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 Fri, 15 May 2026 18:26:13 Z en 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 https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/ginny-andersen-labours-police-spokesperson-on-nz-police-leaving-for-australia/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/ginny-andersen-labours-police-spokesperson-on-nz-police-leaving-for-australia/ Labour says a mix of push and pull factors are responsible for Australia poaching New Zealand cops.  1News reports 144 New Zealand police officers left for Australia in the past year.   Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says we can't realistically keep up with the pay and incentives being offered.  Labour's Police spokesperson Ginny Andersen told Ryan Bridge a major push factor is the Government's failure to deliver on its 500 additional police officers.  She says there's more pressure for frontline police, with less support and pay compared to Australia.  Sun, 10 May 2026 18:21:16 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-nzs-isolation-is-a-blessing-and-a-curse/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-nzs-isolation-is-a-blessing-and-a-curse/ It'd be easy to draw comparisons and parallels between our upcoming election and the local and federal upsets in Australia and the UK at the weekend.  But New Zealand is a totally different kettle of fish. In part, because, unlike the Brits and the Aussies, we run an MMP system.  The smaller parties that have traditionally been overlooked, like One Nation and Reform, are doing well because the major parties have failed on immigration and the economy.  Our system is designed to allow these smaller parties more say, with fewer wasted votes. But most importantly, mass-migration is not the hot-button political issue here it is in the UK and, to a lesser extent, Australia, where migration, and particularly illegal migration, is a problem. The vast distance you must travel to get here is our saving grace, in that regard.  But our isolation is also a curse in many ways.  Our labour productivity, low population base and lack of competition in key consumer sectors make us a relatively pricey place to raise a family.  We're an open economy heavily reliant on international trade.  So when there's a tariff war or international shipping routes get blocked, we are disproportionately affected compared to bigger economies with more domestic demand and buying power.  A government report looking at our undersea infrastructure cables - power and internet - shows how vulnerable we are - 99% of our international internet goes undersea. The Cook Strait power cable provides up to 30% of the North Island’s electricity.  If the Russians or Chinese or somebody else tried to cut us off, we'd be in trouble, and our isolation makes replacing these things more difficult than others.  A quarantine or blockade of Taiwan would be the worst-case scenario for our trade-flows. And, as we've been talking about for years now, could happen anytime from 2027 onwards.  Our isolation protects us from the threats faced by the UK , America and the Aussies, but exposes unique ones we should guard against.  Sun, 10 May 2026 18:16:35 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-11-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-11-may-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 11th of May 2026, Police are admitting they just can’t compete with the money on offered across the ditch, Labour Police spokesperson Ginny Andersen. Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on political uncertainty in the UK likely to affect sentiment after elections, P&O ferries hits holidaymakers with Iran war fuel surcharges and British Steel set for nationalisation in the King’s speech. Jimmy Rushton Kyiv Based Foreign Policy and Security Analyst, shares his thoughts on Putin saying the Ukraine war could be “coming to an end”. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey shares the latest updates on the UK PM’s job on the line as it seems certain he will face a leadership election and the first passengers evacuated from a Hantavirus-stricken cruise ship docked near Spain's Canary Islands have arrived in Madrid.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Sun, 10 May 2026 18:07:21 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/brad-olsen-infometrics-principal-economist-on-the-oecd-report-on-the-nz-superannuation-scheme/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/brad-olsen-infometrics-principal-economist-on-the-oecd-report-on-the-nz-superannuation-scheme/ An economist says a new OECD report says what most people already know about the pension age.   Its latest Economic Survey warns if current policy settings continue, we could be spending 5% more of our GDP on health, long-term care, and pensions by 2060.  Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen agrees the pension age should be adjusted to general life expectancy.   He told Ryan Bridge that while there are many considerations, New Zealand needs to at least do something or else we'll hit a fiscal cliff.    Olsen says the country keeps having the conversation, but no one seems to want to take the bull by the horns.   LISTEN ABOVE   Fri, 08 May 2026 00:07:10 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/grant-webster-tourism-holdings-limited-ceo-on-the-governments-planned-changes-to-conservation-law/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/grant-webster-tourism-holdings-limited-ceo-on-the-governments-planned-changes-to-conservation-law/ Tourism operators are gearing up as the Government moves to overhaul conservation law.  