Shows / Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.
Episodes
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Campbell Parker: DairyNZ CEO on Fonterra's positive annual result
Another positive annual result for Fonterra despite challenging weather conditions and global volatility. The dairy co-op's confirmed a total cash return to…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Christopher R Hill: Former US Ambassador on the meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping
Taiwanese independence remains a sticking point in the US-China relationship despite Donald Trump describing a 'great meeting' with Xi Jinping. Washington has…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Deon Swiggs: Local Government New Zealand Regional Chair on Government delaying amalgamation plans
Fears the Government has only increased uncertainty for councils with delays to amalgamation plans. The Government won't evaluate council's proposals until…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Ryan Bridge: Can we trust the AI bosses?
The North Korean who tricked their way into a job with Kiwi company to make Kim Jong Un some cash was so yesterday's news. The nerds and cyber cops are now…
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 25 September 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2026, the Government's decided to put council amalgamation on ice, Canterbury Regional Council Chair Dr…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Nick Bewley: Newstalk ZB Sports Reporter on the New Zealand Rugby summit
The future of professional rugby is on the agenda at today's New Zealand Rugby summit. The organisation is weighing up decisions regarding the future of Super…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
David Wills: Nurses' Society National Director on the reduced police ED handover time for mental health callouts
Nurses fear a shorter Police handover for mental health patients could compromise staff and patient safety at ED. The fourth stage of Police withdrawing from…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Andrew Eagles: Smart Energy Alliance spokesperson on the decision on the LNG import terminal delayed
Relief cooler heads are prevailing over a discussion around an LNG import terminal. Energy Minister Simeon Brown had intended to sign a contract with a…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Ryan Bridge: Looks like the LNG deal's dead in the water, for now
Energy is everything, but you can't have your cake and eat it too. The LNG terminal is on ice 'till after the election. Shane Jones told Ryan Bridge Today as…
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 24 September 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 24th of September 2026, David Seymour may be the one hitting the brakes on LNG Terminal…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Mark Smith: ASB Senior Economist on the findings of the review of the Reserve Bank's monetary policy during Covid
The Reserve Bank took too long to pull back on drastic Covid measures. An independent probe's found the Monetary Policy Committee made the right call by…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Francois Barton: Business Leaders Health and Safety Forum CEO on the cost of workplace harm to New Zealand
Workplace harm's costing the country billions of dollars a year. A report from the Business Leaders Health and Safety Forum has found workplace harm cost the…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Oliver Hartwich: NZ Initiative Executive Director on business leaders signing an open letter urging political parties to drop interventionist policies
Fifty-one business leaders have signed an open letter from business think tank the New Zealand Initiative urging political parties to drop interventionist…
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 23 September 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2026, the independent review into how the Reserve Bank under Adrian Orr handled the Covid and post…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Ryan Bridge: Don't believe everything you read
The problem with writing books and not fact-checking them properly is that you get yourself tangled in knots. At best, forced to apologise. At worst, sued. I…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Robyn Walker: Deloitte Tax Partner on Labour deciding not to change the rules about landlord interest deductibility
A tax expert believes Labour's changed stance on interest deductibility makes complete sense. Labour's confirmed it won't change the current Government's rules…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Aidan Donoghue: Victoria University Student Association President on the Fees Free scheme and the impact of ending it
A student leader believes universities will hit a wall when it comes to funding without the Fees Free scheme. Tertiary Education Minister Penny Simmonds says…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Cameron Bagrie: Independent economist on Kiwis relying more on credit cards
There's a suggestion consumer spending is recovering, but essential costs are leaving less for the fun stuff. Kiwibank research reveals more than 71% of card…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Ryan Bridge: It's obvious National and Labour are fighting for centre votes
Labour has finally seen the light on interest deductibility. That's where a landlord, like any other legitimate business in New Zealand, is able to deduct the…
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 22 September 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday the 22nd of September 2026, the Tertiary Education Minister says the taxpayer sent over $2…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Kelly Seaburg: Advocates for Early Learning Excellence Chair on National's pre-school check policy, screen time limits
An expert believes National's proposed pre-school check carries merit and is definitely worth exploring. The party says its early childhood policy will set…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Arena Williams: Commerce and Consumer Affairs Spokesperson on tackling the supermarket duopoly
Labour says it will tackle the supermarket duopoly in its first 100 days, if it forms the next government. The party will force Foodstuffs and Woolworths to…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Ryan Bridge: Why is the state parenting our kids?
