. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Mon, 25 May 2026 18:07:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/david-smith-iran-us-ceasefire-talks-seem-to-be-more-optimistic-than-normal/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/david-smith-iran-us-ceasefire-talks-seem-to-be-more-optimistic-than-normal/ President Donald Trump has said over the weekend that the United States is in the final stages of negotiations to extend a ceasefire in the US war against Iran and open the Strait of Hormuz. Trump appears willing to let negotiations proceed while still threatening to hit Iran’s civilian infrastructure and energy plants if talks fail. Washington bureau chief for The Guardian David Smith told Ryan Bridge the plan would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and require Iran to get rid of it's enriched uranium.  LISTEN ABOVE  Sun, 24 May 2026 19:37:05 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-a-kid-in-sport-is-kid-out-of-court/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-a-kid-in-sport-is-kid-out-of-court/ Even if you're not into football, it's hard not to be excited about a local franchise winning the A-League final. You have to be a real Grinch not to get a smile on your face. Congratulations to all the players, Steve Corica, Nick Becker and the well-heeled who backed them. These guys have momentum. They've created a winning buzz. There are two things that leapt to mind as the AFC party bus snaked its way through Queen Street yesterday: 1. This is part of a wider story about the rise of football, which now boasts more kiwi players than rugby union. A big part of that is to do with Auckland. Rugby has an Auckland problem which football and league are exploiting. Unlike the Blues, the Warriors and Auckland FC regularly fill stadiums. It's not come out of nowhere. In 2014, a council survey found rugby was 20th on the list of sports played by Aucklanders. In 2016, of the 150,000 registered union players in NZ, just 40,000 came from this region. That was less than 3% of Aucklanders. Rugby is stronger in the provinces. But if getting young players on the field is the aim of the game, then Auckland is king. Same story in politics. You can't win the election if you lose Auckland, as the last lot found out back in 2023. 2. Fans don't really care if the players, coaches, and even owners (in Bill Foley), are Aucklanders, let alone Kiwis. They just care that it's A) football, and B) they're winning. In that order. Another lesson, perhaps, for other codes with sticky rules and criteria? In the end, it doesn't really matter which sport kids are playing, so long as they're playing something. A kid in sport is kid out of court. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 24 May 2026 19:12:57 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-25-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-25-may-2026/ Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 25 May. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. Sun, 24 May 2026 18:07:19 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/tim-adams-auckland-fc-fan-group-representative-previews-the-a-league-grand-final-clash/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/tim-adams-auckland-fc-fan-group-representative-previews-the-a-league-grand-final-clash/ Auckland FC are heading for their first A-League grand final at a sold-out stadium.  It’s both the first time a grand final has been played in New Zealand, and the first time a Kiwi team has made it this far in the competition.   Auckland FC Fan Group’s Tim Adams told Ryan Bridge that the game is going to be insane.  “The ability to comprehend being in a final and being in a home final after having a club for only two years, it’s actually just crazy.”  He says the hardcore fans are going to make sure it’s an event that won’t be forgotten.  LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 22 May 2026 00:09:21 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/paul-giberd-social-housing-aotearoa-ceo-on-the-social-housing-overhaul-and-possible-impact-on-elderly-people/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/paul-giberd-social-housing-aotearoa-ceo-on-the-social-housing-overhaul-and-possible-impact-on-elderly-people/ There are concerns elderly people will be left behind in a housing support overhaul.  This year's Budget includes hiking the amount social housing tenants have to pay, from 25% of their income to 30%.  It means low-income earners in private rentals receive an average increase of nearly $15 a week.  Social Housing Aotearoa Chief Executive Paul Gilberd told Ryan Bridge thousands of people in social housing are older, and many can't afford current rental prices.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 21 May 2026 23:57:01 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/michael-baker-otago-university-public-health-professor-on-pharmacs-proposal-to-expand-free-flu-vaccines/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/michael-baker-otago-university-public-health-professor-on-pharmacs-proposal-to-expand-free-flu-vaccines/ Pharmac's looking to expand free flu vaccines to the group with the highest rates of influenza.  The agency's looking at providing jabs to an extra 260 thousand children, between six months and five-years-old, from next year.   Otago University Public Health Professor Michael Baker told Ryan Bridge a small number in this age range die from influenza every year.   He says given they often infect other family members, other countries around the world are already funding vaccines for under-fives.   Baker says vaccines remain the best way to develop immunity.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 21 May 2026 23:46:17 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-whats-cruel-versus-fair-in-the-social-housing-debate/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-whats-cruel-versus-fair-in-the-social-housing-debate/ Nicola Willis' Lotto comment yesterday was clumsy, but in the end, much ado about nothing. The politics of this housing thing are pretty simple. You've got 80,000 social housing tenants who probably weren't going to vote National, who now definitely won't vote National.  