Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.
Bryce Edwards: Political Commentator on the Opportunity Party campaigning on reforming parliamentary allowances
MPs may be underestimating just how negatively the public views their use of parliamentary allowances.
There's renewed scrutiny of politicians claiming taxpayer-funded accommodation allowances while owning their own Wellington homes.
The Opportunity Party is campaigning on reforming the rules.
Political commentator Bryce Edwards told Andrew Dickens there could be real public appetite for change.
He says story-after-story seems to receive strong feedback.
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Andrew Dickens: My thoughts on the new Post editor
There are a lot of people who think the media are a left-wing lobby group.
And they think Stuff is one of the leftiest of them all.
So, explain to me why Stuff has just appointed Mathew Hooton as their new editor, apparently after he was shoulder tapped by Sinead Boucher.
Yesterday the Post reported this about their new editor.
"Hooton's CV includes being a Young Nat, a press secretary in the Bolger Government, a strategist for National during the Don Brash years ... an adviser for ACT, a strategic consultant for i...
Full Show Podcast: 16 June 2026
On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Tuesday the 16th of June 2026, The US and Iran have agreed a deal to end the war, which Pakistan says will be signed on Friday in Switzerland, Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian David Smith tells Andrew if this deal is going to stick.
The All Whites will take on Iran in their first game of the FIFA World Cup, Weekend Sport Host Jason Pine shares his thoughts on how the All Whites will play.
Political commentator and Director of the Democracy Project Bryce Edwards sh...
Simon Marks: Global affairs reporter on a peace deal between Iran and the US
Donald Trump's peace deal with Iran's could be dead in the water - with Israel being the one to push it overboard.
Israeli forces have killed three people in Beirut, in strikes the US President says shouldn't have happened - and that Iran's now vowing to respond to.
Earlier Trump insisted the deal will still be signed today.
Global affairs reporter Simon Marks told Andrew Dickens there is absolute fury at the White House over the Israeli attack.
He says the Iranians have said there's no point continuing talks with the US...
Andrew Dickens: Smaller milk companies should have more say in the farmgate milk price
On Saturday I went to my local rugby club’s game. North Shore versus Northcote. A game Shore comfortably won
And there I met the president of the club Laurie Magrain, who as it happens is a fan of this station and the Chair of New Zealand’s second largest dairy company, Open Country.
He told me he’s been down at Field Days all week.
Of course being a nosey radio guy I googled Laurie when I got home and discovered he’d been making a noise at Field Days
He’d been talki...
Full Show Podcast: 15 June 2026
On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Monday 15th of June 2026, Trump says a US/Iran agreement could be signed today, with mediators saying a deal is within reach.
Business correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on oil prices following a potential US/Iran peace deal, how will the UK pay for defence and forthcoming Bank of England interest rate decision this week and the European Central Bank raised rates a bit, what does it mean for growth?
Nicola Willis has called out Labour for having a $18.2 billion spending hole in their p...
Jason Pine: Weekend Sport Host on the FIFA World Cup kicking off for 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has begun.
Mexico claimed victory over South Africa in the opening match of the tournament – scoring a goal in each half to win the match 2-nil.
Next up, South Korea and the Czech Republic are taking the centre stage at Guadalajara Stadium.
The current favourites to win the Cup are Spain, France, Brazil, and England, with Argentina close behind.
But Weekend Sport Host Jason Pine told Francesca Rudkin there are some underdogs worth keeping an eye on, such as Japan and Ecuador.
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Jeffrey Price: Johns Hopkins Foreign Policy Analyst on the latest developments between the US and Iran
Johns Hopkins foreign policy analyst Jeffrey Pryce is sceptical of US President Donald Trump’s claim that an agreement in the Middle East is approved and ready to be signed.
Speaking to Francesca Rudkin, Pryce pointed to the extensive demands in a proposed Memorandum of Understanding from several weeks ago, which did not progress.
