/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/rss ob体育接口 Start your day informed. Early Edition with Ryan Bridge is a fast-paced news programme. Setting the agenda for the day, Early Edition with Ryan Bridge is Sat, 26 Apr 2025 10:38:39 Z en /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/oskar-howell-tech-commentator-on-the-rising-use-of-generative-ai-in-the-workplace/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/oskar-howell-tech-commentator-on-the-rising-use-of-generative-ai-in-the-workplace/ New Zealand workers seem to be embracing Gen AI in the workplace.  New research from Robert Half finds 91% of workers are using AI tools to help with their day to day tasks.  93% of workers say they’re transparent about their use with their managers and employers.   Tech Commentator Oskar Howell told Francesca Rudkin it’s becoming a real staple of a lot of desk jobs, as it allows people to become more efficient.  Although, he says there may be such a focus on upskilling in the area as people are concerned their job may be taken over by AI in the future.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 23 Apr 2025 22:40:50 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/kathy-wolfe-early-childhood-nz-ceo-on-the-modelling-for-the-familyboost-payment-being-incorrect/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/kathy-wolfe-early-childhood-nz-ceo-on-the-modelling-for-the-familyboost-payment-being-incorrect/ It comes as no surprise to some the Government got the number of families eligible for the full FamilyBoost payment wrong.  New data shows 249 families have received the maximum payment of $975 dollars a quarter since the scheme came into effect last year.   Finance Minister Nicola Willis says IRD got the modelling wrong, as 21,000 families were thought to be eligible.  Early Childhood NZ chief executive Kathy Wolfe told Francesca Rudkin the sector always knew the scheme was flawed.  She says it doesn't reach the families it should, and there are a lot of hoops those eligible have to jump through to get access.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 23 Apr 2025 22:13:30 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/francesca-rudkin-let-china-and-the-us-sort-it-out/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/francesca-rudkin-let-china-and-the-us-sort-it-out/ Sometimes being the grown up in the room is deeply unfulfilling, pragmatic, sensible. Considering consequences, taking a long-term view, they're all good, admirable words, and we should take some solace in them. But sometimes I think we'd rather just throw a plate at the wall. And so, it is. Was the government's response yesterday to the Trump tariffs essentially to roll over and take it understandable? Sure. Sensible. Yep, frustrating. Very. The government confirmed we're not in the queue to negotiate a trade deal with President Trump's administration, nor are we interested in taking legal action over it, and the tariff hit will come after exporters had an excellent March. It's a shame the party music has hit a bum-note, we want the growth. We want good export news, but without the dark tariff cloud lingering in the distance. As Trade Minister Todd McClay said yesterday, we probably couldn't negotiate between below the current 10% rate and the legal process would be long winded and would probably go nowhere. I'm presuming, like the majority of us who aren't diplomats and haven't been in a room negotiating a trade deal, this is a well-considered plan. One based on experience and insider information, but perhaps also because making a fuss could have unintended consequences and result in even higher tariffs. It also makes sense to keep our head down until our two biggest trading partners, China and US, have sorted out their own tiff. We need to ensure both are feeling valued by us and not be seen to take sides as we focus on growing our trademark. Will the plate throwers get sensible? Trump stated during a White House news conference that the final tariff rate with China would come down substantially from the current 145%. He said the US would be very nice to China and not play hardball. Trump's remarks towards China come on the same day the IMF released a new report showing the United States faces the biggest downgrade among advanced countries due to the increase in tariffs and the uncertainty they've caused. The IMF predicts the US economy will grow 1.8% this year, down from the estimated 2.7%.And there's a 40% chance of recession. So, is this a case of Trump blinking in a first sign of some steps towards stabilizing global trade? Is it a move by Trump to calm the nerves? The markets responded well to both Trump's tariff call on China and his remarks. He has no intention of firing the Federal Reserve chair. I don't think anyone knows what's to come next or how Trump will respond to Chinese social media hashtags such as Trump admitted defeat, but I much prefer the adult Trump rather than the one throwing plates. In the meantime, New Zealand shall remain patient and diplomatic, settle in and see what change may occur again. Before the 90-day pause is up. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 23 Apr 2025 18:18:27 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/scott-simpson-minister-for-commerce-and-consumer-affairs-on-new-protections-requiring-banks-to-reimburse-fraud-victims-up-to-500-000/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/scott-simpson-minister-for-commerce-and-consumer-affairs-on-new-protections-requiring-banks-to-reimburse-fraud-victims-up-to-500-000/ A 24/7 reporting channel is just one of the new anti-scamming measures banks are implementing. The suite of consumer protections will be rolled out this year. Banks will also now reimburse victims up to $500,000 if they fail to adequately warn and protect consumers. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson tells Francesca Rudkin telco companies and digital platforms should follow suit. He says other players in the scam ecosystem need to step up. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 23 Apr 2025 18:11:38 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-24-april-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-24-april-2025/ On the Early Edition Full Show Podcast for Thursday 24 April 2025, Early Childhood CEO Kathy Wolfe joins Francesca Rudkin to discuss concern the sector reform could put business over children.  Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Scott Simpson explains new protections that require banks to reimburse fraud victims up to $500,000. Increasing numbers of people are openly using AI at work. Tech commentator Oskar Howell considers the changing attitudes towards AI. And, US correspondent Mitch McCann shares details on how the stock market is reacting to tensions with China. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 23 Apr 2025 18:08:17 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/geoffrey-miller-geopolitical-analyst-on-the-meeting-between-christopher-luxon-and-keir-starmer/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/geoffrey-miller-geopolitical-analyst-on-the-meeting-between-christopher-luxon-and-keir-starmer/ Christopher Luxon and Sir Keir Starmer have reaffirmed the close ties between New Zealand and the UK.  