Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

A gin distillery at the bottom of the country is earning top-shelf recognition. Bluff Distillery's been inducted into the prestigious Gin Guild – one of the first in New Zealand to receive the honour. Co-founder Chris Fraser was installed as Warden Rectifier at the Lord Mayor of London's mansion earlier this month, just two years since launching the distillery. Fraser told Ryan Bridge there's no secret formula behind their success. He says it's gin that tastes like gin, as they just stick to the basics. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political paralysis in Israel could leave behind a caretaker government with Benjamin Netanyahu at its helm. With most votes counted, the incumbent's just ahead of his rival Gadi Eisenkot, with 53 seats to 48. The Arab parties are on a record 19 seats, and the 61 seats needed to govern are beyond the reach of all sides. CBS Middle East correspondent Linda Gradstein told Ryan Bridge coalition talks could drag on for weeks, with Netanyahu still in charge in the meantime. She says it basically means his government's still the government and can do anything it was previously doing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 29 October. 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.

National Party Finance Spokeswoman Nicola Willis said the Official Cash Rate not going up is "positive news for the economy". The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) was split 4-3 in its decision to hold the rate at 2.75% yesterday. Willis told Ryan Bridge that the Reserve Bank said yesterday inflation was not as high as it previously forecast. "Ultimately, this is positive news for the economy because lower interest rates mean lower debt servicing costs for mortgage holders and for businesses." With so much uncertainty around the globe, it is important that New Zealand controls its own domestic response, Willis said. "We know from our last experience through Covid that when governments keep spending in a big way in response to international inflation pressures, that can make the situation a lot worse for Kiwis." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna know something weird? 1 in 7 Australian adults could imagine falling in love with an AI chatbot. They might tease us about our relations with sheep, but at least we're not actually getting into emotional relationships with a rack of computer hard drives. Weirdos. Anthony Albanese gave a speech yesterday about their new AI laws, which he's trying to pass and trying to get Opposition support for. Guess what would be banned if the law passes? Emotional Intimacy. How cooked. It's not just about adults, but they're worried young people are making chatbots their best friend. How insane is that? Did anybody think this would be the pressing issue of 2026? To be fair, there's probably a similar chance of this happening here. I've got a mate who is dangerously close to his Claude agent. Claude knows everything about him. They chat about life, work, and relationships. Anthropic, which is basically the AI emotional pimp of the world, said in its filing for an IPO this week that there is a real risk to its business…

Israeli voter turnout's reached a record high in the election that could determine Benjamin Netanyahu's political future. CNN exit polls show Gadi Eisenkot's on 52 seats to Netanyahu's 50. Security is the leading issue among voters, with many blaming Netanyahu for the October 7th attack. CBS Middle East correspondent Linda Gradstein told Ryan Bridge both camps will likely need a coalition to form a government. She says the Arab Citizens of Israel, who are at about 20%, could put Eisenkot over the top, but some of his partners are expected to refuse to work with Arab members. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The election could factor into whether this afternoon brings the Reserve Bank's third OCR hike of the year. Most economists predict a 25 basis point lift to 3%. Inflation's sitting at 3.7% – outside its target band. Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Ryan Bridge there's an argument for holding off until December, but he expects the Reserve Bank will toe the market's line. He says it might be disruptive otherwise, so close to the election, but that doesn't mean it's the best idea. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A property investor is questioning why Labour's rent-to-own scheme should stop at just state houses. The party is proposing allowing Kainga Ora to put aside $100 rent a week, working up to a deposit. Labour would also lift the income cap for 5% deposits to $300,000, making more buyers eligible. Property Investors Federation Advocacy Manager Matt Ball told Ryan Bridge it's a good idea but it's niche. He says it could be all for all working people, giving them this $100 credit wherever they go. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 28th of October 2026, mortgage holders are bracing for another OCR hike, Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold tells Ryan what we can expect. The Labour party want state housing tenants to own their own home, Property Investors Federation Advocacy Manager Matt Ball shares his thoughts. Israel is going to the voting booth today, CBS Middle East Correspondent Linda Gradstein has the latest. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the details on two British nationals charged over an alleged plot to assist Iran's intelligence service as part of the investigation into the incident at RAF Fairford and the leaders of Norway and Finland held a rare 'frank' phone conversation with Vladimir Putin. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning I can't stay silent on this issue that's been raised in the campaign. This comment, made by New Zealand First candidate and former Defence Minister Ron Mark, is outrageous and wrong. Ron, Ron, Ron. There is nothing wrong with an expressing oneself via a man bun. Some call them twat tops. A douche donut. A head turd. They've been called a lot of things, but a sign of weakness? No. Have you never seen a Japanese Samurai? Or a Norse Viking? Both are elite warriors. Samurai fight with swords and use them to literally chop off their enemy's head. These guys are tough. Pete Hegseth tough. They're ruthless. They're clinical. But also a bit stylish. What about Jason Mamoa? They don't call him a Hollywood heavyweight for nothing, do they? He's just bought a house in Queenstown worth $15m. Do you know what he paid with? Warrior cash. Do you know what he looked like doing it? Amazing. As anyone who's grown a bun or a top-knot knows all-too well, it takes balls of steel to stick it out through the awkward…

