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 Sat, 25 Apr 2026 17:20:05 Z en https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/leeann-watson-business-canterbury-ceo-on-the-opening-of-the-one-nz-stadium/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/leeann-watson-business-canterbury-ceo-on-the-opening-of-the-one-nz-stadium/ Christchurch bars, restaurants and retailers are preparing for a bumper weekend with the city's new stadium playing host to its first crowds.  One NZ Stadium hosts Super Rugby’s Super Round over the next three days, with the Crusaders taking on the Waratahs in the opening match tonight.  Recent alcohol law changes mean hospitality venues can now open past midnight and sell alcohol without serving meals.  Business Canterbury Chief Executive Leeann Watson told Ryan Bridge that the stadium will bring people into the city and have them spend locally, which is exactly what they want.   LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:31:21 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/kate-acland-beef-plus-lamb-nz-chair-on-the-impact-on-the-india-fta-on-the-lamb-industry/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/kate-acland-beef-plus-lamb-nz-chair-on-the-impact-on-the-india-fta-on-the-lamb-industry/ More New Zealand lamb could soon be making its way to India under our soon-to-be-signed free trade agreement.  Labour's now backing the deal, which will reduce or eliminate tariffs on 95% of exports to the world's largest country.  Beef + Lamb New Zealand says the Indian market has been largely unavailable until now due to a 33% tariff.  Chair Kate Acland told Ryan Bridge India consumes a huge amount of sheep meat.  LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:20:46 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/brad-olsen-infometrics-principal-economist-on-the-treasury-revising-economic-forecasts-ahead-of-the-budget/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/brad-olsen-infometrics-principal-economist-on-the-treasury-revising-economic-forecasts-ahead-of-the-budget/ Some challenging Budget decisions ahead for the Government due to the ongoing war in Iran.  Treasury officials are revisiting their economic forecasts for next month's Budget, just weeks before it's due to be delivered.  International credit agency Moody's has downgraded New Zealand's economic outlook from stable to negative, noting the Government's later-than-expected return to surplus.  Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Ryan Bridge the Government's finances weren't in great shape, even before the war.  He says the Government wasn't projected to be back in surplus until the end of the decade.  LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:07:14 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-path-to-improving-financial-literacy/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-path-to-improving-financial-literacy/ I see ACT is flying a kite on free money for school kids.  Which sounds odd given the party's aversion to free lunches.  Seymour's talking about giving each Year 11 student, 5th form, $500 each to invest. It'd cost $30 million a year and could be funded via the KiwiSaver subsidy.  They'd be able to invest in a term deposit, managed fund, and equities. It'd be a controlled fund so they couldn't go nuts or withdraw, but they might learn something.  Trump's done something similar in the US, though with the help of private capital.  This is a great way to get young people interested in investing and learning about investing.  But isn't there an inherent problem with this? Giving them free money doesn't teach them the value of earning it in the first place, which I would have thought was central to ACT's philosophy on life.  I spoke to Fraser Whineray, former Mercury boss, a few months back about his idea for KiwiSaver 2.0.  He reckons we should overhaul KiwiSaver and give every newborn Kiwi kid $5,000 instead of giving adults the $250-odd per year they currently get from the Government.  With compounding returns, the $5 grand becomes $20,000 by age 18.  The lesson is pretty simple, time in the stock market equals money in the bank.  Whether ACT's or Fraser's approach is better depends on how you view the trade-offs.  But there's no doubt in my mind that they're both on the right path. We need to improve financial literacy not just for the sake of Kiwi kids, but the country.  Thu, 23 Apr 2026 20:57:15 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-24-april-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-24-april-2026/ Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 24 April. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:10:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/john-battersby-massey-university-centre-for-defence-and-security-studies-senior-fellow-on-if-the-defence-system-needs-overhauling/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/john-battersby-massey-university-centre-for-defence-and-security-studies-senior-fellow-on-if-the-defence-system-needs-overhauling/ A warning the Government's $12 billion defence plan won't work without an overhaul of the defence service.  New research by the New Zealand Initiative business think tank has found equipment purchases currently still move through a long approval processes.  It's found digital systems, intelligence tools, and skilled workforce are being treated as secondary.  Massey University Centre for Defence and Security Studies’ John Battersby told Ryan Bridge the world is changing, so we need to question whether were set up to make the best of limited funding.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 22 Apr 2026 23:46:06 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nikki-hart-nutritionist-on-the-debate-over-the-necessity-of-daily-multi-vitamins/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nikki-hart-nutritionist-on-the-debate-over-the-necessity-of-daily-multi-vitamins/ Taking daily multi-vitamins may not have the benefits we think.  British GP James Le Fanu has sparked a debate after suggesting even tiny amounts of added vitamins exceed what most people require.  Nutritionist Nikki Hart says taking copious amounts of vitamins could actually do more harm than good.  She told Ryan Bridge people think they need to up their intake over winter, but a balanced diet on its own is usually enough.  Hart says instead of remembering to take lots of supplements, often the answer is just having an orange.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 22 Apr 2026 23:29:45 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nick-leggett-infrastructure-nz-ceo-on-the-infrastructure-commission-gaining-oversight-over-major-projects/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nick-leggett-infrastructure-nz-ceo-on-the-infrastructure-commission-gaining-oversight-over-major-projects/ Infrastructure New Zealand hopes a change in process will lead to New Zealand getting better value from infrastructure projects.  