Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Police hope an increased focus on gang activity will pay dividends.  

The gang patch ban has been in force since midnight.  

Police Assistant Commissioner Paul Basham says in the lead up to the ban, there was an increase in reports of gang members wearing their patches prominently in public. 

He says they get reports on criminal behaviour all the time, so this increase was that combined with a heightened awareness from the public. 

Basham told Ryan Bridge the legislation will create opportunities to catch other crimes.  

He says targeting small groups with high offending rates has a disproportionate effect on crime. 

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There's little doubt there's unnecessary spend at the Transport Agency. 

The Transport Minister's called NZTA's costs eye-watering and excessive, after revealing a near $800 million spend over the past three years. 

That went to road cones, traffic management, state highway maintenance, and capital works. 

Temporary Traffic Management Chair Dave Tilton told Ryan Bridge he believes it's a systemic issue around how much temporary traffic management is deployed. 

He says it's a prescriptive system, which doesn't give room for site-specific considerations. 

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Households and businesses are set to face higher electricity bills. 

The Commerce Commission estimates the average household's monthly electricity bill will rise by around $10 from April. 

The Commission's allowing Transpower and local lines companies to raise prices as they aim to upgrade and maintain the grid. 

Major Electricity Users' Group Chair John Harbord told Ryan Bridge the impact will be more significant on industrial manufacturers. 

He says those large businesses don't buy their electricity from retailers, so the percentage of their bill that comes from transmission is higher. 

Harbord says many of those businesses are already struggling with costs. 

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Everyone hates gangs. Unless you're in them, you hate them because they intimidate, they cause misery, they beat their wives, they do all sorts of awful things. 

But I just worry that the gang patch ban in and of itself is not really going to solve the underlying causes, is it? 

And what I worry about is the waste that could go into this. 

The waste of time, police energy and resources. Every time Betty sees a gang patch, she rings in 111, which is fine because I know it's intimidating. However, that is going to tie up some police time which could be better spent solving an actual crime. 

The other problem here is the design of the insignia, the gang patch. 

So at the moment, the police know the designs of each of the gangs' patches. 

What they're apparently doing is going down through and making subtle changes, adding words like mana whenua, or changing this logo or that logo. 

So, sure, you will take the patch, you will collect it as evidence, you will take it to court, and the lawyers will argue that it's different. 

I mean where are we now with our legal bills and our legal aid bills? What have we actually achieved in doing that? 

Have we reduced crime, or have we increased the cost of administering a fashion police policy? 

That's my only concern. 

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 21st of November, gang patches are now banned in public. Are police ready to enforce the new law? Assistant Commissioner Paul Basham joins the show. 

NZTA has spent Almost $800 million on temporary traffic management in the past 3 years, and that doesn't include local council spending. Dave Tilton from the Temporary Traffic Management Industry Steering Group speaks to Ryan. 

Power prices are on the rise as the Commerce Commission allows Transpower and lines companies to increase how much they charge. John Harbord from the Major Electricity Users Group talks about what it means for the country's biggest power users. 

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Democracy is a delicate and fragile thing, and yesterday's protest was a good example of it working. 

People oppose something, they protest peacefully, respectfully, they present a petition, they go home. 

The bill, by the way, that they don't like, well, it's not becoming law. 

You don't have to look far this morning for examples of things going tits up in a big way, and quickly. 

We've basically farewelled freedom in Hong Kong, 45 activists sentenced to long-term prison sentences overnight, kids in the West Bank being killed.

You've got a tyrant in Putin lowering the bar for the use of nuclear weapons, plus you've got US made long range missiles firing on Russia.

But here, we have a functioning democracy. 

Now the hīkoi is over, Rawiri Waititi wants to go further. He wants a separate Māori parliament. He wants two systems.

He references on his website the Irish, Welsh, and Scottish systems. The latter of which controls its own justice, education, tax systems.

How would that work here? Who would fund such a parliament? 

Who would fall under the Māori parliament, given 75% of Māori didn't vote for Rawiri's lot at the last election? 

How would you build a nation within a nation, separated not by borders, but ethnicity? 

Serious question. 

You see, democracy works when we're all in it and we're all in it equally. 

It's true that not every group will get the same outcomes from that system, but that's no reason to throw the system away entirely. 

What it is, sure, is a call to better use that system to effect change through strong and pragmatic leadership, the likes of which Te Pāti Māori has been known for in the past. 

Whether you'll get that leadership from Debbie and Waititi... well, we'll have to wait and see. 

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Freight carriers agree upcoming State Highway 1 repairs are necessary. 

The Desert Road in the Central North Island is shutting to traffic between Tūrangi and Waiouru from January 6 until the end of February. 

NZTA says the detour will add half an hour and an extra 50km to people’s journey. 

National Road Carriers Policy & Advocacy manager, James Smith, says the entire network has maintenance that needs to happen. 

He says they've known about it since August, and the road will end up with a much better finish. 

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Many European countries are accusing Russia of sabotage after the cutting of two communication cables under the Baltic Sea.  

One of the cables links Finland and Germany, while the other connects Sweden to Lithuania.  

It comes as Ukraine's fired its first set of US-made long range missiles into Russia.  

While Russia shot down five of them, the shrapnel from a sixth caused a fire at a military facility in the Bryansk region. 

Europe correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge other moves inside Russia are increasing concern in Europe.  

He says Russia has changed its rules around when it can use a nuclear weapon. 

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There are calls for Parliament's Speaker to dish out harsher punishments for things like Te Pati Māori's haka in the House.  

Speaker Gerry Brownlee's confirmed he's received complaints.  

David Seymour and Shane Jones have both asked him to consider changes.  

Former Speaker Sir Lockwood Smith told Ryan Bridge that in recent years, in consultation with the Speaker, iwi present at Treaty Settlements have been able to perform a haka or waiata.  

He says there's no reason that can't happen, but it can't just be dumped on the House. 

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Ukraine has fired its first set of US-supplied long range missile at a target inside Russian territory, just a day after the US granted permission for their use.  

Russia's defence ministry says five missiles were shot down and another was damaged, with its fragments causing a fire at a military facility in the Bryansk region. 

Russia security expert Dmitry Gorenburg says he's not expecting a massive response from Russia.  

He told Ryan Bridge they will play the waiting game.  

Gorenburg says they're waiting for Donald Trump to take over from Joe Biden to get more concessions. 

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 20th of November, there are calls in Parliament for harsher penalties for MPs following last week's viral haka. Former Speaker of the House Sir Lockwood Smith speaks to Ryan about the subject. 

Ukraine has used US made weapons to strike inside Russian territory on the 1000th day of the war. Russian Security Expert Dmitry Gorenburg joins the show to discuss. 

A new report has found concrete roads last longer than tar sealed ones and require less maintenance. James Smith from the National Road Carriers Union has the details. 

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The Government's appointed a scam-busting minister to coordinate combatting con-artists.  

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly has been named as the minister in charge of coordinating anti-scam efforts. 

New Zealand's latest State of Scams report shows more than $2.3 billion was lost this year, up from $2.1 billion last year. 

He told Ryan Bridge that there’s six ministries that deal with scams, and a lot of good work is done both within the government and also within the industry, but it’s not coordinated as well as it could be. 

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Flags are already waving and music playing at Parliament ahead of the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti arriving there later today.  

Hīkoi participants are gathering at Waitangi Park in Wellington City, from which they’ll move along the Golden Mile to Parliament, bringing widespread traffic disruption. 

Alistair Boyce, who runs the Backbencher pub across from Parliament, told Ryan Bridge that Police checkpoints were already in place when he arrived for work at around 5:30am. 

He says that the Hīkoi should be an economic boon for the city. 

What Mayor Tory Whanau needs to do, Boyce says, is stop thinking about attending the protest and instead think about catering for the protest – keeping businesses functioning and the streets open. 