Its newly announced bill would speed up concessions and give more clarity to those wanting to use conservation land for business, research, or charity.  International tourists would also be charged to visit certain sites, with the funds to be re-invested into nature.  Tourism Holdings Limited Chief Executive Grant Webster told Ryan Bridge this will hugely benefit operators like jet boat and caving businesses.  He believes this will create year-round jobs and open up some regions.  LISTEN ABOVE   Thu, 07 May 2026 23:58:13 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-08-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-08-may-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 8th of May 2026, a new OECD report's calling for the age of eligibility for NZ super to rise, Informetrics CEO, Brad Olsen shares his thoughts. The Government's doing a review on why the CRL has cost so much, Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett tells Ryan what we can do to prevent huge cost blow outs of future projects.  It's about to get easier for tourism businesses to use conservation land, Tourism Holdings Limited Chief Executive Grant Webster tells Ryan how big of an impact this will have. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Thu, 07 May 2026 18:10:31 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nick-leggett-infrastructure-nz-chief-executive-on-the-government-announcing-review-into-the-crl/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nick-leggett-infrastructure-nz-chief-executive-on-the-government-announcing-review-into-the-crl/ City Rail Link cost concerns have uncovered a reoccurring issue with New Zealand infrastructure projects.  The project's former boss Sean Sweeney has claimed the project could've cost half of its estimated $5.5 billion price.   This sparked Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop to announce a full review of the project after its open date later this year.    Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett told Ryan Bridge we're not approaching projects right, from the start.  He says we don't have the proper controls and take too long to plan, so things drag on.  LISTEN ABOVE   Thu, 07 May 2026 18:07:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-oecds-report-needs-to-be-taken-with-a-grain-of-salt/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-oecds-report-needs-to-be-taken-with-a-grain-of-salt/ It's somewhat ironic the latest lecture we're getting from an office of global boffins is headquartered in Paris.  No offence to the French, but they're screaming out for lesson in basic economics. Their debt-to-GDP ratio is 118%. Their debt is 60% above the EU limit.  You're used to hearing about the Italians and the Greeks, but the French are up there with them in the top three most indebted nations in the bloc.  The country nearly fell over trying to cut back pension spending. They spend billions on stuff we'd consider 'nice-to-haves'.  The OECD is a multi-nation group; it just happens to be based in Paris. It's been around since 1961. But they've come up with a bunch of stuff they think we need to do, including linking pensions to life expectancy. This is the same group that wanted us, a few years back, to tax property and shares! They're also saying we should have quotas for women on company boards, which even Helen Clark doesn't think is a good idea.  So, a lot of this should be taken with a grain of salt and is probably better shouted out the window of their offices in Paris.  Thu, 07 May 2026 18:04:13 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/laura-mcclure-act-mp-on-the-axing-of-the-broadcasting-standards-authority/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/laura-mcclure-act-mp-on-the-axing-of-the-broadcasting-standards-authority/ ACT's welcoming the death of the Broadcasting Standards Authority, but wants the Government to move quickly.   Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith announced the regulator will be disestablished, as it’s unfit for a modern media environment.  Laura McClure says the decision's long overdue, and the Government needs to pass legislation.   She told Ryan Bridge that it’s a huge win for freedom of speech in New Zealand.  McClure says the BSA was the regulating body for mainstream media, but it doesn’t cover anything else, and young people in particular are consuming media everywhere, whether it’s online or on social media.   LISTEN ABOVE   Wed, 06 May 2026 23:39:50 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/aaron-martin-nz-immigration-law-principal-lawyer-on-the-governments-plan-to-introduce-a-citizenship-test/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/aaron-martin-nz-immigration-law-principal-lawyer-on-the-governments-plan-to-introduce-a-citizenship-test/ The Government's plans to introduce a citizenship test is being labelled as a waste of taxpayer money.  Applicants would have to answer 20 questions on our history, politics and laws, and get 15 correct to pass.   The test will be imposed for people seeking New Zealand citizenship from late next year.    New Zealand Immigration Law Principal Lawyer Aaron Martin told Ryan Bridge the Coalition's just trying to make itself look good ahead of the election.  He says we've got bigger problems that need to be addressed, rather than a pop quiz in a citizenship test.  