Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Labour says it wants to better protect consumers from unfair pricing practices during the cost of living crisis. 

The party wants to shake-up the Fair Trading Act to make sure advertised specials relate to the lowest price in the preceding 30 days. 

It's also promising to ensure loyal phone, internet, and insurance customers don't miss out on specials offered to new sign-ups. 

Consumer Affairs Spokesperson Arena Williams told Ryan Bridge they want things to be more standardised and clearer, so customers know that when these deals are being offered, they're not missing out. 

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There are concerns rugby league celebrations are coming at the expense of others.  

South Auckland police officers made nine arrests after Sunday's showdown between Tonga and Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup.  

Police had 160 officers monitoring the scenes, with some fans running on to roads, hanging out of cars, and driving dangerously.  

Councillor Alf Filipaina told Ryan Bridge he loves their passion, but it's shocking to see the behaviour. 

He says the council is receiving emails from families with young children, complaining of loud music and horns at three in the...

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday the 3rd of November 2026, Labour’s promising a crackdown on business practices it says are pushing up the cost of living, Labour Consumer Affairs Spokesperson joins Ryan. 

Rugby League World Cup celebrations turned sour over the weekend with nine arrests, Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina is warning people to enjoy the celebrations without disrupting others.

Retailer confidence sky-high despite challenging economy, First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson shares his thoughts. 

Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on the Reserve Bank...

Consumers could be more hesitant to tap their card this Christmas if the country's government is in a state of limbo.  

Retail NZ's latest Retail Radar report finds 73% of respondents are confident their business will survive the next 12 months – the highest level in two years. 

First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson told Ryan Bridge a definitive lead this election weekend is crucial for consumer confidence.  

He says retailers are typically optimistic, but a strong, decisive direction for the country is important. 

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News alert for anyone who thinks the US midterms will save the world from Trump: they won't.  

The guy can still start wars and raise tariffs without Congress approval. He did so last year and this year.  

Losing the House to Democrats means funding gets harder and legal problems, but it's not a brick wall for the Presidential impulses that most affect us, the rest of the world.  

Latest polling shows a majority of his own supporters are unhappy with the state of the economy.  

Diesel prices are up 70% in America sinc...

The Head of Europe's central bank is resigning nine months before her eight year term ends. 

Christine Lagarde is stepping down as President of the European Central Bank on February 7th, 2027. 

Her resignation also comes ahead of France's next presidential election, and there's speculation the timing was chosen so her successor could be chosen while the pro-EU Emmanuel Macron was in power. 

Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce joined Ryan Bridge to discuss. 

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Transport spokespeople from both major parties are welcoming the progress on closing the gap with Australia on road deaths. 

Between 2016 and 2018, New Zealand's road death rate was 2.5 people per 100,000 higher than Australia's. 

By last year, that gap had narrowed to just 0.4. 

National's Associate Transport Spokesperson James Meager told Ryan Bridge there are better roads, vehicles, and driver behaviour.  

He says new roads with 110 kilometre limits have seen few crashes and deaths, proving you can move quickly and safely.  

Labour's Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere told Bridge improvements in roadside testing and e...

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday the 2nd of November 2026, Associate Transport Minister James Meager and Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere join Ryan for a election special panel on transport policy. 

Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on the reaction from the UK Budget and ECB President Christine Lagarde to stepping down. 

More people are waiting longer for drug and alcohol rehab, Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm explains why. 

Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the Gen Z protests spreading across Europe and...

Where people live could dictate how quickly they're seen by addiction services.  

Health New Zealand figures obtained by Newstalk ZB show more than two thirds of drug and alcohol referrals were within three weeks.  

But only 40.3% in Manawatū's MidCentral health district met that timeframe.  

Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm told Ryan Bridge the addiction space has been chronically underfunded over many years.  

She says wait times in general are too long – the window of opportunity for somebody with addiction who's interested in making a change is very short. 

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Netball New Zealand's board strikes again. And is refusing to do interviews. Again. 

I don't know what it is with these guys but every time there's a bit of good news to celebrate, like the Silver Ferns winning the Constellation Cup, Netball NZ straps on the suicide vest and wanders into the conversation to blow things up. 

