Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 26th of 2025, the government announces it will be forcing Auckland Council to allow new developments of at least 15 storeys next to City Rail Link train stations, LJ Hooker Head of Network Campbell Dunoon shares his thoughts.  Trouble could be brewing for super rugby's Moana Pasifika, Weekend Sport host Jason Pine explains. A report from the Infrastructure Commission has found we're not getting bang for buck when it comes to spending on infrastructure, Infrastructure NZ CEO, Nick Leggett tells Ryan Bridge what needs to happen to create some tangible change.  Plus US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on President Donald Trump again vowing “total obliteration” of Iran’s nuclear program during the NATO summit in the Netherlands. 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 informa

New Zealand isn't good at maintaining its infrastructure. The Infrastructure Commission's released a 30-year draft plan revealing its first look at how New Zealand needs to invest in our future builds and upgrades to roads, hospitals, and buildings. Infrastructure New Zealand Chief Executive Nick Leggett told Ryan Bridge big parts of government don't have a record of what they own, and therefore no plan on how to maintain it.  He says we're good at building things but not maintaining them. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's obvious to anyone paying attention that we don't have enough young people working to support the cost of health and Super for the elderly.  This problem is going to get much worse in the coming decades.  All this is spelled out in a Treasury report, which Thomas Coughlin published in the Herald today.  This is not new. We've known this for a long time.  Future governments will either have to take a sledgehammer to spending on health or raise the age of Super.  The obvious answer is to raise the age of Super. It'll happen eventually, of course, just not while Winston's around.  But the other thing we could cut is our expectations.  Boys born in the early 1960s (who are reaching 65-years-old) could expect to live to around 79 years on average, and girls to around 83 years. Boys born in the early 2020s (the latest data available) could expect to live to around 88 years on average, and girls to around 91 years. So we've added about 10 years to our lives.  This is

News GPs can soon prescribe ADHD medication from the outset is being hailed as a community breakthrough.   From February, GPs can offer a patient stimulant medications without them needing a specialist recommendation first.   Specialist wait times vary across the country, but can surpass a year.   ADHD NZ spokesperson Darrin Bull New Zealand has a major underdiagnosis issue, with only 2.2% of the population diagnosed with ADHD, compared to the 4-5% overseas.  He says this change will give the community access to the help and support they need, and provide greater access to medication.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teachers and principals are relying on other students to know if someone is bringing a weapon to school.   Figures released under the Official Information Act show 526 students were stood down, suspended, or excluded for using or having a weapon at school last year.  That's 80% higher than in 2018.  PPTA President Chris Abercrombie told Ryan Bridge the experience of most schools tends to be the same.   He says bag searches are very rare, and more often than not, students tell staff about the weapon.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US President's received praise for his involvement in a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel.  Both sides are claiming the other has breached the truce.  Donald Trump scolded both for early violations but directed particularly stinging criticism at Israel over the scale of its strikes.  US columnist Henry Olsen told Ryan Bridge it's a win for Trump, but earlier US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities may only have short term effects.   He says if the nuclear programmes only been kicked into low gear, the next president will have a difficult decision to make.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 15th of June 2025, Trump's ceasefire deal between Iran and Israel has fallen apart, Washington Post Columnist Henry Olsen has the latest.  The number of students being disciplined for using or having a weapon at school has more than doubled, PPTA President Chris Abercrombie shares his thoughts. From February GPs will be able diagnose and treat ADHD, Darrin Bull ADHD New Zealand Spokesperson, shares what a difference it will make.  Plus, UK/ Europe Correspondent Gavin grey has the latest on the ‘Historic’ NATO summit beginning in The Hague. 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.

US President Donald Trump has landed in the Netherlands for his first NATO summit since 2019. World leaders are gathering for the alliance meeting in The Hague to agree on increases in defence spending.  The new target will be to spend 5 percent of the size of their economies, measured by GDP, on "core defence" along with defence-related areas such as security. UK and Europe correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge Trump going to be delighted with these targets. He says it looks like all 32 leaders are set to commit to spending the five percent. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's just amazing the shear breadth and diversity of things we get outraged by on any given week.  Whether its Brian Tamaki, who after literally decades taking to the streets and stirring the pot, nobody should be outraged by. Or whether it's a bunch of chicks in bikinis rolling around in cow's milk trying to make a buck on OnlyFans. The Police were called.  Yes, I kid you not. Couple of lasses, bikini clad, making some wholesome down-on-the-farm country-style content. And SAFE gets involved.  Then MPI contacts the Police.  What on earth are the police going to do with two girls, one cow? Who on earth would they arrest? Some might say the cow was lucky to be milked. Besides, what's more indecent? Girls in bikinis or the naked cow?  The answer of course is rather simple. Police will do nothing. MPI will do nothing. Because there's actually nothing to do anything about.  Same goes for Brian and his gang of thugs. To be fair to him and them, I didn't pay any attention to their prote