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New crime figures are a mixed bag for retailers. 

Data released by the Police Minister shows a 61% drop in ram raids in the first nine months of the year, compared to the same period in 2023. 

But thefts at retail premises are up 12%, and there's been no change in breaking and entering or acts intended to cause injury. 

Dairy and Business Owner's Group Vice Chairperson, Ash Parmar told Ryan Bridge the ram-raid reductions are good news, as they brought a high human cost. 

He says it was too easy for too long, but a lot of the youths responsible are being picked up by Police more often now. 

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Do you know what really grinds my gears when I go to the gym? 

What I've noticed is, you know when you watch tennis, and you hear them grunt when they're playing? That is happening at the gym. 

I don't know if it's just my gym. I don't know if this is also happening at your gym. 

But can we please stop the grunting? 

Is there a legitimate physiological reason for you to do that? I don't think there is, I've never felt the urge to grunt. 

Are you dying? Why are you doing this? 

It's off putting, it's inappropriate, and it's inconsiderate. 

Have a thought for those people who are trying to work out around you and shut your mouth. 

I mean, obviously breathe, that's quite important, but other than that, just shut up. 

It's very off putting, very annoying. 

It sounds like that barbell is getting more than a deadlift. 

Sometimes I listen to it, and I think, oh my goodness, is there going to be a climax at some point?

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 19th of November, it's a big day in the capital with the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti arriving at Parliament. What does it mean for local businesses? Backbencher Pub Owner Alistair Boyce speaks to Ryan. 

Andrew Bayly is now the minister in charge of curbing scams in New Zealand. $200 million was taken from Kiwis by scammers in the past year, so what is the Government doing to reduce the impact of scams? 

New police crime numbers are out and are showing a clear reduction in violent crime, but what are our dairy owners seeing? Vice Chairperson from the Dairy and Business Owners Group Ash Parmar joins the show. 

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By the end of those 8 shortened two-minute rounds in the ring with Mike Tyson, I just felt bad for the 58 year old. 

What on earth was he doing there in the first place. 

Sure, he wants a chance to get back in the right and have a crack at 27-year-old YouTube kid. 

But the real motivation must have surely been US $20-million. 

That's the amount he was reportedly paid by Netflix. 

Jake Paul reportedly got $40-million. 

Gate ticket sales at AT&T Stadium brought in close to US $18-million and 70,000 fans. 

And Netflix? Well they won the fight with 65-million viewers at peak. 

It's part of a new strategy to host live sport events lure subscribers - including  those paying less but getting fed ads on the platform. 

That ad-supported platform now accounts for 50% of its new sign ups. It's grown to 70-million new users in just two years. 

These big tech Silicon Valley giant media companies like YouTube and Chinese Tiktok and every other app under the sun that didn't start here in New Zealand are going from strength to strength. 

They're the ones who have our attention. 

According to online sources, the top 3 streaming sources here are Netflix with 1 million, Disney + with 600k and Amazon with 500+. 

And yet here we are in NZ and Australia trying to force them into news content deals with us, we're battling with taxpayers cash to reinvigorate flailing state media companies to compete with these guys in a doomed-to-fail battle. 

We're like the 58-year-old Mike Tyson, who apparently nearly died before entering the ring. 

They're their annoying 27-year-new-to-boxing but bringing in the eyeballs Jake Paul. 

Are we going to beat that little twat in the ring? No. 

Continuing to fight him could kill us off. 

We've got to somehow partner with them, rearrange ourselves and get our content on their platforms where it'll actually be seen. 

Or we can stay in ring getting beaten and bloodied then eventually KO'd. 

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Health New Zealand spent $85 million more on contractors and consultants in this financial year, compared to last. 

The health agency is putting the increase down to a global shortage of health workers. Health Minister Shane Reti says contract hires are needed to fill full-time workforce gaps. 

Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, Sarah Dalton tells Ryan Bridge the 2023 Workforce Plan identified 1700 doctors missing from the system. 

“This health system continues to rely too heavily on locums to run hospitals. It means staffing remains fragile, and it means it’s really expensive.” 

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Poland scrambled its air force due to the “massive” Russian attack on Ukraine.  

UK & Europe correspondent Gavin Grey tells Ryan Bridge strike missile and drone attacks from Russia into Ukraine overnight killed 10 people. The attack was the largest coordinated assault since early September, with 120 missiles and 90 drones launched. 

European leaders have condemned the attacks. As Ukraine’s neighbour, Poland flew fighter jets in its own airspace with Russian drones flying just 20 kilometres from the border. 

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The All Blacks suffered their third straight loss to France, as fatigue and officials took hold in the second half. 

The first half started with momentum and confidence, but several baffling referee decisions and a tiring squad kept an unbeaten northern tour out of reach. The boys fell one point short at full time. 

Meanwhile, the Black Caps played Sri Lanka in the ODI series. 

ZB Sport’s Adam Cooper joins Ryan Bridge for the weekend’s rundown. 

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The APEC Summit has wrapped up in Peru. 

Leaders from 21 economies bordering the Pacific met for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum to discuss strategies of the region’s major economies. 

Prime Minister Chris Luxon met with several world leaders for the first time at the summit. 

New Zealand secured trade deals with Costa Rica, Switzerland and Iceland during the summit, removing tariffs on wood and wool products. 

Otago University international relations expert Robert Patman tells Ryan Bridge eyes were on China’s role in the Pacific. Though opinions diverged, Luxon’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping went well – evidenced by Luxon’s invitation to China. 

“China gave us a free trade agreement and it’s important to consolidate that relationship at a time when the new Trump administration seems poised to impose blanket tariffs on its trading partners," says Patman.

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday the 18th of November. Health New Zealand has spent $85 million extra in the past financial year on contractors and consultants sue to workforce shortages. What do we need to do to attract more people to work in our healthcare sector? Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Executive Director Sarah Dalton speaks to Ryan. 

APEC has wrapped up in Peru, and our relationship with China was a big talking point for the Prime Minister as he met with Chinas President. Robert Patman breaks down this years summit. 

The All Blacks loose by one point against France and the Black Caps are taking on Sri Lanka. Adam Cooper has the latest sports news. 

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The Government is exploring a potential game-changer for securing future energy supply. 

Up to $60 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund has been ring-fenced for exploring supercritical geothermal technology. 

The first $5 million will be used for work in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, to help understand if it's a possibility. 

Geothermal wells are drilled to a maximum depth of 3.5 kilometres, but scientists believe by drilling deeper, more energy will be available. 

GNS Science lead Dr Isabelle Chambeforte told Ryan Bridge that temperatures reach around 330 degrees maximum in the normal geothermal systems, but by drilling a few kilometres deeper, they’ll be able to access temperatures of around 450 degrees.  

She says those temperatures offer a lot more energy per well. 

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Paris authorities are taking no chances with this morning's French football international against Israel at Stade de France. 

The game comes just days after violence between pro-Israel and pro-Palestine football fans in Amsterdam. 

About 4,000 police and 1,600 private security guards will be on patrol, with an elite anti-terror unit providing security detail for the Israeli squad. 

But correspondent Vincent McAviney told Ryan Bridge the stadium itself will be mostly empty, with the Israeli Government advising its citizens not to attend. 

He says after that guidance, no more than a hundred visiting Israeli fans are expected to turn up, but some local Israelis may attend. 

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Former Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson told Ryan Bridge that David Seymour has to realise this was never going to a civil debate due to the emotions involved. 

“The debate takes place against the backdrop of what I perceive to be hostile acts towards tangata whenua over the last year in terms of names and treaty principles… it’s a culmination of a number of things.” 

He said he might not have gone into government with the bill on the table if he was still in office. 