You've got 110,000 better-off voters who might soften to you. You've got a frothy media and opposition who will use this as a stick to beat the Government with until November. But here are the facts. If you're a voter worried about rent, they're now materially cheaper than they were under the last lot. The average is down $30 a week nationwide, from $660 to $630 in April according to Realestate.co.nz. They shot up for a couple of reasons, one of which was Labour's landlord-bashing interest deductibility shocker. Which didn't hit mega-slumlords, by the way, it hit mum-and-dad investors, many negatively geared, who couldn't afford to hold on to their retirement nest egg any longer, got hit with new tax and compliance costs, and got out. Shortages help push up prices. The bad news is Labour's more likely than not to do this again if they get back to the Treasury benches. The social housing waitlist was 25,000 in 2023. It's now 19,700. Labour was paying $1 million a day on motels. So, let's talk about what's cruel and what's fair, and what motivates these politicians. Let's play "who's more cruel". Willis and Bishop are changing rules to even the playing field. It's cost neutral. The Government's not saving money here. Hipkins and Co. were banking $1.8 billion in extra taxes that other legitimate businesses weren't having to pay. Just landlords. In which of these two scenarios are Kiwi renters better off, and in which are they worse off? If there's one thing worse than being cruel to be kind, it's being careless. Thu, 21 May 2026 23:32:31 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-22-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-22-may-2026/ Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 22 May. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. Thu, 21 May 2026 18:07:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/kate-acland-beef-plus-lamb-nz-chair-on-the-research-finding-incentives-could-help-farmers-reduce-emissions/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/kate-acland-beef-plus-lamb-nz-chair-on-the-research-finding-incentives-could-help-farmers-reduce-emissions/ Climate policies for farmers may be revealing a competitive gap.   New research by Beef + Lamb suggests there should be a focus on incentives for farmers who achieve climate change outcomes.   Chair Kate Acland told Ryan Bridge we need to keep an eye on what the rest of the world's doing.   She says most of the world doesn't have agricultural-specific targets, but a lot of countries are incentivising farmers to reach any kind of reduction.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 21 May 2026 00:14:51 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-ai-takeover-isnt-coming-its-here/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-ai-takeover-isnt-coming-its-here/ The AI and robot takeover isn't coming, it's here. Well, sort of.  A bunch of data's come out on this over the past few days.  Seek says job ads mentioning AI have doubled in the past year, up 4.1% from March to April.  Nicola Willis reckons AI tools will help shave 9000 odd jobs off the public service in the next four years.  Meta has this morning started firing 10% of its workforce, around 8000 workers in the first round, to make way for AI tools.  The workers are so brassed off, a bunch of them are signing petitions demanding that Zuckerberg NOT collect their computer-use data.  That data is being used to train the AI models that will replace them. Their work is being copied and pasted into a bot that will soon replace them.  A petition will not stop this. Nothing will stop business becoming more efficient.  Resistance is, in this case, futile.  In some cases, new technology is being used to plug gaps, rather than create them.  And this is the irony of the new workforce, which is not human labour, but technology: it cuts both ways.  Take China, for example. Their problem is not a shortage of jobs but of workers. The ageing population and lack of babies is about to hurt their factories.  They're going to lose 37 million workers in the next ten years. That's a few holes to fill in mega-factories.  Enter humanoid robots. Barclays, the British bank, reckons 60% of those jobs will be performed by humanoid robots inside the next ten years.  Basically, there's more chance your next new colleague will be a bot or an AI tool than ever before.  Either learn to get along and play nice with them, or they'll replace you.  Thu, 21 May 2026 00:02:59 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/alan-mcdonald-employers-and-manufacturers-association-head-of-advocacy-and-strategy-on-the-13-increase-in-job-ads/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/alan-mcdonald-employers-and-manufacturers-association-head-of-advocacy-and-strategy-on-the-13-increase-in-job-ads/ More encouraging signs in the job market despite global uncertainty and fuel concerns.  Fresh Seek employment data shows job ads rose 0.8% in April, up 13% year-on-year.  The Employers and Manufacturers' Association's Alan McDonald told Ryan Bridge after last year's tariffs, momentum had been building before the Middle East conflict escalated.  He says the export sector is still going strong, so at least something is holding up these numbers.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 21 May 2026 00:01:38 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mark-mitchell-police-minister-on-the-arrest-of-corrections-staff-for-corruption-accepting-bribes/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mark-mitchell-police-minister-on-the-arrest-of-corrections-staff-for-corruption-accepting-bribes/ Satisfaction the vast majority of the country's Corrections workers are good eggs, despite the arrest of 14 Auckland staff.   A dozen have been charged with accepting bribes, while several are also charged with conspiring to supply a Class A drug —namely methamphetamine— to prisoners.  They worked at the Mt Eden and Auckland South facilities.   Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Ryan Bridge it's a small portion of the 11 thousand workforce, and he's satisfied the recruiting process is up to snuff.  He’s confident low wages aren’t behind the acts, as you can’t buy integrity.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 20 May 2026 20:05:51 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-21-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-21-may-2026/ Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 21 May. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. Wed, 20 May 2026 18:07:23 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/carolyn-young-retail-nz-ceo-on-card-spend-data-dropping-by-13-in-april/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/carolyn-young-retail-nz-ceo-on-card-spend-data-dropping-by-13-in-april/ Retailers are feeling the pinch, with card spending plunging across the board.  