Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

Democracy is a delicate and fragile thing, and yesterday's protest was a good example of it working.  People oppose something, they protest peacefully, respectfully, they present a petition, they go home.  The bill, by the way, that they don't like, well, it's not becoming law.  You don't have to look far this morning for examples of things going tits up in a big way, and quickly.  We've basically farewelled freedom in Hong Kong, 45 activists sentenced to long-term prison sentences overnight, kids in the West Bank being killed. You've got a tyrant in Putin lowering the bar for the use of nuclear weapons, plus you've got US made long range missiles firing on Russia. But here, we have a functioning democracy.  Now the hīkoi is over, Rawiri Waititi wants to go further. He wants a separate Māori parliament. He wants two systems. He references on his website the Irish, Welsh, and Scottish systems. The latter of which controls its own justice, education, tax systems. How would that work her

Freight carriers agree upcoming State Highway 1 repairs are necessary.  The Desert Road in the Central North Island is shutting to traffic between Tūrangi and Waiouru from January 6 until the end of February.  NZTA says the detour will add half an hour and an extra 50km to people’s journey.  National Road Carriers Policy & Advocacy manager, James Smith, says the entire network has maintenance that needs to happen.  He says they've known about it since August, and the road will end up with a much better finish.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many European countries are accusing Russia of sabotage after the cutting of two communication cables under the Baltic Sea.   One of the cables links Finland and Germany, while the other connects Sweden to Lithuania.   It comes as Ukraine's fired its first set of US-made long range missiles into Russia.   While Russia shot down five of them, the shrapnel from a sixth caused a fire at a military facility in the Bryansk region.  Europe correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge other moves inside Russia are increasing concern in Europe.   He says Russia has changed its rules around when it can use a nuclear weapon.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are calls for Parliament's Speaker to dish out harsher punishments for things like Te Pati Māori's haka in the House.   Speaker Gerry Brownlee's confirmed he's received complaints.   David Seymour and Shane Jones have both asked him to consider changes.   Former Speaker Sir Lockwood Smith told Ryan Bridge that in recent years, in consultation with the Speaker, iwi present at Treaty Settlements have been able to perform a haka or waiata.   He says there's no reason that can't happen, but it can't just be dumped on the House.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine has fired its first set of US-supplied long range missile at a target inside Russian territory, just a day after the US granted permission for their use.   Russia's defence ministry says five missiles were shot down and another was damaged, with its fragments causing a fire at a military facility in the Bryansk region.  Russia security expert Dmitry Gorenburg says he's not expecting a massive response from Russia.   He told Ryan Bridge they will play the waiting game.   Gorenburg says they're waiting for Donald Trump to take over from Joe Biden to get more concessions.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 20th of November, there are calls in Parliament for harsher penalties for MPs following last week's viral haka. Former Speaker of the House Sir Lockwood Smith speaks to Ryan about the subject.  Ukraine has used US made weapons to strike inside Russian territory on the 1000th day of the war. Russian Security Expert Dmitry Gorenburg joins the show to discuss.  A new report has found concrete roads last longer than tar sealed ones and require less maintenance. James Smith from the National Road Carriers Union has the details.  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 Government's appointed a scam-busting minister to coordinate combatting con-artists.   Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly has been named as the minister in charge of coordinating anti-scam efforts.  New Zealand's latest State of Scams report shows more than $2.3 billion was lost this year, up from $2.1 billion last year.  He told Ryan Bridge that there’s six ministries that deal with scams, and a lot of good work is done both within the government and also within the industry, but it’s not coordinated as well as it could be.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flags are already waving and music playing at Parliament ahead of the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti arriving there later today.   Hīkoi participants are gathering at Waitangi Park in Wellington City, from which they’ll move along the Golden Mile to Parliament, bringing widespread traffic disruption.  Alistair Boyce, who runs the Backbencher pub across from Parliament, told Ryan Bridge that Police checkpoints were already in place when he arrived for work at around 5:30am.  He says that the Hīkoi should be an economic boon for the city.  What Mayor Tory Whanau needs to do, Boyce says, is stop thinking about attending the protest and instead think about catering for the protest – keeping businesses functioning and the streets open.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New crime figures are a mixed bag for retailers.  Data released by the Police Minister shows a 61% drop in ram raids in the first nine months of the year, compared to the same period in 2023.  But thefts at retail premises are up 12%, and there's been no change in breaking and entering or acts intended to cause injury.  Dairy and Business Owner's Group Vice Chairperson, Ash Parmar told Ryan Bridge the ram-raid reductions are good news, as they brought a high human cost.  He says it was too easy for too long, but a lot of the youths responsible are being picked up by Police more often now.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you know what really grinds my gears when I go to the gym?  What I've noticed is, you know when you watch tennis, and you hear them grunt when they're playing? That is happening at the gym.  I don't know if it's just my gym. I don't know if this is also happening at your gym.  But can we please stop the grunting?  Is there a legitimate physiological reason for you to do that? I don't think there is, I've never felt the urge to grunt.  Are you dying? Why are you doing this?  It's off putting, it's inappropriate, and it's inconsiderate.  Have a thought for those people who are trying to work out around you and shut your mouth.  I mean, obviously breathe, that's quite important, but other than that, just shut up.  It's very off putting, very annoying.  It sounds like that barbell is getting more than a deadlift.  Sometimes I listen to it, and I think, oh my goodness, is there going to be a climax at some point?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 19th of November, it's a big day in the capital with the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti arriving at Parliament. What does it mean for local businesses? Backbencher Pub Owner Alistair Boyce speaks to Ryan.  Andrew Bayly is now the minister in charge of curbing scams in New Zealand. $200 million was taken from Kiwis by scammers in the past year, so what is the Government doing to reduce the impact of scams?  New police crime numbers are out and are showing a clear reduction in violent crime, but what are our dairy owners seeing? Vice Chairperson from the Dairy and Business Owners Group Ash Parmar joins the show.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By the end of those 8 shortened two-minute rounds in the ring with Mike Tyson, I just felt bad for the 58 year old.  What on earth was he doing there in the first place.  Sure, he wants a chance to get back in the right and have a crack at 27-year-old YouTube kid.  But the real motivation must have surely been US $20-million.  That's the amount he was reportedly paid by Netflix.  Jake Paul reportedly got $40-million.  Gate ticket sales at AT&T Stadium brought in close to US $18-million and 70,000 fans.  And Netflix? Well they won the fight with 65-million viewers at peak.  It's part of a new strategy to host live sport events lure subscribers - including  those paying less but getting fed ads on the platform.  That ad-supported platform now accounts for 50% of its new sign ups. It's grown to 70-million new users in just two years.  These big tech Silicon Valley giant media companies like YouTube and Chinese Tiktok and every other app under the sun tha

