Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

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. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

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

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

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

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

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

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

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

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

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

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's fresh information for prostate cancer patients and their doctors to consider when making treatment decisions. 

A UK study has found those treated with a highly targeted type of radiotherapy appear to have fewer problems with two major side effects, compared with those who have surgery. 

Auckland Radiation Oncologist Associate Professor Giuseppe Sasso says the treatment is also more convenient compared to conventional radiation. 

He says it's able to take care of their disease with five appointments, rather than a four week, Monday to Friday course of radiation. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The issue of the Manawanui sinking is hanging over the Prime Minister as he attends the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa.

Christopher Luxon met UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last night, and will meet with King Charles and other leaders today.

He says it's too early to talk about whether Samoa will get any financial compensation for the Manawanui. 

But Political Editor Jason Walls —who's on the ground in Samoa with the PM— told Ryan Bridge Luxon has been full of praise for the Kiwi taskforce responding to the situation. 

He says there was some initial estimates that thousands of litres of diesel could be leaking out into the ocean, but the PM is confident there's been little to no damage to marine life. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's meeting with Police and transport officials today over Wednesday's fatal stabbing in Auckland. 

Police are expected to lay charges against a 37-year-old man who handed himself in to North Shore Police Station yesterday afternoon. 

It came after a woman was fatally stabbed on a bus in Onehunga on Wednesday in a seemingly random attack. 

Transport Minister Simeon Brown told Ryan Bridge he and Police Minister Mark Mitchell will be sitting down with Police and Auckland Transport today. 

He says the key issue is to ensure they're using the resources they have effectively, keeping public transport users safe, and looking at what more they can do. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 25th of October, there are concerns about safety on public transport following the fatal stabbing of a woman on a bus in Onehunga. Transport Minister Simeon Brown joins the show to discuss the situation. 

A new UK prostate cancer trial is looking good for patients - it aims to reduce side effects and treat the cancer in a more targeted way. Oncologist Giuseppe Sasso speaks to Ryan about what it could mean for Kiwi patients. 

The Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting is getting underway in Samoa. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has already held a meeting with the UK's Kier Starmer and is set to meet the King for the first time today. Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls joins us live from Samoa. 

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

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is coming under fire for alleged comments he made about Adolf Hitler.  

In an interview with the New York Times, Trump's former Chief of Staff, John F. Kelly claims the former president said that Hitler did some good things.  

US correspondent Sally Patterson told Ryan Bridge the Republican presidential nominee allegedly praised Hitler on other things.  

She says that includes praising Hitler's economic policy and military tactics.  

A spokesperson for the Trump campaign says Kelly has made a fool of himself with the accusations and labelled them debunked stories. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The primary teachers’ union says there are other matters which should come before improvements to the measuring of student performance.  

An Auditor-General report says there's a gap in the Ministry of Education's information on student performance before NCEA level.  

It recommends better collection of progress reports on primary and intermediate students. 

New Zealand Education Institute President Mark Potter told Ryan Bridge that there needs to be more investment in education across the board. 

He says it’ll require new money to be invested, not just clip and cut funding from one part of education, and moved to another. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An ambulance union says the Government's made the right call in increasing funding by 6% for Hato Hone St John. 

It's putting an additional $21 million into the ambulance service, increasing the overall funding to nearly $357 million. 

Ambulance Association Secretary Mark Quin told Ryan Bridge that it hasn’t resolved the issues of pay parity, but it’s more than they were offered previously.  

He says the pay increases take them above the inflationary pressures, as well as significant conditions around medical. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bit of life is coming back into the property market, but investors think the best is yet to come.  

The CoreLogic October Housing report has found almost a quarter of the properties bought were by people who own multiple properties.  

The Property Investors Federation says there should be a pickup mid next year as mortgage rates continue to fall.  

Advocacy Director Matt Ball told Ryan Bridge there are some bargains to be had. 

He says some investors are buying up run down homes and doing them up for a profit. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, a driver and fellow passengers all witnessed a stabbing take place, and the person died. 

This is 2:30 in the afternoon on a bus in suburban Auckland, and someone is allegedly stabbed to death. 

There's been beatings of passengers and drivers, I don't have to explain this, you've seen the headlines. The problem of driver safety seems to only be getting worse. 

I was walking past the bus just a few weeks back, there was a guy, he looked wild in the eyes. You know the ones that I'm talking about, swearing and yelling and walking up to buses and kicking their doors. 

So every time a bus would come along the guy would just kick the door and he did it to several of them. I didn't say anything. I was with other people; they didn't say anything because you're just worried he's going to go nuts at you. 

But we could carry on walking down the road, when you work on public transport, you cannot escape the public. 

And when the public is increasingly hostile, there are more and more bad eggs on the bus, where do you go to? 

Nowhere. You can't go anywhere. 

And the long-promised safety screens are finally being installed. 

But, as we heard on this show a couple of months back, it'll take another two years to even get to 80% coverage. 

There are plenty of safe bus journeys out there, plenty of drivers who love what they do. No doubt about that. 

But the more you hear about these awful acts of violence on or around our drivers, you've got to ask yourself, is it worth the risk? 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 24th of October, the Auditor General has told the Ministry of Education to get a better handle on inequality in our school children. NZEI President Mark Potter reacts to the report. 

Property investors could be the ones to watch in the new year as interest rates continue to drop. Matt Ball from the Property Investors Federation joins the show to discuss. 

St John have ratified their collective agreement; it comes as the government provides the ambulance service with more money - but is it enough? NZ Ambulance Association Secretary Mark Quin speaks to Ryan about what more needs to be done. 