The Government's shifting responsibility for analysing projects from Treasury to the Infrastructure Commission.  It hopes the change will result in better value for money.  Infrastructure New Zealand Chief Executive Nick Leggett told Ryan Bridge New Zealand ranks in the bottom 10% globally for value-per-dollar-spent.  He says changing that situation starts with the people making the decisions.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 22 Apr 2026 23:22:01 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-terrifying-news-about-mythos-ai/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-terrifying-news-about-mythos-ai/ You heard the news about this AI hacking beast called Mythos?  It's a bit scary to be honest. And what's reported to have happened with it in the last seven hours is even scarier.  It's basically a big AI-powered cyber-hacking machine. It can spot flaws in operating systems – in some tests, it is better at doing this than human hackers.  Central banks are worried. Retail banks are worried. Governments are worried. We should be, too.  Even Anthropic, which owns it, is worried. They haven't released it to the public.  In the wrong hands, it's that dangerous.  But what they did do was release it to a small group of big companies, including Google and Goldman Sachs, for testing.  The problem? Bloomberg is reporting that a small number of unauthorised users have gained access to it.  I know... ding ding ding... alarm bell time.  Hello, you had one job – keep this thing under wraps. If it's a good as they say it is, it's bad for the world.  It could mean more 'asymmetrical warfare'. That's where smaller actors with fewer resources than big powers are able to wage war and hold the world to ransom.  Think the Revolutionary Guard and the Strait of Hormuz.  In the wrong hands, this thing could do the same in cyberspace.  Hacks on hospitals, water supplies, energy infrastructure. All that important stuff that, you know, keeps society from falling apart.  What happens to the world when you only need a speedboat, a few drones, and an AI hacking app on your phone to bring the world to its knees?  This sounds overly dramatic, and that's because, well, it is.  And like most things on the internet, once the horse is out of the stables, she tends to bolt and run, and nobody can ever really catch up. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 23:17:07 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-23-april-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-23-april-2026/ Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 23 April. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:10:38 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nick-tuffley-asb-chief-economist-on-the-inflation-rate-staying-steady-at-31-when-the-ocr-may-be-lifted/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nick-tuffley-asb-chief-economist-on-the-inflation-rate-staying-steady-at-31-when-the-ocr-may-be-lifted/ The Reserve Bank may have to hike the OCR sooner than expected, with inflation tracking higher than forecast.  Inflation remains at 3.1% – unchanged on three months ago.  ASB economists say the central bank could be facing a "nightmare scenario" of soaring inflation, against the backdrop of a fragile economy.  Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Ryan Bridge it’s increasingly likely the Reserve Bank will start lifting the OCR around July.  He says they believe it will wind up around 3.25% – a more neutral level for the rate.   LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 21 Apr 2026 23:40:01 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/warwick-bagg-auckland-university-dean-of-medical-and-health-sciences-on-the-record-number-of-people-studying-health-courses/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/warwick-bagg-auckland-university-dean-of-medical-and-health-sciences-on-the-record-number-of-people-studying-health-courses/ Demand for health workers is leading more people to take up health courses.  Ministry of Education data shows 52 thousand people were studying some form of health course last year – the most since records began a decade ago.  That includes 17,800 people studying nursing.  Auckland University Dean of Medical and Health Sciences Warwick Bagg told Ryan Bridge more people are highly motivated to join the industry.   He says health is the largest employer in the country, and it's a great opportunity for people to contribute to a diverse workforce.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 21 Apr 2026 23:17:43 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/chris-finlayson-former-national-cabinet-minister-on-christopher-luxons-vote-of-confidence/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/chris-finlayson-former-national-cabinet-minister-on-christopher-luxons-vote-of-confidence/ A former National cabinet minister says the party needs to move on from internal wrangling to the more pressing issues at hand. Christopher Luxon passed a vote of confidence at yesterday's caucus meeting. MPs aren't revealing details of the vote, including how many of them supported Luxon. Former minister Chris Finlayson told Ryan Bridge the path forward for National is simple. He says they need to deliver a good Budget, pass RMA reforms, sign the India free trade agreement, and start speaking highly of each other and campaigning in a unified way. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:17:32 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-22-april-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-22-april-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 22nd of April 2026, Christopher Luxon’s survived a confidence vote, shutting down talk he’s lost the support of MPS. Record number of Kiwis are deciding to go into the health workforce, Auckland University dean of Medical and Health Sciences Warwick Bagg shares his thoughts.  Inflation's come in hotter than expected at 3.1% for Q1, ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley shares his thoughts.  Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on former top official at the UK Foreign Office, saying Keir Starmer had a "dismissive approach" to Lord Mandelson's vetting and Elon Musk snubbing a request to appear for an interview with French prosecutors in Paris.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:10:30 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-luxon-needs-more-than-his-base-to-win-the-election/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-luxon-needs-more-than-his-base-to-win-the-election/ People hate the media, so hating on the media is not a bad strategy.  