Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

Swedish authorities have accused Iranian intelligence of hacking into a text messaging service last year.  In 2023, several individuals in Sweden set fire to the Quran in public, prompting outage. The events were followed by 15,000 people receiving text messages calling for “revenge against the Quran-burners".  SAPO, the country’s Security Service, says the texts were sent by the Iranian Intelligence Service, connected to the Revolutionary Guards.  Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge that although they think they know who’s behind the mass-text, authorities are unable to do anything about it as there’s no extradition treaty.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s relief from the bus drivers union as the Government announces new measures to improve workplace safety.   It includes new aggravating factors in sentencing for attacks on transport workers and a $15 million injection into safety precautions.   Tramways Union President Gary Froggatt told Ryan Bridge that it’s another weapon in the armoury defending against this type of crime.  He said it will make some passengers think again before assaulting a bus driver, however it’s not going to be a solution on its own, and the sooner things like safety screens can be installed, the better.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a suggestion facial recognition isn't the sole factor behind a drop in supermarket retail crime.   Foodstuffs North Island —which owns Pak'n'Save and New World— says early results from its six month trial show it prevented about 130 serious incidents.  It also reported around 4,700 incidents across all stores in April to June – an 8% drop quarterly.  First Retail Group managing director Chris Wilkinson told Ryan Bridge there are other elements too.  He says there's also a new Police Minister, a new letter of expectation with Police, and more determination around the sector, which have had a ripple effect.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel says it has killed a senior Hezbollah commander as fighting in Lebanon continues.   The Lebanese health ministry says strikes have killed around 500 people.   The Israeli Defence Force says its mission is to stop the Iranian-backed group from firing rockets into Israel's north and to push them back from the border.   International relations analyst Stephen Hoadley told Ryan Bridge he expects air and artillery attacks will continue, and hopefully Hezbollah's rocket attacks on Israel will stop.   He says that would cause a lull, but a repeat of the cycle of violence is possible in another year or two.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's time I reckon we started sending bills to those protesters for wasting police time and resources.  I watched yesterday with growing anger as a couple of Greenpeace people climbed on top of an awning on The Terrace in Wellington.  They were just one floor up, they stood there looking like numpties with their overalls and their helmets on.  Nothing wrong with protesting, but there were eight first responders on the scene, at least three police cars, a fire truck – they even had to use their cherry picket to get these guys off the roof.  The cars were at a standstill, and instead of solving crime a poor cop was marshalling traffic to allow the fire truck to position itself in place. What a waste of time.  Just hang your banner and piss off. Please don't waste any more of our time.  It's like those crazy ones that used to block the motorways in Wellington, remember that? Thank goodness they seem to have given up and gone away. Good riddance.  The motorway protesters made people late for their cancer appointm

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 25th of September, could facial recognition help reduce retail crime? Foodstuffs North Island’s trial of the technology has just ended, and they say it's helped. First Retail Groups Managing Director Chris Wilkinson speaks to Ryan about what this could mean for retailers.  Conflict is continuing to escalate between Israel and Hezbollah. International Relations expert Stephen Hoadley joins the show to talk about the reasons behind the conflict.  A new aggravating factor for offences against public transport works has been introduced, as well as new funding for security measures. Tramways Union President Gary Froggatt 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.

Australia's consumer watchdog has launched legal action against the Australian arm of Woolworths, and its main rival Coles.  The ACCC's accusing the supermarket giants of breaching consumer law by misleading consumers, raising prices by 15% at times before dropping the price as part of a promotion.  The watchdog claims the price of hundreds of products were affected.  Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge the ACCC is taking both retailers to federal court in separate cases and will be seeking significant penalties.   She said they’ll also be aiming to impose community service orders on both Woolworths and Coles, which means they’ll have to fund a registered charity to deliver meals to Australians in need.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A criminal defence lawyer says the Polkinghorne verdict isn't a surprise.   Eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne was found not guilty of the murder or manslaughter of his wife Pauline Hanna at their Remuera home in April 2021.   The verdict —given at the High Court in Auckland yesterday— followed 10 hours of deliberations over two days.   Criminal defence lawyer Roderick Mulgan told Ryan Bridge if there's doubt, there has to be an acquittal.   He says even though many people were suspicious, it's not enough. There's a high bar and it's difficult to convict people on circumstantial evidence.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwifruit exports are on the rise, with values now at their highest point ever.  Exports for the fruit were worth $3.1 billion in the year to August.  It's an increase of just over half a billion from 2023, with gold kiwifruit rising by 24%.  Green kiwifruit were up 9.9%.  Motueka grower Evan Heywood told Ryan Bridge the number of Ruby Red kiwifruit exported is also increasing.  He says it's early days, but the demand is there for a good future in the market.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington businesses could reap the benefits of calling public servants back to the office.  Public sector agencies are being told to enforce stricter Working From Home guidelines.  It's suggested the move could help Wellington's struggling economy, as well as boost productivity and collaboration.  Backbencher Pub owner Alistair Boyce told Ryan Bridge it will absolutely make a difference.  He says they've been missing key public sector clients.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a travel advisory for the city of Wellington: do not travel to New Zealand's capital. Environment considered dangerous.  Basic necessities like flat whites and pints are difficult to find.  The government-ordered a crackdown on civil servants is currently in action. A warning other civil servants may be hiding inside homes and not immediately visible on city streets.  Risk of political turmoil and unrest is extreme. Infrastructure is in a perilous state.  Access to fresh water is limited, burst water and sewerage pipes scattered across the city.  Check for faeces before swimming in the harbour, water’s freezing too. In case of an emergency - carparks are difficult to find.  There are cycleways aplenty, but treacherous weather and wind conditions make use incredibly difficult.  The city is in a state of utter chaos with little to no control by lord Mayor Tory Whanau.  Specific populations asked to avoid Sky Stadium include the All Blacks - they've lost six tests in a row at the venue, chance of further

