Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

Belief changes to class sizes and staffing are needed to improve writing achievement at intermediate level. The Government's launching a new digital tool for students sitting below the standard and introducing more professional development in literacy.  New data shows only a quarter of Year Eight students achieved their curriculum writing level last year.  Auckland's Remuera Intermediate Principal Kyle Brewerton told Ryan Bridge these poor figures are due to a lack of resourcing. He says there's big class sizes and little staffing, while in high school it's vice versa. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Electricity and groceries are your two big ticket inflation targets. Punters want to pay less for both. There are nuclear options available: Cut the gentailers in half by force. Those pro-wrecking ball argue if you force them to separate out the generation side of the business from the retail, you’d create more competition and lower prices. You could do a similar thing with the supermarkets. One idea is to force Foodstuffs and Woolworths to sell 120 supermarkets and a third of their six distribution centres to a third player. Hey presto. The duopoly’s dead. Long live Queen Nicola. Now we’re still waiting to see what cat Willis will pull out of her shopping bag on this. She has advice and considering the options. Here’s what I think she’ll do: We can get clues from the way they’re handling electricity, which is basically minor changes to bits and pieces around the edges on stuff like the super peak hedging contracts, and if things don't change, look out - we'll regulate. We'll be meaner and tougher. There

Former Qantas workers are claiming victory over its $90 million fine for illegally sacking more than 1800 workers.   The court's found outsourcing baggage handlers, cleaners, and ground staff in 2020 was done to curb union bargaining powers.   Qantas says this judgment holds them accountable.  Australian Correspondent Lesley Yeomans told Ryan Bridge $50 million of the fine will be going to the Transport Workers Union, and what happens with the other $40 million will be decided at a later date.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another dairy sector shake-up.  Infant formula and dairy company a2 Milk is buying the Yashili plant in Pokeno and selling its majority stake in the Mataura Valley plant in Gore to Open Country Dairy.  A2 Milk's announcement comes as it reports a 21% rise in profit, off the back of a 9.3% rise in revenue.  Forsyth Barr Senior Analyst Matt Montgomerie told Ryan Bridge a2 has stood out over the last couple of years, consistently exceeding expectations despite operating in a relatively tough formula market in China.  He says the decision to acquire the plant in Pokeno is quite a big step in continuing that growth pathway.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Praise for new building consenting rules.   The Government will change liabilities, holding parties responsible for their share of work.   Certified Builders Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming says the building guarantee or building system should be mandated.   He told Ryan Bridge that will add cost to the price of building, but it's minuscule in the scale of things.   Fleming says on a $500,000 project, a guarantee would cost just $1,500.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A reasonable chance of the Russia-Ukraine war ending if a trilateral meeting with both country's leaders occurs. This comes from Donald Trump ahead of today's big meeting at the White House. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived, along with several European leaders.  Russia's President Vladimir Putin met with Trump on Saturday, and Trump says he'll have a phone call with him after today's talks.  Trump says the whole world is tired of the war, and they’re going to get it ended. Feature Story News US Correspondent Nick Harper shares the latest.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 19th of August 2025, Trump is meeting Zelensky and EU leaders at the White house to discuss peace talks, US Correspondent Nick Harper has the latest.  Forsyth Barr analyst Matt Montgomerie shares his thoughts on A2 Milk posting a $200 million profit and purchasing Yashii NZ's plant in Pokeno.  The Government's made some changes to building consents, Certified Builders CEO tells Ryan about the difference it'll make.  Plus Australia Correspondent Lesley Yeomans has the latest on Qantas now facing a $90 million penalty for outsourcing ground staff during Covid.  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.

In the last week we’ve had a smorgasbord of small, seemingly minor stories hitting the headlines. Helmets or no helmets for cyclists. Which name comes first on the cover of our passports. A ban then reversal on marshmallows in hot chocolates from the coffee machine at hospitals.  Not a single one of these stories is significant on their own.  But they’re the kind of stories people remember because they either simply make no sense or appear to be a colossal waste of time. Most working families can’t afford to even use their passports right now. A Hawaiian holiday - nope. The only ones dusting off travel IDs are moving across the ditch! Is this the stuff your average punter wanting to feed their kids actually cares about?  No.  The Clark Government got bogged down by a bunch of these silly little things. Think the size of shower heads and light bulbs. Instead of asking officials whether little Johnny should be allowed to ride a bike without a helmet (something no decent parent would allow an

Following the food inflation figures from Friday, Foodstuffs has challenged StatsNZ’s numbers.  On Friday, StatsNZ reported a 5.0% rise in the year to July.  But Foodstuffs is reporting a 3.4% year on year increase – arguing they have a clearer measure of grocery prices.  Sue Chetwin from Grocery Action Group told Ryan Bridge that StatsNZ is including restaurants and takeaways in their reporting, which is throwing off their final stats.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Europe's leaders are rallying together to discuss Ukrainian security with Donald Trump.   Over the weekend Vladimir Putin met with the US President in Alaska, which concluded without any movement.   Now, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, France's Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky are some of the leaders meeting in Washington tomorrow to continue discussions.    European Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge their biggest fear will be the press conference being ambushed again, like it was for Zelensky last time.   He says Europe wants to show solidarity no matter what happens as a result of negotiations with Russia.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 18 August. 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.