It's worked for Winston over many decades, although the bloke only needs 10% of people to like his style - most find it a bit abrasive.  As I've said previously, ministers are the de-facto top brass in the caucus. When all the ministers line up behind their man, no vote is going to topple him. The backbenchers fall into line.  The group calling for a coup looks a bit shambolic, like a bunch of disgruntled employees - your Andrew Bayly's and Tim Van de Molens.  The only real threat to Luxon is if polling gets so bad, his cabinet comes under threat.  You need a trend to prove that, not one poll.  If a trend emerges where the left-bloc can govern, he's toast. And he'd probably fall on his sword at that point anyway.  I had loads of texts from people on the right yesterday raving about Luxon finally standing up for himself and doing something, anything, that looked decisive. He performed to the base, yesterday. But you need more than the base to win an election and form a government.  From here, the next move is crucial.  You need to flood the market with some bold economic initiatives and policy ideas.  He wants to talk about the economy, then get out there and do it. Do the big stuff. The hard stuff. And make a case for why. Luxon officially has everyone's attention, how he uses it will determine how long he keeps his job. Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:09:50 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mark-smith-asb-chief-economist-looks-ahead-to-the-q1-inflation-rate/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mark-smith-asb-chief-economist-looks-ahead-to-the-q1-inflation-rate/ Today's inflation numbers could represent calm before the storm.  Annual inflation's likely to have fallen in the first quarter of this year after ending last year at 3.1%.   BNZ is picking 3.1%, KiwiBank's is picking 3%, ASB and ANZ are picking 2.9%, and Westpac is picking 2.8%.  ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith told Ryan Bridge that the future trajectory is more important.   He says the oil price outlook is highly uncertain, and how long energy prices hold up will really determine how long that inflation rate holds up as well.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:35:17 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/jonathan-boston-victoria-university-emeritus-professor-of-public-policy-on-the-impact-of-severe-weather-insurance/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/jonathan-boston-victoria-university-emeritus-professor-of-public-policy-on-the-impact-of-severe-weather-insurance/ Flood-affected Wellington and Wairarapa are continuing to be hit by yet more heavy rain.  A Red Rain Warning is in effect until 6pm, with many schools and facilities closed, and people in low-lying areas being advised to leave their homes.  A search for missing Karori man Philip Sutton has been suspended overnight due to dangerous conditions.  Victoria University Emeritus Professor of Public Policy Jonathan Boston told Ryan Bridge he's concerned about the growing number of people who are uninsured or can't get insurance.  He says becoming less resilient as a society, because more people can't insure their properties, that will be damaging to everyone.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:29:22 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-21-april-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-21-april-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 21st of April 2025, inflation’s expected to ease or hold steady for the first three months of the year, ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith tells Ryan what this when we'll start to see the full impacts of the oil shock. Erica Stanford’s rolling out help for rural schools hit by fuel costs, Kaitaia Primary School Principal, tells Ryan how big of an impact it will have for schools.  Insurers are feeling the raft of major weather events, Victoria University Emeritus Professor of Public Policy shares his thoughts.  Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on the Australian treasurer’s dire warning of the economic impact of the Iran War.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:10:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/brendon-morrissey-kaitaia-primary-school-principal-on-the-governments-fuel-relief-package-for-teachers/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/brendon-morrissey-kaitaia-primary-school-principal-on-the-governments-fuel-relief-package-for-teachers/ A Northland principal says the Government's latest relief package for teachers struggling with the cost of fuel will help secure more educators for rural areas.  Relief Teacher Transport Allowance mileage rates are being doubled, and up to 70 schools will get a one-off grant to replace diesel boilers. Rural schools with fewer than a hundred students will also get a one-off payment to help pay for the extra reimbursements. Kaitaia Primary School Principal Brendon Morrissey told Ryan Bridge he hopes the packages will lead more teachers to consider working outside major cities.  He says it will also encourage more training teachers to go to rural areas, which will help small schools struggling with staffing.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:10:32 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-kiwis-actually-love-butter-chicken-shane/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-kiwis-actually-love-butter-chicken-shane/ Take away migrants from our economy and the thing pretty much falls apart.  This is not Europe, where they're overrun with migrant boats and expensive hotel bills to house the passengers.  This is not the US, where illegal migrants poured across a porous border. This is New Zealand, separated from the rest of the world by the Pacific Ocean and rather fussy about who comes here and why.  If you look at the numbers, they tell you we're doing a good job on migration. Kiwi migrants are, according to a New Zealand Initiative report: Less likely to claim a benefit More likely to be employed Their children have better education outcomes than native born New Zealanders The idea they steal jobs from Kiwis doesn't stack up because an economy doesn't have a cap on the number of jobs available. Job growth happens when demand increases and migration = increased demand. Plus they're more likely to take intuitive and start businesses which employ people.  Migrants also tend to be younger, so contribute more to taxes than native born Kiwis. They also do jobs many think they're above doing – just look at those on the dole in the regions. Housing and hospitals can be a problem, but that's a job that can be fixed with better planning laws, fewer regulations, and investment in health.  