Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

The Workplace Relations and Safety Minister's being urged to address the huge cost of workplace bullying.   A report by the Human Rights Commission and KPMG has found the cost of bullying and harassment to employers is about $1.5 billion a year.   Equal Opportunities Commissioner Saunoamaali'i Karanina Sumeo told Mike Hosking that Minister Brooke van Velden wants to look at health and safety laws...

Federated Farmers says most farmers are looking at Fonterra's change in strategy with cautious optimism.    The dairy giant's signalled its intent to divest well-known brands such as Anchor and overseas brands Fonterra Oceania and Fonterra Sri Lanka.   It wants to focus on producing ingredients and selling them to consumers and other businesses.   Federated Farmers Dairy Chair Richard McIntyre tol...

After months of goading, Donald Trump has his wish.   Joe Biden has finally agreed to presidential debates, but on a different schedule.   He released a video on social media earlier today saying that he’s ready to debate, and that Trump is available on Wednesdays, referring to the day that Trump’s hush money trial is not in session.   US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Roman Travers that normally...

Hundreds of appointments and surgeries have been cancelled as junior doctors begin another strike.   They’re continuing to fight for better pay and work conditions.   More than 2000 doctors walked off the job at 7am for the second time in two weeks, the strike planned to last two days.   Sarah Dalton, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, told Roman Travers that we...

There's a small silver lining for regional councils amid slowing local economic growth.   The March Infometrics Monitor reveals economic activity has increased just 0.2% over a year, the slowest growth since the first Covid-19 lockdown.   Building consents have dropped almost 60% in the Tasman District and fell around 25% for all regions.   Tasman District Mayor Tim King told Roman Travers that de...

Labour's anticipating many Kiwi police officers will take up New South Wales' incentivised offer.   The state is 1500 officers short and has announced it'll fast-track New Zealand officers as recruits.   Training requirements will be shortened and Kiwis with at least seven years' experience can keep their current rank, up to senior constable.   Labour's Spokesperson on Police, Ginny Andersen told...

With any promise there’s always an element of wiggle room, misinterpretation, or perhaps reversing out at high speed.   Although I have huge admiration for anyone who keeps their word and sticks to a promise verbatim, the coalition government’s promise of tax cuts isn’t a promise I’m happy for them to keep.   Anyone who only heard that promise in the runup to the election and based their voting de...

A UK study has found that obesity jabs could reduce health risks.   Researchers looked at semaglutide, otherwise known as Wegovy and Ozempic, and found that the weekly shots could reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.   It was found to benefit cardiovascular health even if the user didn’t lose much weight.   UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Roman Travers that it’s too early to say that it’...

If you feel as though you’ve been living in some kind of whack job, futuristic Netflix series when it comes to this country’s deplorable attitude to crime and our increasingly farcical judicial system you were probably suitably blown away by yesterday’s announcement by Police Commissioner Andrew Coster.   Finally, there is good news. Finally, there’s hope that we’ll get to re-establish more than a...

It's thought the Christchurch Call's refresh is in-line with technology's rapid evolution.   The call —designed to battle online extremism and hate content— is becoming a foundation.   Taxpayer funding ends in July.   Dame Jacinda Ardern will become patron, rather than New Zealand's special envoy.   Gorilla Tech Chief Executive Paul Spain told Roman Travers that the tech world is a different place...

Some police officers are sceptical about the Government's new crackdown on gangs.   The Police Minister and Police Commissioner have announced the establishment of a new National Gang Unit.   It'll have around 30 people and up to seven ring-fenced officers in each police district.   Police Association President Chris Cahill told Roman Travers that if it doesn't have more funding, you're just askin...

There are concerns the Government's charter schools plan could be a political football.   Associate Education Minister David Seymour's announced more than $150 million to set up 15 new charter schools in the next four years and convert 35 state school in the next two.   Massey University's John O'Neill told Roman Travers that since the last government's disestablished them, it can't be considered...

Australia’s federal budget is due today.   With gross debt predicted to rise above $1 trillion by 2026, Treasurer Jim Chalmers is walking a tightrope between offering cost-of-living relief without fuelling inflation.   Repayments on Government debt have become the fastest growing expense in the budget, and Dr Chalmers is facing calls to continue cutting spending.   Australian Correspondent Donna D...

