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
Karl Dean: Federated Farmers immigration spokesperson at Fieldays
It's one of the biggest days on the agricultural calendar, with Fieldays opening its gates. Good weather is forecast for the four-day event at Hamilton's…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Francesca Rudkin: Is the grass really greener across the ditch?
Recently I had a guest on the Sunday Session – an Aussie who was in New Zealand and was loving it. They said everyone here was relaxed, welcoming, and smiled…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on card spending rising, the impact of concerts, Christchurch's new stadium
Christchurch's new stadium is helping drive national retail spending. Paymark data shows spending through its Core Retail network rose 1.2% last month compared…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Tama Potaka: National's Conservation Spokesperson on the party's pledge to double QEII National Trust funding if re-elected
National's promising to protect the country's heritage and biodiversity on private land and farms. It's pledging to double baseline funding for the QEII…
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 09 June 2026
On the Early Edition with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast 2026, The Police Commissioner says a senior officer shouldn't stay in the job after putting his…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Steve Watt: Police Association President on a senior police officer's Labour candidacy
Concerns over a senior police officer's Labour candidacy are being downplayed, with assurances police remain politically neutral. Police Commissioner Richard…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Francesca Rudkin: What does Labour's list tell us?
The Labour Party yesterday announced its final candidate list ahead of the Election. Did you find it an encouraging list? It looks like there are some very…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Kate Acland: Beef and Lamb Chair on the red meat sector's annual $50 billion spending contribution
The red meat sector is a significant part of New Zealand's economy, generating $17.5 billion in GDP every year and generating almost $50 billion in spending. A…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Jordan Williams: Taxpayers' Union Executive Director on the government quietly setting aside the money from next year's budget
The Taxpayers' Union is accusing the Government of "political skulduggery" - over a billion dollars in undisclosed future spending. The Government's quietly…
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 08 June 2026
On the Early Edition with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast Monday 8th of June 2026, The Government's quietly pre-committed more than a billion dollars from…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Francesca Rudkin: Government's new health moves are long overdue
I like how the government’s recent moves are trying to create a more integrated and responsive health system. Last week they moved on pharmacists and during…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Sam Ackerman: Sports Commentator previews the Super Rugby Pacific qualifiers
The Super Rugby Pacific qualifiers have arrived. Four Kiwi teams will be fighting to stay in the game, battling for spots in the semi-final. The Hurricanes are…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Malcolm Fleming: NZ Certified Builders CEO on construction activity hitting a ten year low
New data highlights ongoing struggles in the construction sector. An Infometrics report shows building activity fell 3.5% in the March quarter to its lowest…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Jeffrey Pryce: Foreign Policy Institute Senior Fellow on House Republicans moving to prevent Donald Trump from ordering more strikes on Iran
Recent moves by Congress suggest some Republicans are acting more independently from the White House. The House has passed a measure to stop US President Trump…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Francesca Rudkin: If you want trust, you must accept consequences
New Zealand’s Privacy Commissioner is right to argue that the law should be changed to allow agencies to be fined when they fail to protect people’s sensitive…
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 05 June 2026
Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 5 June. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Kate Fisher: US Correspondent on the call between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu
US President Donald Trump has confirmed some frustrations were shared in his call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Earlier this week, anonymous…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Sheena Hemens: Christchurch mother on her call to extend bereavement leave from three days to ten
A Christchurch mother says current bereavement leave rules don’t give families enough time to grieve. Sheena Hemens has launched a petition to increase the…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Mark Mitchell: Sport and Police Minister on the $8 million funding injection for youth intervention through sport
The Government's hoping a youth programme funding boost will help keep kids on the straight and narrow. It's confirmed an $8 million cash injection to support…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Francesca Rudkin: The story of Gen Z and their work ethic
In a podcast earlier this week, Former First Lady Michelle Obama had some wisdom for the Gen Z generation (aged between 14 and 29) when it comes to employment…
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 04 June 2026
Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 4 June. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
James Doolan: Hotel Council Aotearoa Strategic Director on the rise in luxury tourism spending in New Zealand
Our luxury tourism market is booming. Data from Grand View Research estimates our luxury travel market generated nearly $8 billion last year and that could…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Mark Hooper: Federated Farmers Banking Spokesperson on Heartland buying TSB
Federated Farmers is calling the potential Heartland–TSB merger an intriguing prospect. Heartland Bank has struck a deal to buy TSB for $620 million, pending…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Davina Smolders: Far North District Councillor on the Government banning non-elected people from voting
The Government's being praised for stepping in to save councils from themselves. It's amending a Bill before Parliament to stop unelected council committee…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Francesca Rudkin: What the call between Trump and Netanyahu suggests
I normally do not respond positively to the way President Trump speaks about and to people. But a little part of me understood the way the President allegedly…
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 03 June 2026
Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 3 June. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Vicky Price: Business Correspondent on rising oil prices, jet fuel stocks
Airlines are taking another hit from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Oil prices jumped 7% after an Iranian news agency announced Tehran has suspended…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Lucy Naylor: Auckland Primary Principals' Association President on the rise in use of physical restraint in schools
Growing calls for more learning support staff as teachers increasingly resort to physically restraining students with high needs. The Ministry of Education has…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Dylan Thomsen: AA Road Safety Spokesperson on the number of road deaths over the King's Birthday Weekend
The country's recorded its deadliest King's Birthday Weekend on the roads in a decade. Three people were killed in a two-car collision on the Desert Road early…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Francesca Rudkin: The next step in expanding the role of pharmacists