So back to Matua Shane and his butter chicken tsunami – actually, the India FTA, as far as we can tell, would allow just 5000 three-year visas at any one time. That's according to the Government. That's just 6% of Accredited Employer Work Visas issued each year. 90% will come here for jobs we have shortages in: engineers, IT professionals, teachers. This looks like a bit of a beat up from Uncle Shane. As for the "colourful" language, actually, most Kiwis don't mind a bit of butter chicken thank you very much. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:07:00 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/vicky-pryce-business-correspondent-on-the-latest-in-oil-prices-with-possibility-of-new-talks-between-us-iran/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/vicky-pryce-business-correspondent-on-the-latest-in-oil-prices-with-possibility-of-new-talks-between-us-iran/ Talks are set to resume this week in Pakistan, but currently it's unconfirmed whether Iran will be in attendance. Previous talks have been unsuccessful, and over the weekend the Strait of Hormuz was opened and then reclosed by Iran after the US continued to block Iranian ports.  This instability has raised questions over the ever-increasing fuel prices.  Business correspondent Vicky Pryce told Ryan Bridge, "everything could of course unsettle the markets again, but right this minute the markets seem to think that some resolution will be found." LISTEN ABOVE  Sun, 19 Apr 2026 21:21:25 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/sam-archer-nzgbc-director-of-market-transformation-on-the-greens-electrification-plan/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/sam-archer-nzgbc-director-of-market-transformation-on-the-greens-electrification-plan/ In the Green Party's annual State of the Planet Address they have called for a National Electrification Plan.  The plan would focus on reducing reliance on fossil fuels and using renewable energy like solar panels to benefit the planet and people's wallets.  NZGBC director of market transformation Sam Archer explained why this help is needed, and how they plan on clearing the grid for extra solar panel use.  LISTEN ABOVE  Sun, 19 Apr 2026 19:32:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/david-satterfield-former-us-ambassador-in-the-middle-east-on-iran-vowing-to-keep-the-strait-of-hormuz-closed/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/david-satterfield-former-us-ambassador-in-the-middle-east-on-iran-vowing-to-keep-the-strait-of-hormuz-closed/ Iran's vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed until the US's blockade is lifted. Iranian gunboats reportedly fired at ships trying to pass through yesterday - which US President Donald Trump's called a total violation of the ceasefire agreement. It comes as Iran's reportedly rejected a fresh round of peace talks set for tomorrow - labelling the US's demands as 'excessive'. Former US Ambassador in the Middle East David Satterfield shares his thoughts with Ryan Bridge.  Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:32:51 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-too-early-for-national-leader-switcharoos/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-too-early-for-national-leader-switcharoos/ It's too early to tell whether National should switch leaders.  We've had one poll last night with the left-bloc winning.  If that case were to eventuate, it probably wouldn't eventuate in the way it's being reported.  New Zealand First would step in to rescue Labour from Te Pati Māori and soften the power of the Greens. If there wasn't enough support on the right to form a government, you can't tell me Winston wouldn't do a deal with his devil to keep the left honest.  Back to Luxon and the leadership.  He's had a bad poll. But there have been plenty of late with the right keeping the Treasury benches.  That's why most of his cabinet keeps his support. That and the fact nobody else at the round table seems confident enough they'd actually do a better job and improve those numbers.  Until it's clear not just in one poll, but a trend of polls, that these guys wouldn't be part of a cabinet because they wouldn't have the numbers to form one in the first place, then the leadership won't change.  There's still plenty of time before election day, and a lot will change by then too.  Jacinda didn't need long to turn transform Little's vote into enough support to seize power.  This idea that all must be decided this Tuesday or next, before Luxon's trip to Singapore, ahead of the budget that follows it, is a red herring.  Caucus would be making a decision without the enough time to gather the facts, and without confidence in a decent replacement.  Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:10:45 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-20-april-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-20-april-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 19th of April 2025, the strait of Hormuz is shut again, Trump says his team led by JD Vance is heading back to Pakistan for more talks, Former US Ambassador in the Middle East David Satterfield tells Ryan when we can expect the war to end.  The Green's are taking a mass national electrification plan to the next election, NZGBC Director of market transformation, Sam Archer shares his thoughts on if the plan is viable or not.  Chief Economic Advisor at the UK centre for Economics and Business Research and Former UK Government Advisor, Vicky Pryce has the latest on oil prices coming down again due to likelihood of new talks between Iran and the US, the IMF growth scenarios. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on one of London’s most famous parks re-opens as police continue investigating whether items found near the Israeli embassy are connected to a video posted on social media claiming the building was going to be targeted by drones carrying dangerous radioactive substances and Pope Leo says he was not seeking to debate Donald Trump when he criticised "tyrants" for spending billions on wars in a speech a couple of days ago. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:10:31 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/james-mcdowall-motor-trade-association-head-of-advocacy-on-the-government-extending-the-warrant-of-fitness-period/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/james-mcdowall-motor-trade-association-head-of-advocacy-on-the-government-extending-the-warrant-of-fitness-period/ There's worry the new Warrant of Fitness regime will mean more dangerous vehicles on the road.   