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

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retailers appear hopeful their sales numbers will turn around. 

Retail NZ's quarterly survey finds 65% of retailers feel confident or very confident their business will survive the next 12 months. 

It finds 57% expect to meet or exceed their targets for the final quarter, even after 70% failed to meet their last sales targets. 

General Manager of Normanby Fine Wines, Liz Wheadon told Ryan Bridge that they’ve started to see positive signs, and they see it as a good time to look at starting a new business. 

She said that fine wines is a hard market to read, but it feels like there’s some optimism there. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Wellington City Councillor hopes a Crown Observer will help the city put more support towards water infrastructure. 

Preparations are under way for a Crown Observer, announced by Local Government Minister Simeon Brown in a bid to help the council's 10 Year Budget. 

The city's seeking cuts after reversing plans to sell its airport shares. 

Wellington City Councillor Tony Randle told Ryan Bridge they need to cut some of their projects, and they are not funding Wellington Water as much as it's requesting. 

He says water's not the top priority, but it should be, and he's confident they're going to get there. 

Randle is also uncertain if Tory Whanau will be voted in as Mayor for a second term. 

He says her record is not necessarily the best, but it depends who stands against her. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nothing is ever good enough for some people, is it? 

You've got a centre-right government committing hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer money to feed kids in schools, and they've managed to free up $130 million in savings in the process, and still, it's not good enough for some. 

The Health Coalition Aotearoa, they're not happy, some dieticians say it's not nutritious enough. 

"Simply cutting the amount of food that they are having and supplying a more processed, less varied diet is a complete lost opportunity for our health system." 

I'll tell you what, it's more nutritious than nothing at all, an empty stomach. 

Some said the food was too processed, it was one size fits all, it wouldn't appeal to the kids. 

It's not meant to appeal to kids so much as feed them when they're hungry. I thought that was the point. And if they don't eat it, they're not hungry. It's simple. 

Now, there are some bold claims being made by David Seymour which I am a little sceptical of like the fact that we can do this for $3 a meal. It sounds unheard of, but he gets the benefit of the doubt and my good luck for his cost saving crusade. 

Guess where some of the savings are going, feeding 10,000 poor 2 to 5-year-olds. 

David Seymour is the new Robin Hood. 

In all the flurry of releases yesterday about this, there was one staggering number that stood out to me. Seymour reckons if Labour had adopted his model from the get-go when they launched this program five years ago, we would have saved $800 million dollars. 

$800 million – they could have had that bike bridge over the Waitemata Harbour, or they could have had more rat tests, or whatever the hell they wanted. 

It's true, there is no such thing as a free lunch, but thank the lord is at least now a cheaper menu. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A principal's sceptical about the Government's ambitious school lunch budget. 

The Government says it's saving $130 million a year by reducing the cost per meal from $8 to $3. 

Schools preparing meals internally will get $4 a student to keep hiring people to prepare food. 

Greymouth High School principal Samantha Mortimer told Ryan Bridge that hungry children will eat anything, but they deserve high quality food.  

She’s questioning how everything will be done for that price, as it’s not just about the food, there are costs around production, wages, and transport. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 23rd of October, a Crown Observer is set to step in at Wellington City Council following mismanaged finances and big changes proposed for the city's Long Term plan. Councillor Tony Randle speaks to Ryan about what it means. 

David Seymour has unveiled the Government’s new school lunch programme, with meals coming in at just $3 each. But what impact will this have on local suppliers currently working with schools? Greymouth High School principal Samantha Mortimer joins the show to discuss. 

Retail business confidence is on the rise as we head into Q4. According to Retail NZ, 57% of retailers are expecting to meet or exceed their targets this quarter, up from just 32% in the last survey. Ryan talks to the manager of a new business opening next year who feels confident about where the economy is heading. 

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

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's calling on the Māori Development Minister to keep the Ihumātao deal as it stands.

Documents seen by Newstalk ZB show that Tama Potaka is considering dissolving the committee dealing with the land.

It was bought in 2020 with a promise to put Māori housing in the area, putting an end to ongoing protests.

Māori Development Minister under Labour, Willie Jackson, told Ryan Bridge the Government should give them the space and honour the agreement.

He's telling Potaka not to cut things before they're finished.

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A criminal defence lawyer believes locking people up for longer won't necessarily make communities safer.

Thousands more offenders are likely to be captured under the Three Strikes rule, following changes by Cabinet to toughen up the new regime.

It's lowering the threshold for a first strike warning from 24 months imprisonment to 12 months.

Roderick Mulgan told Ryan Bridge offending is complicated.

He says it's not cause they're bad people, they offend because of things like substance abuse and lack of family support.

Mulgan says the idea of putting people away and forgetting where you left the key,  is a bit old fashioned.

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Three Strikes update for you this morning: the Government's basically lowering the threshold you have to meet in order to be hit with the new Three Strikes law. 

Originally for the law to kick in, for you to get a strike, you had to commit a crime with a prison sentence of 24 months or more, and it was the same for each of the Three Strikes. 

Now, it's being lowered to just 12 months for the first offence. 

So basically, more criminals will be captured by the first strike.  

And, if they go on to commit more serious crimes, it could mean they're locked up for good or an increase in the minimum sentence. 

It's taking away the power from the judges and the discretion that they have. 

They say the law doesn't work, this Three Strikes law, because we have had it before. 

It's not proven to reduce offending or reoffending. It's not right. It doesn't rehabilitate criminals. 

