Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Challenging behaviours in New Zealand classrooms are at critical levels.   Over the last 20 years student behaviour has been among the worst in the OECD but new research shows it's worsened over the past two.   Education Review Office research has found a quarter of principals have seen students physically harm others and steal property at least every day.   Education Hub Founder Nina Hood told Mi...

A new trial to treat depression has been given the green light in New Zealand.   Ketamine has been used as a treatment around the world in recent years, the drug showing short-term benefits.   Otago University is running the trial, combining liquid, slower-release ketamine with psychotherapy in an effort to achieve long term results.   The trial is eight weeks long, half the group receiving both k...

The Government will today unveil its economic plan for how its priorities will be delivered in the Budget Policy Statement.   Finance Minister Nicola Willis will give the speech at one this afternoon.   ASB’s Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Mike Hosking that it’s a bit too early for them to have the hard and fast numbers, and today is more about setting our expectations.   We’re also likely to g...

A search and rescue effort continues after a bridge collapse in Baltimore.    A fully laden container ship rammed into one of the supports and the bridge crumpled into the water below.   Those on board the ship had time to raise the alarm and the bridge was closed.   At least six people remain unaccounted for.   Those missing are believed to be construction workers who were working on potholes on...

An expert says allegations of Chinese cyber-attacks in New Zealand have been at a lower level than our allies.   Spy agency the GCSB has tied targeting of our Parliamentary entities in August 2021 to Chinese state-sponsored group APT40.   China's ambassador to New Zealand has labelled the accusations groundless and irresponsible.   International Relations Expert Geoffrey Miller told Mike Hosking t...

Millions of Australians are looking for a second job as the cost of living continues to bite.   A survey by comparison website Finder has found that 32% of respondents, totalling approximately 6.7 million people, felt financially pressured to work more than one job.   Australian Correspondent Lesley Yeomans told Mike Hosking that there are jobs available in cafes and retail stores, but it's unknow...

Kiwi’s eating habits seem to be changing.   New research from Mondelez shows that almost half of Gen Z prefer snacking over dinner, and 40% skip breakfast in favour of a snack.   On average 27% of people skip breakfast, 13% lower than the results in the study.   Nutritionist Nikki Hart told Mike Hosking that we’re definitely seeing a change in behaviour, and it’s not necessarily a good one.   She...

The Salvation Army is welcoming the Government's childcare policy but has some concerns.   The Family Boost policy will see parents and caregivers able to claim back up to 25% of childcare costs from July, with a $75 a week limit.    Salvation Army Social Policy Director Ian Hutson says there seems to be some bureaucracy, with parents having to show three months of invoices to get the rebate.   He...

Overwhelmed and under-resourced.   An independent review has found major failings in the emergency management response to Cyclone Gabrielle.   It finds the system not fit for purpose and "set up good people to fail", during the February 14 disaster.   Central Hawke's Bay District Mayor Alex Walker told Mike Hosking that local emergency management teams were under-resourced.   She says they needed...

Two people have been left dead and three injured after a 100-person brawl in Gisborne on Saturday night.   The victims were stabbed at a 21 st birthday party. One person is due to appear in court as a homicide enquiry continues.   Gisborne Councilor Colin Alder tells Mike Hosking it was an tragic event fueled by alcohol and possible drugs. Alder says there continues to be a strong police presence...

The Princess of Wales and her husband, Prince William, have been “enormously touched” by the messages of support received since she announced her cancer diagnosis.   Europe correspondent Gavin Grey tells Mike Hosking that the video announcement was written and approved by Kate Middelton herself and sparked a wave of apologies from those who published conspiracy theories around Kate’s absence from...

SailGP was brought to a halt on Saturday after dolphin sightings in Lyttleton Harbour. Chief Executive of SailGP, Sir Russell Coutts slammed officials for their “extreme” dolphin policy.   Andrew Alderson speaks to Mike Hosking about the policy and considers the future of the race in New Zealand.   LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hipkins State of Nation speech and all tax policies being on the table again  In his first major speech as opposition leader, Chris Hipkins gave a State of Nation speech on Sunday.   Tax was a big focus, as the way we live and work continues to change with a smaller proportion of the workforce earning taxable salary and wages.   ZB Political Editor Jason Walls tells Mike Hosking that the spe...