The UK's new Chancellor is set to deliver his first Budget. John Healey will set out Labour's tax and spending plans on October 28th, with tax increases possible. Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce told Ryan Bridge there have been some hints about what the Budget will include, such as some redistribution of funds from the wealthiest to those who need it the most. But she says it'll will be very tight fiscally, and will be watched very carefully by the capital markets. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's potential for National and Labour to find common ground on education, despite disagreement over curriculum reforms. National's Erica Stanford told Ryan Bridge she tried to engage Labour while NCEA changes were being drafted, but to no avail. She says a recent meeting with Ginny Andersen revealed plenty they agree on —like the structured literacy mandate— but Labour still doesn't like the twice-yearly assessments or an hour of reading, writing, and maths each day. Andersen says learning support is one area where the parties could work together. She says there's an increasing number of children needing extra support, and it's one of the sector's biggest challenges going forward. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most voters have not realised how difficult New Zealand's fiscal predicament is, says a think tank boss. New Zealand Initiative executive director Oliver Hartwich said the ACT Party's manifesto shows it is the "most radical" about getting government spending to 2017 levels. Released yesterday, the manifesto pledged to cut "wasteful spending" by $22 billion over four years, getting debt $12.4b lower by 2031 than currently forecast. Hartwich told Ryan Bridge that the plan was different from what other parties were offering. Nine years ago, 28.5% of GDP was spent by the Government, but currently the figure sits at nearly 33%, he said. "I think that a lot of this extra government spending has not resulted in actually making us feel better, in actually delivering better services for Kiwis, and therefore it is right to ask whether we couldn't achieve better results with lower spending." Although that message is landing with some of the electorate, most people do not realise how problematic the fiscal situation is,…

Odds are on we'll get another hike to the OCR tomorrow. That'll take us to 3%. Markets are pricing the chance of that hike happening at about 85%. It's not great timing for a Coalition government trying to get elected when cost of living is the number one issue. But that's obviously not something the Reserve Bank should or would care about. Their job is inflation. All signs point north on that front. It's expected to be higher than the bank predicted in September, their last update. Our dollar is weaker compared to our trading partners which means stuff we buy from offshore costs us more. Throw into the mix the fact oil is also higher and that Trump is planning to re-start bombing in Iran post-midterms, and you can see why the pundits are picking another hike. 3% is still roughly neutral so you can argue, if they do hike, the bank is being cautious without clubbing the economic recovery in the back of the neck right when its kicking into gear. It's yet another reminder that the outcome of the US midterms are…

