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 Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:44:49 Z en https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/jordan-williams-taxpayers-union-executive-director-on-the-pay-rise-for-fire-and-emergencys-board-members/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/jordan-williams-taxpayers-union-executive-director-on-the-pay-rise-for-fire-and-emergencys-board-members/ Fire and Emergency's board is reportedly getting a pay rise while firefighters are striking for the same thing.  The Post is reporting Fire and Emergency NZ’s deputy chair and board members are in line for boosts of up to 79%.   A departmental briefing recommended Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden approve the large increases in December.  Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams told Ryan Bridge this highlights what have been systematic issues with a total failure of governance and insight within the organisation.  He says the organisation has seemingly lost its community service ethos.   LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 01 Apr 2026 22:48:35 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-02-april-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-02-april-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 2nd of April 2025, Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian shares his thoughts what will come out of Donald Trump's address to the nation.  NASA is set to send four astronauts on their way around the moon, Executive Director of the New Zealand Astrobiology Network Haritina Mogosanu tells Ryan how big of a deal this is.  Fire and Emergency board members are getting a payrise of up to 80% this year, it comes as firefighters fight for pay rises themselves, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director Jordan Williams shares his thoughts.  Plus, US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on Trump telling the UK's The Telegraph he is strongly considering pulling out of NATO and the US Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments on whether some children born in the US have a constitutional right to citizenship.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:08:21 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/haritina-mogo%C8%99anu-astrobiology-network-executive-director-on-nasas-first-crewed-lunar-mission-in-50-years/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/haritina-mogo%C8%99anu-astrobiology-network-executive-director-on-nasas-first-crewed-lunar-mission-in-50-years/ Astronomer's are over the Moon with excitement as NASA's first crewed lunar mission in 50 years is only hours away from take off. The launch window for Artemis II begins at around midday New Zealand time.  It'll last about 10 days, with four astronauts circling the Moon, taking them further into space than ever before. Astrobiology Network Executive Director Haritina Mogoșanu told Ryan Bridge NASA isn't in a rush to land on the Moon like it was with the Apollo missions. She says the last moon landing was a military operation and during a space race. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:03:41 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-my-thoughts-on-luxons-reshuffle/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-my-thoughts-on-luxons-reshuffle/ The American President's doing a live presser today on his war.  The Australian Prime Minister's just wrapped a live address to the nation on the oil shock. And here, our Prime Minister is making his own announcement about a cabinet reshuffle.  It's a bit of an odd time to do it.  He's got Reti and Collins leaving, so he had to do it some point. The day before Easter Friday means he wants to spray and walk away for the weekend.  The good news is there's plenty of talent to promote - the likes of James Meager and Chris Penk. Which is a contrast to the Opposition where the pool is quite shallow. Water comes up to your ankles. For Luxon, getting the right team around him is not just important for running the country, it's his entire election strategy. His pitch to voters is basically that he's the HR department. He prides himself on putting the right man in the right job.  The fact he's doing it today also suggests that he's not listening to the press gallery, who criticised him for opening Christchurch's new stadium while Nicola Willis was left to front oil crisis stand ups and pressers.  This is not necessarily a bad thing. He's doing other stuff. Like reshuffles, thank you very much.  Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:01:19 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/richard-hills-auckland-councillor-on-the-government-watering-down-the-auckland-housing-intensification-plan/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/richard-hills-auckland-councillor-on-the-government-watering-down-the-auckland-housing-intensification-plan/ An Auckland councillor says people shouldn't read too much into yet another change to Auckland's density plan.  The Government revised the Super-city's minimum housing capacity for a second time yesterday, settling on 1.4 million after continued push-back in some suburbs.  Last month it reduced it from two-million homes to 1.6-million.   Councillor Richard Hills told Ryan Bridge the latest number just feels like political game playing.  He says legal requirements mean it'll likely end up near 1.6 million regardless.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 31 Mar 2026 22:17:07 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/phil-goff-former-foreign-affairs-minister-on-the-meeting-between-winston-peters-and-cook-islands-prime-minister-mark-brown/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/phil-goff-former-foreign-affairs-minister-on-the-meeting-between-winston-peters-and-cook-islands-prime-minister-mark-brown/ There are hopes thawing our frosty relationship with the Cook Islands shouldn't be too tough for the Foreign Minister.  Winston Peters is meeting Prime Minister Mark Brown on his home turf after an Auckland meeting last month.  Relations have been tense since the Cooks didn't consult with New Zealand on a partnership deal with China, despite our free association arrangement.  Former Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff told Ryan Bridge Peters should have the upper hand.  He says Brown has an election this November and it's really unpopular among Cook Islanders to think they'd lose their New Zealand passports.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 31 Mar 2026 21:38:58 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/simon-bridges-auckland-business-chamber-chief-executive-on-business-confidence-slumping-amid-oil-shock/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/simon-bridges-auckland-business-chamber-chief-executive-on-business-confidence-slumping-amid-oil-shock/ All signs are pointing towards inflation going up as the Middle East conflict causes business confidence to plummet.  ANZ's latest Business Outlook survey shows most firms expect costs to increase as economic insecurity sets in.  