https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/rss NZME Start your day informed. Early Edition with Ryan Bridge is a fast-paced news programme. Setting the agenda for the day, Early Edition with Ryan Bridge is Mon, 11 May 2026 20:36:04 Z en https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/andrew-geddis-otago-university-law-professor-on-mariameno-kapa-kingis-split-from-te-p%C4%81ti-m%C4%81ori/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/andrew-geddis-otago-university-law-professor-on-mariameno-kapa-kingis-split-from-te-p%C4%81ti-m%C4%81ori/ An election law expert says it could work in Labour's favour for it to not win many Māori electorate seats.  Te Tai Tokerau MP Mariameno Kapa Kingi has announced she is splitting from Te Pāti Māori and forming her own party.  Otago University Law Professor Andrew Geddis says there could be overhang seats if either party wins electorates with a relatively small party vote.   He says told Ryan Bridge it would then increase the number of MPs needed for a majority.  Geddis says winning the Māori electorates could mean Labour falls short of being able to form a government.  Mon, 11 May 2026 18:21:40 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-12-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-12-may-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 12th of May 2026, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi will run as an independent under the banner of Te Tai Tokerau, Otago University Law Professor Andrew Geddis tells Ryan what this will mean for the Māori party.  New housing data out this morning shows, half of all first home buyers expect help from the bank of Mum and Dad, Renters United President Luke Somervell shares his thoughts.  UK Labour backbencher Catherine West has pulled back from threatening a leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer, but she’s still telling him to go, UK Correspondent Enda Brady tells Ryan what this means for Starmer's future. Plus, it's Federal budget day in Australia, Australian Correspondent Lesley Yeomans has the latest on what to expect.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Mon, 11 May 2026 18:07:21 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-real-message-in-the-governments-updated-fuel-plan/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-real-message-in-the-governments-updated-fuel-plan/ The most interesting thing about the fuel ration plan has nothing to do with fuel rationing.  Read the Q & A script the Minister's office provided and you quickly realise this thing will probably never see the light of day in any practical sense.  Trump would probably need to drop a nuke for us to get there.  And there's no prioritisation until 'level 4'.  It's all very high trust and that's probably for the best.  But what the plan spells out, clear as day, are the most important industries, businesses and government agencies in the country.  The ones that actually matter.  And top of the list, literally first in line for a 100% fuel allocation, are ambulances, Fire and Emergency and Police.  Tell me the last time these guys were given proper resources to do their jobs effectively? Paramedics are now, according to the union, being asked to do cleaning. They're being told not to change the sheets on gurney's after every patient to save on laundry.  They're not fully funded and must go cap-in-hand to keep themselves running.  The firefighters spend as much time striking for adequate trucks to fight the fires as they do, well, fighting the fires.  And as for Police, yesterday we learnt a third of resignations are due to officers being poached by the Aussies.  Some of this stuff is funded by levies, some by taxes, and the rest is just not funded at all.  This is not a cry for more taxes to find them, but rather a suggestion that anything not on the critical list is where you'd start cutting costs.  What the government has just done, wittingly or not, is tell us exactly what keeps this country running. It's not a fuel rationing list. It's a blueprint for who is actually important in this country. Emergency services, food, freight, farming, airports, roads. We should be directing resources towards them and cutting red tape around them.  That, surely, would be one way of getting the country 'back on track'.  Mon, 11 May 2026 18:05:13 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/ginny-andersen-labours-police-spokesperson-on-nz-police-leaving-for-australia/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/ginny-andersen-labours-police-spokesperson-on-nz-police-leaving-for-australia/ Labour says a mix of push and pull factors are responsible for Australia poaching New Zealand cops.  1News reports 144 New Zealand police officers left for Australia in the past year.   Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says we can't realistically keep up with the pay and incentives being offered.  Labour's Police spokesperson Ginny Andersen told Ryan Bridge a major push factor is the Government's failure to deliver on its 500 additional police officers.  She says there's more pressure for frontline police, with less support and pay compared to Australia.  Sun, 10 May 2026 18:21:16 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-nzs-isolation-is-a-blessing-and-a-curse/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-nzs-isolation-is-a-blessing-and-a-curse/ It'd be easy to draw comparisons and parallels between our upcoming election and the local and federal upsets in Australia and the UK at the weekend.  But New Zealand is a totally different kettle of fish. In part, because, unlike the Brits and the Aussies, we run an MMP system.  The smaller parties that have traditionally been overlooked, like One Nation and Reform, are doing well because the major parties have failed on immigration and the economy.  Our system is designed to allow these smaller parties more say, with fewer wasted votes. But most importantly, mass-migration is not the hot-button political issue here it is in the UK and, to a lesser extent, Australia, where migration, and particularly illegal migration, is a problem. The vast distance you must travel to get here is our saving grace, in that regard.  But our isolation is also a curse in many ways.  Our labour productivity, low population base and lack of competition in key consumer sectors make us a relatively pricey place to raise a family.  We're an open economy heavily reliant on international trade.  So when there's a tariff war or international shipping routes get blocked, we are disproportionately affected compared to bigger economies with more domestic demand and buying power.  A government report looking at our undersea infrastructure cables - power and internet - shows how vulnerable we are - 99% of our international internet goes undersea. The Cook Strait power cable provides up to 30% of the North Island’s electricity.  If the Russians or Chinese or somebody else tried to cut us off, we'd be in trouble, and our isolation makes replacing these things more difficult than others.  