Finlayson said he was “appalled” by the behaviour in Parliament from all sides. 

“You don’t act that way in Parliament”. 

The former National MP also believes the party has moved away from its “conservative values”. 

Finlayson said he has had Māori approach him in public confused about who to vote for now as National no longer represents their values. 

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There are concerns New Zealanders could be priced out of their own backyard.  

The Government's seeking feedback on who should pay visitor fees at national parks and conservation areas. 

The options include charging everyone the same, charge New Zealanders less than international visitors, or only charge overseas visitors. 

Federated Mountain Clubs President Megan Dimozantos told Ryan Bridge they're open to foreign access charges. 

She says they have the means to pay, and infrastructure has already been established there to service them, but they’re against domestic access charging. 

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These are the political winners and losers from a bombastic day in the House yesterday: 

Labour: loser. 

Willie Jackson did his best to take the headlines, didn't he? 

But Te Pāti Māori's choreographed stage production well and truly stole his thunder and with it, they've probably stolen any hope of Labour regaining the Māori seats they lost at the last election. 

Why would you vote for Te Pāti Māori-lite in Labour, when you can have the real deal? 

It's highly unlikely Labour will need to lead the next government for a number of reasons, which we've canvassed on this program many times, so why wouldn't you protest vote Te Pāti Māori in 2026? 

Despite Willie's protestations about the Nats supporting ACT's bill in the first reading, Casey Costello made a really interesting point in the debate about Labour's own track record on Treaty principles. 

They did a deal with New Zealand First, the Treaty Principles Deletion Bill, back in 2005 on first reading and then later voted it down. 

Does that sound familiar? 

Yes, that's because it is. It's because the same thing is happening now on the right. 

Te Pāti Māori, they are a winner. 

They have shrewdly led this debate for their base from premeditated, dramatic Instagram ops in the House, to fronting the party adjacent led protest across the Harbour bridge, to encouraging voters to sign up to the Māori roll during Waititi’s speech against the bill yesterday. 

They have outmanoeuvred and outgunned Labour on all fronts, and they won't care what Middle New Zealand's reaction is to the antics in the House. 

Therefore, politically, it's a win. 

Luxon: winner, of sorts. Flying the coop to Peru and avoiding all this chaos turned out to berpobably the best idea he's had in a little while. 

Seymour: winner, for his base who support this bill the result speaks for itself. It passed, even if only the first reading. 

The biggest loser: Parliament and decorum. 

Barry Soper, on with Heather yesterday, said this was an unholy mess, the likes of which he had not seen in the House before. It's hard to argue with that. 

The question now is whether the same antics will be used to disrupt the Justice Select Committee. 

And if so what, if anything, will and can be done about it. 

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 15th of November, could DOC start charging you for access to conservation land? The Government is seeking feedback on the proposal - Megan Dimosantos from the Federated Mountain Clubs speaks to Ryan about what it could mean. 

It was a chaotic day in the House yesterday as the controversial Treaty Principals Bill passed its first reading. Former treaty negotiations minister Chris Finlayson speaks to Ryan. 

A new type of geothermal power generation could be on the way. GNS Lead Geothermal Scientist Dr Isabelle Chambefort explains how it works. 

Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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International tourism continues its slow recovery to pre-Covid levels. 

Overseas visitor arrivals were at 3.23 million for the year to September, which is up on the same month last year, but well below 2019's almost 4 million. 

ASB Senior economist Mark Smith told Ryan Bridge that part of our struggle is that the global economy still recovering from Covid. 

He says the most important reason is that costs remain stubbornly high – New Zealand's a reasonably expensive destination, and airfares are still very high. 

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The Government's taking a new approach to Public-Private Partnerships for infrastructure projects.  

There will be a reduced risk for private partners and guidance for agencies on how to lower the cost and time burden in the bidding process. 

Infrastructure New Zealand Chief Executive Nick Leggett was Mayor of Porirua, when a Public-Private Partnership was established to build Transmission Gully. 

He says it's good to see the Government embracing the model, alongside a method to compare PPPs for specific projects to other funding models. 

Leggett says it should be about finding the best funding model for value, not just prescribing PPPs for every project. 

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60,000 Cantabrians are set to descend on the Canterbury A&P Showgrounds for the Christchurch Show. 

The three-day event kicks off today in place of the usual New Zealand Agricultural Show. 

The previous board had called it off due to financial struggles before local company, Event Hire came to the rescue in June. 

Director Phil Anderson told Ryan Bridge they're hopeful to turn a profit, although a show like this is costly. 

He says this event in particular has been a strong learning curve, with heavy amounts of infrastructure required. 

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Joe Biden has welcomed Donald Trump back to the White House in a meeting in the oval office.  

It's a traditional courtesy that the outgoing president welcomes the incoming president, a courtesy Trump didn’t afford Biden in 2020 after his loss.  

Today, the pair both spoke about a smooth transition of power.  

US correspondent Mitch McCann told Ryan Bridge there were a lot of smiles and handshakes. 

He says it was a little unexpected, seeing as they usually seem to despise each other.

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There were two numbers out yesterday that prove that no one likes us. 

Number one - 87%. We're still plateauing in the high 80s for tourism, that's on pre-Covid levels. 

And number two - 55,000 for the year to September, that was our net migration loss of New Zealand citizens, which is a new record. 

Not only are we that unsexy to foreigners —they won't come here and have a piece— but our own people are off flirting up a storm with the likes of Australia. 

And they're not even flirting – it's not a weekend thing, they have left us. It's divorce. 

Sure, we're getting more people in terms of overall migration, meaning an overall net positive number. 

But next year, many economists predict for the first time in a long time, excluding Covid, we will hit net zero migration. We need migrants to support our economy here, and we need tourists to support our economy here as well. 

So what's happened to us? 

Did we stop brushing our hair and cleaning our teeth? 

Do we look like some antipodean mole at the bottom of the world that you'd rather skip over? 

The Aussies are rebounding much better than us on tourism, and they're taking all of our young workers.  

And you look at all the places that are so overcrowded by tourists they're introducing limits – in Florence, just yesterday, they announced that they're banning key boxes to stop Airbnbs in the city. 

Rome, Amsterdam, Athens, Phuket, just to name a few, they're all doing similar things. 

Last year, we ranked 157th out of 180 countries on growth and things haven't improved much there since. 

We are a very expensive place to come, and we are at the bottom of the world. 

The heart of the matter though is we've lost a bit of our mojo. 

Apart from cutting spending and focusing on the basics, which are important, what is this country's big plan to grow our economic future and fortunes? What industries are we targeting? 

Until we can answer that big question we will still look a little bit ugly to the rest of the world. 

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 14th of November, tourism numbers appear stuck well below pre-Covid levels, and a record number of Kiwis are leaving the country. Could we see net migration reach zero next year? ASB's Mark Smith talks to Ryan. 

A new public private partnership framework has been released by the Government - what are the industry hoping to see come out of it? Infrastructure NZ's Nick Leggett joins the show. 

The Christchurch Agricultural Show starts today after being saved in a last-minute deal earlier in the year. Event Director Phil Anderson gives a preview of what to expect this year. 

Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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ACT is calling for an end to taxpayer-funded election ads. 

They’re calling for the Government to consider ceasing the “broadcasting allocation”, given to election campaigns to buy television and radio ads. 

MP Todd Stephenson suggested it in the Justice Select Committee’s inquiry into the 2023 election, and the report was made public this week.  

He told Ryan Bridge the taxpayer doesn’t need to be forking out just over $4 million every year for political parties to pay for their TV and radio ads. 

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After days of mounting pressure, the Archbishop of Canterbury is stepping down over his handling of abuse allegations. 

Justin Welby —the leader of the Anglican Church— has been under fire following the release of a report into abuser John Smyth. 

