A large social services provider is welcoming the Government's new cross-sector social investment approach. The Social Investment Fund is receiving $190 million in this years budget, aiming to invest in social services early to prevent future harm and save costs. Social Service Providers Aotearoa CEO Belinda Himiona told Ryan Bridge it allows the w…

Auckland FC are heading across the ditch for the first leg of the A-League semifinal. They’re facing off against the Melbourne Victory at Melbourne's AAMI Park on Saturday, before returning home to Mt Smart for the second leg. CEO Nick Becker told Ryan Bridge they want to go in there tomorrow night and lay down their intentions. He says the team wo…

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 16th of May 2025, Social investment is getting a boost, Belinda Himiona from Social Service Providers Aotearoa CEO shares her thoughts on $190 million going towards a new social investment fund. Putin didn't turn up for peace talks with Ukraine, Kyiv based foreign policy and security an…

Questions have been raised over what can actually be achieved today with Russia and Ukraine both backing away from sending their leaders to peace talks in Turkey. After the Kremlin confirmed it's sending low-level official Vladimir Medinsky, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy decided to send his Defence Minister instead. Zelenskyy says Russia …

Buongiorno! Italia is going to host the 38th America's Cup in summer 2027. The Auld Mug once again heads to European waters - the first time the Italians will play host. They've had the World Series but never the big one. It'll be Mt Vesuvius in the background, not Rangitoto. Pizza lining the bellies of fans, not fish and chips. Auckland has missed…

A US parole board will decide next month if infamous brothers serving life sentences can be freed, after their sentences have been reduced. Erik and Lyle Menendez killed their parents in 1989. An LA judge has now resentenced the pair to "50 years to life", with time served making them instantly eligible for parole. US Correspondent Toni Waterman to…

The stage is set in Turkey for a potentially historic meeting in a few hours between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's personally attending and has challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin to do the same. It has now been confirmed that Putin will not attend the meeting, but the Kremlin had previously re…

Signs of systemic failures when it comes to our children. UNICEF's Innocenti research reveals New Zealand's recorded the highest child suicide rate of 36 countries, and ranks last for mental wellbeing. It also finds we have one of the highest rates of child obesity and bullying. UNICEF Aotearoa's Tania Sawicki Mead told Ryan Bridge that although so…

A former Speaker of the House is reminding MPs the rules of the House must be followed. The Privileges Committee have suggested three Te Pati Māori MPs be temporarily suspended from Parliament, ranging up to 21 days, for their role in a haka over the Treaty Principles Bill. Te Pati Māori says these suspensions are the longest in Parliament's histor…

Here’s a few c-words for your Thursday morning: communist, coalition, and crash. Crash, because that’s what’d happen to the economy if we lived in the Green utopia complete with the $88-billion tax train wreck. Coalition, because that’s what you’d get if Labour shacks up with their neighbours on the far left. Hipkins yesterday first claimed not hav…

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 15th of May 2025, Putin still hasn't confirmed he'll turn up to a meeting with Zelensky in Turkey, BBC Senior Russia Reporter Olga Ivshina has the latest. The privileges committee has suspended the Te Pāti Māori Co-leaders and MP for Hauraki-Waikato Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke for the h…

Cyber threats are estimated to have cost New Zealanders $1.6 billion last year. New data from the National Cyber Security Centre has revealed half the country has been the target of online scam in the last six months. Up to 830,000 experienced some financial loss. Director of Mission Enablement Michael Jagusch says good cyber security practises can…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's backtracked on requests for a ceasefire to come before talks with Russia. He's set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey this week to discuss the Ukraine war. This comes as Western allies in the 'Coalition of the Willing' have offered a US backed 30-day cease-fire proposal to Russia, alongside …

Meridian Energy's denying its purchase of Flick Electric is a takeover by New Zealand's big power companies. The power gentailer is paying $70 million to Z Energy for Flick's 41,000 electricity customers and the brand. It'll increase Meridian’s market share to 18%, maintaining its position as our fourth largest electricity retailer. Meridian Energy…

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 14th of April 2025, The government's looking at changes to the Kiwisaver scheme, Kiwisaver and Superfund expert Jonathan Eriksen shares his thoughts. Half of New Zealanders were the target of online scam and fraud last year National Cyber Security Centre's Director of Mission Enablem…

New Zealand will pass an economic milestone in 2028, with the Government making it's first ever Super Fund withdrawal. The Finance Minister revealed yesterday they'll begin offset superannuation costs by withdrawing $32 million from the New Zealand Super Fund. From 2031, withdrawals are expected annually. Superannuation expert Jonathan Eriksen told…

