Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

It's feared Fire and Emergency's proposed restructure will leave New Zealanders less safe.  It's expected to impact about 700 roles, with a net loss of 140.  No frontline firefighter positions will be affected but some supporting functions may change.  PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons told Ryan Bridge the jobs under threat work on prevention, operational response, and wildfires.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White House says released emails claiming Donald Trump spent hours with a victim of late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein create a fake narrative. The House Oversight Committee has released a tranche of emails and documents from Epstein's estate - another referencing the now US President as 'the dog that hasn't barked'. The White House says the victim referenced in the emails is the late Virginia Giuffre, who repeatedly said Trump wasn't involved in any wrongdoing.  US correspondent Mitch McCann told Ryan Bridge Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He says the White House says these are nothing more than bad faith efforts to distract from Trump's historic accomplishments. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I've seen a lot of commentary in the past few days about our government debt position.  We're up over 40% of GDP - that's doubled on pre-Covid. There are those on the left who say that's too little. We should borrow more. Forget a debt ceiling, borrow more and throw it at the public service and create some jobs - any jobs. This is what Carney is doing in Canada. His budget would double Ottawa's debt to $80-odd billion.  They've got Trump tariffs and weak domestic demand, so, he's getting out the deficit and trying to revive it.  Make no mistake, if a Labour-led government were to get in, that is the approach we'd have taken here.  Chris Hipkins has made that very clear. TPM and the Greens would make sure of it, too.  What we haven't heard from them yet is how much more they're wanting to borrow. Remember Robertson has a debt ceiling of 30% of GDP. Well, didn't that go well? The fact is it's popular to spend more. It sounds like you're doing something. The more you spend, the more you care, goes the theory.  Average public debt ratio to GDP for advanced economies is roughly 110%. So, we're well under that. But we're a small, isolated and trading-exposed country in the middle of trade war.  What we need is headroom. Morningstar, who've just given the government AAA credit rating, said as much.  And as for those banks making massive profits?   Well, turns out that's actually quote important, too. Morningstar said we weathered the housing market correction so well because of well-capitalised banks that are also very liquid, and they have strong buffers to absorb losses. So not all is as it seems. Bank profits and seemingly stingy insistence on returning books to surplus not only keep our interest costs down, but also keep us afloat during touch times. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 13th of November 2025, Sir Brian Roche is investigating Andrew Coster over the IPCA report.  Watercare is set to pay a $1 million settlement to 10 oyster farmers affected by a sewage spill. FENZ is proposing to cut more than a hundred jobs, PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons explains how it will impact firefighters.  Plus US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on new allegations from House Democrats that Donald Trump knew about Mr Epstein's illegal behaviour and the latest on the US government shutdown.  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.

AA believes it'll be difficult to conduct the new roadside drug tests at the same volume as alcohol tests.  From December, Police across Wellington can do random roadside saliva tests – screening for cannabis, methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine.   The rollout will begin throughout the rest of the country from April.  Drivers testing positive will need to do a second test that checks for 25 substances.   AA Road Safety Spokesperson Dylan Thomsen told Ryan Bridge the test takes three to five minutes to complete.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster is "on leave" from the Social Investment Agency following a damning report into the handling of the Jevon McSkimming case.  The former Deputy Police Commissioner is awaiting sentence after last week pleading guilty to having child sexual exploitation and bestiality material on his work devices.  The IPCA's report reveals senior leadership ignored anonymous allegations McSkimming was a sexual predator, and instead the woman was prosecuted for digital harassment.  Survivors' advocate Louise Nicholas told Ryan Bridge Coster's role in this really makes her angry.  She says he has a lot to answer for around this and he needs to front up.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New firearms law reforms aren't expected to hit the mark for everyone. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee's rewritten the Arms Act, easing up on licensed owners, banning gang member ownership, and adding offences including 3D printing weapons. It doesn't include McKee's bid to allow greater access to military-style semi-automatic weapons. Fish and Game Chief Executive Corina Jordan told Ryan Bridge she understands there could be disappointment from some hunters. She's encouraging those people to make a submission during the select committee process. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 12th of November 2025, sexual violence survivor advocate, Louise Nicholas shares her thoughts on the IPCA report into the handling of the Jevon McSkimming case. Gun lobbyist-turned-firearms minister Nicole McKee has lifted the lid on her Arms Act rewrite plans, Fish & Game Chief Executive Corina Jordan shares her thoughts.  AA Road Safety Spokesperson Dylan Thomsen shares his thoughts on new roadside drug testing.  Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on outgoing BBC boss who resigned this week says the corporation must fight for their journalism and UK unemployment hits 5% as the jobs market weakens. 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.