A quarantine or blockade of Taiwan would be the worst-case scenario for our trade-flows. And, as we've been talking about for years now, could happen anytime from 2027 onwards.  Our isolation protects us from the threats faced by the UK , America and the Aussies, but exposes unique ones we should guard against.  Sun, 10 May 2026 18:16:35 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-11-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-11-may-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 11th of May 2026, Police are admitting they just can’t compete with the money on offered across the ditch, Labour Police spokesperson Ginny Andersen. Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on political uncertainty in the UK likely to affect sentiment after elections, P&O ferries hits holidaymakers with Iran war fuel surcharges and British Steel set for nationalisation in the King’s speech. Jimmy Rushton Kyiv Based Foreign Policy and Security Analyst, shares his thoughts on Putin saying the Ukraine war could be “coming to an end”. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey shares the latest updates on the UK PM’s job on the line as it seems certain he will face a leadership election and the first passengers evacuated from a Hantavirus-stricken cruise ship docked near Spain's Canary Islands have arrived in Madrid.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Sun, 10 May 2026 18:07:21 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/brad-olsen-infometrics-principal-economist-on-the-oecd-report-on-the-nz-superannuation-scheme/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/brad-olsen-infometrics-principal-economist-on-the-oecd-report-on-the-nz-superannuation-scheme/ An economist says a new OECD report says what most people already know about the pension age.   Its latest Economic Survey warns if current policy settings continue, we could be spending 5% more of our GDP on health, long-term care, and pensions by 2060.  Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen agrees the pension age should be adjusted to general life expectancy.   He told Ryan Bridge that while there are many considerations, New Zealand needs to at least do something or else we'll hit a fiscal cliff.    Olsen says the country keeps having the conversation, but no one seems to want to take the bull by the horns.   LISTEN ABOVE   Fri, 08 May 2026 00:07:10 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/grant-webster-tourism-holdings-limited-ceo-on-the-governments-planned-changes-to-conservation-law/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/grant-webster-tourism-holdings-limited-ceo-on-the-governments-planned-changes-to-conservation-law/ Tourism operators are gearing up as the Government moves to overhaul conservation law.  Its newly announced bill would speed up concessions and give more clarity to those wanting to use conservation land for business, research, or charity.  International tourists would also be charged to visit certain sites, with the funds to be re-invested into nature.  Tourism Holdings Limited Chief Executive Grant Webster told Ryan Bridge this will hugely benefit operators like jet boat and caving businesses.  He believes this will create year-round jobs and open up some regions.  LISTEN ABOVE   Thu, 07 May 2026 23:58:13 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-08-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-08-may-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 8th of May 2026, a new OECD report's calling for the age of eligibility for NZ super to rise, Informetrics CEO, Brad Olsen shares his thoughts. The Government's doing a review on why the CRL has cost so much, Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett tells Ryan what we can do to prevent huge cost blow outs of future projects.  It's about to get easier for tourism businesses to use conservation land, Tourism Holdings Limited Chief Executive Grant Webster tells Ryan how big of an impact this will have. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Thu, 07 May 2026 18:10:31 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nick-leggett-infrastructure-nz-chief-executive-on-the-government-announcing-review-into-the-crl/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nick-leggett-infrastructure-nz-chief-executive-on-the-government-announcing-review-into-the-crl/ City Rail Link cost concerns have uncovered a reoccurring issue with New Zealand infrastructure projects.  The project's former boss Sean Sweeney has claimed the project could've cost half of its estimated $5.5 billion price.   This sparked Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop to announce a full review of the project after its open date later this year.    Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett told Ryan Bridge we're not approaching projects right, from the start.  He says we don't have the proper controls and take too long to plan, so things drag on.  LISTEN ABOVE   Thu, 07 May 2026 18:07:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-oecds-report-needs-to-be-taken-with-a-grain-of-salt/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-oecds-report-needs-to-be-taken-with-a-grain-of-salt/ It's somewhat ironic the latest lecture we're getting from an office of global boffins is headquartered in Paris.  No offence to the French, but they're screaming out for lesson in basic economics. Their debt-to-GDP ratio is 118%. Their debt is 60% above the EU limit.  You're used to hearing about the Italians and the Greeks, but the French are up there with them in the top three most indebted nations in the bloc.  The country nearly fell over trying to cut back pension spending. They spend billions on stuff we'd consider 'nice-to-haves'.  The OECD is a multi-nation group; it just happens to be based in Paris. It's been around since 1961. But they've come up with a bunch of stuff they think we need to do, including linking pensions to life expectancy. This is the same group that wanted us, a few years back, to tax property and shares! They're also saying we should have quotas for women on company boards, which even Helen Clark doesn't think is a good idea.  So, a lot of this should be taken with a grain of salt and is probably better shouted out the window of their offices in Paris.  Thu, 07 May 2026 18:04:13 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/laura-mcclure-act-mp-on-the-axing-of-the-broadcasting-standards-authority/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/laura-mcclure-act-mp-on-the-axing-of-the-broadcasting-standards-authority/ ACT's welcoming the death of the Broadcasting Standards Authority, but wants the Government to move quickly.   Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith announced the regulator will be disestablished, as it’s unfit for a modern media environment.  Laura McClure says the decision's long overdue, and the Government needs to pass legislation.   