Most anticipate they'll raise prices in the next three months. Retail and construction had the sharpest slides in confidence.  Auckland Business Chamber Chief Executive Simon Bridges told Ryan Bridge after the tariffs last year, this feels like a sense of deja vu. He says this survey was from early days of the war - so things will likely get worse. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:20:57 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-bureaucrats-shouldnt-get-work-from-home-flexibility/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-bureaucrats-shouldnt-get-work-from-home-flexibility/ Remember the outrage over bureaucrats working for home, even though Covid was a distant memory?  The Government came in and said they should all pack their lunch and go back to work. Problem is, this isn't happening.  As you'll know from listening to this show, ACC has already staged a backdown, now MBIE is doing the same.  To her credit, Fleur Fitzsimons at the PSA union, has lawyered up and successfully argued workers' collective contacts allowed them to work from home. Now, the policy to restrict WFH, or what they call 'flexible work', is heading for the bin. Some ACC staff only have to be in the office two days a week - the equivalent of a weekend at the office. Days off, or at home, are usually Fridays and Mondays, conveniently.  This is all in spite of the fact management at ACC said staff are less productive and it's a culture killer.  Now I don't blame the workers here, or the Union. They're exercising their rights and won before it even got to Employment Relations Authority.  Good on them.  But for anyone who runs a business in the private sector, or works in one, this sort of stuff makes your blood boil.  If it's good enough for us, why not them? Do they really work as much or efficiently at home? Why was this clause written into their collective contracts the first place? Surely, once they expire, the next offer of work might require workers to actually turn up for work. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:18:21 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-01-april-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-01-april-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 1st of April 2025, Former Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff shares his thoughts on Winston Peters heading to the Cook Islands this week for the first time since 2024. Business confidence been punched in guts amid the global uncertainty, Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges shares his thoughts. The Government's reducing the housing density plan yet again, Auckland City Councillor Richard Hills tells Ryan why.  Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on a man jailed for 10 years and three months after his bully dog mauled his mother-in-law to death and extra UK troops, along with further UK air defence systems, will be deployed to the Middle East. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:08:19 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/cameron-bagrie-independent-economist-on-the-economic-forecasts-around-gdp-and-economic-growth/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/cameron-bagrie-independent-economist-on-the-economic-forecasts-around-gdp-and-economic-growth/ Banks' forecasts of an economic contraction in the second quarter are probably right, independent economist Cameron Bagrie says.  ASB’s revised outlook shows the bank expects annual GDP growth of 1.3% this year, down from its previous forecast of 2.9%, thanks to higher fuel prices hitting consumer spending.  It expects the economy to contract by 0.3% in the second quarter and expand by 0.3% in the third, with New Zealand’s economic recovery now “unlikely” before 2027.  Bagrie told Ryan Bridge those forecasts were a “central scenario” but there was a lot of variance, as nobody had a firm idea of how long the war would last.  The economy would likely move backwards in the next quarter, and GDP per capita was still down 3.4% from its peak three years ago.  While that didn’t technically qualify as a recession —which requires going backwards for two quarters in a row— “it’s still going to feel like it’s pretty tough out there”.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 30 Mar 2026 21:46:03 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/malcolm-fleming-certified-builders-ceo-on-construction-and-manufacturing-jobs-declining-by-8/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/malcolm-fleming-certified-builders-ceo-on-construction-and-manufacturing-jobs-declining-by-8/ Construction and manufacturing workers are out the door, with more opportunities in other industries or abroad.   Stats NZ finds the overall number of filled jobs ticked up 0.3% from January to February.   But close to eight thousand jobs in construction and manufacturing have disappeared in the past year.  Certified Builders Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming told Ryan Bridge most building work's now in the renovation space.   He says new builds have fallen away quite a lot, so well qualified workers are moving across to renovations and small commercial work.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 30 Mar 2026 21:21:58 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/madi-keay-general-manager-of-kidney-health-nz-on-concerns-dialysis-is-underfunded-in-nz/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/madi-keay-general-manager-of-kidney-health-nz-on-concerns-dialysis-is-underfunded-in-nz/ Concerns life-saving kidney care is underfunded across New Zealand. Dialysis - a vital treatment for thousands - can take hours, with some patients travelling long distances or managing care at home without any medical support. Health New Zealand admitted to 1News there's been a lack of funding in renal care in some parts of the country.  Kidney Health New Zealand General Manager Madi Keaytold Ryan Bridge every hospital unit is struggling. She says Christchurch Hospital's come forward with concerns care may have to be rationed - and every unit would be feeling similar pressures.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:14:42 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-31-march-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-31-march-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 31st of March 2025, Ryan talks to Independent Economist Cameron Bagrie about the nerves facing the NZ economy as the Iran War continues.  We hear about how underfunding of life-saving kidney care in parts of the country is impacting patients.  And Ryan argues Auckland's City Rail Link needs to hit the ground running and be running at full capacity from opening day.