Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

If what’s they’re saying about a Flick Electric shutting up shop is true, and I’ve no reason to doubt it, then it should come as no surprise. This is a BusinessDesk report - it's owned by Z and so far, they're not saying anything. It’s one of the smaller retailers that help keep the bigger gentailers honest, but the cracks started showing ages ago. Winter 2021, they closed their books to new customers. The great wholesale price crunch hit them hard.  Last year, again, wholesale prices shot up above retail.  You can’t run a business like that, and we were warned then about what is happening now. Means little guys can’t hold on. The problem is hedging. They couldn’t afford the cost of hedging during the crunch for new customers.  That means less choice for us, and we know what that typically means for prices.  Unlike your Air New Zealand regional airfares debate this past week, there is a quick fix for this problem. At least a partial one.  The government announced to much fanfare

The Government's putting $100 million into primary and intermediate maths in this year's Budget. It will be used for maths checks in the first two years of school, to identify the students struggling with the subject.  About $40 million will go towards tutoring at intermediate level. Upper Hutt Principals' Association President Robyn Brown told Ryan Bridge there's many children with diverse needs in our schools. She says children are going to be accessing additional support for numeracy and literacy, when they need more support for their learning needs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 13th of May 2025, Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming resigns suddenly, Former Cop Lance Burdett shares his thoughts.  Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown believes Auckland's the ticket to getting our country out of recession, Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges shares his thoughts.  The Government's announced $100 million of the 2025 budget will go to helping kids with maths over four years, Upper Hutt Principals Association President Robyn Brown tells Ryan Bridge whether or not it will work.  Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on hundreds of distressing claims of childcare abuse at one of Australia’s biggest childcare companies. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Party has dropped their social media ban for under-16s and it will instead be lead by Education Minister Erica Stanford. The Prime Minister announced social media restrictions will become a part of the Government’s work programme. Stanford will work across government to explore options for legislation and bring them to cabinet for consideration. Social media parenting expert Malinda Maclean talks to Ryan Bridge about the plans. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors put on a nail biting performance over the weekend, coming back from what was looking like a loss.   A 69th minute Luke Metcalf field goal proved decisive, as the Auckland team hung on for a 15-14 victory over the St George-Illawarra Dragons. It takes the Warriors to a 7-2 record for the season – cementing their top-four position.  Sports reporter Andrew Alderson talks to Ryan Bridge about the win, the New Zealand crickets fleeing India and Pakistan and Ryan Fox at the Myrtle Beach Classic in South Carolina. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Public funding for the Royal Household has tripled since 2012, with the rise largely driven by repairs and building work at Buckingham Palace.  The Sovereign Grant was introduced in 2012 at £31m per year. That has now risen to £132m, data from the House of Commons Library shows, and once inflation has been taken into account, that represents about a threefold increase. Royal aids say the funding will come down again.  UK Correspondent talks to Ryan Bridge about the rise and potential talks between Ukraine and Russia.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday the 12th of May 2025, The Government's promising to clamp down on boy racers, Police Association President Chris Cahill tells Ryan Bridge whether or not the legislation will work.  Erica Stanford will lead work on reducing social media harm for under-16s, social media parenting expert from B416, Malindi Maclean shares her thoughts.  Andrew Alderson has the latest from weekend sport.  Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey shares the latest on Putin offering face-to-face talks with Ukraine. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tougher penalties hope to put the brakes on boy racers and fleeing drivers. The Government's establishing a presumptive sentence of vehicle destruction for street racers, those who flee police, and intimidating convoys.  Police will also get greater powers to manage illegal vehicle gatherings by closing roads or public areas.  Police Association President Chris Cahill says told Ryan Bridge something needs to be done because the situation is out of control. He says these aren't just boy racers, they are deliberately antagonising Police, throwing bottles and ramming cars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The youth are out of control.  We'll crush the cars. We'll crush the smartphones.  Which all sounds nice this will... like most laws designed to make us feel like we're getting a handle on social problems, will all come down to enforcement. For all the time Judith Collins spent at the scrap metal yards for photo ops, was not quite the Crusher those photos ops made her out to be.  In the five years after they passed the law, three cars were crushed.  But that was a three-strike solution, Mark Mitchell, the destroyer, is moving us to a first strike programme... so you're one Gone in 60 Seconds Street race away from destruction or your car ending up on the Turner's auction site.  If you've tried to get some sleep in an area where they convoy in some Subaru at 3am in the morning, you'll know how annoying these so-called meet ups are.  It wastes so much police time. They're crashing into each other and hurting themselves. Ripping up the road.  So yeah, why not double down on the

