Best Andrew Searles Podcasts (2025)

1
Chris Wilkinson: First Retail Group Managing Director on the opening of the Sylvia Park Ikea 2:26

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34m ago2:26

2:26

Shoppers are travelling from around the country to witness today's Ikea launch. The mega-retailer will start trading at 11am but the car park will open at 8:30am. Heavy traffic's anticipated, including 40-minute queues to exit the motorway at Mount Wellington. It could take punters up to an hour just to enter the carpark. First Retail Group Managin…

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David Higgins: Duco Events Promoter on the first live show at the new Christchurch stadium 4:06

7h ago4:06

4:06

All the stars have aligned for the first concert at Christchurch's new stadium. Six60 and Synthony will open the music calendar at One NZ Stadium at Te Kaha next May - following Super Rugby’s Super Round a month earlier. It’s backed by the Government’s $70 million Major Events fund. Duco Events Promoter David Higgins told Ryan Bridge Synthony would…

1
Full Show Podcast: 04 December 2025 34:05

10m ago34:05

34:05

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 4th of December 2025, Andrew Coster's resigned with immediate effect employment lawyer Gareth Abdinor shares his thoughts on why he was placed on leave for so long. Ikea opens in Auckland today, First Retail Group Managing Director tells Ryan whether the hype will last. Six60 and …

1
Ryan Bridge: Is Coster really sorry? 1:59

7h ago1:59

1:59

Andrew Coster's three weeks of silence and negotiating speaks volumes about the sincerity of the apology delivered yesterday. If you really felt that way, if you hadn't until yesterday realised what had gone on, which he had of course, he saw the report long before any of us did, then surely, you'd have come straight out starting blocks with an apo…

201
Eric Thompson: Herald Motorsport Correspondent on Liam Lawson locking in his seat with Racing Bulls 3:02

1d ago3:02

3:02

A pivotal year ahead for Liam Lawson after confirmation his seat is safe in Formula 1 in 2026. Red Bull has confirmed Lawson will retain his spot in Racing Bulls and be joined by 18-year-old debutant Arvid Lindblad. Herald motorsport correspondent Eric Thompson says Lawson will have plenty to race for. He told Ryan Bridge that 2026 will be the year…

1
Steve Watt: Police Association President on Richard Chambers setting 2026 policing targets 3:14

1d ago3:14

3:14

The Police Association says when it comes to new policing targets, the devil will be in yet-to-be-confirmed detail. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has announced four new targets, including raising New Zealanders trust and confidence from 69 to 80-percent. It follows the force taking a major hit in the wake of the McSkimming scandal. Associati…

1
Ryan Bridge: How was a former Covid response lead able to steal $1.8 million? 2:09

1d ago2:09

2:09

This story should shock everybody, but it won't. Sadly. The headline? Former Covid response lead Alister Thorby stole $1.8 million from DHBs. From us, taxpayers. This guy was 25 and yet somehow in charge of the DHBs’ response to the Covid pandemic in the Lower North Island. He stole almost $2m over five months. He bought cars, holidays, a house. He…

1
Full Show Podcast: 03 December 2025 34:10

1d ago34:10

34:10

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 3rd of December 2025, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has set new 2026 targets to lift public trust, Police Association President tells Ryan how he can lead the Police to doing so. Liam Lawson will keep his Racing Bulls seat for 2026, former, motorcycle racer and Herald moto…

1
Prue Daly: NZICC General Manager on the Convention Centre set to open in February of 2026 3:09

2d ago3:09

3:09

SkyCity's pulling together the final touches on its colossal International Convention Centre ahead of its February 11th opening. A large fire in 2019, when the building was nearing completion, set the project back significantly. Now with just two months to go, SkyCity's locked in more than 100 conferences and events at the new venue. General Manage…

1
David Cunningham: Squirrel Mortgages CEO on the Annual State of Home Ownership Index 3:22

2d ago3:22

3:22

There are doubts the proportion of homeowners in New Zealand will grow significantly anytime soon. Kiwibank's Annual State of Home Ownership Index finds 57% of non-owners feel locked out of the market, improving by 6%. 60% still find cost of living the biggest obstacle to owning a house. Squirrel Mortgages Chief Executive David Cunningham told Ryan…

