Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Episodes

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  Jason Pine: Weekend Sport host previews Auckland FC v Wellington Phoenix, Black Caps v India, Kiwis v Tonga, All Blacks v Scotland 05.11.2026 3m

  There's an action-packed weekend ahead, with plenty of sport on the agenda.  Saturday will see Auckland FC and the Wellington Phoenix clash in an A-League derby, while the Black Caps take on India and the Kiwis face Tonga in the Rugby League World Cup semi-final.  Then on Sunday morning the All Blacks are taking on Scotland over in Edinburgh.  Jason Pine, host of Weekend Sport, joined Ryan Bridge to look ahead to the weekend.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Brigitte Morten: Political Commentator on the final days of election campaigning, struggles to predict the outcome 05.11.2026 3m

  A political commentator is struggling to predict the outcome of the election.  Election Day is tomorrow, and thousands of votes have already been cast.  Polls released throughout the campaign have fluctuated, no party showing a clear lead across all of the polls.  Brigitte Morten told Ryan Bridge the election is all over the place.  She says something that's also different now is it's not just a red-blue race, we're talking about individual electorate seats having a massive impact.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Steve Watt: Police Association President on Police enforcing gang patch ban 05.11.2026 3m

  The police union says the Coalition's gang patch ban is working as intended.  Newstalk ZB's revealed authorities are charging people for unlawful association more than four times as frequently as before the ban came into effect almost two years ago.  Under the ban, those charged face up to six months prison time or a $5,000 fine.  Police Association President Steve Watt told Ryan Bridge officers have the skills to identify gang members, whether they're wearing a patch or not, and if they're less visible, the community feels safer.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Ryan Bridge: More Kiwis will be watching sport over the election this weekend 05.11.2026 1m

  Here's an election prediction for you.  Look out. Incoming. Hot take. Reckons. Newsflash. More people New Zealanders will watch sport this weekend than follow the election.  I was chatting to a mate yesterday, not political, not engaged, plans to vote but doesn't care too much.  He's been watching Netflix and listening to podcasts. Wouldn't know who Michael Laws is. Wouldn't know who Qiulae Wong is.  He's no idiot. He knows his principles and loosely who they align with.  But, for many New Zealanders, most Kiwis, elections are just noise. Like Cicadas. Or an air conditioner unit.... Humming away. News reporters working themselves in a lather.  Breathless stories being 'broken'. To the relief of many of you listening/watching this morning, this weekend we have the Football derby, India will ship the Blackcaps, the World Cup semis on Saturday night and on Sunday morning, all eyes on Murrayfield for the All Blacks vs Scotland.  By the way the weather is looking quite warm, the beach appealing, the BBQ good to go.  Sport will be the main course, with perhaps a side of election coverage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Full Show Podcast: 06 November 2026 05.11.2026 34m

  On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday the 6th of November 2026, Political Commentator Brigitte Morten shares her thoughts on how the campaign has gone so far and what the election result could turn out like.  Newstalk ZB weekend sport host has the latest on the big weekend of sport ahead -- the A-league Derby, Black Caps and the All Blacks taking on Scotland.  Fresh Ministry of Justice data shows unlawful association charges have quadrupled since the gang patch ban became law, Police Association President Steve Watt shares his thoughts.  Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on actor and comedian Russell Brand found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault at a south London court and protests once again taking place across France. 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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  Alison Vaughan: SPCA Senior Scientific Officer on their renewed push to ban consumer purchase of fireworks 04.11.2026 2m

  With Guy Fawkes celebrations tonight, vets and animal advocates are renewing their push to end private fireworks sales.  The Government rejected a recommendation to do so earlier this year.   The SPCA is urging Kiwis to back an open letter to the incoming Government, calling to end consumer sales, while Fire and Emergency and MetService are warning people to take care.  SPCA Senior Scientific Officer Dr Alison Vaughan told Ryan Bridge many animals become lost, injured, and are euthanised as a result of fireworks.   She says that people also tend to forget that wildlife has no idea what's going on, and it can lead to nest abandonment.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Doug Haltz-Eakin: Economist and former Economic Advisor to John McCain on the outcome of the US Midterms 04.11.2026 3m

  Tackling the cost of living and corruption, and ending the war in Iran are all top of the agenda for the new Democrat-controlled US Senate.   Democrats have powered through the US Midterm elections, flipping seven Senate seats and 31 in the House of Representatives from the Republicans.  Democrat Chuck Schumer is set to be Senate Majority Leader.  Economist and former Economic Advisor to John McCain Doug Haltz-Eakin told Ryan Bridge we'll likely see a lot of investigations by the Democrats over the next two years.  He says they'll be looking into the finances around crypto, and things like the secret agreements between the Trump Administration and US drug companies.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on unemployment rising to 5.7% in September quarter 04.11.2026 3m

