Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

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A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

  1. 1 HR AGO

    Nicola Willis: Finance Minister discusses making KiwiSaver easier to access for rural workers

    A barrier stopping rural workers from using KiwiSaver is being lifted. Farm workers, rural teachers, police and defence staff have been unable to make first-home withdrawals, because they’re required to live in employer housing. The Government’s now allowing them to use their savings, including towards buying a farm. Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Ryan Bridge that these workers have been locked out of the KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal for too long. She says if people are working hard to get ahead, where they live shouldn't exclude them from the property ladder. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    7 min

  2. 2 HR AGO

    David Smith: Guardian Washington Bureau Chief with the latest on US/Israel strikes on Iran

    The Israeli Prime Minister says bombing in Iran could continue for days.  Coordinated strikes with the US have killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and multiple senior officials - resulting in Iran launching counter strikes across the Middle East.  Three US service members have been killed in the military operations while nine people in Israel have been killed in Iran's retaliatory attacks.  Iranian officials have formed a transitional council to lead the country.  The Guardian Washington Bureau Chief David Smith told Ryan Bridge Benjamin Netanyahu wants the offensive to continue - but US Congress likely won't.  He says they will want US President Donald Trump to leave Iran as soon as possible.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    4 min

  3. 2 HR AGO

    Ryan Bridge: The issues we care about

    We have a new issues poll out this morning.  It's from IPSOS. 1000 people. Was taken after Waitangi weekend.  The numbers are bad for National, because they should be winning on more issues.  But Luxon won't hate the numbers because they're going in the right direction of a few key issues.  A significant increase on Cost of Living - after a period of trending in the wrong direction.  Another 'significant' increase on healthcare/hospitals- closing the gap from 19 to 12 points since October.  After being overtaken on the economy, they've come back to draw with the reds.  Interestingly, concern from voters about poverty and inequality is trending down - despite the big push in the media last week.  The reality is that Labour is still ahead on three of the five issues.  But no election is won or lost on a single issue, is it? Although Covid in 2020 and cost of living in 2023 were dominant.  What the election will come down to, as I've always said, and everyone already knows, is Winston Peters.  He has told me that he will not form a government with Labour if 1. Hipkins is in charge. And 2. it needs propping up by the Greens or TPM.  He says they're nuts.  So, as long as the polls, stay roughly where they are, the National party strategists will stick largely to the same script and wait for Winston at the alter.  Barring, of course, nay campaign snaffus that might get any of the above into trouble and offside with us, the voters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2 min
  4. Full Show Podcast: 02 March 2026

    2 HR AGO

    Full Show Podcast: 02 March 2026

    On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian David Smith, has the latest on US/Israel strikes on Iran.  The Government will allow farmers to use their KiwiSaver to buy their first home or farm, Finance Minister Nicola Willis tells Ryan about the impact this will have.  Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport.  Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on UK troops at a base in Bahrain are narrowly missed by a rocket fired from Iran and tens of thousands face flight disruption as airlines are continuing to cancel and divert flights serving the Middle East. 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.

    35 min

  5. 2 DAYS AGO

    Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the Danish Prime Minister calling a snap election

    The Danish Prime Minister has called a snap election, hailing it a decisive next four years for her country.  Mette Frederiksen says the election will be held on March 24 instead of the original end of October date.   It comes after months of politics dominated by Donald Trump's threats to annex Greenland – the semi-autonomous Danish territory.   UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge before that, polls had been unfavourable towards her.   He says her handling of Trump gave her a popularity boost, which she may be capitalising on.  LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2 min

  6. 2 DAYS AGO

    Anne Newman: Christchurch NZ Visitor Economy Manager on Electric Avenue

    Excitement in Christchurch as the city gears up for one of the biggest weekends of the year.   Electric Avenue is officially the biggest festival in Australasia, with 90 thousand attendees over the two days.  Kiwi band Split Enz is headlining, joined by Australian DJ Dom Dolla.  Last year's festival brought in $10.5 million in visitor spend – the largest local event since the 1974 Commonwealth Games.   Christchurch NZ Visitor Economy Manager Anne Newman told Ryan Bridge 23 thousand people are visiting the city for the festival.   LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    3 min

  7. 2 DAYS AGO

    John Funnell: Taupō Mayor on the risk of regional flight routes being cut after Air NZ reported a $40m half-year loss

    The Taupō Mayor says he'd be surprised if Air New Zealand cut its popular regional route.   Some regional flights could be on the chopping block after the airline posted a $40 million half-year loss.  It's pointed to ongoing fleet constraints, a slower recovery in domestic demand, and persistently high aviation system inflation.   Mayor John Funnell told Ryan Bridge he understands costs are rising, but the Taupō to Auckland flights are close to full every time.  He says they have a good relationship with Air New Zealand and isn't expecting any changes.   LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    4 min

  8. 2 DAYS AGO

    Ruth Money: Chief Victims Advisor on the number of victims of violent crime dropping by 49 thousand

    A victims advocate is attributing a switch up of crime figures to changes in policing and sentencing.   Data from the latest Crime and Victims Survey shows there were 49 thousand fewer victims of violent crime in the year to last October, compared to the two previous years.  The Government says there's no doubt the gang patch ban has played a part.   Chief Victims Advisor Ruth Money told Ryan Bridge many victims think it is because of a bolstered police presence.   LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    6 min
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A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

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