There's thing happening with parents, responsibility and the state. Kids are wither misbehaving or not learning, parents are putting their hands up, and the…
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 21 September 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 21st of September 2026, Labour Commerce and Consumer Affairs Spokesperson Arena Williams tells…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Ankit Sharma: Master Builders CEO on the construction sector being a primary driver in GDP growth
The GDP has grown as expected – rising 0.2% in the June quarter. Construction was the biggest boost, up 2.7%, driven by more residential building projects…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Andy England: Darfield High School Principal on Labour's plan to pause educational reforms, set up independent council
A Canterbury principal likes the idea of taking politics out of curriculum decisions, but says it’ll be interesting to see whether that happens in practice. If…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Wattie Watson: Professional Firefighters' Union National Secretary calling for a clear-out of the FENZ board
The Firefighters' Union says it's been warning the Government for years about problems at Fire and Emergency. Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden has…
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 18 September 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday the 18th of September 2026, construction was the biggest boost to GDP, Master Builders CEO Ankit…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Ryan Bridge: Important things happening in the world and our pollies are fussing over the C-word
What a week. AI's going to kill us all – unless Putin gets there first. More drones and flare-ups from him, allegedly, in the skies above Europe. Trump's…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Catherine Beard: BusinessNZ Director of Advocacy on National's plan to split up Foodstuffs to drive competition
Blowback from a business advocate on National's plan to break up Foodstuffs. If elected, and if the Commerce Commission agrees, the party would separate…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Cameron Bagrie: Economist expects the economy to improve with GDP expected to rise in Q2
The economy is expected to keep improving as the year goes on. Stats NZ is releasing GDP data for April-to-June later this morning. Economists are expecting…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Kathan Parikh: NZ Cinnabon and Auntie Anne’s pretzels franchise owner on bringing new brands to NZ
Two classic American food brands are landing in New Zealand, with Auntie Anne’s pretzels and Carvel soft serve opening in Auckland this month. Auntie Anne’s…
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 17 September 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 17th of September 2026, the Business community not happy with National’s plan to bust up…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Ryan Bridge: Nicola's supermarket bust up isn't serious
Nicola's supermarket smash-up is not serious. She's playing a very risky political game and she knows it. Cost of living is the only game in town this election…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Bruce Weir: Independent urban planner and strategic development expert on the amendments to the fast-track system
There's a view changes to the fast-track system shouldn't be made carelessly. The amendments to the system working their way through Parliament will mean…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Rachel Mackintosh: E tū National Secretary on ACT's plan to freeze minimum wage, lower youth training rate
It's being suggested New Zealand is still suffering from a minimum wage freeze 30 years ago, and ACT's pledge would do long term damage. The party wants to set…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Ryan Bridge: I wouldn't hold your breath for tax cuts
Tax cuts are back on the campaign agenda. Nicola Willis dropped a wee hint to the BusinessNZ election conference yesterday. Bracket creep is hurting workers –…
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 16 September 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2026, Children's Commissioner Jane Searle shares her thoughts on the damning report into the missing…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Jane Searle: Children's Commissioner on the inquiry into the Tom Phillips manhunt
The Children Commissioner's demanding action, with a multitude of failures in the search for the Marokopa children brought to light. A four-year manhunt for…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Simon Laurent: NZ Association of Migration and Investment Chair on net migration hitting a two year high
Net migration is back on the rise as the brain drain eases. Stats NZ data shows the number of people moving here in the year to July outnumbered those leaving…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on how an uncertain global bond market could impact New Zealand
Surging global oil prices and bond yields could keep inflation higher than expected and force the Reserve Bank to raise the OCR faster than expected. Some…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Tania Tapsell: Rotorua Mayor on tourism arrivals overtaking pre-Covid numbers