Ahead of the Budget we got the same message we got from a barefoot, jandal wearing Chippy on day one of his post summer break. More debt. Borrow more and spend more. Name an issue, pick a portfolio, any portfolio, where Labour has not criticised the government for cuts and promised to restore spending to pre-Willis levels. The latest example is pay…

A former Police officer says it's beyond him why Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming would ever access porn on a work device. McSkimming had been suspended on full-pay since December. He was under a criminal investigation by police on unrelated different allegations, the nature of which can't be reported. Our newsroom understands while inve…

Auckland's Business Chamber CEO says we have nothing to lose by loosening transit visas for Chinese nationals. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's updated his Auckland Manifesto, laying out a Beehive to-do list. It includes calling for the Government to reconsider loosening transit visas for Chinese Nationals, giving them more freedom for short stays in t…

If what’s they’re saying about a Flick Electric shutting up shop is true, and I’ve no reason to doubt it, then it should come as no surprise. This is a BusinessDesk report - it's owned by Z and so far, they're not saying anything. It’s one of the smaller retailers that help keep the bigger gentailers honest, but the cracks started showing ages ago.…

The Government's putting $100 million into primary and intermediate maths in this year's Budget. It will be used for maths checks in the first two years of school, to identify the students struggling with the subject. About $40 million will go towards tutoring at intermediate level. Upper Hutt Principals' Association President Robyn Brown told Ryan…

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 13th of May 2025, Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming resigns suddenly, Former Cop Lance Burdett shares his thoughts. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown believes Auckland's the ticket to getting our country out of recession, Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges shares his though…

The National Party has dropped their social media ban for under-16s and it will instead be lead by Education Minister Erica Stanford. The Prime Minister announced social media restrictions will become a part of the Government’s work programme. Stanford will work across government to explore options for legislation and bring them to cabinet for cons…

The Warriors put on a nail biting performance over the weekend, coming back from what was looking like a loss. A 69th minute Luke Metcalf field goal proved decisive, as the Auckland team hung on for a 15-14 victory over the St George-Illawarra Dragons. It takes the Warriors to a 7-2 record for the season – cementing their top-four position. Sports …

UK Public funding for the Royal Household has tripled since 2012, with the rise largely driven by repairs and building work at Buckingham Palace. The Sovereign Grant was introduced in 2012 at £31m per year. That has now risen to £132m, data from the House of Commons Library shows, and once inflation has been taken into account, that represents abou…

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday the 12th of May 2025, The Government's promising to clamp down on boy racers, Police Association President Chris Cahill tells Ryan Bridge whether or not the legislation will work. Erica Stanford will lead work on reducing social media harm for under-16s, social media parenting expert fr…

Tougher penalties hope to put the brakes on boy racers and fleeing drivers. The Government's establishing a presumptive sentence of vehicle destruction for street racers, those who flee police, and intimidating convoys. Police will also get greater powers to manage illegal vehicle gatherings by closing roads or public areas. Police Association Pres…

The youth are out of control. We'll crush the cars. We'll crush the smartphones. Which all sounds nice this will... like most laws designed to make us feel like we're getting a handle on social problems, will all come down to enforcement. For all the time Judith Collins spent at the scrap metal yards for photo ops, was not quite the Crusher those p…

Donald Trump's struck his first trade deal since last month's tariff announcement – an agreement with the UK. The US will slash tariffs on British steel and aluminium, and most British cars. But UK exporters will still face the same 10% base tariff also faced by New Zealand exporters. On the flipside, the UK has agreed to remove the tariff on ethan…

Record income for NZ Rugby was not enough to save them from their third yearly deficit in a row. Yesterday, NZR Chair David Kirk revealed a $19.5 million loss, despite the body bringing in a record $285 million. Former CEO David Moffett told Ryan Bridge it’s symptomatic of rugby around the world. He says professional rugby is living in quicksand – …

It's expected the government could find more savings by selling state owned assets. The Government's scraped the bottom of the barrel to find more money for the upcoming Budget. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's promising an extra $400 million for maintaining and upgrading assets, on top of the already projected $3.6 billion. New Zealand Initiativ…

The first ever American Pope's spoken in front of a crowd of tens-of-thousands of faithful at the Vatican. 69-year-old Robert Prevost will be known as Pope Leo the 14th. It comes after white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel shortly after 6pm local time, following the fourth Conclave vote. Catholic journalist Mark O'Conner is at the Vatican and…

It was the last day of school in Parliament yesterday. It happens after MPs sit through urgency, they get restless, excitable, a bit crazy. They were shouting, interrupting, it was a bit chaotic - even Gerry Brownlee finished question time saying this has not been our finest hour. Opposition MPs, particularly women, were up in arms and incensed ove…