Health New Zealand spent $85 million more on contractors and consultants in this financial year, compared to last.  The health agency is putting the increase down to a global shortage of health workers. Health Minister Shane Reti says contract hires are needed to fill full-time workforce gaps.  Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, Sarah Dalton tells Ryan Bridge the 2023 Workforce Plan identified 1700 doctors missing from the system.  “This health system continues to rely too heavily on locums to run hospitals. It means staffing remains fragile, and it means it’s really expensive.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Poland scrambled its air force due to the “massive” Russian attack on Ukraine.   UK & Europe correspondent Gavin Grey tells Ryan Bridge strike missile and drone attacks from Russia into Ukraine overnight killed 10 people. The attack was the largest coordinated assault since early September, with 120 missiles and 90 drones launched.  European leaders have condemned the attacks. As Ukraine’s neighbour, Poland flew fighter jets in its own airspace with Russian drones flying just 20 kilometres from the border.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks suffered their third straight loss to France, as fatigue and officials took hold in the second half.  The first half started with momentum and confidence, but several baffling referee decisions and a tiring squad kept an unbeaten northern tour out of reach. The boys fell one point short at full time.  Meanwhile, the Black Caps played Sri Lanka in the ODI series.  ZB Sport’s Adam Cooper joins Ryan Bridge for the weekend’s rundown.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The APEC Summit has wrapped up in Peru.  Leaders from 21 economies bordering the Pacific met for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum to discuss strategies of the region’s major economies.  Prime Minister Chris Luxon met with several world leaders for the first time at the summit.  New Zealand secured trade deals with Costa Rica, Switzerland and Iceland during the summit, removing tariffs on wood and wool products.  Otago University international relations expert Robert Patman tells Ryan Bridge eyes were on China’s role in the Pacific. Though opinions diverged, Luxon’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping went well – evidenced by Luxon’s invitation to China.  “China gave us a free trade agreement and it’s important to consolidate that relationship at a time when the new Trump administration seems poised to impose blanket tariffs on its trading partners," says Patman. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday the 18th of November. Health New Zealand has spent $85 million extra in the past financial year on contractors and consultants sue to workforce shortages. What do we need to do to attract more people to work in our healthcare sector? Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Executive Director Sarah Dalton speaks to Ryan.  APEC has wrapped up in Peru, and our relationship with China was a big talking point for the Prime Minister as he met with Chinas President. Robert Patman breaks down this years summit.  The All Blacks loose by one point against France and the Black Caps are taking on Sri Lanka. Adam Cooper has the latest sports news.  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 Government is exploring a potential game-changer for securing future energy supply.  Up to $60 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund has been ring-fenced for exploring supercritical geothermal technology.  The first $5 million will be used for work in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, to help understand if it's a possibility.  Geothermal wells are drilled to a maximum depth of 3.5 kilometres, but scientists believe by drilling deeper, more energy will be available.  GNS Science lead Dr Isabelle Chambeforte told Ryan Bridge that temperatures reach around 330 degrees maximum in the normal geothermal systems, but by drilling a few kilometres deeper, they’ll be able to access temperatures of around 450 degrees.   She says those temperatures offer a lot more energy per well.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paris authorities are taking no chances with this morning's French football international against Israel at Stade de France.  The game comes just days after violence between pro-Israel and pro-Palestine football fans in Amsterdam.  About 4,000 police and 1,600 private security guards will be on patrol, with an elite anti-terror unit providing security detail for the Israeli squad.  But correspondent Vincent McAviney told Ryan Bridge the stadium itself will be mostly empty, with the Israeli Government advising its citizens not to attend.  He says after that guidance, no more than a hundred visiting Israeli fans are expected to turn up, but some local Israelis may attend.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson told Ryan Bridge that David Seymour has to realise this was never going to a civil debate due to the emotions involved.  “The debate takes place against the backdrop of what I perceive to be hostile acts towards tangata whenua over the last year in terms of names and treaty principles… it’s a culmination of a number of things.”  He said he might not have gone into government with the bill on the table if he was still in office.  Finlayson said he was “appalled” by the behaviour in Parliament from all sides.  “You don’t act that way in Parliament”.  The former National MP also believes the party has moved away from its “conservative values”.  Finlayson said he has had Māori approach him in public confused about who to vote for now as National no longer represents their values.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.