Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

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  Bruce Weir: Independent urban planner and strategic development expert on the amendments to the fast-track system 15.09.2026 3мин

  There's a view changes to the fast-track system shouldn't be made carelessly.   The amendments to the system working their way through Parliament will mean councils can claw back greater costs from developers.   Independent urban planner and strategic development expert Bruce Weir says there probably is some room for developers to pay more.   But he told Ryan Bridge the Government shouldn't be rash with changes.   Weir says we don't want to put developers off as it can actually be quite difficult to get projects through.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Rachel Mackintosh: E tū National Secretary on ACT's plan to freeze minimum wage, lower youth training rate 15.09.2026 2мин

  It's being suggested New Zealand is still suffering from a minimum wage freeze 30 years ago, and ACT's pledge would do long term damage.   The party wants to set up a training wage for under-20s in their first year, allowing them only 60% of the minimum wage – that's $14.37 an hour.  ACT also wants to freeze the minimum wage for three years.  E tū National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh told Ryan Bridge the wage is already well below what people need to survive on.  She says the policy sends a message that some New Zealanders aren't worthy of earning enough to live.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Ryan Bridge: I wouldn't hold your breath for tax cuts 15.09.2026 1мин

  Tax cuts are back on the campaign agenda.   Nicola Willis dropped a wee hint to the BusinessNZ election conference yesterday.  Bracket creep is hurting workers – as wages increase and you creep into a higher tax bracket, you pay more marginal tax. That's not fair.   So, something might be done about it.   I say "might" because there are caveats and they're big ones.   National must be re-elected. Its coalition partners would need to agree. That was far from a done deal yesterday.  And the Government must have the books back in surplus – the plan is 2029/30.  But as I said yesterday, even then it's wafer-thin, and how many times have we been promised a surplus that doesn't eventuate?   More times than I can count. It feels like a mirage.   We'll find out more after the fiscal update at the end of the month. On October 11th, ACT will make its pitch for flatter tax rates.   New Zealand First is working on a foreign investment tax incentive. The Nats are looking at changes to the R&D tax credit.   So, tax cuts, rather just hikes, are on the election agenda.   But not quite worth getting particularly excited about.  Too many hoops to jump through, hills to climb, and water to go under bridges before this becomes a serious pitch voters should start thinking about and factoring into a decision before November. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Full Show Podcast: 16 September 2026 15.09.2026 34мин

  On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2026, Children's Commissioner Jane Searle shares her thoughts on the damning report into the missing Phillips children.  ACT’s small business policy is ruffling a few feathers, especially among the unions E tū National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh tells Ryan why the policy is problematic for workers. A quick change has been made to laws that will affect fast-track developments, independent urban planner and strategic development expert Bruce Weir tells Ryan if the changes go far enough.  Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on Nato fighter pilots have shooting down a drone that entered Lithuania's airspace overnight. 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.
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  Jane Searle: Children's Commissioner on the inquiry into the Tom Phillips manhunt 15.09.2026 2мин

  The Children Commissioner's demanding action, with a multitude of failures in the search for the Marokopa children brought to light.  A four-year manhunt for notorious fugitive Tom Phillips ended a year ago when he was shot dead by Police.  An inquiry finds our public agencies overlooked concerns, delayed action and missed opportunities to find the children earlier and prevent their disappearance.  It criticises the lack of information sharing, particularly across Oranga Tamariki and Police.  Commissioner Jane Searle told Ryan Bridge this report makes it clear coordination needs to be better across government agencies.  She says it's not easy, and cases like this are very complex, but it can be done.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Simon Laurent: NZ Association of Migration and Investment Chair on net migration hitting a two year high 15.09.2026 2мин

  Net migration is back on the rise as the brain drain eases.  Stats NZ data shows the number of people moving here in the year to July outnumbered those leaving by 20,300.  Annually, that net migration has risen almost 55%, with arrivals up 5% and departures down 4%.  Immigration Expert Simon Laurent told Andrew Dickens that much as it has in the past, the security and safety of New Zealand is making it an attractive place to put down roots.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on how an uncertain global bond market could impact New Zealand 14.09.2026 4мин