Stats NZ data reveals retail electronic card purchases dropped 1.3% last month.  Kiwis are spending more overall compared to last year, but on cheaper food and are cutting back on buying items like clothing.  Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young told Ryan Bridge margins are being squeezed and cash flows is tight.  She says the cost of things like freight and rubbish collection are up, and retailers are bearing the brunt  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 19 May 2026 23:34:17 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/camilla-belich-labours-public-services-spokesperson-on-the-governments-proposed-overhaul/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/camilla-belich-labours-public-services-spokesperson-on-the-governments-proposed-overhaul/ The Labour Party is criticising the Government’s proposed public service overhaul, saying its “arbitrary” target will hurt Kiwi families.  Willis announced yesterday the Government would reduce the number of departments, increase artificial intelligence use, and cut public servants by nearly 9000 over the next three to five years.  Labour’s spokesperson for public services Camilla Belich told Ryan Bridge the Government’s target of reducing public servants to about 1% of the population was “arbitrary”.  “We have a significantly larger number of public servants than 1% at the moment.”  Belich said it was unknown how the cuts would affect the services New Zealanders access.  She said the overhaul would affect every region in the country.  “That’s a significant number of jobs that the Government is going to cut at the same time as we’ve got decade-high levels of unemployment.  “This is going to unfortunately hurt Kiwi families and also the businesses that they utilise.”  Willis said the money saved will go into frontline roles, but Belich said there was not enough detail to prove that it would be beneficial.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 19 May 2026 23:12:27 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/neil-quigley-waikato-university-vice-chancellor-on-more-than-92-thousand-international-students-were-enrolled-last-year/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/neil-quigley-waikato-university-vice-chancellor-on-more-than-92-thousand-international-students-were-enrolled-last-year/ New Zealand is benefiting from other countries' visa crackdowns as international students look elsewhere. More than 92 thousand students were enrolled last year, up 11% on the year prior, but still well down on pre-Covid numbers. Waikato University Vice-Chancellor Neil Quigley told Ryan Bridge it's not just politics in the United States that are leading people here. He says visa policies in Canada, Australia, and the UK are changing too. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 19 May 2026 18:21:43 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-public-service-cuts-didnt-come-out-of-nowhere/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-public-service-cuts-didnt-come-out-of-nowhere/ We got the inevitable Grinch headlines from the media yesterday, powered by union panic.  The public service knew this was coming. Or should have. Judith Collins, Nicola Willis, and Sir Brian Roche have been talking about this since they all got into office.  So it's not shocking.  It's also not a done deal, yet.  All that's really happened, in the final leg of this Government's current term, is a few letters have been posted to some chief executives.  They've been asked to mood-board some cuts to staffing.  The savings will be banked, but there's no guarantee any of this will actually happen. Winston Peters was right about that yesterday - that's for the election to decide.  Back to the unions and opposition complaints.  Two basic questions: If these proposed cuts are so bad, so evil, so destructive, so Armageddon, why was a workforce equivalent to about 1% of the population allowed under Helen Clark?  Was she an evil Grinch, too?  And how can you say the public will suffer, the sky will fall in, the clouds will gather, when you know not what jobs are actually being cut yet? How are you to know there aren't reasonable back-office savings to be made?  We're told the money will instead go towards the frontline in health and education. To be fair, the same argument could be tipped on its head. Without knowing what's being cut, how can the Government claim no services will be impacted?  The proof of that pudding will be in the eating, but remember the job of figuring out which jobs to axe, without affecting us, the taxpayers, is in the hands of the very people whose jobs are on the line in the first place.  If we are to trust them, as the unions and opposition clearly do, should we not trust they'll know how to be surgical and only trim the fat and not the bone?  Tue, 19 May 2026 18:15:46 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-20-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-20-may-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2026, the Government’s cutting jobs in the public sector, Labour Spokesperson for Public Services Camilla Belich shares her thoughts.  International student numbers are bouncing back, up 14 percent on last year, University of Waikato Vice-Chancellor Neil Quigley shares his thoughts.  Card spend data in April was down 1.3% for the month, equal to $89 million Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young tells Ryan how big of an impact the Iran war has had on spending. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on Police in London saying up to 57 individuals and 20 companies could face criminal charges over the Grenfell Tower fire disaster. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Tue, 19 May 2026 18:07:20 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/andrew-hoggard-associate-minister-for-agriculture-on-southland-farmers-receiving-an-extension-for-their-freshwater-plans/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/andrew-hoggard-associate-minister-for-agriculture-on-southland-farmers-receiving-an-extension-for-their-freshwater-plans/ Farmers across Southland have been granted an 18-month extension to submit freshwater plans.   The Government's pushed the deadline from the end of the month to November next year.    The plans are a key tool for managing risks to freshwater and quality in catchments.  Associate Minister for Agriculture Andrew Hoggard told Ryan Bridge it's important all farmers in the region submit their plans.