Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

An expert believes some property investors are selling up ahead of the election. Data from property analysts Cotality NZ shows the proportion of properties resold for a gross profit has fallen to its lowest level in almost 14 years. The median length of time people are holding on to properties that sold for a profit hit record numbers, at almost 10 and a half years. Property Investors Federation Advocacy Director Matt Ball told Ryan Bridge there are fears of being taxed on inflation. He says some people are worried about the election and getting out ahead of time, while others are sitting tight and watching nervously. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A retired Major General says New Zealanders need to be aware the threat of terrorism is real. A Security Intelligence Service report shows the national terrorism threat level remains at Possible, with the most likely scenario caused by a lone actor. It says violent extremism is being influenced by a broad range of ideologies, a mix of domestic and international events, and extremist online rhetoric. New Zealand Initiative Senior Fellow and Retired Major General John Howard told Ryan Bridge if you see something that concerns you, discuss it with someone. He says it's not a cause for panic, but a cause for community for us to be aware of our neighbours and help them. New technology is said to be accelerating the national security challenges we face – the report suggesting our connections, innovations, and position, make us valuable to foreign powers. It suggests Chinese military intelligence has been using professional networking and job sites to target current and former government officials holding secrets. Howard told Bridge to be forewarned is to be forearmed, and drones and AI can be used with criminal or lethal intent against civilians. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 13th of August 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Act Leader David Seymour shares his thoughts on Luxon's leadership debacle. New Cotality data showing 13% of houses sold for a loss, the worst profitability rates since 2012, Property Investors Federation Advocacy Manager Matt Ball shares his thoughts. The NZSIS are warning that threats to national security are increasing, retired Major General and New Zealand Initiative Senior Fellow tells Ryan what threats we need to look out for. Plus, US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on Iran targeting Trump and progressive Democrats momentum halted. 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.

David Seymour says important work is going on, despite the ructions within National's caucus. National party leader Christopher Luxon survived a confidence vote yesterday, launched by Chris Penk. The Kaipara ki Mahurangi MP was then sent packing from his Cabinet portfolios for his efforts, and later announced he'll quit politics at the election. Coalition partner and ACT leader David Seymour told Ryan Bridge it shouldn't be the focus now. He says the government itself is a joint project, which is functioning very well. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everything in this election's just been turned on its head in 24 hours for three reasons – and it's not because of National. Firstly, yesterday Chris Hipkins was asked if he'd tell us how he would deal with the Opportunity Party, what the caveats would be. He said the Labour Party were going to listen to the voters on TOP – a very different thing to what he's said previously. Secondly, TOP is looking more and more likely to get into Parliament and could hold the balance of power. Thirdly, Luxon, while wounded, will not face another coup now that the detractors couldn't organise themselves into a single ticket and topple the boss. In this case the old saying is tipped on its head: fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice, shame you. There are no third chances for a coup pre-election. Which brings us to the state of play. This election is going to be fought, won and lost, on one issue: tax. For Hipkins to woo the Greens, Te Pāti Māori, and Opportunity, they will need to move on tax. Chlöe Swarbrick, Qiulae Wong, and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer are loading the gun, cocking it, and wanting to fire on Kiwi households. So which taxes? I went on TOP's calculator this morning for the land tax. If you're a single divorced mum with a house from your settlement worth $2m, which is not much in Auckland or the deep south, you'll be paying an extra $456 a week. That includes $35k a year in land taxes. If you're a couple with kids living in Beachlands, you'll be paying an extra $30 a week in taxes, including $24k in property taxes. That's before you've factored in taxes on farmland, an effective inheritance tax, a capital gains tax on an extra house (say a retirement rental investment, or a kid you saved to buy your kids), an inheritance tax/gift tax when you die or pass on big assets. When you add to this the fact we don't know how these four left bloc parties will spend your money, and how effective they'll be at doing so, this gets messier than a botched Tory coup. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new study finds vaping by mothers could be a factor in the deaths of some babies. Otago and Auckland University researchers say in 66 cases of Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths, three-quarters of mothers had smoked and/or vaped. In half of cases involving bed sharing, mothers had vaped. General Practitioners Aotearoa Chair Buzz Burrell told Ryan Bridge vaping would impact the baby the same way smoking does. He says vapes contain more than just nicotine, and that already does crazy things during pregnancy. The study says it's not proof, but caution should be taken while evidence develops. Burrell told Bridge it's tragic, and any way to reduce it should be taken. He says while vaping's marketed as harmless, it's not. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tax debt has surged by billions since Covid, with more than half a million New Zealanders now owing Inland Revenue. A report dating to March shows we collectively owe $9.4 billion, up from $5.8 billion in June 2023. The increase is thought to be linked to the Government's focus on keeping businesses afloat during Covid. Deloitte tax partner Robyn Walker told Ryan Bridge only $6.2 billion of that is actual tax. She says the rest of it is interest and penalties, which are adding to the debt. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 12th of August 2026, Chris Luxon's in Wellington for an urgent caucus meeting over speculation about his leadership, political commentator tells Ryan if it's the end of the road for him as Prime Minister. Over half a million kiwis now in debt to the IRD, Deloitte Tax Partner Robyn Walker explains. A new study from the University of Otago is linking vaping around newborns to a higher risk of sudden infant death, Dr Buzz Burrell General Practitioners Aotearoa Chair, shares his concerns. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the UK PM telling Justice Secretary to find a way to keep two young men in prison who were found guilty of the manslaughter of a newly-married police officer and the clock ticking for one of the most bizarre UK by-elections in modern history. 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.

National will struggle to show they are a unified caucus if Prime Minister Christopher Luxon survives a leadership challenge today, political commentator Bridget Morten says. “They can't let this drag on any longer,” Morten told Ryan Bridge. She says that if Luxon were to survive, it'll be difficult for them to demonstrate that this kind of speculation won't plague them all the way through to Election Day. If National and Luxon were voted back into power on November 7, people would also question if he would survive a second term as leader. Asked if Luxon's likely challenger Erica Stanford was too unknown this close to an election, Morten said there were “a lot of really experienced senior ministers who have spent a lot of time around politics and actually delivering”. “So I don't think you can say it's a completely unknown quantity. I think a lot of people actually know a lot about these different politicians and what they might look like as leaders.” Whether or not the leader changed, National's MPs needed to stop talking about themselves and start talking about what voters wanted, or risk being a one-term government, Morten said. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's how this morning is going to play out. At 9:30am, any member of National's caucus can call a no-confidence vote in Luxon's leadership. The party's constitution calls these guys the Parliamentary Section. They vote. It's majority rules. If there's a vacancy, i.e. if Luxon is goneburger, then they elect a new leader or leaders. It's majority rules. So if a majority of MPs want change, then Luxon is gone. History tells us most leaders would do the honourable thing and stand aside before it gets to this point. Bolger did it when Shipley led a coup. Luxon would be no different. It's possible this could happen before 9:30am. We could see the PM resign as leader of National ahead of caucus, and effectively as PM in a matter of hours. If the numbers are not in his favour, the writing's on the wall, he could clear the decks for the caucus to focus on electing his replacement. I've been speaking to National party MPs and former MPs over the past two weeks. Some are furious with Luxon's leadership. Own goals. Foot-in-mouth disease. Lack of discipline. There's a feeling that Key and others in the party have been covering for Luxon's mistakes, hammering the message that any change will mean catastrophe come polling day. Talk of a Stanford/Mitchell ticket with Bishop as Finance tells you that unlike last time, the leadership hopefuls have organised with a viable alternative – notably excluding Nicola Willis. Anyone who tells you they know what will happen today is making it up. As much as 25% of the caucus are set to lose their jobs on current polling. If Luxon loses his today, it will be a gamble, a roll of the dice, a risk. If they stick with Luxon, how can you credibly say you're unified behind your leader after two spills in four months? Leaders confident in their support don't need to call confidence votes in themselves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Contact Energy's putting serious thought into data centres after reporting record earnings. The gentailer's made $423 million annual profit – up nearly 28%. It's now in talks with Australian firm CDC Data Centres for a 250 megawatt data centre in Taranaki. Shareholders Association CEO Oliver Mander told Mike Hosking that the companies looking at data centres are investing heavily in growth, and Contact is no exception. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch City Council's push for an NRL league team has moved beyond talk. The council is working with the governing body on details for a potential 20th club. New documents show eight key areas are being worked through, including governance, funding, infrastructure, high-performance facilities and building a fanbase. A call on whether to make a formal bid remains undecided. Newstalk ZB Canterbury Sports Commentator Nick Bewley told Ryan Bridge there's encouraging signs for people in the South who want a NRL team, but there's certainly a lot to do. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A group of North Island councils is working on an alternative proposal to the Government's amalgamation programme. City and district councils were given until Sunday to pitch plans to create larger combined unitary councils. Manawatu, Whanganui, Ruapehu, Rangitikei, and Tararua councils have signed a memorandum of understanding to work on an alternative model. Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford told Ryan Bridge they're looking at a federation model. That would keep individual mayors for each council but would see a higher body to manage regional issues. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here we go again. For the second time this year, there's a story in the media about National MPs doing the numbers on Luxon. At least one of them is talking to Thomas Coughlan at the Herald. Now, one or two chatting to the media doesn't equal a coup. But the political calculation is that Luxon is a drag on the party's polling. Changing horses midstream would not hurt their chances of forming a government, and might provide momentum and a boost to their share of the right voting bloc, and perhaps even some soft centre. They'll be tempted by the Jacinda transition which saw a poll bump. A circuit-breaker. They'll be wary of the Judith transition, and many Labour ones before that, which proved fatal. But this is a completely unique situation as this is a party in government. Whoever leads it, leads New Zealand. Luxon's plea for more party votes is falling on deaf ears and despite expensive advertising campaigns and glossy videos of the PM explaining their fiscal strategy, his comments on the campaign, which is underway in earnest, are drowning out the pre-recorded material. The last week they've been in clean-up mode. They can't afford to spend another three months traipsing round the country with a dustpan and broom. That would require either better discipline from the current leader or change to a new one. Which has always been the fly in the ointment for National. There is no Jacinda waiting in the wings. Bishop and Willis are well-versed debaters who'd perform well on the campaign. However, Kiwis like reluctant heroes and Bishop looks, rightly or wrongly, anything but. Willis' near perfect performance handling the initial fuel shock proves her worth but she may be too tied to the cost-of-living woes that have hurt Luxon. Erica Stanford is the candidate you'd pick if you really wanted to play ball. She's denied wanting it enough, which is key, and is a star performer able to connect with people in a way others have proven incapable. At this point, this is all just talk. But timing is everything in politics and the fact MPs are briefing journalists twelve weeks out from early voting is destabilising in itself. Are you better to nip it in the bud or stay the course and hope for brighter days?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday the 11th of August 2026, Not every council is happy about the attempted forced amalgamation by central government, Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford shares his thoughts. It seems the Christchurch Council is backing Sir Graham Lowe's NRL Southern Orca's bid, Newstalk ZB Canterbury Sports Commentator Nick Bewley tells Ryan how likely it is team will come together. Contact Energy's reported a record net profit of $423 million, Shareholders Association CEO Oliver Mander shares his thoughts on if power prices will come down. Plus Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on calls for Anthony Albanese to apologise over claims he's insulted the Japanese Prime Minister and south Australia announces a royal commission into artificial intelligence. 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.