She told Ryan Bridge that it’s a huge win for freedom of speech in New Zealand.  McClure says the BSA was the regulating body for mainstream media, but it doesn’t cover anything else, and young people in particular are consuming media everywhere, whether it’s online or on social media.   LISTEN ABOVE   Wed, 06 May 2026 23:39:50 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/aaron-martin-nz-immigration-law-principal-lawyer-on-the-governments-plan-to-introduce-a-citizenship-test/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/aaron-martin-nz-immigration-law-principal-lawyer-on-the-governments-plan-to-introduce-a-citizenship-test/ The Government's plans to introduce a citizenship test is being labelled as a waste of taxpayer money.  Applicants would have to answer 20 questions on our history, politics and laws, and get 15 correct to pass.   The test will be imposed for people seeking New Zealand citizenship from late next year.    New Zealand Immigration Law Principal Lawyer Aaron Martin told Ryan Bridge the Coalition's just trying to make itself look good ahead of the election.  He says we've got bigger problems that need to be addressed, rather than a pop quiz in a citizenship test.  LISTEN ABOVE   Wed, 06 May 2026 23:16:07 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-07-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-07-may-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2026, unemployment’s slightly dipped to 5.3%, ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley shares his thoughts.  The Government's introducing a new citizenship test for those looking to become Kiwis, Principal lawyer at NZ Immigration Law tells Ryan how big of a difference this will make.  The Government’s pulling the pin on the Broadcasting Standards Authority, ACT MP Laura McClure tells Ryan why she thinks this is a good idea.  Plus, US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on the Iran war edging closer to an end, and a number of state primary elections were held in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio overnight. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Wed, 06 May 2026 18:10:35 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nick-tuffley-asb-chief-economist-on-the-unemployment-rate-falling-to-53/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nick-tuffley-asb-chief-economist-on-the-unemployment-rate-falling-to-53/ A major bank believes unemployment will remain fairly flat this year, rather than anything catastrophic. The national rate dipped slightly to 5.3% in the first three months of this year. ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley told Ryan Bridge says he's not overly pessimistic about the next couple of quarters. But he cautions the next few months are really the danger zone as businesses hunker down and defer some decisions. Youth unemployment is up from 13.3% to 14.4%. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 06 May 2026 18:08:38 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-nats-stand-a-chance-this-election/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-nats-stand-a-chance-this-election/ The Coalition is failing on two numbers that matter most to us voters.  Inflation is up over 3% - not as bad as the Aussies but not helped by Trump.  But wage growth is 2%. The cost of buying stuff is going up quicker than we can afford to pay for it by working. Our real wages are a bit shite.  You know when Luxon set the election date in January and said people needed to "feel" the recovery happening? They're not. That's why the right track/wrong track poll results look the way they do. Most of us reckon we're heading in the wrong direction because they are.  And people, generally and rightly, link their individual circumstances to that of the country.  Now some of you might be annoyed by this, but these are facts - you can't argue with them. However, they do not mean Labour is getting back into government. Far from it.  Elections are about choices. Has the other guy hawking his wares got something better to offer me? Labour's got three doctors visits at already-stretched GP clinics and world of financial and tax uncertainty with the Greens and Te Pati Māori at their side. As I've said from the beginning, this Coalition will be re-elected because they're relatively stable and Kiwis mostly give first timers a second shot.  These wage/inflation numbers are not good for them, but they're not fatal either.  The risk of the unknown, the devil you don't know, especially during a crisis, will in the end get Luxon re-elected as Prime Minister  I still don't think Kiwis, when they come to polling booths on in November, will want to risk getting out of the frying pan only to end up in the fire. Wed, 06 May 2026 18:04:05 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/ian-hutson-salvation-army-mission-officer-on-the-report-finding-secure-housing-is-key-to-reducing-reoffending/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/ian-hutson-salvation-army-mission-officer-on-the-report-finding-secure-housing-is-key-to-reducing-reoffending/ A Salvation Army report finds secure housing is a key to reducing reoffending.   The first of six reports into prisoner reintegration into the community suggests stable accommodation is the foundation for everything that follows.   It says it helps address mental health and addiction issues and helps reconnect with family and the workforce.   Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit's Mission Officer Ian Hutson told Ryan Bridge that when leaving prison, people often have no means to contact landlords and no form of ID, so they can’t apply for MSD and thus can’t afford bond.   He says the Steps to Freedom Grant, which is a payment of up to $350, isn’t much good for securing decent housing. LISTEN ABOVE   Tue, 05 May 2026 23:31:22 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mah%C3%A9-drysdale-tauranga-mayor-on-the-governments-local-government-amalgamation-ultimatum/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mah%C3%A9-drysdale-tauranga-mayor-on-the-governments-local-government-amalgamation-ultimatum/ Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale's accepted the Government's three-month challenge in order to control the region's local government destiny.   Councils have been given a few months to come up with amalgamation plans or face having to do it under the Government's system.   Drysdale told Ryan Bridge efficiency can be achieved better, and they've been elected by their communities to make decisions, so that's what they'll do.   He says the challenge will be convincing the community it's a good idea in three months, but it's an opportunity they need to grasp.  