LISTEN ABOVE   Wed, 06 May 2026 23:16:07 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-07-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-07-may-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2026, unemployment’s slightly dipped to 5.3%, ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley shares his thoughts.  The Government's introducing a new citizenship test for those looking to become Kiwis, Principal lawyer at NZ Immigration Law tells Ryan how big of a difference this will make.  The Government’s pulling the pin on the Broadcasting Standards Authority, ACT MP Laura McClure tells Ryan why she thinks this is a good idea.  Plus, US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on the Iran war edging closer to an end, and a number of state primary elections were held in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio overnight. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Wed, 06 May 2026 18:10:35 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nick-tuffley-asb-chief-economist-on-the-unemployment-rate-falling-to-53/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nick-tuffley-asb-chief-economist-on-the-unemployment-rate-falling-to-53/ A major bank believes unemployment will remain fairly flat this year, rather than anything catastrophic. The national rate dipped slightly to 5.3% in the first three months of this year. ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley told Ryan Bridge says he's not overly pessimistic about the next couple of quarters. But he cautions the next few months are really the danger zone as businesses hunker down and defer some decisions. Youth unemployment is up from 13.3% to 14.4%. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 06 May 2026 18:08:38 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-nats-stand-a-chance-this-election/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-nats-stand-a-chance-this-election/ The Coalition is failing on two numbers that matter most to us voters.  Inflation is up over 3% - not as bad as the Aussies but not helped by Trump.  But wage growth is 2%. The cost of buying stuff is going up quicker than we can afford to pay for it by working. Our real wages are a bit shite.  You know when Luxon set the election date in January and said people needed to "feel" the recovery happening? They're not. That's why the right track/wrong track poll results look the way they do. Most of us reckon we're heading in the wrong direction because they are.  And people, generally and rightly, link their individual circumstances to that of the country.  Now some of you might be annoyed by this, but these are facts - you can't argue with them. However, they do not mean Labour is getting back into government. Far from it.  Elections are about choices. Has the other guy hawking his wares got something better to offer me? Labour's got three doctors visits at already-stretched GP clinics and world of financial and tax uncertainty with the Greens and Te Pati Māori at their side. As I've said from the beginning, this Coalition will be re-elected because they're relatively stable and Kiwis mostly give first timers a second shot.  These wage/inflation numbers are not good for them, but they're not fatal either.  The risk of the unknown, the devil you don't know, especially during a crisis, will in the end get Luxon re-elected as Prime Minister  I still don't think Kiwis, when they come to polling booths on in November, will want to risk getting out of the frying pan only to end up in the fire. Wed, 06 May 2026 18:04:05 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/ian-hutson-salvation-army-mission-officer-on-the-report-finding-secure-housing-is-key-to-reducing-reoffending/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/ian-hutson-salvation-army-mission-officer-on-the-report-finding-secure-housing-is-key-to-reducing-reoffending/ A Salvation Army report finds secure housing is a key to reducing reoffending.   The first of six reports into prisoner reintegration into the community suggests stable accommodation is the foundation for everything that follows.   It says it helps address mental health and addiction issues and helps reconnect with family and the workforce.   Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit's Mission Officer Ian Hutson told Ryan Bridge that when leaving prison, people often have no means to contact landlords and no form of ID, so they can’t apply for MSD and thus can’t afford bond.   He says the Steps to Freedom Grant, which is a payment of up to $350, isn’t much good for securing decent housing. LISTEN ABOVE   Tue, 05 May 2026 23:31:22 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mah%C3%A9-drysdale-tauranga-mayor-on-the-governments-local-government-amalgamation-ultimatum/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mah%C3%A9-drysdale-tauranga-mayor-on-the-governments-local-government-amalgamation-ultimatum/ Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale's accepted the Government's three-month challenge in order to control the region's local government destiny.   Councils have been given a few months to come up with amalgamation plans or face having to do it under the Government's system.   Drysdale told Ryan Bridge efficiency can be achieved better, and they've been elected by their communities to make decisions, so that's what they'll do.   He says the challenge will be convincing the community it's a good idea in three months, but it's an opportunity they need to grasp.  