July's record tourism numbers are being seen as a reflection of investment finally paying off. Stats NZ data shows 256,600 overseas tourists arrived during the…
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 15 September 2026
On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Tuesday the 15th of September 2026, international visitor numbers are finally back above pre-Covid…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Andrew Dickens: Politicians are missing the real immigration problem
The past week has seen immigration policies come to the fore. New Zealand First is signalling a tougher immigration stance, longer waits for residency and…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on Russian drone striking train behind Boris Johnson and other dignitaries near Ukraine border
A Russian drone has hit a train near the Ukraine-Poland border, moments after former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other top European security officials…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Vicky Pryce: business correspondent on the UK GDP going up by 0.4 percent
The UK's GDP grew by 0.4 percent in July, surprising economists after no growth was predicted. The economic growth was driven by several key sectors, and…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Alf Filipaina: Auckland Councillor on the launch of the City Rail Link and whether extra police are needed
The City Rail Link finally launched over the weekend and it's set to bring extra foot traffic to Auckland CBD, but concerns have been raised over the potential…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Barbara Edmonds: Labour Finance Spokesperson on its KiwiSaver policy
A clear standout - as Labour rolls out a raft of proposed changes to our KiwiSaver scheme. The party's promising to lift the employer contribution rate to six…
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 14 September 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2026, Labour Finance Spokesperson Barbara Edmonds shares the details of Labour's KiwiSaver policy…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Ryan Bridge: The numbers that tell us where we're heading
There's a reason we talk a lot on this programme about bond markets, growth, central bank decisions and wars in far-away places. There was, and probably still…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Kevin Putt: Former Springbok previews the final Greatest Rivalry test between the All Blacks and Springboks
The All Blacks are hoping to rally after back-to-back losses to the Springboks. But this time they're not on South African territory, instead the two sides are…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Leon Panetta: Former Defence Secretary and CIA Director on the US-Iran war
A retired US politician believes the Iran war has no end in sight. The Wall Street Journal reports top advisers told President Trump privately that his war…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Graeme Edgeler: Constitutional law expert on an MSD review which found more than 30-thousand cases, where benefits and payments were wrongly suspended
A warning from a constitutional law expert that every time the Government rushes legislation, it risks a major stuff up. The Ministry of Social Development's…
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 11 September 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 11th of September 2026, the Ministry of Social Development has released its review into two…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
David Seymour: Regulation Minister on the review into the hospitality sector
A clearer direction for the hospitality sector, with red tape set to be slashed. The Ministry for Regulation's completed a review into cumbersome rules…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Graeme Muller: Tech New Zealand CEO on Labour's AI policy, data centres
Tech New Zealand's hoping AI becomes a hot topic this election as Labour releases its policy on the new technology. If elected, the party wants stronger…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Rawdon Christie: Real estate agent on house prices could be on track for a faster recovery
House prices could be on track for a much faster recovery than ASB expects. The bank says national prices are still 15% below their late-2021 peak and won't…
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 10 September 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 10th of September 2026, the Minister for Regulation, David Seymour tells Ryan how big of…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Ryan Bridge: Cutting red tape by adding complexity
Do we really need a Minister of Booze? Back in the good old days, they were all Ministers of Booze. The whole cabinet – especially Robert Muldoon. But the idea…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on Israel taking measures against the UK after it announced sanctions on West Bank settlements
Israel's taking several measures against the UK, including closing its consulate in Jerusalem and banning 11 MPs from entering the country. The move's in…