LISTEN ABOVE   Tue, 05 May 2026 23:18:38 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mike-jones-bnz-chief-economist-on-the-unemployment-numbers-expected-today/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mike-jones-bnz-chief-economist-on-the-unemployment-numbers-expected-today/ Finding a job's set to get tougher before it gets easier. Unemployment reached a near-decade high in the last three months of last year as job growth failed to keep up with the number of people moving to New Zealand. Stats NZ data due out this morning is expected to show it remained steady or rose slightly in the first three months of this year. BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones told Ryan Bridge it's expected to keep rising. He expects unemployment to peak at 5.8% at the end of this year. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 05 May 2026 18:19:26 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-06-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-06-may-2026/ Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 6 May. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. Tue, 05 May 2026 18:10:34 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-governments-should-control-spending-and-stability/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-governments-should-control-spending-and-stability/ There are basically two big things governments control that affect the economy and therefore all of us: spending and stability.  They're not to be taken for granted, but too often they are.  Romanians are going to bed right now, unsure of who will run their country. The Government's just lost a confidence vote.  The socialists have sided with the far-right, of all groups, to collapse the Coalition.  This is bad for their economy because business relies on stability and predictability. Their absence kneecaps investment decisions and therefore growth. It's the same reason investors are jittery in the UK.  Long-term bond yields are the highest they've been since 1998.  Why?  Because Starmer is going to get a hiding in local elections.  His replacement, either Angela Rayner or even the outsider Andy Burnham, are left of him and that could mean more spending and borrowing. Something markets, unsurprisingly, think the motherland can ill-afford at present. Which brings us neatly to spending - look no further than across the Tasman. The RBA yesterday hiked the cash rate, pushing mortgage costs up, for the third time this year. And it comes with a warning to Jim Chalmers, their Nicola Willis equivalent and her jogging buddy in DC, watch your spending cobber or you'll make this worse.  Too much spending is fuel on the fire, and the fire is burning, heading for 5%. Pretty much every economist there, including our mate Paul Bloxham (Rockstar economist), says the key risk to Aussies right now is the threat a budget —due Tuesday— bazookas the cash more than expected.  That could force rates even higher and Australians would get poorer.  All of this is to say there are plenty of lessons around the world, just in the last 12 hours, let alone modern history, that say politicians' main job is basically to be responsible.  Get along with one another. And don't be tempted to buy votes with cash you can't afford in the short-term that we all pay for in the long-term. Tue, 05 May 2026 18:07:30 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-05-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-05-may-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 6th of May 2026, Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale, shares his thoughts on Councils being given a amalgamation ultimatum by the government.  Unemployment’s expected to hold around 5.4%, Mike Jones, Chief Economist at BNZ tells Ryan what to look out for.  The Salvation Army wants more done to help people back on their feet after prison, Salvation Army Mission Officer, Ian Hutson shares his thoughts.  Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Peter Anderson has the latest on Keir Starmer holding a anti-semitism summit in Downing Street and counter-terrorism police investigating a suspected arson attack at a former synagogue in east London. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 05 May 2026 01:30:34 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/carl-findlay-maritime-union-secretary-on-the-potential-delays-and-cost-blowouts-to-the-cook-strait-ferry-replacement-programme/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/carl-findlay-maritime-union-secretary-on-the-potential-delays-and-cost-blowouts-to-the-cook-strait-ferry-replacement-programme/ A union says the taxpayer pays the price for any cost blowout to the Cook Strait ferry replacement programme.   A Treasury review last year found “back-to-front” planning and decaying port infrastructure's left the project exposed to delays and higher costs.   Maritime Union Secretary Carl Findlay told Ryan Bridge Ferry Holdings was set up to sort all of this out.   He says they should've pulled together the Port of Wellington and Picton, both councils, and KiwiRail so they're all on the same page.  Findlay says they’ve known about these issues for several years, and from his understanding, nothing’s been done at either port to accommodate the ferries.  Ferry Holdings says the groups planning shows costs are within the allocated budget.   LISTEN ABOVE   Mon, 04 May 2026 23:18:08 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/jeremy-sutton-family-lawyer-on-the-divorce-rate-outpacing-the-marriage-rate/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/jeremy-sutton-family-lawyer-on-the-divorce-rate-outpacing-the-marriage-rate/ The number of New Zealanders choosing to get divorced is outpacing those getting married.   Stats NZ data shows a 3% drop in marriages and civil unions last year compared to 2024.   In the same period, divorces were up 5%.   Family Lawyer Jeremy Sutton told Ryan Bridge marriages are more likely to end in divorce after 25 years.   He says if you're together for a longer period of time, you'll change and are more likely to get sick of each other.  LISTEN ABOVE   Mon, 04 May 2026 22:53:04 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/toni-waterman-us-correspondent-on-the-us-saying-military-ships-have-been-sailing-through-the-strait-of-hormuz/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/toni-waterman-us-correspondent-on-the-us-saying-military-ships-have-been-sailing-through-the-strait-of-hormuz/ Renewed attacks by Iran and the United States threaten to see the war in the Middle East “spiralling out of control”.  The ceasefire seems to be on shaky ground, but some experts are saying that despite the optics, they are progressing towards a peace deal.   US Correspondent Toni Waterman told Ryan Bridge that proposals to end the war had been exchanged through the weekend.  “But certainly this announcement by the President [Donald Trump] on Sunday to start guiding these ships through the Strait of Hormuz has opened up another area in this conflict because the strait is really Iran's main leverage point right now.”  Trump’s new “Project Freedom” aims to help neutral commercial ships get out of the Persian Gulf, where they have been stranded by the closure of the Strait.  Waterman said experts were warning that even if the US successfully guided those ships through the Strait, it would not be a permanent solution as they would not return as long as fighting continued.  