Best Doug Watson Podcasts (2025)

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Elliott Smith: Newstalk ZB Rugby Commentator ahead of the Bledisloe Cup test between the All Blacks and Australia 3:41

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1d ago3:41

3:41

The All Blacks have got to perform in this weekend’s Eden Park test. They’re set to face Australia in the wake of their worst-ever defeat just 12 days ago against South Africa. Newstalk ZB’s voice of rugby Elliott Smith told Francesca Rudkin the All Blacks have to turn up, perform, and start finding some consistency. He says consistency won’t come …

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Elizabeth Heeg: Forestry Owners' Association CEO on the food and fibre sector's call for tertiary reform 4:07

1d ago4:07

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A push for more work-based learning, to give food and fibre employers greater input on training. Key players like Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Federated Farmers have teamed up to demand an overhaul from the government. The sectors have released the Food and Fibre Workforce Capability Strategy. Forestry Owners' Association Chief Executive Elizabeth H…

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Vincent McAviney: Europe Correspondent on the sentencing of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy 1:59

1d ago1:59

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Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy claims his court case is politically motivated. He's been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of criminal conspiracy, relating to illicit funds from the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. He was acquitted of all other charges. Europe correspondent Vincent McAviney told Francesca Rudkin…

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Full Show Podcast: 26 September 2025 34:31

1d ago34:31

34:31

On the Early Edition with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast Friday 26th of September 2025, Fonterra’s delivered one of its best results ever, Federated Farmers Dairy Chair Karl Dean shares his thoughts. It's the great show down between the All blacks and the Wallabies this saturday night in Auckland, Newstalk ZB rugby commentator and editor Elliot…

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Karl Dean: Federated Farmers Dairy Chair on Fonterra's profit 4:01

1d ago4:01

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Dairy farmers remain mindful of the chance of more tough times ahead. Fonterra's confirmed a final farmgate milk price of $10.16 for the past season, with earnings of 71 cents per share. But its midpoint forecast for this season remains at $10. Federated Farmers Dairy Board Chair Karl Dean told Francesca Rudkin farmers will be paying off debt and i…

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Francesca Rudkin: Parents, you're up 2:51

1d ago2:51

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Yesterday, PPTA members —secondary school teachers— voted to make addressing online extremism an official policy, and are now pushing for Government action. Teachers say they are seeing more misogyny from young boys, as well as xenophobia and anti-Māori rhetoric – and I believe them. Sit down with your teenager and ask them about Andrew Tate, Trump…

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Doug King: Sports Injury Research Specialist on the new portable brain scanner to detect concussions 3:14

2d ago3:14

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New Zealand will have first use of the world's first portable brain scanner that could change how concussion is diagnosed for rugby players – but will it work as said? The device —known as the Nurocheck headset— can allegedly detect head injuries in two minutes. Medtech Labs Group CEO Michael Lee says although the brain scanner will be rolled out n…

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Cameron Bagrie: Economist on Anna Breman being appointed the new Reserve Bank Governor 4:14

2d ago4:14

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The new Reserve Bank Governor seems to tick all the boxes. Dr Anna Breman has been announced as the next Governor, taking over from Christian Hawkesby in December. She was the First Deputy Governor of Sweden’s central bank, and was selected from more than 300 candidates that were initially identified. Economist Cameron Bagrie told Francesca Rudkin …

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Phil Goff: Former Auckland Mayor on Auckland council housing density decision 3:13

2d ago3:13

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Auckland Council's new density plan won't see fewer houses zoned, but will change where they're allowed. The council's Policy and Planning Committee voted 18-5 to pass the plan, which will see more housing near transport hubs and less in natural hazard zones. Former Auckland Mayor Phil Goff shares his thoughts with Francesca Rudkin. LISTEN ABOVE Se…

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Full Show Podcast: 25 September 2025 34:11

