Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Unions say the mega-strikes today - are not just about them.  Tens of thousands of workers across health and education are stopping work in their fight for better pay and conditions.  More than 100 members gathered in Auckland last night - discussing the importance of strong public education and health systems.  PPTA President Chris Abercrombie says that the public service commission hasn't yet made contact, but the teachers have made it clear, "we're more than happy to talk about anything they want to talk about." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour plans to expand rebate for game development industry. Labour says that, if re-elected, they will expand the game development rebate, which gives Kiwi studios access to $40million a year to grow the industry.   The subsidy currently covers 41 different game studios, and in the 2025 financial year $24million of the $40million was spent.  Game Developers Association Executive Director Joy Keene told Ryan Bridge that, “the world can't get enough of New Zealand developed games.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More children are being harmed in Oranga Tamariki's care.  The agency's annual report reveals 530 children in care experienced harm in the year ending in March - 23 more than the previous 12 months.  There were more findings of emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect in this period - but an eight percent reduction in findings of physical harm. Instances of harm in secure residences fell for the first time - something the Children's Minister is celebrating.  Karen Chhour told Ryan Bridge she's pleased by the 14 percent drop - as it shows recent system changes are yielding results. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Massey Uni releases these numbers each year.  They tell you how much you might need to retirement.  In the city... two people in a house... want to live comfortably... need $1 million.  $450,000 in the provinces. Now, you then start working backwards. In terms of you're net worth.  Depending on your age, you may not be able to rely on the pension.  Some government will eventually means test it or change the age or cut it back. It's inevitable.  So there's a shortfall you're probably going to have to fill.  KiwiSaver contributions need to go up. And they are. Slightly, from 3 to eventually 4%.  But realistically, we'll need to be doing 10%. And I know people are doing that - who are, even in their 30s, going hard on saving and investing for this express purpose.  So people are planning and working hard. Slogging their guts out. Just being responsible and making sure they can take care of themselves and their families.  Which is why it smacks of entitlement that politicians live in i a different world on super. Totally different world.  They get a super subsidy 2.5 times the percent they contribute from their salary, up to a maximum payment of 20 percent. RNZ reported earlier this year that a backbencher gets $170,000. 20 percent of that would be about $34,000 We get dollar-for-dollar from our employers up to 3 percent.  The argument is their jobs aren't secure, so they need more security.  They aren't the only ones in that situation. But they are the only ones I know of who get retirement nest egg like that. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 23rd of October 2025, an estimated 100,000 teachers, nurses, dentists and medical staff are all walking off the job today, PPTA President Chris Abercrombie tells Ryan some rallies have been called off due to severe weather.  Labour’s keeping the policy train rolling and this time it’s all about video games, New Zealand game developers Association Executive Director Joy Keene shares her thoughts.  The Children’s Commissioner and Independent Children’s Monitor have called out the Children's Minister for cherry-picking statistics on abuse in state care, Karen Chhour makes her case. Plus, US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on Trump demanding the Justice Department pay him $230 million in compensation for the federal investigations into him and the government shutdown is now entering its fourth week. 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.

A Māori rights lawyer is not buying the Government's explanation for a change to foreshore and seabed laws.  It says amendments to the Marine and Coastal Areas Act restore the legislation to its original intent - an argument criticised by the Act's original author former Attorney General Chris Finlayson.   It's expected to make getting Māori customary marine titles more difficult.  Lawyer and former Waitangi Tribunal Registrar Tom Bennion told Ryan Bridge the Government's won't admit they're trying to eradicate coastal rights.  He says people just about have to have been standing on the shore since 1840 with a taiaha telling everyone to go away - or they won't get anything.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicolas Sarkozy's become the first French ex-president to go to jail. He's started a five-year sentence for conspiring to fund his election campaign with money from late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.  Sarkozy, who was president from 2007-2012, has appealed against his jail term at La Santé prison, where he will occupy a small cell in its isolation wing. UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was always going to be a risky strategy but it's backfiring quite badly for Labour. The two-year policy drought is over. Then heavens have open.  And a flood, or more like a few rain drops, of policy. It's gone haywire not just because Hipkins forgot his Health spokesperson was actually announcing a policy yesterday.  But because of the contents of that policy. In a nutshell it’s about letting some independent group of experts decide on health funding. And as I mentioned yesterday, a trend is now emerging.  