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:08:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-crl-has-to-hit-the-ground-running-and-forget-its-transitional-timetable/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-crl-has-to-hit-the-ground-running-and-forget-its-transitional-timetable/ As far as conditions go ahead of a grand opening, you couldn’t do much better than a petrol price spike for the City Rail Link. Construction and testing will be finished within three months. Then it’s handed over to operators, who need another three months. So we can use it from September. Trains will depart every four to five minutes under the city. The cost? $5.5 billion. Half of that is funded by the Crown, so Gore — you’ve pitched in here. What’s more, Wayne Brown reckons the operational costs mean what would have been a zero per cent rates increase this year will instead be seven per cent. So it’s pretty bloody important — given the scale of the capital and operational spend, and the size of current petrol bills — that this thing happens: 1. As quickly as possible2. As conveniently as possible On the latter point, transport experts — train people — are sounding the alarm bells. That’s because AT is talking about a transitional timetable for the first six months, meaning fewer trains than we were promised. On the Western Line, train spacing could mean commuters end up waiting longer for their service than they do currently under the old system. That would be a disaster. This thing needs to sing in full voice from day dot — that’s when people will stress‑test it. First impressions are everything. If there’s no material difference from day one, people may simply write it off. So the pressure is on to get the CRL up and running sooner — and then operate it faster than the speed of sound. Achieving the goal of transforming drivers into train riders depends on it. And conditions have never been better. Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:05:29 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/jamie-cleine-nz-first-west-coast-tasman-candidate-and-former-buller-mayor-hopes-for-positive-response-to-mining-policy/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/jamie-cleine-nz-first-west-coast-tasman-candidate-and-former-buller-mayor-hopes-for-positive-response-to-mining-policy/ The Former Buller Mayor turned New Zealand First candidate thinks the party's mining policy will win over West Coast voters.  The party's policy will see 50% of the royalties from each mine returned to the region where the mine's located. The party also wants to review mining rules, limiting the role of Government agencies like the Department of Conservation. West Coast Tasman Candidate Jamie Cleine told Ryan Bridge that he's looking to change the minds of the Coast's Labour supporters. He believes Labour have been failing to support what was its traditional heart - miners.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 29 Mar 2026 18:08:19 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/david-seymour-regulation-minister-on-red-tape-impacting-fuel-resilience-rumours-lng-terminal-will-be-put-on-ice/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/david-seymour-regulation-minister-on-red-tape-impacting-fuel-resilience-rumours-lng-terminal-will-be-put-on-ice/ David Seymour is hunting for red tape to cut in an effort to stretch New Zealand’s fuel stocks further. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Regulation has asked businesses and the public to dob in any rules or regulations that could be getting in the way of an effective fuel response. Seymour says stripping back unnecessary bureaucracy could help keep fuel flowing and ensure supplies are used where they matter most. He told Ryan Bridge there's already been a few tips from members of the public worth exploring.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 29 Mar 2026 17:13:34 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-30-march-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-30-march-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 30th of March 2025, Ryan asks Minister for Regulation and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour on his quest to cut red tape to help NZ's fuel resilience.  He also asks about the rumour the government is about the shelve the LNG terminal.  Former Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine talks why he's standing for New Zealand First - and whether the party's mining policy will win over the West Coast.  Plus Andrew Alderson talks through Liam Lawson securing another points finish at the Japanese Grand Prix - and where to now for Tiger Woods.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Sun, 29 Mar 2026 17:08:23 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-theres-still-too-much-uncertainty-around-mining/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-theres-still-too-much-uncertainty-around-mining/ New Zealand First’s mining policy hits all the right notes but ultimately is not worth the paper it’s written on. I’ll tell you why. On the whole, Kiwis don’t mind a bit of mining, so long as there are good jobs to be had in the right place — preferably not the middle of Milford Sound. Last year, the Government took in more than $250 million in royalties. But there was a poll we spoke about on this show just a few weeks ago: half of voters don’t think we get a good enough deal — a fair enough return — from mining companies. To pacify this problem, New Zealand First wants to give half the royalties back to the regions where the resources come from. It might get them blue-collar votes on the Coast, but it won’t fix the big problem we have, which is investment confidence. If you’re an international player with options and a world in front of you, the disruption, civil disobedience, and political uncertainty on display here don’t go unnoticed. It’s all very well having these pro-mining policies and fast-tracks, but if the threat of a Labour–Greens government hangs over your permits, what are they really worth? Prospectors have just been given a reminder of this in NSW, a state built on coal. Despite it being one of the state’s top exports, the Labor government is banning new mines. Much like the Labour–Green "Just Transition” for jobs in Taranaki, Labor NSW has invented the "Future Jobs and Investment Authority" to magic up replacement roles for miners in the Hunter, Central West, Illawarra, and North West. You’ll remember how well that went for us here in New Zealand. The irony of all of this is that the workers’ unions don’t like it. They’ve called out Labor there. They may back New Zealand First on the Coast here. But ultimately, it’s all rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic, because to have jobs you need investment. To have investment you need certainty. To have certainty you need bipartisanship — which we don’t have. Sun, 29 Mar 2026 17:07:19 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/james-hollings-massey-university-journalism-programme-lead-and-former-news-editor-on-the-documentary-about-the-disappearance-of-tom-phillips-screening-on-netflix/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/james-hollings-massey-university-journalism-programme-lead-and-former-news-editor-on-the-documentary-about-the-disappearance-of-tom-phillips-screening-on-netflix/ It's been revealed the documentary on the disappearance of Tom Phillips will screen on Netflix.  