And yet somehow, I don't mind it. 

If you can't sort yourself out after warnings one and two, then why would you miraculously stop offending after the third warning? 

You probably wouldn't. 

So, wouldn't we all be better off if that serious violent repeat offender was, rather than living next door to you, in jail? 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An upgrade to a key Hawke's Bay road is expected to bolster the region.  

The Hawke's Bay Expressway, which carries 29,000 vehicles a day, is being widened from two lanes to four.  

The Government says starting work on the Road of National Significance early will bring construction forward 12-to-15 months.  

Employers and Manufacturers Association Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald told Ryan Bridge it'll massively improve access.  

He says the Road of National Significance programme is designed to make better connections between the economic hubs of the country. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian politicians from both sides have denounced Independent indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe's expletive-laden outburst at King Charles' reception in Canberra.  

Thorpe, a Senator for Victoria, began yelling as the King's speech ended and claimed he'd committed genocide against her people.  

She says the King destroyed her land, and the country wants a treaty.  

Australia correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge it's been labelled childish.  

She says front-benchers from both sides say it was grandstanding and failed miserably. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 22nd of October, the Government is toughening the three strikes law to catch more offenders. Criminal Defence Lawyer Roderick Mulgan speaks to Ryan about what it means. 

Tama Potaka has warned the group tasked with deciding the future of Ihumatao to come up with a solution or be shown the door. Labour's Willie Jackson was the Māori Development Minister at the time the government purchased the land, joining the show to discuss. 

Work has started on the Hawke's Bay Expressway, the country's first new road of national significance. The EMA's Head of Advocacy and Strategy Alan McDonald talks to Ryan about its significance. 

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

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Couple of stories in the news today, one of them and I'll just read you the first line from this story.

"Ministry of Social Development officials warned their minister that using payment cards as a sanction for beneficiaries can be stigmatising and open to exploitation."

What? So either the poor things will stigmatise them, will tarnish their good reputations or those bludgers that will just exploit the hell out of the cards, which is it?

Are they bad? Are they good?

It just seems a very confused piece of advice from the Ministry for Social Development, in my eyes at least.

They're going to flog them off these cards on Facebook, sell them, or are we tarnishing their good reputations by giving them to them in the first place?

When you design a system, a safety net like this, it should be done for the dignity and the simplicity of those who desperately need it.

I think we can all agree with that.

However, you need to have enough hoops and barriers and checks and balances for those who would exploit the system.

We're good people, we're fair minded people us Kiwis, but there are dicks among us who rip systems off, who don't look after their kids, who don't use the money for the purpose of feeding their families, et cetera.

Those people do exist and treating them with free cash and no consequences is not going to change that situation.

Surely not.

Why would you change when everything is just handed to you on a silver platter and whether that's cash or whether it's a card, you're not going to solve that problem.

It is a balancing act, but you have to design a system that is there for people who need it, but also can't be exploited by those who would seek to do so.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand have held their nerve to record one of their best wins in almost 95 years of test cricket.

The loss of their skipper from the second ball of the fifth day didn’t worry the tourists, nor the probing of a fearsome Indian attack buoyed by a frenzied atmosphere in Bengaluru.

Instead, two players with a combined 25 tests’ experience coolly and methodically worked their way towards a 107-run target to secure an eight-wicket victory, the Black Caps’ third from 37 matches in India.

Will Young (48no) and Rachin Ravindra (39no)survived a new ball that was seaming and swinging then negated a deteriorating pitch offering variable turn, seeing off a unit boasting three of the top six-ranked bowlers in the world.

And they did it with barely a scare – one batter in the team only owing to an injury for Kane Williamson and the other playing his first test in the city of his parents’ birth.

It was a victory built on an outstanding initial four sessions, skittling the hosts for 46 before piling on 402 in reply. But India responded by plundering 462in their second innings, setting up a tricky chase exacerbated by the loss of new captain Tom Latham and fellow opener Devon Conway in the first hour.

No matter – Young and Ravindra, putting together an unbeaten partnership of 75 runs from 92 balls, made it appear easy. History suggested that was hardly the case.

This was New Zealand’s first triumph in India since Sir Richard Hadlee took 10-88 – his fifth-best match figures – while leading a 136-run victory at Wankhede in 1988. That win came 19 years after their first in Nagpur, a 167-run success during their third trip to the country.

Now, with two tests to play, the tourists have a chance to avoid a series defeat in India – a feat they have managed twice in 14 attempts.

They are far from alone in their struggles. India have lost four of 48 tests at home in the last 10 years, twice to Australia and twice to England.

This Indian team currently lead the World Test Championship, having won eight of 11 matches in the current cycle, while the Black Caps entered on a four-test losing streak that spurred a captaincy change.

Add in the absence of Williamson alongside the side’s recent struggles offshore – earning only seven test wins away from home in the last decade – and this triumph would be bettered by few since New Zealand played their first test in 1930.

The way the day began emphasised the degree of difficulty in securing such a treasured result.

After surviving a huge shout from Jasprit Bumrah’s third delivery of the innings on the fourth night, Latham was less lucky from an unplayable second ball on the fifth morning.

That ball was moving about in a manner to quicken Kiwi pulses, while a boisterous crowd joined the players in appealing anything close.

The Black Caps were under pressure from Mohammed Siraj. Photo / Photosport

The first half-hour disappeared in a blink as the Black Caps crept within 100, Young soon flicking Mohammed Siraj off his pads for the first boundary of the innings from the 48th delivery.

