Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

There's a belief New Zealand's building sector is still many months away from a rebound, as consents plummet.   Stats NZ data shows fewer than 34,000 new homes were consented in the year to June.   That's a 24% annual drop, and five-year low.   Construction Industry Council Executive Director Tommy Honey told Ryan Bridge it's a continuation of a trend that began mid-2022   He says they've been wai...

A Middle East politics expert says the assassination of a Hamas political leader will have reverberating effects.   Iran's vowing to avenge the killing of Ismail Haniyeh after his reported death in an air strike in Tehran.  It's declared three days of mourning and is promising what it calls "harsh punishment" against Israel.   It follows an Israeli strike on a Hezbollah commander in Lebanon.   Ota...

This is not the most important story that you will hear today, but it grinds my gears.   It's a small, seemingly insignificant event, but I think it speaks to two things that I absolutely hate about the world that we live in right now.   It took place at cinema three in Pukekohe. You might have seen the video on the Herald website.   So, two women and a child go to the movies, they sneak food in,...

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 1st of August, it's a throwback to the days of regional DHBs - Health NZ has announced four new regional directors.   Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has been killed in Iran, so where could the conflict go to from here? Ryan speaks to a Middle East expert.   Building consents are down - is it a sign of the struggling economy? The Con...

A nine-year-old girl has become the third child to die after a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the UK.   Two other girls, aged six and seven, died in the attack in northwest England on Monday.   A 17-year-old boy remains in custody accused of murder and attempted murder following the incident in Southport.   Eight other children suffered stab wounds and five are in critical co...

The changing whims of different governments are putting financial pressure on councils.   A report from NZIER has found central government underestimates what its reforms cost councils to implement.   Local Government New Zealand is calling for more assistance from Government to help them carry the cost.   Vice President and Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry says the speed limit increases under the...

Moves to improve online gambling regulation will allow overseas online casinos to advertise in New Zealand from early 2026.   The Minister of Internal Affairs says it will only apply to licensed operators and come with strict limits.  The Problem Gambling Foundation says the advertising is a concern.   Director of Advocacy and Public Health for the Problem Gambling Foundation, Andree Froude told R...

The River Seine fell short yesterday, leading to a last minute cancellation.   The Men’s Triathlon was postponed due to the poor water quality in the river, after the cancellation of two prior training sessions.   They’ve moved the event from 6pm last night to 8:45pm tomorrow, after the Women’s Triathlon.   Michael Burgess, NZ Herald Sports Reporter, told Ryan Bridge that Friday is, as far as they...

Income tax cuts kick in for us today and 94% of us will get a few extra bucks.   Will it be swallowed up by your mortgage, or your insurance going up, or your rates? Probably, but better we get the money and decide what to do with it than the politicians, right?   Also today, MPs get their first pay rise since 2017, and watch closely, watch those particularly who shout the loudest about equality,...

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 31st of July, Local Government NZ say central government policies are costing councils and ratepayers more - LGNZ Vice President Campbell Barry speaks to Ryan.   New licensing rules are on the way for online casinos, but do they go far enough? The Problem Gambling Foundation has concerns.   The women's sevens have won New Zealan...

New Zealand is still looking to secure their first medal in this year’s Olympic Games.   They had a busy morning on Day Three, with multiple equestrian events, cycling, swimming, and the Black Ferns Sevens moving through to the semifinals.   Kiwi Tom Saunders, one of the top laser sailors in the world, is in Paris for his first Olympics.   He told Ryan Bridge that since they’re all racing with ide...

Farmers still feel there are tough times ahead.   The latest Farm Confidence report from Federated Farmers shows confidence has fallen over this year, with debt, interest rates, and banks the greatest concern.   More than half of farmers are expecting conditions to deteriorate in the year ahead.   Federated Farmers President Wayne Langford told Ryan Bridge they’re questioning why their interest ra...

There’s concerns a crackdown on gangs could go too far.   Proposed Firearm Prohibition Order laws would expand bans on holding a firearms licence to people committing lower-level offences, and allow warrantless police searches of suspects.   The Justice Select Committee is asking for it to be scaled back, concerned it gives police too much power.   Labour's Justice Spokesperson Ginny Andersen told...