He and his children were missing for four years, and the saga ended with a shootout in September, killing the fugitive. Dame Julie Christie is creating a documentary on the case with the help of the Police and has been granted exclusive access.    Massey University’s James Hollings told Ryan Bridge the primary concern with Netflix screening the documentary, is that it will play out overseas.  He says the case has a lot of legal tangle and suppressions surrounding it, and it’s hard to know how that will play out or if it will be respected overseas.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:01:48 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/jacqui-lloyd-cruise-association-ceo-on-the-new-dedicated-cruise-terminal-opening-in-auckland-next-year/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/jacqui-lloyd-cruise-association-ceo-on-the-new-dedicated-cruise-terminal-opening-in-auckland-next-year/ A new cruise terminal in downtown Auckland is set to be a game changer.  The large terminal precinct is part of a $200 million “big ships” development project.  It'll also be able to receive cargo vessels carrying 10 thousand containers by the end of next year.  Cruise Association Chief Executive Jacqui Lloyd told Ryan Bridge it creates a dedicated 'welcome' area for people disembarking off ships.  She says they’ve been using temporary spaces for the last twenty years, and having a dedicated space for customs, transport, and check-ins is really important.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 26 Mar 2026 22:45:31 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/dr-deborah-powell-apex-national-secretary-on-the-potential-shortage-of-medical-supplies/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/dr-deborah-powell-apex-national-secretary-on-the-potential-shortage-of-medical-supplies/ A union for scientists says its vital New Zealand's keeps some extra helium on hand to ensure cancer scanning treatment can continue at full capacity. Health officials are closely monitoring how the Middle East conflict could affect access to medical items. Minister Simeon Brown has been seeking advice, particularly around the supply of helium, which is critical for MRI machines. APEX national secretary Deborah Powell told Ryan Bridge there's no current supply issues and everything is operating as normal, but it's important to look ahead. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:18:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-once-again-trump-rains-on-the-parade-of-our-economic-recovery/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-once-again-trump-rains-on-the-parade-of-our-economic-recovery/ For the second year in a row, Donald Trump has rained on the parade of our economic recovery. The economists this week have been beavering away, updating the economic forecasts. We'll kiss goodbye to up to a third of our growth for the year. What was 3% is now 2%. Groundhog day. This is exactly what happened last year with tariffs. The recovery begins in earnest, there are signs of life, then Trump posts on Truth Social and the world comes crashing down. If Kamala Harris was in the White House our economy would probably be up on the foils by now. Recession would be a distant memory. Life probably be better for your average Kiwi. A Harris presidency could arguably have been much worse for America's fortunes, but who cares, we live here. The question is whether the midterm elections are going to actually change anything for Trump, and by extension, us.  And the short answer is basically no. Even if the Republicans lose the midterms, Trump still has the power to start wars and do tariffs. The courts have slapped some down, but he’s found other ways of doing things Trump is the Commander-in-Chief and doesn’t need Congress to blow stuff up. He didn’t with Iran. No sign-off either for his blockade of Venezuela. Same goes for deposing of Maduro and threatening Greenland. Under the US Constitution, the military reports to the president. As for the tariffs, you just find some national security reasons to impose them —there's an unfair trade imbalance, a fentanyl crisis— and you're in business. So for those hoping that November‘s midterm elections would put Trump back in a box and keep a lid on his tactics, you're out of luck. Sure, a hostile Congress would have more power. They can withhold funding for wars and create legal problems for tariffs. But it's no silver bullet to the executive powers which Trump is using and we're paying for.  Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:10:44 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-27-march-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-27-march-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 27th of March 2025, The Government's getting advice on a potential helium shortage which is needed for MRI's, Apex National Secretary Deborah Powell shares her thoughts. Downtown Auckland's getting a new cruise terminal, NZ Cruise Association CEO Jacqui Lloyd tells Ryan Bridge how this will boost the cruise industry.  It's been revealed the documentary about Tom Phillips is going to be on Netflix, Massey University Journalism Programme Lead and former news editor, James Hollings shares his thoughts.  Plus, UK/ Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on Trump criticising NATO again for their efforts in the Iran war and the UK is facing the biggest hit to growth from the Iran war out of the G20 major economies, according to an influential global policy group. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:08:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/james-meager-associate-transport-minister-on-the-jet-fuel-situation-jetstar-cutting-nz-flights/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/james-meager-associate-transport-minister-on-the-jet-fuel-situation-jetstar-cutting-nz-flights/ Rising jet fuel prices are continuing to cause flight cancellations, but the Government is confident we still have steady supply coming into the country.  Jetstar has now followed Air New Zealand in scaling back both domestic and international flights.  Associate Transport Minister James Meager says there's 43-days worth of jet fuel either onshore, or on its way.  He told Ryan Bridge there's no need for anyone to panic.  Meager says we normally like to have about 50 days on fuel on hand, but there's nothing to indicate the orders we've placed aren't on the way.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 25 Mar 2026 22:34:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nicki-sutherland-electricity-engineer-association-ceo-on-the-report-finding-the-energy-sector-is-understaffed/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nicki-sutherland-electricity-engineer-association-ceo-on-the-report-finding-the-energy-sector-is-understaffed/ There are calls to power up the energy sector's workforce so it doesn't short-circuit.  A report by two industry groups —Energy Resources Aotearoa and the Electricity Engineers’ Association— has found the current size of the workforce is a constraint on growth.  