The unflappable right-hander was batting with a level of composure that belied his international inexperience, carving Siraj through backward point before pulling him for a second boundary of the 12th over.

But just when the crowd had been quietened, Bumrah angled one in to beat Conway, clip his back pad and, upon review, send him back to the pavilion.

New Zealand never missed a beat. Ravindra was under way with two boundaries in three balls, having cracked in second test hundred in the first innings and having proven at last year’s ODI World Cup he thrived in the big moment.

After pulling within 50, Kuldeep Yadav was introduced as the second of India’s formidable spin trio. Young ended his first over by coming down the track and flicking him over the fence.

The 31-year-old did escape on 34, when Ravindra Jadeja put down a tough return catch, but that fortune was well deserved. As was the boundary he then cut to collect the winning runs.

- by Kris Shannon, NZ Herald

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The meat processing sector is being encouraged to evolve to ensure it captures future demand.

Alliance Group's confirmed Timaru's Smithfield meatworks will shut by the year's end due to declining sheep numbers – cutting up to 600 positions.

BusinessDesk reports rival Silver Fern Farms wants to be constructively involved as Alliance works through a capital raise.

Chief Executive Dan Boulton told Ryan Bridge he doesn't believe this downward trend will continue forever.

“Our sheep, beef and venison farmers deserve to thrive, but to do that, they’re going to need a really strong, efficient, and viable processing sector and that’s going to require investment.”

LISTENABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The voice of the America's Cup says returning the event to New Zealand shores will deliver more than just sailing.

Previous editions have all been held in Auckland, but Mayor Wayne Brown says the hosting decision is in the hands of Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton.

Brown says he'd welcome it back, but has concerns over its cost.

Sailing commentator Peter Montgomery told Ryan Bridge people aren't aware of its positive flow-on effects, like creating jobs and incomes.

“More than the whole industry, more than just the tourism industry and fans coming to fill hotels rooms or whatever. There’s been a byproduct that’s come out of it that no other sport brings.”

LISTENABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday the 21st of October. Team New Zealand have made history in Barcelona, winning the America's Cup for the third time in a row. But where to now for the auld mug? Sailing Commentator Peter Montgomery speaks to Ryan about the win.

A huge loss for Timaru with the Alliance Smithfield meatworks set to close by the end of the year - will Silver Fern Farms be involved in the restructure, and what does it mean for the meat sector? Chief Executive Dan Boulton joins the show.

A busy morning for Kiwi sport - The White Ferns are facing South Africa in the T20 World Cup final, and Liam Lawson takes to the track in Formula 1.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pilot shortages in the aviation sector has some sounding the alarm, concerned that flights could be grounded in four years. 

There are calls for the Government to intervene, to encourage more young people to pursue the profession. 

Ardmore Flying School Chief Executive Irene King told Ryan Bridge the financial strains are to blame, with their income not keeping up with costs. 

She says they're trying to operate with the same income as in 2013. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judith Collins says race shouldn't be a factor in prosecution decisions. 

Solicitor-General Una Jagose KC has been under fire after advising prosecutors to "think carefully about particular decisions... where a person is Māori". 

Collins —in her capacity as Attorney-General— is refusing to endorse the directive. 

She told Ryan Bridge all prosecution decisions should be carefully thought about, but based on circumstances, not on race. 

Collins says it's not just about whether someone can be prosecuted, but whether they can be prosecuted in those circumstances. 

The HMNZS Manawanui’s navigation book has also been found by the crew of a British ship. 

A New Zealand Defence Force spokesman has confirmed Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Tamar was able to recover the book 

The navigation record book and black box are expected to be key evidence in the Court of Inquiry. 

Defence Minister Collins told Bridge the HMS Tamar has found good information.  

She says the ship was in the area to see what they could do to help, and that information will be part of the investigation. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Green Party delegates have voted to ask Speaker Gerry Brownlee to remove the now independent Darleen Tana from parliament.  

It's now down to Brownlee to decide if Tana's resignation from the party —but not Parliament— affects the proportionality of the House.  

Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls told Ryan Bridge the party was previously against the legislation even being in place.  

He says it's remarkable for as many delegates to come together and agree, and it draws a line under the situation. 

He said former co-leader Metiria Turei being involved was a surprise move, as even Chloe Swarbrick had no idea she would be contributing to the call.  

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The family of former One Direction star Liam Payne have broken their silence following his death.  

The 31-year-old has died after a fall at a hotel in Buenos Aires. 

He's famous for his role in One Direction, the boy band being one of the bestselling groups of all time between their formation in 2010 and their indefinite hiatus in 2016.  

UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Ryan Bridge Payne's family has released a statement addressing the death.  

It says they are heartbroken, and Liam will be remembered for his kind, funny, and brave soul. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 18th of October, the Green Party has voted to invoke the waka jumping legislation against former party, now independent, MP Darleen Tana. Political Editor Jason Walls has the latest on what comes next. 

The NATO Defence Ministers meeting is underway in Brussels amid ongoing global tension, and Defence Minister Judith Collins speaks to Ryan live from NATO. 

The aviation industry is warning of a looming shortage of pilots. Ardmore Flying School Chief Executive Irene King explains what it could mean for the industry. 

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

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Team New Zealand’s America’s Cup lead has been halved. 

Ineos Britannia claimed the wins for races five and six, leaving the score at 4-2. 

ZB Sport Journalist Adam Cooper told Ryan Bridge that it’s more exciting than it is concerning for Team NZ. 