Labour doesn’t trust itself to make wise choices. Or rather, it knows the electorate doesn’t trust it make wise choices with their hard-earned money. That’s why they’ve outsourced decision making to other people. They did it with the Future Fund and now they've done it on health. In some ways it’s smart. They're trying to suggest National will sell off assets and de-fund doctors so there needs to be an independent group making decisions.  But mostly it’s dumb because if there’s one thing kiwis don’t like backing, it’s a loser. And this strategy feels like a loser because it lacks confidence. It's the message its sending. It doesn’t say here’s where I’ll put your money and here’s how and here’s why. It says, “I’m not too confident that you’re confident in me so I’ll give your money to someone else to decide”. It feels a bit weak. It’s not a plan or a policy; it’s an admission of guilt. Of failure.  If the goal was in fact to box National into a corner during the election campaign, that also creates problems. Are these the best policies to grow NZ Inc and get the best outcomes, or are these just politically expedient policies designed to start fights on a campaign? All of this, of course, comes ahead of their capital gains tax announcement, which is apparently weeks away. What’s next? They’ll let a group of accountants decide who should pay what tax on what assets? Confidence is key in politics. You’ve got to know what you want and you’ve to go for it. Chippy’s so far left his mojo at the door and it’s showing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 22nd of October 2025, The Foreshore and Seabed Amendment Bill has passed into law, maori rights lawyer and former registrar of the waitangi tribunal Tom Bennion shares his thoughts.  Agriculture Minister Todd McClay shares his views on farmer-shareholders voting in favour of a $270 million investment from Dawn Meats into Alliance.  A new sector survey shows abuse toward roadworkers is out of control, Civil Contractors NZ CEO Alan Pollard tells Ryan why the problem is getting worse.  Plus UK/ Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on Nicolas Sarkozy becoming the first French ex-president to go to jail. 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.

Consistency is key to the success of crucial roads, which are next on the Government's construction hit list.  It's funnelling nearly 1.2 billion into 17 highway projects countrywide,  as part of the Roads of National Significance programme.  National Road Carriers Policy manager James Smith told Ryan Bridge newly built roads of significance such as the Kapiti Expressway have seen significant benefits.  He says not only do they lead to slightly faster travel times, but the route is now more reliable and dependable.  Smith says in his industry, drivers need to know what time they will arrive. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Belief that small businesses are the backbone of New Zealand but are under-served in current Government schemes.  Labour has pledged to launch a Future Fund - that re-invests dividends from specified Crown assets into businesses and infrastructure projects. Prospa Managing Director Adrienne Begbie told Ryan Bridge her company helps small businesses get off the ground, and it's great Labour is taking steps forward for these Kiwis.  She says hopefully this fund gives some different kinds of investment to help businesses grow and spark up New Zealand. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A rates cap is one of those policies that immediately sounds appealing.  Look no further than yesterday’s CPI number. It’s one of your top three inflation feeders. So, throw a cap on them. Tie their hands behind their backs. Reign 'em in! Get rid of the hundred-thousand-dollar bike rack here, the million-dollar disco toilets there, the coffee machines for staff over there. But in practice, how do actually make it work without starving these councils of revenue they actual need to fix the pipes? I spoke to Ben Bell from Gore yesterday. He said almost 90% of council spending there goes on basics - pipes and roads.  The rest is "nice to haves". Libraries and swimming pools etc.  There’s no club sandwiches as council meetings. They're drinking instant coffee. And yet, Gore’s rate increases have been double digit or close to it for several years. They’ll be close to double digits again this year.  Despite that, the good people of Gore have re-elected Bell for a second term. So, we say we want lower rates, of course we do, but the question is what will it cost to us?  Will capping them actually hurt us? Our local economies, productivity, efficiency.  Last week, Wayne Brown told me on Herald Now that Auckland could have a ZERO increase next year if it wasn’t for the City Rail Link spending coming online. It’s a major transport project. It'll, in theory, benefit Auckland and the country. It was paid for by both Jaffas and taxpayers. If we want lower rates, we could just not run any trains on the tracks.  But is that sensible. Don’t get me wrong, I’m the first to criticise the big spending bozos who chuck money at dumb stuff. But most council spending isn’t that. Most of it is stuff we need.  D-day is looming for the government’s plan to cap rates, and it needs to be a measured response. We need spending on pipes and roads to continue and waste on disco loos flushed down the dunny.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 21st of October 2025, the Government's set aside a combined total of $1.2 billion to get key projects moving in the roads of national significance programme, National Road Carriers General Manager of Policy and Advocacy, James Smith shares his thoughts.  Inflation’s hit 3% for the year to September -- up from 2.7%, but still within the reserve bank’s target. Adrienne Begbie Managing Director of Prospa NZ shares her thoughts on Labour's Future Fund idea.  Plus, Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on Trump's meeting with Albanese at the White house.  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.

