Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

An Auckland manufacturer is feeling good about the current economic position.  GDP figures are due to be revealed this morning.   Economists and the Reserve Bank are expecting 0.7% growth for the first quarter of the year – slightly higher than the 0.4% predicted earlier this year.  Dodson Group CEO Dave Sweas told Ryan Bridge things turned a corner around February and March.  The precision manufacturers boss says there's been some trepidation about what's coming out of the US, but overall order books are holding up strong.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The traditional census as we know it is coming to an end. Stats NZ is moving to a system using Government collected admin-data, saying the current five yearly Census is financially unsustainable. Census-style questions will still be asked in much smaller annual surveys looking at a small fraction of the population. Auckland University of Technology Professor Rhema Vaithianathan told Ryan Bridge the price of census is eye-watering. She says admin data also allows information to be released yearly, which is more useful than waiting five to find out what's happening. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 19th of June 2025, Dave Sweas CEO of Manufacturer Dodson group, joins Ryan Bridge to talk about the GDP figures out today.  The government scrapped the 5-year census, AUT director of the centre for social data analytics, Rhema Vaithianathan shares her thoughts.  We've got more Visa changes for Chinese nationals, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford tells Ryan Bridge what it means.  Plus, US Correspondent Katie Fisher has the latest on Trump's stance on Israel.  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.

I’m as guilty as the next Kiwi of complaining about the tyranny of distance, but the fact is we’re bloody lucky to live far across the ocean and out of harm’s way.  We’re at least 10,000 kilometres away from the nearest nuclear weapon launch site, whether it’s China’s Jingxian Province or the United States' Pacific Coast.  That doesn’t mean we’re immune to threats and fallout from conflict, nor should we ignore them. Foreign Minister Winston Peters this week remarked he’d never seen such an uncertain geostrategic circumstance as the one we’re currently living in. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute published its yearbook Monday with a warning that the risk of a nuclear weapon being used is increasing. Most of the nine nuclear armed states are either upgrading or replacing their stockpiles.  Over the next few years, it estimates the rate at which new nuclear warheads replace old ones will accelerate to the point where, for the first time since the Cold War era, we’ll have an ove

New Zealand businesses believe things are looking up, with optimism at a high.  The 2degrees 2025 Shaping Business Study reveals 45% of surveyed business leaders are more optimistic about the year ahead – up on last year's 34%.  46% of businesses also report they're more productive than last year.   Business Central CEO Simon Arcus told Ryan Bridge things will probably still fluctuate in coming years.   He says there are often moments where things seem to improve, then sink back again.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food inflation is up, rising 4.4% annually.   Meat, poultry, and fish had the biggest annual increases, while butter, milk and cheese drove grocery prices.  Butter surged by more than 51% over the year.  Independent economist, Cameron Bagrie told Ryan Bridge the numbers are creeping up, but the composition of the inflation matters more than the inflation itself.   He says they feel a bit of comfort that domestic inflation still heading south.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 18th of June 2025, the Government's announced a five-year suicide prevention plan, clinical psychologist Dr Helen Buckland tells Ryan Bridge whether the plan will be enough.  Food inflation is up the highest it's been in eighteen months, independent economist Cameron Bagrie shares his thoughts.  New data from 2degrees shows business optimism is at its highest since 2021, Business Central CEO Simon Arcus tells Ryan why businesses are feeling more positive.  Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the G7 summit.  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.

Uncertainty on the Government's action plan for suicide prevention. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey's unveiled a five-year approach for addressing high suicide rates.  The new Suicide Prevention Plan includes strengthening the workforce, targeting higher-risk populations, and improving community care.  Clinical Psychologist Doctor Helen Buckland told Ryan Bridge there's been a lot of thought, but more needs to be done. She says it's not a suicide prevention plan, it's a response plan, for people who are already suicidal. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The moral outrage over Run It Straight competitions is a tricky one.  As more and more young men ran at each other head-on and tried to knock each other out, as the injuries piled up, the outrage was palpable. Lots of pearl clutching and horror.  The reaction from some rugby stars and sporting legends was more nuanced, for obvious reasons.  They also run full steam ahead at one another on a Saturday, with great risk of personal injury and even death. Certainly, the chance of broken bones and concussion.  They do this because A. They enjoy it. B. It's often all they've ever known. And C. Presumably, because it pays well.  And that's the problem with the outrage over Run It Straight.  They had a guy in the news yesterday who won $20 thousand in trials held in Auckland. He's booked a spot in a final in Dubai. The money, he says, is putting clothes on his kids backs.  He said this: "We got to pay off some debts and stock up the fridges and the cupboards, food for our little ones

