Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

NZ20 has triumphed, but the administration disaster at New Zealand Cricket continues.  Former Black Cap Dion Nash —understood to have been against the local franchise league that has been provisionally accepted— has resigned from NZC's board.  A statement says Nash was no longer aligned with the future direction of the organisation.  NZ Herald Sports Reporter Alex Powell told Ryan Bridge that it’s not surprising to see Nash falling on his sword.  He says it was sort of known behind the scenes that he was the one board member really against NZ20, and without him, they could’ve come to this conclusion a few months ago.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fonterra's confident it will be able to make the best of bad global circumstances.   The dairy giant has reported a 2.8% lift in first-half net profit to $750 million.   It's also announced a 20 cent increase in the farmgate milk price with a midpoint now sitting at $9.70 per kilo of milksolids.   Chief Executive Miles Hurrell says the war in Iran creates uncertainty.    Fonterra Co-operative Council Chair John Stevenson told Ryan Bridge that farmers are certainly worried.  He says the key thing will be seeing how the company deals with the war and the potential impact.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Calls for New Zealanders to remain level-headed at the pump as the Government moves to improve our fuel supply.   It's changing fuel specifications so importers have the option to bring in fuel refined to Australian standards.    The announcement comes as petrol surpasses four dollars a litre at some stations.   Transporting New Zealand CEO Dom Kalasih told Ryan Bridge we don't need to be discussing rationing yet.  He says there's been some short-term disruptions at some truck stops, but we have six weeks left of fuel in the country with ships on the way.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday the 24th of March 2025, the Government's announced its first change to help us from running out of fuel, Transporting NZ CEO and Former Z Energy Logistics Manager Dom Kalasih shares his thoughts.  NZ Cricket's made the decision to move ahead with NZ20, NZ Herald Sports Journalist Alex Powell tells Ryan what this means for the game.  Fonterra's posted a $750 million profit; Fonterra Co-operative Council Chair John Stevenson shares his thoughts.  Plus, Australia Correspondent Lesley Yeomans has the latest on fuel shortages across the ditch and thousands of journalists at the ABC are going on strike from Wednesday.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anyone expecting a lolly scramble from the Government today is going to be disappointed. At best, one or two old Werther's Originals. As we’ve been talking about for the last few weeks, this government can’t, politically, splash cash when oil’s forcing inflation up. The $60 billion borrowed and spent during the pandemic, half not actually on Covid expenses, was fuel on the fire of an already raging inflation inferno.  The Reserve Bank and Government were both blowing into the same sail. It got us up on the foils for a while but ultimately just delayed the pain we’re now still feeling. The new Governor, imported from Sweden, will give a key speech later this morning after the market opens with a hint of how they’ll react to the latest international catastrophe to reach our shores. Any whiff the central government is planning to borrow and spend to cushion the blow would complicate her job. The reality is, when the shite hits the fan, things get messy. Somebody has to pay. There is no free ride, no free bus, no free train. If we don’t pay today, we’ll pay tomorrow.  And let’s not forget, we’re now officially on notice from at least one of the big rating agencies. We need to be cutting, not borrowing.  Balancing the books, not setting them on fire. Again. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Romanian woman and Iranian man have been arrested after allegedly trying to enter the Faslane Naval Base in Scotland.  And, a UK minister says Israel's claims that Iran has missiles able to reach London and Paris cannot be substantiated.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge, "the government and ministers have been saying there is no assessment to substantiate those claims that Iran has long range missiles. "And as one minister said, even if they could, why would they?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Optimism the Government's electric vehicle charger investment will benefit Kiwis. More than 52-million-dollars is being spent to more than double chargers nationwide, in a bid to boost uptake. Co-investment from ChargeNet and Meridian Energy lifts the total to more than 110-million.  Imported Vehicles Association Chief Executive Greig Epps told Ryan Bridge the Government’s worked closely with the industry over the past year. He says there's been an industry stakeholder group discussing how this could be done, and surveys completed on the existing number of chargers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 23rd of May 2025, The government wants to double ev charging points via interest-free loans, Imported vehicle association CEO, Greig Epps shares his thoughts.  Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport.  The government’s making moves to prevent dog attacks, Northland MP Grant McCallum tells Ryan what he wants to see it review. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on a UK minister saying there is "no assessment to substantiate" Israel's claim that Iran has long-range missiles capable of reaching London and an Iranian man and a Romanian woman have been charged after allegedly trying to enter the Faslane naval base, home to the UK's nuclear-armed submarines.