3d ago34:11

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On the Early Edition with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast Thursday 25th of September 2025, Independent Economist Cameron Bagrie shares his thoughts on the new Reserve Bank Governor. A new portable med-tech device from the company Nurochek claims it has the ability to diagnose concussions on the sidelines in just two minutes, Dr Doug King Sports …

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Francesca Rudkin: Good news for Auckland Council 3:13

3d ago3:13

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It was a big day at Auckland Council yesterday, and I think a good day. The Policy and Planning Committee met for most of yesterday to thrash out the future of Auckland’s housing, debating where and how Auckland is going plan for more homes. The council voted 18-5 to discard PC78 and notify PC120 – which basically means the 3 storey townhouses seen…

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Episode 113: Exodus’ Gary Holt Talks Kirk Hammett and Bay Area Thrash 24:11

2h ago24:11

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This week on The Metallica Report… Gary Holt—the veteran lead guitarist of Exodus and, more recently, a member of Slayer—speaks to us about his longtime friendship with Kirk Hammett. From their school days to the stage, Gary explains how Exodus and Metallica came up in the Bay Area scene through his unique lens. Gary paints a wonderful picture of a…

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Roger Patridge: NZ Initiative Co-founder and Chair on the results of the Mood of the Boardroom Survey 4:17

3d ago4:17

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A grim outlook from business leaders. The Herald's annual Mood of the Boardroom survey shows business leaders are less optimistic about the economy than they were a year ago. They’re calling for more bipartisanship when it comes to tax, retirement, and the long-term outlook for New Zealand. NZ Initiative co-founder and Chair Roger Patridge told Fra…

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Leah McKerrow: North Chamber CEO on the call to reverse the ban on card surcharges 3:51

3d ago3:51

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A view that small businesses may suffer and not be able to survive if the Government's surcharge ban comes into play. Commerce Minister Scott Simpson announced the ban on surcharges like PayWave will be in place by May next year. In an open letter, 36 Chambers of Commerce, industry and business associations warn the ban will just be passed on throu…

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Marisa Bidois: Restaurant Association boss on new Holidays Act changes 4:50

4d ago4:50

4:50

Changes to the Holidays Act have been welcomed by businesses as long overdue. The new system will include accrual for sick and annual leave. The Government says it will be two years before these changes are implemented. But Restaurant Association boss Marisa Bidois told Francesca Rudkin the industry wants a faster timeline. She says while she under…

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Francesca Rudkin: Trump's Autism comments are unhelpful 2:55

4d ago2:55

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I didn’t really want to touch on this yesterday. I really hoped the story about President Trump coming out and declaring that pregnant mothers taking paracetamol was the cause of autism would just die a quick death in the news. But it made an impact - as you may have seen. Comments like Trump’s are hugely frustrating and unhelpful. They cause conce…

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Full Show Podcast: 24 September 2025 34:15

4d ago34:15

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On the Early Edition with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 24th of September 2025, The Government’s overhauling the Holidays Act, Marisa Bidois Chief Executive of the Restaurant Association tells Francesca about the difference it'll make for businesses and employees. The Herald's released the Mood of the Boardroom survey, Co-founder…

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Leeann Watson: Business Canterbury CEO on the upcoming changes to the Holidays Act 3:24

4d ago3:24

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Businesses are hopeful an overhaul of the Holidays Act will give them clearer leave guidelines. The Workplace Minister will announcing a change to the 2003 Act today. Business Canterbury CEO Leeann Watson told Francesca Rudkin the current legislation is far too complex. She says businesses have almost needed an advanced calculus degree to meet thei…

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Andy Higgs: Digital Identity NZ Executive Director on potential concerns with the digital drivers licences 4:42

4d ago4:42

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A tech expert says there's good reason to be sceptical about digital identifications. Digital Services Minister Judith Collins says driver licences could soon be available on our phones before the end of the year. New South Wales has already rolled out a similar service. Digital Identity New Zealand Executive Director Andy Higgs told Francesca Rudk…

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Malcolm Fleming: Certified Builders Chief Executive on Education minister orders more classrooms to help struggling tradies 4:18