Three people have been injured in a shooting in a Sydney kebab shop.  According to NSW Police, two masked gunmen walked into the shop, firing eight shots in total, before leaving the scene in a black BMW with a cloned licence plate.  A 50 year old woman was shot twice in the torso, a 26 year old man was shot in the arm and shoulder, and another man of unknown age was shot in the face.  Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge that according to police, one of the victims has had two previous attempts on his life.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new poll shows more Kiwis see China as a threat, but experts say a good economic relationship is vital.  The Asia New Zealand Foundation surveyed 2,300 locals between November and December, and again in March.   Results show the number of people concerned about China rose from 28% to 40% over four months.  Research and Engagement Director Julia Macdonald says New Zealanders can appreciate the need for a good economic relationship.  She told Ryan Bridge that China has been at the top of the list of most significant countries for New Zealand’s future for a number of years, and Kiwis understand the need to continue to engage China.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's thought that as long as the United States doesn't get involved, the Iran and Israel conflict should stay contained.  Tension continues to escalate between the two countries as air strikes continue to fire.  Speculation around a ceasefire is being discussed with US President Donald Trump encouraging the nations to talk before it’s too late.  Middle East correspondent Gregg Carlstrom told Ryan Bridge Israel has been planning this war for years, and isn't willing to stop after a few days.    He says the Iranians are willing to talk about a mutual ceasefire but doesn't think Israel or the United States are at a point where they would push for that.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025 Tuesday 17th of June, conflict continues between Iran and Israel, Middle East Correspondent Gregg Carlstrom has the latest on an Iranian TV studio struck by an Israeli airstrike.  A new survey from the Asia New Zealand Foundation shows our trust in China is slipping, Director of research and engagement, Dr Julia Macdonald tells Ryan Bridge what it means for our relationship with China.  Disposable vapes are out from today, Action for Smokefree 2025 Director, Ben Youdan shares his thoughts on how big of a difference it will make.  Plus Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on what will the Australian Prime Minister and Trump will discuss in their first face to face meeting in Canada. 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.

Smokefree advocates are hoping a new vaping crackdown coming in today doesn't deter smokers trying to quit. The new rules include stricter advertising restrictions for vape retailers and a ban on disposable vapes. It's an effort to clamp down on youth vaping, with around 10% of teenagers currently regular vapers. Action for Smokefree Director Ben Youdan told Ryan Bridge it's about striking the right balance. He says just leaving products cheaper than smoking but not too cheap for young people, is important. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If growth is the game we're in then the Reserve Bank should keep cutting interest rates.  The problem is growth is not the game they're in. They're in the business of taming inflation, and that's about it.  The Government ditched the dual mandate —introduced by the last lot— that saw Adrian and Co. also focus on keeping people in jobs. Maximum sustainable employment.  That's now gone and inflation's in the band.  So the bank is going to take things slow. Ease the next few cuts over a longer period of time out of fear they'll overcook it again. They'll be thinking about Trump's tariffs and the fear of price hikes, even though these haven't materialised —even in the data out of the States— as yet. They'll be worried about the Middle East and the price of oil.  It's an imported cost and it's in everything, not just our cars, but transport of goods, production, you name it.  It directly and indirectly contributes up to 30% of our inflation when the price is high – like when somebody'

Director of the New Zealand China Council Alastair Crozy joins Ryan Bridge to discuss a new visa for Chinese tourists. The change will allow Chinese tourists visiting Australia to enterNew Zealand with their Australian visa. Crozy says that this change has already increased searches for “New Zealand travel” on Chinese tourism websites like CTrip. This change comes ahead of Prime Minister Luxon’s visit to China where he will meet President Xi Jingping in a face-to-face meeting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More nations are responding to the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. The two countries are continuing to exchange air assaults, after Israel's initial attack on Friday and Iran launched waves of missiles, in response. UK and Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge Iran believes any support of Israel from the West, makes assets from those countries fair game. He says Britons are being advised against travelling to Israel, as the UK says it's unable to keep them safe in this fast-moving situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 16th of June 2025, The Police Commissioner has given body cams the all clear, Police Associaiton President Chris Cahill shares his thoughts.  The Government's announced changes to Visa's for Chinese nationals ahead of the Prime Minister's visit to China this week, The NZ China Council tells Ryan Bridge how significant the visit will be.  Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport.  UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the UK advising Britons against all travel to Israel amid an escalation in the country's military activity with Iran.  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.

The Police union is celebrating the decision to work towards rolling out body cameras - but wants it done right.  Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says staff are assessing options for equipping frontline officers with the technology.  The Police Association says it could clear-up misconceptions in the field, reduce complaints, and lead to more guilty pleas.  President Chris Cahill says body-cameras have become the international standard.  He says many officers in Australia don't want to deploy without the technology. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister’s jetting off on a diplomatic mission this week and he’s heading into a very undiplomatic world. Israel and Iran are going at it. Netanyahu says Tehran is close to producing a nuclear weapon. As missiles and drones fly across the Middle East, talks for a nuclear deal with Iran’s leadership in Oman are on hold. The UK is mobilising fighter jets in the region as Iran warns it will strike western targets if they dare support Tel Aviv.  Israeli’s blockade of Gaza continues despite protests from this country and most others through the UN and sanctions. Talks in Turkey to end the war in Ukraine haven’t stopped the violence. Diplomacy has so far failed.  China continues buying oil from Russia and tacitly keeping its war in Europe alive. The US continues supporting Israel, keeping its wars on Gaza and Iran alive. China and the US themselves are doing direct battle of a different kind on trade. We’ve got politically motivated assassinations in America. Marines and national guard troops on