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 24th of September, a jury has found Auckland eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne not guilty of murdering his wife, Pauline Hanna. Criminal Defence Lawyer Roderick Mulgan gives his analysis.  The Government wants public sector workers to stop working from home and return to the office. What has the impact of working from home had on central Wellington businesses? Backbenchers Pub Owner Alistair Boyce joins the show to explain.  Kiwifruit exports have reached a new record value, hitting $3.1 billion in the year ending August. Are growers seeing the returns? Motueka grower Evan Heywood 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.

Yes to a four year term please. Our politicians are too short sighted.  Think about infrastructure, think about productivity, think about immigration settings, basically take your pick at any long term problem in this country.  We need longer terms.  Yes, it will suck if it's not the party that you like in at the time that it's introduced, but it needs to happen for the better of the country, doesn't it?  The government's looking at this because it is in the coalition agreements with both Act and New Zealand First.  There's no strict timings in those coalition agreements, but on Friday, Luxon was talking to a Bloomberg Q and A and seemed to indicate that we might have a referendum on this at the next election.  It's a no brainer, we have big problems in short terms in this country.  The big question is who will get the first one? Will it be that lot, will it be your lot?  Those are the big questions, and also will it be a binding referendum? Which is what New Zealand first is pushing for.  I say just do it, g

The number of families living in emergency housing has reduced by 57%, according to new figures from the Ministry of Social Development and Housing and Urban Development.  Community Housing Aotearoa Chief Executive Paul Gilberd tells Ryan Bridge getting children out of motels is fantastic.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The far right could be on the brink of it's first election victory in Germany. Brandenburg, close to Berlin, has been governed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) ever since German reunification. But two million voters are heading to the polls today for a tightly fought regional election that Alternativ für Deutschland (AfD) stands a chance of winning. Plus, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has accepted tens of thousands of British pounds in gifts, hospitality and tickets to events since becoming Labour leader. This includes nearly £66,000 over the last year for accommodation, clothes and "multiple pairs of glasses". UK & Europe correspondent Gavin Grey tells Ryan Bridge the PM has now said his top team won't accept any more clothing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ZB Sports Andrew Alderson joins Ryan Bridge to wrap the weekend in sport.  Lando Norris eased to a Singapore F1 Grand Prix win despite twice hitting a wall.  The win lets Norris eat further into Max Verstappen’s lead in the overall championship.  Plus, the Black Caps chances of a test cricket win over Sri Lanka remain alive heading into the final day.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research has revealed New Zealand lawyers and law students are the unhappiest professionals globally.   Compared to international lawyers, those in New Zealand revealed higher levels of depression, anxiety, stress and psychological distress.  Law Association Vice President Julie-Anne Kincade KC tells Ryan Bridge lawyers are needed in high stress moments and deal with a lot of pressure.  Kincade questions the small sample size of the survey with just 800 of NZ’s 10,000 included.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday the 23rd of September. The government says there has been a 57% reduction of families living in emergency housing motels since December, so what are community housing providers seeing on the ground? Community Housing Aotearoa Chief Executive Paul Gilberd joins the show.  A new study has sound New Zealand's lawyers and law students are the unhappiest in the world. Law Association Vice President Julie-Anna Kincade speaks to Ryan.  McLaren have extended their lead in the F1 constructors championship with a win from Lando Norris. 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.

A former department store owner is said to have raped and sexually assaulted a string of women who worked for the chain.  More than 20 women have claimed they were sexually assaulted by former Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed, five of whom have said they were raped.  The women say the assaults were carried out at the company’s offices, in Al-Fayed’s apartment in London, or on trips overseas.   UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge that Harrods not only failed to intervene, but also helped cover up abuse allegations when Al-Fayed was in charge.  The department store’s current owners say they’re “utterly appalled” by the allegations, and the store sincerely apologises.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks are coming up to a big test this weekend, facing off against Australia in the first match of the Bledisloe Cup.   It’s been almost two weeks since their back-to-back losses against South Africa, so what went wrong and do they have the time to fix it?  Former All Blacks captain Ian Fitzpatrick told Ryan Bridge that if the All Blacks can start like they did against the Springboks in Johannesburg, then they’ve got a good chance.  He said you can say what you like about the previous games, but this is a different beast altogether.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.