  The latest unexpected rise in unemployment could be a sign the economy isn't doing as well as expected. Four hundred and 38-thousand people aren't working as much as they could be in the September quarter. That includes 174-thousand - about 5.7 percent of the workforce - who wanted a job but didn't have one. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Ryan Bridge the rise, along with other economic elements remaining weaker than anticipated, could see the Reserve Bank hold the Official Cash Rate in December.  He says they're trying to balance inflationary pressures, but equally they don't want to kneecap the economic recovery.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Ryan Bridge: The world's on Trump Temper Tantrum Watch 04.11.2026 1m

  The world is now officially on Trump Temper Tantrum Watch.   So far, he's been relatively gracious about the absolute thumping the Dems handed him.  What happened last night has only happened three times since WWII – both the House and Senate flipping parties.  The big losers are Republicans, the more MAGA the more damage, Pete Hegseth (look out), and Elon Musk.   Musk pumped half a billion American bucks at candidates from a party that has now lost control of the law-making agenda.   Tesla and SpaceX shares are down this morning. Butts are clenching over the Democrats running the ruler on AI companies and spending, and Musk's merger.   Meanwhile, the race to replace Trump starts today.   Marco Rubio and JD Vance are the front runners, but Trump's influence now will wane.   Popularity is power. Trump's has taken a massive punch in the guts.   Why do we care? Petrol. The war.   Trump is so far taking this graciously, by Trump-standards, but if he wants to lash out and go bananas, he remains Commander-in-Chief.  He's lost Congress, but could re-start the war, not just with Iran, but with our wallets.   Going quietly into the night is not really Trump's style.  We should be preparing for a meltdown and praying for a miracle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Full Show Podcast: 05 November 2026 04.11.2026 34m

  On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast 2026, American Economist and former economic adviser to John McCain Doug Haltz-Eakin shares his thoughts on the U.S midterm results.  Unemployment's risen to 5.7%, Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen explains why this reinforces the Reserve Banks move to hold the OCR.  It's Guy Fawkes tonight, with fresh calls to ban the private sale and use of fireworks, Dr Alison Vaughan Senior Scientific Officer at SPCA explains.  Plus, US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest reaction to the midterm results out of Ohio.  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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  Vanushi Walters and Todd McClay: Labour and National's Foreign Affairs Spokespeople on trade, foreign policy, China 03.11.2026 7m

  Labour's Vanushi Walters has taken aim at the Government, saying its flip-flopping on foreign policy has created problems.   The party's Foreign Affairs spokesperson told Ryan Bridge it's been inconsistent on calling out breaches of international law.   Walters says the US and Israel's intervention into Iran is an example of when the Government hasn't called it out, with that war having a direct impact on fuel prices.   National counterpart Todd McClay rejects that, saying we need to be careful about megaphone diplomacy.   He told Bridge the Government's maintained our independent foreign policy.   McClay says we can't have Iran developing nuclear weapons, and the Government's called out some of Israel's atrocities in Gaza.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mike Jones: BNZ Chief Economist previews the latest unemployment figures for Q3 03.11.2026 2m

  How has the job market been faring?   Stats NZ is releasing its latest quarterly unemployment data at 10.45am.  Some economists expect unemployment to remain unchanged at 5.6%, an 11-year high, while others expect it will dip slightly to 5.5% or 5.4% – the first fall in five years.  BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones told Ryan Bridge they expect the rate to stay the same, but they're also expecting employment itself to increase.  He says they're forecasting a 0.4% increase for the quarter, so they're pretty confident New Zealand saw some decent job growth.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Gavin Grey: UK/Europe Correspondent on King Charles at CHOGM 03.11.2026 2m

  King Charles has expressed sorrow over Britain's role in the transatlantic slave trade but stopped short of apologising or offering reparations. Britain captured and transported an estimated 12 to 15-million Africans to the Americas between 1500 and 1800,  with more than two million dying on the journey. Opening the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, the King acknowledged it's a shameful chapter in history. UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Ryan Bridge: Kiwis see through media bias over move-on orders 03.11.2026 1m