Smyth, who is believed to be the most prolific child abuser associated with the Anglican Church, died in 2018 without facing justice. 

Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge the report's found Welby failed to take appropriate action. 

Specifically, he says the report found Welby hadn't followed up rigorously on reports of abuse of 100 young boys and men that go back as far as 2013.

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Commuter chaos. 

It's one of the prices we must pay for living in a democracy. 

I know this won't be popular with Aucklanders this morning or others around the country where this hīkoi is heading, but it's a cost we must bear. 

They're closing two lanes of the Harbour Bridge this morning, and if you've got kids getting to an NCEA exam, then you will be fuming about this. 

But let's remember, this is a one-off protest. 

It's not like those dickheads from the public rail or whatever they were in Wellington. Remember them? They repeatedly shut down the motorways. They did it time and time again. They repeatedly stopped the ambulances from getting to call outs, the kidney patients from getting to dialysis. 

They deserved to be swept to the curb, and it seems like for the most part they have been, which is a good thing. 

This is a one off from a group of people who feel, rightly or wrongly, that they're getting a hard time from this government. They feel they're not being heard in our democracy. 

And whether you agree with that or not is beside the point, the point is we live in a democracy and the right to protest is, well, a right. 

It can be an annoying one, but the minute you say you can't do it, we all lose. 

If we learned anything through Covid, it's that this whole system is rather fragile when people feel ostracized or maligned – we do better to listen rather than suppress and silence debate and dissent. 

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 13th of November, the Auditor General's report into last year's election has been released. The results have prompted ACT MP Todd Stephenson to call for an end to the broadcast allocation that sees taxpayer money used for television and radio campaign advertisements. 

Traffic chaos could be on the way for Auckland with the hikoi heading across the bridge, but it's the price we have to pay for living in a democracy. 

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The Australian Government is pushing ahead with regulating of social media and AI, despite the incoming Trump administration's opposition to both. 

It's in the process of developing "guardrails" for high-risk uses of AI. 

Donald Trump is promising to repeal American regulation of AI, claiming it hinders innovation and imposes radical left-wing ideas. 

But Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge the Australian Government believes the public wants action. 

She says the Government's planning to work with other countries if possible, but is prepared to act alone. 

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Survivors are hoping the Government won’t stuff it up when it comes to the abuse-in-care reparations. 

Abuse survivor Jim Goodwin says the Government's apology is a huge moment for many people. 

But, he told Ryan Bridge, today's words will need to be followed through with actions. 

Goodwin says he's worried about how the Government will provide support for survivors and what they'll do to prevent future abuse-in-care. 

He says that compensation is important but it’s only part of what survivors need.  

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Who's got a trillion dollars to spare this morning? 

That's the value of our new climate change tab from COP29 – the climate change conference. 

This year all the officials, the politicians, the experts, the industry, every man and his dog, has flown to Azerbaijan to lecture everybody not in the room about climate change. 

And they're already cranking the classics through the stage: 

We're at a turning point, the Paris Agreement’s at a crucial tipping point because Donald Trump's going to pull out, even though we've been through this crucial tipping point before. 

This is the problem with COP-insert-number-here: no one really listens. 

Every year they make the same pilgrimage and give the same speech, and every year we shrug our shoulders and wonder why doesn't the number ever match the year? 

Shouldn't it be COP24? 

Oh well, back to the mall for another coffee at Robert Harris. I also need to pick up some presents from Kmart for the grandkids this Christmas. 

If the definition of insanity is doing the same thing every year over and over and expecting a different result, then these guys are beyond nuts. 

The big push this year is finance. 

They wanted rich countries, supposedly like ours, to pay $100 billion a year to poor countries to stop them from burning coal and adapting to climate change by 2020. 

Well, we missed that goal and now they want a trillion dollars a year. 

That's 1000 billion, or four Elon Musk's. 

Despite all the talk, and flying around, and threats, and end of day speeches, global emissions went up last year reaching record levels. 

Do we care about climate change? Yes. 

Enough to change our habits in a major way? No. 

We keep electing leaders to fix other things like inflation, and until that changes, or all of our houses actually do catch fire, we'll be at the mall down at Robert Harris not listening to Azerbaijan. 

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Fonterra is expected to receive global interest when it sells off some of its most well-known brands. 

The dairy giant has confirmed plans to sell its consumer arm, including brands like Anchor, Mainland Cheese, and Kapiti Ice Cream. 

The sale could bring in up to $3 billion. 

Forsyth Barr Senior Analyst Matt Montgomerie told Ryan Bridge he expects large dairy companies like Nestle would make a bid if it's put to a trade sale. 

He says there could be multiple buyers at play, or the brands could be sold through an IPO. 

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It's hoped today's Cup Day in Christchurch will be bigger —and better-behaved— than in years before. 

Addington Raceway is reporting higher ticket sales after slashing general admission ticket prices from $40 to just $25. 

Christchurch City Councillor Jake McLellan says the event is huge for Canterbury's economy. 

He told Ryan Bridge he hopes everyone will keep their behaviour in check. 

McLellan says misbehaviour been in an issue in the past, but Police have made progress in improving the situation in recent years. 

Gates open at Addington at 11am. 

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 12th of November, it's a big day in the capital as the Government is set to deliver the national apology to survivors of abuse in care. Survivor Jim Goodwin speaks to Ryan ahead of the apology. 

Fonterra is selling its consumer products businesses – why, and how much would it cost? Forsyth Barr Senior Analyst Matt Montgomerie joins the show. 

It's Cup Day in Christchurch. Councillor Jake McLellan speaks to Ryan about what this day means for the city. 

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Tens of thousands of people are expected to join a nine-day hīkoi, which has left from Cape Reinga bound for Parliament. 

It will follow the route taken by Dame Whina Cooper in the 1975 Māori land march. 

The Act Party leader says he hasn't got any extra security, and doesn't think he will need it. 

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Since 2021, there have been nearly 96,000 new cases of diabetes in New Zealand - bringing the total to 324,000. 

Diabetes NZ says this is a "worst case scenario" which will only get worse. 

CEO of Diabetes NZ Heather Verry joins Ryan Bridge with more. 

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 11th November 2024, David Seymour talks ahead of the planned hikoi against his Treaty Principles Bill.

Diabetes is on a rapid rise in New Zealand, Diabetes NZ CEO Heather Very shares her concerns on the latest statistics.

Ryan vents about what has him riled up this Monday including questioning how slow is too slow in a 110km zone, after a slow trip on the Waikato Expressway.

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Labour's questioning the Government's decision to bring forward the introduction of the Treaty Principles Bill. 

The bill was introduced to the House yesterday ahead of its first reading next week. 

If adopted, it would set treaty principles into law to be used when interpreting legislation. 

Labour's Justice Spokesperson, Duncan Webb, told Ryan Bridge that introducing the bill 11 days earlier than expected appears to have been a strategic move. 

Webb says introducing it during US election week has helped keep it on the "low down". 

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The meat sector is bracing for the impact of a Donald Trump presidency. 

The President-Elect has campaigned on tariffs of up to 20% on all imports, with higher tariffs for imports from China. 

The US is our largest market for red meat. 

Meat Industry Association Chair Nathan Guy told Ryan Bridge the tariff plan will hit the sector pretty hard. 

He says it will hit US consumers even harder as they'll have to pay more for the red meat and burger patties we produce. 

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Rosemary Banks – remember that name.

She now has one of the most important jobs for New Zealand – a potentially $2 billion job.

She's woman in Washington DC, our ambassador to the United States.

Her mission: get us an exemption from Trump's tariffs.

The scale of the problem: massive.

Early estimates show that at 20% it could cost us $1.7 billion every year. Total exports currently $8.8 billion.

It can be done: the Aussies got an exemption on steel and aluminium in 2018 under Trump.