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston's driving a dump truck through Luxon's political strategy. Luxon‘s strategy is to let his ministers do the talking. He says his strength is picking his team. And there's good reason, he has competent ministers; finance, justice, police, education, Chris Bishop, Todd Mclay on trade, Nicola Willis - she's taking control, taking the bull by the horns on the fuel crisis, which is his COVID. But as a voter, this leaves a power of vacuum at the top.  Luxon has been cutting back media appearances. And when he does appear, performances the haven’t been great, by his own admission. If Winston polls at 12% on election day, or higher, New Zealand First MP could make up a quarter of the cabinet. That’s why we met Alfred Ngaro yesterday, because he was a minister. That’s also why Winston was looking at Stuart Nash, although that looks to be a dead duck after the unfortunate comments about women's genitalia.  The most powerful part of Winston's pitch to voters yesterday was not so much the policies, which we knew about, as it was experience.  In a time of crisis, as we battle international headwinds, experience matters.  It didn’t hurt did it came from a foreign minister who's been round since Moses was a linebacker.  Now, if you're voter, and you think the National leader is a a bit too much MIA. Or NA.  Then you're left thinking about picking a cabinet, not necessarily the one man or woman to lead them all . And if Winston wields the power, and Luxon knows his failure in leadership is communication, what would be the harm in a year of two, during the next term of this coalition, of Winston Peters as Prime Minister.  Luxon's political strategy creates a certain power of vacuum, and Winston would, I'm sure, be more than happy to fill it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allowing less pure fuel into the country could shore up supply.   Finance Minister Nicola Willis has asked fuel importers what specifications could be relaxed to make it easier for them to get more in.   Waitomo Group Chief Executive Simon Parham says there could be a relaxing of the rules to allow more sulphur content in our diesel.   He told Ryan Bridge that we only allow fuel with less than 10 parts per million sulphur content.  Parham says the US allows 15 parts per million and Australia has relaxed to 50 parts per million.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A three-decade surge in how much unhealthy food we eat.   New research from Auckland University, published in the Globalisation and Health journal, shows New Zealand's imports of ultra-processed food increased from 16 kilograms in 1990, to 104 in 2023.   Past studies show about 70% of packaged food in our supermarkets is ultra-processed.  Nutritionist Nikki Hart told Ryan Bridge it's often disguised.   She says it's canned food, crackers, and biscuits that are presented with a health claim.  Kids are also feeding into unhealthy food branding, Hart saying products are designed to catch their attention.   She says there's a lot of money and time going into it, as our rates of child obesity rise.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday’s “disappointing” GDP data gives the Reserve Bank more scope to delay a hike to the Official Cash Rate, ANZ senior economist Matthew Gault says.  The RBNZ’s next monetary policy review announcement is on April 8. It had been picking 0.5% GDP growth for the December quarter, but GDP rose just 0.2%.  Gault told Ryan Bridge ANZ had expected the Bank to be reasonably cautious about the oil price shock compared to other central banks.  “Definitely inflation will rise with oil prices going up as much as they have. But the real concern for the Reserve Bank will be whether that increase in oil prices spills over into generalized inflation, things like wages and other prices.  “And with the economy in a relatively weak state, we think they'll be less worried about that than places like Australia where the economy is firing more strongly.”  Gault said the Government was being “sensible” not to push inflation higher with fiscal stimulus in response to oil prices.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 20th of March 2025, the government's acknowledged a "big shift" in the government's messaging around the war in the Middle East, Waitomo Group CEO Simon Parham, tells Ryan what oil company's are doing to assist with the oil shock.  A New study highlights just how unhealthy our eating has gotten, Nutritionist Nikki Hart shares her thoughts on why we're importing so much processed foods.  ANZ Senior Economist Matt Gault tells Ryan what the disappointing GDP result means for the state of our economy.  Plus, UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on prices of gas and oil rising sharply due to strikes on Iran's South Pars field and the King's opened the world's longest coastal footpath which stretches around the entire coast of England.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Joe Kent this week’s voice of reason? Is he the guy speaking truth in the fog of war? He spoke to Tucker Carlson, and the podcast is worth a listen.  He’s a MAGA guy. He was a Trump guy. But this week he turned his back on his President. He quit his job as America’s top counter-terrorism official. He was a soldier. He served in Iraq. His wife was killed in a suicide bombing in Syria. He’s no snowflake. He just doesn’t want the US getting bogged down in wars it can’t win.  It’s one thing to bomb the hell out of a country. But when the dust settles, the troops go home, the victory banners are unfurled, then what? In Iraq - a power vacuum and ISIS. So, in calling this out, in quitting, is Joe Kent a hero or a traitor?  