Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

It's believed businesses will hold off on hiking prices for as long as possible as rising fuel prices risk pushing inflation up. Reserve Bank Governor Anna Breman says fuel prices are likely to lead to higher inflation and weaker growth over the coming months. She says it's too early to say how much that will push up inflation across the board, or whether the Official Cash Rate will need to be hiked earlier than expected. BusinessNZ Advocacy Director Catherine Beard told Ryan Bridge there was discussion with suppliers to make any price increases as a result of fuel transparent, so they won't get baked in. She says businesses are preparing for the worst, but things at the moment aren't too bad. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Disbelief in Hawke's Bay as another major food producer prepares to cut back. McCain's confirmed it plans close its Hastings vegetable processing plant early next year. The move follows Heinz Wattie's plans to shut its Hastings packing site, along with factories in Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin. Central Hawke's Bay Mayor Will Foley told Ryan Bridge locals thought they were better off than regions like Canterbury, and they thought McCain was still going strong. He says this has come as a complete shock, and farmers will be digesting what this will mean for them over the next year. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are concerns over the Government's fuel relief package missing benefit-dependent households. It's unveiled a temporary $50 weekly tax credit for about 143 thousand eligible working families with children as the Iran war sends fuel costs rocketing. Another 14 thousand families will get support at a lower rate. Green Party Social Development Spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March told Ryan Bridge beneficiaries are often having to drive and some have kids. He says it's people who are already struggling to make ends meet. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 25 March. 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.

That's the real question we should be asking ourselves this morning. Remember, the Government's running a deficit. A structural one. They spend more than they earn in taxes. The up to $400 million in yesterday's package comes from the operating allowance. New money. The Government claims this is like a cheque account, but that's disputed. The Taxpayer's Union says given the fact the books are in the red, new spending is basically funded by borrowing. Therefore, it's more like a credit card than a cheque account. We do have a Budget in May where cuts will come. But remember the forecasts for their tax break are also dependent on forecasts for growth, and growth is being hit by oil, too. That means they won't earn as much as they thought they would. Add to that the fact borrowing costs are roughly 20% higher than they thought they would be back in December, and the spending starts to look a little shaky. $50 per family is not the real number we should be taking about this morning, the number we should be talking about is $5,600 per household. That's roughly how much we are going to spend next year servicing our debt. That's before all this extra cost. Think about that. Look around your household. Your family. That's five and half grand a year, just in interest! More than we spend on schooling our kids through primary and secondary. Debt servicing is now the fourth-largest line item on the Government's books, according to Treasury. The more we spend, the longer it takes till we even start paying down that debt. That magical, mystical date has been pushed out till at least 2030. It's like waiting for Taylor Swift to announce a concert at Eden Park. Would be amazing. I'd be there. But will it ever actually happen? I'm not saying people don't need petrol money today, but is anyone asking at what cost tomorrow?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ20 has triumphed, but the administration disaster at New Zealand Cricket continues. Former Black Cap Dion Nash —understood to have been against the local franchise league that has been provisionally accepted— has resigned from NZC's board. A statement says Nash was no longer aligned with the future direction of the organisation. NZ Herald Sports Reporter Alex Powell told Ryan Bridge that it's not surprising to see Nash falling on his sword. He says it was sort of known behind the scenes that he was the one board member really against NZ20, and without him, they could've come to this conclusion a few months ago. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fonterra's confident it will be able to make the best of bad global circumstances. The dairy giant has reported a 2.8% lift in first-half net profit to $750 million. It's also announced a 20 cent increase in the farmgate milk price with a midpoint now sitting at $9.70 per kilo of milksolids. Chief Executive Miles Hurrell says the war in Iran creates uncertainty. Fonterra Co-operative Council Chair John Stevenson told Ryan Bridge that farmers are certainly worried. He says the key thing will be seeing how the company deals with the war and the potential impact. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's set to announce details of cost relief measures for low-to-middle households today. Nicola Willis announced the support package would be on its way - in response to the Iran war and fuel crisis. Transporting NZ CEO Dom Kalasih shares his thoughts with Ryan Bridge on the Government lowering the quality specifications for imports to match Australia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday the 24th of March 2025, the Government's announced its first change to help us from running out of fuel, Transporting NZ CEO and Former Z Energy Logistics Manager Dom Kalasih shares his thoughts. NZ Cricket's made the decision to move ahead with NZ20, NZ Herald Sports Journalist Alex Powell tells Ryan what this means for the game. Fonterra's posted a $750 million profit; Fonterra Co-operative Council Chair John Stevenson shares his thoughts. Plus, Australia Correspondent Lesley Yeomans has the latest on fuel shortages across the ditch and thousands of journalists at the ABC are going on strike from Wednesday. 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.