Last week they turned down the Mowbray/Williams bid for a private domestic competition. 

Without warning. Williams and Mowbray were told the day after the decision was made and the damage done. 

Nathan Limm, who...

New Zealand Rugby Players' Association boss Rob Nichol has reflected on a needs-must moment for the sport. 

That follows the move for the five Super Rugby city hubs to consolidate franchise operations with their respective NPC teams from 2028, in a bid to reduce overhead costs. 

The governing body are also aiming to have more school leavers attending academies, something Nichol says is paramount in the current landscape. 

He told Ryan Bridge when kids are coming out of school, they really want to know what they're committing to. 

Nichol says the sporting land...

First-home buyers are still dominating the market. 

The latest Cotality Westpac First Home Buyer Report finds they made up almost 30% of property purchases in the third quarter of this year. 

It shows lower house prices and mortgage rates are helping, with many tapping into KiwiSaver. 

Cotality Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson told Ryan Bridge it varies, but on average homeowners are spending hundreds of dollars less on their mortgages than a few years ago. 

He says the huge savings there and the lower house prices are a big plus for first time...

Possible overhangs, high voter turnout, lower enrolment, and the Opportunity Party all mean the outcome of the election is too close to call, former Labour leader Phil Goff says. 

“Come Election Night, by midnight we may well not know who is going to govern New Zealand and that may take a couple of weeks after that, probably up to the edge of Christmas,” Goff told Ryan Bridge. 

While National could get a “huge overhang” if people split their candidate and party votes, it wasn’t clear if that campaign was working, Goff said. 

He also belie...

Halloween is the new fireworks for kids in New Zealand, and it's a hell of a lot less controversial. 

New Zealand First wants to ban backyard fireworks. Winston loves his horses and they get spooked. 

The Greens back a ban. They love adopted Greyhounds. And cats. 

When I was young, this time of year was all about shooting each other with Godzilla's. Smokebombs. Scraping all the powder off 50 sparklers to make a sparkler bomb. 

But these days Halloween is where it's at. 

The old English tradition has been overtaken by it...

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A gin distillery at the bottom of the country is earning top-shelf recognition. 

Bluff Distillery's been inducted into the prestigious Gin Guild – one of the first in New Zealand to receive the honour. 

Co-founder Chris Fraser was installed as Warden Rectifier at the Lord Mayor of London's mansion earlier this month, just two years since launching the distillery. 

Fraser told Ryan Bridge there's no secret formula behind their success. 

He says it's gin that tastes like gin, as they just stick to the basics. 

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Political paralysis in Israel could leave behind a caretaker government with Benjamin Netanyahu at its helm.  

With most votes counted, the incumbent's just ahead of his rival Gadi Eisenkot, with 53 seats to 48.   

The Arab parties are on a record 19 seats, and the 61 seats needed to govern are beyond the reach of all sides.  

CBS Middle East correspondent Linda Gradstein told Ryan Bridge coalition talks could drag on for weeks, with Netanyahu still in charge in the meantime.  

She says it basically means his government's still the government and can do anything it wa...

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 29 October.
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The Reserve Bank's surprise decision to keep the OCR on hold has had an immediate impact on the already weak New Zealand dollar.

The Kiwi's had its biggest drop against the Aussie in nine years.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis shares her thoughts with Ryan Bridge. 

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Wanna know something weird? 

1 in 7 Australian adults could imagine falling in love with an AI chatbot.

They might tease us about our relations with sheep, but at least we're not actually getting into emotional relationships with a rack of computer hard drives. 

Weirdos. 

Anthony Albanese gave a speech yesterday about their new AI laws, which he's trying to pass. And trying to get Opposition support for. 

Guess what would be banned if the law passes? 

Emotional Intimacy. How cooked. It's not just about adults, but they're worried young...

Israeli voter turnout's reached a record high in the election that could determine Benjamin Netanyahu's political future.  

CNN exit polls show Gadi Eisenkot's on 52 seats to Netanyahu's 50. 