Vehicles of almost every age will get their warrants extended, with 14-year-old cars only needing a WOF every two years, rather than annually.   The Motor Trade Association say one in three cars between eight and 10-years-old currently fail.   Head of Advocacy James McDowall says it may not even end up saving people money if they rack up more damage and need costly repairs.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:32:42 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/david-wills-nurses-society-director-on-the-increasing-reports-of-abuse-towards-healthcare-staff/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/david-wills-nurses-society-director-on-the-increasing-reports-of-abuse-towards-healthcare-staff/ Increasing reports of horrendous abuse directed towards staff at emergency departments.  Figures released under the Official Information Act show more than 7,500 reports were logged last year, matching the year before, but up significantly on 2023.  Just over 1000 reports came from emergency departments.  Nurses Society Director David Wills told Ryan Bridge the assaults vary in severity but are all distressing for staff.  He says it's everything from verbal abuse to spitting, biting, pushing, and occasionally sexual assault.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:05:22 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-17-april-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-17-april-2026/ Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 17 April. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:10:34 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/susan-st-john-auckland-university-associate-economics-professor-on-jobseeker-numbers/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/susan-st-john-auckland-university-associate-economics-professor-on-jobseeker-numbers/ A lift in beneficiaries could suggest recent policy decisions are taking us in the wrong direction.  At the end of March, just over 409 thousand people were on a main benefit, almost 3% more than the year prior. Jobseeker numbers are up 2.6%. Auckland University Associate Economics Professor Susan St John told Ryan Bridge many of the ways we've tried to bring down spending have impacted the labour market. She says until we can recognise we're in a deep recession it's going to get worse, and we need the Government to step up, otherwise we're stuffed.  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:09:41 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-no-queues-means-trust-in-fuel-plan/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-no-queues-means-trust-in-fuel-plan/ There's been a bit of hand-wringing this week about the fuel situation and some of it is justified.  If you're running an airline, it's bad. If you're paying $4 bucks to fill a truck with diesel, also bad.  But we're not yet out of fuel, or even close to out of fuel. Which is not the same as saying we won't one day be out of fuel, or having to ration before we get there, that is still a possibility. This week we've had some economists and pundits come out and hit the panic button.  Oil will start to flow from elsewhere. Europe has already replaced half its lost jet fuel stockpile from Nigeria and America.  But these things take time, and as we've spoken about on this show many times, that ultimately means cost.  Two things became clear this week: Carney in Canada and Albanese are both onboard with oil, more domestic production. They're looking at proposals in Queensland and Carney's promising to build roads to oil wells in Canada.  Climate has taken a backseat. Needs must.  Second thing: people have confidence in the Government's fuel response. It's basically a high-trust model they're operating.  If you want evidence, it's what you don't see, not what you do see. No panic-buying, no jerry cans, no queues outside Mobil.  The same can't be said for other countries. Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:05:54 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/shane-kingston-tg-managing-director-on-envy-becoming-the-countrys-first-billion-dollar-apple/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/shane-kingston-tg-managing-director-on-envy-becoming-the-countrys-first-billion-dollar-apple/ A significant milestone for New Zealand apple brand Envy – the first to surpass a billion dollars in global sales.   The Royal Gala and Braeburn mix was first bred in 1985, and is now grown in more than 13 countries and sold in 55 markets around the world.   T&G Managing Director Shane Kingston told Ryan Bridge it won't be long until sales hit the two billion mark.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:52:57 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/geof-nightingale-independent-tax-expert-on-inland-revenues-recommendation-to-raise-taxes/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/geof-nightingale-independent-tax-expert-on-inland-revenues-recommendation-to-raise-taxes/ A tax expert believes new Inland Revenue recommendations fly in the face of long term fiscal forecasts.  The report lays out a range of suggestions, including a capital gains tax and increasing the Goods and Services tax from 15%.   It warns this would disproportionately affect those less fortunate, so should be paired with cash transfers to poorer workers.   Independent tax expert Geof Nightingale told Ryan Bridge the aim is to ease the Government's deficit.  He says you can borrow, which isn't sustainable long term, or you can cut expenditure and raise taxes.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:47:06 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-16-april-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-16-april-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 16th of April 2025, Pharmacists are being given more powers to help take the pressure off GPs, Director of Mangawhai Pharmacy Lanny Wong tells Ryan how big of a difference this will make.  The Envy apple has cracked $1 billion in global sales, a first for a New Zealand apple brand, T&G Managing Director tells Ryan Bridge how the brand became so successful.  Inland Revenue is floating higher GST and a Capital Gains Tax, Independent tax expert Geof Nightingale shares his thoughts.  