New Zealand's GDP per capita paints a worse picture than the headline figure.   Stats NZ data shows GDP dropped 0.1 percentage points in the final quarter of last year.   After negative growth in the previous quarter, it pushes New Zealand into a technical recession.   Per capita, there was a 0.7% drop in the quarter.   ANZ senior economist Miles Workman told Mike Hosking that taking immigration i...

There’s some good news regarding King Charles' health.   Queen Camilla has been carrying out public duties while the King undergoes treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.   She told crowds in Northern Ireland that her husband is doing well in his recovery.   UK correspondent Vincent McAviney told Mike Hosking that a woman at a local business gave her a get well soon card for the King.   He s...

New and effective anti-migraine drugs aren't publicly funded in New Zealand, costing those with chronic migraine nearly $300 a month.   An Otago University survey suggests almost half of those with the disease meet the criteria for severe disability.   Some report paralysis on one side of the body and loss of coherent speech.   Neurologist Rosamund Hill told Mike Hosking that the medicine's public...

It’s a hefty price for taxpayers to keep the Chateau Tongariro Hotel empty and in disrepair.   The Department of Conservation, which owns the land, has confirmed through an Official Information Act request that it will cost $2.2 million this financial year.   The heritage-listed site has been shut since February last year.   Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton told Mike Hosking that there are issues aroun...

Harsher penalties and restrictions are coming into force as the Government starts its crackdown on vaping.   The Coalition will ban single use vapes and increase fines for selling vapes to under-18s from $10,000 to $100,000.   It's aiming to have all changes in place by the end of the year.   Asthma and Respiratory Foundation CEO Letitia Harding told Mike Hosking that this should’ve been tackled b...

Economists are anticipating GDP growth close to zero for the last quarter.   The Reserve Bank's forecasting a flat zero percent, ANZ is expecting a 0.1 percentage point growth, while ASB anticipates a 0.2-point drop.   If today's economic growth figures are negative New Zealand will enter a technical recession after the last quarter also saw negative growth.   NZ Initiative executive director Oliv...

A re-opening of Northland's Marsden Point Oil Refinery could be on the cards.   The Government's investigating the feasibility of doing so as part of a study into New Zealand's fuel security requirements.   The privately-owned fuel refinery was decommissioned in 2022 to become an import-only fuel terminal.   Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones told Mike Hosking the Marsden Point investigation is...

Another photo of the Royal Family has been revealed to be edited.   Getty Images has revealed that a photo of the late Queen was “digitally enhanced at source”, adding an editor's note to the image.   The Palace shared the picture on the 21 st of April last year on what would have been the Queen’s 97 th birthday, saying it was taken by the Princess of Wales at Balmoral in the summer of 2022.   UK...

Road user charges are in for a shake-up after an accidental Government U-turn.   Owners of plug-in hybrids will pay $38 per thousand kilometres, a reduction from the planned $53.   The Government accidentally supported a Labour amendment on the matter.   AA spokesperson Terry Collins told Mike Hosking that the clean car discount was working last year so we'll have to wait and see what happens when...

A local business owner says there needs to be more action on retail crime.   Police data shows more than 400 retail crimes were reported a day last year, with six staff a day complaining to police they'd been assaulted.   Sandringham Business Association Chair Jithin Chittibomma told Mike Hosking the Government has changed, but there's still the same people in the public service they dealt with un...

It's about to become more expensive to complete the country's Great Walks.   The Department of Conservation is increasing prices in July for the first time in four years.   Hut and campsite prices will rise by 18% for all walks except Paparoa.   Backpacker Youth Adventure Tourism Association chair Haydn Marriner told Mike Hosking that there's a two-year waiting period for businesses to change thei...

A five-year legal battle against Uber has come to an end.   Uber has been ordered to pay $272 million to Australian taxi operators, covering the loss of income and license values since the rideshare app entered the market.   The class action settlement was reached yesterday and is the fifth largest settlement in Australian history.   Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that it...