Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

The Black Ferns’ opening Rugby World Cup win has come at a cost.   They crushed Spain at the start of the week, claiming victory 45-8, but lost loose forward Kaipo Olsen-Baker to injury.  However Back and Skills coach Riki Flutey told Ryan Bridge they’re confident Olsen-Baker, along with outside backs Ayesha Leti-I’iga and Amy du Plessis will play in next week’s clash against Ireland.   But before that is a clash against Japan, and the Ferns aren’t taking the team lightly.  Flutey told Bridge there’s threats throughout the Japanese team, but they’re confident in the team’s ability to defeat them.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine has suffered its worst night of strikes in months.  Nineteen people have been killed, including four children, and dozens are injured following a bombardment of missiles and drones in the capital of Kyiv.   It marks Russia's deadliest onslaught on Kyiv since July.   UK correspondent Vincent McAviney told Ryan Bridge the strikes hit residential areas and the offices of those representing the EU and UK.   He says Britain is taking it as an attack on their presence there, and Ukraine's President Zelensky says this is evidence that Putin's not serious about negotiating a peace settlement.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese investment in New Zealand is growing, but slowly.  The New Zealand China Council’s annual report shows China ranks 12th as a source of foreign investment in New Zealand, providing less than 1% of total inflows.  Investment grew 9% a year between 2014 and 2024, but has flat lined since 2019.  NZIER Principal Economist Chris Nixon told Ryan Bridge the problem is that investment is a long-term game, so other countries have a greater advantage.   He says we've been trading with China for the last 20 years so it will take time for the relationship to build.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It could soon be easier to go to the pub for a big overseas sports match amid tough times in hospitality. The Government's proposing to loosen certain regulations and allow for businesses to respond to objections for them having a license. Ministers will be able to grant one-off special trading hours for businesses that stream major events.  Auckland's Kingslander Bar owner Steve Gillett told Ryan Bridge it's a time of need for the industry. He says this would be an opportunity to increase revenue streams and up total sales. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 29th of August 2025, changes to alcohol regulation laws means ministers can grant one-off special trading hours for businesses that stream major events, Kingslander bar owner Steve Gillett tells Ryan how big of a difference it will make.  Black Ferns backs and skills coach Riki Flutey catches up with Ryan on the Rugby World Cup ahead of the Black Ferns game against Japan.  China ranks 12th in direct foreign investment to New Zealand, NZIER Principal Economist Chris Nixon shares his analysis. Plus, UK/ Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on Ukraine suffering the worst night of strikes in months with at least 19 killed. 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.

Reading the Air New Zealand results was a bit disappointing - even more so was the commentary after.  Profit's down, demand is down, costs are on the march, capacity still buggered by engine problems.  Here's the real punch in the guts for our national carrier: they won't be back to full capacity for the best of two more years. Foran confirmed it last night.  There's something about a national carrier that should make you feel a bit proud.  When you've been overseas and travelled the world, not seen a Kiwi in ages, jumping onboard that last leg home, hearing the accent - the comfort of Kiwi service.  Foran's had a rough time in the job. Border closures and lockdowns, is there anything worse for the new boss of a global airline?  The Rolls Royce and other engine issues - again, not really his fault.  You can plan around that stuff but even those plans have had to change. The engine makers' timelines for a fit-it job have been pushed out. And then there's the prices - we all l

A Minneapolis Catholic school's been left devastated after a gunman killed two children and injured 17 other people.  He was armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, and shot through the church windows before turning a gun on himself. Annunciation Catholic School was marking their first week of school with morning mass and had highlighted their theme for the year as 'hope'.  US Correspondent Toni Waterman told Ryan Bridge the shooter doesn’t have an extensive criminal history, despite showing up fully armed.  It’s unknown what the motive was at this stage.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's positive news for hubs like Auckland and Wellington where housing affordability gains have been most visible.  Cotality NZ’s new report finds the national value-to-income ratio reached its lowest point since mid-2019 in the June quarter, at 7.5%.   One Roof Editor Owen Vaughan told Ryan Bridge buyers should target housing pockets like Auckland's Otara, where's there a lot of value.  He says prices have come down around 20% since Covid, and houses can go for around 600 thousand dollars.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labour Party is accusing the Government of dillydallying on changes to the grocery market.   Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis announced plans to speed up the supermarket consent process.   Labour Party Commerce spokesperson Arena Williams says Labour is working on a suite of changes, but she didn't reveal what they are.   She told Ryan Bridge the consenting changes could be used by the existing players.   Williams says it could create less competition and drive more profits to the duopoly.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 28th of August 2025, the government's fast tracking new supermarkets to boost competition in the sector, Labour's Arena Williams shares her thoughts.  Figures from Cotality show house price/income ratio his back to pre-covid levels, Oneroof Editor Owen Vaughan tells Ryan why that is. The gender pay gap is at the lowest it's ever been, Mind the Gap co-founder Dellwyn Stuart shares her thoughts.  Plus US Correspondent Toni Waterman has the latest on a school shooting in Minneapolis.  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.