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2026, Education Minister Erica Stanford and Labour's Education spokesperson Ginny Anderson join Ryan for an election special discussing schools, children and education policy. Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on the forthcoming budget in the UK and what it means for capital markets and the controversial approval in UK of the new gas field. ACT wants to slash government spending to help fund health, NZ Initiative Executive Director Oliver Hartwich shares his thoughts on if this is the right approach. Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on the first day of Parliament since Helen Haines attack and no apology from the maker of One Nation’s controversial cartoons. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The country's biggest pop culture extravaganza Armageddon starts in Auckland today. Around 50 thousand sci-fi, anime, fantasy, and gaming fans are expected to flock to Auckland Showgrounds this weekend. It's filled with more than 400 exhibitors, including a reunion of the Supernatural cast, a High School Musical sing-along panel, and international guests like Highlander star Christopher Lambert. Organiser Bill Geradts told Francesca Rudkin they're not feeling the pinch from the cost of living crisis in the same way festivals and retail are. He says last year's October show was one of their best, and this year's tracking to be about the same. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Education Minister Erica Stanford’s education overhaul has been impressive this government term. We’re seeing improvements in primary school student achievement, the NCEA qualification is not long for this world, and how good is it to have cellphones out of the classroom? But for all the changes, there are families who feel the system simply doesn’t work for their child, whose needs, interests or circumstances may not fit comfortably within a conventional classroom. Yet when someone suggests trying something different, we can become remarkably attached to doing the same thing and hoping for a different result. That is why charter schools deserve a fair hearing. ACT has made school choice and educational innovation central to its education agenda for the 2026 general election. It has set a target of 10,000 charter school enrolments by 2029, and a goal of a charter school option in every major town. As the parent of a child with a brilliant, complex, neurodivergent mind who loves to learn but struggled with…

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 23 October. 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.

Inflation's eased up slightly - but it's also become more persistent and widespread. The official inflation rate has fallen in the past three months - from 4.1 percent to 3.7 percent - due to a brief fall in fuel prices. But underlying core inflation has been rising and more items are increasing in price. Labour's Finance Spokesperson Barbara Edmonds told Francesca Rudkin the government doesn't have a plan to tackle the rising prices. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Indian cricket tour begins tonight with a T20 against New Zealand at a sold-out Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The sides last met in March's World Cup final at Ahmedabad, won by the then-hosts. However, the start times for this tour seem to be an issue, as an 8pm start means the games won't be ending until nearly midnight. Newstalk ZB Sports Reader Andrew Alderson told Ryan Bridge it's not ideal, but the tour is a golden egg. He says that it's an amazing opportunity for NZ Cricket to reap the rewards of a broadcasting deal worth millions as well as ticket sales and merchandising. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges says politically, the Mood of the Boardroom shows a "tactical draw" between National and Labour. The survey of business leaders shows dissatisfaction and a desire for more investment in infrastructure, reform, leadership and talk of productivity, Bridges told Ryan Bridge. "Because you'd expect, and they are in their numbers, the Nats as a centre right incumbent government to be higher up, I would sort of call it a tactical draw between the Nats and Labour when you look at this closely." Unease about "the tail wagging the dog" with minor parties gaining more power in the future government is also present. "This is a very small sliver of business. It's the top end of town, let alone it being the electorate... "They've got a very clear view about what they like. They tend to like stability, certainty, an incumbent government over change that might be messy and uncertain." The former National Party leader said no result in the upcoming election would surprise him.…