Donald Trump's struck his first trade deal since last month's tariff announcement – an agreement with the UK.  The US will slash tariffs on British steel and aluminium, and most British cars.  But UK exporters will still face the same 10% base tariff also faced by New Zealand exporters.  On the flipside, the UK has agreed to remove the tariff on ethanol for US goods, and agreed to reciprocal markets for certain products, including beef.   UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Ryan Bridge that in particular is likely to be quite controversial, as the UK has higher standards when it comes to agricultural products than the US does.   He says it raises a question as to what that means for the farming industry in the UK.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Record income for NZ Rugby was not enough to save them from their third yearly deficit in a row.  Yesterday, NZR Chair David Kirk revealed a $19.5 million loss, despite the body bringing in a record $285 million.  Former CEO David Moffett told Ryan Bridge it’s symptomatic of rugby around the world.  He says professional rugby is living in quicksand – no matter where you look, it’s in real trouble.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's expected the government could find more savings by selling state owned assets.  The Government's scraped the bottom of the barrel to find more money for the upcoming Budget.  Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's promising an extra $400 million for maintaining and upgrading assets, on top of the already projected $3.6 billion.  New Zealand Initiative Executive Director Oliver Hartwich told Ryan Bridge they could go into a process of asset recycling.  He says selling some existing assets would give the government more room for new ones.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first ever American Pope's spoken in front of a crowd of tens-of-thousands of faithful at the Vatican.  69-year-old Robert Prevost will be known as Pope Leo the 14th.  It comes after white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel shortly after 6pm local time, following the fourth Conclave vote. Catholic journalist Mark O'Conner is at the Vatican and told Ryan Bridge while the new Pope was born in Chicago, he has experience around the world.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was the last day of school in Parliament yesterday.  It happens after MPs sit through urgency, they get restless, excitable, a bit crazy.  They were shouting, interrupting, it was a bit chaotic - even Gerry Brownlee finished question time saying this has not been our finest hour.  Opposition MPs, particularly women, were up in arms and incensed over the Pay Equity bill for the second day in a row. The question for National is whether this outrage in Parliament will translate to outrage at the ballot box.  33 claims cancelled and must start again. Sure, there's a new legal framework set up with high thresholds for pay equity claims. But Labour is doing it's darndest to create the impression there's not. That this is the end of the road for low-paid workers of the fairer sex.  Dutton was emasculated at the polls last Saturday in part because he wasn't well liked by women.  The red landslide swept his heartland, handed Albo the win, and cost him his unfortunately named seat of Di

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 9th of May 2025, A new Pope has been elected, Catholic Journalist Mark O'Connor shares the latest live from the Vatican.  The prime minister's announced an extra almost half billion dollars in capital spending in upcoming budget, New Zealand Initiative Executive Director Oliver Hartwich shares his thoughts.  Record income for New Zealand Rugby was not enough to save them from their third yearly deficit in a row, Former NZR Boss David Moffett tells Ryan Bridge why NZR isn't making enough money.  Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on a new trade deal between the US and the UK.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The unemployment rate has come out better than anticipated.  It remained unchanged at 5.1% in the three months ending March.   The number of people in full-time work fell by 45 thousand, while the number in part time work grew by 25 thousand.  Westpac Senior Economist Michael Gordon told Ryan Bridge that people are likely using reduced hours as an alternative to layoffs.  He says it’s likely one factor as to why the unemployment rate has risen, but not as high as some economists were forecasting.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts fighting organised crime say New Zealand must pick up its act to keep pace with trans-national criminals.   They've released their second report, criticising New Zealand's response to modern crime and money laundering.   It wants cash to be made a less attractive option for criminals and to ban crypto currency ATMs.   Drug Detection Agency Chief Executive Glenn Dobson told Ryan Bridge the criminals work quickly, and so must authorities.   He says New Zealand must get with the times to block criminal groups from using their profits.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transpower is looking to make a key investment into the Cook Strait electricity cable.  It's consulting on a $1.4 billion upgrade to the 610 kilometre link connecting the North and South Island. The existing cables are likely to reach their end of life in the late 2030s.  Major Electricity Users' Group Chairman John Harbord told Ryan Bridge the link's important when hydro-lakes in the South are low in water. He says the North Island's often moving forms of renewable electricity down to the South Island. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, after all the handwringing, the complaints, the stomping of feet, the Commerce Commission's shooting down talk of an investigation into domestic airfares. Greg Foran and Co. will see this as vindication - validation that, despite the headlines and Consumer NZ's claim the market is quote broken, the reality is their costs have gone up and, surprise surprise, it's expensive to run routes with high fixed costs to small places with few people.  So they conclude doing a market study —which is easy politics, it scratches the itch— won't actually achieve anything.  And they say it won't lead to consumers getting a better deal.  Refreshing honesty. Could the same refreshing honesty not have been applied to the claims about banking/supermarkets/petrol stations, etc, etc, etc? Like most things post-Covid, costs have gone sky high. Airport landing charges - up. Air traffic control - up. Security levies - up. And when you're a business, one owning to the tune of 51% remember, you recoup those costs by

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025 Thursday 8th of May, Glenn Dobson Drug Detection Agency CEO shares insight on a new Ministerial Advisory Report on organised crime.  Much to the surprise of economists The unemployment rate remained flat at 5.1% for the first three months of this year, Westpac Senior economist Michael Gordon shares his thoughts.  Transpower says they need to replace the electricity cable connecting the North and South Island at the tune of $1.4-billion, Major Electricity Users' Group Chair John Harbord explains how it will impact power bills.  Plus, US Correspondent Nick Harper has the latest on Joe Biden's first interview out of the White House.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.