We are well on our way to a collective one trillion dollars in debt. In the year to the end of May, New Zealand hit just over 870-billion in gross debt - up 5.4 percent from almost 830-billion last year. It represents an average of just over 160-thousand dollars in raw debt for every person in the country. At the current rate of growth, New Zealand will hit the trillion dollar landmark,  inside the next three years. That rate has eased in the past two years as the Government has sought to curb borrowing, and the housing market has been flat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I went out for lunch to a cafe the other day and our table was served by a couple of waiters who all seemed to have a similar vibe about them. They just. Did. Not. Seem. To. Care. No smiling. No banter. No small talk or polite conversation.  Just this blank look on their faces. You sit there and think “did they hear me”? You ever so politely repeat yourself in case they didn’t.  But they did. They got it. There’s just no engagement. Face colder than a which's tit. No refills of your water. No "would you like another coffee? Like, hello!? Is anybody in there? Is anyone home? Why are you all moving so slowly? Shouldn’t you be rushing the joint taking orders and filling coffees?  When I was young it was drilled into us: when you’re waiting tables and taking orders. You work your way up from "dish pig" to front of House. You basically run round busy as a bee, trying to impress your boss, trying to win your guests over. Taking wagers of who might get a tip.  Can I help you, sir?  What more

A reversion to a largely first-choice team for the All Blacks as they open the Rugby Championship against Argentina on Sunday morning in Cordoba.  The return of captain Scott Barrett from a calf injury headlines the side, while Du'Plessis Kirifi gets his second straight test start at openside flanker.  Although the New Zealand side has never lost to the Argentinian team at their home, former All Black Josh Kronfeld told Ryan Bridge that there’s always a chance.   He says they’re giant killers, having beaten all of the top 10 nations, and it all depends on who turns up where.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are gearing up for tomorrow's highly anticipated talks in Alaska.   The US and Russian presidents will discuss ending the war in Ukraine, with suggestions a second meeting could follow if it goes well.   The Kremlin's already dangling financial incentives, saying there's untapped potential in US-Russian relations.  US Correspondent Toni Waterman told Ryan Bridge there are reports Trump is considering granting Russia access to Alaskan natural resources, as well as potentially allow them to access rare minerals in the territories it occupies in Ukraine, among other things.  She says in Trump’s mind, this would be an incentive for Putin to take negotiations seriously.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The country's red meat sector may struggle to reach a goal set by the Government to double exports by 2034. Data from NZ Beef + Lamb's found breeding ewe numbers have dropped by nearly two-percent, while beef cattle numbers were up 4.4-percent. It reveals 2.6 million units of sheep and beef stock have been lost due to afforestation over the past eight years.  Federated Farmers Meat and Wool Chair Richard Dawkins told Ryan Bridge the rules don't extend to land where most beef and sheep farms are. He says it appears they're siding with polluters over producers, because a simple solution would be to extend it to all land use classes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's the point in us having more affordable property prices for first home buyers if young workers are jetting off to Australia in search of a better tomorrow?  There's a perverse logic to this, but across the Tasman right now, where our flying Kiwis are headed, they're experiencing something of a property boom.  It's the opposite of the stagnant or falling prices we're seeing here, where homes in most regions are now considered, technically at least, affordable.  In Sydney the median prices of a new pad is predicted to increase 7% this year to $2.1m NZD by June 2026.  If you want to be a Melbourne hipster, prices will be 6% higher in a year to $1.2m. They've not got a problem which we know all too well - prices are squeezing out first home buyers.  You can't get on the ladder for love nor money, look at the new loans from banks.  Landlords: 200k new loans over the year - that's the most since 2022. First home mortgages, they're down to $116k. Because they're cutting interest r

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 15th of August 2025, All eyes are on Alaska ahead of a crucial meeting between Trump and Putin, US Correspondent Toni Waterman is in Alaska and has the latest.  The All Blacks are taking on Argentina in Córdoba, former All Black Josh Kronfeld shares his thoughts ahead of the game. Sheep and beef cattle numbers are improving, Federated Farmers Meat and Wool Chairperson Richard Dawkins shares his thoughts.  Plus UK/ Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on President Zelensky visits Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street.   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.

Times are tough for property owners as they see the lowest resale profits in over a decade.  Cotality’s latest Pain & Gain Report shows 89.4% of homes sold above their purchase price last quarter – the lowest since 2014.  Christchurch was the most resilient of the main centres, with 4.9% of Q2 resales made at a loss, well below the national average of 10.6%, while Auckland recorded the highest proportion of loss-making sales at 15.9%.  NZ Property Investors Federation’s Matt Ball told Ryan Bridge this is only a problem for those who are being forced to sell.  For property investors, he says, unless you bought at the peak and have to sell for some reason, this is just another cycle to ride out.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NCEA Level 1 achievement's dropped to its lowest level in a decade, while all qualifications saw improvement.  In 2024, achievement in Levels 2, 3, and University Entrance went up for the first time since 2020.   Student's completing Level 1 continued to drop, and Māori also fell further behind.  Darfield High School Principal Andy England told Ryan Bridge there've been problems with the qualification since its introduction.  He says there's been a lot of tinkering for teachers to get their heads round and some of the introduction texts were awful.  And secondary teachers will soon swapping their pens for pickets.  Post Primary Teachers' Association members will put down the tools next Wednesday, rejecting a 3% pay increase over three years.  Public Service Minister Judith Collins says the union didn't even have a counter offer.  PPTA member and Rangitoto College teacher Paul Stevens says the offer is essentially a pay cut during a teacher shortage.  He says it mea