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 18 May 2026 23:56:11 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/luke-bradford-college-of-gps-president-on-the-number-of-gp-specialist-referrals-being-declined/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/luke-bradford-college-of-gps-president-on-the-number-of-gp-specialist-referrals-being-declined/ A lack of Government data is making it impossible to know the extent of specialist referral rejections.  A new Association of Salaried Medical Specialists report —which looks at seven districts between 2023 and 2025— shows one in five GP referrals are being declined.   College of GPs President Luke Bradford told Ryan Bridge they have no idea how many people with lower graded conditions are being rejected.   He says Health New Zealand doesn't record the proper data, or make each service's threshold clear.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 18 May 2026 23:35:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/michael-johnson-new-zealand-initiative-research-fellow-on-131-million-dollar-education-package/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/michael-johnson-new-zealand-initiative-research-fellow-on-131-million-dollar-education-package/ Calls for the Government to keep up the momentum, as educational reform doesn't follow political timelines.  Education Minister Erica Stanford has announced a new $131 million package, which includes spending on workbooks, more maths intervention teachers, and additional testing.  New Zealand Initiative Research Fellow Michael Johnson told Ryan Bridge the reforms are positive, but long-term commitment is needed.  He says you don't always see results in one electoral cycle, it takes time for the learning to embed and show in the data.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 18 May 2026 18:09:45 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-19-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-19-may-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 19th of May 2026, Government’s pouring $131 million of the Budget into education, Dr Michael Johnston, NZ Initiative Research Fellow and Chair of the Education Ministerial Advisory Group, shares his thoughts.  Southland farmers have been given an extension to submit their freshwater plans, Associate Minister for the environment Andrew Hoggard tells Ryan what the next steps are for the Government. New data shows one in five GP referrals are being turned down, Royal NZ College of GP's President, Luke Bradford tells Ryan what needs to change to improve the situation.  Plus, Australia Correspondent Lesley Yeomans has the latest on problems for the development of a massive wind farm in Western Victoria and constant heavy rain across the east coast causing some issues for millions of people.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Mon, 18 May 2026 18:07:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-a-clean-up-of-cabinet-is-overdue/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-a-clean-up-of-cabinet-is-overdue/ In February last year I wrote a piece for the Herald about government department and ministerial overload.  It was partly informed by observation and partly by New Zealand Initiative paper on the subject. Luxon's Government has 81 portfolios, significantly more than similar-sized countries and far more than most larger ones. Ireland, Norway, Singapore, and Finland all have fewer than 20. The UK, Canada, United States, and Korea have fewer than 30.  Australia’s population is five times larger than ours, but even they have almost half the number of portfolios. The number has shot up under MMP. Winston Peters got the reincarnated rail portfolio. Michael Wood got Auckland. James Meager got the South Island. Judith Collins got space.  This has all got a bit out of hand. I argued then, as I argue now, there are too many reporting lines and departments designed to report into them.  We have a plethora of related portfolios that get chopped up and spread out for no good reason; think universities, vocational education, and education. We have three portfolios for young people; children, child poverty reduction, and youth. Imagine if we had 15 Ministers with 15 portfolios. If you're health, you're health. If you're transport, you're transport - yes, that would include infrastructure.  Nicola Willis last week hinted that change was coming; "Wait 'till you see the budget, I think you'll like what's in there".  Mon, 18 May 2026 18:06:17 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/vicky-price-business-correspondent-says-uks-gdp-is-better-than-expected-in-q1/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/vicky-price-business-correspondent-says-uks-gdp-is-better-than-expected-in-q1/ The United Kingdom isn't facing as many financial troubles as predicted, after the latest data shows their GDP holding steady.  The past few months in the UK have been dominated by challenges to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's leadership, and many believed the issues in Parliament would damage the country's financial stability.  Business Correspondent Vicky Price told Ryan Bridge that, 'what we did see here was in the UK was an increase of 0.6% in the quarter in GDP, which is quite unexpected.' But she said this won't be A relief for Starmer, who faces more leadership challenges from members of his cabinet.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 17 May 2026 19:20:23 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/andy-england-canterburys-darfield-school-principal-on-nceas-revamp/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/andy-england-canterburys-darfield-school-principal-on-nceas-revamp/ Concern that NCEA's revamp could be a little old fashioned.  The Education Minister has announced more detail on what's replacing NCEA.  Year 11 students will need a foundational literacy and numeracy award under the new system, while senior students face compulsory exams in every subject, and must pass at least three. Canterbury's Darfield School Principal Andy England told Ryan Bridge there's no doubt NCEA needed a revamp - but this is a bit retro.   He's concerned it's oversimplified.  Sun, 17 May 2026 18:08:54 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-18-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-18-may-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 18th of May 2026, National's campaigning on scrapping good character assessments at sentencing for all sexual offenders, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith tells Ryan what a difference this will make. Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on UK GDP, UK Labour leadership uncertainty affecting bond markets and the latest inflation data in Europe for April up.  Darfield High School Principal Andy England shares his thoughts on the Government's replacement for NCEA.  Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on central London protests over the weekend and Wes Streeting saying he will be a candidate when there’s a leadership election. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Sun, 17 May 2026 18:07:20 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-old-school-is-the-best-school/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-old-school-is-the-best-school/ In education, old school is the best kind of school.  Secondary students will be forced to learn science, as well as maths and English, in the fifth form.  They'll be graded, not on merit or achieved or whatever, but A+ to E. So far so uncontroversial, I would have thought.  On top of that, exams will be compulsory in every subject.  Gone are the days of handing in pre-prepared essays drafted with the assistance of google.  Now, despite the fact 10,000 people provided feedback on the changes, there'll no doubt be union reps upset with change, because they normally are.  But old school practices are back in vogue, even in their beloved Scandinavia. Sweeden, for example, is going back to basics in order to get their reading levels back up. They're bringing back physical books and getting rid of iPads and laptops for certain classes. They're bringing back handwriting, not typing.  They'll have less time in front of screens.  Why are they doing this?  It's better for the kids' learning.  You're more likely to retain information if you've taken the time to write it out by hand. It imprints into your brain in a way not possible with a laptop or computer.  The BBC reports Sweeden's reading levels were top of the class in Europe in 2000 and then started to nosedive around the same time books were replaced by digital in classrooms.  So, when people complain about these changes being made, it might be prudent to ask whether there was anything wrong with the way we were doing things. And more to the point, what's happened to achievement since we made changes? Barnyard-style classrooms, more internal assessment, choice-your-own-adventure qualifications, fewer exams and laptops on every desk. These things make student life easier, I'm sure. But easier doesn't mean better, not in the long run. Sun, 17 May 2026 18:05:04 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/anna-fifield-former-washington-post-asia-pacific-editor-on-the-meeting-between-donald-trump-and-xi-jinping/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/anna-fifield-former-washington-post-asia-pacific-editor-on-the-meeting-between-donald-trump-and-xi-jinping/ Donald Trump is vowing to maintain a "friendship" with China, despite apparent tensions over Taiwan and Iran.  The US President has met with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing.  Trump claims Xi is offering to help in some way with America's war in Iran without providing military assistance, while Xi says it's vital both countries are on the same page about Taiwan.  Former Washington Post Asia-Pacific Editor Anna Fifield told Ryan Bridge usually when China makes statements about taking over Taiwan, the US President pushes back – but Trump simply pretended he hadn’t heard anything and moved on.  She says it’s causing concern in Taiwan, as people think the US is becoming less willing to defend them or back them up.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 14 May 2026 23:13:30 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/simeon-brown-energy-minister-on-new-zealands-natural-gas-reserves-reaching-a-two-decade-low/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/simeon-brown-energy-minister-on-new-zealands-natural-gas-reserves-reaching-a-two-decade-low/ Natural gas reserves have plummeted to the lowest level in two decades.  Latest MBIE annual petroleum reserves data shows a 23% decline in the country's natural gas reserves.   Energy Minister Simeon Brown says many of our gas fields are coming to the end of their life, with our largest gas field, off the coast of Taranaki, set to close this year.  He told Ryan Bridge new gas fields haven't been discovered in a long time, and the domestic oil and gas industry needs to be reinvigorated.  Brown says if no new gas fields are found, then the country needs to look at alternatives.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 14 May 2026 22:58:21 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/cath-obrien-board-of-airline-representatives-executive-director-on-the-state-of-air-new-zealand/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/cath-obrien-board-of-airline-representatives-executive-director-on-the-state-of-air-new-zealand/ Rising international tourism numbers are helping airlines weather the storm of rising jet fuel prices. Air New Zealand's revealed its looking at staff redundancies and even more flight reductions due to the surging cost of jet fuel. It's now forecasting a full-year pre-tax loss of between $340 and $390 million. Board of Airline Representatives Executive Director Cath O'Brien told Ryan Bridge the rising jet fuel costs are being partly offset by higher international visitor numbers. She says that incredibly strong and resilient demand for travel is putting airlines in a good place to continue. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 14 May 2026 18:29:08 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-we-need-more-positivity/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-we-need-more-positivity/ It's Friday huddle, pep talk time.  New Zealand, we're going to need our number-8 wire, positive, can-do, problem solver attitude now more than ever. Air New Zealand's in the doldrums, Trump's at war in the Middle East, oil's chocked up, Xi's talking about Taiwan again.  And for some perspective, if Taiwan kicks off, which some in the intelligence community reckon could happen as early as next year, then things will change pretty quickly.  The world could be held to ransom over semi-conductors, not oil. Global GDP could drop 5% - that's Covid-era/GFC level stuff. For us, some sort of quarantine or blockade would be very bad.  China's our number one trading partner - 20-25% of our exports, and we're an export nation.  If they do what everyone expects they will do then there'd be Western sanctions. What happens to our goods when there's sanctions?  The tap gets turned off. Or we turn a blind eye, and that's not likely.  When I lived in Beijing, Taiwan was a constant topic of conversation, along with Hong Kong, because they're very important to the Chinese. Not just for historical reasons, but strategic.  Their entire eastern seaboard is key to their economic success. It's within spitting distance of Beijing (political centre), Shanghai (commercial centre), and manufacturing and heavy industry port cities. Across the Pacific? America.  So, any buffer's a good buffer.  This is not to say we should freak out, but that we should be prepared and stay positive.  Greg Foran had Covid at Air New Zealand. Nikhil Ravishankar's got a jet fuel crisis. The next guy will have something else. The hits won't stop coming. The world is smaller and dependent on each other via global trade. That means a cough in Taiwan means a cold in Southland, New Zealand. The best we can do is diversify, back ourselves, and stay positive. Thu, 14 May 2026 18:13:03 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-15-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-15-may-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 15th of May 2026, the bilateral talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping have been underway in Beijing, Anna Field, Asia-Pacific Expert and Former Washington Post Asia-Pacific Editor shares the latest.  New Zealand’s gas reserves are now at their lowest level in twenty years, since records began Energy Minister Simeon Brown tells Ryan what we can do to keep the lights on.  Cath O'Brien, Board of Airline Representatives of New Zealand Executive Director shares her thoughts on the airline’s expected loss of up to $400 million dollars this year.  Plus, UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on Starmer's leadership.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Thu, 14 May 2026 18:07:17 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/chris-bullen-health-coalition-aotearoa-spokesperson-on-the-talbot-mills-survey-into-tobacco-and-nicotine-regulation/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/chris-bullen-health-coalition-aotearoa-spokesperson-on-the-talbot-mills-survey-into-tobacco-and-nicotine-regulation/ Most New Zealanders think the tobacco industry is influencing government policy.  A Talbot Mills survey —commissioned by public health group Health Coalition Aotearoa— has found more than two thirds of respondents think the industry is influencing policy.  55% of respondents support reintroducing low-nicotine cigarettes.  Health Coalition Aotearoa Spokesperson Chris Bullen told Ryan Bridge that while all industries want policies oriented towards them, the tobacco industry has a long history, all around the world, of behaving in particularly bad ways.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 13 May 2026 23:54:36 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/eric-crampton-nz-initiative-senior-economist-on-luxons-pre-budget-speech-about-immigration/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/eric-crampton-nz-initiative-senior-economist-on-luxons-pre-budget-speech-about-immigration/ An economist says New Zealand is different from Europe and our views on immigration aren't the same.  Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has used a pre-Budget speech in Auckland to promise a "careful" immigration policy that prioritises social cohesion over profit.  He says failed immigration policies in Europe and North America have stoked a politics of division.   Eric Crampton —the Chief Economist at the New Zealand Initiative business think tank— told Ryan Bridge 2023 MBIE data suggests most New Zealanders view immigration more positively than Europeans.  He says Europe is in a very different situation with really "messed up" labour markets.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 13 May 2026 23:32:02 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/malcom-nance-foreign-policy-analyst-and-former-us-navy-senior-chief-on-trumps-meeting-with-president-xi-jinping/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/malcom-nance-foreign-policy-analyst-and-former-us-navy-senior-chief-on-trumps-meeting-with-president-xi-jinping/ There's a belief China has the upper hand in the highly anticipated talks with the United States.  Trump's in Beijing, meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss the Iran war, trade, and US arms sales to Taiwan. Foreign Policy Analyst and Former US Navy Senior Chief Malcom Nance told Ryan Bridge the United States is behind the eight ball with China having the opportunity to eat America's economic lunch.  He says China is the adult in the room as Trump shows he can't maintain a policy platform that would allow the States to take leverage in the Iran war.  LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 13 May 2026 18:35:19 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-14-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-14-may-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 14th of May 2026, Trump’s touched down in Beijing ahead of his meeting with Xi Jinping, US Intelligence, Foreign Policy Analyst & Former United States Navy Senior Chief shares his thoughts on how the meeting's going to go.  A new survey has found, more than two thirds of Kiwis believe our smoking laws are influenced by big tobacco, Health Coalition Aotearoa Smoking Expert Advisory Group Co-Chair tells Ryan, why.  The budget operating allowance has been cut from $2.4 to $2.1 billion, Chief Economist at the New Zealand Initiative Dr Eric Crampton shares his thoughts.  Plus, US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on Trump’s trip to Beijing and Trump's futuristic "Golden Dome" missile defence system will cost about $1.2 trillion (US) to develop.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 13 May 2026 18:07:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-wellingtons-endless-spending-on-pen-pushers-and-reviews/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-wellingtons-endless-spending-on-pen-pushers-and-reviews/ You can't escape bureaucrats in Wellington; it's an occupational hazard. Despite the bad press they get, they're not all useless. But it depends on how you use them, and how often.  Take the Golden Mile disaster in Wellington, as just one example.  