Is she up to the job? I'm told yes. If anyone can do it, Rosemary Banks is the person you want up there.

I'm told she has excellent contacts in the Republican Party and is working the phones hard.

She was asked to stay on by Winston Peters back in May, in anticipation Trump might get in.

She's the same ambassador who was in charge when we nearly got an FTA during Trump's first term.

Of course, it's not all on her. Winston and Todd McClay and Luxon will play their parts too. But the ground game is on Rosemary.

We may have some advantage here in that we export food, and food is something Trump probably doesn't want to make more expensive.

Then there's the uncertainty of whether Trump will actually make good on his campaign big talk.

Rosemary's not waiting round for that certainty, they have a plan and by God it better be a good one.

We like to hate on diplomats - oh they just go to nice dinners, drink wine and shmooze. Well, it's time to crack out our best pinot, use the contacts and make the deals happen.

The weight of our export nation is on your shoulders.

Best of luck.

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 8th of November, what could Trump tariffs mean for our red meat industry? Nathan Guy from the Meat Industry Association speaks to Ryan. 

New details on the Treaty Principals Bill which has been introduced to Parliament. Labour's Duncan Webb joins the show to discuss. 

Can the All Blacks win against Ireland this weekend? Newstalk ZB's Voice of Rugby Elliott Smith is on the ground. 

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 7th of November, in a historic win - Donald Trump is set to head back to the White House for a second term. Former Prime Minister John Key talks to Ryan about why a Trump victory is good for the economy. 

Famous Election Analyst Sean Trende discusses the win for Trump and Republicans, who are set to take back control of the Senate. Republican and former Marco Rubio staffer Matt Terril has rection from the GOP. 

Markets have reacted positively to the news - what does it mean for the New Zealand dollar and our markets set to open later this morning. Mitch McCann is live in Detroit Michigan, where the state is yet to be called - and when are we expecting to hear from Kamala Harris. 

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It’s been a successful night for the Republican Party. 

While control of the House is still up for grabs, Republicans have won control of the Senate, and Trump has claimed the Presidency. 

Trump says his return to the White House will usher in a ‘golden age’ for America. 

Matt Terrill, Marco Rubio’s Former Chief of Staff, told Ryan Bridge Trump has been clear throughout the campaign what he plans to do with the power of the Senate, Presidency, and likely the House of Representatives.  

He says that it’s one thing to win the Electoral College, but to have control of both chambers of Congress, that mandate will allow him to go in and implement the policies he campaigned on. 

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In the space of 12 hours the whole world has changed. 

Not only is Trump back baby, but he's more powerful than ever. 

Republicans have flipped the Senate and are on track to retain the House of Representatives. 

That gives the GOP enormous power to set budgets, start or stop funding wars, and impose tariffs on anyone they like. 

Kiwi farmers and primary producers, our exporters, the backbone of this trading nation, will be waking up this morning with a pit in their stomach. 

America is our second largest export market, overtaking the Aussies last year. Tariffs on our meat and dairy could be a brutal blow. 

Plus, our number one trading partner in China is about to whacked even harder by Trump's Washington. 

A trade war could wipe almost 1% of global growth in the next year, which is tipped to be around 3.5%. That's massive, and will send shockwaves around the world, and we will feel it. 

Add in Trump potentially pulling support for Ukraine's war and his bullish comments on the Middle East and you've got yourself a highly unpredictable and, to use a couple of overused terms, unprecedented and consequential, set of variables. 

For all the hand-wringing pre-election that Trump was an existential threat to democracy, that very system has elected him the 47th President, serving his last term with more power. This is Trump unleashed. 

Buckle up and brace yourselves. Everything we knew yesterday about the global economy and global conflicts is about to change. 

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Having a clear winner so early in the US Election process could give some certainty for investors. 

Donald Trump is set to return to the White House, having claimed more than the 270 Electoral Votes needed.  

Markets are reacting strongly to the win, the US dollar surging in value, and bitcoin hitting a record high. 

But, Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Ryan Bridge, there could still be some nerves and jitters until Trump is sworn in. 

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There’s a range of emotions in the United States following Election Day. 

Donald Trump has claimed a likely win, securing more than the 270 Electoral College votes needed to secure the presidency. 

While Kamala Harris is yet to formally concede, CNN projects that Trump will secure 276 votes, and Harris only 223. 

US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Ryan Bridge the mood was sombre at the Democratic watch party in Detroit, the event even closing down early as everyone was going home. 

On the other hand, he says there are a lot of happy Republicans, with one of his contacts feeling “like a million bucks!!!!!”. 

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It’s been a tense night in the United States as the vote were counted.  

While the House is still up for grabs, CNN projects Republicans will win control of the Senate and Trump will win the popular vote. 

Political analyst Sean Trende told Ryan Bridge the result has exposed some real pressure points for the Democrats. 

He says that Trump won one in four black male votes, and black voters have been a backbone of the Democratic coalition since the 1930s. 

Trende says that to see Trump make those advances suggests there’s something really amiss in the coalition.  

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Donald Trump's victory in the United States is being hailed as historic.

He is promising to turn around America, upon his return to the White House.

While Kamala Harris is yet to concede defeat, CNN projects Trump will secure 276 votes, while Kamala Harris will secure 223.

Plus, CNN projects the Republicans will win control of the Senate, while control of the House is still up for grabs.

Former Prime Minister Sir John Key told Ryan Bridge he's not surprised by the scale of the victory. 

"Once you've got polls indicating that two thirds, if not more, of the country think you're going in the wrong direction, when the big issues are the issues you're campaigning on, then a change is very likely," Sir John say. 

He told Bridge there is likely to be a downside for New Zealand - with Trump's proposed tariffs on foreign goods. 

"I think there will be some tariffs, he's talking about 60 percent in China and 10 to 20 percent around the rest of the world," he said. 

"But of course, that has some quite big repercussions, not only for us, but actually the consumers that pay that so I wonder whether that might be tempered a little bit," Sir John says. 

"There is some downside for New Zealand and I'm not going to sugarcoat that, and they concern me." 

But he says there are upsides as well - like a strong stock market and a vibrant capital market. 

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The US is bracing for protests, regardless of who wins today's election. 

The race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is expected to go down to the wire, with the final result being determined by key battleground states like Pennsylvania and North Carolina. 

Washington DC is installing reinforced fencing in the Capitol, over fears of protests if Harris wins. 

And former Democratic Party Treasurer Bill Derrough told Ryan Bridge there could be protests in Democrat strongholds like New York, if there's a Trump victory. 

He says that tensions are very high, and the rhetoric is very intense.  

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Trying to control kid criminals – you are damned if you do and damned if you don't.

This week, a document from children's minister Karen Chhour on the subject was leaked.

It says giving military-style boot camp providers the power to use force in extreme circumstances would be controversial.

Well, of course it would. But what are you meant to do?

Let the kids punch each other and not intervene? Let them run on the road, let them escape and just wave goodbye as they leave?

Oh, he's nearly killing the other kid. Well, remember we can't actually do anything so we'll just watch it happen.

How can you run a boot camp without the last resort right to intervene and restrain where necessary?

Rawiri Waititi says it's disgusting and unacceptable, and I can understand why Rawiri is worked up on this one. The abuse in state care inquiry showed the worst that can happen. What went on was disgusting and disgraceful.

But does that mean that we can never use programmes to rehabilitate these young or serious offenders ever again?

And where does that leave them? In adult jails? They don't like that. In youth detention centres? They don't like that either, plus they escape from these things pretty regularly. At home? Well, they were there, but they committed serious crimes repeatedly.

So, where does that leave the kids and the governments tasked with trying to sort them out?

Well, between a rock and a hard place with an impossible job on their hands, that's where.

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New data out this morning is expected to show the job market has caught up with the economy. 