That MoU had included a permanent ceasefire, likely including Lebanon; the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and removal of the US naval blockade; and the beginning of nuclear negotiations, possibly including progress on unfreezing Iranian assets or lifting sanctions on Iran...
Andrew Hoggard: ACT's Rural Spokesperson on their policy that would increase rural policing
The ACT Party isn't saying how it'll pay for a major rural policing policy, but says it'll be a better use of taxpayer money than current spending.
It's boosting rural patrols and expanding 111 texting for farmers in poor mobile coverage.
Rural spokesperson Andrew Hoggard told Francesca Rudkin the plan requires an additional 182 officers in rural areas.
He says it would cost up to $45 million in the first year and about $30 million after that.
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Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on John Healey's resignation as Defence Secretary
Another member of Sir Keir Starmer's cabinet has jumped ship, with Britain's Defence Secretary John Healey the latest to go.
He's the sixth minister to resign in the past month.
Healey's accusing the Prime Minister of putting the UK at risk, with a planned defence spending uplift of just 0.08% of GDP.
UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Francesca Rudkin that Healey's suggesting it won't provide the military equipment needed in a dangerous world.
He says Starmer's acknowledged Healey's comments but says he doesn't agree - but also hasn't found anyone to replace him...
Francesca Rudkin: Black market ciggies are in the news again
Cheap, illict, black market ciggies are in the news again.
A new report claims more that than one third of tobacco consumed last year was bought on the black market. It estimates the Government lost $817 million in excise and GST revenue last year. It’s worth noting the report was commission by tobacco companies, who are obviously very keen to knock this behaviour on the head.
Immediately, it raises questions about the excise tax placed on cigarettes and whether we should raise it, keep it steady, or drop it. Excise tax and GST in NZ mean...
Full Show Podcast: 12 June 2026
On the Early Edition with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast 2026, Jeffrey Pryce, Senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute, John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies shares his thoughts on Trump's latest strikes on Iran.
The FIFA World Cup is about to be underway in Mexico City, Weekend Sport Host Jason Pine tells Francesca what we can expect.
Act's taking a tougher stance on rural crime, Act Party Agriculture Spokesperson Andrew Hoggard shares the party's latest policy.
Plus, UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on Defence Secretary John Healey resigning from Keir Sta...
Bruce Weir: Independent Urban Planning Expert on Labour's public transport policy
There’s a belief a cap on public transport fares would be better bang for buck compared to other roading projects.
Labour's campaigning on a $20 weekly maximum in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, and $10 elsewhere.
It would be funded by re-prioritising $65 million from the National Land Transport Fund.
Independent urban planning expert Bruce Weir told Francesca Rudkin for some projects, $65 million doesn't go very far.
He says when it's sunk into the roading network, it's chewed through pretty quickly and doesn't bring many long-term benefits.
But the benefits of the policy...
Phil Wicks: Small Business NZ Founder on the cost of businesses hiring the wrong staff
The cost of hiring the wrong person is racking up for employers, despite a large number of applicants.
New Seek data estimates small and medium sized businesses lose more than $900 million a year from bad hires.
Small Business NZ founder Phil Wicks told Francesca Rudkin the quality of applicants seems to be slowly declining.
He says often in the trades, it's hard to find the right person, and yet the industry's under immense pressure to find people quickly.
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Full Show Podcast: 11 June 2026
On the Early Edition with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast Thursday the 11th of June 2026, Labour wants to cap public transport fares at $20 a week in the main centres, urban planner Bruce Weir tells Francesca Rudkin whether or not this is feasible or not.
The wrong hire could come at a big price tag for small businesses, Director of BSP Advisory and Small Business NZ Founder Phil Wicks shares his thoughts.
US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on Trump's latest comments around the war restarting and NBA Basketball fever taking over New York City.
<...Chris Abercrombie: PPTA President on charter schools attendance rates
A question of whether charter schools can achieve better results than what's already possible at state schools.