The council agrees to a project it can't afford. Expensive. Crazy. Ratepayers revolt. The cost blows out from $160m to $220m. The blowout is $60m - or 30 disco toilets in Wellington dollars.  A new Mayor comes in. A review is ordered.  Then enter the reviewers: a nine-person panel, supposedly independent.  The review is costing $400k, which is at least one bike rack for cyclists in Wellington dollars.  Then yesterday there's a meeting. They basically say this thing is still somehow affordable for Wellington, despite the fact the city can't afford a 50c mix at the dairy at present.  Enter the Mayor. The Mayor is asking some questions about mission creep. He's not so subtly suggesting that political judgements are being made by these reviewers. Leave that to the politicians, he says. They want their big project, and they don't care which poor old Wellington ratepayers funds it.  This is not entirely the fault of the boffins doing the reviewing. Because, as I understand it, the review was set up not to actually make major changes, just tweaks.  Which begs the question: why was a review ever needed at all? And why'd it cost $400k? You either don't want to spend $60m, in which case, don't.  Or you do, in which case, do.  Why the endless spending on pen-pushers and reviews? Wed, 13 May 2026 18:04:23 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/kelly-eckhold-westpac-chief-economist-on-australias-new-federal-budget/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/kelly-eckhold-westpac-chief-economist-on-australias-new-federal-budget/ The Australian Government has unveiled its Budget, with the Iran war continuing to loom large.  Gross debt is expected to hit $1 trillion for the first time this year, and the federal government isn't expected to be back in surplus until 2036.  The Australian Treasury is forecasting inflation will peak about 5%.  Treasurer Jim Chalmers says they're dealing with the fifth economic shock in less than 20 years.  Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Ryan Bridge that all the new measures the Budget introduces are backloaded, so they might be spending a bit of money now, and might not get the savings later.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 13 May 2026 00:30:28 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/richard-dawkins-federated-farmers-meat-and-wool-chair-on-the-expected-us-investigation-into-lamb-imports/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/richard-dawkins-federated-farmers-meat-and-wool-chair-on-the-expected-us-investigation-into-lamb-imports/ Federated Farmers says New Zealand's sheep meat exports to the US are a win-win for both countries.   Trade Minister Todd McClay has revealed he expects the US Government to announce a trade investigation into our lamb imports in the coming weeks, as a means to impose more tariffs.  New Zealand exported more than $600 million of sheep meat to the US last year.  Federated Farmers Meat and Wool Chair Richard Dawkins told Ryan Bridge our exports compliment the US production season.  He says it allows the American consumer to get a taste for lamb, which benefits the American producers as well.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 12 May 2026 23:51:46 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/matt-ball-property-investor-federation-manager-on-cotality-housing-data/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/matt-ball-property-investor-federation-manager-on-cotality-housing-data/ A changing property market could start shifting landlord trends.  Fresh March quarter data from property information firm Cotality shows almost nine in ten residential properties are being sold for a profit, but it remains below the peak of more than 99% in late 2021. Property Investor Federation Manager Matt Ball told Ryan Bridge there's likely to be a rise in corporate style landlords as rules and regulation changes don't favour the mum and dad type investor.  He says it wont be the causal investor trying to get in the market, it will be ones with purpose who know how to make money out of it. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 12 May 2026 18:11:56 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-13-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-13-may-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2026, Jim Chalmers 4th Australian Federal Budget is out, Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold shares his thoughts.  According to Cotality Kiwis are holding on to their homes longer than ever, Property Investors Federation Advocacy Manager Matt Ball shares his thoughts.  Trump tariff woes are back for Kiwi lamb exporters, Federated Farmers Meat and Wool Chair Richard Dawkins shares his concerns.  Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on UK Ministers calling for Sir Keir Starmer to stand down and UK Government borrowing costs jumped today amid uncertainty over the future of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Tue, 12 May 2026 18:07:16 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-jim-chalmers-budget-is-hardly-a-recipe-for-affordable-housing/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-jim-chalmers-budget-is-hardly-a-recipe-for-affordable-housing/ Give them an inch and they'll take a mile.  That's basically the message to anyone worried about a capital gains tax in New Zealand. In Canberra last night Jim Chalmers' budget was pitched as a 're-balancing' of 'intergenerational inequality'. Fewer young people own homes in Australia, so they've pit grandkids against grandparents and made tax changes to negative gearing and capital gains.  Negative gearing is where landlords make a loss on their rental property - income (rents) are less than expenses.  They can claim the difference as a tax deduction on other income.  This, by the way, is something they said they wouldn't touch and now they have. Albanese and Chalmers ran an election campaign saying they wouldn't do this.  In the same way their Kiwi Labour colleagues claim their capital gains tax will be limited in scope and scale. But what does it achieve?  The median cost of a Sydney house is AUD$1.7M. The country median is almost $1m. That's more than Kiwi prices. Try buying a house in Melbourne - Godspeed.  The reason these changes are not going to change the game for any young Australian, or young Kiwi flying the coop, is simple: supply. As anyone with a townhouse in West Auckland right now well knows, the faster way to lower prices is to build more of the things. Supply and demand.  