Plus, US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on Trump saying to watch out for an "amazing two days" as diplomats work to arrange a second round of peace talks and Trump renewing his threat to dismiss Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:10:32 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/lanny-wong-mangawhai-pharmacy-director-on-government-letting-pharmacists-prescribe-funded-medicines-for-common-conditions/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/lanny-wong-mangawhai-pharmacy-director-on-government-letting-pharmacists-prescribe-funded-medicines-for-common-conditions/ Pharmacists appear ready for an increased workload under a proposed expansion of services. The Government's considering letting pharmacists prescribe funded medicines for common conditions like scabies and head lice, as well as for UTIs and the emergency contraceptive pill. Until now, people have needed a GP prescription or had to pay the medication's full pharmacy price. Mangawhai Pharmacy Director Lanny Wong told Ryan Bridge pharmacists treat these conditions already, people just have to pay. She says it's nothing new but demand will likely increase. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:06:56 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-congratulations-to-the-redheads/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-congratulations-to-the-redheads/ A special good morning to all the redheads listening.  There's some new Harvard research that's come out about human evolution and it mentions you. I'll get to you in a sec. Conventional wisdom says that homo sapiens (us) basically stopped evolving when we emerged 300,000 years ago. We reached peak human. It took us about seven million years to evolve from looking more like Apes. It took us four million years to walk on two legs, which is one of things that makes humans. More recently we learnt how to use tools, language.  But once we stopped hunter-gathering, roaming round looking for food, and settled down to farm our own and build cities and civilisations, natural selection wasn't such a big deal.  But that's not true.  They looked at DNA from 16,000 people over 10,000 years, some from ancient burial sites and modern ones from the UK Biobank. We used to think natural selection was changing just a dozen genes, they now reckon it's hundreds.  Coeliac disease is now more common. You might think why? Who doesn't love pasta and oats? You'd think evolution would edit out coeliac diseases.  No, because the gene actually increases your resistance to a bunch of germs and bacteria. So, you're less likely to die, more likely to live longer. The longer you live, the more likely you pass that gene onto your kids. That's how natural selection works. The gene for narrow waists have become more common because we didn't need to store as much fat post-hunter-gatherer days (though you wouldn't know it walking through the supermarket). And redheads, the red hair gene, MC1R, it's become more common in recent history.  It's popular. More gingers than ever before. Congratulations. The only mystery is why as there's no obvious survival advantage, other than looking fabulous, I suppose. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:04:04 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/cameron-bagrie-independent-economist-on-the-division-between-economists-over-whether-the-reserve-bank-should-raise-the-ocr/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/cameron-bagrie-independent-economist-on-the-division-between-economists-over-whether-the-reserve-bank-should-raise-the-ocr/ Economists are divided over how fast the Reserve Bank should raise the Official Cash Rate.  ANZ has already picked three consecutive hikes in July, September, and October, while Westpac says it’s becoming more of a possibility next month, but is more likely in September.   On the hand, Kiwibank believes raising the rate multiple times before the election would be reckless.  Independent Economist Cameron Bagrie told Ryan Bridge there’s a case for raising the OCR in May – a pre-emptive strike against inflation.  He says that if they feel the need to go, they're better off going early as if they leave it later and let inflation get a bit embedded, they’ll have to take the OCR higher to compensate.   LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:49:12 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/waseem-alzaher-cannabis-clinic-ceo-on-the-changes-to-medicinal-cannabis-licenses/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/waseem-alzaher-cannabis-clinic-ceo-on-the-changes-to-medicinal-cannabis-licenses/ An industry expert is welcoming changes to medicinal cannabis licences, but wants the industry given a greater push.  Cannabis flower exports increased from 49 kilograms in 2021 to more than 2300 last year.  Medsafe is now exploring changes to its regime, potentially allowing more permanent licenses.  Cannabis Clinic CEO Waseem Alzaher told Ryan Bridge New Zealand holds itself to a particularly high standard, applying pharmaceutical standards seen nowhere else in the world.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:17:23 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mat-woods-destination-queenstown-lake-wanaka-tourism-ceo-on-tourism-numbers-are-still-looking-up/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mat-woods-destination-queenstown-lake-wanaka-tourism-ceo-on-tourism-numbers-are-still-looking-up/ Queenstown's asking for a bed-tax as tourist numbers roar back.  Stats NZ data shows the country's now at 92% of pre-Covid levels, with February visits up more than 53 thousand annually.  Chinese tourist numbers jumped the most in February, followed by Australia and Taiwan.  Destination Queenstown and Lake Wanaka Tourism Chief Executive Mat Woods told Ryan Bridge a bed-tax for tourists would come in handy country-wide.  He says for tourism to be our number one export, we need to be maintaining and investing in infrastructure.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:14:55 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-15-april-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-15-april-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 15th of April 2025, tourism’s roaring back now sitting at 92% of pre-covid levels, Mat Woods CEO of Destination Queenstown & Lake Wanaka Tourism, tells Ryan what we can do to keep tourism booming.  David Seymour’s pushing to turn New Zealand into a cannabis export powerhouse, Cannabis Clinic CEO Dr Waseem Alazaher tells Ryan if new changes will be a big help for exporting.  Independent economist Cameron Bagrie shares his thoughts on opposing views on OCR hikes from ANZ and Kiwibank.  Plus, UK Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the IMF's predictions for the UK economy and a former Nato secretary general saying the UK's security is "in peril".  