1
Andrew Little: Wellington Mayor on the government progressing with rate caps 3:12

2d ago3:12

3:12

Agreement from Wellington's Mayor over council rates needing to be kept in check. The Government's proposing to cap rates increases at 4% a year, with only water rates and other non-rates revenue to be excluded. Wellington Mayor Andrew Little says rates increases are due to decades of under-spending. However, he told Ryan Bridge the Government's ta…

1
Ryan Bridge: Rate caps are happening, but will they work? 2:28

2d ago2:28

2:28

This rates cap is popular politics, no doubt, and local government needs a good kick in the pants. But does a 2-4% band simply mean we're going to pay more in other fees? Rates aren't the only way these guys make money off us, we also pay for specific things like resource and building consents, LIM requests, dog registrations, and campgrounds. Will…

1
Full Show Podcast: 02 December 2025 34:17

2d ago34:17

34:17

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, the government's announced a rates cap for councils, Wellington City Council Mayor Andrew Little shares his thoughts. More renters reckon they have a shot at buying a home of their own, David Cunningham from Squirrel Mortgages tells Ryan why the housing market is improving for first home…

1
Full Show Podcast: 01 December 2025 34:24

3d ago34:24

34:24

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 2025, Labour’s pledging to offer low-interest loans for doctors and nurse practitioners to set up or buy into GP practices next year, GenPro Chair Dr Angus Chambers shares his thoughts. The government says Local Water done well reforms will cost $48 billion over the next decade, Porirua…

1
Anita Baker: Porirua Mayor on the cost of the Government's Local Water Done Well plan 2:24

3d ago2:24

2:24

Doubts ratepayers will be any better off under the Government's Local Water Done Well plan. The Department of Internal Affairs says councils face nearly 48-billion dollars in water infrastructure costs over the next decade. By comparison, the former Government’s reforms were projected to cost at least 120-billion over 30 years. Porirua Mayor Anita …

1
Ryan Bridge: Labour should pay attention to the housing market 2:24

3d ago2:24

2:24

The housing market is once again in the driver's seat for the economy, but it's not heading in the direction we're used to. Yes, a recovery is underway. But the brutal truth of 2025 was summed up rather well, I thought, by Sir Bill English in an interview about the current state of play. Basically, this protracted downturn - which for anyone living…

1
Jennifer Andrews: Oyster Property Group spokesperson talks retailers' expectations for Black Friday 2:58

6d ago2:58

2:58

A retail frenzy is expected today as shoppers take advantage of Black Friday sales. Data from PriceMe shows nearly 40% of Kiwis are planning to take advantage of Black Friday to do their Christmas shopping. The day now outpaces Boxing Day in terms of sales volumes and popularity. Oyster Property Group’s Jennifer Andrews told Ryan Bridge that they’r…

1
Jane Searle: Child Matters CEO on the inquiry into Tom Phillips' time on the run with his children 1:47

6d ago1:47

1:47

A youth protection advocate says it's entirely appropriate to look deeper into Tom Phillips' children's four years on the run. The saga ended when he died in a Police shootout in September. The Government will explore whether agencies did everything possible for the children's safety and welfare. Child Matters Chief Executive Jane Searle told Ryan …

1
Full Show Podcast: 28 November 2025 34:15

6d ago34:15

34:15

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 28th of November 2025, Judith Collins has ordered a public inquiry into the Tom Phillips case, Child Matters CEO Jane Searle tells Ryan what she hopes to see from it. Jennifer Andrews from Oyster Property Group which manages Dress Mart shares what retailers are hoping for this Black Fri…

1
Patrick Morgan: Cycling Action Spokesperson on the Government considering moving e-scooters onto bike lanes 4:07

6d ago4:07

4:07

A push to get more bike lanes as the Government eyes up moving e-scooters onto them from pathways. ACC statistics show there were more than 2,100 claims for e-scooter related injuries in the first half of this year. Payouts for e-scooter injuries this year are close to surpassing $14 million. Cycling Action Spokesperson Patrick Morgan told Ryan Bri…