  Surging global oil prices and bond yields could keep inflation higher than expected and force the Reserve Bank to raise the OCR faster than expected.  Some economists now expect the Official Cash Rate to reach 4% before the end of the year.  The Government says the Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update —due out in two weeks— will try to reflect changes in borrowing costs.  Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Andrew Dickens further conflict in the Middle East is pushing up oil prices, as fears grow about an AI bubble burst.  He says both of these things are happening, amidst mounting concerns about government debt.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Tania Tapsell: Rotorua Mayor on tourism arrivals overtaking pre-Covid numbers 14.09.2026 3мин

  July's record tourism numbers are being seen as a reflection of investment finally paying off.    Stats NZ data shows 256,600 overseas tourists arrived during the month, overtaking pre-Covid numbers from July 2019 by 0.4%.  Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell told Andrew Dickens the effort from local councils, regional tourism operators, and the Government is bearing fruit.   She says July is usually a quiet time, so the big win is the 70% jump in business events that keep the likes of Rotorua afloat.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Full Show Podcast: 15 September 2026 14.09.2026 34мин

  On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Tuesday the 15th of September 2026, international visitor numbers are finally back above pre-Covid levels, Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell tells Andrew how the government's tourism push has helped.  Migrant arrivals for the year were up 5%, immigration expert Simon Laurent shares his thoughts.  Our debt situation might be catching up to us as the global bond markets start to get anxious, Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen explains.  Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on Pauline Hanson asked to apologise over nasty and divisive comments about First Nations Australians and the first confirmed case of bird flu, an endangered an Aussie sea lion. 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.
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  Andrew Dickens: Politicians are missing the real immigration problem 14.09.2026 1мин

  The past week has seen immigration policies come to the fore.  New Zealand First is signalling a tougher immigration stance, longer waits for residency and citizenship, a referendum to cap new residency approvals at 20,000 a year, and a 30-year population plan tying migrant intake to infrastructure capacity.   Labour is also tightening its settings, extending residency qualification to four years and promising a Government Policy Statement.  But as economists like Bernard Hickey point out, these policies miss the real immigration pressure.  New Zealand issues more than 230,000 temporary work visas annually, largely for lower-paid roles on our farms, in our kitchens, and even in our beauty salons.  The temporary workers aren't here forever. But when they go, they're replaced but other temporary visa holders.   This quarter of a million of temporary visa holders is still driving population growth, straining infrastructure, and suppressing wages.    They come with problems that no-one is addressing.  Not for the first time, politicians can't see the wood for the trees, and not for the first time, they then release policies that are primarily designed to get votes but not to address the issues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on Russian drone striking train behind Boris Johnson and other dignitaries near Ukraine border 13.09.2026 3мин

  A Russian drone has hit a train near the Ukraine-Poland border, moments after former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other top European security officials had been present. No one died in the attack, and all passengers were safely evacuated. Johnson had been passing along the same line on a different train, returning from a conference in Kyiv. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says there's plenty of speculation behind the motives of the strike, with Ukraine claiming Johnson's train was the intended target. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Vicky Pryce: business correspondent on the UK GDP going up by 0.4 percent 13.09.2026 2мин

  The UK's GDP grew by 0.4 percent in July, surprising economists after no growth was predicted. The economic growth was driven by several key sectors, and boosted by more businesses investing in AI and data centres. Business correspondent Vicky Pryce says the World Cup also helped contribute to the growth, with more people spending money in pubs and restaurants over the July period. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Alf Filipaina: Auckland Councillor on the launch of the City Rail Link and whether extra police are needed 13.09.2026 2мин

  The City Rail Link finally launched over the weekend and it's set to bring extra foot traffic to Auckland CBD, but concerns have been raised over the potential risks. National's promising a dedicated Auckland Transport police team if elected, pledging an extra $7 million per year through Budget 2027 to recruit the extra officers. Auckland Councillor Alf Filipaina says this is the right move, and he's been consistent in saying that the community needs to be protected. "We need to protect the community, in particular, within the CRL - along with the transport officers."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Barbara Edmonds: Labour Finance Spokesperson on its KiwiSaver policy 13.09.2026 4мин

  A clear standout - as Labour rolls out a raft of proposed changes to our KiwiSaver scheme. The party's promising to lift the employer contribution rate to six percent by 2032 - if elected.  Labour would also introduce compulsory employer contributions, even when employees have paused or reduced their own share.  Finance Spokesperson Barbara Edmonds shares the latest with Ryan Bridge. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Full Show Podcast: 14 September 2026 13.09.2026 34мин