Anyone expecting a lolly scramble from the government today is going to be disappointed. At best, one or two old Werther's Originals. As we've been talking about for the last few weeks, this government can't, politically, splash cash when oil's forcing inflation up. The $60 billion borrowed and spent during the pandemic, half not actually on COVID expenses, was fuel on the fire to an already raging inflation inferno. The Reserve Bank and government were both blowing into the same sail. It got us up on the foils for a while but ultimately just delayed the pain we're now still feeling. The new Governor, imported from Sweeden, will give a key speech later this morning after the market opens with a hint of how they'll react to the latest international catastrophe to reach our shores. Any whiff of central government is planning to borrow and spend to cushion the blow would complicate her job. The reality is, when the shite hits the fan, things get messy. Somebody has to pay. There is no free ride, no free bus. No free train. If we don't pay today, we'll pay tomorrow. And let's not forget, we're now officially on notice from at least one of the big rating agencies. We need to be cutting, not borrowing. Balancing the books, not setting them in fire. Again. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Romanian woman and Iranian man have been arrested after allegedly trying to enter the Faslane Naval Base in Scotland. And, a UK minister says Israel's claims that Iran has missiles able to reach London and Paris cannot be substantiated. UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge, "the government and ministers have been saying there is no assessment to substantiate those claims that Iran has long range missiles. "And as one minister said, even if they could, why would they?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Optimism the Government's electric vehicle charger investment will benefit Kiwis. More than 52-million-dollars is being spent to more than double chargers nationwide, in a bid to boost uptake. Co-investment from ChargeNet and Meridian Energy lifts the total to more than 110-million. Imported Vehicles Association Chief Executive Greig Epps told Ryan Bridge the Government's worked closely with the industry over the past year. He says there's been an industry stakeholder group discussing how this could be done, and surveys completed on the existing number of chargers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 23rd of May 2025, The government wants to double ev charging points via interest-free loans, Imported vehicle association CEO, Greig Epps shares his thoughts. Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport. The government's making moves to prevent dog attacks, Northland MP Grant McCallum tells Ryan what he wants to see it review. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on a UK minister saying there is "no assessment to substantiate" Israel's claim that Iran has long-range missiles capable of reaching London and an Iranian man and a Romanian woman have been charged after allegedly trying to enter the Faslane naval base, home to the UK's nuclear-armed submarines. 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.

Winston's driving a dump truck through Luxon's political strategy. Luxon‘s strategy is to let his ministers do the talking. He says his strength is picking his team. And there's good reason, he has competent ministers; finance, justice, police, education, Chris Bishop, Todd Mclay on trade, Nicola Willis - she's taking control, taking the bull by the horns on the fuel crisis, which is his COVID. But as a voter, this leaves a power of vacuum at the top. Luxon has been cutting back media appearances. And when he does appear, performances the haven't been great, by his own admission. If Winston polls at 12% on election day, or higher, New Zealand First MP could make up a quarter of the cabinet. That's why we met Alfred Ngaro yesterday, because he was a minister. That's also why Winston was looking at Stuart Nash, although that looks to be a dead duck after the unfortunate comments about women's genitalia. The most powerful part of Winston's pitch to voters yesterday was not so much the policies, which we knew about, as it was experience. In a time of crisis, as we battle international headwinds, experience matters. It didn't hurt did it came from a foreign minister who's been round since Moses was a linebacker. Now, if you're voter, and you think the National leader is a a bit too much MIA. Or NA. Then you're left thinking about picking a cabinet, not necessarily the one man or woman to lead them all . And if Winston wields the power, and Luxon knows his failure in leadership is communication, what would be the harm in a year of two, during the next term of this coalition, of Winston Peters as Prime Minister. Luxon's political strategy creates a certain power of vacuum, and Winston would, I'm sure, be more than happy to fill it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allowing less pure fuel into the country could shore up supply. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has asked fuel importers what specifications could be relaxed to make it easier for them to get more in. Waitomo Group Chief Executive Simon Parham says there could be a relaxing of the rules to allow more sulphur content in our diesel. He told Ryan Bridge that we only allow fuel with less than 10 parts per million sulphur content. Parham says the US allows 15 parts per million and Australia has relaxed to 50 parts per million. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A three-decade surge in how much unhealthy food we eat. New research from Auckland University, published in the Globalisation and Health journal, shows New Zealand's imports of ultra-processed food increased from 16 kilograms in 1990, to 104 in 2023. Past studies show about 70% of packaged food in our supermarkets is ultra-processed. Nutritionist Nikki Hart told Ryan Bridge it's often disguised. She says it's canned food, crackers, and biscuits that are presented with a health claim. Kids are also feeding into unhealthy food branding, Hart saying products are designed to catch their attention. She says there's a lot of money and time going into it, as our rates of child obesity rise. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday's “disappointing” GDP data gives the Reserve Bank more scope to delay a hike to the Official Cash Rate, ANZ senior economist Matthew Gault says. The RBNZ's next monetary policy review announcement is on April 8. It had been picking 0.5% GDP growth for the December quarter, but GDP rose just 0.2%. Gault told Ryan Bridge ANZ had expected the Bank to be reasonably cautious about the oil price shock compared to other central banks. “Definitely inflation will rise with oil prices going up as much as they have. But the real concern for the Reserve Bank will be whether that increase in oil prices spills over into generalized inflation, things like wages and other prices. “And with the economy in a relatively weak state, we think they'll be less worried about that than places like Australia where the economy is firing more strongly.” Gault said the Government was being “sensible” not to push inflation higher with fiscal stimulus in response to oil prices. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 20th of March 2025, the government's acknowledged a "big shift" in the government's messaging around the war in the Middle East, Waitomo Group CEO Simon Parham, tells Ryan what oil company's are doing to assist with the oil shock. A New study highlights just how unhealthy our eating has gotten, Nutritionist Nikki Hart shares her thoughts on why we're importing so much processed foods. ANZ Senior Economist Matt Gault tells Ryan what the disappointing GDP result means for the state of our economy. Plus, UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on prices of gas and oil rising sharply due to strikes on Iran's South Pars field and the King's opened the world's longest coastal footpath which stretches around the entire coast of England. 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.

Is Joe Kent this week's voice of reason? Is he the guy speaking truth in the fog of war? He spoke to Tucker Carlson, and the podcast is worth a listen. He's a MAGA guy. He was a Trump guy. But this week he turned his back on his President. He quit his job as America's top counter-terrorism official. He was a soldier. He served in Iraq. His wife was killed in a suicide bombing in Syria. He's no snowflake. He just doesn't want the US getting bogged down in wars it can't win. It's one thing to bomb the hell out of a country. But when the dust settles, the troops go home, the victory banners are unfurled, then what? In Iraq - a power vacuum and ISIS. So, in calling this out, in quitting, is Joe Kent a hero or a traitor? The FBI's now investigating him, but that's not unusual. Look at Jerome Powell (Fed Chair), John Bolton, right down to Jimmy Kimmel, who was investigated by the US TV regulator after criticising Trump. Only time will tell whether there was a pressing need to start this war we're all paying for. But history tells us it won't end just because a US President says so.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changes to refugee law could put asylum seekers at risk. Under proposed Government reforms, immigration officials would be able to consider crimes committed by refugee applicants. The changes also introduce stricter rules, including mandatory biometrics appointments. NZ Association of Migration and Investment Chair Simon Laurent told Ryan Bridge the new rules could have serious consequences for asylum seekers. He says if they don't show up for the appointment, it appears their claim will be thrown out. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An aviation expert believes the chances of a Westport to Wellington route returning in the future are slim. Westport is on the brink of losing its only direct air link to the capital, with flights set to be axed by May unless financial support is secured. Regional carrier Originair stepped in to maintain the route after Sounds Air withdrew from the service in 2024. Aviation Industry commentator Irene King told Ryan Bridge people just aren't using the route much during the week. She says it might be sustainable for sort of unscheduled casual operations but will be very difficult to get someone in there for scheduled flights. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 19th of March 2025, Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold shares his forecast for GDP data out today. Westport's losing its only air service, Aviation commentator Irene King shares her thoughts. The Government's cracking down on criminal migrants and refugees, Immigration lawyer and Chairman of the New Zealand Association of Migration and Investment, Simon Laurent shares his thoughts. Plus, US Correspondent Jagruti Dave has the latest on the Senate hearing on worldwide threats and the confirmation hearing of Markwayne Mullin, Trump's pick to replace Kristi Noem. 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.