Security is the leading issue among voters, with many blaming Netanyahu for the October 7th attack.  

CBS Middle East correspondent Linda Gradstein told Ryan Bridge both camps will likely need a coalition to form a government.  

She says the Arab Citizens of Israel, who are at about 20%, could put Eisenkot over the top, but some of his partners are expected to refuse to work with...

The election could factor into whether this afternoon brings the Reserve Bank's third OCR hike of the year.  

Most economists predict a 25 basis point lift to 3%.  

Inflation's sitting at 3.7% – outside its target band.  

Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Ryan Bridge there's an argument for holding off until December, but he expects the Reserve Bank will toe the market's line.  

He says it might be disruptive otherwise, so close to the election, but that doesn't mean it's the best idea. 

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A property investor is questioning why Labour's rent-to-own scheme should stop at just state houses.

The party is proposing allowing Kainga Ora to put aside $100 rent a week, working up to a deposit.

Labour would also lift the income cap for 5% deposits to $300,000, making more buyers eligible.

Property Investors Federation Advocacy Manager Matt Ball told Ryan Bridge it's a good idea but it's niche.

He says it could be all for all working people, giving them this $100 credit wherever they go.

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 28th of October 2026, mortgage holders are bracing for another OCR hike, Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold tells Ryan what we can expect.

The Labour party want state housing tenants to own their own home, Property Investors Federation Advocacy Manager Matt Ball shares his thoughts. 

Israel is going to the voting booth today, CBS Middle East Correspondent Linda Gradstein has the latest. 

Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the details on two British nationals charged over an alleged plot to assist Ir...

This morning I can't stay silent on this issue that's been raised in the campaign.  

This comment, made by New Zealand First candidate and former Defence Minister Ron Mark, is outrageous and wrong.  

Ron, Ron, Ron. There is nothing wrong with an expressing oneself via a man bun. Some call them twat tops. A douche donut. A head turd.  

They've been called a lot of things, but a sign of weakness? No. 

Have you never seen a Japanese Samurai? Or a Norse Viking?  

Both are elite warriors. Samurai fight with...

The UK's new Chancellor is set to deliver his first Budget. 

John Healey will set out Labour's tax and spending plans on October 28th, with tax increases possible. 

Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce told Ryan Bridge there have been some hints about what the Budget will include, such as some redistribution of funds from the wealthiest to those who need it the most. 

But she says it'll will be very tight fiscally, and will be watched very carefully by the capital markets.  

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There's potential for National and Labour to find common ground on education, despite disagreement over curriculum reforms. 

National's Erica Stanford told Ryan Bridge she tried to engage Labour while NCEA changes were being drafted, but to no avail. 

She says a recent meeting with Ginny Andersen revealed plenty they agree on —like the structured literacy mandate— but Labour still doesn't like the twice-yearly assessments or an hour of reading, writing, and maths each day. 

Andersen says learning support is one area where the parties could work together. 

She says there's an increasi...

ACT's unveiled its policy manifesto - compiling it's vision for New Zealand.

It's pushing to create a smaller Government through cuts - delivering 12.4 billion less debt by 2031 than currently forecast.

NZ Initiative Executive Director Oliver Hartwich shares his thoughts with Ryan Bridge. 

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Odds are on we'll get another hike to the OCR tomorrow. 

That'll take us to 3%. 

Markets are pricing the chance of that hike happening at about 85%. 

It's not great timing for a Coalition government trying to get elected when cost of living is the number one issue. 

But that's obviously not something the Reserve Bank should or would care about. 

Their job is inflation.

All signs point north on that front. It's expected to be higher than the bank predicted in September, their last update. 

Our do...

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2026, Education Minister Erica Stanford and Labour's Education spokesperson Ginny Anderson join Ryan for an election special discussing schools, children and education policy.

Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on the forthcoming budget in the UK and what it means for capital markets and the controversial approval in UK of the new gas field.

ACT wants to slash government spending to help fund health, NZ Initiative Executive Director Oliver Hartwich shares his thoughts on if this is the right approach. 

Plus, Australia Correspondent D...