He said that the wins were the result of two mistakes from the Kiwis, and although people are fearful of a shock loss, at the most part everyone is still confident. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation is expected to keep easing in the months to come. 

Overall inflation is back within the target range at 2.2% due to falling prices for imports like petrol and diesel. 

Domestically-driven non-tradeable inflation remains much higher at 4.9%, due to a sharp rise in rents, council rates and insurance premiums. 

ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Ryan Bridge that inflation is expected to remain close to 2% over the next few years, with a chance of it edging below towards the end of 2025/26. 

He says it would take something quite drastic to push it back up.  

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A timely reminder, an important one too, for me last night. I'm in Wellington, flew into the schmozzle storm yesterday for an event. 

It's easily one of the most beautiful cities in New Zealand, is it not? Can we all agree on that? With the hills jutting out of the harbour, all of the bush surrounding it. 

It is stunning and the weather was good, so that helped. 

It was absolutely beautiful flying in, and then you land and there's the road cones, and there's the Uber driver not happy, and the mayor's in meltdown, and the government's taking over, and the council is all over the place. 

Shambles, schmozzle, all that stuff. 

But then this event last night featured and honoured a couple of Wellington business people. 

Among them was Brian McGuinness, whose family have either built or refurbished basically half of Wellington – including Government House, which I found fascinating. 

Doug Hauraki was a name you will know, he was on there as well. Great Wellingtonian. 

Many were honoured there, but the speeches particularly got me last night, got me right in the guts. 

These are guys who have seen it all – Wellington at its best, Wellington at its absolute worst. When it's the crown, the jewel, when it's the butt of our jokes. 

And their message essentially was politics is temporary. Like any city, the real pulse, the Real Engine Room is private enterprise. Always has been, always will be. 

And there was a tech guru, John Daniel Trask, who spoke last night, he said we shouldn't always look to the Council, to the Government, to fix our problems or to make things better because for the most part, we can actually do it on our own, we can solve problems on our own. 

Sure, there are some issues that only government and council can look after that only government and council have a purview over, but for most things, we can actually do it ourselves.  

And so that is true of Wellington, Wellington is no exception. 

Wellington will come back, and probably doesn't help that people like me sit in front of microphones in Auckland and bleat about the place. But you know, it's fun from a distance, quite different up close. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister in charge says ACC needs to lift its game.  

The government agency has reported a $7.2 billion deficit, just a year after posting an almost $1 billion surplus.  

It says the cost of services and compensation rose 16% over the year.  

It's proposing to hike levies for vehicle owners, workers, and business owners.  

Minister Matt Doocey told Ryan Bridge he doesn't expect levies to be used as default.   

He says they have to focus on their rehabilitation rates, which have been lower than expected. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 17th of October, ACC has recorded a $7.2 billion dollar deficit just a year after a $911 million surplus. How has it become this bad, and what does it mean for the levies we all pay? ACC Minister Matt Doocey discusses. 

Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau is set to meet with the local government Minister today following the threat of government intervention. Councillor Ray Chung speaks to Ryan about the situation. 

Inflation is back within the target range of 1-3%, what does it mean for the November OCR decision? ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley joins the show. 

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

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tauranga businesses are furious about what they label harsh outdoor dining fees following a tough winter. 

They've been waived for the rest of 2024, but in the new year businesses must pay an annual charge based on outdoor dining area.  

In Mount Maunganui it will be $150 per square metre used, which compares to Auckland, where the highest fee is $154 a square metre.  

Black Orchid Collective Cafe Owner Veronica de Oliveira told Ryan Bridge she understands the council wants to control the outdoor areas a bit since the summer is quite busy, but it’s also the only time of the year that they’re actually very busy. 

She thinks that a lot of people will rebel against the fees, and quite a few alfresco set ups will be lost, making the city quiet.  

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s an argument in favour of setting a maximum term for Supreme Court Judges.

A report from New Zealand Initiative suggests the Supreme Court is getting an exaggerated view of its role and straying into Parliament's domain.

Former ACT MP and lawyer Stephen Franks says there's been grumblings about it among some lawyers.

He told Ryan Bridge that at the 20th anniversary of the Supreme Court this year, a leading KC presented a paper aligned with this belief.

He says it read that the law is ceasing to be predictable as the Supreme Court's changing it according to their social values.

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK's announced a fresh wave of sanctions against extremist settler groups in the West Bank. 

The measures target three outposts and four organisations which provide or promote support for violence against Palestinian communities. 

British Foreign Minister David Lammy says the inaction of the Israel Government has allowed an environment of impunity to flourish. 

Europe correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge it's the third set of sanctions imposed since February. 

He says the previous Government had also been prepared to sanction two Israeli Ministers over comments about blocking aid to Gaza. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many forecasters are expecting inflation to be around 2%, well within the Reserve Bank's target range.  

The latest Stats NZ Consumer Price Index number will be released this morning.  

The Reserve Bank was confident last week inflation is now below 3%.  

Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Ryan Bridge that imported things like petrol and electronics have fallen in price, but rates, insurance, and services have increased.  

He says the average of more than 2% reflects divergent trends. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So Luxon is out of touch apparently. 

Name me one politician, one Prime Minister, one President in the world who's in touch, doesn't matter which side of politics they're on. 

Albanese, Australia's Prime Minister and Labour leader, he's just bought a $4 million cliff top mansion north of Sydney. 

Keir Starmer, the UK's Labour Prime Minster, he's worth NZ$10 million, excluding all the donor freebies. 