LISTEN ABOVE   Mon, 04 May 2026 18:30:53 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-whats-the-secret-to-a-good-marriage/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-whats-the-secret-to-a-good-marriage/ What are your chances of getting divorced? The new Stats NZ numbers are interesting for a couple of reasons.  1. Fewer people are getting hitched. In 2025, 7.6 marriages per 1000 people. That's half of the rate in 2000 (15.5 per 1000). In 1971, peak marriage, it was 45 per 1000 people.  So basically, fewer of us are bothering to get married. I've got friends who are single and don't mind being single - that was far less acceptable in 1971.  2. We're getting married later in life. We used to put a ring on it around the age of 20, now we wait until we're into our thirties. This is part of a bigger trend. People still live at home with their parents when their 25 - it's common. They go to university, don't get proper jobs until they're sometimes in their late 20's or even early thirties. We're living longer at the other end of life, and it feels like we're stretching out childhood a bit at the beginning, too. Get a dog, live at home, complain about house prices, and then marry later.  3. Divorce is the most interesting part. If you're in a marriage and you're wondering whether you might get a divorce then I reckon you probably will. Otherwise, why would you be thinking about or worrying about it? The numbers tell us how long you're married before you call it quits; 5% within five years. 15% within 10 years. 1/3 within 25 years.  But here's the good news. The news you should hope for.  60% of couples remain married for the rest of their lives.  Happily ever after, just like in the movies.  As the old saying goes, the best way to stay married is to not get divorced. Mon, 04 May 2026 18:17:41 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/marcus-beveridge-immigration-lawyer-on-acts-new-immigration-policies/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/marcus-beveridge-immigration-lawyer-on-acts-new-immigration-policies/ ACT leader and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour will campaign on new immigration policies. His proposed changes include stronger English language requirements, a daily levy, and a specialised enforcement unit targeting people who overstay their visas.  Immigration lawyer Marcus Beveridge called Seymour's policies 'superfluous'.  He told Ryan Bridge, "it's not really worth getting out of bed for this, because most of it's already here, it's super superfluous, it's posturing." LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 03 May 2026 19:45:56 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/carolyn-young-retail-nz-chief-executive-on-the-latest-quarterly-retail-radar-report/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/carolyn-young-retail-nz-chief-executive-on-the-latest-quarterly-retail-radar-report/ The fuel crisis is scuppering optimism in the retail sector.  The latest quarterly Retail Radar Report shows rising confidence at the end of last year has turned into anxiety about the future.  Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young told Ryan Bridge 66 percent of retailers don't expect to make their sales targets in the next quarter.   She says 29 percent aren't certain they can survive the next year.  Sun, 03 May 2026 18:20:46 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-things-are-about-to-get-a-whole-lot-more-expensive/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-things-are-about-to-get-a-whole-lot-more-expensive/ I have good news and bad news for you this morning.  The good news, I was out shopping on the weekend, which means I didn't actually buy anything but drove halfway across town looking for a bed-head, couldn't find one that fit, and went home empty-handed.  But the good news is the shops I visited were full of people spending money. Hardware store, full. Furniture store, less full but still busy. The Devil Wears Prada on Saturday night was 100% booked out for sessions running almost on the hour.  I've never rated Anne Hathaway's acting chops, but literally thousands of middle-aged women, glass of Savvy B in hand, clearly did.  A survey out today says retailers are worried about the fuel shock, but I didn't see much reason to be freaking out on the weekend.  Now the bad news, all the stuff we buy in this country comes by sea.  All the trinkets and furniture and non-perishables come over the ocean, because we're, yah know, an island. More than 80% of our trade is done on a ship, by value and weight. Half of that trade - imports and exports - is done by the shipping giant Maersk. In a little-reported note to customers Friday, Maersk is slapping an almost 30% fuel surcharge on to inland transport.  The fuel bill for imports is increasing 27%. The Aussies' is going up 18%.  This cost gets added to all the stuff we buy. So anything in country right now will be cheaper than anything that's about to be sent here.  They started the new charging rate on Friday.  Which does make my weekend in busy shops and gay old time at the pictures on Saturday night feel somewhat like, to use another movie analogy, a dinner party aboard the Titanic as it listed into the Atlantic ocean.  Sun, 03 May 2026 18:11:23 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-04-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-04-may-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 4th of May 2026, Marcus Beveridge a Immigration Lawyer at Queen City Law shares his thoughts on David Seymour's new 6 point immigration plan.  Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on interest rate decisions last week in UK and ECB and US, the latest economic dictators and forecasts revised down due to oil prices and what governments are talking about doing, including on easing jet fuel problems for airlines. Retailers want Kiwis working from the office, not home, after the latest Retail NZ survey, Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young shares her thoughts.  Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on a man and woman dead and three others were injured in a "suspicious" explosion at a house in Bristol, and the US threatening to withdraw more troops from Europe after announcing plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Sun, 03 May 2026 18:10:32 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/michael-glading-nz-open-tournament-director-on-saudi-arabias-pif-pulling-funding-from-the-liv-golf-tournament/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/michael-glading-nz-open-tournament-director-on-saudi-arabias-pif-pulling-funding-from-the-liv-golf-tournament/ LIV Golf’s financial backer is pulling its funding after the current season.   Plays and staff will reportedly find out the decision today to axe the funding by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.  