All Blacks Captain Sam Cane has announced his retirement from the international stage.  From next year he’ll take up a three-year contract with Suntory in Japan, where he spent this season’s sabbatical.   Elliott Smith, Newstalk ZB’s rugby commentator, told Mike Hosking that it isn’t quite the bombshell people are calling it, but it is still earlier than expected.  He said that Cane was still in t...

There are calls for the government to better regulate salt content in our processed foods.   Research from Otago and Auckland universities reveals about two thirds of packaged foods on supermarket shelves exceed the World Health Organisation benchmark.   Stroke Foundation General Manager Jess Winchester says one fifth of New Zealanders already have high blood pressure.   She told Mike Hosking that...

It's thought a Court of Appeal decision finding the Waitangi Tribunal could summon ACT MP Karen Chhour doesn't set a precedent for future cases.   The decision overturned a High Court ruling which found the Children's Minister did not have to front with her reasoning for removing Section 7AA from the Oranga Tamariki Act.   Massey University Law Professor Chris Gallavin told Mike Hosking that lots...

New teachers across the country are not being set up to succeed, according to the Education Review Office (ERO).   Two thirds of principals are reporting new teachers coming into the role are unprepared, and a third of new primary teachers claim they are unprepared to teach science.   The ERO is calling for more to be done.   Ruth Shinoda, Head of ERO’s Education Evaluation Centre, tells Mike Hosk...

A new proposal could see protest groups in the UK banned in a similar way to terrorist organisations.   Extracts of an upcoming report show recommendations will be made for a new category proscribing “extreme protest groups”, defining these as those which routinely use criminal tactics to try to achieve their aims. Protest groups such as Just Stop Oil and Palestine Action could have sanctions that...

In the A-League semi-finals, the Wellington Phoenix had a nil-all draw against the Melbourne Victory. The Phoenix return home this Saturday for the second leg of the semi.   The Warriors suffered another loss, going down 38-18 to the Roosters in Sydney. The game brought on injury concerns as Shaun Johnson left the field in the second half.   And, Aimee Fisher has beaten Dame Lisa Carrington in the...

Big changes are coming to parking in Auckland’s CBD.   Auckland CBD residents and visitors will be stung with new 24-hour parking charges covering overnight, at weekends and on public holidays from July – as Auckland Transport seeks to collect more money.   Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck tells Mike Hosking news of the parking charges is out of the blue and “completely out of step” with the normal...

Unlike the US, the UK is not withholding arms to Israel.   Foreign Secretary David Cameron said that their position is not comparable with that of the US, since the UK is not a large state-to-state arms supplier to Israel.   However, they don’t support a large-scale invasion of Rafah unless there is a plan to protect civilians in place.   UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Mike Hosking that wh...

There's doubts a potential raising of the international visitor levy will impact tourism numbers.   Overseas visitors pay $35 collected through visa applications, which is evenly split between conservation and tourism.   Speaking at the TRENZ conference, Tourism Minister Matt Doocey says that advice he's received shows it would have to rise to about $42 in today's market.   Backpacker Youth Advent...

Archives New Zealand's shutting down its digital archiving programme.   It's part of an initiative to digitise historically significant images and documents.   But the agency says it's been unable to secure further funding, and it will have to cut at least three jobs.   Historian Paul Moon told Mike Hosking that this is important work and should remain.   He says the Government should cobble toget...

A potential power outage is looming in the chilly air.   Many parts of the country have seen temperatures dropping below zero with an early season cold snap.   Electricity grid operator Transpower's warning households to limit power use between 7 and 9 Friday morning where possible.   It suggests turning off lights and heaters and delaying use of appliances.   Contact Energy Chief Executive Mike F...

Another pro-Palestine encampment was cleared by Police, resulting in the arrest of 33 protestors.   Hundreds of police stormed the grounds at Washington’s George Washington University early this morning, using pepper spray to clear the encampment.   This came just hours before city officials were due to appear before Congress to justify their actions, or lack thereof, regarding the protest.   US C...