LISTEN ABOVE   Tue, 05 May 2026 23:18:38 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mike-jones-bnz-chief-economist-on-the-unemployment-numbers-expected-today/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mike-jones-bnz-chief-economist-on-the-unemployment-numbers-expected-today/ Finding a job's set to get tougher before it gets easier. Unemployment reached a near-decade high in the last three months of last year as job growth failed to keep up with the number of people moving to New Zealand. Stats NZ data due out this morning is expected to show it remained steady or rose slightly in the first three months of this year. BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones told Ryan Bridge it's expected to keep rising. He expects unemployment to peak at 5.8% at the end of this year. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 05 May 2026 18:19:26 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-06-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-06-may-2026/ Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 6 May. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. Tue, 05 May 2026 18:10:34 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-governments-should-control-spending-and-stability/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-governments-should-control-spending-and-stability/ There are basically two big things governments control that affect the economy and therefore all of us: spending and stability.  They're not to be taken for granted, but too often they are.  Romanians are going to bed right now, unsure of who will run their country. The Government's just lost a confidence vote.  The socialists have sided with the far-right, of all groups, to collapse the Coalition.  This is bad for their economy because business relies on stability and predictability. Their absence kneecaps investment decisions and therefore growth. It's the same reason investors are jittery in the UK.  Long-term bond yields are the highest they've been since 1998.  Why?  Because Starmer is going to get a hiding in local elections.  His replacement, either Angela Rayner or even the outsider Andy Burnham, are left of him and that could mean more spending and borrowing. Something markets, unsurprisingly, think the motherland can ill-afford at present. Which brings us neatly to spending - look no further than across the Tasman. The RBA yesterday hiked the cash rate, pushing mortgage costs up, for the third time this year. And it comes with a warning to Jim Chalmers, their Nicola Willis equivalent and her jogging buddy in DC, watch your spending cobber or you'll make this worse.  Too much spending is fuel on the fire, and the fire is burning, heading for 5%. Pretty much every economist there, including our mate Paul Bloxham (Rockstar economist), says the key risk to Aussies right now is the threat a budget —due Tuesday— bazookas the cash more than expected.  That could force rates even higher and Australians would get poorer.  All of this is to say there are plenty of lessons around the world, just in the last 12 hours, let alone modern history, that say politicians' main job is basically to be responsible.  Get along with one another. And don't be tempted to buy votes with cash you can't afford in the short-term that we all pay for in the long-term. Tue, 05 May 2026 18:07:30 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-05-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-05-may-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 6th of May 2026, Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale, shares his thoughts on Councils being given a amalgamation ultimatum by the government.  Unemployment’s expected to hold around 5.4%, Mike Jones, Chief Economist at BNZ tells Ryan what to look out for.  The Salvation Army wants more done to help people back on their feet after prison, Salvation Army Mission Officer, Ian Hutson shares his thoughts.  Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Peter Anderson has the latest on Keir Starmer holding a anti-semitism summit in Downing Street and counter-terrorism police investigating a suspected arson attack at a former synagogue in east London. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 05 May 2026 01:30:34 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/carl-findlay-maritime-union-secretary-on-the-potential-delays-and-cost-blowouts-to-the-cook-strait-ferry-replacement-programme/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/carl-findlay-maritime-union-secretary-on-the-potential-delays-and-cost-blowouts-to-the-cook-strait-ferry-replacement-programme/ A union says the taxpayer pays the price for any cost blowout to the Cook Strait ferry replacement programme.   A Treasury review last year found “back-to-front” planning and decaying port infrastructure's left the project exposed to delays and higher costs.   Maritime Union Secretary Carl Findlay told Ryan Bridge Ferry Holdings was set up to sort all of this out.   He says they should've pulled together the Port of Wellington and Picton, both councils, and KiwiRail so they're all on the same page.  Findlay says they’ve known about these issues for several years, and from his understanding, nothing’s been done at either port to accommodate the ferries.  Ferry Holdings says the groups planning shows costs are within the allocated budget.   