Coster is a dead man walking at this point.  Anyone not completely brainwashed during Covid could see there was something a bit off about him - this IPCA report is proof they were right. He knew about this so-called ‘affair’ McSkimming had - the woman had worked for the Police. He didn’t ask the questions he should have. He promoted McSkimming and didn’t tell the people he should have told about dodgy stuff. Which makes it look, well, dodgier, doesn’t it? In August, I asked Coster about McSkimming. No answers then, and still no answers now.  We’ve asked to speak to him this morning, he’s on leave. Nicola Willis gets tangled up in this, too. She recommended Coster for his current job. He’s still got five years on his contract. She says she’s appalled, but she can’t fire him. That’s a job for Brian Roche.  I don’t think there’s any doubt he’s going to get the sack, unless he resigns first. The whole thing is an absolute cluster. In a big government job like Police Commissioner, you’ve got to cross the t's and dot the i’s. It’s a $700k job. Coster wasn’t up to the job. And if he doesn’t quit his current one, it’s only a matter of time now before it's taken from him. The clock for Coster is now ticking.  And for the frontline, sadly, respect and integrity takes a lifetime to earn and moment to lose.  They're the ones who'll cop the backlash. They're the ones who have to actually talk to real people everyday. As of 6 o'clock last night, their jobs just became a lot harder. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's set to lay out what it plans to do about the gun laws.  Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee is expected to announce her rewriting of the Arms Act this morning.  Council of Licensed Firearms Owners Spokesperson Hugh Devereux-Mack says they want clearer definitions around when a firearm could be taken away for non-criminal reasons.  He told Ryan Bridge the current Act says Police need to consider any relevant matters deemed appropriate, which he believes is a vague catch-all.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Banks are under pressure to deliver customers more value.  ANZ's announced a 21% rise in annual profit days after Westpac confirmed a 13% rise.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis says with bank profits this high, customers should be seeing breakthrough innovation or new technology.  Simplicity Chief Economist Shamubeel Eaqub told Ryan Bridge we need our banks to be successful, but we also need them to compete for our business.  He says we have a banking sector that's extraordinarily safe and profitable, but not very innovative, and we need to ask why we're paying so much for so little.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 11th of November 2025, Te Pāti Māori's national council has voted to expel MPs Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris, Ngati Toa Iwi Chief Executive, Helmut Modlik shares his thoughts.  Firearms Minister Nicole McKee is set to lay out her rewriting of the Arms Act, Council of Licensed Firearm Owners Spokesperson, Hugh Devereux-Mack, tells Ryan what he's hoping for.  Shamubeel Eaqub, Simplicity Chief Economist shares his thoughts on bank profits after ANZ reported profits are up 20% to $2.5 billion. Plus Australian Correspondent Lesley Yeomans has the latest on two female MP's from Sydney have referred threats they've received to police, following a neo-nazi rally outside the NSW parliament at the weekend and Veteran broadcaster John Laws passing away at the age of 90.  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.

An iwi leader says fractures within Te Pāti Māori are unhelpful for Māori political goals.  Te Pāti Māori's National Council has opted to expel Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Takuta Ferris from the party.  Both have labelled the expulsion unconstitutional and will sit as Independent MPs for now.  Te Rūnanga O Toa Rangatira Chief Executive Helmut Modlik told Ryan Bridge this is distracting for more important issues.  He says there needs to be a focus on getting this current Government out because of its harmful policies toward Māori.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few years ago, we had a bunch of stories about Santa parades getting cancelled because of red tape and traffic management. NZTA was the Grinch that stole Christmas. And guess what, two years in, despite a change of Government, despite a Minister and Ministry of Regulation, despite the road cone tip line, the Grinch is back. This time it’s Piopio. Population around 500. Rural. Between Hamilton and New Plymouth. SH3. They want to close the road on the main which is their usual route. It’s close from 5:30pm to 8pm. Two and half hours. Kids get to see Santa’s sleigh riding through town. Lollies would presumably be thrown from floats driven behind Utes - or do they still throw lollies, or would you be fined for hitting somebody?  Anyway, you get the idea. We’ve all been to a Santa parade - great fun when you’re a kid. Guess how much it was going to cost them because of the Grinch’s traffic rules and the resulting bill for traffic management costs? It would normally cost around $1000. This year? $10,000-$14,000. If you’re organising a Santa parade or an ANZAC parade or community event, don’t worry, on the NZTA website you’ll find a helpful guide: the New Zealand Guide to Temporary Traffic Management. It’s 88 pages long. That’s not the only problem. The first sentence of the foreword (yes, there’s a foreword to this magnum opus) outlines the problem. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is committed to Road to Zero - a safer Aotearoa New Zealand where no one is killed or injured on our roads.  Now, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this is an absolute pipe dream and will never happen. Aiming for that outcome is mad.  