It recommends a new energy workforce governing body and a more bipartisan approach on energy to ensure job security.  Electricity Engineers Association Chief Executive Nicki Sutherland told Ryan Bridge there's no crisis yet, but there could be in the future.  She says the sector is fundamentally tied to prosperity, so we need to ensure we have the right plans in place now.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 25 Mar 2026 22:27:55 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/ellie-hooper-greenpeace-aotearoa-oceans-lead-on-the-governments-u-turn-on-the-fisheries-act/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/ellie-hooper-greenpeace-aotearoa-oceans-lead-on-the-governments-u-turn-on-the-fisheries-act/ Greenpeace says the Government’s partial backdown on controversial fishing rule changes don't go far enough.  Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has U-turned on a plan to allow commercial fishing companies to sell some undersized fish to reduce wastage.  It follows concerns the move would deplete fishing stocks.  Greenpeace Oceans Lead Ellie Hooper told Ryan Bridge the rest of the Government's proposed changes still reads like a wish-list for the trawling industry and would limit public input on key decisions.  She says there's also the issue of cameras on boats, and under this bill, footage would be locked up and unable to be accessed.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:19:45 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-whys-the-world-so-hectic-at-the-moment/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-whys-the-world-so-hectic-at-the-moment/ Everyone keeps asking why the world feels so hectic at the moment.  If life were a movie, they'd call it One Battle After Another. Winston Peters, Judith Collins, and their counterparts in Europe and elsewhere all agree we’re living in the most dangerous era since the World Wars. But why? Yes there’s Trump, he’s unpredictable and a bit nuts, but Trump is really just a symptom of a wider problem, which is basically the decline of America. The last death rattle of a superpower who knows its time is almost up.   China’s military spending grew from one sixth to one third of America’s in the past decade. India is about to overtake Germany as the third largest economy in the world. The Russians are still hammering Ukraine, four years into a European war. Now Iran. But the world has lived through bigger wars before. It's survived bigger battles. It survived the Spanish flu, Covid. What’s really changed that makes this feel more doomsday is basically two things: globalisation and technology. It took us thousands of years to invent the wheel, yet in just the past six months we’ve created the most popular open-source technology project humanity has ever seen in OpenClaw; an AI personal assistant that can run your entire life at the click of a button. We invent new technologies and the technologies now invent things themselves. They reshape labour markets and entire economies. And warfare. All you need now is a couple of $30k drones and a few speedboats to hold the world to ransom, not nukes and a standing army. We’ve made global trade and air travel so efficient that we’ve come to rely on it more heavily than ever before. We close our own oil refineries and import it instead. So when someone catches a flu in China, or oil gets choked in the Middle East, we’re buggered.  News travels fast. We know what's happened as soon as it happens. And so too do we get the effects of crisis and chaos. Maybe the world only feels so dangerous because we’ve made it such a small one? Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:11:15 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-26-march-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-26-march-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 26th of March 2025, Associate Transport Minister James Meager tells Ryan what the government plans to do to support the aviation industry around the fuel shortage.  A new report’s warning we need a lot more workers in the energy sector and fast, Electricity Engineers' Association CEO Nicki Sutherland explains why.  Commercial fishers won't be allowed to catch and sell popular undersized fish after a Shane Jones walk-back, Elle Hooper from Green Peace shares her thoughts.  Plus, US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on the US deploying 2,000 more troops to the region, at the same time there are reports White House has drawn up 15 point peace plan for the war to end and Savannah Guthrie appearing back on the Today show to talk about her mother's kidnapping.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:08:15 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/catherine-beard-businessnz-advocacy-director-on-the-reserve-bank-governors-speech-about-fuel-prices-and-the-impact-on-inflation/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/catherine-beard-businessnz-advocacy-director-on-the-reserve-bank-governors-speech-about-fuel-prices-and-the-impact-on-inflation/ It’s believed businesses will hold off on hiking prices for as long as possible as rising fuel prices risk pushing inflation up.   Reserve Bank Governor Anna Breman says fuel prices are likely to lead to higher inflation and weaker growth over the coming months.  She says it's too early to say how much that will push up inflation across the board, or whether the Official Cash Rate will need to be hiked earlier than expected.  BusinessNZ Advocacy Director Catherine Beard told Ryan Bridge there was discussion with suppliers to make any price increases as a result of fuel transparent, so they won’t get baked in.  She says businesses are preparing for the worst, but things at the moment aren’t too bad.   LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:57:55 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/will-foley-central-hawkes-bay-mayor-on-mccains-plans-to-close-its-hastings-vegetable-processing-plant/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/will-foley-central-hawkes-bay-mayor-on-mccains-plans-to-close-its-hastings-vegetable-processing-plant/ Disbelief in Hawke's Bay as another major food producer prepares to cut back.  McCain's confirmed it plans close its Hastings vegetable processing plant early next year.  The move follows Heinz Wattie’s plans to shut its Hastings packing site, along with factories in Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin.  Central Hawke's Bay Mayor Will Foley told Ryan Bridge locals thought they were better off than regions like Canterbury, and they thought McCain was still going strong.  He says this has come as a complete shock, and farmers will be digesting what this will mean for them over the next year.