5d ago4:18

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Belief the Government's half-a-billion dollar investment to infrastructure will boost the construction sector. Both projects involve upgrades and maintenance for hospital and school buildings nationwide. It's at a time when construction activity is at a six year low. Certified Builders Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming told Francesca Rudkin these ann…

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Full Show Podcast: 23 September 2025 34:28

5d ago34:28

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On the Early Edition with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast Tuesday 23rd of September 2025, The long-awaited overhaul of the Holiday's act will be announced today, Business Canterbury CEO Leeann Watson tells Francesca what she hopes will come from it. Digital services Minister Judith Collins says digital driver’s licenses could be rolling out by t…

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Francesca Rudkin: My take on digital drivers licenses 3:01

5d ago3:01

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On its own, you wonder what’s the point of moving in this direction when we have perfectly good drivers licences in our back pockets. But it’s not really about the driver’s licence, it's about creating an app like NSW has, which allows people to do a whole lot of government related transactions simply and easily from their phones. Things like: car …

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Simeon Brown: Health Minister comments on $100million medical infrastructure boost 3:51

6d ago3:51

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A $100million dollar boost is being put towards upgrading clinical spaces and key infrastructure, at hospitals across the country. Health Minister Simeon Brown's announced the investment for 21 local projects - ranging from more clinical space in emergency departments to extra carparks. Health New Zealand's also allocating $20million dollars to inc…

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Gavin Gray: European correspondent discusses disruptive cyber attacks on European airports 3:08

6d ago3:08

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Cyber incidents continue to cause chaos across major European airports. Dublin, Berlin, Brussels and London's Heathrow are thought to be experiencing cyber attacks, knocking out online baggage and check-in systems. It's the third day of technical failures, with dozens of flights delayed or cancelled. Europe correspondent Gavin Gray told Francesca R…

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Full Show Podcast: 22 September 2025 34:24

6d ago34:24

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On the Early Edition with Francesca Rudkin, Monday 22nd of September Full Show Podcast 2025, The Government's spending $100 million of cash from the budget on upgrading hospitals across the country, Health Minister Simeon Brown tells Francesca what that money will go towards. Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport. Investor confidenc…

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Chris Tennent-Brown: ASB Senior Wealth Economist on investor confidence dropping to the lowest level since Covid 5:12

6d ago5:12

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New Zealand investor confidence has dropped to its lowest level since Covid. ASB's latest survey shows sentiment is weakest in the lower North Island and among those over 60, with under 40s being more optimistic about their situation. Senior Wealth Economist Chris Tennent-Brown told Francesca Rudkin global uncertainty and the weak housing market ha…

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Francesca Rudkin: The Government's providing Band-Aid solutions to healthcare 2:50

6d ago2:50

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Yesterday Health Minister Simeon Brown announced $100 million has been allocated for hospital maintenance and refurbishment. It will fund 21 upgrades around the country. The money was set aside in the 2025 budget – listed under things like ‘remediation’ and ‘redevelopment’ - but at the time Treasury didn’t say how much was allocated due to commerci…

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Rikki Swannell: Sky Sport Commentator ahead of the Rugby World Cup semi-final clash between the Black Ferns and Canada 2:46

8d ago2:46

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The Black Ferns have made it to the semi-finals. After handily defeating South Africa in the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final, they’re now set to face the World No 2 team – Canada. However, they’re missing a major player from their line up – flanker Jorja Miller appearing to be out with a hamstring injury. Sky Sport Commentator Rikki Swannell …

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Mark Mitchell: Corrections Minister on the number of people breaching electronically monitored bail 4:34

8d ago4:34

4:34

The Corrections Minister says the Government has helped reduce the number of people breaching electronically monitored bail. There were 832 cases of absconding from EM bail last year - up from 64 in 2015. The total number of people on EM bail has risen from 1300 to over six thousand since 2015. But Mark Mitchell told Ryan Bridge the percentage rate…