I love watching the Olympics. I'm still watching, I'm still excited, but there are just a few little niggly things that are putting a slight dampener on it for me.   The river Seine is dirty again. That's the second day with no practice.   You've got to do a triathlon, you want to practice swimming in the river that you're going to compete in, but you can't because it's dirty.   It's filled with E...

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 30th of July, changes could be on the way for the Firearms Prohibition Order following recommendations from the Justice Select Committee. Committee Member and Labour MP Ginny Anderson talks to Ryan.   Federated Farmers say farmer confidence remains at a historic low. Wayne Langford runs Ryan though their latest survey.   Live in P...

Is it just me or does it feel like democracy is somewhat under threat or at risk?   Just reading the international news headlines day in day out, it feels precarious.   Trump, over the weekend if you missed it, is suggesting that he will fix the next election. And I know he's probably joking, but you never really tell with Donald Trump.   "You won't have to do it anymore, four more years, you know...

Oranga Tamariki’s bootcamp pilot programme for serious youth offenders starts today.   The 12-month military style programme will see one-to-one mentoring with a focus on routine, physical activity and education.   Labour’s children’s spokesperson Willow Jean Prime tells Ryan Bridge the programme is experimental and is taking place despite evidence that bootcamp models do not work.   LISTEN ABOVE...

France’s high speed rail network is expected to be back to normal tomorrow after a co-ordinated attack on the infrastructure occurred before the Olympics Opening Ceremony. It’s estimated 800,000 have been affected.   And, the UK Government is softening taxpayers up for widespread tax rises. Ministers are set to reveal a treasury audit of public spending pressures inherited by the new government.  ...

Sailors Isaac McHardie and Will McKenzie are first after the opening day of the men's 49er competition off the Marseille coast. The pair triumphed immediately, before posting a third and an eighth.   Meanwhile, in efforts to snag New Zealand’s first Olympic swimming medal since 1996, Lewis Clareburt faces tough competition in France’s Leon Marchand.   And, rain continues to disrupt water quality a...

The Green Party held its annual General Meeting over the weekend – but focus remained on the Darleen Tana saga.   Party leadership has written to Tana, formally requesting her resignation and response within 21 days. Delegates will hold a vote on September 1 on whether to invoke the waka jumping legislation and kick her out of parliament.   Political commentator Brigitte Morten tells Ryan Bridge t...

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday the 29th of July. The Government's serious young offender bootcamp trial starts today - Ryan speaks to Labour about their thoughts on the pilot programme.   Darleen Tana has been asked again by her former party to resign from parliament. What are the next steps for the party?   It's all on in Paris - Kiwi athletes could win their f...

Excitement is building in Paris as the Olympic Opening Ceremony draws near.   In less than 24 hours, nearly 100 boats will be floating down the River Seine for the outdoor ceremony.   195 Kiwi athletes are in France for the Games, competing across 22 sports.   Erin Routliffe is competing in the tennis doubles alongside Lulu Sun, and told Ryan Bridge that they’re excited to play together.   She sai...

The Regulation Minister says people in Early Childhood tell them they're sick of the amount of red tape and regulation.    Labour, Te Pati Māori, and the Greens have united against the Regulation Ministry's regulatory review.   They claim the Government's making dangerous changes.   The NZEI union is also calling for it to stop.   David Seymour told Ryan Bridge it's the first time the opposition h...

It’s being suggested that New Zealand's freshwater quality targets are unworkable.   A Beef + Lamb-commissioned independent review shows more than a third of our rivers won't meet national sediments standards.   That's even if agriculture is removed and catchments are returned to their natural state.   Chair Kate Acland told Ryan Bridge they're asking for a pause to work on something more practica...

Drone gate.   It's all anyone is talking about at the Olympics.   We've just lost to the Canadians by the way, 2 - 1 in the women's football.   Imagine being that assistant coach and the analyst who were caught, who were busted.   You know, you go to the Olympics, it's one of your proudest moments. Your family is behind you, your kids are cheering you on.   Then imagine the shame of flying home be...