It’s reportedly cost PIF over US$5 billion to operate the series so far.  NZ Open Tournament Director Michael Glading told Ryan Bridge that the model was flawed from the get-go – you can’t just create teams out of nowhere.  He says if something sounds too good to be true, it is too good to be true.   LISTEN ABOVE   Thu, 30 Apr 2026 23:50:45 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/pooja-sundar-immigration-lawyer-on-the-number-of-visa-rejections-dropping-to-a-post-covid-low/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/pooja-sundar-immigration-lawyer-on-the-number-of-visa-rejections-dropping-to-a-post-covid-low/ There's a suggestion better quality visa applications are coming through, with more than nine in ten applicants being approved.  Data released to Newstalk ZB shows just over 65 thousand applications were declined in 2025 – down from over 83 thousand in 2024.  Last year's rejection rate was about 6.3%, compared to 7.3% for the two years before.  Immigration lawyer Pooja Sundar told Ryan Bridge there've been several changes in visa settings in the last few years.  She says people are also starting to understand how Immigration New Zealand's approaching decisions and are more prepared.  LISTEN ABOVE   Thu, 30 Apr 2026 23:40:01 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-01-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-01-may-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 1st of May 2026, still no answers for Mount Maunganui businesses following a council meeting on when the Mount will reopen, Beach Hut Cafe Owner Michelle Craig tells Ryan what happened during the meeting.  Saudi Arabia's pulling funding for the Liv Golf tour from next season, New Zealand open tournament Director Michael Glading shares his thoughts.  New Zealand's rejecting fewer Visa applications with the number now at a post-covid low, immigration lawyer Pooja Sundar tells Ryan what impact this is having.  Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest King Charles and Camilla's state trip wrapping up and Keir Starmer's address following the Golders Green attack on the Jewish community.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:10:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/michelle-craig-mount-maunganui-beach-hut-cafe-owner-on-community-council-meeting/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/michelle-craig-mount-maunganui-beach-hut-cafe-owner-on-community-council-meeting/ Mount Maunganui businesses are frustrated at a perceived lack of progress in reopening the mount.   Hundreds of residents went to a community meeting last night with council and local MPs.   Mauao's been closed to the public since the landslide which killed six holiday makers nearly 100 days ago.   Mount Maunganui Beach Hut Cafe Owner Michelle Craig told Ryan Bridge reduced tourist numbers are really tough for businesses.  She says many are worried they won't be able to survive the winter months.  LISTEN ABOVE   Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:08:21 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-we-need-less-fighting-more-long-term-thinking-in-wellington/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-we-need-less-fighting-more-long-term-thinking-in-wellington/ There's no reason parties on left and right in New Zealand politics can't work together to get stuff done.  This week we've seen it with the India FTA. It's essentially just deal-making.  It'll pass because a party not in government joined forces with two in government to make it happen.  We've seen it with a member's bill, put forward to Labour's Arena Williams, on international money transfers.  When you transfer money to somebody overseas, the banks and transfer companies can basically say what they like about fees and commissions then charge you what they like. They don't need to up front about it.  The bill would force them to tell you what they going to charge before you're charged, rather than find out once the money's left your account. It seems like pretty sensible law-making to me.  It passed its first reading this week. A Labour MP's bill.  National didn't support it. But that didn't matter, because ever other party in the House —including ACT and New Zealand First— did. The modern slavery bill had similar bi-partisan support.  Imagine if we could get that same sort of love-in on energy and infrastructure? The fact our politicians are trained like pit bulls to attack each other —the Opposition is literally called the Opposition— is an advantage to a single party state like China, don't get me wrong.  But where the Chinese, and others who don't have to worry about that pesky wee thing we call democracy, benefit is that they have one plan. One team. One dream.  They build roads and trading routes with the next 50 to 100 years in mind, rather than the next three.  Business and industry —and therefore jobs— depend on and plan around things they know to be true.  Getting Beijing-style plans without resorting to dictatorship requires a few grown-ups, a little less mongrel, and little more long-term thinking in Wellington.  Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:04:44 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/kelly-eckhold-westpac-chief-economist-on-australias-inflation-surging-to-46/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/kelly-eckhold-westpac-chief-economist-on-australias-inflation-surging-to-46/ Australia's starting to feel the economic effects of the energy squeeze stemming from conflict on the other side of the world.   Annual headline inflation surged to 4.6% in March, up from 3.7% in February.   It's the country's highest inflation rate since September 2023, when the economy was bouncing back after Covid.  Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Ryan Bridge that New Zealand’s inflation is unlikely to reach the same peaks.  He says New Zealand economists are predicting a peak of around the mid-4s, whereas Australia’s are expecting it to go well over 5%.  LISTEN ABOVE   Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:34:47 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/andrew-hoggard-biosecurity-minister-on-the-trial-of-new-zealands-response-to-foot-and-mouth-disease/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/andrew-hoggard-biosecurity-minister-on-the-trial-of-new-zealands-response-to-foot-and-mouth-disease/ New Zealand is about to test its readiness for foot and mouth disease with a farm simulation next month on a Taranaki farm.  It'll be followed by a national exercise including everything from mock on-farm detection, quarantine, and national governance decisions.  Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says it's one thing to have a plan on paper and another to actually carry it out.   He told Ryan Bridge other countries have managed to effectively contain it.   Hoggard says in Germany it was kept at a single farm and still meant exports could go ahead from the rest of the country.  