Luxon says the relationship between the two countries is strong, and he'd like to deepen ties around defence and security.  The pair discussed their support for Ukraine, with Starmer announcing a multi-million dollar deal to buy Kiwi-made drones.  Geopolitical Analyst Geoffrey Miller told Francesca Rudkin Ukraine is front and centre of the agenda at the moment, but it’s not the only thing on it, with trade being another focus.   However, he says Luxon will need to be careful about what he says about defence, as China will be watching.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 22 Apr 2025 23:12:17 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/grant-webster-tourism-holdings-ltd-ceo-on-the-impact-of-trumps-tariffs-on-bookings-in-the-us-division/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/grant-webster-tourism-holdings-ltd-ceo-on-the-impact-of-trumps-tariffs-on-bookings-in-the-us-division/ One of the first locally listed companies is seeing the impact of Trump’s tariffs.  Tourism Holdings Limited has seen a dramatic slowdown in bookings by its US division and is anticipating a “significantly” lower net profit than previously expected.   Its share price fell more than 10% after announcing it was downgrading its earnings outlook.  CEO Grant Webster told Francesca Rudkin in recent weeks, the booking intakes for the rentals division into the US are down 40-50%.  However, he says people are simply choosing to travel elsewhere, and their other markets are actually up.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 22 Apr 2025 22:58:28 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/ro-edge-save-womens-sport-australasia-nz-spokesperson-on-nz-firsts-bill-aiming-to-legally-define-gender/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/ro-edge-save-womens-sport-australasia-nz-spokesperson-on-nz-firsts-bill-aiming-to-legally-define-gender/ New Zealand’s new bill is finding support from a women’s sport advocacy group.  The new bill wants to codify sex-based language, defining a woman as an “adult human biological female” and a man as an “adult human biological male”.   It comes as Britain’s Highest Court ruled that only biological women —not trans women— meet a definition of a woman under equity laws.  Save Women’s Sport Australasia NZ Spokeswoman Ro Edge told Francesca Rudkin the bill is a protection for the sex-based rights of women.   She says all it does is reinforce the urgent need for the likes of Sport New Zealand to prioritise and protect safety and fairness for biological women.  Edge says they play sports with their bodies, not their identities.   LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 22 Apr 2025 22:08:19 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gavin-grey-europe-correspondent-on-funeral-for-pope-francis-confirmed-by-the-vatican/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gavin-grey-europe-correspondent-on-funeral-for-pope-francis-confirmed-by-the-vatican/ Some of the world's most influential people will be making their way to Rome to farewell the late Pope Francis.  The Head of the Catholic Church died aged 88 on Easter Monday - following a stroke and heart failure.   Pope Francis' funeral will take place outside St Peter's Basilica on Saturday evening - and he'll be laid to rest in Rome's Basilica of St Mary Major.   Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Francesca Rudkin world leaders have begun confirming their attendance.  He says Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, Sir Keir Starmer, the Argentinean President and Prince William on behalf of the King are among those going.  Tue, 22 Apr 2025 18:18:20 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-23-april-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-23-april-2025/ On the Early Edition Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 23 April 2025, geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller discusses the overnight meeting between Prime Minister Luxon and his British counterpart Sir Keir Starmer.  NZ spokesperson for Save Women's Sport Australasia, Ro Edge explains a new members bill that aims to legally define men and women.   And, Tourism Holdings Limited has seen a dramatic slowdown in bookings to the US. Chief Executive Grant Webster considers the effect of the US tariff regime on the locally listed company.  Francesca Rudkin asks us to take responsibility for our own relationships with technology.  Plus, Pope Francis' funeral will take place at the Vatican on Saturday morning - UK correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 22 Apr 2025 18:08:23 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/francesca-rudkin-we-have-control-of-our-notifications/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/francesca-rudkin-we-have-control-of-our-notifications/ There has been a clever marketing campaign from 2degrees this week.   The telco has released the results of a study it commissioned into the impact mobile phones are having on our mental health.   It’s not good.   While most telco’s like to concentrate on keeping us connected, 2 Degrees has taken a slightly different approach with this one, acknowledging the elephant in the room by talking honestly and openly about the damage phones can do.   It’s almost like they care.   Which is quite refreshing.   I probably sound a bit sceptical, but I’m less fussed about a smart approach to promote a brand than the more important point that it’s absolutely crazy we’re letting our phones negatively impact our lives.   It simply doesn’t need to be this way.    One of the things the survey looked at was the role notifications play in adults' daily lives.   What they discovered was 50% of Kiwis receive too many notifications.  37% feel overwhelmed, panicked, or anxious.  30% struggle to concentrate due to the notifications.  46% of Gen Z respondents and 40% find it difficult to concentrate.   The biggest culprits are social media (65%) and email (60%).   I told you it wasn’t great news.   But as concerning as these figures are the crazy thing about it is that this is on us - we can control our notifications. We can turn them off or silence them.   We can take control of apps by doing things like deleting and restoring them throughout the week so they’re not constantly available.   And if you don’t know how to do it, you do what I do and find a younger person to do it for you.   We can come to terms with never having an empty inbox, and not feel the pressure to try.   We can make rules about scrolling through emails after work. We can just put the phone down.   It’s interesting to understand how the brain works in response to notifications.   According to Kathryn Berkett, a neuroscience and digital wellbeing expert working alongside 2degrees on this project, notifications from phones trigger dopamine, making them highly addictive.   She says our obsession with our phones are physically altering our brains, damaging our relationships, draining our energy, and reducing our overall wellbeing.   I get it, it’s hard to make a change, but I'm absolutely certain that in 10 to 20 years we will look back and wonder what the hell we were thinking with the endless content, apps, notifications, likes and swipes.   We can’t keep blaming the tech companies, we know what they’re in it for.   We can’t keep blaming the tech, a lot of the tech is really cool and helpful.   