New annual reports show three of the seven charter schools that opened last year failed to meet attendance or achievement targets.
Some did make significant gains, with Māori-Pasifika boys' boarding school Tipene nearly doubling reading expectations.
PPTA President Chris Abercrombie told Francesca Rudkin state schools can deliver just as well for disengaged students.
He says they're more equipped to deal with specific issues, with established networks and resources.
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Francesca Rudkin: Move on orders put Police in an awkward position
The Move-on Orders Amendment Bill has passed its first reading in Parliament – this is the bill that would give police the power to issue move-on orders to rough sleepers, people begging or obstructing entrance ways, or showing intent to inhabit a public place. Submissions to the bill close next month.
Now, the majority of Auckland City Councillors agreed this week that they want begging and rough sleeping to be taken out of these proposed move-on orders. They see the proposed legislation very much as a tool to deal with destructive, disorderly or threatening behaviours, not to further marg...
Paul Spoonley: Massey University Sociologist on the Perceptions of Asia report, Kiwis connection with Asia
More exposure to Asian cultures within our communities is helping expand ties with the region.
The Asia New Zealand Foundation's latest survey finds more than 60% of members now feel connected to Asian culture in their daily lives.
Sociologist Paul Spoonley says more young people are considering the region for their OE, when in the past, they'd tend to opt for Europe or Australia.
He told Francesca Rudkin the destinations are a draw, and people are attracted by the food, the culture, the climate, and the cost.
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Mike Casey: Rewiring Aotearoa CEO on the Government pushing ahead with the LNG terminal, scrapping the power bill levy
There's more scepticism about who'll end up paying for a new LNG terminal.
The Government's pressing on with plans but scrapping a proposed levy on power bills, intended to pay for the facility.
It's also announced stronger dry year supply requirements and penalties for gentailers.
Rewiring Aotearoa Chief Executive Mike Casey told Francesca Rudkin he hopes the facility doesn't get built – especially if the cost falls on gentailers.
He says it'll be a great outcome for consumers if gentailers are not forced to pay for it, but then the question of where...
Full Show Podcast: 10 June 2026
Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 10 June.
Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Karl Dean: Federated Farmers immigration spokesperson at Fieldays
It's one of the biggest days on the agricultural calendar, with Fieldays opening its gates.
Good weather is forecast for the four-day event at Hamilton's Mystery Creek.
There are more than 1000 exhibitors - highlighting the latest agriculture tech and innovation.
Karl Dean from Federated Farmers tells Francesca Rudkin what Fieldays is all about.
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Francesca Rudkin: Is the Grass really greener across the ditch?
Recently I had a guest on the Sunday Session – an Aussie who was in New Zealand and was loving it. They said everyone here was relaxed, welcoming, and smiled at you on the street. They were really taken aback by the mood here compared with over the ditch. In Australia, they said, it’s pretty grim, everyone is down and just getting on with it
I asked how could that be. I thought the Australian weather and amazing lifestyle put everyone in a good mood. They said it had rained all summer.
I thought this was an i...
Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on card spending rising, the impact of concerts, Christchurch's new stadium
Christchurch's new stadium is helping drive national retail spending.
Paymark data shows spending through its Core Retail network rose 1.2% last month compared to a year ago.
Canterbury recorded the strongest regional growth, with spending up 2.8%.
Retail New Zealand's Carolyn Young told Francesca Rudkin that events drive activity.
She says the Six60 concert significantly increased spending in the Christchurch area.
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Tama Potaka: National's Conservation Spokesperson on the party's pledge to double QEII National Trust funding if re-elected
National's promising to protect the country's heritage and biodiversity on private land and farms.
It's pledging to double baseline funding for the QEII National Trust to $8.5 million dollars.
It'll boost investment in things like fencing, surveying, and legal work.
National’s Conservation Spokesperson Tama Potaka told Francesca Rudkin the money goes a long way helping farmers.