The country's biggest pop culture extravaganza Armageddon starts in Auckland today.  

Around 50 thousand sci-fi, anime, fantasy, and gaming fans are expected to flock to Auckland Showgrounds this weekend.  

It's filled with more than 400 exhibitors, including a reunion of the Supernatural cast, a High School Musical sing-along panel, and international guests like Highlander star Christopher Lambert.  

Organiser Bill Geradts told Francesca Rudkin they're not feeling the pinch from the cost of living crisis in the same way festivals and retail are. 

He says last year's October show was one of their best, and...

Education Minister Erica Stanford’s education overhaul has been impressive this government term. We’re seeing improvements in primary school student achievement, the NCEA qualification is not long for this world, and how good is it to have cellphones out of the classroom?

But for all the changes, there are families who feel the system simply doesn’t work for their child, whose needs, interests or circumstances may not fit comfortably within a conventional classroom.

Yet when someone suggests trying something different, we can become remarkably attached to doing the same thing and hoping for a diff...

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 23 October.
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Inflation's eased up slightly - but it's also become more persistent and widespread.

The official inflation rate has fallen in the past three months - from 4.1 percent to 3.7 percent - due to a brief fall in fuel prices.

But underlying core inflation has been rising and more items are increasing in price.

Labour's Finance Spokesperson Barbara Edmonds told Francesca Rudkin the government doesn't have a plan to tackle the rising prices. 

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The Indian cricket tour begins tonight with a T20 against New Zealand at a sold-out Hagley Oval in Christchurch. 

The sides last met in March's World Cup final at Ahmedabad, won by the then-hosts. 

However, the start times for this tour seem to be an issue, as an 8pm start means the games won't be ending until nearly midnight. 

Newstalk ZB Sports Reader Andrew Alderson told Ryan Bridge it's not ideal, but the tour is a golden egg. 

He says that it's an amazing opportunity for NZ Cricket to reap the rewa...

Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges says politically, the Mood of the Boardroom shows a "tactical draw" between National and Labour. 

The survey of business leaders shows dissatisfaction and a desire for more investment in infrastructure, reform, leadership and talk of productivity, Bridges told Ryan Bridge. 

"Because you'd expect, and they are in their numbers, the Nats as a centre right incumbent government to be higher up, I would sort of call it a tactical draw between the Nats and Labour when you look at this closely." 

Unease about "the tail wagging the dog...

A warning we could see some more nasty inflation spikes before the year is out.

Stats NZ is releasing the inflation data for the three months to September just before 11 this morning.

Economists expect it to show inflation’s sitting around 3.7 percent.

BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones told Ryan Bridge they're expecting inflation to rise to 4.7 percent in the next update.

He says most of it is due to the spike in fuel prices, but the numbers today will show core inflation is also on the rise. 

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 22nd of October 2026, economists are expecting a mixed bag in today's inflation figures, BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones takes his pick. 

The Black Caps open their five-match t20 series against India in Christchurch tonight at 8pm, with the first game at Hagley Oval, Newstalk ZB Sports Reader Andrew Alderson shares his thoughts on why the match starts so late.

Business leaders are feeling pretty optimistic about our economic trajectory, Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges shares his thoughts.

Plus, US Correspondent N...

Nearly there. 

Voting's already happening for kiwis overseas. 

Monday, we start in-country. Two weeks later it's all over and counting begins. 

The result looks as tight as a fishes bum. 

Here's my predictions. 

Opportunity won't get 5% and the Coalition will be returned to power. 

I want to be clear. This is not based off a scientific poll-by-poll or electorate probability calculator. 

It's just a gut feeling of how voters will behave once they get into the voting booth.

And the fact not everyone who's p...

Opioids remain the biggest driver of overdose deaths, often with a cocktail of other substances. 

The latest NZ Drug Foundation report reveals the country's losing around three people a week to preventable overdose. 

It also shows a rise in hospitalisations from stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine. 

Foundation executive director Sarah Helm told Andrew Dickens that in 85% of fatalities, the person had more than one thing in their system. 

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