Kamala Harris is worth NZ$13 million. Tory Whanau won Lotto, Rishi Sunak is a billionaire, Jacinda Ardern gets $300,000 per speaking gig. Chris Hipkins has multiple properties. So, they're all rich. 

The question is, does it really matter, and why the question in the first place? 

Would we rather they only got rich through public office, as Albanese seems to be admitting. He says I'm fortunate and much better off as Prime Minister. 

Personally, I'd rather they managed to build a business, run a company or do something productive first to earn their wealth rather than just walk into a job as Prime Minister and get rich that way, or win Lotto. 

If somebody had experience running a charity or something like that and wasn't paid very well, but was skilled and motivated and strategic, then I'd vote for them too. 

It's about experience. It shouldn't be about how wealthy you are or how poor you are, what matters is how well you can run an economy so that hard working people can get ahead. 

Just ask Donald Trump. He's about to be re-elected despite being born with a silver spoon in his mouth for exactly that record under his last watch. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 16th of October, inflation numbers are out today and forecasts are pointing to 3 year low within the target range of 1 to 3%. Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold joins the show to discuss. 

An NZ Initiative report is suggesting changes to stop the Supreme Court getting an "exaggerated view of their role". What could it mean for our judicial system? 

Tauranga businesses are paying increasing fees for alfresco dining - what impact is it having on them and the price you're paying for cafe food? Ryan speaks to a Tauranga cafe owner. 

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

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s Northern Territory is reintroducing a controversial device in its efforts to get tough on crime. 

Police Commissioner Michael Murphy says that spit hoods will once again be used to restrain children. 

Murphy says that over the last three months 68 police officers were assaulted, with 20 counts of spitting. 

Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge that it’s in opposition to the UN Committee against torture recommending last year that Australia take all necessary measures to end their use.  

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been yet another call to shake-up how Pharmac funds drugs in Aotearoa. 

Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand's independently commissioned report recommends the Crown entity adapts a cost benefit model. 

That means funding decisions would be made not just on the cost of a drug or medical device itself, but on the wider fiscal impact the decision would have on our society. 

President Neil Woodhams says that currently, Pharmac doesn't take into account the total economic costs —or costs to individuals— when making the call. 

He says the failure to do so gives a distorted view of the benefits from proposed new medicines. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest 1News-Verian poll was out last night. There wasn't a lot of change, other than a dip in the personal popularity of both Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins. 

Nothing really major is going on, is it? And it's been that way for a couple of polls. 

Now, what I find interesting is just the vibe, the energy levels that you're picking up off these guys. 

Luxon, he's like the road runner. You ever watch the Road Runner, the Looney Tunes thing? And he's beep-beep, beep-beep, running around in a cloud of dust. Just in a hurry to get everything done. 

And then there's old Hipkins. Is his heart still in it? 

What do you really think when you see him being interviewed? 

I've interviewed him over many years now and it must be hard to maintain a level of enthusiasm, but I just think he's sort of outwardly showing it now. 

He'll be dusting off his CV, no doubt he'll be thinking about what's next.   

He doesn't want to be there for the next election, does he? 

The problem at the moment is no one else really wants to take the job either, because it's a bit of a poison chalice. 

But I look at Chris Hipkins and I think there's a man who doesn't want to be there. 

That's why you go and spend two weeks over in the UK. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a belief more redundancies are causing a rise in work ready Jobseekers. 

The Ministry of Social Development's September figures show a yearly increase of 29,000 people on a main benefit, a rise of 12%.  

Minister Louise Upston describes rising unemployment as a consequence of years of high inflation, high government spending, and economic recession. 

Employment specialist Jennifer Mills told Ryan Bridge there's also been a 33% drop in job advertisements in the last quarter, which shows there's not enough jobs. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China appears to be testing the waters around Taiwan in an effort to quell its independence.  

The superpower has been holding military exercises off the coast of the self-governing island.  

Taiwan says it's detected 34 naval vessels and 125 aircraft in formation around it.  

Otago University International Relations expert Robert Patman told Ryan Bridge China ideally wants Taiwan to fall into its lap without the use of force.  

He says it's an attempt at political intimidation having these drills involving war ships and fighter jets, but Taiwan's condemned the drills and is holding its positions. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 15th of October, Jobseeker numbers are in, and it's not looking good. The number of people on the benefit has risen by 12% since last year, Employment Specialist Jennifer Mills joining the show to dig into the numbers. 

There are calls to change the way Pharmac makes funding decisions. Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand has commissioned a new report which found the drug buying agency should be looking at benefit as well as cost. 

China is conduction military drills with ships and aircrafts, completely surrounding the island nation of Taiwan. Robert Patman talks to Ryan about the reasons behind the escalating tensions. 

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

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're all living much longer, aren't we? At what cost? That's my question for you this morning.

A report out over the weekend found human life expectancy has just about peaked globally.

It's lights out. Goodbye.  

New Zealand men, you'll make 80, women, you'll make 83, which is great, longer life. Everyone wants one right now.

We're told that we also have a health system in crisis.

People waiting in waiting rooms, they can't afford to see a GP. Over the weekend, I read about a family man, a carpenter from Westport who was sent home, hours later he was dead.

In Rotorua a month ago, remember a man died in the waiting room at the emergency department while waiting.

So we don't have enough resources for health or we're not optimising the resources that we do have to meet the needs and we're being overwhelmed by them.

We have a huge aging population, the number of people 65 and over which was around 700,000 a few years back, that will quadruple by mid-2024. The number of people 90 over 31,000 that will quadruple in 20 years.