At some point we have to step up and take responsibility for how we use it.   Thanks 2degrees for the reminder.  Tue, 22 Apr 2025 18:05:53 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/elliott-smith-newstalk-zb-sports-reporter-talks-the-warriors-super-rugby-formula-1/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/elliott-smith-newstalk-zb-sports-reporter-talks-the-warriors-super-rugby-formula-1/ The Easter weekend hosted a fair bit of sport, and Elliott Smith joined Francesca Rudkin to delve into the wins, losses, and major players. They discussed the Warriors' win over the Broncos, the Super Rugby results, and the latest out of Formula 1. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 21 Apr 2025 22:44:57 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/ernie-newman-grocery-policy-expert-on-costcos-possible-expansion-to-wellington-and-christchurch/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/ernie-newman-grocery-policy-expert-on-costcos-possible-expansion-to-wellington-and-christchurch/ Costco is assessing its options for a potential expansion.  The US big box retail chain has seen a sharp rise in membership and revenue since opening in Auckland's Westgate in September 2022.  It launched home delivery to members and non-members across Auckland last week, and is working on expanding to new regions.  Grocery Policy Expert Ernie Newman told Francesca Rudkin that he’s not all that convinced this expansion will pan out.  He says Costco is successful in the North American market as people are able to access it within a relatively short drive, but New Zealand is much more fragmented.  Newman says that New Zealand supermarkets go to where the consumers are, but Costco expects the consumers to travel long distances to get to them.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 21 Apr 2025 22:34:59 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/jo-mckenna-italy-correspondent-on-the-death-of-pope-francis/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/jo-mckenna-italy-correspondent-on-the-death-of-pope-francis/ Heavily choreographed proceedings are now in motion, following the death of the Pope.  The leader of the Catholic Church has died overnight at the age of 88 following a battle with double pneumonia.  Later this week, the Pope will lie in state in St Peters Basilica for several days for the public to pay their respects.  Italy Correspondent Jo McKenna is at St Peters' Square, and told Francesca Rudkin another ritual will be held in the coming hours, inside his apartment.  Mon, 21 Apr 2025 18:17:45 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/francesca-rudkin-lets-respect-our-teachers/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/francesca-rudkin-lets-respect-our-teachers/ According to an article in the NZ Herald this morning, fewer people want to be teachers.    Teacher education is still a popular field of study, but both Canterbury and Otago Universities have seen a decline in teaching student enrolments over the past four years.  Provisional data shows Canterbury has 964 students enrolled in a course in 2025, down from 1281 four years ago.  Otago has followed a similar trend, with student numbers dropping from 620 to 495 in the same period.  National Polytech, Te Pukenga, has seen the lowest number of first year teaching students since it formed in 2020.  It’s not the best news when we are facing a teacher shortage is it? PPTA President Chris Abercrombie said the downward trend is extremely worrying.  I’m not surprised by this trajectory.   All we seem to hear about are issues around pay, conditions, and the challenge of changes to the curriculum.   And then there are the parents who don’t have the time to support their children in their education but complain about teachers when their children don’t reach their expectations.   I can understand pay and conditions being a red flag for someone heading into teaching, but teachers have worked hard advocating for themselves when it comes to pay, and the government has accepted conditions need to improve.   But it’s in all our best interests that we attract good people, passionate about education, to the profession, and while we may not be able to do much about the pay and conditions outside a general election, we can do something to push back on the shift in attitude towards teachers which has crept in over recent years, preventing some from considering the idea of being a teacher.   Chris Abercrombie said, “One of the things we often hear is the lack of respect from the community, from politicians, and people are like, well, why do I want to go into a profession that has that.”  As in any industry, there are great teachers, good teachers, and some who may be a bit useless.   But we need to be championing our teachers.   Teachers play a massive, formulative role in our children’s lives.   Some even change a young person’s life, or what our kids believe is possible.   Just over 3 years ago, a young lady rather close to me started high school, had a bit of a hiccup, and was at school for about half of years 9 and 10.   In year 11 she started a new school, and this year she aims to wrap up school and complete year 13 a year early, before heading to university to do a science degree.  There isn’t a person who knows what she’s been through who isn’t stunned by this turn around.  A lot of it is down to this remarkable young lady – she has worked hard to get back on track and loves to study - but it’s also thanks to a series of extraordinary teachers that she is where she is today.  So, if we want the best outcome for our children and their future, we can start by showing some respect, and champion all the good teachers out there.  Mon, 21 Apr 2025 18:12:04 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-22-april-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-22-april-2025/ On the Early Edition Full Show Podcast Tuesday 22nd of April 2025, Italy Correspondent Jo McKenna has the latest on the death of Pope Francis. Costco is looking to expand to outside of Auckland, Grocery Policy expert Ernie Newman tells Francesca Rudkin what this could mean for the grocery sector. Elliot Smith has the latest on weekend sport. Plus, Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's response to the Pope's death. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.   LISTEN ABOVE   Mon, 21 Apr 2025 18:08:19 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/chris-abercrombie-ppta-president-on-the-number-of-schools-over-capacity/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/chris-abercrombie-ppta-president-on-the-number-of-schools-over-capacity/ The education sector's hopeful further investment into school classrooms is on the way.  New data shows 368 state schools had more students enrolled than their official classroom capacity last year – almost 1500 are at capacity.  Education Minister Erica Stanford announced $100 million for school property, with new schools and classrooms in Auckland.  PPTA President Chris Abercrombie told Ryan Bridge it's got to be supercharged, so more schools can get re-locatable classrooms when they need them.  He says schools are trying to find interesting solutions to the problem – he's heard of one using a Masonic Lodge over the road to help.