A warning we could see some more nasty inflation spikes before the year is out. Stats NZ is releasing the inflation data for the three months to September just before 11 this morning. Economists expect it to show inflation’s sitting around 3.7%. BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones told Ryan Bridge they're expecting inflation to rise to 4.7% in the next update. He says most of it is due to the spike in fuel prices, but the numbers today will show core inflation is also on the rise. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 22nd of October 2026, economists are expecting a mixed bag in today's inflation figures, BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones takes his pick. The Black Caps open their five-match t20 series against India in Christchurch tonight at 8pm, with the first game at Hagley Oval, Newstalk ZB Sports Reader Andrew Alderson shares his thoughts on why the match starts so late. Business leaders are feeling pretty optimistic about our economic trajectory, Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges shares his thoughts. Plus, US Correspondent Nick Harper has the latest on a US teacher released by Russia, and Steve Witkoff and Putin's meeting. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly there. Voting's already happening for Kiwis overseas. Monday, we start in-country. Two weeks later it's all over and counting begins. The result looks as tight as a fish's bum. Here's my predictions: Opportunity won't get 5% and the Coalition will be returned to power. I want to be clear, this is not based off a scientific poll-by-poll or electorate probability calculator. It's just a gut feeling of how voters will behave once they get into the voting booth. And the fact not everyone who's polled actually turns out to vote, and not everyone who voted is polled. If Opportunity does get over the line, of course, Luxon will talk to them, but he's got a strategy and he's sticking to it. Campaigning politicians and CEOs do that. There's no point having strategy you abandon at the eleventh hour. For me, the key part of last night's leader's debate was Qiulae Wong's vibe on the Coalition. If they get in, they'd support with confidence and supply only. ACT and New Zealand First's more extreme wish lists might…

Opioids remain the biggest driver of overdose deaths, often with a cocktail of other substances. The latest NZ Drug Foundation report reveals the country's losing around three people a week to preventable overdose. It also shows a rise in hospitalisations from stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine. Foundation executive director Sarah Helm told Andrew Dickens that in 85% of fatalities, the person had more than one thing in their system. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A health sector leader's praising Labour's plan to get our emergency departments into recovery mode but says there are still gaps. The party's released its plan combining all their health election policies, including three free GP visits, a stock take of empty hospital beds, and training more extended care paramedics. Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Executive Director Sarah Dalton told Andrew Dickens there's a lot to like, but as with other parties, it doesn't address the need for more senior hospital doctors. She says the hospital flow component of this policy makes sense, apart from the fact decisions around this are determined by senior doctors. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 21st of October 2026, Police arrests for retail crime are through the roof, Retail NZ CEO explains. Labour’s promising to cut emergency department wait times, Association of Salaried Medical Specialists' Executive Director Sarah Dalton tells Andrew if the plan will work. The Drug Foundation says three New Zealanders a week are needlessly dying to overdoses; Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm tells Andrew what needs to change. Plus, Gavin Grey UK/Europe Correspondent has the latest on Prince Harry says he would like to 'reconcile' with his family, and the BBC has confirmed the closure of tv and radio channels BBC Three, BBC Scotland and BBC Radio 4 Extra linear broadcast services in Q1 of 2027. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a view retail crime's reduced as penalties have strengthened. The Ministry of Justice's latest data shows finalised charges for theft from a retail premises were more than 21,000 for the year to June, more than tripling since 2022. Retail NZ believes offending's dropped as much as 30% since last year. Chief Executive Carolyn Young told Andrew Dickens retailers are reporting more crime, which means they're able to capture more offenders that account for a number of these issues. She says repeat offending is high, with around 60% of offences carried out by 10% of the offenders. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The other day Christopher Luxon sent conniptions through the commentariat by saying we'll be lucky to have a Government by Christmas. I'm not surprised. So we have an election on November 7th. Writ day is December 3rd – that's the deadline for all the votes to be counted. It's three weeks later. It's always been three weeks later. Now here's a thing: same day voting was removed from this election and the reason given was to make the vote count faster. If it's not faster, then the allegations of electoral manipulation will be strengthened. That it was done to disenfranchise the votes of the lazy, ignorant, and young. So let's watch to see if they beat the deadline aye? And by the way, there are 64,000 young voters yet to enrol with three days to go until the deadline, which was brought forward by a fortnight. So let's just say we know the vote by the start of December. Then the negotiations begin with the so-called minor parties looking to have a stronger hand. That's going to slow things down. Then there's…