Westpac's chief economist is still holding out hope New Zealand will weather financial headwinds from the Iran war. Stats NZ's releasing data for the December quarter just before 11am. Westpac and ASB have forecast 0.4% quarterly growth, while BNZ and Kiwibank suggest 0.3% and ANZ 0.2%. Kelly Eckhold told Ryan Bridge everyone's looking forward to the conflict's impacts, but he's optimistic. He says we have strong commodity prices and the exchange rate's helping us out, meaning we're better placed than we could have been. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Old, yes. Backward looking, by its nature, but not irrelevant. We're tipped to grow around 0.3%-0.4% for Q4 2025. It would mark, barring any surprises, the second straight month of per capita growth on the trot. That means average income and standard of living was ticking up on a per person basis, albeit from a low base. This is important because it tells you we're on the move. We're fighting back against the recession. Some say the number is now irrelevant because of the war and oil supply, but there are reasons to be optimistic. We're looking at alternative supplies. Our current stocks are described as stable. The Reserve Bank is likely to leave interest rates where they are in three weeks. And there's a fork in the road, if inflation bumps, there'll be temptation to hike rates later. But we can still grow at a clip under 3% if two things happen: 1. We don't panic buy and self-fulfil a fuel shortage2. We learn lessons from Liberation Day. Trump's actions are chaotic and often quickly reversed. TACO. The tariff shock wasn't so much about a direct affect, it was a knock to business and consumer confidence. People spent less and business paused hiring and investing because of the uncertainty. And that blew over. Yes, this is different and involves more balls in the air, but the fundamental lesson is the same. If we freak out, if we let uncertainty rule our lives, we exacerbate the very problem we're trying avoid in the first place. So I'm relatively optimistic. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. So much is of economics is basically human feelings, when it boils down to it. So when today's GDP read comes out, let's take stock of where we've been. Let's pat ourselves and our businesses on the back for our contributions. That number's not irrelevant, it was hard fought. Confidence is key. If we think we can do it again, we will.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BNZ's chief economist Mike Jones says Treasury's previous worst-case inflation forecast for this year of 3.7% is probably too conservative. Annual food costs climbed 4.5% in the year to February but Jones told Ryan Bridge BNZ's 2.9% consumer price index forecast for the first quarter hadn't changed. “It's the second quarter that's really going to bear the brunt of the spike in petrol prices that we are seeing. So we've got a 3.8% forecast for Q2 and inflation stays above 3% now for the rest of the year on our numbers.” Finance Minister Nicola Willis on Monday said Treasury had given her a worst-case scenario of 3.7% inflation by the end of the year, assuming a long conflict in Iran - up from the current 3.1%. But Jones said that could now be “a bit light” - though he did not believe inflation would go above 4%. “Of course, we've probably had the benefit of a few more days and maybe even a week of information and what we've seen in the current environment is that forecasts and assumptions are going out of date pretty quickly.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China remains vital to our education sector, but the market is shifting. A new NZ China Council report shows Chinese students make up about a third of revenue, spending nearly $60 thousand a year. But it warns families are increasingly price-conscious and weighing up other countries. Executive Director Alistair Crozier told Ryan Bridge New Zealand must keep visa processing world-class and offer more flexible study options. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025 Wednesday the 18th of March, Beef mince and Steak are driving the latest spike in food prices, BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones shares his thoughts. Resource Minister Shane Jones is putting money into geothermal; Mercury Energy CEO Stew Hamilton tells Ryan how big of an impact this will have. We're in a global scramble for Chinese students and the stakes are high, New Zealand China Council Executive Director Alastair Crozier shares why. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visits UK to agree a new defence partnership aimed at tackling cheap attack drone attacks and an English council bans any more memorial benches saying it's overwhelmed by them. 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.