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 16 Apr 2025 21:53:55 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/rob-campbell-former-health-new-zealand-chair-on-new-health-infrastructure-plan/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/rob-campbell-former-health-new-zealand-chair-on-new-health-infrastructure-plan/ A former New Zealand health boss says the Government's new list of health infrastructure priorities adds nothing new. The plan to pump $20 million into infrastructure includes general maintenance and specific projects across the country.  Former Health New Zealand Chair Rob Campbell says there's no meaningful detail in the plan. He says the Ministry of Health is good at producing lists, but not so good at producing outcomes. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 16 Apr 2025 18:26:49 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-doctors-strike-doesnt-add-up/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-doctors-strike-doesnt-add-up/ Have you been keeping up with this senior doctor's strike? There's a couple of things that don't add up.   Yesterday we spoke about the average salary for these unionised senior doctors.  Simeon Brown says it's a total package worth $343,500.  The union hit back - they said the number was made up.   Which it's not. It's the total package including superannuation and overtime penalties, etc.  Now, for most Kiwis, when you apply for a job, that's the number you'd work off. When somebody asks how much do you get paid in a year, do you just say your base salary?   No, you'd say your total package amount. Second bit is around the actual staffing, cause this does not make sense.   We hear from doctors that they're so short-staffed - not enough specialists, not enough doctors, etc. So short staffed that they're on their knees and the system's broken.   But Ministry of Health says there are more senior doctors now than when National came into office.  And what's more, their churn or turnover has come down too.   So are the doctors saying the situation is now worse than when National came in and if so, how when there are apparently more doctors? So either the Ministry's lying or the system is bad and maybe broken but still better than it was 15 months ago. which is it?   Then there's the pay.   Put your hands up if you've scored a 12% pay rise lately?   No,  I didn't think so. Not that I can see your hands. Dairy farmers you'll all have your hands up in the milking shed this morning I hope with your record payout.   But what about your average worker? No. So doctors want 12%. The Ministry says 1-2%.   Again, this doesn't make sense. If you're worried about safe staffing levels  —and this is not really about pay— the chances of Health NZ hiring more doctors when the wage bill's 12% higher seems less likely.   Is this counterproductive?   Like I said yesterday, you want the men and women who cut you open for surgery to be well paid and rested,  because well, they're cutting you open for surgery.   But they need to articulate just how sick the patient is before we dial up the medicine.  Wed, 16 Apr 2025 18:24:27 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/manish-thakkar-dairy-and-business-owners-group-chairperson-says-theyre-seeing-less-violent-crime/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/manish-thakkar-dairy-and-business-owners-group-chairperson-says-theyre-seeing-less-violent-crime/ Dairy owners say they're seeing the Government's tough on crime approach make practical impacts.   The Government's claiming it's already exceeded its goal of 20 thousand fewer victims of violent crime, well before its 2029 deadline.   It admits the data is volatile and subject to change.   Dairy and Business Owners Group Chairperson Manish Thakkar told Ryan Bridge he's seeing less violent crime in its stores.   He says there's still work to do, but thanks the Government for its work so far.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 15 Apr 2025 22:54:00 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/john-murphy-vegetables-nz-chair-says-fresh-produce-prices-could-well-begin-to-rise/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/john-murphy-vegetables-nz-chair-says-fresh-produce-prices-could-well-begin-to-rise/ Prepare for more price rises.  Data due out tomorrow is expected to show the inflation rate has risen again, from 2.2% to about 2.4%.  One contributing factor is food price inflation, which is now back up at 3.5%.  Vegetables New Zealand Chair John Murphy told Ryan Bridge that while fresh produce prices have fallen in the past 12 months, that trend isn't likely to continue.  He doesn't see them coming down any further, and they could well go up.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 15 Apr 2025 22:36:14 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/sherelle-kennelly-chief-executive-of-the-customs-brokers-and-freight-forwarders-federation-on-new-remote-controlled-vessels-to-help-combat-drug-smuggling-around-our-coastline/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/sherelle-kennelly-chief-executive-of-the-customs-brokers-and-freight-forwarders-federation-on-new-remote-controlled-vessels-to-help-combat-drug-smuggling-around-our-coastline/ Customs now has two remote controlled vessels to help combat drug smuggling around our coastline.  Tahi and Rua were launched yesterday and can be at sea for up to 100 days using renewable energy.  A recent Government report shows Customs seized 55 kilograms worth of methamphetamine in 2015 - now 90 kilos gets stopped every week.  Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation Chief Executive Sherelle Kennelly told Ryan Bridge the boats are an important addition.  She says it's a sustainable technology to try to stop these illicit drugs entering the border.  LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 15 Apr 2025 18:24:59 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-whats-the-problem-with-the-label-pregnant-women/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-whats-the-problem-with-the-label-pregnant-women/ So we have senior doctors going on strike. We're in the midst of a global trade war - not that we're allowed to call it that anymore, Winston. We have inflation potentially picking up again. We have a lot going on in this country, not to mention around the world. And yet there I was, sitting down to watch the news last night, and the second lead story was about whether women or people could get pregnant. The fact is nobody in the story said it was solely women who get pregnant. Casey Costello herself says nonbinary and trans people can get pregnant, too. Which is true - they may have been born female, but they identify as something else. The question is whether mass communications issued by Health NZ should speak of pregnant women to make things clear. Here's the thing about it - the story I watched included exactly zero of these people who are so offended by the term pregnant women. The midwives union preferred women. The Government preferred women.  Even Chris Hipkins said women was fine for mass communications.   So, where's the problem? If somebody identifies as a different gender, send them a personalised message tailored to their needs.   The reason these things rile people up so much if because it reinforces this idea that you have a bunch of social scientists with agendas running around Wellington wasting time and taxpayer money coming up with this stuff.   