Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster is "on leave" from the Social Investment Agency following a damning report into the handling of the Jevon McSkimming case.  The former Deputy Police Commissioner is awaiting sentence after last week pleading guilty to having child sexual exploitation and bestiality material on his work devices.  The IPCA's report reveals senior leadership ignored...

New firearms law reforms aren't expected to hit the mark for everyone. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee's rewritten the Arms Act, easing up on licensed owners, banning gang member ownership, and adding offences including 3D printing weapons. It doesn't include McKee's bid to allow greater access to military-style semi-automatic weapons. Fish and Game Chief Executive Corina Jordan told Ryan...

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 12th of November 2025, sexual violence survivor advocate, Louise Nicholas shares her thoughts on the IPCA report into the handling of the Jevon McSkimming case. Gun lobbyist-turned-firearms minister Nicole McKee has lifted the lid on her Arms Act rewrite plans, Fish & Game Chief Executive Corina Jordan shares her thoughts.&n...

Coster is a dead man walking at this point.  Anyone not completely brainwashed during Covid could see there was something a bit off about him - this IPCA report is proof they were right. He knew about this so-called ‘affair’ McSkimming had - the woman had worked for the Police. He didn’t ask the questions he should have. He promoted McSkimming and didn’t tell the people he should have to...

The Government's set to lay out what it plans to do about the gun laws.  Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee is expected to announce her rewriting of the Arms Act this morning.  Council of Licensed Firearms Owners Spokesperson Hugh Devereux-Mack says they want clearer definitions around when a firearm could be taken away for non-criminal reasons.  He told Ryan Bridge the current...

Banks are under pressure to deliver customers more value.  ANZ's announced a 21% rise in annual profit days after Westpac confirmed a 13% rise.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis says with bank profits this high, customers should be seeing breakthrough innovation or new technology.  Simplicity Chief Economist Shamubeel Eaqub told Ryan Bridge we need our banks to be successful, but we a...

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 11th of November 2025, Te Pāti Māori's national council has voted to expel MPs Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris, Ngati Toa Iwi Chief Executive, Helmut Modlik shares his thoughts.  Firearms Minister Nicole McKee is set to lay out her rewriting of the Arms Act, Council of Licensed Firearm Owners Spokesperson, Hugh Devereux-Ma...

An iwi leader says fractures within Te Pāti Māori are unhelpful for Māori political goals.  Te Pāti Māori's National Council has opted to expel Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Takuta Ferris from the party.  Both have labelled the expulsion unconstitutional and will sit as Independent MPs for now.  Te Rūnanga O Toa Rangatira Chief Executive Helmut Modlik told Ryan Bridge this is distracting...

A few years ago, we had a bunch of stories about Santa parades getting cancelled because of red tape and traffic management. NZTA was the Grinch that stole Christmas. And guess what, two years in, despite a change of Government, despite a Minister and Ministry of Regulation, despite the road cone tip line, the Grinch is back. This time it’s Piopio. Population around 500. Rural. Between Hamilton an...

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 10 November. 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 multi-pronged action plan aims to tackle the country's soaring methamphetamine use. The Government's launched raft of measures including more funding for community support services and a media campaign for public awareness. Consumption doubled last year to nearly 1,500 kilos. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee told Ryan Bridge it will be a coordinated approach. See omnystudio.com/listener f...

Tongariro is a National Park for a reason. It's a stunning part of the country.  The fact is currently on fire is worrying not just because it's a fire and you want fires to be put out, but also because of where it's happening.  Ruapehu/central North island's been taking a hammering lately.   It's mills, factories, forestry and tourism.  Hundreds of jobs gone in mill closu...

The All Blacks’ Grand Slam tour continues this weekend.  They’re up against Scotland at Murrayfield after a solid victory over Ireland in the first leg.  Scotland will be looking to claim the victory for the first time against the All Blacks, particularly since they’re marking the 100 years at the stadium.   Rugby Commentator Tony Johnson told Ryan Bridge that while there is a lot o...

The Government's looking to invest in more companies that can get the country more gas, fast.  It's widening the scope for its $200 million gas co-investment fund.  The fund —created to support new gas field developments— will now invest in a broader range of projects that will accelerate or increase the volume of gas to market.  Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carneg...

So we've had a fifth round of talks with India on a free trade agreement. A senior government minister's in town with 42 of his mates. This is a sign of good progress, but dairy farmers were hoping for a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow and it isn't going to happen.  McClay and Luxon promised a deal by the election and it sounds like they're on track to achieve that. But is a deal worth...

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday the 7th of November 2025, The Government’s lowering the bar for gas companies to access the $200 million gas security fund, Energy Resources Aotearoa CEO John Carnegie shares his thoughts.  The All Blacks continue their grand slam tour this weekend, against Scotland at Murrayfield, Rugby Commentator Tony Johnson tells Ryan how he...

Concerns too many young people are finding it too hard to find a job.  15.2% of young people in the labour force are now unemployed, while 13.8% of all young people aren't in any employment, education, or training.  Youth Inspire works to get young people in Lower Hutt into jobs.  Chief Executive Zainab Ali told Ryan Bridge many of the people they're working with are really struggli...

New York City's new Mayor Elect says he will remain accessible and transparent.  34-year-old democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has become the city's first Muslim mayor and the first mayor of South Asian heritage.  He's achieved a landmark victory over Donald Trump-backed independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.  US correspondent Jagruti Dave told Ryan Bridge this is a...

The Police Minister says he has more pressing priorities than the enforcement of a law banning smoking or vaping in cars with children.  Last year, Newstalk ZB revealed Police never updated systems so officers could issue fines and had no plans to.   Police say the systems remain the same fourteen months on, and no fines have been issued.  Mark Mitchell told Ryan Bridge this is an o...

Assurance news of a rise in Kiwis calling in sick indicates a positive cultural shift.  A Business NZ and Southern Cross report shows workers are taking an average of 6.7 sick days a year, up from 5.5 in 2022.  Employers and Manufacturers Association Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald told Ryan Bridge while it is a cost, most employers recognise it stops infections spreading.  McDonald...

There’s a form of economic nimbyism that’s going on in this country. And if we want to get ahead, everyone knows there must be trade-offs. No economic miracle, new business, or growth opportunity comes without a cost. Whether its intensive agriculture on the environment or water to run the data centres that power your smart phones, every success costs you something. The trick is to be reasona...

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 6th of November 2025, youth unemployment is continuing to rise, Zainab Ali, CEO of Youth Inspire tells Ryan why the situation is so bad.  Kiwis are calling in sick more than ever and businesses are feeling it, the EMA's Alan McDonald shares his thoughts.  Back in 2020 the Government passed the law to ban smoking and vap...

Our red meat sector's continuing to see strong international demand.  Latest data from the Meat Industry Association shows the value of our red meat exports in September was up 29% on September last year.  Exports to the US were up 25%, despite the introduction of Donald Trump's tariffs.  Association Chair Nathan Guy told Andrew Dickens that while they thought the tariffs would be p...

A Fire and Emergency manager believes public fireworks sales should be banned as Guy Fawkes looms.  It's currently restricted to just four days a year, this year from November 2nd until Guy Fawkes.  It's one of the busiest periods of the year for firefighters, who had about 20 fireworks-related callouts in the 48 hours since sales began.  Community Safety Manager Adrian Nacey told A...

Unemployment has hopefully almost reached its peak. Latest Stats NZ data is expected to show unemployment has reached 5.3% in the September quarter. That's up from 5.2% in the June quarter. BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones told Andrew Dickens they expect another rise in the December quarter, before the job market starts to recover next year. He says there's still a bit of slog ahead of us, but there...