Stats NZ is releasing the latest unemployment rate at 10.45. 

Economists believe it will rise from 4.6% in the June quarter to about 5% in the September quarter. 

ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Ryan Bridge that until now, employment has been holding up in spite of the economic downturn. 

He says that situation now appears to have changed. 

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Claims of voter fraud are already hanging over the US election as millions of Americans head to the polls. 

Almost a third of eligible voters have cast an early ballot. 

Experts say the result could go either way, with Donald Trump and Kamala Harris still neck-and-neck in the key battleground states.  

FSN Correspondent Nick Harper told Ryan Bridge there are fears Trump will sow confusion and misinformation by calling his win prematurely. 

He says if Trump were to lose, it's likely he will claim the vote was rigged against him. 

Harper says it may be days until the final results are clear. 

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 6th of November, it's Election Day in the United States. We're live to New York with the Democrat's Former Treasurer Bill Derrough, to get his thoughts ahead of the polls closing tonight. 

Nick Harper joins us live from Washington D.C. where Kamala Harris will be holding her election night event. 

Back home, unemployment numbers are due out this morning, and economists are predicting we'll hit 5%. ASB's Nick Tuffley speaks to Ryan. 

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Principals are welcoming a new method for bringing students’ failing maths back up to standard. 

The Government's announced a trial programme over the first two terms of next year, for about 2000 Year 7 and 8 students behind in maths learning. 

It will use small-group tutoring and supervised online tuition for 30 minutes, up to four times a week. 

Auckland Primary Principals' Association President Kyle Brewerton says the hybrid system sounds good. 

He says the approach has some merit, because it identifies the fact that one size doesn't necessarily fit all. 

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Homeownership continues to be the dream for most Kiwis, but a growing number of us think we'll never achieve it. 

Kiwibank's latest State of Home Ownership Report has found 85% of people want to own a home, with most believing it's the key to getting ahead. 

But over two-thirds of non-homeowners doubt they'll ever own a home, with millennials particularly pessimistic. 

Simplicity Founder Sam Stubbs told Ryan Bridge KiwiSaver is now the key for most people, but the long wait to save for a deposit is a problem. 

He says either wages have to increase, taxes have to decrease, or people have to put more in KiwiSaver. 

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Get out your fascinators and place your bets: it's Melbourne Cup Day. 

The 164th running of the Melbourne Cup begins about 5pm. 

Donna Demaio is Newstalk ZB's Melbourne Cup correspondent at Flemington. 

She told Ryan Bridge there are 24 horses in the final field for this year's big race. 

They include three trained in New Zealand: 'Trusting You', 'Positivity' and 'Sharp and Smart'. 

In addition, she said, this year there are also four women jockeys for the second time ever. 

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America is heading to the polls as a nation deeply divided down partisan lines. 

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are making their final pitch to voters on the eve of election day, with latest polling showing the pair remain locked in a tight race. 

Harris has strong support from women voters, while Trump has been gaining ground with Hispanic voters, especially men. 

Herald Deputy Political Editor Thomas Coughlan told Ryan Bridge opinions are different everywhere you look. 

He says parts of each battleground state show clear preferences for either candidate. 

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The Youth Court is a good idea because it tries to steer kids away from adult prisons and a life of crime. But when it fails, it fails spectacularly, and we all pay the price for leniency. 

Take teenager Dontae Eden. When he was 16, he bashed a 78-year-old man nearly to death while the old guy slept in his bed. 

A Youth Court judge gave him a warning and told him to keep out of trouble. 

If that's not lenient, I don't know what is. Did he stay out of trouble? No. 

Stuff reports that three months later he robbed a bloke in Wellington, stole from a petrol station, and resisted arrest by the cops. 

He's now 18 and will be dealt with by the same judge in the District, not Youth Court. 

I'm all for second chances, and the youth court in some cases, but surely if you beat someone nearly to death in such a brutal fashion, there's nothing particularly youthful about your actions. 

You're not acting like a youth whose made a wee mistake and needs a hand turning things around. You've acted like a thug, and more should have been done to stop another crime from being committed. 

This guy was seen running from the old guy's house with a crowbar. The judge gave him home detention for this second round of offending. 

So, you can beat an old man, mug another, rip off a gas station, and fight with the cops, and never see the inside of a cell? 

Keeping him out of jail might be better for him in the long-term, we're told, but is it better for us, the public - walking down the street or, God forbid, sleeping in our own beds at night? 

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 5th of November, it's Election Eve in the United States, so what's happening in the critical swing states, and has a new poll put Iowa back in play? Herald Deputy Political Editor Thomas Coughlan joined live from the swing state of North Carolina.  

New government maths tutoring is on the way for students falling behind – how will it work and are schools expecting to see positive results? Remuera Intermediate School Principal Kyle Brewerton gives his thoughts. 

Kiwis are open to alternative paths to home ownership, according to a new Kiwibank report. Sam Stubbs talks through the options. 

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Of course, Donald Trump is going to win the US election, of course he is.

I've been saying that since July on this programme, not that anyone will listen to me.

He would have also whipped Biden like a bottle of cream.

Too many Americans are hurting with the cost of living, and that's all the motivation you need really to get out and vote, isn't it?

Republicans are doing it early in record numbers, which they don't normally do, including in the swing states.

In Georgia, half of the 8 million eligible voters there went early, which is astonishing.

They also included 700,000 people who never voted in 2020.

Now, why would they be voting this time around?

You could say it might be the fact it's a, you know, a female or woman of colour that they're wanting to elect, but the polls show the more likely motivation is financial.

You feel poor pissed off and you vote the current lot out, be it Biden or Harris.

Plus, Harris hasn't helped herself swearing black and blue that Bidenomics is working when people know in their pockets that it's not blindly defending Biden's mental state despite everyone thinking he's gone doolally.

It's sort of reminiscent of Jacinda Ardern. She refused to call the cost of living crisis a crisis despite the fact It's like the toughest economic period in a generation. It enrages people when you do that, and calling Trump a Nazi or a fascist isn't going to stop him because people don't vote for Trump because he's a saint, do they?

Add to that the fact that the markets are pricing in a Trump victory, the fact he always does better on election day than in the polls because his voters don't like pollsters and that while he's not ahead in the popular vote, his polling now is higher at this stage of the campaign than when he won in 2016.

Add those things together, you have a pretty strong case.

I think that Donald Trump is going to take back the White House this week.

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From today, Police are dialling back the number of mental health callouts they will attend.

Phase One of the reduced service will see Police complete faster handovers in the Emergency Department.

Transport requests and attendance at mental health facilities will need to meet a higher threshold.

Four phases are set to be implemented by September next year.

Associate Professor in Mental Health Nursing at University of Waikato Anthony O’Brien tells Ryan Bridge police will now negotiate with health services whether they feel their presence is required on callouts where they are requested.

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Angry crowds of people have confronted Spanish King Felipe VI in Valencia, a town that has been severely affected by flash floods.

A hostile crowd threw mud at him and shouted “murderer”, in response to what they say has been a woeful response to the tragedy that has killed at least 210.

UK & Europe correspondent Gavin Grey tells Ryan Bridge many are angry that weather warnings came too late.

Meanwhile, details about the UK Royal Family’s finances have been revealed – including rent received from the NHS, schools and the armed forces.

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The Black Caps took out an unprecedented clean sweep in India, Liam Lawson races in the Sao Paulo F1 and the All Blacks scraped by with a tight result in Twickenham.

Newstalk ZB Sportsreader Andrew Alderson joins Ryan Bridge to recap the weekend’s packed sporting schedule.

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A new report shows the eye-watering social, economic and fiscal costs of the current approach to dental healthcare in New Zealand.

Current dental policy settings cost $2.5 billion in lost productivity.