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:08:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-nats-will-eventually-back-a-bed-tax/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-nats-will-eventually-back-a-bed-tax/ Tourism Minister Louise Upston is getting advice from officials on a bed tax. Christopher Luxon told us that last week. They're not being explicit about it yet, but the idea is a no-brainer and will eventually happen. In the Auckland deal Luxon did with Wayne Brown last week, they promised to investigate one. Wayne took this to mean the thing would be introduced by 2027, though we have an election before then obviously.  We've just had new visitor numbers drop, we're back to 92% of pre-Covid numbers. 3.5 million internationals a year.  Great. But the roads and housing and pipes can't take much more. The Government's goal is almost 5 million a year.  In Queenstown, for every single ratepayer funding local infrastructure, you've got 30 to 34 international tourists hiking, skiing, and smashing a Ferg burger. The ratio is 1:30! In Auckland, it's 1:1. Tourist hotspots with small resident populations struggle to fund what's required. Roads, amenities, and housing suffer as a result.  And the Government has so far been turning around and saying no to a bed tax for them. They want 5%.  They're doing this because they don't like the word tax and made promises, but as I've said before, they'll U-turn on this position because it makes no sense.  You can't rely on a 1:30 ratio. Rod Drury lives down that way, and he reckon we need a model like Aspen and Colorado, similar mountain towns, where they use tourism revenues to fund core infrastructure, not just marketing. "90% of local lodging tax can be spent on affordable housing, childcare for workers, and capital improvements like trails and community assets, with only 10% required to stay in pure promotion..." It's only a matter of time before we do the same.  Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:01:53 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nicola-coom-cancer-society-ceo-on-the-funding-and-expanding-of-cancer-infusion-treatment/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nicola-coom-cancer-society-ceo-on-the-funding-and-expanding-of-cancer-infusion-treatment/ The Cancer Society says widening access to cancer infusion treatment is a win for rural communities.    The Health Minister announced $210 million from Budget 2024 will go into 14 new sites and expanding 14 existing ones.   Small towns including Dargaville and Te Kuiti will get new facilities by 2028.   Cancer Society Chief Executive Nicola Coom told Ryan Bridge that with the price of fuel at the moment, anything that reduces travel time is a win.   She says it puts treatment closer to rural communities, which then frees up critical capacity in major tertiary hospitals.  “A win for families, a win for our communities, and definitely a win for the system overall.”  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:25:03 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/carolyn-young-retail-nz-ceo-on-the-growing-illicit-tobacco-black-market-in-new-zealand/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/carolyn-young-retail-nz-ceo-on-the-growing-illicit-tobacco-black-market-in-new-zealand/ Retail NZ is warning time's running out to counter a tobacco black market crisis.  The group's released a new report detailing the rise in illicit tobacco, including reports from retailers of sales happening near their premises.   The group wants an Illicit Tobacco Taskforce setup to bring Customs, Police and Health officials together to fight the growing problem.   CEO Carolyn Young told Ryan Bridge that when organised crime infiltrates the legitimate market it changes the landscape, and brings with it more crime.  She says we need to act now while we still have this window of opportunity.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:11:29 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/henry-olsen-american-pollster-on-donald-trumps-naval-blockade-of-iranian-ports-ceasefire-negotiations/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/henry-olsen-american-pollster-on-donald-trumps-naval-blockade-of-iranian-ports-ceasefire-negotiations/ United States President Donald Trump may have to resort to bombing Iran again, according to an American columnist and pollster.  Henry Olsen told Ryan Bridge that Trump will not be satisfied until Iran ends its nuclear programme.  "I think Trump may eventually have to go back to bombing.  "Trump has already committed American prestige and his personal prestige to the ending of the nuclear programme."  The President is always clear about his goals during negotiations and has been "very clear" about that objective, throughout the campaign, Olsen said.  "Until he gets it, he's going to continue to use what's at his disposal, and that does include bombing and potentially a land invasion.”  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 13 Apr 2026 18:42:45 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-religious-leaders-messages-work-better-without-politics/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-religious-leaders-messages-work-better-without-politics/ Trump's at war with the Pope again, this time over Iran. Last time it was over Gaza.  Usually the pontiff is a bit more low-key, just praying and kissing babies and cruising round in the white robe in the Pope-mobile, like Batman but less cool.  Not Leo. Leo has spoken out, telling Trump to end the war and saying he does not fear the President. This is a humanitarian appeal, but its delivery its a little more political than past statements because of the way the US President is being name-checked personally.  There's nothing newsworthy about the Pope calling for peace. Popes are going to do what Popes do, and we all want peace.  But religious leaders are doing more of this - getting political.  We've had vicars in nappies chaining themselves to Nicola Willis' electorate office. Priests opposing ACT's Treaty bill. Ten church groups held an all-night vigil at St Paul's Cathedral in protest of the Coalition Government's 'move-on' orders.  Deborah Coddington, former ACT MP, made a relevant observation about this in the Spinoff last week. She said instead of showboating, hand-wringing and virtue signalling, churches could start paying rates to local bodies, and sell some valuable assets they currently rent out – which would raise enough money to house the homeless who sleep on the streets. The Vatican, because of its small population and huge tithings, is the 18th wealthiest nation in the world per capita. They boast a huge real estate portfolio.  It's hard to work out exactly what it's worth all up, but media reports anywhere between $73 and 250 billion. So more than the combined wealth of all the billionaires this country's ever known. You can see how this starts to look if they get a little too political: hypocritical.  Like the Salvation Army and Amnesty International when they go beyond calling out poverty, and start advocating for wealth taxes to solve it.  