What you get as a result is 88 pages of rubbish and a $14k bill to get Santa in a sleigh for two hours.  The organisers say they’ll have to do a Christmas meet and greet but no actual parade.  Christmas is the season to be jolly and the season for giving. NZTA is giving Grinch vibes and a bad attitude.  Whether it’s working from home, health and safety, or curriculum changes, there’s a wall of bureaucracy that seems impenetrable. A change of government and direction doesn’t seem to change anything.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 10 November. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A multi-pronged action plan aims to tackle the country's soaring methamphetamine use. The Government's launched raft of measures including more funding for community support services and a media campaign for public awareness. Consumption doubled last year to nearly 1,500 kilos. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee told Ryan Bridge it will be a coordinated approach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tongariro is a National Park for a reason. It's a stunning part of the country.  The fact is currently on fire is worrying not just because it's a fire and you want fires to be put out, but also because of where it's happening.  Ruapehu/central North island's been taking a hammering lately.   It's mills, factories, forestry and tourism.  Hundreds of jobs gone in mill closures. We've had alpine lifts debacle. The mountain's been battling. All this after Covid.  Now, summer bookings are at risk with a decent chunk of the park now a raging fire.  Businesses can only take so much before something breaks. As it has for many since the heady days of free government money during the pandemic.  Today we're reporting 115% increase in insolvencies since 2022.  The problem is not just inflation eating in consumer spending and confidence, but also the sequence of shocks. It's been one thing after another.  Those on the edge get pushed off.  The economy, generally, has had inflation, recession, the weather events, tariffs. Worst conditions in 30 years or more.  What it tells us is that these shocks can come any time, any place, not necessarily with six or seven good years between them.  What's next? The AI bubble bursting? Another war? An oil shock? Another fire ripping through a tourist hot-spot? Take your pick. But don't expect it won't come tomorrow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks’ Grand Slam tour continues this weekend.  They’re up against Scotland at Murrayfield after a solid victory over Ireland in the first leg.  Scotland will be looking to claim the victory for the first time against the All Blacks, particularly since they’re marking the 100 years at the stadium.   Rugby Commentator Tony Johnson told Ryan Bridge that while there is a lot of excitement, it has been tempered with the exclusion of a few really good players from the Scottish team.  He says that while the team is still likely to be a threat, they probably won’t be as big of one due to those defections.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's looking to invest in more companies that can get the country more gas, fast.  It's widening the scope for its $200 million gas co-investment fund.  The fund —created to support new gas field developments— will now invest in a broader range of projects that will accelerate or increase the volume of gas to market.  Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie told Ryan Bridge it's an encouraging move.  He says the focus should now be on creating durable policy settings to give investors confidence in the future.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So we've had a fifth round of talks with India on a free trade agreement. A senior government minister's in town with 42 of his mates. This is a sign of good progress, but dairy farmers were hoping for a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow and it isn't going to happen.  McClay and Luxon promised a deal by the election and it sounds like they're on track to achieve that. But is a deal worth the paper it's written on if it doesn't unlock tariff free access for milk powder? It's our major commodity we sell to the rest for the world. It's one of the reasons Fonterra's the cat that got the cream right now.  But in their haste and their eagerness, these Ministers are going for quick and dirty over comprehensive and all-encompassing.  Which begs the question, would a deal look good for the government without dairy in it, or would you look a bit dumb because you've rushed in to buy a car which doesn't actually include an engine? Here's why it won't include dairy:  India is the world's largest consumer of dairy.  It meets that demand domestically. They don't need or want our stuff. They have ambitions to be a major dairy exporter in future.  The Brits' deal disappointed farmers for excluding dairy. Fed Farmers in Scotland put out a release saying it was a sour deal because of it. You can expect to get the same reaction here if and when a deal is done without our big money spinner included.  Even our Treasury says dairy isn't going to happen. I asked Miles Hurrell about this a few months ago. He's realistic. He basically said he doesn't think dairy will get across the line, but if it did, it'd be invaluable. Of course it would be. Growth in global dairy consumption is expected to largely be driven out of India and Pakistan.  To miss this boat would be disappointing. They could include some nothing clause about wanting to open in future, but there'd be no guarantee. Which doesn't make this a deal not worth signing, but the speed at which its being done could actually hurt Luxon's self-described business negotiating skills if expectations aren't properly managed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.