Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

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.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday the 7th of November 2025, The Government’s lowering the bar for gas companies to access the $200 million gas security fund, Energy Resources Aotearoa CEO John Carnegie shares his thoughts.  The All Blacks continue their grand slam tour this weekend, against Scotland at Murrayfield, Rugby Commentator Tony Johnson tells Ryan how he thinks it will go. Plus, UK/ Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on Cop30 and one of two men accidentally freed in error from the same prison has turned himself in. 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.

Concerns too many young people are finding it too hard to find a job.  15.2% of young people in the labour force are now unemployed, while 13.8% of all young people aren't in any employment, education, or training.  Youth Inspire works to get young people in Lower Hutt into jobs.  Chief Executive Zainab Ali told Ryan Bridge many of the people they're working with are really struggling.   She says there's a rhetoric out there that if someone wants to work there's a job but promises this isn't the case.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York City's new Mayor Elect says he will remain accessible and transparent.  34-year-old democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has become the city's first Muslim mayor and the first mayor of South Asian heritage.  He's achieved a landmark victory over Donald Trump-backed independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.  US correspondent Jagruti Dave told Ryan Bridge this is a real shift for the Democratic Party.  She says they've been in the wilderness since Donald Trump became president, so this will put some wind beneath their wings.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Minister says he has more pressing priorities than the enforcement of a law banning smoking or vaping in cars with children.  Last year, Newstalk ZB revealed Police never updated systems so officers could issue fines and had no plans to.   Police say the systems remain the same fourteen months on, and no fines have been issued.  Mark Mitchell told Ryan Bridge this is an operational issue for Police, and he's focused on other things.  He says his priority is getting on top of aggravated robberies and other violent crime.  Mitchell says Police have been very clear they prefer to educate parents rather than fine them, and he supports that approach.  He says despite this, the legislation remains, and they're still working on a system to action it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Assurance news of a rise in Kiwis calling in sick indicates a positive cultural shift.  A Business NZ and Southern Cross report shows workers are taking an average of 6.7 sick days a year, up from 5.5 in 2022.  Employers and Manufacturers Association Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald told Ryan Bridge while it is a cost, most employers recognise it stops infections spreading.  McDonald says the stats better reflect the understanding in a workplace, that people do genuinely get sick, and it's better to manage this than have them in.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a form of economic nimbyism that’s going on in this country. And if we want to get ahead, everyone knows there must be trade-offs. No economic miracle, new business, or growth opportunity comes without a cost. Whether its intensive agriculture on the environment or water to run the data centres that power your smart phones, every success costs you something. The trick is to be reasonable and take risks then mitigate them, or just be willing to wear the costs. The problem we have here is not a lack of opportunities, not even, in many cases, investment.  I was in Otago just recently - beautiful place, stunning.  There’s a gold mine permit been issued. Sam Neil’s dead against the project, as are many others.  There's opposition and legal challenges, etc, etc. Fair enough. He has a house around there and is worried about trucks on the road, etc. But it’s also an area that would be serviced by this brand-new hospital Dunedin’s getting.  Half the towns and buildings in Otago wouldn’t be there to be begin were it not for gold mining. The permit’s been issued and the rest is set for the fast track.  Wānaka said no to a McDonald’s, in part due to concerns about healthy eating. Residents objected to a solar farm in part because of something called lunar reflection, that the moonlight might reflect off a solar panel like it would, oh I don’t know, a lake or the ocean. Which is all well and good but if we want stuff like new hospitals, highways, and potholes fixed, it must somehow be paid for. There’s a little too much economic nimbyism going on for anyone to be seriously complaining about the state of things.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 6th of November 2025, youth unemployment is continuing to rise, Zainab Ali, CEO of Youth Inspire tells Ryan why the situation is so bad.  Kiwis are calling in sick more than ever and businesses are feeling it, the EMA's Alan McDonald shares his thoughts.  Back in 2020 the Government passed the law to ban smoking and vaping in the car with kids, but the Police say their computer systems can't issue fines for it, Police Minister Mark Mitchell tells Ryan what he's going to do about it.  Plus US Correspondent Jagruti Dave, has the latest on the US elections and Trump's reaction.  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.