So, we'll have 125,000 90 plus year olds in New Zealand.

Now, if you're a doctor, you've got two people, both as sick as each other, one's 40 one's 90. One might die if you treat the other first.

What do you do? Serious question?

I mean, to me, the obvious answer is one person has had 90 years on this planet.

You treat the young one first, don't you, because the older ones had more life to live.

Am I saying let's stop treating patients based on need and discriminate against the elderly? No, because I love my grandmother.

We have to do it on who's sickest, who's closer to death, all that sort of stuff. But I am curious, for those who work in healthcare, is there a touch of bias on who you might treat first?

I know you've got the Hippocratic Oath, et cetera, but if you're presented with a situation like that, how do you respond to it?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King Charles III is bringing two doctors and a supply of his blood on his tour of Australia and Samoa starting later this week.

The King has been dealing with cancer since February.

It will be his first visit to Australia as King - New Zealand was believed to be dropped from the itinerary on medical advice.

UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge the King is taking a pause on his chemotherapy treatment during the trip.

“We believe that there are no evening engagements, he has days off during his tour which is more than a week.”

Grey says the King was gutted not to also visit New Zealand, but his clinicians thought it was a bridge too far.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Statistics show there's been more gun crime in Auckland this year than the last.

RNZ reports there were 879 gun crime offences across Auckland in the first six months of the year - 28 more than the same time last year.

Just 18 of those were committed by people with a firearms licence.

Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime Chair Sunny Kaushal told Ryan Bridge New Zealand is fast becoming a violent society.

“It’s crucial that the decisions around firearms policy are shared by those who deal with the gun violence directly. That’s the Police and affected communities, not just policymakers in Wellington.”

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The gates are opening for foreign investors looking at New Zealand companies and property.

The Government's reforming the Overseas Investment Act - allowing any investment that doesn't threaten our interests.

Federated Farmers Meat and Wool Chair Toby Williams says he supports the change.

He told Ryan Bridge overseas buyers are interested in large farms - that Kiwi farmers can't afford to begin with.

Williams says foreign owners wouldn't be interested in those that first farm buyers would be after  - so he wants to see some rules around the levels of investment.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By Christopher Reive in Barcelona

In the days before the America’s Cup match in Barcelona, Team New Zealand starboard helmsman Peter Burling made it clear the team would take necessary risks to defend the Auld Mug.

“When you get to the top levelof any sport, you see people really getting punished for mistakes. In saying that, you can’t be afraid to take risks either,” he said.

“You don’t want to come through it with a conservative mindset, that’s for sure, and we definitely will not be doing that. But we can fully expect if one of us makes a mistake, the other one will punish them.”

In the third race of the Cup match against Ineos Britannia this morning, an aggressive move in the pre-start to draw a penalty against the Brits set the Kiwi crew up for a 52s win to take a 3-0 lead in the first-to-seven series.

It was the only race of the day, with light winds seeing race management bring a halt to the day’s action, with race four postponed to tomorrow; initially scheduled as a reserve day.

The two teams came into close quarters moments before the race proper began, to the point where their foils were overlapping. Both teams launched a protest with the umpires for the other not keeping clear.

It was the Kiwis who were judged to be the fouled boat, with Ineos Britannia having to fall 75m behind Team NZ off the starting line. That allowed the defenders to choose their side of the course and dictate the race.

“We tried it yesterday and they just got past us. It was a little bit uncomfortable with how close the boats got,” Burling said after the race

“It’ll be interesting to see. The umpires obviously ruled we were clear there, so great to get a penalty and control the race from there.”

Emirates Team New Zealand extended their lead in the America's Cup match. Photo / Ricardo Pinto, America's Cup

The pre-start battle was among the biggest areas of interest coming into the Cup match, but through the opening three races, it has been the Kiwis coming away better from the starting line.

In the third race of the series, Team NZ were able to control the course and make life tough for the Brits with their match-racing tactics and making them sail in dirty air.

A mid-race comment from Ineos Britannia port helmsman Dylan Fletcher summed up the situation for his team: “I don’t think there’s anything else we can do, lads.”

While the two boats were almost identical in their average speeds both upwind and downwind, the Kiwis had a slightly better average VMG, sailing about 800m less than the Brits.

Racing is set to resume at 1.10am tomorrow (NZ time) with a one-race schedule.

America’s Cup match results

Emirates Team New Zealand lead the America’s Cup first-to-seven series 3-0.

Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday the 14th of October. Changes could be on the way to make foreign investment easier in New Zealand - how could it impact our rural sector?

Gun crime is on the rise in our biggest city, and most of it is from unlicensed firearms holders. Chair of the Ministerial Advisory Group for victims of retail crime Sunny Kaushal joins the show.

New Zealand is up 3 - 0 in the America's Cup - can we make it to 7 wins without a loss? Andrew Alderson has you weekend sport wrap.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sunday marks the start of a big week ahead for Emirates Team New Zealand as they face Ineos Britannia in the race to retain the America’s Cup. 

The first team to win seven races will take the Cup, the first two races taking place Sunday morning if weather permits. 

Richard Gladwell, Editor for Sail World NZ, told Ryan Bridge that it’s always the defender's to lose, and Team New Zealand would have to screw something up to lose the Cup. 

He said that they’ve had three months of development on top of Ineos Britannia, and they can certainly do a lot in there. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour says the current state of Government books shows it went too hard and too fast with public service cuts.  