1
Ryan Bridge: Our country deserves more than an economic recovery 2:10

6d ago2:10

2:10

The RBNZ update this week again made the point that yes, the economy's in bounce back mode. We'll grow 2.5% next year, they reckon. But this country needs more than that. It deserves more than that. The problem for us is, and has been for about the past 30 years, productivity. How much we get out for what we put in. We went sideways and it's now fa…

1
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the cut to the Official Cash Rate, the economy 4:30

7d ago4:30

4:30

The Finance Minister believes the country is in a position to grow. The Reserve Bank believes the economy has now turned a corner after last month's 50-basis-point cut to the OCR. It's cut the cash rate a further 25-basis-points to 2.25%, but is signalling further cuts are unlikely. Nicola Willis told Ryan Bridge that while the data lags make thing…

1
Grant McCallum: Northland MP on the class action lawsuit against Transpower for the 2024 power outage 2:59

7d ago2:59

2:59

Encouragement for any Northlander who feels hard done by from the region-wide power outages last year to explore legal avenues. Local businesses are taking class action against Transpower and its lines maintenance contractor over the outages caused from a pylon collapsing in Glorit, north of Helensville. An investigation found a relatively inexperi…

1
Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber CEO on alternative plan to the surcharge ban 3:59

7d ago3:59

3:59

The Auckland Business Chamber believes a a surcharge cap is a reasonable compromise to an otherwise unfair rule. In July, the Government announced its plan to ban surcharges for shoppers on methods like Paywave, forcing merchants to front the cost instead. The business chamber says this will just force businesses to increase costs, which will be un…

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Full Show Podcast: 27 November 2025 34:23

7d ago34:23

34:23

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 27th of October 2025, Finance Minister Nicola Willis joins Ryan to talk on the final OCR cut of the year. The Northland pylon fiasco is heading to court, Northland MP Grant McCallum shares his thoughts. Business groups have come up with an alternative plan for the surcharge ban, A…

1
Ryan Bridge: What we got from the RBNZ yesterday 2:17

7d ago2:17

2:17

So what do we know today that we didn't know yesterday after the big show from the Reserve Bank? Well not much, really. The cut was expected - it was already priced in. They're a bit more rosy on growth, it looks like the end of the cycle for cuts. But beyond that, it really is guesswork. The central outlook was 'balanced'. Meaning closed wallets c…

1
Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist ahead of the final Official Cash Rate announcement of 2025 2:47

8d ago2:47

2:47

Another cut to the Official Cash Rate is expected today but it could be the last for a long time. The Reserve Bank's reviewing the OCR at 2pm. Most economists expect the cash rate to be cut 25-basis-points to 2.5%. ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Ryan Bridge they expect the Reserve Bank to keep the door wide open to taking further action next…

1
Hilary Calvert: Otago Regional Council Chair on the Government's proposal to scrap regional councils 3:00

8d ago3:00

3:00

A lot of roles could be facing the axe as the Government looks to scrap regional councils. The Government's proposing replacing them with boards made up of Mayors in a particular region. The proposal aims to reduce duplication and put downward pressure on rates. Boards would be required to put plans in place around re-organising services and infras…

1
Chris Abercrombie: PPTA President on the government's new maths curriculum shows positive results in just 12 weeks 3:40

8d ago3:40

3:40

Hopes a nationwide maths pilot can continue to deliver results. The $40 million Government programme targeted 1,500 Year 7 and 8 students needing extra support, through small-group tutoring up to four times a week. New data shows students averaged one to two years progress in 12 weeks. PPTA President Chris Abercrombie told Ryan Bridge the focus on …

1
Ryan Bridge: We've taken parenting to a level beyond useful 2:18

8d ago2:18

2:18

I'm part of the generation that grew up pre-cell phones. Gifts were usually clothing you needed. Toys were chatter rings, marbles, maybe a skate board. There was no 'picky eating', as we've heard about this week. If you didn't finish what was on your plate at dinner, you didn't get a treat afterwards. Sweet treats were fruit. Or Raro sachets (sugar…