Further costs are incurred through sick days, inpatient care, and cardiovascular disease, prompting calls for universal dental care.

ActionStation campaigner Max Harris tells Ryan Bridge lost productivity includes many not attending job interviews because of shame and stigma.

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday the 4th of November. Phase one of police reducing their presence at mental health callouts starts today - is the healthcare system ready? Associate Professor in Mental Health nursing Anthony O'Brien joins the show.

A new report says our current dental system is costing us more than universal dental care would - so do we need to make a change? ActionStation's Max Harris speaks to Ryan.

Another busy weekend of sport - The All Blacks win against England, Black Caps make history in India and F1 is on after qualifying delays. Andrew Alderson has your weekend sport wrap.

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The All Blacks are switching it up this weekend as they face England. 

The squad named to play at Twickenham is largely different to the one that played Japan, with only three players keeping their role. 

Beauden Barrett will start at first five-eighth against England, taking over from Damian McKenzie who’s previously worn the number 10 jersey.  

Rugby Commentator Tony Johnson told Ryan Bridge that McKenzie’s been given a fairly long leash this year, and he’s just been a bit to erratic. 

He said that Barrett’s experience will be invaluable, and perhaps a little more consistent. 

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Another treatment to help people to manage the symptoms of menopause is available from today.   

Estrogel will now be available for those requiring oestrogen to meet rising demand for hormone replacement therapy.

The other funded patch option is in global short supply.  

Menopause specialist Dr Linda Dear says Estrogel will make a massive difference for patients, doctors and pharmacists.  

She says having another option out there means we're not so dependent on patches anymore, which is good news for a lot of people.  

Pharmac funding's also taking effect for a suite of new treatments, for various cancers and other medical conditions. 

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Communities in Eastern Spain have been devastated by flooding that's killed at least 158 people.  

Rescuers are now searching for bodies.  

The Valencia region has been the hardest hit, with widespread destruction to roads and railways.  

Europe correspondent Vincent McAviney told Ryan Bridge there were some warnings about strong rainfall.  

But, he says, people are saying there should've been more of a response when the rain fell, to alert people to get off the roads and get to higher ground. 

McAviney says the region had been experiencing a severe drought for months, and water was unable to seep into the hard, dry earth. 

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A free trade deal with the Middle East countries belonging to the Gulf Cooperation Council has come at the right time for exporters. 

The FTA's expected to provide a sizable boost to the annual $3 billion of two-way trade. 

If treated as one country, all six countries —including Saudi Arabia and the UAE— would be New Zealand's seventh-largest export destination by value. 

Former trade negotiator Charles Finny told Ryan Bridge the timing couldn't be better. 

He says the demand for exports into China is slowing down and there's uncertainty ahead of the US election. 

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You can't say you care about and want to hear from people with so-called 'lived experience' and then dismiss them when you don't like what they say. 

Everyone knows he doesn't have a PHD in mental health studies. Settle down, Sally. 

He looked to me to simply be riffing his opinion. So what? 

Props to the Mental Health Foundation and the Minister who've both handled their responses well. Giving kudos to Mike for his incredible work for Kiwi kids while also pointing out the fact there's research out there which doesn't support his view of the world. 

Is there really a big deal here outside of Labour trying to score a hit job 'cause they're pissed King bashed them at the last election? 

Also, what's worse for mental health in this country? Mike King going on a booze rant or Labour spending $1.8 billion on mental health and delivering not a single new acute mental health bed in five years? 

What's, to use terms they love, more 'dangerous' for our 'vulnerable Tamariki'? 

It's not Mike King, that's for sure. We can have all the experts, researchers, academics and politicians in the world writing essay after essay, at great expense, explaining our mental health problems - and it's fine that they do. 

But what they will never deliver is anything like the practical, grassroots, counselling sessions and awareness Mike King has for our kids. 

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 1st of November, a new trade deal has been struck between New Zealand and the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council - what does it mean for our exporters, and how hard would negotiations have been? Former NZ trade negotiator Charles Finny speaks to Ryan. 

A new look All Blacks team are set to face England over the weekend - how are the All Blacks expected to go? Rugby Commentator Tony Johnson joins the show. 

Pharmac is funding new hormone replacement therapy medication from today - what sort of difference will it make for those going through menopause? Dr Linda Dear from Menodoctor speaks to Ryan. 

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Another season of sport, another season of sideline abuse. 

Police are investigating a serious assault made on a female football coach in September. 

The Ellerslie FC volunteer was attacked by a male supporter of the opposing team following an under-10s game.  

Northern Region Football CEO Laura Menzies told Ryan Bridge a sideline attack is an absolute extreme. 

She said in most cases this type of behaviour is perpetrated by those on the sideline, and while it’s not always the parents, they can take action against them if they behave inappropriately.  

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What could have been a win for the Democrats has become a bit of a storm in a teacup. 

The Trump campaign received a huge amount of backlash after a comedian suggested that Puerto Rico is a floating island of garbage.  

Joe Biden responded to the comments on a Zoom, saying that Puerto Ricans are good, decent, honourable people, and the only garbage he sees floating out there are Trump’s supporters. 

US correspondent Mitch McCann told Ryan Bridge the White House says Biden was calling the racist language garbage, not Trump supporters. 

However, he says that even Kamala Harris has distanced herself from the comments, saying she disagrees with any criticism of people based on who they vote for.  

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The latest estimate from the Social Development Ministry shows the average time people spend on a main benefit is around 13 years and four months.  

For people under the age of 25, that figure jumps to more than 20 years. 

Time spent on main benefits is 26% higher than in 2016, following a sustained period of increases under Labour.  

Labour's Social Development spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni told Ryan Bridge any government needs to focus on risk factors that lead to people going on welfare. 

She says that Minister Louise Upston continues to make out that it's going on the benefit itself that is problematic and should be punished, but the reality is that there are other factors involved.  

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A sustainable method of producing jet-fuel could be on the horizon for New Zealand air carriers.  

A study commissioned by Air New Zealand found it's possible to create jet fuel out of forestry industry waste like sawdust, slash, and offcuts.  

Through chemical processes, the waste is turned into ethanol and then kerosene.  

Air New Zealand's Kiri Hannifin told Ryan Bridge that it’s a global phenomenon moving at great pace. 

She said that at the moment there’s about 30 manufacturers in the world, and they’ll need around 5000 to 7000 by 2050 to ensure sufficient supply.  

Hannifin says it’s taken a while to get off the ground since the process is so technical, but it will start to move pretty quickly from here. 

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I'm getting really angry reading these stories about violence in New Zealand, and I don't think that harsher sentences are going to stop them. 

I don't think that the gang patch ban is going to stop them, I don't think that wraparound services are going to stop them either. 

I'm talking here about Palmerston North's emergency Department yesterday, daylight doctors are at work, nurses are there. 

A cab driver has a minor accident with gang members in the hospital car park, gang members attack the cabbie, another cabbie comes to his rescue. 

He gets beaten up, one of the cabbies gets taken into the ED and hidden because the gang members were threatening to kill him. 

Cops arrive, two cops starting out, they get beaten up, the cop car gets attacked. 

This is daylight on a Wednesday in Palmerston North while people are trying to get health care. 

Six police cars end up having to come, they bring pepper spray and a taser and finally, the situation is brought under control. 

I mean this infuriates me; it makes me so angry hearing about this. But what's going to fix it? 

A Labour government, a National government? I don't think so. 

Wrap around services, harsher sentences, no, I don't believe it. 

I don't think in situations like this, they're listening to our politicians. 

I mean, what do you do? Take your own taser to the hospital? 

Probably the most reasonable response, I think. I mean, that's what sorted them out yesterday, isn't it? 

Get your tasers out. 