LISTEN ABOVE   Mon, 04 May 2026 23:18:08 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/jeremy-sutton-family-lawyer-on-the-divorce-rate-outpacing-the-marriage-rate/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/jeremy-sutton-family-lawyer-on-the-divorce-rate-outpacing-the-marriage-rate/ The number of New Zealanders choosing to get divorced is outpacing those getting married.   Stats NZ data shows a 3% drop in marriages and civil unions last year compared to 2024.   In the same period, divorces were up 5%.   Family Lawyer Jeremy Sutton told Ryan Bridge marriages are more likely to end in divorce after 25 years.   He says if you're together for a longer period of time, you'll change and are more likely to get sick of each other.  LISTEN ABOVE   Mon, 04 May 2026 22:53:04 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/toni-waterman-us-correspondent-on-the-us-saying-military-ships-have-been-sailing-through-the-strait-of-hormuz/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/toni-waterman-us-correspondent-on-the-us-saying-military-ships-have-been-sailing-through-the-strait-of-hormuz/ Renewed attacks by Iran and the United States threaten to see the war in the Middle East “spiralling out of control”.  The ceasefire seems to be on shaky ground, but some experts are saying that despite the optics, they are progressing towards a peace deal.   US Correspondent Toni Waterman told Ryan Bridge that proposals to end the war had been exchanged through the weekend.  “But certainly this announcement by the President [Donald Trump] on Sunday to start guiding these ships through the Strait of Hormuz has opened up another area in this conflict because the strait is really Iran's main leverage point right now.”  Trump’s new “Project Freedom” aims to help neutral commercial ships get out of the Persian Gulf, where they have been stranded by the closure of the Strait.  Waterman said experts were warning that even if the US successfully guided those ships through the Strait, it would not be a permanent solution as they would not return as long as fighting continued.  LISTEN ABOVE   Mon, 04 May 2026 18:30:53 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-whats-the-secret-to-a-good-marriage/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-whats-the-secret-to-a-good-marriage/ What are your chances of getting divorced? The new Stats NZ numbers are interesting for a couple of reasons.  1. Fewer people are getting hitched. In 2025, 7.6 marriages per 1000 people. That's half of the rate in 2000 (15.5 per 1000). In 1971, peak marriage, it was 45 per 1000 people.  So basically, fewer of us are bothering to get married. I've got friends who are single and don't mind being single - that was far less acceptable in 1971.  2. We're getting married later in life. We used to put a ring on it around the age of 20, now we wait until we're into our thirties. This is part of a bigger trend. People still live at home with their parents when their 25 - it's common. They go to university, don't get proper jobs until they're sometimes in their late 20's or even early thirties. We're living longer at the other end of life, and it feels like we're stretching out childhood a bit at the beginning, too. Get a dog, live at home, complain about house prices, and then marry later.  3. Divorce is the most interesting part. If you're in a marriage and you're wondering whether you might get a divorce then I reckon you probably will. Otherwise, why would you be thinking about or worrying about it? The numbers tell us how long you're married before you call it quits; 5% within five years. 15% within 10 years. 1/3 within 25 years.  But here's the good news. The news you should hope for.  60% of couples remain married for the rest of their lives.  Happily ever after, just like in the movies.  As the old saying goes, the best way to stay married is to not get divorced. Mon, 04 May 2026 18:17:41 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/marcus-beveridge-immigration-lawyer-on-acts-new-immigration-policies/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/marcus-beveridge-immigration-lawyer-on-acts-new-immigration-policies/ ACT leader and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour will campaign on new immigration policies. His proposed changes include stronger English language requirements, a daily levy, and a specialised enforcement unit targeting people who overstay their visas.  Immigration lawyer Marcus Beveridge called Seymour's policies 'superfluous'.  He told Ryan Bridge, "it's not really worth getting out of bed for this, because most of it's already here, it's super superfluous, it's posturing." LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 03 May 2026 19:45:56 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/carolyn-young-retail-nz-chief-executive-on-the-latest-quarterly-retail-radar-report/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/carolyn-young-retail-nz-chief-executive-on-the-latest-quarterly-retail-radar-report/ The fuel crisis is scuppering optimism in the retail sector.  The latest quarterly Retail Radar Report shows rising confidence at the end of last year has turned into anxiety about the future.  Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young told Ryan Bridge 66 percent of retailers don't expect to make their sales targets in the next quarter.   She says 29 percent aren't certain they can survive the next year.  Sun, 03 May 2026 18:20:46 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-things-are-about-to-get-a-whole-lot-more-expensive/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-things-are-about-to-get-a-whole-lot-more-expensive/ I have good news and bad news for you this morning.  