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Mark Smith: ASB Senior Economist on the GDP falling 0.9% 3:55

9d ago3:55

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Surprise across the board with the latest sharp drop in GDP. Our economy's contracted 0.9% in the June quarter - a worse outcome than any economists had been forecasting. Many were predicting a 0.3% drop, including the Reserve Bank and ASB. ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith shares his analysis with Ryan. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for p…

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Full Show Podcast: 19 September 2025 34:38

9d ago34:38

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 19th of September 2025 GDP fell 0.9% in the last quarter, ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith shares his thoughts. The Women's World Cup semi-final is this weekend; Sky Sport commentator Rikki Swannell tells Ryan about the atmosphere leading up to the game in the UK. Ankle monitor escapes h…

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Ryan Bridge: The waiting game continues for the economy 1:52

9d ago1:52

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Has Nicola Willis failed on growth in her year of growth? So far, yes. We’ve gone nowhere in six months - Q2 basically wiped out Q1. Should she resign? No. Why? Trump’s tariffs. Nobody saw them coming. Markets thought he was bluffing, a negotiation tactic. Until he wasn’t. Businesses and Mums and Dads sat on their cash to wait it out - a reasonable…

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Meg Williams: World of Wearable Arts CEO on the show opening in Wellington 2:59

9d ago2:59

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Wellington's globally renowned World of Wearable Arts show opens its doors today in its 20th year. The event runs for three weeks at TSB Arena with more than 60-thousand people are expected to attend. It brings in designers and creatives from around the world in a mix of fashion, music, and design. Chief Executive Meg Williams says it embraces the …

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Willow-Jean Prime: Labour's Children Spokesperson on the drop in youth reoffending 4:18

9d ago4:18

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The Opposition doesn't want the Government taking all the credit for a drop in youth offending. The Government says the rate of serious and persistent offending from young people has dropped by more than 14% since June 2023. Labour's Children Spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime says it is largely because of the Circuit Breaker programme – which they sta…

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Mike Jones: BNZ Chief Economist on GDP figures released today 3:51

10d ago3:51

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An economist is predicting a gloomier number than the Reserve Bank from the latest GDP figure. Stats NZ data on GDP for the year's second quarter will be released today. The Reserve Bank's predicting a 0.3 percent drop. BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones is a picking a 0.5 percent fall. He told Ryan Bridge economic growth is probably going to be slow f…

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Full Show Podcast: 18 September 2025 34:21

10d ago34:21

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 18th of September 2025, GDP is out today, BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones tells Ryan what he's expecting to see. The World of wearable arts kicks off in Wellington today, CEO Meg Williams tells Ryan about the impact it has on the capital. Labour's Willow-Jean Prime shares her thoughts …

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Ryan Bridge: Should we worry about extremism in NZ? 2:37

10d ago2:37

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Did you see the cops put out a handy warning for us all yesterday? Hide, tell, escape. The spooks in Wellington reckon extremist violence is a realistically possibility in this country. Now, they’ve been saying this for some time. Yesterday you may have got a news alert about this new campaign from police telling you what to do during an armed atta…

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Episode 112: Catching Up With Robert Trujillo 22:22

7d ago22:22

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This week on The Metallica Report… Robert Trujillo checks in with Steff and Renée to reflect on his busy summer, including two memorable SoCal shows with Infectious Grooves and, of course, the impactful Back to the Beginning experience and Ozzy Osbourne’s enormous legacy. Rob also discusses a personal magical moment from that Villa Park celebration…

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Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on food prices rising 5% in the year to August 3:34

10d ago3:34

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Food price inflation is starting to stabilise. Latest figures from Stats NZ show the food price inflation is 5% – unchanged on a month ago. Butter prices have risen 32% in a year, cheese is up 26%, while milk has increased by 16%. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Ryan Bridge that while households are still seeing high costs, the pres…

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Paul Goldsmith: Justice Minister on the number of criminals being sent to prison reaching an all-time high 4:32