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:29:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/ricardo-men%C3%A9ndez-march-green-party-social-development-spokesperson-on-the-governments-fuel-relief-package/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/ricardo-men%C3%A9ndez-march-green-party-social-development-spokesperson-on-the-governments-fuel-relief-package/ There are concerns over the Government's fuel relief package missing benefit-dependent households. It's unveiled a temporary $50 weekly tax credit for about 143 thousand eligible working families with children as the Iran war sends fuel costs rocketing. Another 14 thousand families will get support at a lower rate. Green Party Social Development Spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March told Ryan Bridge beneficiaries are often having to drive and some have kids. He says it's people who are already struggling to make ends meet. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:19:44 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-25-march-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-25-march-2026/ Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 25 March. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:08:22 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-how-much-does-50-for-some-families-cost-the-rest-of-us/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-how-much-does-50-for-some-families-cost-the-rest-of-us/ That’s the real question we should be asking ourselves this morning. Remember, the Government’s running a deficit. A structural one. They spend more than they earn in taxes.  The up to $400 million in yesterday’s package comes from the operating allowance. New money.  The Government claims this is like a cheque account, but that’s disputed. The Taxpayer’s Union says given the fact the books are in the red, new spending is basically funded by borrowing. Therefore, it’s more like a credit card than a cheque account. We do have a Budget in May where cuts will come. But remember the forecasts for their tax break are also dependent on forecasts for growth, and growth is being hit by oil, too. That means they won’t earn as much as they thought they would. Add to that the fact borrowing costs are roughly 20% higher than they thought they would be back in December, and the spending starts to look a little shaky. $50 per family is not the real number we should be taking about this morning, the number we should be talking about is $5,600 per household. That’s roughly how much we are going to spend next year servicing our debt. That’s before all this extra cost.  Think about that.  Look around your household. Your family. That’s five and half grand a year, just in interest! More than we spend on schooling our kids through primary and secondary. Debt servicing is now the fourth-largest line item on the Government’s books, according to Treasury. The more we spend, the longer it takes till we even start paying down that debt. That magical, mystical date has been pushed out till at least 2030.  It’s like waiting for Taylor Swift to announce a concert at Eden Park. Would be amazing. I’d be there. But will it ever actually happen? I’m not saying people don’t need petrol money today, but is anyone asking at what cost tomorrow? Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:04:06 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/alex-powell-nz-herald-sports-reporter-on-nz-cricket-backing-nz20-dion-nash-resigning-from-the-board/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/alex-powell-nz-herald-sports-reporter-on-nz-cricket-backing-nz20-dion-nash-resigning-from-the-board/ NZ20 has triumphed, but the administration disaster at New Zealand Cricket continues.  Former Black Cap Dion Nash —understood to have been against the local franchise league that has been provisionally accepted— has resigned from NZC's board.  A statement says Nash was no longer aligned with the future direction of the organisation.  NZ Herald Sports Reporter Alex Powell told Ryan Bridge that it’s not surprising to see Nash falling on his sword.  He says it was sort of known behind the scenes that he was the one board member really against NZ20, and without him, they could’ve come to this conclusion a few months ago.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 23 Mar 2026 22:34:21 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/john-stevenson-fonterra-co-operative-council-chair-on-the-companys-jump-in-profits-potential-impact-of-the-war/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/john-stevenson-fonterra-co-operative-council-chair-on-the-companys-jump-in-profits-potential-impact-of-the-war/ Fonterra's confident it will be able to make the best of bad global circumstances.   The dairy giant has reported a 2.8% lift in first-half net profit to $750 million.   It's also announced a 20 cent increase in the farmgate milk price with a midpoint now sitting at $9.70 per kilo of milksolids.   Chief Executive Miles Hurrell says the war in Iran creates uncertainty.    Fonterra Co-operative Council Chair John Stevenson told Ryan Bridge that farmers are certainly worried.  He says the key thing will be seeing how the company deals with the war and the potential impact.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 23 Mar 2026 22:21:46 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/dom-kalasih-transporting-nz-ceo-on-the-government-announcing-cost-relief-measures-to-tackle-fuel-crisis/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/dom-kalasih-transporting-nz-ceo-on-the-government-announcing-cost-relief-measures-to-tackle-fuel-crisis/ Calls for New Zealanders to remain level-headed at the pump as the Government moves to improve our fuel supply.   It's changing fuel specifications so importers have the option to bring in fuel refined to Australian standards.    The announcement comes as petrol surpasses four dollars a litre at some stations.   Transporting New Zealand CEO Dom Kalasih told Ryan Bridge we don't need to be discussing rationing yet.  He says there's been some short-term disruptions at some truck stops, but we have six weeks left of fuel in the country with ships on the way.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:15:46 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-24-march-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-24-march-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday the 24th of March 2025, the Government's announced its first change to help us from running out of fuel, Transporting NZ CEO and Former Z Energy Logistics Manager Dom Kalasih shares his thoughts.  NZ Cricket's made the decision to move ahead with NZ20, NZ Herald Sports Journalist Alex Powell tells Ryan what this means for the game.  Fonterra's posted a $750 million profit; Fonterra Co-operative Council Chair John Stevenson shares his thoughts.  Plus, Australia Correspondent Lesley Yeomans has the latest on fuel shortages across the ditch and thousands of journalists at the ABC are going on strike from Wednesday.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:08:25 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-dont-expect-a-lolly-scramble-from-the-government/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-dont-expect-a-lolly-scramble-from-the-government/ Anyone expecting a lolly scramble from the Government today is going to be disappointed. At best, one or two old Werther's Originals. As we’ve been talking about for the last few weeks, this government can’t, politically, splash cash when oil’s forcing inflation up. The $60 billion borrowed and spent during the pandemic, half not actually on Covid expenses, was fuel on the fire of an already raging inflation inferno.  