The good news, I was out shopping on the weekend, which means I didn't actually buy anything but drove halfway across town looking for a bed-head, couldn't find one that fit, and went home empty-handed.  But the good news is the shops I visited were full of people spending money. Hardware store, full. Furniture store, less full but still busy. The Devil Wears Prada on Saturday night was 100% booked out for sessions running almost on the hour.  I've never rated Anne Hathaway's acting chops, but literally thousands of middle-aged women, glass of Savvy B in hand, clearly did.  A survey out today says retailers are worried about the fuel shock, but I didn't see much reason to be freaking out on the weekend.  Now the bad news, all the stuff we buy in this country comes by sea.  All the trinkets and furniture and non-perishables come over the ocean, because we're, yah know, an island. More than 80% of our trade is done on a ship, by value and weight. Half of that trade - imports and exports - is done by the shipping giant Maersk. In a little-reported note to customers Friday, Maersk is slapping an almost 30% fuel surcharge on to inland transport.  The fuel bill for imports is increasing 27%. The Aussies' is going up 18%.  This cost gets added to all the stuff we buy. So anything in country right now will be cheaper than anything that's about to be sent here.  They started the new charging rate on Friday.  Which does make my weekend in busy shops and gay old time at the pictures on Saturday night feel somewhat like, to use another movie analogy, a dinner party aboard the Titanic as it listed into the Atlantic ocean.  Sun, 03 May 2026 18:11:23 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-04-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-04-may-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 4th of May 2026, Marcus Beveridge a Immigration Lawyer at Queen City Law shares his thoughts on David Seymour's new 6 point immigration plan.  Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on interest rate decisions last week in UK and ECB and US, the latest economic dictators and forecasts revised down due to oil prices and what governments are talking about doing, including on easing jet fuel problems for airlines. Retailers want Kiwis working from the office, not home, after the latest Retail NZ survey, Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young shares her thoughts.  Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on a man and woman dead and three others were injured in a "suspicious" explosion at a house in Bristol, and the US threatening to withdraw more troops from Europe after announcing plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Sun, 03 May 2026 18:10:32 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/michael-glading-nz-open-tournament-director-on-saudi-arabias-pif-pulling-funding-from-the-liv-golf-tournament/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/michael-glading-nz-open-tournament-director-on-saudi-arabias-pif-pulling-funding-from-the-liv-golf-tournament/ LIV Golf’s financial backer is pulling its funding after the current season.   Plays and staff will reportedly find out the decision today to axe the funding by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.  It’s reportedly cost PIF over US$5 billion to operate the series so far.  NZ Open Tournament Director Michael Glading told Ryan Bridge that the model was flawed from the get-go – you can’t just create teams out of nowhere.  He says if something sounds too good to be true, it is too good to be true.   LISTEN ABOVE   Thu, 30 Apr 2026 23:50:45 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/pooja-sundar-immigration-lawyer-on-the-number-of-visa-rejections-dropping-to-a-post-covid-low/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/pooja-sundar-immigration-lawyer-on-the-number-of-visa-rejections-dropping-to-a-post-covid-low/ There's a suggestion better quality visa applications are coming through, with more than nine in ten applicants being approved.  Data released to Newstalk ZB shows just over 65 thousand applications were declined in 2025 – down from over 83 thousand in 2024.  Last year's rejection rate was about 6.3%, compared to 7.3% for the two years before.  Immigration lawyer Pooja Sundar told Ryan Bridge there've been several changes in visa settings in the last few years.  She says people are also starting to understand how Immigration New Zealand's approaching decisions and are more prepared.  LISTEN ABOVE   Thu, 30 Apr 2026 23:40:01 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-01-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-01-may-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 1st of May 2026, still no answers for Mount Maunganui businesses following a council meeting on when the Mount will reopen, Beach Hut Cafe Owner Michelle Craig tells Ryan what happened during the meeting.  Saudi Arabia's pulling funding for the Liv Golf tour from next season, New Zealand open tournament Director Michael Glading shares his thoughts.  New Zealand's rejecting fewer Visa applications with the number now at a post-covid low, immigration lawyer Pooja Sundar tells Ryan what impact this is having.  Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest King Charles and Camilla's state trip wrapping up and Keir Starmer's address following the Golders Green attack on the Jewish community.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:10:37 Z