All good so far from Nicola Willis on supermarkets.  She's got to the nub of the problem, which is basically red tape. Governments of all stripes, including her, have been quick to point the finger at private enterprise for high prices. And there's truth in that, but most haven't looked in the mirror like Willis did yesterday and admit it's them that also has a problem. We all do, really.  Everybody moans about prices but then moans about construction of anything new - not in my backyard.  Consultation up the wazoo, committees, petitions, Duncan Webb on a soapbox - that's democracy. Like Churchill said, the lesser of two evils.  It's taken them two years to get here, but they could have just listened to our interview with the former Managing Director of Costco back in March - he told us all this then. The other big problems were real estate prices and shipping - getting goods here on their timeframes.  I predicted this (humble brag) all last week. They'll tinker round with fast-track

Belief an improving gender pay gap is due to a weaker labour market. Stats NZ's revealed the difference in pay between women and men fell to 5.2% in the June quarter - its lowest point to date A year ago, it was 8.2%. Mind the Gap co-founder Dellwyn Stuart told Ryan Bridge the number will likely go back up as the economy improves and more part-time jobs become available again for women. She says they're still carrying majority of the parenting load and tend to opt for part-time roles more, which are often the ones cut first. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a belief new tax rules will attract top tech talent to the country.  The Government's changing the rules so migrants will only pay tax on income they actually receive.   Currently new arrivals are taxed on estimated overseas income, even if that ends up being wrong.   Business NZ immigration specialist Rachel Simpson told Ryan Bridge this law would ensure people coming here for a short period wouldn't get double taxed.  She says it would make rules around people working as social media influencers clear.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More foreign investors could soon flock in to work hard on Kiwi businesses.   The Government's new Business Investor Visa will give foreign businesspeople who invest at least $2 million into an existing Kiwi business a fast-track to residency.  If a business is worth $2 million, the applicant would have to buy it, and if it's worth more, they'd have to invest at least a quarter of its total value.  Auckland Business Chamber Chief Executive Simon Bridges told Ryan Bridge this definitely justifies a fast-track to residency.  He says the person who buys will have to work on the business for a period of time.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 27th of August 2025, the government's introducing a new investor Visa, Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges shares his thoughts.  A new Westpac report into economic conditions across the Tasman shows our growth rate may outpace Australia's in the coming years. Migrants will no longer be taxed on estimated overseas income, only on what they actually earn, Business NZ Immigration specialist Rachel Simpson shares her thoughts. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on Nigel Farage’s new political party, Reform UK, saying it would be prepared to deport 600,000 migrants over five years if it won power at the next election. 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 a very good reason National’s talking about a revamping the major events fund - or as the PM said on Monday, stuffing the pipeline with more events.  It’s the same reason you’re seeing them announce just half an hour ago they’re creating a new business investor visa - foreigners will get a fast-track to residency for chucking $2m into a Kiwi business.  It’s the same reason they’ll announce in a few weeks that some wealthy investors will be able to buy expensive houses here. From November, they're trialling visa-free holidays for the Chinese coming here via Australia. Expect to see more where this came from. The reason is to boost growth, but specifically, they hope, in our largest city. It’s all about Auckland. It’s the giant missing piece of the puzzle. Their runway for sorting the economy by election time hinges on them throwing the kitchen sink at the Jaffas. It’s 40% of our GDP but a sort of economic malaise has set in. Not everywhere and not in every industry, but the two speed rec

New Zealand could see faster economic growth than Australia, but fewer jobs. In New Zealand, Westpac's now forecasting an economic growth rate will hit 2.4% this year, and 3.1% next year. In Australia, it's forecasting a growth rate of 2% this year, and 2.2% next year. Senior Economist Satish Ranchhod told Ryan Bridge we've been seeing more OCR cuts, but it hasn't flowed through to the job market. He says New Zealand's seeing high unemployment and low wage growth, and Australia hasn't seen a similar spike in unemployment. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A reassurance that banking won't be much riskier even if capital rules are changed.   The Reserve Bank's put out two proposals to loosen capital requirements after the government called for it.   One of them is reducing minimum capital requirement for deposit takers from $30 million to $5 million.   Founder of KiwiSaver provider Simplicity, Sam Stubbs told Ryan Bridge there are other rules, so it won't make it much more hazardous.   He says the Reserve Bank will still keep a close eye on any group calling themselves a bank.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Self-employed people are opting out of KiwiSaver, putting their retirements at risk.  A new report from the Retirement Commission and accounting firm Hnry's reveals only 44% of self-employed people actively contribute compared to 78% of employees.   It shows 41% of self-employed workers don't get any government contribution.   Hnry CEO James Fuller told Ryan Bridge when the Government halved KiwiSaver contributions in this year's Budget, many decided to put their money elsewhere.  He says self-employed people have started putting their money into high-risk, short-term investments, meaning they won't have enough retirement savings.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 26th of August 2025, The Reserve Bank’s giving capital rules a second look, Simplicity Founder Sam Stubbs shares his thoughts.  The Retirement Commission is warning that self-employed people are investing at less than half the amount into their retirement than that of employees. University of Auckland sociology of education professor Elizabeth Rata tells Ryan whether an A-grade today at university worth the same as an A-grade 20 years ago.  Plus Australia Correspondent Lesley Yeomans has the latest on Erin Patterson returning to court.  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.