  After all the hand-wringing and manufactured controversy, the 'Move On' orders are actually not controversial.   The loser in this story is once again the media.  The beat the story up into a frenzy. The government was trying to punish, or to use a phrase they readily adopted from Tory Whanau, 'punch down' on, the homeless.  But what does nine days of the law in action actually look like? Yesterday morning we had the Assistant Police Commissioner Tusha Penny on Ryan Bridge TODAY. Guess what?  29 orders were issued. Of them, only four were actually homeless.  That's 13%.  None were 'moved-on' for rough sleeping. Zero for begging. There was no 'punching down'.  To be 'moved on', Police say you have to be behaving badly. Confrontational. Aggressive. Disturbing other people.  Most New Zealanders will see this for what it is: entirely acceptable.  Most kiwis see Police for what they are: mostly reasonable. And unfortunately, most kiwis see the media for what it is: unreliable at best and biased at worst.  They go big on a story that fits a narrative and 'move on' when proved wrong.  New Zealanders aren't stupid and see right though it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Full Show Podcast: 04 November 2026 03.11.2026 34m

  On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 4th of November 2026, Todd McClay and Vanushi Walters join Ryan for an election special panel on foreign affairs and trade.  BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones tells Ryan what we can expect from the unemployment number out today.  Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Antigua and the UK and EU have agreed a draft deal on removing post-Brexit checks from food and agriculture exports, ahead of the UK-EU summit later this month. 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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  Arena Williams: Labour's Consumer Affairs Spokesperson on the party's pledge to ban fake, unfair discounts 02.11.2026 2m

  Labour says it wants to better protect consumers from unfair pricing practices during the cost of living crisis.  The party wants to shake-up the Fair Trading Act to make sure advertised specials relate to the lowest price in the preceding 30 days.  It's also promising to ensure loyal phone, internet, and insurance customers don't miss out on specials offered to new sign-ups.  Consumer Affairs Spokesperson Arena Williams told Ryan Bridge they want things to be more standardised and clearer, so customers know that when these deals are being offered, they're not missing out.  She says we rely on switching to make the market competitive, but for things like insurance or power, which aren't easy to switch from, there's not enough competitive pressure.  Williams says the UK brought in a law saying new customers couldn't be offered different rates to what would be offered for a renewal of the equivalent product, and they think that's the right approach to take here.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Alf Filipaina: Manukau Ward Councillor on the post-Tonga v Samoa celebrations that led to nine arrests 02.11.2026 3m

  There are concerns rugby league celebrations are coming at the expense of others.   South Auckland police officers made nine arrests after Sunday's showdown between Tonga and Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup.   Police had 160 officers monitoring the scenes, with some fans running on to roads, hanging out of cars, and driving dangerously.   Councillor Alf Filipaina told Ryan Bridge he loves their passion, but it's shocking to see the behaviour.  He says the council is receiving emails from families with young children, complaining of loud music and horns at three in the morning.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Full Show Podcast: 03 November 2026 02.11.2026 34m

  On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday the 3rd of November 2026, Labour’s promising a crackdown on business practices it says are pushing up the cost of living, Labour Consumer Affairs Spokesperson joins Ryan.  Rugby League World Cup celebrations turned sour over the weekend with nine arrests, Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina is warning people to enjoy the celebrations without disrupting others. Retailer confidence sky-high despite challenging economy, First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson shares his thoughts.  Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on the Reserve Bank of Australia decision and a preview of the Melbourne Cup. 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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  Chris Wilkinson: First Retail Group Managing Director on Retail NZ's Retail Radar report 02.11.2026 2m

  Consumers could be more hesitant to tap their card this Christmas if the country's government is in a state of limbo.   Retail NZ's latest Retail Radar report finds 73% of respondents are confident their business will survive the next 12 months – the highest level in two years.  First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson told Ryan Bridge a definitive lead this election weekend is crucial for consumer confidence.   He says retailers are typically optimistic, but a strong, decisive direction for the country is important.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Ryan Bridge: The midterms won't save the world from Trump 02.11.2026 1m

  News alert for anyone who thinks the US midterms will save the world from Trump: they won't.   The guy can still start wars and raise tariffs without Congress approval. He did so last year and this year.   Losing the House to Democrats means funding gets harder and legal problems, but it's not a brick wall for the Presidential impulses that most affect us, the rest of the world.   Latest polling shows a majority of his own supporters are unhappy with the state of the economy.   Diesel prices are up 70% in America since the start of the war.   Any impeachment move would be symbolic, as two-thirds of the Senate would need to agree to it. So, that's unlikely, unless he goes off the reservation in a major way. Like, even more major for Trump.   The big worry is Iran. JD Vance has been back channelling comms to the Supreme Leader.   The Supreme Leader is sending hints about diplomacy over missiles. That's dropped the price of oil in the last 12 hours.   But it's just talk.   The Wall Street Journal reckons the top US commander in the region has been briefed on options for resuming the war after the midterms. Trump's made no decisions.   But that decision will be his to make as Commander in Chief no matter the outcome of Tuesday's vote. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.