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Full Show Podcast: 26 November 2025 34:09

8d ago34:09

34:09

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 26th of November 2025, The Government's committed to abolishing all 11 regional councils, Otago Regional Council Chair Hilary Calvert says she thinks this is a good idea. Students forced to do an hour of maths a day made a full year's progress in just 12 weeks, PPTA President Chr…

1
Sophie Wolland: Love Food Hate Waste Programme Manager on New Zealand wasting 1.2 million tonnes of food a year 3:24

9d ago3:24

3:24

A rise in bulk buying may be contributing to New Zealand's food waste. A report commissioned by the Ministry for the Environment reveals more than 1.2 million tonnes of food is wasted or thrown away here every year. Nearly a third is by households, with processing and food production making up the rest. Love Food Hate Waste Programme Manager Sophie…

1
Malcolm Fleming: Certified Builders Association CEO on the introduction of mandatory home warranties 3:03

9d ago3:03

3:03

A construction sector voice says mandatory home warranties are well overdue. The Government's announced plans to require warranties for new homes three storeys or less and all renos worth at least $100,000. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says it hopes to protect homeowners from cowboys. Certified Builders Association Chief Executive …

1
Enid Ratahi-Pryor: Ngati Awa Social and Health Services Trust Chief Executive on govt announcing where Social Investment Fund cash will go 3:53

9d ago3:53

3:53

A Bay of Plenty trust says new investment will help more families address harm before authorities have to step in. The Social Investment Fund's putting $50 million into programmes for children with parents in prison, and those who’ve grown up in care. Among the recipients is Ngati Awa Social and Health Services Trust. Chief Executive Enid Ratahi-Pr…

1
Full Show Podcast: 25 November 2025 34:12

9d ago34:12

34:12

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 25th of November 2025, The Government's announced a new building rule designed to protect homeowners from cowboy builders. A study from Otago uni says Kiwis toss out 1.2 million tonnes of food a year, Love Food Hate Waste Programme Manager, Sophie Wolland shares how we can improve food…

1
Ryan Bridge: Will rate caps actually work? 2:02

9d ago2:02

2:02

This rates cap, how's it actually going to work. I had Luxon on my Herald show yesterday, an announcement's coming in the next few weeks. But ask any Mayor, not the ones who like disco toilets and golden miles, but the ones who already to the basic stuff and little else. They're cutting their cloth. Tim Macindoe in Hamilton. I spoke to the Tararua …

1
Claire Matthews: Massey University banking expert says Kiwisaver election pledge doesn't go far enough 3:10

10d ago3:10

3:10

A banking expert is picking apart National's 'piecemeal' Kiwisaver election pledge, saying it doesn't go far enough. The party's promising to lift default worker and employer KiwiSaver contributions to six percent by 2032 - matching Australia's 12 percent superannuation rate. Employer contributions would increase by half a percent - but not until 2…

1
Full Show Podcast: 24 November 2025 34:10

10d ago34:10

34:10

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, National promises to lift the default kiwisaver rate to 12% by 2032 if elected again next year, Claire Matthews Associate Professor at Massey University Business School shares her thoughts. Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport. The trucking industry wants tougher rules f…

1
Billy Clemens: Transporting NZ Policy Head on the trucking industry wanting NZTA to have the power to impound dangerous vehicles 4:29

10d ago4:29

4:29

The trucking industry wants NZTA to have the power to impound dangerous vehicles, after an Auckland operator was jailed for manslaughter. Ashik Ali kept his truck on the road despite it being banned, and its failed brakes caused it to roll away and fatally hit a roadworker last year. Transporting NZ Policy Head, Billy Clemens told Ryan Bridge the a…

