Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

There's optimism newly introduced visa-free travel for Chinese and Pacific tourists will prove successful long-term.  The trial allows visitors to enter New Zealand for up to three months on a valid Australian visa.  The Government says arrivals have almost tripled since December, reaching 36,800 visits.  Immigration Minister Erica Stanford told Ryan Bridge the scheme will be reviewed around the 12-month mark to assess its success and any risks.  She says there's little to no risk, as we're essentially piggybacking off Australia's robust system.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Auckland City Counsellor says the Government's plans for the CBD won't be clear for a while.  It's reducing the proposed homes allowed in the Supercity from 2 million to 1.6 million.  The revision to new density rules will focus more on builds in the central city and around key transit hubs, than in suburban areas.  Franklin Ward Councillor Andy Baker told Ryan Bridge he doesn't think it'll please everybody and isn't the silver bullet some people have been asking for.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's been arrested and is in custody over alleged misconduct in public office, Royal Commentator Richard Fitzwilliams tells Ryan about the impact this will have on the Royal family's reputation.  The Government's down a u-turn on housing intensification in Auckland, Franklin Ward Councillor Andy Baker shares his thoughts.  Immigration Minister Erica Standford tells Ryan the latest on the success of visa-free travel for chinese and pacific island tourists.  Plus, UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest from Buckingham Palace on former Prince Andrew's arrest.  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.

I was driving through a street just out of Auckland’s CBD yesterday and saw all these apartments for sale. New buildings. Many looked empty. Loads of 'for sale' signs.  Why don't people want to buy them? Is it the price?  Some older 70s brick and tile types close the city are apparently selling in the $400 thousands. Newer ones seem to run more, depending on location. Wellington has a few steals at the moment. But again, not many interested buyers. Is it the economy? Is it the annoying body corporate fees? Is it the leaky building memories? The fact you can’t swing a cat in most of the living rooms? Having to see your neighbours in the lift? Are they poorly designed and made? Perhaps they overheat in summer?  Or is it just that we still want a stand-alone house with a backyard?  We just hate apartments? The Government yesterday just announced a 23% reduction in new homes for Auckland as part of changes, but we are still getting 1.6m new homes. And many of them will be apartments.  My

An economist is pointing out a potential problem with the Reserve Bank’s economic forecast.  The Monetary Policy Committee, chaired by Anna Breman, has decided to keep the OCR unchanged at 2.25% for now.  It says while inflation is above the target band, the economy still needs some time to recover.  Cameron Bagrie told Ryan Bridge that the problem with the Reserve Bank’s forecast is the assumed uptick in productivity growth.  He says they’re assuming the supply side capacity, via productivity growth, will improve, which will keep inflation lower, but if we can’t get supply side capacity up, inflation will prove to be a lot stickier.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two new blood cancer medications could soon be available to patients as pills, with one accessible through private clinics.  Pharmac will consider funding treatments for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, which could be available from May 1st.  They can be taken in pill form and take away the need for chemotherapy.  Blood Cancer NZ CEO Tim Edmonds told Ryan Bridge the medications take a targeted approach to first-line treatment, which means they’ll be able to access targeted therapy instead of chemotherapy once diagnosed.  He says instead of visiting the hospital up to 20 times in six months, they can take an oral tablet every day from home and actually get better outcomes.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions around why action wasn't taken sooner following a fatal dog attack in Northland.  62-year-old Mihiata Te Rore was killed by three dogs on Tuesday as she visited a home in Kaihu, north of Dargaville. Local MP Shane Jones says jail terms should be considered for owners of what he labels 'homicidal dogs'. Animal behaviour expert Mark Vette told Ryan Bridge animal management were aware of the dogs, so it's a shame they didn't step in earlier.  He says this clearly shows something was wrong, and that they were aware of the high-risk situation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So the OCR decision was largely as expected yesterday, but what the Reserve Bank made very clear is where they think growth will come from. As we’ve spoken about on the show lately, house prices aren’t running away here like in Australia, bar Queenstown. In previous recoveries, the wealth effect kicks in and people go shopping when their house prices go up. But this time the bank says prices will stay flat, then pick up again later this year, but only at the rate of income growth.  In other words, the opposite of what we’re used over the past few decades.  Usually, as anyone who’s tried to buy a house will know, the price of a three-beddy in Auckland grows quicker than your salary. That’s all changed now because we have more supply, at least according to the bank. So without the tickle up, where does economic growth come from? Anna Breman answered that question specifically yesterday and was pretty clear: agricultural exports, tourism, and more recently, some signs that manufacturing is picking

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 19th of Feburary 2025, RBNZ Governor Anna Breman held the OCR at 2.25%, Independent Economist Cameron Bagrie shares his thoughts.  Pharmac is moving closer to backing two new drugs for people living with chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Blood Cancer NZ CEO Tim Edmonds tells Ryan why funding for the drugs is important. Shane Jones has called for jail sentences for owners of roaming animals, Dog zen owner and pet behaviour expert Mark Vette shares his thoughts.  Plus, US Correspondent has the latest on peace talks in Geneva between Russia and Ukraine and Mark Zuckerberg appearing in court for a landmark trial on youth social media addiction. 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.

Praise for the Infrastructure Commission's 30 year plan.   It lays out 16 recommendations for the next three decades, including prioritising hospital investment and better managing assets through maintenance.   Civil Contractors New Zealand says the plan recognises the role that infrastructure plays in people's quality of life.   Chief Executive Allan Pollard told Ryan Bridge it’s a good, open, honest assessment of the challenges faced in New Zealand’s infrastructure programme.   He says it reflects a lot of the things they’ve been advocating for – including the need for a clear, consistent pipeline of work, rebuilding capacity and capability, and a long-term vision.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some reassurance a jump in bread prices isn't major as food price inflation rises sharply.  Latest Stats NZ data shows the rate's risen from 4% a month ago to 4.6%.  In the past year, the very cheapest loaf of white bread has gone up by almost 60%, and steak and chocolate more than 20%.  Baking Industry Association President Bernie Sugrue told Ryan Bridge most loaves of bread haven't had price rises as much as this, despite increased costs for bakeries.  He says 60% doesn't represent a lift in all bread prices, just that one particular loaf.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 18 February. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We'll learn today where the new Reserve Bank Governor sees the OCR heading. The central bank's expected to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 2.25%. Governor Anna Breman will be releasing her first Monetary Policy Statement since taking charge 11 weeks ago. It's likely to show when inflation should start easing, and when the economy should recover from last year's downturn. Economists expect the OCR will rise again late this year and early next year. Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold shares his thoughts with Ryan.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The answer depends on whether you can afford it. Congestion charging is coming and that'll add to the cost if you need to drive for work.  This is only a proposal, based on the original toll, inflation-adjusted, almost 70 years ago.  The suggestion, nothing's hard and fast, comes from an Infrastructure Commission report.  We know there'll be a toll to cross the new bridge, or tunnel, whichever gets built - the Government already told us that.  What we know now is that the both the old and the new crossing will be tolled. So, there's no avoiding it. If you can avoid it, they don't collect the revenue they need to pay for the new one.  Why $9? They reckon it's the sweet spot that will get enough people using it to make enough to pay for the new build, without scaring everybody off and, again, leaving it short on revenue.  So basically, driving a car over the bridge becomes a luxury item. You'll either need to be a bit rich or as happens overseas, your employer will pay for your car

A bittersweet result for Contact Energy’s shareholders.   The energy company released their half-year results yesterday, recording a 44% rise in net profit.   But it's now in a trading halt while it starts raising capital for more renewable energy projects.  Shareholders Association CEO Oliver Mander told Ryan Bridge Contact is unlikely to be the last to announce a capital raise – with more likely coming up later in the year.  He says it’s important for current shareholders to make an active decision going forward, as there’s no value gained by simply doing nothing.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The business events sector's working to bump up our international multi-day conferences, which are currently lagging behind domestic bookings.  A Business Events Industry Aotearoa report shows events contributed $925 million to the economy last year.   Multi-day conferences generated approximately 1.5-million visitor nights for accommodation, nationwide.  BusinessNZ Advocacy Director Catherine Beard told Ryan Bridge if you want to attract events you have to have good venues that are big enough to take big conferences – like the new International Conference Centre in Auckland.  She says it’s a bit like stadium shows for major music acts – if you don’t have the events and can’t draw the crowds, you’re going to miss out.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, The government’s ordered an independent review over what happened at Wellington Water’s Moa Point, Mayor Andrew Little tells Ryan what he hopes will come out of it. A new report shows business conferences contributed nearly $1 billion to the kiwi economy last year, Business NZ Advocacy Director Catherine Beard shares her thoughts.  Contact Energy posted a half year net profit increase of 44% to $205 million, Shareholders Association CEO Oliver Mander provides analysis.  Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on the alleged Bondi terror gunman’s first court appearance and a major supermarket chain accused of misleading customers, faces court action. 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.

Wellington Mayor Andrew Little says everyone is now in the hands of central Government, as an inquiry is announced into the catastrophic failure at the Moa Point Water Treatment Plant. A Crown Review team's being appointed to look into the failure of Wellington's wastewater facility. Little was met with clear frustration from locals at a lack of clear answers at a public meeting on the issue in Kilbirnie last night. He told Ryan Bridge people need the chance to express their anger, but says the review is now a matter for ministers. He says they need to figure out what happened as a matter of public confidence. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's like a hungry child screaming for more food, even though you've just fed them dinner and pudding.  Across the Tasman, Jim Chalmers, the Aussie Treasurer is facing high debt and deficit. They've managed to achieve the highest level of spending to GDP of any Government in 40 years, outside the pandemic. Sound familiar?  To deal with this, the IMF has just told them they should cut their cloth.  They've also suggested the Federal Government may need to bail out some states who are also weighed down by the Double Ds of post-Covid governance - debt and deficit.  Let's not forget this is the lucky country. The one that's been firing on cylinders we don't even have. The Flying Aussie Roos, it turns out, haven't quite been putting away for a rainy day despite making hay while the sun shines.  So, what do they do? There's a report out from The Australian this morning that they're considering taxing more.  Remember they already have a capital gains tax, the thing we don't have but Lab

Hopes new events settings coming to Eden Park stadium will bring more foot traffic through Auckland's city-centre. The stadium will be allowed to host up to 12 large and 20 medium-sized concerts a year under the changes - without the need for resource consent.  This will bring the total of concerts allowed up from the current 12. Night-time sport will also be allowed on any day, as long as the games finish by 10.30pm. Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck told Ryan Bridge she thinks back to the Metallica concert last year - and the buzz that it brought to the city.   She says fans stayed around for days - and were queuing round the block for merchandise. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.