He says he visited one just yesterday, who has set aside an area focused on conservation and boosting native trees and birds.
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Full Show Podcast: 09 June 2026
On the Early Edition with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast 2026, The Police Commissioner says a senior officer shouldn't stay in the job after putting his name forward for Labour, Police Association President Steve Watt shares his thoughts.
New numbers show Kiwis are spending more but buying less, Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young shares her thoughts.
The National Party has pledged to double permanent funding for the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust if re-elected, National Party Conservation Spokesperson, Tama Potaka tells Francesca how big of a difference this would make for farmers and landowners.
Steve Watt: Police Association President on a senior police officer's Labour candidacy
Concerns over a senior police officer's Labour candidacy are being downplayed, with assurances police remain politically neutral.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says he only learned of Rakesh Naidoo's candidacy on Sunday afternoon, and his position is now untenable.
Labour claims Naidoo took all the appropriate steps.
Police Association President Steve Watt told Francesca Rudkin his ranking on Labour's list shouldn't change how people react.
He says it's important neutrality is maintained, no matter where an officer sits on the list.
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Francesca Rudkin: What does Labour's list tell us?
The Labour Party yesterday announced its final candidate list ahead of the Election.
Did you find it an encouraging list? It looks like there are some very capable, accomplished newcomers with real life experience quite high on the list, and quite a few activists. While several more experienced, current MP’s find themselves down the list, most likely further than they’d like.
So, what does this tell us? Well, not much more than any other list.
Party president Jill Day said they were "proud" of the diversity and "depth of talent", and that, "we...
Kate Acland: Beef and Lamb Chair on the red meat sector's annual $50 billion spending contribution
The red meat sector is a significant part of New Zealand's economy, generating $17.5 billion in GDP every year and generating almost $50 billion in spending.
A new build study out today shows the industry backs more than 120,000 full-time jobs across the country.
Beef and Lamb Chair Kate Acland told Francesca Rudkin, "it's really just keeping the economy going round and round."
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Jordan Williams: Taxpayers' Union Executive Director on the government quietly setting aside the money from next year's budget
The Taxpayers' Union is accusing the Government of "political skulduggery" - over a billion dollars in undisclosed future spending.
The Government's quietly set aside the money from next year's Budget but is refusing to say where it'll go.
It amounts to 22 million dollars in 2027/28, before ramping up over a four-year period.
Union Executive Director Jordan Williams told Francesca Rudkin it appears National wants to keep the spending under wraps until the election.
He says we don't have a billion dollars to spare, so now's the time to be transparent.
...
Full Show Podcast: 08 June 2026
On the Early Edition with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast Monday 8th of June 2026, The Government's quietly pre-committed more than a billion dollars from next year's budget, but is refusing to say where the money's going, Taxpayers Union Executive Director Jordan Williams shares his thoughts.
Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on the Euro GDP growth rate and the EU launching a major tech push to break US and China dependence.
The red meat sector is generating $17.5 billion in GDP every year and supporting one in every 20 jobs, Beef and Lamb Chair Kate Acland s...
Francesca Rudkin: Government's new health moves are long overdue
I like how the government’s recent moves are trying to create a more integrated and responsive health system. Last week they moved on pharmacists and during the weekend it was with paramedics.
It’s about making the most of the workforce we already have by extending what they do, with the aim being to reduce treatment delays, improve patient experiences and take the pressure of our stretched primary health care providers.
Last Tuesday changes to the services pharmacists can provide kicked in. instead of waiting for a GP appointment, paying for a GP appointment, or pay...
Sam Ackerman: Sports Commentator previews the Super Rugby Pacific qualifiers
The Super Rugby Pacific qualifiers have arrived.
Four Kiwi teams will be fighting to stay in the game, battling for spots in the semi-final.
The Hurricanes are taking on the Brumbies tonight, before the Crusaders go head to head with the Blues at a sold out One NZ Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Following on from that, the Chiefs will be aiming to take down the Reds.
