Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

Auckland FC have officially claimed the Premier's Plate after Melbourne City drew with Adelaide United.  The Auckland team beat Perth Glory 1-0 at home yesterday.  Newstalk ZB sports editor Elliott Smith joins the show for a weekend sports wrap.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's planning to build thousands of EV chargers by 2030.  Using a concessionary loan scheme to do it, the Government will use a private-public funding model to build the charging model.  Currently New Zealand has about 1400 EV charging stations.  Chair of Drive Electric Kirsten Corson tells Ryan Bridge she isn't sure their plan will work.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discussions around the next Pope are heating up. Eighty-eight year old Pope Francis has been laid to rest after a funeral in front of St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican on Saturday night. One hundred and 35 cardinals will soon be locked in the Sistine Chapel to vote on his successor in secret - the candidates must be aged under 80. Newstalk ZB's Jo McKenna, who's at St Peters' Square, told Ryan Bridge she's been told the Italians want to see a European Pope. She says her source has told her they didn't like that an outsider from Argentina had come in and shaken things up, as they see it as a family business. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition Full Show Podcast for Monday 28 April 2025, Rome Correspondent Jo McKenna talks Ryan Bridge through what to expect as the Vatican prepares to elect a new Pope.  The government is making moves to try and boost the number of public EV chargers - but Drive Electric's Kirstin Corson explains why she doesn't think the plan is a silver bullet.  ZB Sport's Elliott Smith talks Auckland FC's remarkable debut season as it takes out the A-League's Premier Plate.  Ryan asks whether the government should simply ditch one of its flagship policies.   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.

There was a  priest on the news last night talking about homeless people the cost of buying a house in New Zealand.  This priest, who was all dressed up in his garb, then mentioned the fact there were marina berths down at the waterfront bursting at the seams with super yachts.  I thought that was such an odd thing to say.  I know the church's role is to help the poor. And they do that and I've seen them do that. And that's fantastic.  But to then also blame the wealthy for not helping the poor - is that helping? Or is that politics?  The church and state have been clashing of late.  We saw all those quote 'faith leaders' come out during the Treaty Principles Bill bill debate and give David Seymour a bollocking.  What exactly is the end game here? Are they, like the good bishop Brian Tamaki, keen on getting into parliament themselves?  The Salvation Army does a report every year looking at the wealth of billionaires. There's a lot of finger pointing and tisk-t

New Zealand workers seem to be embracing Gen AI in the workplace.  New research from Robert Half finds 91% of workers are using AI tools to help with their day to day tasks.  93% of workers say they’re transparent about their use with their managers and employers.   Tech Commentator Oskar Howell told Francesca Rudkin it’s becoming a real staple of a lot of desk jobs, as it allows people to become more efficient.  Although, he says there may be such a focus on upskilling in the area as people are concerned their job may be taken over by AI in the future.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It comes as no surprise to some the Government got the number of families eligible for the full FamilyBoost payment wrong.  New data shows 249 families have received the maximum payment of $975 dollars a quarter since the scheme came into effect last year.   Finance Minister Nicola Willis says IRD got the modelling wrong, as 21,000 families were thought to be eligible.  Early Childhood NZ chief executive Kathy Wolfe told Francesca Rudkin the sector always knew the scheme was flawed.  She says it doesn't reach the families it should, and there are a lot of hoops those eligible have to jump through to get access.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes being the grown up in the room is deeply unfulfilling, pragmatic, sensible. Considering consequences, taking a long-term view, they're all good, admirable words, and we should take some solace in them. But sometimes I think we'd rather just throw a plate at the wall. And so, it is. Was the government's response yesterday to the Trump tariffs essentially to roll over and take it understandable? Sure. Sensible. Yep, frustrating. Very. The government confirmed we're not in the queue to negotiate a trade deal with President Trump's administration, nor are we interested in taking legal action over it, and the tariff hit will come after exporters had an excellent March. It's a shame the party music has hit a bum-note, we want the growth. We want good export news, but without the dark tariff cloud lingering in the distance. As Trade Minister Todd McClay said yesterday, we probably couldn't negotiate between below the current 10% rate and the legal process would be long winded and would probably go now