So, some good news this morning. If in the weekend you noticed the kids have developed conjunctivitis, or you had an unexpectedly good time over the weekend…
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 02 June 2026
Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 2 June. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Karl Dean: Federated Farmers Dairy Chair on the opening milk price forecast
Farmers are wary of the opening milk price forecast. Fonterra's latest financial update puts the current season's midpoint payout forecast at $9.70. It's up…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Andy England: Darfield High School Principal on the bolstering of trades, axing of Fees Free in Budget 2026
Mixed feelings over the Government’s shift from university study toward trades training. The Budget doubles Trades Academy places to 20,000 over four years…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Ruth Richardson: Former Finance Minister and Taxpayers' Union Chair unpacks Budget 2026
A former Finance Minister has praised the direction of the Budget, but says there are some “heroic assumptions” about getting back to surplus in 2028/29. It…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Andrew Dickens: We're inching towards a healthier position
The Budget is out, and the Government’s done what it can with the pickle we’re in. Put simply, we don’t collect enough tax to pay for the services we run and…
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 29 May 2026
Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 29 May. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Laura McClure: ACT Education Spokesperson on the Government backing down from changing homeschool laws
The ACT Party is defending voting in favour of homeschooling legislation before it was scrapped after pushback from families. The amendments announced last…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist on the Reserve Bank's decision to hold the OCR at 2.25%
ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley says the window for low mortgage rates has closed, with multiple Official Cash Rate hikes expected later this year following…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber CEO on his expectations for Budget 2026
Very few frills or surprises are expected to be in today’s Budget. Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges predicts a “sensible, prudent, boring…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Ryan Bridge: Budget spending must be careful and calculated
The Budget is always a fizzer in the sense that most of it is announced days in advance. There are a few sweeteners on the day, but this time, unless there's a…
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 28 May 2026
Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 28 May. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Mark Wilshire: Co-operative Bank CEO ahead of the Official Cash Rate announcement
Banks and economists expect the Official Cash Rate to hold at 2.25% despite global uncertainty. It's the first OCR announcement since conflict erupted in the…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Bevan McKenzie: Health NZ Chief Financial Officer on the inquiry into the Manage My Health cyber-attack
Health NZ is apologising for the Manage My Health cyber-attack. The Privacy Commissioner has found both failed to protect sensitive patient information. Over…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Steve Cullen: Criminal Lawyer on 2025 remand numbers dropping as prisoner numbers reach record highs
There's a belief we'll have to wait and see to understand why remand numbers are shifting. The numbers of remand prisoners fell for three consecutive quarters…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Steve Cullen: Criminal Lawyer on 2025 remand numbers dropping as prisoner numbers reach record highs (1)
Belief we'll have to wait and see to understand why remand numbers are shifting. The numbers of remand prisoners fell for three consecutive quarters last year…
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 27 May 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 27th of May 2026, Co-operative Bank CEO Mark Wilkshire tells Ryan what we can expect from…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Ryan Bridge: Something's not adding up with business investment in this country
If the Post is to believed this morning, the Government is considering a business growth fund whereby some Crown agency would pick winners and probably a few…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Leeann Watson: Business Canterbury CEO on the number of international business delegates visiting New Zealand rising by 50%
Conferences on our shores are driving up international delegation numbers, which have surged more than 50% annually. According to Stats NZ, arrivals are near…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Catherine Beard: Business NZ Advocacy Director on the Government's loan scheme to help businesses transition from natural gas
Business NZ says a new loan scheme to help businesses ditch gas is a necessary step. This year's Budget funds up to $1.2 billion in guaranteed bank loans to…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Todd Barberel: WellingtonNZ General Manager Destination and Marketing on a drop in cruise visits
Glimmers of hope for Wellington despite another drop in cruise visits. Preliminary data released to Newstalk ZB shows a 3% drop in port visits compared to last…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Ryan Bridge: Enhanced Games just a bit of fun
Some guy won a million bucks for swimming 50m in a pool with a wetsuit on. I know. Awesome, right? Should be stoked for the guy. He's Greek. He's an athlete…
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 26 May 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 26th of May 2026, The Government’s stepping in guarantor banks loans to get profitable…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
David Smith: Iran-US ceasefire talks seem to be 'more optimistic than normal'
President Donald Trump has said over the weekend that the United States is in the final stages of negotiations to extend a ceasefire in the US war against Iran…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Ryan Bridge: 'A kid in sport is kid out of court'
Even if you're not into football, it's hard not to be excited about a local franchise winning the A-League final. You have to be a real Grinch not to get a…
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 25 May 2026
Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 25 May. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Tim Adams: Auckland FC Fan Group Representative previews the A-League Grand Final clash
Auckland FC are heading for their first A-League grand final at a sold-out stadium. It’s both the first time a grand final has been played in New Zealand, and…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Paul Giberd: Social Housing Aotearoa CEO on the social housing overhaul and possible impact on elderly people
There are concerns elderly people will be left behind in a housing support overhaul. This year's Budget includes hiking the amount social housing tenants have…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Michael Baker: Otago University Public Health Professor on Pharmac's proposal to expand free flu vaccines
Pharmac's looking to expand free flu vaccines to the group with the highest rates of influenza. The agency's looking at providing jabs to an extra 260 thousand…
- Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Ryan Bridge: What's cruel versus fair in the social housing debate
Nicola Willis' Lotto comment yesterday was clumsy, but in the end, much ado about nothing. The politics of this housing thing are pretty simple. You've got…
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 22 May 2026
Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 22 May. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday…