Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

A reminder physiotherapy can be an important step in getting back to work after injuries following revelations some people might be missing out. A New Zealand Initiative report shows the Accident Compensation Corporation automatically marks a person as "returned to work" five weeks after their last payment. This comes after its claims pool stopped growing in April, after once increasing 15% annual...

So let's talk about that weird interview yesterday.  No not the one with Winston Peters, the one with Chris Hipkins.  He has planted Labour in an almost impossible-to-justify position on NZ Super.  On Ryan Bridge Today yesterday he said Labour will not change the age of entitlement. Will not means-test. Will not cut it. Will keep it in full indefinitely.  We currently have arou...

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 24th of June 2026, the world's latest ai models may soon pose a threat to national security, cyber security expert Nadia Yousef shares her thoughts. A new NZ Initiative report warns ACC's focused on the wrong thing, President and Chair of Physiotherapy NZ tells Ryan where it's going wrong.  Labour's promised retirement vill...

The first All Blacks squad under Dave Rennie has been unveiled.  There are four fresh faces – the Hurricanes’ Xavier Numia, Fehi Fineanganofo, and Josh Moorby, as well as the Blues’ Anton Serger.  Ardie Savea is returning from his sabbatical in Japan to captain the squad.   Sports Commentator Sam Ackerman told Ryan Bridge it’s a list that reflects an optimistic, forward-thinking bra...

There’s a view A2 Milk still has work to do as the company wins regulatory approval to sell infant formula into China.  It'll be made at its plant in northern Waikato's Pōkeno – bought from Chinese company Yashili late last year.   The company's also pressing on with a $300 million special dividend for shareholders.  Shareholders Association CEO Oliver Mander told Ryan Bridge this d...

Stock traders across the UK are hoping the next Prime Minister will lead to some much-needed stability. Sir Keir Starmer has set out his plan to resign as UK Prime Minister and says a successor will be in place by Parliament's return in September at the latest.   It means Downing Street will welcome its seventh leader in a decade. Financial Times Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher told Ryan Bridge...

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 23rd of June 2026, Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as UK Prime Minister, Whitehall editor at the Financial Times, Lucy Fisher has the latest out of the UK.  Dave Rennie's unveiled his first All Blacks squad as coach, Sports Commentator Sam Ackerman shares his thoughts.  A2 Milk has won approval to sell infant...

Sir Keir Starmer's resignation has come as no surprise to those who listen to this show – or pretty much any show on this station.  But what should worry us is "why".  Sure, he was a dud. Sure, he was a bit of a goofball – h e wasn't cool.  But on immigration he was, at-least, trying. Net immigration was 85% below peak. Crime there is apparently falling. The economy's stumbling, but...

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday the 22nd of June 2026, National wants to make KiwiSaver compulsory for all workers from 2028, if re-elected Financial Services Council Chief Executive Kirk Hope shares his thoughts.  Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on Europe intent on reducing China content in imports and production, Oil prices dropping after the...

A tax expert says the Greens' proposed approach to tackling corporate greed - is likely to be unpopular.  If elected, the party's promising to add new super rich, gifts and inheritance taxes, a major banks levy and a big tech tax.  It also wants to lift the corporate tax rate to 33 percent - for large companies like supermarkets, gentailers and banks.  PWC tax partner Sandy Lau shar...

There's no point talking about the latest loony bin tax plan grab from the Greens because it's not going to become anything more than a word doc on their website. It's not going to happen. An inheritance tax is about the cruellest thing a state can impose on a grieving family. 33% when mum or dad dies. You've got to then take out a loan from the bank, congratulations bank and pay the government. O...

This weekend’s Super Rugby Pacific Final is shaping up to be a blockbuster.  The Hurricanes are hosting the Chiefs at a sold-out Hnry Stadium.  The Chiefs are chasing their first title in thirteen years, but the Hurricanes are hungry to lift the trophy again, a decade after their only win.  CEO Tony Philp told Andrew Dickens they know the Chiefs are going to come down and play an ep...