The Reserve Bank and Government were both blowing into the same sail. It got us up on the foils for a while but ultimately just delayed the pain we’re now still feeling. The new Governor, imported from Sweden, will give a key speech later this morning after the market opens with a hint of how they’ll react to the latest international catastrophe to reach our shores. Any whiff the central government is planning to borrow and spend to cushion the blow would complicate her job. The reality is, when the shite hits the fan, things get messy. Somebody has to pay. There is no free ride, no free bus, no free train. If we don’t pay today, we’ll pay tomorrow.  And let’s not forget, we’re now officially on notice from at least one of the big rating agencies. We need to be cutting, not borrowing.  Balancing the books, not setting them on fire. Again.  Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:03:01 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gavin-grey-uk-correspondent-on-naval-base-intruders-and-iran-missile-threats-to-london-and-paris/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gavin-grey-uk-correspondent-on-naval-base-intruders-and-iran-missile-threats-to-london-and-paris/ A Romanian woman and Iranian man have been arrested after allegedly trying to enter the Faslane Naval Base in Scotland.  And, a UK minister says Israel's claims that Iran has missiles able to reach London and Paris cannot be substantiated.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge, "the government and ministers have been saying there is no assessment to substantiate those claims that Iran has long range missiles. "And as one minister said, even if they could, why would they?" LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 22 Mar 2026 23:29:34 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/greig-epps-imported-vehicles-association-chief-executive-on-the-government-investing-in-ev-chargers/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/greig-epps-imported-vehicles-association-chief-executive-on-the-government-investing-in-ev-chargers/ Optimism the Government's electric vehicle charger investment will benefit Kiwis. More than 52-million-dollars is being spent to more than double chargers nationwide, in a bid to boost uptake. Co-investment from ChargeNet and Meridian Energy lifts the total to more than 110-million.  Imported Vehicles Association Chief Executive Greig Epps told Ryan Bridge the Government’s worked closely with the industry over the past year. He says there's been an industry stakeholder group discussing how this could be done, and surveys completed on the existing number of chargers. Sun, 22 Mar 2026 17:16:40 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-23-march-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-23-march-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 23rd of May 2025, The government wants to double ev charging points via interest-free loans, Imported vehicle association CEO, Greig Epps shares his thoughts.  Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport.  The government’s making moves to prevent dog attacks, Northland MP Grant McCallum tells Ryan what he wants to see it review. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on a UK minister saying there is "no assessment to substantiate" Israel's claim that Iran has long-range missiles capable of reaching London and an Iranian man and a Romanian woman have been charged after allegedly trying to enter the Faslane naval base, home to the UK's nuclear-armed submarines.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 22 Mar 2026 17:08:19 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-watch-out-luxon-winstons-coming-for-you/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-watch-out-luxon-winstons-coming-for-you/ Winston's driving a dump truck through Luxon's political strategy. Luxon‘s strategy is to let his ministers do the talking. He says his strength is picking his team. And there's good reason, he has competent ministers; finance, justice, police, education, Chris Bishop, Todd Mclay on trade, Nicola Willis - she's taking control, taking the bull by the horns on the fuel crisis, which is his COVID. But as a voter, this leaves a power of vacuum at the top.  Luxon has been cutting back media appearances. And when he does appear, performances the haven’t been great, by his own admission. If Winston polls at 12% on election day, or higher, New Zealand First MP could make up a quarter of the cabinet. That’s why we met Alfred Ngaro yesterday, because he was a minister. That’s also why Winston was looking at Stuart Nash, although that looks to be a dead duck after the unfortunate comments about women's genitalia.  The most powerful part of Winston's pitch to voters yesterday was not so much the policies, which we knew about, as it was experience.  In a time of crisis, as we battle international headwinds, experience matters.  It didn’t hurt did it came from a foreign minister who's been round since Moses was a linebacker.  Now, if you're voter, and you think the National leader is a a bit too much MIA. Or NA.  Then you're left thinking about picking a cabinet, not necessarily the one man or woman to lead them all . And if Winston wields the power, and Luxon knows his failure in leadership is communication, what would be the harm in a year of two, during the next term of this coalition, of Winston Peters as Prime Minister.  Luxon's political strategy creates a certain power of vacuum, and Winston would, I'm sure, be more than happy to fill it.  Sun, 22 Mar 2026 17:03:33 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/simon-parham-waitomo-group-ceo-on-the-fuel-regulations-that-could-be-relaxed-to-help-mitigate-the-fuel-crisis/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/simon-parham-waitomo-group-ceo-on-the-fuel-regulations-that-could-be-relaxed-to-help-mitigate-the-fuel-crisis/ Allowing less pure fuel into the country could shore up supply.   Finance Minister Nicola Willis has asked fuel importers what specifications could be relaxed to make it easier for them to get more in.   Waitomo Group Chief Executive Simon Parham says there could be a relaxing of the rules to allow more sulphur content in our diesel.   He told Ryan Bridge that we only allow fuel with less than 10 parts per million sulphur content.  Parham says the US allows 15 parts per million and Australia has relaxed to 50 parts per million.   LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 19 Mar 2026 22:20:08 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nikki-hart-nutritionist-on-the-three-decade-surge-in-ultra-processed-food-consumption-in-new-zealand/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nikki-hart-nutritionist-on-the-three-decade-surge-in-ultra-processed-food-consumption-in-new-zealand/ A three-decade surge in how much unhealthy food we eat.   