People, including I'm sure nonbinary people, would prefer a hospital system that has enough beds and surgeries slots available to cater for them.   Surely, that's got to be priority number one in health?   Tue, 15 Apr 2025 18:16:47 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-16-april-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-16-april-2025/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 16th of April 2025, The Government's patting itself on the back for hitting its violent crime reduction target four years early, Dairy and Business Owners Group Chairperson Manish Thakkar shares his thoughts on the numbers.  Food prices have increased 3.5% on last year, Chair of Vegetables NZ, John Murphy shares his thoughts.  New submarines have been launched to intercept class-a drugs before they get into the country, Sherelle Kennelly from Customs Brokers and Freight Fowarders Federation of NZ tells Ryan Bridge how the operation will work.  Plus, Gavin Grey from the UK has the latest on British Steel's blast furnaces set to continue running after the UK government secured delivery of key raw materials. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Tue, 15 Apr 2025 18:08:16 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mace-ward-auckland-council-group-recovery-manager-on-the-purchase-of-flood-affected-homes/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mace-ward-auckland-council-group-recovery-manager-on-the-purchase-of-flood-affected-homes/ Auckland Council's set to put $352 million into purchasing homes in high-risk flood zones.   More than 1200 properties will be bought by the end of the year, and a large amount of the land will be retained for flood resilience.  Auckland Council Group Recovery Manager Mace Ward told Ryan Bridge it's a significant investment in future resilience for Auckland.  He says over $1.2 billion will be put in between Crown and Council funding.  Ward says there’s an opportunity for development, and around 30% of the properties could be redeveloped for residential use.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 14 Apr 2025 21:43:08 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/kyle-brewerton-auckland-primary-principles-association-on-the-proposed-new-sex-education-curriculum/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/kyle-brewerton-auckland-primary-principles-association-on-the-proposed-new-sex-education-curriculum/ There's uncertainty over whether a newly proposed sex education curriculum has assigned topics across the appropriate age and stage.  The Government's new curriculum will see children learning about puberty in Year 5 and menstruation in Year 6.  High school students will also learn about sexual violence and STIs.  Auckland Primary Principals' Association President Kyle Brewerton told Ryan Bridge it's important for primary students to learn about puberty.  He believes it would be more beneficial talking about menstrual cycles in the younger years and include the boys too.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 14 Apr 2025 21:34:25 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-luxon-needs-a-game-plan-to-deal-with-winston/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-luxon-needs-a-game-plan-to-deal-with-winston/ Luxon’s stuck. Poor old Luxon, he's stuck between a rock and a hard place really, isn’t he? And it's only going to get worse as we head into next year.   Just when he's done dealing with David Seymour on the Treaty Principles Bill - he never wanted to go with but agreed to get into government. That was shut down on Thursday and now the fire kicks off - he's having to hose that down too.   He's been hosing it down since last Friday now.    That's Winston and his big noting about how to deal with Trump, right.   The phone calls that Luxon hastily arranged to avoid being in the House for the death of the Treaty Principles Bill are the same phone calls that have now started this tussle with Winston?   He just can't win.   Either way, there's coalition land mines to step on.   Here's the thing, Winston first made these comments last Thursday.   He said Luxon should have called them or whatever the words were.   So, he should have just picked up the phone, called them straight away, squared it off, have it out, whatever, move on. Instead, you're trying to announce a tourism boost at Sky City on Monday and it's still dragging out.  Some journalist in the press conference yesterday even asked Luxon whether he'd apologised to Winston Peters. For goodness sakes, what an outrageous question.   For the record, Luxon gave a speech basically saying he supports free trade. Big deal we all do.   Then he calls a couple of world leaders he's met and tells them he likes free trade. Big deal, guess what? That's fine because he's the Prime Minister.   That's actually his job. He is the boss.   Winston's just feeling a bit left out over in Tonga obviously, so he's running his mouth off.   What does Luxon do?   Does he just have a private call and hope that Winston calms down? Or does he take a harder line in public with Winston? Call him out?   Tell us he's only the Foreign Minister, not the Prime Minister, and he should stay in his lane.  Whatever the strategy, he needs to figure it out quick smart.  As I wrote about at the weekend, Winston's only just getting started.   There's an election to fight next year and he'll be unshackled from the Deputy PM reins next month.   Then it's all on for young and old.  And Luxon this week has been warned.  Mon, 14 Apr 2025 18:39:22 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/grant-webster-tourism-holdings-chief-executive-on-the-government-investing-135-million-dollars-into-tourism-new-zealand/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/grant-webster-tourism-holdings-chief-executive-on-the-government-investing-135-million-dollars-into-tourism-new-zealand/ Thumbs up for the Government's tourism campaign.  It's putting 13.5 million dollars into Tourism New Zealand, targeting markets like China, Australia, the US, India, Germany and South Korea.   Arrivals in February were down this year overall.  Tourism Holdings Chief Executive Grant Webster told Ryan Bridge it's the right time to invest.   Webster says Kiwis often think people just come here, but New Zealand's less than 1-percent of the world's tourism meaning we have to compete.  Mon, 14 Apr 2025 18:32:55 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-15-april-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-15-april-2025/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, The Government has put new sex education guidelines out for consultation, Auckland Primary Principals' Association President Kyle Brewerton shares his thoughts.  Auckland Council's voted on the future of land destroyed by floods, Auckland Council Group Manager for the Tamaki Makaurau recovery office tells Ryan Bridge about the plan they've come up with. The Government's coughing up $13.5 million for a new global marketing campaign to attract tourists to New Zealand, Tourism Holdings Chief Executive Grant Webster shares his thoughts.  Plus, Donna Demaio from Australia has Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's reaction to the Opposition’s diss rap track that criticises Labor.