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 9th of May 2025, A new Pope has been elected, Catholic Journalist Mark O'Connor shares the latest live from the Vatican. The prime minister's announced an extra almost half billion dollars in capital spending in upcoming budget, New Zealand Initiative Executive Director Oliver Hartwich …

The unemployment rate has come out better than anticipated. It remained unchanged at 5.1% in the three months ending March. The number of people in full-time work fell by 45 thousand, while the number in part time work grew by 25 thousand. Westpac Senior Economist Michael Gordon told Ryan Bridge that people are likely using reduced hours as an alte…

Experts fighting organised crime say New Zealand must pick up its act to keep pace with trans-national criminals. They've released their second report, criticising New Zealand's response to modern crime and money laundering. It wants cash to be made a less attractive option for criminals and to ban crypto currency ATMs. Drug Detection Agency Chief …

Transpower is looking to make a key investment into the Cook Strait electricity cable. It's consulting on a $1.4 billion upgrade to the 610 kilometre link connecting the North and South Island. The existing cables are likely to reach their end of life in the late 2030s. Major Electricity Users' Group Chairman John Harbord told Ryan Bridge the link'…

So, after all the handwringing, the complaints, the stomping of feet, the Commerce Commission's shooting down talk of an investigation into domestic airfares. Greg Foran and Co. will see this as vindication - validation that, despite the headlines and Consumer NZ's claim the market is quote broken, the reality is their costs have gone up and, surpr…

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025 Thursday 8th of May, Glenn Dobson Drug Detection Agency CEO shares insight on a new Ministerial Advisory Report on organised crime. Much to the surprise of economists The unemployment rate remained flat at 5.1% for the first three months of this year, Westpac Senior economist Michael Gord…

Social media for under 16s is being compared to the harm caused by cigarette smoking. Clear evidence shows that social media can be linked to depression and anxiety. This has led to National introducing a member's bill to ban social media for those under 16 years of age, to protect kids. Parenting expert Nathan Wallace told Ryan Bridge implementing…

Mixed opinions on when unemployment will reach its peak. Stats NZ data out this morning is predicted to show rates increased to around 5.2% during the March quarter. ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner expects this will likely be as high as it will go. While ASB senior economist Mark Smith told Ryan Bridge it could be a bit higher later in the year.…

The doors of Rome's Sistine Chapel officially lock tomorrow morning as the conclave selects a new pope. 135 cardinals from around the world will vote on a successor to Pope Francis, who was laid to rest almost two weeks ago. There's no timescale for how long it'll take, but the last two papal elections lasted for two days. Europe Correspondent Gavi…

The future of a pay equity deal for teacher aides may fizzle out under newly introduced Government legislation. The proposed law, which would lift the threshold of pay equity claims of gender-discrimination, is expected to have its third reading this morning. A deal reached by union teacher aide members in 2020 is due to be reviewed - but may no lo…

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 7th of May 2025, The government wants to overhaul the Gender pay equity claims process, Teacher aide Ally Kingi explains how it will impact her workforce. National's putting forward a member's bill that bans social media for under 16-year-olds, parenting expert Nathan Wallis shares h…

Bad news this morning for any productive, hard-working, and busy members of our society. The climate protesters who brought Wellington to a standstill - rush hour traffic to a stand still - will be back at it again soon. Mark my words. You'll see more idiots gluing themselves to motorways, abseiling down Mt Victoria, hanging signs from gantries, ro…

A Government delegation has landed in the Indian capital to kick-start Free Trade Agreement talks. The Prime Minister, along with several other ministers, visited India earlier this year to improve diplomatic ties. India New Zealand Business Council Chair Bharat Chawla told Ryan Bridge India will hope to make movement in New Zealand easier for its …

A tough winter ahead for meat processing plants as livestock numbers continue to decline. Latest figures from Stats NZ show a 21% drop in sheep numbers over the past 10 years – a total decline of 6.2 million sheep since 2014. The number of dairy cattle also fell 13% over the same period. Federated Farmers Meat and Wool Chair Toby Williams told Ryan…

The Australian Prime Minister's confirmed he's had a 'warm and positive' chat with US President Donald Trump. Anthony Albanese's Labor Party has swept back into office, securing a historic second term. It's widely thought Trump's volatility influenced the outcome. Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge Albanese thanked him for reach…

Tourism organisations from across the North Island are teaming up to shine a light on its tourism offerings. Fifteen operators including Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Rotorua NZ and Northland Inc have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. It aims to generate interest from key tourism markets particularly Australia, North America and China. Northland I…

Disclaimer: Satire On the news last night, it was nothing but scandal. Scandal. Scandal. I don’t think I’ve seen political misconduct of this magnitude since Watergate. The Woodward and Bernsteins of our time were busy digging through documents, uncovering truth. Protecting democracy. From corruption. From evil. Erica Stanford, Minister of Educatio…