On the Early Edition Full Show Podcast for Thursday 24 April 2025, Early Childhood CEO Kathy Wolfe joins Francesca Rudkin to discuss concern the sector reform could put business over children.  Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Scott Simpson explains new protections that require banks to reimburse fraud victims up to $500,000. Increasing numbers of people are openly using AI at work. Tech commentator Oskar Howell considers the changing attitudes towards AI. And, US correspondent Mitch McCann shares details on how the stock market is reacting to tensions with China. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 24/7 reporting channel is just one of the new anti-scamming measures banks are implementing. The suite of consumer protections will be rolled out this year. Banks will also now reimburse victims up to $500,000 if they fail to adequately warn and protect consumers. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson tells Francesca Rudkin telco companies and digital platforms should follow suit. He says other players in the scam ecosystem need to step up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon and Sir Keir Starmer have reaffirmed the close ties between New Zealand and the UK.  Luxon says the relationship between the two countries is strong, and he'd like to deepen ties around defence and security.  The pair discussed their support for Ukraine, with Starmer announcing a multi-million dollar deal to buy Kiwi-made drones.  Geopolitical Analyst Geoffrey Miller told Francesca Rudkin Ukraine is front and centre of the agenda at the moment, but it’s not the only thing on it, with trade being another focus.   However, he says Luxon will need to be careful about what he says about defence, as China will be watching.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the first locally listed companies is seeing the impact of Trump’s tariffs.  Tourism Holdings Limited has seen a dramatic slowdown in bookings by its US division and is anticipating a “significantly” lower net profit than previously expected.   Its share price fell more than 10% after announcing it was downgrading its earnings outlook.  CEO Grant Webster told Francesca Rudkin in recent weeks, the booking intakes for the rentals division into the US are down 40-50%.  However, he says people are simply choosing to travel elsewhere, and their other markets are actually up.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s new bill is finding support from a women’s sport advocacy group.  The new bill wants to codify sex-based language, defining a woman as an “adult human biological female” and a man as an “adult human biological male”.   It comes as Britain’s Highest Court ruled that only biological women —not trans women— meet a definition of a woman under equity laws.  Save Women’s Sport Australasia NZ Spokeswoman Ro Edge told Francesca Rudkin the bill is a protection for the sex-based rights of women.   She says all it does is reinforce the urgent need for the likes of Sport New Zealand to prioritise and protect safety and fairness for biological women.  Edge says they play sports with their bodies, not their identities.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some of the world's most influential people will be making their way to Rome to farewell the late Pope Francis.  The Head of the Catholic Church died aged 88 on Easter Monday - following a stroke and heart failure.   Pope Francis' funeral will take place outside St Peter's Basilica on Saturday evening - and he'll be laid to rest in Rome's Basilica of St Mary Major.   Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Francesca Rudkin world leaders have begun confirming their attendance.  He says Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, Sir Keir Starmer, the Argentinean President and Prince William on behalf of the King are among those going. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 23 April 2025, geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller discusses the overnight meeting between Prime Minister Luxon and his British counterpart Sir Keir Starmer.  NZ spokesperson for Save Women's Sport Australasia, Ro Edge explains a new members bill that aims to legally define men and women.   And, Tourism Holdings Limited has seen a dramatic slowdown in bookings to the US. Chief Executive Grant Webster considers the effect of the US tariff regime on the locally listed company.  Francesca Rudkin asks us to take responsibility for our own relationships with technology.  Plus, Pope Francis' funeral will take place at the Vatican on Saturday morning - UK correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest.  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 has been a clever marketing campaign from 2degrees this week.   The telco has released the results of a study it commissioned into the impact mobile phones are having on our mental health.   It’s not good.   While most telco’s like to concentrate on keeping us connected, 2 Degrees has taken a slightly different approach with this one, acknowledging the elephant in the room by talking honestly and openly about the damage phones can do.   It’s almost like they care.   Which is quite refreshing.   I probably sound a bit sceptical, but I’m less fussed about a smart approach to promote a brand than the more important point that it’s absolutely crazy we’re letting our phones negatively impact our lives.   It simply doesn’t need to be this way.    One of the things the survey looked at was the role notifications play in adults' daily lives.   What they discovered was 50% of Kiwis receive too many notifications.  37% feel overwhelmed, panicked, or anxious.&

The Easter weekend hosted a fair bit of sport, and Elliott Smith joined Francesca Rudkin to delve into the wins, losses, and major players. They discussed the Warriors' win over the Broncos, the Super Rugby results, and the latest out of Formula 1. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Costco is assessing its options for a potential expansion.  The US big box retail chain has seen a sharp rise in membership and revenue since opening in Auckland's Westgate in September 2022.  It launched home delivery to members and non-members across Auckland last week, and is working on expanding to new regions.  Grocery Policy Expert Ernie Newman told Francesca Rudkin that he’s not all that convinced this expansion will pan out.  He says Costco is successful in the North American market as people are able to access it within a relatively short drive, but New Zealand is much more fragmented.  Newman says that New Zealand supermarkets go to where the consumers are, but Costco expects the consumers to travel long distances to get to them.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition Full Show Podcast Tuesday 22nd of April 2025, Italy Correspondent Jo McKenna has the latest on the death of Pope Francis. Costco is looking to expand to outside of Auckland, Grocery Policy expert Ernie Newman tells Francesca Rudkin what this could mean for the grocery sector. Elliot Smith has the latest on weekend sport. Plus, Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's response to the Pope's death. 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.

Heavily choreographed proceedings are now in motion, following the death of the Pope.  The leader of the Catholic Church has died overnight at the age of 88 following a battle with double pneumonia.  Later this week, the Pope will lie in state in St Peters Basilica for several days for the public to pay their respects.  Italy Correspondent Jo McKenna is at St Peters' Square, and told Francesca Rudkin another ritual will be held in the coming hours, inside his apartment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.