The FBI’s now investigating him, but that’s not unusual. Look at Jerome Powell (Fed Chair), John Bolton, right down to Jimmy Kimmel, who was investigated by the US TV regulator after criticising Trump. Only time will tell whether there was a pressing need to start this war we’re all paying for. But history tells us it won’t end just because a US President says so.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changes to refugee law could put asylum seekers at risk.  Under proposed Government reforms, immigration officials would be able to consider crimes committed by refugee applicants.   The changes also introduce stricter rules, including mandatory biometrics appointments.  NZ Association of Migration and Investment Chair Simon Laurent told Ryan Bridge the new rules could have serious consequences for asylum seekers.  He says if they don't show up for the appointment, it appears their claim will be thrown out.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An aviation expert believes the chances of a Westport to Wellington route returning in the future are slim.  Westport is on the brink of losing its only direct air link to the capital, with flights set to be axed by May unless financial support is secured.  Regional carrier Originair stepped in to maintain the route after Sounds Air withdrew from the service in 2024.  Aviation Industry commentator Irene King told Ryan Bridge people just aren't using the route much during the week.  She says it might be sustainable for sort of unscheduled casual operations but will be very difficult to get someone in there for scheduled flights.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 19th of March 2025, Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold shares his forecast for GDP data out today.  Westport’s losing its only air service, Aviation commentator Irene King shares her thoughts. The Government's cracking down on criminal migrants and refugees, Immigration lawyer and Chairman of the New Zealand Association of Migration and Investment, Simon Laurent shares his thoughts.  Plus, US Correspondent Jagruti Dave has the latest on the Senate hearing on worldwide threats and the confirmation hearing of Markwayne Mullin, Trump's pick to replace Kristi Noem.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Westpac's chief economist is still holding out hope New Zealand will weather financial headwinds from the Iran war.  Stats NZ's releasing data for the December quarter just before 11am. Westpac and ASB have forecast 0.4% quarterly growth, while BNZ and Kiwibank suggest 0.3% and ANZ 0.2%. Kelly Eckhold told Ryan Bridge everyone's looking forward to the conflict's impacts, but he's optimistic.  He says we have strong commodity prices and the exchange rate's helping us out, meaning we're better placed than we could have been.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Old, yes. Backward looking, by its nature, but not irrelevant. We’re tipped to grow around 0.3%-0.4% for Q4 2025. It would mark, barring any surprises, the second straight month of per capita growth on the trot.  That means average income and standard of living was ticking up on a per person basis, albeit from a low base. This is important because it tells you we're on the move. We're fighting back against the recession. Some say the number is now irrelevant because of the war and oil supply, but there are reasons to be optimistic. We’re looking at alternative supplies. Our current stocks are described as stable. The Reserve Bank is likely to leave interest rates where they are in three weeks.  And there’s a fork in the road, if inflation bumps, there’ll be temptation to hike rates later. But we can still grow at a clip under 3% if two things happen: 1. We don’t panic buy and self-fulfil a fuel shortage2. We learn lessons from Liberation Day. Trump's actions are chaotic and often quickly reversed. TACO.  The tariff shock wasn’t so much about a direct affect, it was a knock to business and consumer confidence.  People spent less and business paused hiring and investing because of the uncertainty. And that blew over. Yes, this is different and involves more balls in the air, but the fundamental lesson is the same. If we freak out, if we let uncertainty rule our lives, we exacerbate the very problem we’re trying avoid in the first place. So I’m relatively optimistic. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. So much is of economics is basically human feelings, when it boils down to it.  So when today’s GDP read comes out, let’s take stock of where we’ve been. Let’s pat ourselves and our businesses on the back for our contributions. That number’s not irrelevant, it was hard fought.  Confidence is key. If we think we can do it again, we will.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BNZ’s chief economist Mike Jones says Treasury’s previous worst-case inflation forecast for this year of 3.7% is probably too conservative.  Annual food costs climbed 4.5% in the year to February but Jones told Ryan Bridge BNZ's 2.9% consumer price index forecast for the first quarter hadn’t changed.  “It's the second quarter that's really going to bear the brunt of the spike in petrol prices that we are seeing. So we've got a 3.8% forecast for Q2 and inflation stays above 3% now for the rest of the year on our numbers.”  Finance Minister Nicola Willis on Monday said Treasury had given her a worst-case scenario of 3.7% inflation by the end of the year, assuming a long conflict in Iran - up from the current 3.1%.  But Jones said that could now be “a bit light” - though he did not believe inflation would go above 4%.  “Of course, we've probably had the benefit of a few more days and maybe even a week of information and what we've seen in the current environment is that forecasts and assumptions are going out of date pretty quickly.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.