LISTEN ABOVE   Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:28:03 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/carolyn-young-retail-nz-chief-executive-on-the-government-cracking-down-on-nangs/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/carolyn-young-retail-nz-chief-executive-on-the-government-cracking-down-on-nangs/ There are hopes the Government's latest crackdown on the misuse of nitrous oxide gets the message through to retailers.  People inhaling the gas to get high is becoming a serious public health concern. Imports of the gas will soon need approval from the Director-General of Health, while large canisters, also known as nangs, will automatically be classified as psychoactive substances. Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young told Ryan Bridge the canisters can be used for whipping cream, but it's not really a big seller for retailers. She says they will never sell that many, with caterers preferring a wholesaler than a convenience store. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:16:41 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-winston-was-always-going-to-turn-on-luxon/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-winston-was-always-going-to-turn-on-luxon/ This was always going to happen. The closer you get to the election, the more your friends become your enemies under MMP. Winston's office released OIA docs showing Luxon's people wanted to go further in supporting Trump's war in Iran. The Foreign Minister's office and MFAT, in their wisdom, cautioned against it. For what most of us would probably understand to be good reasons. This was straight after the war began. This is a story in the Herald this morning: A spokesman for Peters said Luxon’s support for the war was “imprudent” and would have “run counter to New Zealand’s national interests”. “Experience matters in foreign policy.” Then, last night, there were talks between the PM and Foreign Minster.  Luxon's hitting back, he's saying the emails mischaracterised his position. He's saying the release of the emails puts politics ahead of the national interest. So, as you can see, quite the mess.  The problem here is for Luxon, not for Peters.  Luxon is the one who has struggled to articulate himself on the war. Peters has not.  Luxon is the one who's support has been falling in the polls. Peters is the opposite.  Luxon is the one who's been there five minutes. Peters has not.  If you were to poll Kiwis and ask 'who do you trust more on matters of foreign affairs and war?', I imagine after 40 years in Parliament and a few runs at the job, Peters would come out on top.  Trying to put Peters in his place is hard enough to do at the best of times.  Trying to do it with one hand tied behind your back, the crowd cheering for your opponent, on a stage that's  unfamiliar to you, is probably not going to end well.  Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:13:35 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-30-april-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-30-april-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 30th of April 2026, inflation spiking across the Tasman, Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold tells Ryan what this could mean for us.  The Government's changing import rules to crack down on nangs, Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young tells Ryan if this will make much of a difference.  The Government’s running a trial to see how ready we’d be if Foot and Mouth disease hit our shores, Biosecurity Minister paints a picture of what the trial will look like.  Plus, US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on the fiery questioning of Pete Hegseth over the Iran war and the King's state visit.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:10:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/simon-parham-waitomo-ceo-on-the-fuel-supply-governments-deal-with-z-energy-to-store-extra-diesel-at-marsden-point/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/simon-parham-waitomo-ceo-on-the-fuel-supply-governments-deal-with-z-energy-to-store-extra-diesel-at-marsden-point/ A belief from one fuel company boss we won't face a total fuel drought.   The Government's signed a deal with Z Energy to bring an extra 90 million litres of diesel into the country, to be stored at Marsden Point.  Waitomo Chief Executive, Simon Parham told Ryan Bridge it shows there's supply out there to buy, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.   He says South Korea has purchased crude from 17 different countries than they've traditionally bought from, showing the market's solving issues for itself because there's incentives to do it.  LISTEN ABOVE   Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:22:06 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/karen-boyes-major-electricity-users-group-executive-director-on-the-electricity-authority-looking-into-surging-prices/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/karen-boyes-major-electricity-users-group-executive-director-on-the-electricity-authority-looking-into-surging-prices/ Power companies are being put on the spot as the Electricity Authority demands answers to surging prices.   The average household is facing an 8% jump in their power bill this year, matching last year's rise.   That's alongside the big four gentailers lifting their profits 42% in just six months.  Major Electricity Users' Group Executive Director Karen Boyes told Ryan Bridge higher prices pressure all New Zealanders.    She says they've told the authority we need to also make sure businesses are scrutinising their tariffs.  LISTEN ABOVE   Tue, 28 Apr 2026 23:49:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/simon-wallace-aviation-industry-association-ceo-on-the-governments-new-aviation-plan/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/simon-wallace-aviation-industry-association-ceo-on-the-governments-new-aviation-plan/ An aviation shake-up will modernise rules dating back about 20 years.  The Government has announced a major overhaul of the Civil Aviation Authority.  The reforms will also update pilot training and licensing to create clearer, more flexible pathways.  Industry Association Chief Executive Simon Wallace told Ryan Bridge historically, the Authority hasn't moved at pace.  He says certifications and approvals have been slow, at a cost to business.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:14:49 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-29-april-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-29-april-2026/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 29th of April 2026, the Government's secured an additional 90 million litres of diesel, Waitomo Group CEO Simon Parham tells Ryan if it will make much of a difference.  The Electricity Authority’s firing another shot at the gentailers, Major Electricity Users Group Executive Director, Karen Boyes shares her thoughts.  The Government’s rolling out a big aviation shake-up squeezing 20 years of change into just two, Aviation Industry Association CEO Simon Wallace shares his thoughts. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on King Charles delivering his historic address to US lawmakers and UK MPs debating if Sir Keir Starmer should face an inquiry into whether he misled them over the appointment of Lord Mandelson as US ambassador.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:10:38 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-why-are-young-women-doing-the-job-of-cops/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-why-are-young-women-doing-the-job-of-cops/ Did you hear the story about these three young flatmates who hunted down their own burglars, busted them, and took back their stuff?  Sarah, Anna, and Charlotte, all in their 20s, got home from work in Christchurch, and some mug, or mugs, had broken in and stolen their stuff.  Rooms were ransacked. Stolen items? Cameras, laptops, jewellery. Also missing? Clothes, undies, and frozen curry from the freezer.  Not the butter chicken!  But there was one thing they needed back urgently and sparked amateur detectives into action - a stolen passport. One of them needed to travel overseas.  So, they asked the neighbours - what police would call in a press release 'canvassing the area'.  The neighbours told them which way the robbers went. What police would call 'positive lines of inquiry'.  They followed the leads, or 'made a breakthrough' in the case. Found the house the alleged thieves had returned to.  Opened the door, caught the culprits red-handed, wearing their stuff, some guy was staring at their undies. And they quietly and calmly took back what was theirs.  Great stuff.  The problem is, the police were called, attended the scene, and according to the girls, "they told the police where to go after getting a clue from their neighbours, but they didn’t go there". Why are these women having to do the cops' job for them? They were told to file an online report. The thieves were just down the road.  About 90% of burglaries go unresolved, The Herald reported in 2024 just 6.4% —11,738— of the burglaries reported over the last four years resulted in an offender being prosecuted. No wonder people are taking the law into their own hands.  Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:03:31 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/vicky-pryce-business-correspondent-on-the-meeting-between-central-banks-regarding-interest-rates/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/vicky-pryce-business-correspondent-on-the-meeting-between-central-banks-regarding-interest-rates/ Banks around the world are meeting this week to discuss interest rates.   Financial conditions are tightening, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East causing inflationary pressures.  They’re broadly expected to keep policy unchanged, opting to remain in wait-and-see mode as the length of the conflict is still unknown.  Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce told Ryan Bridge there’s a lot of real uncertainty at the moment.   LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 27 Apr 2026 23:13:56 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/sandy-lau-pwc-partner-and-tax-expert-on-the-report-finding-nzs-population-may-fall-below-whats-needed-to-support-government-spending/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/sandy-lau-pwc-partner-and-tax-expert-on-the-report-finding-nzs-population-may-fall-below-whats-needed-to-support-government-spending/ New Zealand may not have a large enough working population in the future to support government spending.  A new Koi Tū report shows the fertility rate is at a record low and the population is ageing very quickly.  It found immigration is increasingly becoming the major source of talent and population growth.   PwC Partner and tax issue specialist Sandy Lau told Ryan Bridge that artificial intelligence can't help us either.  She says New Zealand's tax base is unique in that in relies on taxes on labour and on consumption, which is tax paid by people.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 27 Apr 2026 22:48:27 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-28-april-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-28-april-2026/ Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 28 April. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:10:30 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/dom-kalasih-transporting-nz-chief-executive-on-potential-trucking-rule-changes-to-save-fuel/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/dom-kalasih-transporting-nz-chief-executive-on-potential-trucking-rule-changes-to-save-fuel/ A freight carriers advocacy group is pleased its concerns are being heard but worries change will come too late.   The Government is preparing options in case the country moves to Phase Two of the fuel response plan.  It includes increasing load limits for trucks and changing the time of day freight can move.  Transporting New Zealand's Chief Executive Dom Kalasih believes it's irrational to hold off on the changes.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:06:35 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-india-fta-is-up-to-businesses-now/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-india-fta-is-up-to-businesses-now/ Judging by the coverage out of New Delhi overnight, the Indian press appears optimistic about the trade deal with New Zealand.  As optimistic as our Government and industry, and as of last week, Labour, are about it here.  Their trade department points out the thing excludes dairy, so that's safe, along with other sensitive markets.  They like the fact we conceded 100% duty-free access in key manufacturing and labour-intensive industries - the Mint news site name checks textiles, leather, footwear, engineering goods, plastics, and processed foods. Here, our primary industries are celebrating their wins.  And that's the point that I think was somewhat lost in the last few months; both sides win from trade deals.  You make some concessions but you get some gains. Like any deal.  It's not all one-way traffic.  India is set to overtake Germany as the world's third largest economy.  It's a behemoth.  To not jump onboard would have meant missing the boat.  Most Kiwis can see the benefits from the deal Goff and Clark signed with China.  Trump may be trying to sully the reputation of free trade, but it hasn't dampened our spirits because we can see the benefits.  There's an argument to be made against NAFTA for rustbelt workers in the US, but in this country, the benefits have largely outweighed the costs.  And there will be costs, like with any deal.  But the net benefit is what we should be focussed on. To realise those benefits, the reigns are now in the hands of business to do what it does best.  Our exporters, our deal-makers, our market specialists are already on the blower, on the plane, and in country trying to get a slice of the action.  Good luck to them. Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:02:23 Z