1
Ryan Bridge: Political wannabe's come from unions 1:45

10d ago1:45

1:45

Unions charge like wounded bulls for their services. And they claim they're in it for the workers. They care about workers' pay and conditions so much, they're worked their way up the union ranks to help those at the bottom. But then once they get a bit of profile. They jump ship to the Labour party, their good mates. Craif Rennie - flits between t…

1
Josh Kronfeld: Former All Black previews the All Blacks v Wales clash 3:18

13d ago3:18

3:18

The All Blacks playing stocks have been refreshed for the final test of the year against Wales on Sunday morning. Only captain and lock Scott Barrett and blindside flanker Simon Parker are retained in their positions from the loss to England with Will Jordan moving from fullback to right wing. Ruben Love makes his second test start from fullback. F…

1
Denis O'Reilly: Community Advocate and Black Power member on the gang patch ban, cartels 2:52

13d ago2:52

2:52

A lifetime Black Power member is warning of a larger threat on the anniversary of the gang patch ban. Today marks one year since the law was changed to give Police increased powers to go after gangs, including banning gang insignia in public. Since then, officers have seized 182 patches, more than 600 insignia items, and 178 firearms. But Community…

1
Full Show Podcast: 21 November 2025 34:10

13d ago34:10

34:10

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 21 November. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

1
Sonya Rockhouse: Pike River family member says police have enough evidence to lay manslaughter charges 5:09

13d ago5:09

5:09

Hopes that those responsible for the Pike River mine disaster will finally be held accountable. Police believe they have sufficient evidence to prosecute certain people for manslaughter. This week marks 15 years since 29 men died in the West Coast mine tragedy. Sonya Rockhouse, whose son died, told Ryan Bridge Police have done their job and now it'…

1
Ryan Bridge: Can we rule out a NZ First/Labour coalition? 1:54

13d ago1:54

1:54

Can you trust Winston Peters not go with Labour next year? No you can’t. He hasn’t ruled it out. Despite National scoring a higher party vote in 2017, he went with Jacinda. Labour has not ruled Winston out. Winston has not ruled Labour out. Winston has ruled out Chippy, so a leadership swap in the last seven weeks of the campaign, or even during ne…

1
Chris Mackenzie: Ferry Holdings Chair on the new Cook Strait ferry plans 3:30

14d ago3:30

3:30

Ferry Holdings' Chairman says he's more confident in the new Cook Strait ferry plans than the ditched iRex project. The Government's officially signed a fixed-price contract with a Chinese shipbuilder for two new rail-enabled ferries. It's now securing teams to build the required infrastructure at Picton and Wellington ports. Winston Peters claims …

1
Steve McCracken: Whangaparāoa College Principal on the Education Review Office report on the phone ban in schools 3:33

14d ago3:33

3:33

Students getting around a school phone ban could be chatting with family members. An Education Review Office report shows three-quarters of secondary school teachers believe the ban has improved student behaviour. But nearly half of students admit to using their phones in class, likely because family members were getting in touch. Whangaparāoa Coll…

1
Full Show Podcast: 20 November 2025 34:23

14d ago34:23

34:23

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 20th of November 2025, New Cook Strait ferries are set to arrive in 2029, Ferry Holdings Limited Chair Chris Mackenzie tells Ryan how the government managed to save $2.3 billion dollars. A ERO report shows the cellphone ban is working but half of high school students aren't follow…

1
Dame Sue Bagshaw: Otago University Senior Clinical Lecturer on the government banning puberty blockers 2:21

14d ago2:21

2:21

One of the country's top youth health experts says puberty blockers have been safely used in New Zealand for 20 years. No child or young person experiencing gender dysphoria or incongruence will be able to start taking gonadotropin-releasing hormones from December 19. Health Minister Simeon Brown says Cabinet has agreed to new settings until the ou…

1
Ryan Bridge: Are we on the cusp of an economic turn around? 2:00

14d ago2:00

2:00

We've got a bunch of new economic numbers this morning. The recovery is underway. Finally. We've had false dawns before, so I'm not overcooking this, but things are moving in the right direction. Investor confidence is up for Q3. Most regions are getting a slice of the recovery action, according to Infometrics. What's most interesting is investor c…