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Mon, 14 Apr 2025 18:08:25 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/dylan-thomsen-aa-road-safety-spokesperson-on-the-governments-proposed-changes-to-driver-licensing/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/dylan-thomsen-aa-road-safety-spokesperson-on-the-governments-proposed-changes-to-driver-licensing/ The Government wants to change our drivers licensing system, but AA believes more improvements are needed to have a greater impact on the youth road toll.  Among the changes are removing the full licence test, more consequences for drivers who commit traffic offences while on their learner or restricted licence, and a zero-alcohol limit for everyone until they reach a full licence.    AA Road Safety Spokesperson Dylan Thomsen joins the show to discuss the proposal.  LISTEN ABOVE.  Sun, 13 Apr 2025 19:24:54 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gavin-grey-uk-correspondent-on-russian-sensor-allegations-and-scotlands-ferry-fiasco/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gavin-grey-uk-correspondent-on-russian-sensor-allegations-and-scotlands-ferry-fiasco/ Russia's ambassador to the UK isn't denying allegations that Russian sensors have been hidden around Great Britain in an attempt to track UK nuclear submarines.  Andrei Kelin said that while he did not deny Russia was attempting to track British submarines, he rejected the idea that such activities presented a threat to the UK. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey joins the show to discuss the allegations, and Scotland's ferry fiasco.  LISTEN ABOVE.  Sun, 13 Apr 2025 19:16:57 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/andrew-alderson-sports-reporter-on-the-golf-masters-v8s-liam-lawson-bahrain-grand-prix-race/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/andrew-alderson-sports-reporter-on-the-golf-masters-v8s-liam-lawson-bahrain-grand-prix-race/ It's been another bad day in the office for Liam Lawson who finished 13th in Formula One's Bahrain Grand Prix.  Two separate incidents with Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg saw Lawson slapped with 15 seconds worth of time penalties.  Sports Reporter Andrew Alderson joins the show to discuss the Kiwis race, the Golf Masters live, and V8s over the weekend.  LISTEN ABOVE.  Sun, 13 Apr 2025 19:10:39 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-14-april-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-14-april-2025/ On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast 2025 Monday 14th of April 2025, The Government wants to change up our drivers licensing system, AA Road Safety Spokesperson Dylan Thomsen shares his thoughts.  The documentary following the trial of Phillip Polkinghorne was released last night, the projects producer Polly Fryer tells Andrew Dickens about the process behind it.  Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport.  Plus, UK/ Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on Russia's ambassador to the UK refusing to deny allegations that Russian sensors have been hiding in seas around Great Britain in an attempt to track UK nuclear submarines.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Sun, 13 Apr 2025 18:28:21 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/polly-fryer-producer-of-new-polkinghorne-documentary-on-the-work-behind-the-project/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/polly-fryer-producer-of-new-polkinghorne-documentary-on-the-work-behind-the-project/ The producer of the newly released Polkinghorne documentary is denying claims from its namesake, the TV show is tabloid clickbait.  The three episodes explore the eight-week trial which saw Auckland eye doctor Phillip Polkinghorne found not guilty for the death of his wife Pauline Hanna.  Producer Polly Fryer told Andrew Dickens it's played no part in the judicial process and doesn't shy away from his lifestyle choices.  Fryer says portraying a side of life not often seen doesn't make it clickbait, and Philip himself has said he's not on trial for morality issues.   Sun, 13 Apr 2025 18:15:59 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/andrew-dickens-why-we-got-the-auckland-harbour-bridge-wrong/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/andrew-dickens-why-we-got-the-auckland-harbour-bridge-wrong/ There was a letter to the editor over the weekend about the Auckland Harbour Bridge which made a very good point. The writer remarked that the Harbour Bridge is the coat hanger shape it is because it needed to let freighters in to get to the Chelsea sugar works. The works are under Birkenhead, and they’ve been there long enough that they’ve become historically significant. But that is the only reason the bridge goes up so much and down so much. What a pity we didn’t move the industry in the 50s when we built the bridge.   What a pity we compromised the bridge for just one industry. We’re going to pay for that dearly. It’s one of those things we all forget about when talking about a second Harbour crossing. At the moment you’ll see barges doing Geotech in the middle of the Harbour. It's for two new, three-lane road tunnels. A single light rail tunnel is also part of the plan.  Meanwhile the existing bridge gets lanes for buses and cycling. What we get wrong is that we should really be talking about replacing the first crossing because it’s at the end of its life.  Move the sugar works and we could replace the bridge with a flatter wider version that will be wider and stronger than what we’ve got, giving it a longer life. I keep reminding people that the real problem with the Auckland motorway system is the limits on spaghetti junction and the pinch points at Northcote and Greenlane Penrose.  Not the bridge. Which still has more capacity. But no structural strength. And for all of you not in Auckland wondering why I’m talking about this, it’s simple. This will be the biggest and most complex and most disruptive infrastructure project this country will see and we’re all going to have to pay for it no matter which city we live in. Sun, 13 Apr 2025 18:06:31 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/david-trewavas-taup%C5%8D-mayor-ahead-of-this-years-taup%C5%8D-super-440/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/david-trewavas-taup%C5%8D-mayor-ahead-of-this-years-taup%C5%8D-super-440/ Taupō's hoping for a local economy rev up with the Supercars in town this weekend.  It's the second year hosting the Taupō Super 440 – with 60-thousand people expected in town from around the country and Australia.  Mayor David Trewavas told Andrew Dickens measurements done after last year's event showed a minimum of $20 million was pumped through the town.  He's hoping to replicate that economic success.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 10 Apr 2025 23:06:23 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/sean-lyons-netsafe-chief-online-officer-on-the-survey-revealing-a-desire-for-a-safer-internet/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/sean-lyons-netsafe-chief-online-officer-on-the-survey-revealing-a-desire-for-a-safer-internet/ New Zealand children have had their say on what they want from a safer internet.  A Save the Children and Netsafe survey of a thousand young people aged six to eighteen finds more than half feel safe online.  