Our red meat sector's continuing to see strong international demand.  Latest data from the Meat Industry Association shows the value of our red meat exports in September was up 29% on September last year.  Exports to the US were up 25%, despite the introduction of Donald Trump's tariffs.  Association Chair Nathan Guy told Andrew Dickens that while they thought the tariffs would be problematic, in reality, demand has been really strong.   He says there’s a strong hamburger market in the States and New Zealand exporters are filling that market with quality product.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Fire and Emergency manager believes public fireworks sales should be banned as Guy Fawkes looms.  It's currently restricted to just four days a year, this year from November 2nd until Guy Fawkes.  It's one of the busiest periods of the year for firefighters, who had about 20 fireworks-related callouts in the 48 hours since sales began.  Community Safety Manager Adrian Nacey told Andrew Dickens they get between 150 and 200 fireworks related calls each year, and they’re not all necessarily caused by recklessness.  He says little things like wind can cause issues, so they’d prefer fireworks were kept in the hands of professionals.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unemployment has hopefully almost reached its peak. Latest Stats NZ data is expected to show unemployment has reached 5.3% in the September quarter. That's up from 5.2% in the June quarter. BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones told Andrew Dickens they expect another rise in the December quarter, before the job market starts to recover next year. He says there's still a bit of slog ahead of us, but there's encouraging signs, like job ads lifting and businesses wanting to increase employment. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pensioners marched on Parliament yesterday, demanding that politicians remember them.   And one of the biggest things on their mind is the rules around retirement villages. Here’s an example: A couple had been in their retirement village for 10 years. Needing more care, they decide to move out and find a more appropriate place to live.   They’d bought their villa for $600,000, but under the current situation they’ll get just $400,000 of that money back. So, no capital gain at all.  The village is then free to on sell the villa say for $1.2 million, and they don’t have to pay the couples $400,000 back until they find some to take over the licence. In some cases that may take two years.  So, no capital gain, in fact a loss, and then no funds at all in the bank until the village decides to re-licence  The only way a village works for you is if you stay in it until the day you die. But you will not be passing on any capital gains to your kids, you’re going to lose half your capital.   That’s the deal.  Labour’s Ingrid Leary promised to do something about this but lost the mandate.  Now the Government continues to say they support our seniors, and they are also railing against taxes on capital gains.  But our seniors are being hit with a defacto capital gains tax that far exceeds anything Labour has suggested.  I think it may be time to walk the walk that you’ve been walking and talking but not doing. Let’s not ruin our seniors' last days by taking too much of the money they spent their whole life working to have. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 5th of November 2025, the unemployment figures get released today with economists picking a nine-year high, BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones tells Andrew what today's figures mean for the Reserve Bank.  Winston Peters has submitted a members bill which would ban the importing and sale of fireworks, Fire and Emergency NZ Regulatory Compliance Manager Adrian Nacey shares his thoughts.  It seems the red meat industry might've survived despite trump's tariffs for now, Meat Industry Association Chair Nathan Guy tells Andrew what the future is looking like for the industry.  Plus, UK/ Europe Correspondent Peter Anderson has the latest on British far-right activist, Tommy Robinson found not guilty of a terror offence and former England football captain Sir David Beckham has been formally knighted for his services to football and British society. 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.

There’s concern our cemeteries are running out of space, with some councils taking too long to secure new land.  The Cemeteries and Crematoria Collective says many graveyards are already at or near capacity, forcing delays and limiting burial options.  It warns too many councils are failing to plan far enough ahead, and many are excluding cemeteries from urban growth strategies that often focus narrowly on housing.  Collective Chair Daniel Chrisp told Andrew Dickens that while 70-75% of New Zealanders prefer cremation now, there are still many communities and cultures that prefer burial.   He says the option needs to be provided, so councils need to think strategically and proactively about it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer confidence could be turning around as borrowing rises.  Latest data from credit bureau service Centrix shows residential mortgage and household lending have both increased more than 20% year-on-year.  Personal loan and Buy Now Pay Later applications and business borrowing are also up.  Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold told Andrew Dickens we're heading in the right direction, but it's still early days.  He says many of the indicators for growth are still subpar but lower interest rates are starting to flow through.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rain's on the forecast for today's 165th running of the Melbourne Cup. There are no New Zealand-trained runners this year, but Smokin Romans and Torranzino were both bred here. Newstalk ZB's Melbourne Cup correspondent Donna Demaio says those heading to Flemington will need to pack their brollies and coats. She told Andrew Dickens the weather is dominating much of the conversation. Demaio says it's expected to rain all day and even during the race. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Tuesday 4th of November 2025, Centrix data shows more people are getting mortgages, Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold tells Andrew what this means for the economy.  A new NZ Initiative report’s calling on the government to tap into GP data, Chair of General Practice Owners Association Dr Angus Chambers shares his thoughts.  NZ Cemeteries and Crematoria Collective Chair Daniel Chrisp tells Andrew we’re running out of room to bury the dead. Plus, Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on the weather in Melbourne for the highly anticipated Melbourne Cup.  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.

The GP Owners' Association's backing calls for the Government to make better use of primary care data. A New Zealand Initiative report says information from GP clinics isn’t being systematically collected, unlike hospital and prescription data. It argues the information could help identify prescribing issues and prevent unnecessary hospital admissions. Association Chair Angus Chambers told Andrew Dickens this has been an acknowledged gap for a long time. He says it has been collected individually before, but not systematically, which requires investment. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.