Our Superannuation fund is seeing great returns, but growth is still needed for the long term. The 25-year-old fund is now worth $94.35 billion dollars, excluding tax, with it earning $9.3 billion in the past reporting year – a return of almost 14.2%. Infometrics' Brad Olsen told Andrew Dickens that it's useful money to have, but the expectation for the fund is to grow it to $200 billion by 2040. He says there's a lot of growth still to come, but it's at a time when the bill is still growing and we have to pay for it in the short term. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's excitement in the apple sector over access to 1.4 billion Indian consumers being unlocked. Our new Free Trade Agreement with the world's most populous nation takes effect today, with 57% of exports to India now tariff-free. The number of tariff-free exports would rise to 82% over time, with the next round of cuts due from next year. Apples and Pears Chief Executive Danielle Adsett told Andrew Dickens there's huge demand for our products. She says we have the best apples in the world and India's growing middle class want them because they're tasty and can be trusted. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Tuesday 20th of October 2026, Labour's pledging to ban social media for under-16s within its first 100 days if elected, Secondary Principals Association Chair and B416 expert advisory panel member Steve McCracken shares his thoughts. The New Zealand Superfund has posted a 14.17% increase, Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen tells Andrew if it's enough. The India FTA kicks in from today, New Zealand Apples and Pears CEO Danielle Adsett tells Andrew if it's time to celebrate. Plus, Nick Harper has the latest on Trump's approval rating and Russia says Putin could hold a meeting with Trump and Xi on ending the Ukraine war. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A school leader says it's fantastic both major parties are backing a crackdown on children's social media use. Labour says if elected, an under-16 social media ban will go before a select committee within 100 days, alongside a new digital duty of care law. National introduced a similar bill to Parliament in August. Secondary Principals Association Chair and B416 expert advisory panel member Steve McCracken told Andrew Dickens both policies have merit. He says it's hard to determine which is better, as more detail is needed for each. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's an election promise to train more dentists in Otago – the first increase in training numbers in 10 years. And if it comes to pass, you'll have to ask, why did this not happen earlier? In John Key's day, economic policy supercharged our economy on the back of mass immigration and surging property prices. But as our population rapidly grew, nobody stopped to have a hmm. More people are going to need more dentists. But as has been New Zealand's want for a long time now, we took the growth but did not invest in the services it demanded. It's the same for doctors. New Zealand has had only two medical schools since the 1960s, and for about 20 years successive governments kept a fairly tight cap on medical student numbers. The cap was only substantially lifted in 2024 after years of warnings about doctor shortages. The New Zealand Government has approved a third medical school, to be based at the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine at the University of Waikato. The decision was announced in July 2025…

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Monday 19th of October 2026, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Labour's health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall joins Andrew to discuss health policy ahead of the election. National wants to scrap the right to silence in child murder cases if re-elected, Victims advocate Ruth Money shares her thoughts. Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on Germany and France agree on EU car policy, with easing of vehicle emissions targets for the sector and more protection for their car industry and the UK's growth better than expected in August. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on riots and looting in France and demonstrators and riot police fighting pitched battles in the centre of Tirana, Albania for the fifth day in a row. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A suggestion National's promise to remove the right to remain silent could be expanded beyond cases involving children. If re-elected, the party wants to remove the right, when a child under 12 is killed. The party admits the policy may breach the Bill of Rights Act, but says bringing accountability to unresolved cases outweighs the potential harms. Chief Victims Advisor Ruth Money told Andrew Dickens the right to remain silent is also an issue in adult murders. She says for example if there's two people in a house where someone's been killed, they can both remain silent and refuse justice for the victims family. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The split voting thing. In the weekend papers were full of full-page ads paid for by RCR. This appears to be the vessel for Don Brash and Nick Mowbray to promote their tactical voting tactic to create an overhang that benefits the centre right. I don't like it the same way Don Brash doesn't like John Key telling people how to vote and of course their platform benefits in that they have money to buy the ads. People have accused me of not liking it because it benefits the centre right. No, I don't like how Te Pati Māori do it either. If the left were to do it, I wouldn't like it. If Jim Anderton, the multi-millionaire socialist, had tried it I would have called it out too. And now national has said the sweetheart deal with ACT in Epsom is over. Again, people telling people how to vote. They're all as bad as each other. The problem is 2 votes. So, I looked at what might happen if we had just one vote that counted for both the electorate MP and towards a national total that could create a proportional…