Mercury Energy believes geothermal has a huge role to play in the future of the country's electricity industry. The Government's released a strategy on how to double the use of geothermal energy by 2040. It's also ring fenced $50 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for the development of geothermal energy projects. Mercury Chief Executive Stew Hamilton told Ryan Bridge the power just one of its geothermal sites produces is enough for around 150 thousand houses. He says it also produces clean, reliable energy 24 hours a day, no matter the weather or season. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hopes that whoever takes the reins at Fonterra can continue the current CEO's good work. Miles Hurrell will leave the company in six months to ensure a smooth transition. Federated Farmers Dairy Chair Karl Dean says the next CEO should continue Hurrell's approach to honest communication. He told Ryan Bridge farmers have been told that a spade's a spade, and that's what needs to continue. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A view the Government's proposed changes to alcohol laws is a needed re-balance for licence-holders. The Bill would only let people object to a premise's licence application, if they live or work in the same council area or live within one kilometre. It also gives applicants a right of reply to objections. Hospitality New Zealand Head of Advocacy told Ryan Bridge the current licensing process has led to some vexatious objections from those outside of the area. He says applications aren't often declined because of objections, but it does add unnecessary time and cost to the process. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Treasury has released numbers on the potential fallout for the New Zealand economy from the Iran war. It estimates that under a worst‑case scenario — a conflict lasting until the end of the year with elevated oil prices — inflation would rise from 3.1 percent to 3.7 percent. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says that number is too high - but is lower than Australia's current inflation - which is sitting at 3.8 percent. ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Ryan Bridge forecasting in this climate is difficult. He says other spikes in oil prices have led to higher inflation - but this will all depend on how long the conflict lasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 17th of March 2025, ASB's Chief Economist Nick Tuffley talks the "worst case scenario" for the New Zealand economy from the Iran war. And Ryan explains why he agrees with Nicola Willis' call to not splash the cash in response to the Iran crisis. Hospitality NZ want the government's liquor law changes to go further - they tell Ryan what exactly they want. 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.

A 1pm presser and Covid‑style alert levels. This fuel price spike is bringing back bad memories from those dark days of lockdown. But a few facts help put things in perspective. There are a lot of scenarios and best guesses floating around, but the reality is we're not yet short on fuel. That's at least weeks away, we're told. The economy is in recovery, and even the worst‑case scenarios still have us growing at a little under 3% — about half a percent off pre‑war predictions. The other big difference is the response. Interest rates, even if inflation hits the high 3s, aren't expected to shoot up dramatically or immediately, because demand falls as people put less petrol in the Honda. If you live rurally, or don't have a Grey Lynn tractor — a.k.a. a Tesla — the price of fuel will sting. But it won't cause the sort of catastrophic, long‑term damage that lockdowns and Covid supply disruptions did.Nicola Willis, who fronted yesterday's 1pm media event, made it pretty clear that excise cuts and other expensive relief (think cost‑of‑living payments) aren't off the table — but they're not top of the list either. This government is a different beast from the one that came before it. They've learned the lesson — one we're currently paying for — about splashing the cash to stay popular. They've resisted demands for stimulus despite two bitter years of recession. Spending big when inflation is about to spike would completely undermine their political credibility. Which means that when something bad happens — which it is, or is about to — we'll feel the effects in real time. And that's no bad thing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump called on the UK, China, France, Japan, South Korea and others to send ships to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open - but his request has been met with little response. Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian, David Smith, told Ryan Bridge, "there's been some reporting suggesting that Donald Trump was warned this is a possibility by his military planners, and his response was it'll be okay." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 16th of March 2025, we get the latest on the Iran War as it enters its third week. Donald Trump has requested allies help open the Strait of Hormuz - UK Correspondent Gavin Grey tells Ryan whether Europe is likely to help. Ryan has some advice for the Labour Party - don't automatically agree with the unions. And Andrew Alderson celebrates Liam Lawson's brilliant weekend at the Chinese Grand Prix. 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.