Treasury documents show the Crown's deficit has grown $3.4 billion dollars in the year to June, to $12.9 billion.  

Spending is outpacing income, despite revenue increasing by $14 billion. 

Labour Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds told Ryan Bridge the Government could have kept public sector jobs if it ditched tax cuts.  

She says public funding flows through the economy to help during a cost of living crisis.  

Edmonds says the Government's decisions have made the annual deficit worse than at the height of COVID. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Florida residents are being warned not to visit areas hit by Hurricane Milton as clean up and rescue operations continue.  

There's still flooding in many areas, and NBC is reporting there have been 10 deaths in various parts of the state.  

More than three million properties remain without power.  

US correspondent Mitch McCann in St Augustine, Florida, told Ryan Bridge that in many parts of Florida, it wasn’t as bad as it was forecast to be. 

Some areas have been hit very badly, such as St Petersburg, where a baseball stadium had its roof ripped off, and a crane toppled into and destroyed a building just a few streets over. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If these new TradeMe numbers are to be believed, and I have no reason not to believe them, then the biggest problem that we have with property and getting a foot on the ladder is not price. 

We're not too poor, we're too fussy. 

So TradeMe has done a survey; 44% of buyers were willing to compromise on the size of a section. Only 40% on the size of the property. Only 40% on the size of the garden. Only 33% on the condition of the property, and 28% on the location. 

If you flip those numbers, around 55% of people won't compromise on section size. I'll have the section size I like and nothing else. 

60% - no compromise on the size of the property. 60% - none on the garden. 67% - it must be new or near new and 72% won't travel or leave their favourite suburb. 

I mean, hard to please much? 

I bought a house with holes in the floor and the walls, there were plants growing from the ground up into my bathroom. 

The shower pooled; I had to use a bucket to empty the shower every morning. 

This carried on for two years. 

The shower was so small and the showerhead was fixed, so I had to duck every time I got in the shower, and it would only get me from my nipples down. I had very clean nipples and very filthy hair. 

Anyway, the point of the story is I lived like that for two years. I fixed it up, on you go. 

Things are okay, but you have to compromise. Property is not a perfectionist game, is it? 

It's about compromise and it's about trade-offs. Like any good negotiation, surely everything must be on the table. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 11th of October, the Government's books have sunk further into the red in the year to June, with the deficit $1.8 billion worse than forecast in the budget. Labour Finance Spokesperson Barbara Edmonds joins the show to discuss. 

Hurricane Milton has hit Florida, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. US Correspondent Mitch McCann is on the ground in St. Augustine with the latest. 

The America's Cup final gets underway this weekend with Emirates Team New Zealand facing Ineos Britannia. Richard Gladwell talks to Ryan ahead of the race. 

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

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The air quality in New Zealand has increased across the country, but some areas are still dealing with high levels of pollution. 

The Our Air 2024 report shows the level of key pollutants —largely produced by transport and home heating— has reduced across most monitoring sites.  

However, it also says air quality isn't good everywhere, and in some urban areas the pollution is above national standards and international guidelines.  

Director of the Air Quality Collective, Dr Guy Coulson told Ryan Bridge that we’re headed in the right direction, improvement is just happening rather slowly.  

He said that an estimated 3000 adults die each year from air pollution.  

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Northland's power network is being zapped into action in the wake of the pylon collapse outage. 

In June, a contractor unfastened three legs of a pylon at once, putting around 88,000 homes and businesses out of power. 

Northland MP Grant McCallum revealed a regional energy package, with Transpower and contractor Omexom putting one million dollars towards it. 

McCallum told Ryan Bridge that it's not enough to make up for the financial damages, but it is something. 

He said that it’s a goodwill payment and an acknowledgement that they did actually cause some harm to the people of Northland. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I know, I know we're celebrating this morning, the OCR, the money back in your pockets that's coming, inflation coming down. 

But MBIE has warned the government that electricity prices are likely to rise significantly over the next two years – this is a story from BusinessDesk. 

See, we have all seen the spot prices market increase, skyrocket even, but we haven't felt that at home because our gentailors, the guys that we get it off, insulate us by hedging. 

However, getting power to us is expensive and we've just been talking to Grant McCullum from Northland about this exact point. 

40% of our bill is distribution and transmission. 

Forget your weather, whether the wind blows, you know, the sun shines the rainfalls, whatever. Just getting it to us costs almost half of our total. 

And that job is done by essentially monopolies: the distributors, the lines, companies, Transpower. 

So the Commerce Commission regulates their profits, we would expect them to do. 

The contracts last five years, the next contract up for renewal in March. 

Your household bill for electricity could go up $15 per month or $180 per year, for some households that will be $20 per month, $240 per year. 

MBIE say there is a serious risk that some homes won't be able to afford heating. 

And we know what happens when people can't heat their homes, the hospitals fill up, industry and business feel the squeeze, and our thin growth forecasts could also be squeezed by something like this. 

So what's the moral of the story? Well, basically, go and buy yourself a nice warm jumper, get a hot water bottle. And if you are single and living alone, you have until April to find someone to cuddle at night. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An OCR cut could be behind an incoming boost in property market activity. 

The Reserve Bank's cut the Official Cash Rate by 50-basis points to 4.75%.  

Banks have lowered home rates in response to the cut. 

Finance Minister Nicola Willis is celebrating the move as fantastic news and sees it as a sign inflation is under control. 

LJ Hooker's Campbell Dunoon told Ryan Bridge this year's market has been cautionary 

He says the stock has been there, and this will give buyers a nudge to participate. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.