A fishing industry lobby group says the Government's decision to press pause on changes to fishing laws will be a missed opportunity.  Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has confirmed a bill, easing restrictions on the industry, won't be passed before the election.  The Government had already scrapped controversial plans to reduce minimum size limits for commercial fishers.  Seafood New...

The Government says manufacturers share its goal of doubling export receipts.  Stats NZ says equipment and food production were the biggest drivers of the 0.8% rise in GDP in the March quarter.  BNZ data shows manufacturing activity's dipped again since the fuel crisis started.  But Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing Cameron Brewer told Andrew Dickens things are trending...

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Friday the 19th of June 2026, GDP first three months of the year came in at a decent 0.8%, with manufacturing leading the charge, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing Cameron Brewer shares his thoughts.  The Hurricanes host the Chiefs in a sold-out cake tin this weekend, Hurricanes CEO Tony Philip tells Andrew how he thinks t...

We’ve come to the end of a fascinating week in politics. But what week in politics isn’t? It kicked off last Sunday with Nicola Willis alleging a massive hidden bill in Labour’s policies. She also had a crack at the lack of policies from Labour. And while that entertained her base who already hold that view, there were many who said she pulled the trigger too soon and it was a classic case of the...

The economic cost of injuries is being labelled a wake-up call for ACC and policymakers.  ACC's latest injuries report shows claims last year cost the economy $8.7 billion in lost productivity.  About $4.4 billion was spent on treatment and $3.1 billion on weekly compensation.  ACC lawyer and researcher Warren Forster told Andrew Dickens it's positive to see ACC focusing on the econ...

Data due out today is expected to show our economy was continuing to recover before the fuel crisis really began to bite.  Stats NZ is releasing GDP figures for the March quarter at 10.45.  It's expected to show the economy grew between 0.7 and 1% between January and March, but it's likely to have contracted again between April and June.  Westpac Senior Economist Michael Gordon told...

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Thursday 18th of June Full Show Podcast 2026, Westpac Senior Economist Michael Gordon previews GDP data out today.  Benefit numbers not looking too good for the Government, Labour Social Development and Employment Spokesperson Willow Jean Prime shares her thoughts.  ACC Lawyer and Researcher Warren Forster tells Andrew Dickens why ACC is costing u...

Labour's suggested the Government's out of touch with the challenges beneficiaries face trying to lock down a job.  Social Development Minister Louise Upston wants to slash the number of people on Jobseeker to 140 thousand by 2030. But Labour says we're on track to miss this target by more than 60 thousand people.  Social Development spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime is criticising the meas...

The first Michelin rankings of New Zealand restaurants are out later this month Yesterday Jesse Mulligan, the Herald’s restaurant reviewer, pointed out it’s going to be a very incomplete list of our best restaurants and worth little to most, including the high wealth tourists it’s supposed to attract There’s a couple of reasons. Firstly, geographic. The reviewers have only visited Auckland, Wellin...

A decline in drink driving convictions.  Ministry of Justice figures show convictions for teenagers in the past nine years are down 52% and 9.6% overall.  But the numbers rose for people in their thirties and over 55's.  Alcohol Beverages Council spokesperson Virginia Nicholls told Andrew Dickens it shows youth drinking is changing for the better.   She says a change in culture...

The ACT Party's promising to ensure freedom of speech for professional regulators if re-elected.   The proposal would ban regulators from disciplining workers for lawful expression outside of professional practice.  It would require them to remain neutral on political issues and restrict mandatory training to matters directly related to professional competence and safety.   Free Spe...

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Wednesday 17th of June 2026, Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett gives his thoughts on the Government given the green light to a 30-year infrastructure plan.  Less people are drinking and driving and it's young people leading the charge, Virginia Nicholls NZ Alcohol and Beverage Council Executive Director tells Andrew why.  The Ac...

An aim to squeeze more out of every dollar on infrastructure spending.  The Government's agreeing to all recommendations and acting on all priorities in the Infrastructure Commission's National Plan.  The 30-year document includes reviewing the Land Transport Fund and requiring Crown entities to publish long-term investment plans.  Infrastructure NZ Chief Executive Nick Leggett told...