  On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2026, Labour Finance Spokesperson Barbara Edmonds shares the details of Labour's KiwiSaver policy.  Auckland Councillor shares his thoughts on the opening of the CRL and if we need to establish Auckland Transport Police to keep people safe.  Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on UK GDP, the European Central Bank raising rates and a look ahead to the UK rate decision.  Plus, UK/ Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the UK national security adviser saying Europe must be ready to endure "real hardship" this winter if it is to keep up economic pressure on Russia and Reform UK receiving two £36m donations from British cryptocurrency billionaires.  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.
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  Ryan Bridge: The numbers that tell us where we're heading 13.09.2026 1мин

  There's a reason we talk a lot on this programme about bond markets, growth, central bank decisions and wars in far-away places. There was, and probably still is, a school of thought that people either don't want, or don't understand, financial markets, currencies and economics. I've always thought this was BS. It's why we focus on them a lot. They're important because they tell a story about where we've been and, more importantly, what's next. People aren't stupid. Most of the correspondence, emails and letters I get are from people far smarter than me. Though, that's not really saying much. More about me! This week we're getting GDP for Q2. It'll show we've gone sideways to slightly forwards, if you listen to the bank economists. Which is better than backwards, which is where they were picking we would go a few months ago. This is StatsNZ data and is, of course, itself backwards-looking. It'll show us where we've been. For a look at where we're going, we had the PMI, that's the manufacturing index out Friday. It was off slightly July-August, but still in expansion. And still above the long-term average. What's more, it tells us that forward orders are looking good. It bodes well for Q3. As always, there's a reason to talk about the numbers. Not just the ones we'll hear about this week. But the ones which give us clues about where we're heading next. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Kevin Putt: Former Springbok previews the final Greatest Rivalry test between the All Blacks and Springboks 10.09.2026 2мин

  The All Blacks are hoping to rally after back-to-back losses to the Springboks.  But this time they're not on South African territory, instead the two sides are clashing on the neutral ground of Baltimore in the United States.  But whether or not the All Blacks manage to tie the series, former Springbok Kevin Putt believes Dave Rennie has already got the tick.  He told Ryan Bridge he's gone toe to toe with the 'Boks, so people can see he's doing his job okay.  Putt says this is more of a test of New Zealand Rugby and what's happened over the last four years with their development of young players, and NZR may be found wanting.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Leon Panetta: Former Defence Secretary and CIA Director on the US-Iran war 10.09.2026 8мин

  A retired US politician believes the Iran war has no end in sight. The Wall Street Journal reports top advisers told President Trump privately that his war would likely drag on through the rest of his term.  It differs from his comments yesterday, in which he was telling supporters it'd end immediately after the November mid-terms.  Former Defence Secretary and CIA Director Leon Panetta told Ryan Bridge that's unlikely.  He says this is Trump claiming everything will be fine, but in reality, the war will go on. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Graeme Edgeler: Constitutional law expert on an MSD review which found more than 30-thousand cases, where benefits and payments were wrongly suspended 10.09.2026 4мин

  A warning from a constitutional law expert that every time the Government rushes legislation, it risks a major stuff up.  The Ministry of Social Development's apologising after 30 thousand winter energy payments and main and supplementary benefits were wrongly cut.   It was caused by an error in legislation which was passed under urgency through Parliament last year.   Graeme Edgeler told Ryan Bridge these mistakes happen a lot under urgency, but they don't always have such drastic consequences.  He says skipping the select committee process means losing that extra chance for people to point out mistakes as officials will often be working on the legislation and fixing errors as they go.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Full Show Podcast: 11 September 2026 10.09.2026 34мин

  On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 11th of September 2026, the Ministry of Social Development has released its review into two issues that meant thousands of pensioners, veterans and beneficiaries had their benefits incorrectly cut, constitutional law expert Graeme Edgeler shares his thoughts. Former US Secretary of Defence and former Director of the CIA Leon Panetta, joins Ryan to share his thoughts on the US/Iran war and when he thinks it will end.  The All Blacks hoping to rally after back-to-back losses to the Springboks, former Springbok Kevin Putt tells Ryan how he thinks the game will go. Plus, visitors to England will soon face paying a Tourist Tax for their accommodation, with Mayors to be given the power to set rates, UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest.  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.