Scott Robertson has called up five new faces for his first All Blacks class of 2025, with his 35-man squad for next month’s series against France named.  Following a spate of injuries and departures offshore, Robertson has put his faith in four newcomers to face Les Bleus, themselves weakened by an inability to select from their full complement for the tour opener.  All Blacks regulars Dalton Papali'i, Ethan Blackadder, and David Havili have been left out of the squad to play France next month.  The 33-player group features five uncapped players - Ollie Norris, Brodie McAlister, Fabian Holland, Timoci Tavatavanawai, and Du'Plessis Kirifi.  Nick Bewley told Ryan Bridge that it’s tough to pick an All Blacks team, and the challenge now is for Robertson to whittle it down to 23 players for match day.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flares have lit up the sky above Doha following threats Iran would retaliate against US strikes on its nuclear sites.  Iran's also reportedly launched an attack on another US base in Iraq.   Qatar has confirmed no deaths following Iranian missile attacks on an US Air Force Base Al Udeid.   Qatar closed its airspace earlier amid threats from Iran, and a flight from Auckland to Doha has since been diverted to Oman's Muscat Airport.  Middle East Correspondent Alistair Bunkall told Ryan Bridge that Iran had to respond in some way to the attacks, but this could be the end of their response.  He says it could provide an off-ramp for the conflict, but it depends on the way Donald Trump sees it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran's strikes on Qatar and Iraq have sent oil prices tumbling.  Crude prices fell about 6% following the news.  Analysts have been warning of steep rises if Iran retaliates against Sunday's US strikes, by targeting oil infrastructure and closing the Strait of Hormuz.  AA Principal Policy Advisor Terry Collins told Ryan Bridge that the talk of potentially doubling the price of oil per barrel is overblown.  He said if it did happen, it would be a short-term spike as alternative shipping routes were established.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's no downside to New Zealand's latest 'golden visa' scheme, according to a former Labour Cabinet Minister.  The Government's confirmed almost 200 applications have been received from overseas investors since settings loosened in April.  Former Minister Stuart Nash, who launched golden visas in 2022, told Ryan Bridge it's not just about the financial investment.  He says it's about the networks, connections, competencies, capabilities, and experience these people will bring to Aotearoa and the companies they're investing in.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 24th of June 2025, the golden Visa scheme has taken off former Labour cabinet minister Stuart Nash shares his thoughts.  Newstalk ZB Sports reporter Nick Bewley provides analysis on the new All Blacks squad.  AA Principal Policy Advisor Terry Collins shares his thoughts on fears petrol prices could increase by 30c a litre as Iran's leadership considers whether to block vessels from sailing through the strait of Hormuz.  Plus Middle East Correspondent Alistair Bunkall has the latest on Iran launching missiles at US airbases in Qatar and Iraq.  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.

A couple of investment-related revelations from the Government this week proves a couple of basic points about business: you've got to sell something people want, and you've got to do it at a competitive price.  Take the golden visa numbers the Government's crowing about.  The golden visa category changes are netting results. This where we give residency to wealthy foreigners, but they've got to buy their way in.  In the three months since the Government changed the rules, we've had 600 people apply via 200 applications.  The old category had 116 applications in 2 and half years!  So clearly loosening the rules, allowing property and bonds to be included as investments, and lowering the amount required, has given this visa the rocket up the jacksie it needed.  Half the applicants are American.  So you've got a bunch of wealthy American families —fed up with Trump or on the hunt for a new bolthole, whatever— and suddenly, our requirements are at least as competitive, or more

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 23 June. 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.

A Defence Force team is heading to the Middle East, ready to assist an estimated 180 Kiwis spread between Iran and Israel. Defence Minister Judith Collins announced a Hercules will leave today for an undisclosed destination, for security reasons. Airspace in the region is closed, and it's unknown when it will re-open. Collins says our Defence team will be ready to help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So we now know the Americans used seven B-2 Stealth bombers to attack Iran's three nuclear sites.  They used a dozen bunker-buster bombs - the first time these massive 140o KG big boys have been used in combat. They flew in the dark of night, dropping the payload just after 2 AM local time.  They fired Tomahawk missiles from US Navy ships nearby. Decoys were used to throw the Iranian off the scent - some of the B-2's attacked from the US East Coast, while others flew across the Pacific.  B-2 bombers that attacked flew from Missouri while a different set of B-2s flew west over the Pacific to throw off Iran They called it Operation Midnight Hammer. They claimed it was successful. But what we don't actually know is how successful and what success means.  Satellite imagery doesn't show you what's happening underground.  The bunker buster bombs are designed to blow stuff up around 60 metres underground.  Nobody but the Iranians know exactly how deep their enrichment facilities are hid

Whether the United States will intervene in the Iran-Israel conflict remains up in the air.  President Donald Trump says he 'may' or 'may not' order American military involvement.   US correspondent Katie Fisher told Ryan Bridge the uncertainty is causing some rifts within the Republican camp.  She says that some of his “right-wing cheerleaders” like Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Green are saying that by entering the Iranian war, Trump would be turning his back on his America First policy.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From November, transiting Chinese passport holders won't need a visa to pass through New Zealand airports.   They'll can instead get a New Zealand electronic Travel Authority that's processed in four hours, and lasts for two years.   Immigration Minister Erica Stanford told Ryan Bridge our Chinese visitor numbers are lagging at about 65% pre-Covid levels, so they're doing anything to help.   She says it will also significantly increase the amount of freight from China and South America and bring down freight prices.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.