Last week ended with a bizarre situation where Labour effectively came out against a pay rise for teachers. They did this because that's what the unions wanted. And what the unions want, the unions usually get. Union strategy 101 is getting everyone who's not a member to become one. The tactic is peer pressure. If you can deprive non‑union members of a pay rise while dragging out pay negotiations, that's leverage. Labour last week got rid of Willow‑Jean Prime, who scored an F in the portfolio. Ginny Anderson has been lumped with it at a time when National is seen, across a bunch of polls this term, to be either better or at least as good as Labour on education. Which is saying something. Like health, it's usually the purview of the left. But something's shifted, and Ginny probably needs to take a good, hard look at which battles she blindly follows her comrades into. Charter schools are another example. I was reading at the weekend about the breadth of subjects and students these schools cater to: seven Māori schools, a Pasifika girls' school (which we've featured on the show), autism‑focused schools, French, sport, Cambridge. Last week the principals' union said all those schools — there are 19 applicants so far — should be closed.The money, they said, should be put back into the mainstream system. They don't believe schools are failing certain cohorts of young people, which is the very reason charter schools exist. To an average parent, an average person, but most importantly, an average voter, this looks political, not practical.I think most Kiwis accept that mainstream schooling doesn't work for everyone. Most also accept that teaching needs to be better paid, regardless of union affiliation. To rail against these things just because your union mates demand you do so is hardly going to win back public support in an area where ground has clearly been lost.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concerns the Middle East conflict will make rising grocery prices worse. The Infometrics-Foodstuffs New Zealand Grocery Supplier Cost Index finds suppliers charged 2.3 percent more on average in February, compared to a year earlier. Annual average produce department costs rose 2.9 percent, the fastest in two years. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Ryan Bridge this doesn't capture rising fuel prices. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hamilton's welcoming the Homegrown Music Festival back to the city where it all began. Organisers announced last year the festival would leave Wellington after being held on the capital's waterfront for 18 years. Homegrown Chief Executive Andrew Tuck says Hamilton's Claudelands Oval will offer two-and-a-half times as much space, with acts like SIX60 and LAB set to take the stage. He says the lineup for this year's festival is the strongest they've ever put together. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An electrification advocate says the rising price and falling supply of gas may not be a bad thing in the long-term. PwC research —commissioned by Gas Industry Co— has found New Zealand's gas market will need to shrink sharply as domestic supply declines. It warns this could mean business closures, job losses, and higher energy costs. Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey told Ryan Bridge it's going to be a tough transition, but we need to move away from gas anyway. He says gas is an expensive and inefficient technology, especially in homes, and the more people get off it, the better it will be for them in the long run. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand is still a long way off from car-less days, AA fuel spokesman Terry Collins predicts. Government ministers yesterday were receiving advice on emergency fuel measures that could be taken if fuel stocks got too low as a knock-on effect of Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. But Collins told Ryan Bridge Early Edition the Petroleum Demand Restraint Act, which allows for carless days and other options like fuel rationing, is very old fashioned. “In those days we didn't have things like working from home and all the types of IT that we do today that makes us maintain productivity in another way.” New Zealand also has a fuel security plan which was updated last year. “We hope it never has to be implemented, but at least we've got a plan and we've got legislation that if it's needed, we can implement.” There have been reports South Korea could ban exports of refined fuel products to ensure they had sufficient supply at home. That would have major impacts here as New Zealand receives 48% of its refined fuel from the east Asian nation. In that event, New Zealand would have to look for different markets including Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia, Collins said. “We get a tiny bit out of places like India and the US, but basically we'd be in the same scramble as many other countries.” Oil prices are “so unpredictable”, he said. “One thing history's taught me is America tends to underestimate how long they stay in conflict. So I'm very concerned when they talk about weeks when it looks like it could be months.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're learning a few hard truths this week and the old saying rings true - you don't know what you've got 'til its gone. Parties on the left and the right all crying out for more oil. Turns out, it's actually still quite important. A decent supply of it at a stable price. And we're a long way off from that strait opening and running at full capacity again. Trump's talking victory. Winston told me this week the war will be over before people think. But there are sea mines and rocket launchers and drones hitting that strait. No shipping company, or insurer, is going near there for a while yet. The uprising we were told would happen hasn't happened. We've go the old boss' son in charge, and they've just killed his mum, dad and most of his family. He's not giving up anytime soon, is he? More important than oil is food. We've got the Wattie's plant closures. The frozen vegetables are grown here. Peas and beans. Like peaches before them, there'll be some cheaper imported alternative filling the shelves. The farmer's complaints? Regulation. They're drowning in it. Paperwork up the wazoo. It was the same story with pork. Again, you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone. So once this crisis is over, perhaps we remember how important food and oil are to our daily lives and stop demonising the very people trying to keep our tummies and gas tanks full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 13th of March 2025, the Government could consider car-less days to help with fuel security, AA Fuel Spokesperson, Terry Collins shares his thoughts. Homegrown Festival is back, but this time in Hamilton, Homegrown Festival Founder Andrew Tuck shares his thoughts. According to a new report the Maui gas field could run dry by 2027, Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey tells Ryan Bridge what impacts that could have on the energy sector. Plus, UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on Iran targeting the international financial district in Dubai with a drone and a British man has been charged under cyber-crime laws in Dubai after allegedly filming Iranian missiles over the city. 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.