Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

New Zealand's economy could look to benefit from Fonterra’s proposed sale. The proposed sale of Anchor and Mainland brands to French company Lactalis could unlock around 4.5 billion in additional spending. Forsyth Barr Senior Analyst Matt Montgomerie shares his thoughts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 24th of October 2025, the mega strikes have been and gone, Deputy Prime Minister and Associate Health and Education Minister David Seymour tells Ryan what happens next.  Nick Bewley has this scoop on this weekend's all-southern NPC final.  A new ASB report out this morning says Fonterra’s plan to sell its retail brands could unlock $4.5 billion in extra spending across the economy, Forsyth Barr Senior analyst, Matt Montgomerie shares his thoughts. Plus, UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on Zelensky in Brussels and King Charles becoming the first head of the Church of England to pray publicly with the Pope. 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.

So 100,000 workers went on strike. Now what? The cost to settle these claims will run into the billions. Easily.  1979 was the last time we a strike this big. A general strike. 300-thousand people. It was Muldoon days. It was over a dispute with driver unions and transport. It went to arbitration and the unions won. This time, senior doctors refused binding arbitration.  Secondary teachers have a few more strikes before Christmas. And the primary teachers have more dates set down for pay talks next month.  You’d have to say, based purely on vibes and a little bit on polling, that the workers win the week. They 've won the PR battle. We're already sick of hearing how much senior doctors get paid. Parents will be sick of their kids missing school. Anymore delayed hip operations and there’ll be hell to pay. If the unions expect strikes to kick off again next year, they might find themselves falling out of favour with workers in the private sector. The median wage is $70k. Private sector workers ha

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

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.        

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 t

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 l

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