Around three quarters believe greater control over ads, and stronger protections from harmful content are needed.  Netsafe Chief Online Officer Sean Lyons told Andrew Dickens it needs to be a joint effort.  He says it's the responsibility of parents to keep an eye and provide support, but it's also on regulation and the platforms.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 10 Apr 2025 23:03:52 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/chris-finlayson-former-treaty-negotiations-minister-on-the-treaty-principles-bill-being-shut-down/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/chris-finlayson-former-treaty-negotiations-minister-on-the-treaty-principles-bill-being-shut-down/ A Former Treaty Negotiations Minister believes taking the Treaty Principals Bill to a referendum is a prescription for disaster.  Parliament has voted down the contentious bill spearheaded by David Seymour - only Act voting in favour.  Seymour says the party will take another strategy to pursue its agenda.   Former Minister Chris Finlayson told Andrew Dickens Act's principals could go into a Constitution Act or something similar.  Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:34:32 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-11-april-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-11-april-2025/ On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Friday 11th April 2025, The Treaty Principles Bill is dead in the water, Former National Minister for treaty negotiations Chris Finlayson shares what happens from here.  New data shows only one in three Kiwi parents have rules around their children's use of social media, Netsafe Chief Online Safety Officer Sean Lyons shares his concerns with Andrew Dickens.  It's Supercars weekend in Taupo, Mayor David Trewavas tells Andrew what we can expect from the weekend.  Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on EU reaction to Donald Trump's back-down on tariffs.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:08:23 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/andrew-dickens-why-forestry-should-be-removed-from-the-ets/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/andrew-dickens-why-forestry-should-be-removed-from-the-ets/ Last night on 1News I heard the single most logical and sane thing said in the entire bulletin in a long time. It was said by Simon Upton, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. A very smart man. A Rhodes Scholar. A Former Minister for the Environment for National.  Simon Upton said we should in, an ordinary way, take forestry out of the Emissions Trading Scheme.  And I thought, why has it taken so long for someone to say it? We should, in an orderly way, take forestry out of the Emissions Trading Scheme.  Forestry for climate change has been a Ponzi scheme. The 1News reporter called it a golden ticket.  It’s swamped productive land for easy gain. It’s caused rampant wilding growth through our wild lands.  In essence, it’s a very big weed unless you’re farming it for wood and paper and even then, that market is turning sour - ask Tokoroa and Kawerau.   But has it done anything to reduce emissions? We’ve had long enough for proof. It has not.   It’s provided excuses for well-meaning pop bands to travel the world in private jets, planting useless forests in their wake and claiming moral superiority.   But the 1News bit then went and missed the point.  The headline was that we should plant natives instead of pine.  Which he did say, but only if we keep with the nutso forest planting scheme.   What Simon proposed was completely removing the ability of carbon polluters to rely on planting trees to meet their climate obligations.  He said what New Zealand currently had been mostly a "tree planting scheme" that did little to cut planet-heating gases. And then the zinger quote: "The world actually needs real reductions in gross emissions, not an accounting triumph".   If you want to cut your emissions, then cut your emissions. But don't plant a tree. Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:03:20 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/brad-olsen-infometrics-principle-economist-on-the-reserve-bank-cutting-the-ocr-response-to-tariffs/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/brad-olsen-infometrics-principle-economist-on-the-reserve-bank-cutting-the-ocr-response-to-tariffs/ The Reserve Bank's keeping a watchful eye on global trade developments.  It's lowered the Official Cash Rate by 25-basis points to 3.5%, with another cut expected next month.  But it's still waiting to see how trade barriers affect inflation before deciding what to do after that.  Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Andrew Dickens the central bank is right to take a wait-and-see approach.  He says what's become very clear over the past couple of days, and again this morning, is how everything can change in an instant.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 09 Apr 2025 22:46:07 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/phillip-duncan-weatherwatch-head-analyst-on-the-merger-between-niwa-and-metservice/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/phillip-duncan-weatherwatch-head-analyst-on-the-merger-between-niwa-and-metservice/ A weather forecaster's hoping there can be clearer skies for our Government weather agencies with a merger on the way.  Legislation's coming to merge NIWA and MetService before the end of the year.  The Government says it'll deliver a more efficient agency, combining operations and streamlining back-office functions.  WeatherWatch's Phillip Duncan told Andrew Dickens he wants MetService's clear communication skills to be central to the new agency.  He says it's compared to NIWA, which frequently uses extreme words that often don't come true.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 09 Apr 2025 22:33:30 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mark-patterson-associate-minister-of-agriculture-on-new-government-directive-supporting-the-wool-industry/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mark-patterson-associate-minister-of-agriculture-on-new-government-directive-supporting-the-wool-industry/ The wool industry believes New Zealand will enjoy the benefits of the Government's new building directive. From July, all new Crown agency builds costing more than nine-million-dollars, and refurbishments topping 100-thousand, must use New Zealand wool where possible. It follows Kainga Ora reversing its price-based decision to not use more-expensive wool products in January. Associate Minister of Agriculture, Mark Patterson told Andrew Dickens it does change the price, but you're getting a better-quality product.  Wed, 09 Apr 2025 18:24:55 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/andrew-dickens-the-curious-case-of-benjamin-doyle/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/andrew-dickens-the-curious-case-of-benjamin-doyle/ Benjamin Doyle spoke on the controversy surrounding them yesterday and basically called themself stupid.   We’ve found out that the Greens actively asked them to delete their accounts which introduced us all to the "bussy".  But they refused, wanting to stand up for what they are and who they stand for.  Given that, if I was the Greens I would have gone to the next person on the list. If Doyle wasn’t going to drop it, I would have dropped him.   