After a decisive victory over the Wallabies last week, it's time for round two. The All Blacks secured the Bledisloe Cup, but pride is still on the line as the two teams clash at Sydney's Accord Stadium. Newstalk ZB's Elliott Smith told Andrew Dickens the Kiwi side will be wanting to go our and deliver a similar performance to what we saw at Eden Park, given they got back on track after three losses in South Africa. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A solar advocate agrees National's six-month timeframe to get plug-in solar in shops is doable. New Zealand doesn't yet have regulations to permit the trade of plug-in systems. National's pledging to prioritise finishing work already under way in getting them into shops if re-elected. Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey told Andrew Dickens it's a simple process, which many countries including the US, UK, and places across Europe have made the most of. Labour's policy is similar but says changes to enable plug-in solar would be within 12 months of a government it leads taking office. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A patients advocate says the news of Starship treatment delays isn't about making anyone look bad, but keeping families informed. The Auckland children's hospital's confirmed about 20 chemotherapy cycles have been delayed by a few days due to staffing shortages. Health NZ says it had to make adjustments amid high demand and high staff sickness. Patient Voice Aotearoa Chair Malcolm Mulholland told Andrew Dickens he's thankful for the whistleblower who revealed this, because no one knew. He says the way it's been handled and the messaging from Health NZ leaders has been deplorable. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Friday the 18th of October 2026, Cancer treatments for children at Starship hospital have been delayed, Patient Voice Aotearoa Chair Malcolm Mulholland shares his thoughts. After a whopping at Eden Park last week, the Wallabies are getting ready to stare down the All Blacks again, Elliott Smith joins Andrew from Sydney. National's promising to get plug-in solar panels on shelves within six months if re-elected, Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey tells Andrew how big of a difference this will make. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Peter Anderson has the latest on an inquest’s which has heard the family of 24-year-old William Chapman, who died after entering a tiger enclosure, had concerns about his mental health care and the British government is threatening to ban all Eritreans from entering the UK if the east African country doesn’t accept more returns of small boat migrants and foreign national offenders. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every…

Yesterday's talkback outrage was all about the MPs and the gangs. A meeting that was condemned by both the Chrises in the Leaders debate. But despite this weight of opinion, Marama Davidson doubled down on the visit – and then she promised more funding for gang run social programmes. Well, I don't think Marama quite understands the issue. I actually don't mind MPs talking with criminals to better understand where they're at, and I don't mind them talking with gangs. There are 11,000 gang members now, with tens of thousands of related whanau, many of whom need intervention by the State. Whether it's support for single mothers, or rescuing of children from abusive homes, or housing. It's good to see these issues first hand with your own eyes. However, the real problem was the social media posting of the photos. They legitimised the gangs and even celebrated their existence to the wider public. To not see that was silly and naive of Marama, particularly in a week where the Greens are polling better than ever.…