Shane Jones is determined to use his voice to attract mining investors to our shores - no matter the next election outcome.  The Resources Minister and self-proclaimed 'mining champion' is heading to the International Mining and Resources Conference in Sydney, to promote our supply of rare earth minerals.  Jones told Ryan Bridge regardless of the risk of the opposition taking power, if there is no strong advocate for mining, then we surrender to woke-ism. He says investors are warming to the fact New Zealand has a voice that is pushing back the tide, and without it, we'd be poorer.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hunt continues for the thieves who stole priceless jewels in a heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The world's most famous art gallery is closed after a group of thieves used a ladder and small chainsaws to enter the Apollo Gallery, and escaped on scooters with items of 'incalculable' value. UK/ Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 20th of October 2025, inflation data comes out this morning, ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley shares his thoughts.  Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport.  Resources Minister Shane Jones is on a mission to sell our minerals on the global stage, he tells Ryan how he's going to do it. Plus UK/ Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on Police in Paris hunt a gang of thieves who broke in to the Louvre museum and the media reports Prince Andrew tried to get a police officer to dig up dirt for a smear campaign against his sexual assault accuser Virginia Giuffre. 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.

Don’t expect a handout. That’s basically the message to homeowners hoping the Government will swoop in and buyout houses after the next big cyclone. Watts is the climate Minister. He took a paper to cabinet. I had a read in the weekend. They haven’t immediately turned the tap off to buyouts, but they’re making it pretty clear it won’t e long before they do. How long? Doesn’t say, specifically. Just sometime in the medium to long term. If you’re buying a house or land, you’re going to want to check flood zones very carefully. After the Auckland floods - you know which parts of suburb are more prone to flooding. That’s, generally, where you don’t want to buy. Mor you can and manage the risk and mitigate. Council and government spent $2 billion on buyouts. That may not happen next time. Guess how many homes are sitting in flood prone areas right now? Hundreds of thousands. They’re worth $180 billion. It means insurance will be more expensive or non-existent for some areas and properties. The government basically wants to take itself out of the risk equation. Cause it’s cheaper for them.  Buying out flood prone land distorts the market. If you know a buyout will happen, you’ll be less worried about flooding and pay more than you should for it The scientists tell damage from cyclones and flooding will get more intense and frequent. Consider this a warning from the government that it doesn’t want the same thing happening g to the state of its books. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economic consultancy Infometrics says the impacts of the latest OCR cut probably won't be felt until mid to late next year - by which point the economy will be growing.  It could mean greater inflation - with predictions the OCR will rise again as early as late next year.  Independent economist Cameron Bagrie told Ryan Bridge that caution is needed. He says if the economy does kick into gear, there could be capacity issues, and inflation could rear its ugly head again.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's suppression laws are back in the spotlight. This comes after the Mowbray family called out those on TikTok who placed Mat Mowbray at the centre of a child abuse material case.The man who was jailed in this particular case has permanent name suppression and has been identified only as a member of a wealthy Kiwi family.But that didn’t stop people on social media from pointing the finger at Mowbray—and now the family are calling for a review of our suppression laws.Retired law professor Bill Hodge joined Ryan Bridge to discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's hard listening to all the tributes for Jim Bolger and not feeling like we're being short-changed by our current crop of leaders.A few short generations ago, this country was a different place.Before the internet. Before the phones. Before the anxiety.Before career politicians—those who go straight from school to university, into the student union, and then directly into politics.Jim Bolger was in Parliament a long time. But he had a productive life before that. He left school at 15 and went straight into work. Hard work. Manual work. On the farm in Taranaki, and later in Te Kuiti.Now it's straight from school, into a student union at university, and then into Parliament.Have you watched Parliament TV lately? There are MPs who literally don't know how to ask a question.It's like watching a video buffer.No idea about standing orders. No idea about the rules that govern the place. And no apparent desire to learn, either.Just walk in. Full of entitlement. Sit down. And start yelling.One of the most important tools in the modern MP’s toolbox seems to be an unwavering ability to take offence.At anything and everything.Intolerance for another's point of view—the antithesis of Jim Bolger—is now commonplace.Where once there was decency, there's mistrust.Wisdom has been usurped by incompetence.And decorum has been thrown out the window and replaced with petulance.People aren't recognised for their standing in the community and voted into Parliament.They're there because politics is now an industry—and more importantly—because nobody else would hire them or pay the going rate we do.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.