I said last week they should go, and I stand by that. I don’t see the need for anyone so stupid and bloody-minded in a taxpayer funded Parliament.   Doyle says the bussy stuff was a knowing joke and I can understand that - Queens are always ironically calling each other Queens.  That’s not the sort of joke I want to see in an MP.  But to claim Benjamin must be a child offender is also a step too far and a heinous accusation unless you have proof, and that goes for Hamish Campbell too.  If they want to put those haters aside perhaps, they need to stand up for themself with a defamation suit, or even let the wife speak out.  But again, the easiest way to deal with it is to just slope out the door. Carrying on is probably not worth the angst.   The whole thing is an ugly and entirely avoidable situation.   Wed, 09 Apr 2025 18:14:15 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-10-april-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-10-april-2025/ On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Thursday 10th April 2025, The Reserve Bank cut the OCR by 25 basis points, Infometrics Principal Economist shares whether or not it was the right move.  Legislation to merge Niwa and MetService, will be introduced later this year, Weather Watch Head Analyst Philip Duncan tells Andrew Dickens about the difference it will make.  The Government's directing agencies to use wool where appropriate, but will it come at a cost? Associate Minister of Agriculture Mark Patterson shares the details.  Plus, US Correspondent Mitch McCann shares the latest on the markets and tariff turmoil.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.       LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 09 Apr 2025 18:08:18 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/casey-costello-associate-police-minister-on-the-report-into-organised-crime-in-new-zealand/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/casey-costello-associate-police-minister-on-the-report-into-organised-crime-in-new-zealand/ New Zealand faces significant obstacles to take down organised crime groups.  A ministerial advisory group's first report reveals a sobering reality the country is losing the fight, and claims bold changes are needed.  It says a significant spike in methamphetamine use last year was dire.  Associate Police Minister Casey Costello told Andrew Dickens a series of reports will provide practical advice over the next six months.  She says there will be specific actions released each month - including how agencies could work more closely together and breaking down barriers about information sharing.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 08 Apr 2025 22:55:04 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gavin-grey-uk-correspondent-on-prince-harry-challenging-a-court-decision-over-security-arrangements/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gavin-grey-uk-correspondent-on-prince-harry-challenging-a-court-decision-over-security-arrangements/ Prince Harry has returned to the UK to challenge a court decision over his security arrangements in his home country.  The Duke of Sussex has appeared at the High Court in London, appealing last year's ruling the Home Office fairly gave him different levels of taxpayer-funded protection.   The 40-year-old's legal team has questioned the way the decision, taken in early-2020 after Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior working royals, was made.   UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Andrew Dickens the Duke didn't give evidence, and the hearing's outcome will be revealed at a later date.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 08 Apr 2025 22:46:15 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/lesley-yeomans-australian-correspondent-on-the-outcome-of-the-first-debate-of-the-australian-election/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/lesley-yeomans-australian-correspondent-on-the-outcome-of-the-first-debate-of-the-australian-election/ Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appears to have got the better of opposition leader Peter Dutton in their first election debate.   Sky News declared the incumbent Albanese as the winner after asking 100 undecided voters their thoughts.   Australian Correspondent Lesley Yeomans told Andrew Dickens two key issues emerged last night.   She says the cost of living and energy policy were two of the biggest topics.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 08 Apr 2025 22:37:19 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/john-carran-jarden-economist-and-investment-strategist-on-todays-ocr-decision/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/john-carran-jarden-economist-and-investment-strategist-on-todays-ocr-decision/ Economists are seemingly aligned on where they think today's Official Cash Rate figure will land.  The Reserve Bank's expected to cut the OCR by 25 basis points, down from 3.75 percent.  It's the first rate decision since Governor Adrian Orr's resignation.   Jarden Economist and Investment Strategist, John Carran told Andrew Dickens there's been a lot of uncertainty in markets from US President Donald Trump's tariffs.  He believes it's too early for the bank to panic and cut the OCR any further.  Tue, 08 Apr 2025 18:23:24 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/andrew-dickens-children-deserve-better/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/andrew-dickens-children-deserve-better/ Oranga Tamariki is getting rid of its target to place 58% of the kids in its care with wider Whanau.   And it's also ditching a target for investment with Māori organisations - 23% of funding was targeted for those organisations.  The Minister for Children Karen Chhour says this is part of OT's 'Safety First' approach. She says the targets were outdated and went against the ‘need not race’ directive.   And she was concerned whether the priority of Māori organisations were getting in the way of the quality and efficacy of the services being provided.   And it all makes sense.  The ingrained belief in our child social workers that kids are always better off rehomed with whanau always seemed counter factual. In many cases the abuse directed at the kids was at the hands of whanau themselves - people that had been raised by other people in their family but failed at their own parenting. So why would we give the kids to them? It often seemed that children were being thrown right back into the very cauldron we were trying to help them escape from.   There have been examples for generations - let us not forget Baby Ru. He was murdered in October 2023, and nobody has been charged for killing him.  There was anger then and anger now when the people who were there when he suffered did not co-operate with Police.   Those people were, and are, Rosie Morunga, her partner Dylan Ross, and Ru’s mother Storm Wall. Ru's whanau. What happened people?  The uplifting of kids is a very serious thing and they need to be housed in safe places with good people.  But the history of Oranga Tamariki suggests that too many of the supposed saviours are in fact predators hiding in plain sight.  There's no easy answer to this other than strong vigilance by our agencies and the need to find good people who can help.  Tue, 08 Apr 2025 18:16:46 Z