It rubs people the wrong way.  Personally, I think the less political a religious leader, the more effective and weightier their message.  Is nothing sacred anymore?  Mon, 13 Apr 2026 18:36:16 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-14-april-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-14-april-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 14th of April 2025, A US blockade of Iran's ports is underway in the strait of Hormuz, American pollster and Washington Post columnist Henry Olsen shares his thoughts.  More access to cancer treatment is on the way, with a big nationwide expansion of infusion services Nicola Coom Chief Executive Cancer Society, tells Ryan how big of an impact this will have. Retail NZ is sounding the alarm on illegal tobacco; Chief Executive Carolyn Young tells Ryan why it's becoming such a problem.  Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on the Australian Coalition’s immigration policy to be unveiled today and a histórica appointment for the Australian army. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 13 Apr 2026 18:08:15 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mark-mitchell-emergency-management-minister-on-cyclone-vaianu/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mark-mitchell-emergency-management-minister-on-cyclone-vaianu/ Emergency Management Minister, Mark Mitchell, says Cyclone Vaianu could've been much worse - and Kiwis prepared well.  Gisborne and some other East Coast communities are still cut off with sections of State Highways 2 and 35 closed, due to fallen trees, flooding and slips.  The last of MetService's strong wind warnings and watches for Wairarapa and the Tararua District are set to ease at 7 this morning. Mark Mitchell told Ryan Bridge several thousand houses were evacuated across the North Island. He says some of them have flooded, but a lot were precautionary evacuations - which was the right thing to do. Sun, 12 Apr 2026 18:19:45 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-did-we-over-hype-cyclone-vaianau/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-did-we-over-hype-cyclone-vaianau/ The storm for the most of the North Island was a fizzer. The TV news struggled to find pictures of anything actually happening other than a few trees down and reporters breathlessly doing pieces to camera in the wind. In Auckland where I live most shops were closed and they didn’t need to be. There is a risk of the boy who cried wolf. But I also don’t think need to have an existential national conversation about whether this was over-hyped. The forecasters do their thing. They tell you what is coming. Or their best guess of what's coming. Then it’s up to us to make our own decisions based on the information, our own experience and personal judgement. The businesses who decided to close yesterday before anything had actually happened lost a day's trade. The one's who didn't, didn't.  Maybe next time they’ll make a different call. After all, Auckland was only under an orange watch. The media coverage was over the top. It always is. Remember they make money off events like this. Eyeballs on screens. I noticed before every video on the stuff site yesterday showing ocean lapping at sand dune, there was an ad for Tower Insurance playing.  They do what they do. But you can’t tell MetService to not to report the weather.  They’re damned if they do and damned if they don’t. We’re all responsible for our own lives. Ultimately we can decide if we’re safe enough to stay home or go to get a flat white from the local Robert Harris. And if you want to go out kite-surfing or surfin in their storm, all power to ya. You might die, or you might have an awesome Sunday, wither way it'll be your informed choice to do so. Sun, 12 Apr 2026 18:10:41 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-13-april-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-13-april-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 13th of April 2025, Former CIA Intelligence Officer Glenn Carle shares his thoughts on the US failing to make a peace deal with Iran.  Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell tells Ryan whether or not we dodged a bullet with Cyclone Vaianu.  Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport.  Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on suggestion blockade in the strait of Hormuz may be enforced by allies of the US and Hungary goes to the polls today with the EU secretly hoping the incumbent Prime Minister loses power. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Sun, 12 Apr 2026 18:08:16 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/vincent-mcaviney-uk-correspondent-on-the-russian-submarines-allegedly-carrying-out-a-covert-operation-in-british-waters/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/vincent-mcaviney-uk-correspondent-on-the-russian-submarines-allegedly-carrying-out-a-covert-operation-in-british-waters/ The UK wants to know why three Russian submarines have apparently been examining the country's vital underwater cables and pipelines.  British Defence Secretary John Healey says the subs were tracked over several weeks operating in the north Atlantic.  Russia denies the claims.  More than 90% of the UK's day-to-day internet traffic travels via undersea cables.  Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Ryan Bridge there's been no apparent damage; rather, the British Government is putting Russia on notice.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 09 Apr 2026 23:23:12 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/alexander-cornwell-reuters-senior-middle-east-correspondent-on-the-conflict-between-israel-lebanon-peace-talks/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/alexander-cornwell-reuters-senior-middle-east-correspondent-on-the-conflict-between-israel-lebanon-peace-talks/ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered officials to hold talks with Lebanon, but rejects any reports of a ceasefire there.  He says Israel's military will continue to strike Hezbollah with force and won't stop until security is restored, but a Lebanese official says it won't negotiate under fire.  Reuters senior Middle East correspondent Alexander Cornwell told Ryan Bridge if the talks between Israel and Lebanon take place, they'll need some kind of guarantor for it to work.   He says they'll probably have to come from outside of the region – like the US or the French.   Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei says it's allowing the Strait of Hormuz to open but requires vessels to communicate with its military.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 09 Apr 2026 23:08:00 Z