Sports Commentator Sam Ackerman joined Francesca Rudkin to preview the weekend’s matches.
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Malcolm Fleming: NZ Certified Builders CEO on construction activity hitting a ten year low
New data highlights ongoing struggles in the construction sector.
An Infometrics report shows building activity fell 3.5% in the March quarter to its lowest level in 10 years.
Non-residential building is down 13.5% on the same time last year.
NZ Certified Builders CEO Malcolm Fleming told Francesca Rudkin the biggest drop's been in commercial construction.
He says a lot of jobs are coming to an end, and there are no big projects to replace them.
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Jeffrey Pryce: Foreign Policy Institute Senior Fellow on House Republicans moving to prevent Donald Trump from ordering more strikes on Iran
Recent moves by Congress suggest some Republicans are acting more independently from the White House.
The House has passed a measure to stop US President Trump ordering more strikes on Iran.
Four Republicans broke ranks to secure the vote.
Foreign Policy Institute Senior Fellow Jeffrey Pryce told Francesca Rudkin it could now pass in the Senate, which would be significant, even if Trump doesn't sign it into law.
He says some chickens are coming home to roost for the President, particularly those in the Republican Party who have previously incurred his wrat...
Francesca Rudkin: If you want trust, you must accept consequences
New Zealand’s Privacy Commissioner is right to argue that the law should be changed to allow agencies to be fined when they fail to protect people’s sensitive personal information.
In an increasingly digital society, we’re being encouraged to trust organisations with highly confidential data, including medical records, financial details, and personal identification information. With that trust must come accountability.
The recent cyberattack involving Manage My Health highlights why stronger enforcement powers are necessary. The platform stores sensitive health information for hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders and is widely used by patients and heal...
Full Show Podcast: 05 June 2026
Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 5 June.
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Kate Fisher: US Correspondent on the call between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu
US President Donald Trump has confirmed some frustrations were shared in his call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Earlier this week, anonymous sources claimed the call was filled with expletives, Trump calling Netanyahu “f***ing crazy” and accusing him of ingratitude.
Trump confirmed on The New York Post’s ‘Pod Force One’ that he did indeed call him crazy, but claimed he was perturbed, rather than angry.
US Correspondent Kate Fisher told Francesca Rudkin this illustrates how difficult the situation is.
She says Trump wants to see a diplomatic end to the conflic...
Sheena Hemens: Christchurch mother on her call to extend bereavement leave from three days to ten
A Christchurch mother says current bereavement leave rules don’t give families enough time to grieve.
Sheena Hemens has launched a petition to increase the minimum entitlement from three days to ten, after her 27-year-old daughter Lauren was killed in a car crash nearly three years ago.
She says most people don't realise how little time you get to grieve until tragedy strikes, and the allowance feels like an insult.
Hemens told Francesca Rudkin that if you need more than three days, the only options currently are to use annual or sick leave, or to...
Mark Mitchell: Sport and Police Minister on the $8 million funding injection for youth intervention through sport
The Government's hoping a youth programme funding boost will help keep kids on the straight and narrow.
It's confirmed an $8 million cash injection to support troubled young people through sport and physical activity.
Sports and Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Francesca Rudkin it will reach a wide range of kids, including some already inside youth justice facilities.
He says they're using trusted community organisations like Champions Initiative boxing group, Blue Light, and Tauranga-based Live for More.
Mitchell says wants to provide more funding down the track.
He says it's about...
Francesca Rudkin: The story of Gen Z and their work ethic
In a podcast earlier this week, Former First Lady Michelle Obama had some wisdom for the Gen Z generation (aged between 14 and 29) when it comes to employment and their work ethic.
She said she wants Gen Z to understand that every experience, the bad boss, the boring assistant job, the job you weren’t appreciated in, the one that didn’t give you the assignment you wanted when you wanted it, all of that is teaching them to be resilient.
Why is it important to learn to endure a boring job, a bad boss or setback...