And with these changes in Australia, fewer homes will be built, not more. Master Builders Australia says the number of homes built in future as a direct result will go down. In the Budget, Treasury, Chalmers' own Treasury, reckoned 35,000 fewer homes will be built over a decade. Hardly a recipe for more affordable housing and 'intergenerational equality'. Tue, 12 May 2026 18:06:49 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/enda-brady-uk-correspondent-on-the-calls-for-sir-keir-starmer-to-resign/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/enda-brady-uk-correspondent-on-the-calls-for-sir-keir-starmer-to-resign/ British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer may survive in the job, for now.  More than 60 Labour MPs are now publicly calling on the Labour leader to resign or set a timetable for departure following Labour's disastrous performance in local elections last week.  Four MPs have quit as ministerial aides, calling for fresh leadership.  But UK correspondent Enda Brady told Ryan Bridge Labour doesn't yet have another option.  He says there is no clear challenger, or anyone who's sticking their hand up calling on the party to back them and sack Starmer.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 11 May 2026 23:39:32 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/luke-somervell-renters-united-president-on-the-renters-struggling-to-save-for-deposits-first-home-buyers-seeking-financial-assistance-from-family/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/luke-somervell-renters-united-president-on-the-renters-struggling-to-save-for-deposits-first-home-buyers-seeking-financial-assistance-from-family/ Many first-home buyers are still turning to family for financial assistance to get on the property ladder.  A new survey —commissioned by insurance company OneChoice— has found almost half of respondents are getting help from the Bank of Mum and Dad.  Those who are renting say they feel trapped trying to save for a deposit.  Renters United President Luke Somervell told Ryan Bridge the lack of quality rental properties is making more people wanting to buy their own home.  He says for a lot of people owning a home is the dream, and a way to get out of renting poor quality homes.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 11 May 2026 23:14:16 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/andrew-geddis-otago-university-law-professor-on-mariameno-kapa-kingis-split-from-te-p%C4%81ti-m%C4%81ori/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/andrew-geddis-otago-university-law-professor-on-mariameno-kapa-kingis-split-from-te-p%C4%81ti-m%C4%81ori/ An election law expert says it could work in Labour's favour for it to not win many Māori electorate seats.  Te Tai Tokerau MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi has announced she is splitting from Te Pāti Māori and forming her own party.  Otago University Law Professor Andrew Geddis says there could be overhang seats if either party wins electorates with a relatively small party vote.   He says told Ryan Bridge it would then increase the number of MPs needed for a majority.  Geddis says winning the Māori electorates could mean Labour falls short of being able to form a government.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 11 May 2026 18:21:40 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-12-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-12-may-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 12th of May 2026, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi will run as an independent under the banner of Te Tai Tokerau, Otago University Law Professor Andrew Geddis tells Ryan what this will mean for the Māori party.  New housing data out this morning shows, half of all first home buyers expect help from the bank of Mum and Dad, Renters United President Luke Somervell shares his thoughts.  UK Labour backbencher Catherine West has pulled back from threatening a leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer, but she’s still telling him to go, UK Correspondent Enda Brady tells Ryan what this means for Starmer's future. Plus, it's Federal budget day in Australia, Australian Correspondent Lesley Yeomans has the latest on what to expect.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Mon, 11 May 2026 18:07:21 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-real-message-in-the-governments-updated-fuel-plan/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-real-message-in-the-governments-updated-fuel-plan/ The most interesting thing about the fuel ration plan has nothing to do with fuel rationing.  Read the Q&A script the Minister's office provided and you quickly realise this thing will probably never see the light of day in any practical sense.  Trump would probably need to drop a nuke for us to get there.  And there's no prioritisation until 'Level 4'. It's all very high trust and that's probably for the best.  But what the plan spells out, clear as day, are the most important industries, businesses, and government agencies in the country. The ones that actually matter.  And top of the list, literally first in line for a 100% fuel allocation, are ambulances, Fire and Emergency, and Police.  Tell me the last time these guys were given proper resources to do their jobs effectively? Paramedics are now, according to the union, being asked to do cleaning. They're being told not to change the sheets on gurneys after every patient to save on laundry.  They're not fully funded and must go cap-in-hand to keep themselves running.  The firefighters spend as much time striking for adequate trucks to fight the fires as they do, well, fighting the fires.  And as for Police, yesterday we learnt a third of resignations are due to officers being poached by the Aussies.  Some of this stuff is funded by levies, some by taxes, and the rest is just not funded at all.  This is not a cry for more taxes to find them, but rather a suggestion that anything not on the critical list is where you'd start cutting costs.  What the Government has just done, wittingly or not, is tell us exactly what keeps this country running. It's not a fuel rationing list. It's a blueprint for who is actually important in this country. Emergency services, food, freight, farming, airports, roads. We should be directing resources towards them and cutting red tape around them.  That, surely, would be one way of getting the country 'back on track'.  Mon, 11 May 2026 18:05:13 Z