New research from Auckland University, published in the Globalisation and Health journal, shows New Zealand's imports of ultra-processed food increased from 16 kilograms in 1990, to 104 in 2023.   Past studies show about 70% of packaged food in our supermarkets is ultra-processed.  Nutritionist Nikki Hart told Ryan Bridge it's often disguised.   She says it's canned food, crackers, and biscuits that are presented with a health claim.  Kids are also feeding into unhealthy food branding, Hart saying products are designed to catch their attention.   She says there's a lot of money and time going into it, as our rates of child obesity rise.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 19 Mar 2026 22:14:32 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/matt-gault-anz-senior-economist-on-the-q4-gdp-result/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/matt-gault-anz-senior-economist-on-the-q4-gdp-result/ Yesterday’s “disappointing” GDP data gives the Reserve Bank more scope to delay a hike to the Official Cash Rate, ANZ senior economist Matthew Gault says.  The RBNZ’s next monetary policy review announcement is on April 8. It had been picking 0.5% GDP growth for the December quarter, but GDP rose just 0.2%.  Gault told Ryan Bridge ANZ had expected the Bank to be reasonably cautious about the oil price shock compared to other central banks.  “Definitely inflation will rise with oil prices going up as much as they have. But the real concern for the Reserve Bank will be whether that increase in oil prices spills over into generalized inflation, things like wages and other prices.  “And with the economy in a relatively weak state, we think they'll be less worried about that than places like Australia where the economy is firing more strongly.”  Gault said the Government was being “sensible” not to push inflation higher with fiscal stimulus in response to oil prices.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:24:24 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-is-joe-kent-this-week-s-voice-of-reason/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-is-joe-kent-this-week-s-voice-of-reason/ Is Joe Kent this week’s voice of reason? Is he the guy speaking truth in the fog of war? He spoke to Tucker Carlson, and the podcast is worth a listen.  He’s a MAGA guy. He was a Trump guy. But this week he turned his back on his President. He quit his job as America’s top counter-terrorism official. He was a soldier. He served in Iraq. His wife was killed in a suicide bombing in Syria. He’s no snowflake. He just doesn’t want the US getting bogged down in wars it can’t win.  It’s one thing to bomb the hell out of a country. But when the dust settles, the troops go home, the victory banners are unfurled, then what? In Iraq - a power vacuum and ISIS. So, in calling this out, in quitting, is Joe Kent a hero or a traitor?  The FBI’s now investigating him, but that’s not unusual. Look at Jerome Powell (Fed Chair), John Bolton, right down to Jimmy Kimmel, who was investigated by the US TV regulator after criticising Trump. Only time will tell whether there was a pressing need to start this war we’re all paying for. But history tells us it won’t end just because a US President says so. Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:14:08 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-20-march-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-20-march-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 20th of March 2025, the government's acknowledged a "big shift" in the government's messaging around the war in the Middle East, Waitomo Group CEO Simon Parham, tells Ryan what oil company's are doing to assist with the oil shock.  A New study highlights just how unhealthy our eating has gotten, Nutritionist Nikki Hart shares her thoughts on why we're importing so much processed foods.  ANZ Senior Economist Matt Gault tells Ryan what the disappointing GDP result means for the state of our economy.  Plus, UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on prices of gas and oil rising sharply due to strikes on Iran's South Pars field and the King's opened the world's longest coastal footpath which stretches around the entire coast of England.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:08:22 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/simon-laurent-nz-association-of-migration-and-investment-chair-on-the-impact-of-government-immigration-law-reform-on-asylum-seekers/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/simon-laurent-nz-association-of-migration-and-investment-chair-on-the-impact-of-government-immigration-law-reform-on-asylum-seekers/ Changes to refugee law could put asylum seekers at risk.  Under proposed Government reforms, immigration officials would be able to consider crimes committed by refugee applicants.   The changes also introduce stricter rules, including mandatory biometrics appointments.  NZ Association of Migration and Investment Chair Simon Laurent told Ryan Bridge the new rules could have serious consequences for asylum seekers.  He says if they don't show up for the appointment, it appears their claim will be thrown out.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 18 Mar 2026 22:37:42 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/irene-king-aviation-industry-commentator-on-the-westport-to-wellington-flight-link-being-unsustainable/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/irene-king-aviation-industry-commentator-on-the-westport-to-wellington-flight-link-being-unsustainable/ An aviation expert believes the chances of a Westport to Wellington route returning in the future are slim.  Westport is on the brink of losing its only direct air link to the capital, with flights set to be axed by May unless financial support is secured.  Regional carrier Originair stepped in to maintain the route after Sounds Air withdrew from the service in 2024.  Aviation Industry commentator Irene King told Ryan Bridge people just aren't using the route much during the week.  She says it might be sustainable for sort of unscheduled casual operations but will be very difficult to get someone in there for scheduled flights.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 18 Mar 2026 22:24:47 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-19-march-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-19-march-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 19th of March 2025, Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold shares his forecast for GDP data out today.  Westport’s losing its only air service, Aviation commentator Irene King shares her thoughts. The Government's cracking down on criminal migrants and refugees, Immigration lawyer and Chairman of the New Zealand Association of Migration and Investment, Simon Laurent shares his thoughts.  Plus, US Correspondent Jagruti Dave has the latest on the Senate hearing on worldwide threats and the confirmation hearing of Markwayne Mullin, Trump's pick to replace Kristi Noem.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Wed, 18 Mar 2026 17:08:17 Z