10d ago4:32

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The number of convicted criminals being sent to prison is at an all-time high. Ministry of Justice data shows more than seven thousand people were sent to prison following convictions in the year to June, up 14% on the previous year. The proportion of people who received prison sentences is the highest on record, at 15%. Justice Minister Paul Golds…

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Full Show Podcast: 17 September 2025 34:10

11d ago34:10

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 17th of September 2025, you’re more likely to be sent to jail following a conviction than ever before, according to the latest Ministry of Justice statistics, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith tells Ryan why criminals are no longer getting a free ride from our courts. The aviation sect…

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Ryan Bridge: My prediction for the 2026 election 2:07

11d ago2:07

2:07

Like it or not, next year's big dance in politics will ultimately be decided by the few, not the many. Most MMP elections have been. Minnows hold the keys to the kingdom. Be it Winston with his best result ever or Te Pati Māori with an overhang - 2026 won’t be a 2020 landslide. The difference this time is how extreme some of the smaller parties, mo…

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Billie Moore: Airports Association Chief Executive on Government releases first ever aviation plan 3:45

11d ago3:45

3:45

Hopes that the Government's aviation plan can help more pilots take off. The Government released the first ever strategy for the sector. Part of that is a commitment to look at pilot education and create a workforce plan. Airports Association Chief Executive Billie Moore told Ryan Bridge it's something we can't afford to neglect. She says there's a…

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Viv Beck: Heart of the City CEO on the Government investigating potential changes to Eden Park's event rules 3:29

11d ago3:29

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Auckland businesses are keen to see what benefits more events at Eden Park could bring them. The Government's looking at Eden Park's rules, including the number of concerts and sporting events that can be held, and a 2000 person limit for conferences. It's exploring whether current rules are holding back economic growth. Heart of the City Chief Exe…

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Julian Kohn: Eastland Wood Council Chairman on the forestry sector being ordered to clean-up slash 3:08

11d ago3:08

3:08

Forestry industry voices say keeping 100% of slash and wood debris inside forest boundaries is operationally impossible. Gisborne District Council has obtained an enforcement order forcing two companies to properly manage the sediment risk. Samnic Forest Management is appealing the order and says it would probably go bankrupt if it went ahead. East…

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Todd McClay: Agriculture Minister on confidence is blooming among farmers 4:28

12d ago4:28

4:28

The latest Rabobank survey's found farmers' faith in the broader agricultural economy is at its second highest level in the last decade, up to 46 percent. 51 percent expect it to improve in the year ahead - up three percent from the last quarter. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay told Ryan Bridge it's pleasing to see - as it's good for the country's…

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Ryan Bridge: New Zealand needs a grow spurt 2:11

12d ago2:11

2:11

I’ve had it with people whinging about state of this county and people fleeing to Australia who then refuse to stop and ask why we got here and how we get out of it. Chucking up a post up on TikTok or waving a banner at a protest won't cut it. Productivity (that’s how much we get out for what we put in) is crap. It's been getting worse or flat-lini…

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Full Show Podcast: 16 September 2025 34:23

12d ago34:23

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 16th of September 2025, the Government's investigating local rules that are holding Eden Park back from hosting more big events, Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck tells Ryan about the impact this could have on Auckland. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay shares his thoughts on farmer confid…

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Nick Sautner: Eden Park Chief Executive on the boost in funds for large-scale events 2:34

13d ago2:34

2:34

Hopes a new events fund will make Auckland an attractive choice for international acts. The Government is pumping $40million dollars to secure large scale events from next year - part of a bigger $70million dollar boost. Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner says his dream would be a Spice Girls reunion concert. But he told Ryan Bridge any big name will be go…

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Full Show Podcast: 15 September 2025 34:11

13d ago34:11

34:11

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 15th of September 2025, The government's dropping $70 million to supercharge events and tourism, Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner shares his thoughts. Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport. One in four of our schools need help to achieve the government's 2030 attendance target…