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 31st of October, a Ministry of Social Development report has highlighted how long young people spend on the benefit. It found people spend an average of 13 years on the benefit - 26% higher than estimates from eight years ago. Labour's Carmel Sepuloni joins the show to discuss. 

Could wood residue be used to make aviation fuel? Air NZ reckons we could make the sustainable fuel here, potentially adding hundreds of regional jobs to the economy. Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Kiri Hannifin speaks to Ryan. 

Police are still investigating a sideline assault on a coach - what do we need to do to keep volunteers safe at kids sporting games? Northern Football Chief Executive Laura Menzies joins the show. 

There's less than a week until the United States Presidential Election. Mitch McCann has the latest from the campaign trail. 

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There's hopes rural communities will be considered before changes are made to NZ Post's services.  

Options include dropping to delivering two days a week in urban areas, instead of three, and going from five times a week in rural areas down to three. 

Additionally, postal outlets will be reduced from 880 to 500. 

Rural Women CEO Marie Fitzpatrick says postal services are essential for rural communities that don't always have access to broadband. 

She said that while this consultation focuses on mail specifically and excludes courier posts, those services are done in the same van if you live rurally.  

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The Education Review Office has found the system for addressing school absence is failing, with chronic absence doubling in the last decade.  

In Term 2 this year, one in ten students was chronically absent, with more than 80 thousand missing more than three weeks of the term.  

Since 2015, chronic absence has doubled in secondary schools and almost tripled in primary schools.  

Tupuranga Attendance Service Practice Lead Adam Duchac told Ryan Bridge they're underfunded and under-resourced.  

He says they only have 7.4 full-time equivalent staff covering 250 schools, and a simple fix would be more funding, which the report recommends. 

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The UK teenager accused of killing three young girls at a children's dance event will appear in court tomorrow, now on a terrorism charge. 

England's Merseyside Police yesterday announced they'd discovered a bio-toxin and al Qaeda documents in the 18 year old's home following the July mass-stabbing. 

UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge it's a shock twist in the devastating case. 

He says despite the terror charge, counter-terrorism Police say the incident isn't classified a terrorist incident. 

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There’s assurance the Government's proposed building consents scheme, allowing tradespeople to self-certify, is safe. 

Businesses with a track record of delivering bigger projects will be able to access streamlined consenting. 

Qualified tradespeople will be able to forego inspections for low risk builds through the opt in 'self-certification scheme'. 

Master Plumbers Chief Executive Greg Wallace told Ryan Bridge there's proof it works. 

He says Gas Fitters and Electricians have already been self-certified for 14 years, with no significant issues. 

Wallace says it will save workers and customers time and money, as at the moment adding 30 centimetres to your bathroom will take around four inspections to get a consent. 

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 30th October, there are more changes to our building and construction sector. The Government wants to allow builders and plumbers to self-certify their work to cut back on council inspections. Master Plumbers Chief Executive Greg Wallace joins the show to discuss. 

The Education Review Office has found chronic absence in our schools has doubled over the past decade, saying we have reached a crisis point. Adam Duchac from the Tupuranga Attendance Service talks to Ryan about what's going wrong. 

NZ Post could be cutting back on the number of days it delivers mail - does it matter when we're sending hundreds of millions fewer mail items than 20 years ago? Rural Women Chief Executive Marie Fitzpatrick discusses the situation. 

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Newstalk ZB Sports Reporter Andrew Alderson joined Ryan Bridge to wrap the weekend's sporting events. On today's agenda: 

The Black Caps claimed a history-making win over India, beating the hosts on their home turf.

The Silver Ferns claimed the Constellation Cup, beating Australia 61-43 in the third test of the series.

Liam Lawson's behaviour at the Mexico Grand Prix has raised a few eyebrows. 

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The iconic Kiwi corner dairy is believed to be becoming a rarer sight. 

The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment notes there are more than 1,700 businesses currently registered as dairies or superettes, less than Retail NZ's 2018 count of around 4,000.

Communications Manager Ann-Marie Johnson told Ryan Bridge a number of dairies have closed, but people's shopping habits have changed. 

She says they've been great for popping in to buy bits and pieces, but people pay for the convenience. 

Johnson says retail’s been doing it tough, and if people want to keep the dairies open, they need to support them.

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An Australian woman's been found alive, after going missing in New South Wales' Snowy Mountains for nearly two weeks. 

A multi-agency search started for Lovisa Sjoberg when authorities discovered her hire car had not moved for six days. 

The 48-year-old was found injured and dehydrated by officials on Sunday. 

Australian Correspondent, Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge it was also found a venomous Copperhead snake had bitten her, four days before being found. 

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The Government's received advice on how Kiwibank can better compete with the large Australian-owned banks.  

It's in response to the Commerce Commission market study on personal banking.  

Documents released under the Official Information Act show Treasury wants to look at exploring use of private capital, including an Initial Public Offering. 

Massey University banking expert David Tripe told Ryan Bridge there could be issues with an NZX listing or other private parties getting involved.  

He says returns aren't especially good, and that's one of the big challenges with the IPO option. 

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The road toll is sitting at zero for the long weekend. 

Six people died last Labour Weekend, which is a tragedy. 

The road toll is the lowest Labour Weekend toll since 2013, when we had one death on the roads. 

Why do we think this has happened this particular weekend? 

Is it the Road to Zero that the previous government introduced? 

Is it the fact we've had some road upgrades, some potholes fixed potentially? 

Or is it just random stats? You know, we should really be looking at annual averages, not weekend blips which can jump around – a bit like our weekend of sport last weekend, which was a bit of a con job. 

It just so happened we had a bunch of sporting finals on the same weekend, it wasn't like we were comparing apples with apples like an Olympics tournament, was it? 

So, was it one of those situations? 

Or, and here's my theory, we didn't really travel much this weekend – and this is based on nothing other than my own experience. 

But I was on Waiheke Island at the weekend, enjoying the long weekend. Beaches were nowhere near as full as they would normally be, and this was on the good day when the weather was nice. 

Restaurants, same story. The wineries, the vineyards weren't as busy. 

Is the cost of living crisis affecting our travel? I think it is, I think it's having a big impact. 

Did you go away this weekend? Did you pack the car? Take the kids? Were you driving safely? 

That is one theory I have as to why our Labour Day road toll is currently sitting at zero. 

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 29th of October, Treasury has put three options on the table to raise Kiwibank's capital and make it a stronger competitor against the big banks. Massey University Banking Expert David Tripe talks through the options with Ryan. 

They're a Kiwi staple, but the number of dairies across the country could be on the decline. Business NZ's Ann-Marie Johnson has the reasons why. 

It's been another busy weekend of sport - Liam Lawson raises eyebrows at the Grand Prix and the Black Caps beat India in India for the first time. Andrew Alderson has your weekend sport wrap. 

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Here we go again, everybody. They’re planning to build yet more houses on land that we know is partial to flooding. 

This time, it's the Coalition Government, with three housing projects on its fast-track list in Auckland and Canterbury. 

In 2022 it was Labour, they had 700 homes on their fast-track list that were prone to flooding. 

You might think, well, if you want to go and build your house on flood-prone land after Cyclone Gabrielle, et cetera, that's your issue. You pay up. 

But here's the problem with that: we have no hard and fast rule about what rate payers and or taxpayers might have to stump up for compensation. You know, do we buy these houses out? How does it work?  

If they build and it floods, our collective insurance premiums go up. Just this week, we had a letter from big insurers to the Prime Minister and others saying we can't keep up with these payouts, with the increased weather events, et cetera – premiums are going to have to rock it up, stop allowing development on low lying land. 

There's been a select committee report on this, saying we need rules from the government, we need certainty, and we do. 

Who pays what to whom and when, we just don't know.  

And in the meantime, you would think the land that might be at risk of flooding would be put on a slow, rather than a fast track. 

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