Is there a clear winner in the wake of the second major leaders debate? Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins went head-to-head in the NZ Herald's Leaders Debate last night, clashing on education, geopolitics, and wages, amid other things. Political Commentator Brigitte Morten told Ryan Bridge the real competition wasn't just between the two leaders, but rather whether or not they could sell to the people watching why they should vote for them. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year is set to be one of the highest graduating years in the history of the New Zealand Police, despite wings often not being at capacity. Around 730 recruits are expected to graduate from police college in 2026, almost 50% more than the average over the past two decades. Police say the incoming pipeline remains healthy with more than a thousand people in different stages of the application process. Associate Police Minister Casey Costello told Ryan Bridge it hasn't come at the cost of standards, which have actually been lifted. She says a change in the way they promoted the career has led to more people applying. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's looking to attract more tourists from Europe and the US to reduce our reliance on Australians. Stats NZ data shows almost 249 thousand overseas tourists arrived in August - 99% of 2019 levels. The figure includes more Australians than in any August on record. But Tourism Holdings Chief Executive Grant Webster told Ryan Bridge Chinese visitors have overtaken Australians as Queenstown's biggest tourism market - a significant shift. He says that diversification is a good thing as we're heavily reliant on Australia, with them making up around half of all arrivals. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Story of the week this week goes to a Herald piece about Ngaire Ashmore, the principal of Auckland Girls' Grammar. Ten years ago, she took over and turned the place upside down. Where there was failure, there's now a 92% university entrance mark for Year 13s. It was less than 50% when she started. The article gives the impression of a driven, serious, and quite determined leader, there for the right reasons. We need more of them. Interestingly, one of the things she found most difficult was not the kids, but the teachers. Getting them to believe the kids could actually do better and be better. Be more successful. That was the challenge. Thank goodness she's succeeded. We often, rightly, put focus on the curriculum and the style of teaching and the assessments, but at the end of the day, leadership, vision, goals, and guts are what drive organisations to improve. It's as true in business as it is in schools. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 15th of October 2026, political commentator Brigitte Morten shares her thoughts on the New Zealand Herald Leaders debate. New Zealand is a whisker away from pre-covid tourism levels, Grant Webster Tourism Holdings Limited Chief Executive tells Ryan how the industry has bounced back. Record numbers of new cops are about to hit the street; Associate Minister of Police Casey Costello tells Ryan how close we are the Government's Police target. Plus, US Correspondent Katie Fisher shares the latest on US inflation rising to 3.7% year-on-year in September, driven by higher energy prices and Ukraine’s military has suddenly had its access to Starlink satellite internet terminals restricted as the Trump administration increases pressure on Ukraine to halt long-range strikes on Russia’s oil industry immediately. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener…

Employers are being warned cocaine use is surging in workplace drug testing. Drug Detection Agency data shows the drug made up 3.2% of positive tests in three months to October, up 118% year on year. Amphetamine-type substances, including meth, accounted for 25.4%, up 9.4% over the past year. Chief Executive Glenn Dobson says there are similar trends in the US and Australia. He told Andrew Dickens that most workplaces have a drug and alcohol policy that guides employers on how to deal with drug use. Generally, Dobson says, rehabilitation is offered, as they’re looking for the employee to stop taking the drug and make the workplace a safer place. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

School leaders want more information from Labour on its plan to scrap a mandated hour of reading, writing, and maths in schools, while achievement results are improving. Leader Chris Hipkins announced last week teachers would be given more choice over how they spend their time. But a Curia Market Research poll shows 74% of Kiwis support the mandated hour policy. Secondary Principals' Council chair Steve McCracken told Andrew Dickens it ensures the subjects are taught regularly and consistently across the country. He says his school is seeing an increase in literacy and numeracy results already, and hearing the same from other schools. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are concerns a flood of cheaper aluminium imports from China could lead to local manufacturers shutting their doors. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer has declined a request for safeguard measures to protect them. MBIE noted the domestic industry is struggling, with the increase in imports just one reason among many, including increasing costs. E tu National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh told Andrew Dickens these plants are the lifeblood of regional communities. She says when we lose industry in this country it doesn't come back, and its effects flow more widely than just job losses. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.