St John's triggered a major incident response, after two consecutive weeks of record-high demand for ambulances. Saturday was the worst, with 2,500 call outs. The service says some wait times are longer than usual for those not in critical condition. Ambulance Association National Secretary Mark Quin told Ryan Bridge that delays are probably making people more frustrated. He says while not appropriate, he imagines people are voicing their opinions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's push for tighter control of the books is being welcomed - but questions are being raised over what's actually new. Finance spokesperson Nicola Willis yesterday unveiled National's fiscal strategy - promising a surplus by 2028/29 and Government spending below 30 percent of GDP. But independent tax expert Geof Nightingale told Ryan Bridge National has made these same commitments before. He says the three 'budget responsibility' rules are already in the fiscal strategy report, which the Government has to release for each budget.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony Randle was the exactly the type of person, the sort of brain, you want sitting round a council table. Especially given the types who now seem to occupy many of the seats. It's very sad to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family and those who knew him well. For those who didn't, Tony was a councillor in Wellington. He sat on the Northern ward. He was the guy you'd call when you wanted to know the facts of a case. When you wanted to know the numbers. Tony was the guy who found a wee mistake in the council's modelling when they were lowering speed limits. Not a single councillor, or a council officer, staff member, or council-paid boffin picked up on the mistake. But Tony did. It was out by a quarter of a billion bucks. He consistently complained that the council wasn't fully funding Wellington water's project, meaning the pipes weren't getting fixed. He was analytical and not particularly partisan. Too often you hear of local and national politicians getting into office who probably shouldn't be there. They've no particular skills or background that justify it. They're elected by a margin of a few hundred, or even a few dozen votes, by a public that doesn't really pay attention to the details. As a result, you get politicians who also don't pay attention to the details. But Tony Randle did and that's what made him special. Voters deserve more analytical thinkers in local government who are across the facts and the numbers, rather than ticking a box on their way to Parliament or the UN, where you get the sense a lot of them wish they could be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday the 10th of August 2026, National's re-stated its 'Budget responsibility rules', independent tax expert Geof Nightingale shares his thoughts. Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on UK and EU PMI seeing a rebound in services, German production cuts having wider repercussions for growth across Europe and Labour considering a delay in the UK net zero target. St John's 111 service has broken its daily call record three times in the past week, Mark Quin, Ambulance Association National Secretary Mark Quin tells Ryan why there has been so much demand. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on Spain imposing border controls on all air and sea travel from Italy and the Conservatives, say they will end the provision of social housing for foreign nationals in England if they win the next election. 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.

The Greatest Rivalry in sport is back. The All Blacks kick off their tour of South Africa tomorrow, taking on the Stormers. Coach Dave Rennie says that every player will get a chance to impress in the opening matches, and potentially get a spot in the Springbok test teams. NZ Herald Rugby Correspondent Liam Napier told Ryan Bridge they're expecting to see a comfortable victory. He says the All Blacks a running out a second string team, but the Stormers are six weeks out from their domestic competition, and are missing nine Springbok players. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a view Labour's small business policy would give owners more room to grow. The party wants to up the GST threshold, lift the asset write-off, and require big businesses to pay small suppliers faster. It'll cost $1.5 billion and will scrap the current Government's more expensive Investment Boost scheme. Business Canterbury CEO Leeann Watson told Ryan Bridge it's great starting point and would make growth and innovation easier. She says cashflow and compliance are current pain points, which impact what's invested in new assets. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's interest in an MMP referendum's being labelled as a potential blunder. Christopher Luxon's revealed on Newstalk ZB he's open to another vote on the 1996 Mixed Member Proportional system, if re-elected. It provides a party and an electoral vote and was reaffirmed in a 2011 referendum. Lawyer and political commentator Liam Hehir told Ryan Bridge no one's able to say if this is a policy announcement, or just a view. He says this makes it more likely it wasn't pre-planned; it just came off the cuff and blew up into something larger than Luxon wanted. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday the 7th of August 2026, Christopher Luxon floats the idea of a referendum on MMP, Liam Heir Political commentator shares his thoughts on Luxon's bold statement. The All Blacks kick off their tour of South Africa Saturday when they take on the Stormers, NZ Herald rugby correspondent Liam Napier tells Ryan what we can expect. Labour wants to scrap National's investment boost scheme and replace it with a $1.56 billion package; Business Canterbury CEO Leeann Watson shares her thoughts on if the policy is better for small businesses. Plus, UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on UEFA doubling down on its threat to boycott Fifa-run competitions and the sister of Meredith Kercher criticising a solo comedy show by Amanda Knox, who was convicted and later acquitted of murdering the British student in Italy in 2007. 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.

Christopher Luxon's going rogue. The risk when making constitutional policy pronouncements 92 days out from an election, blindsiding your colleagues and diverting attention from your key messaging, is that you look erratic. At best, voters might see this as a distraction play. They might see this as a means to regain the oxygen. But it's not something anyone's actually asking for. The top seven things' voters care about, in the latest Ipsos poll, are as follows. In order. Inflation – 62%. Health – 38%. Economy – 34%. Then housing, unemployment, poverty, petrol. Guess what's NOT in the top 20? MMP. The twentieth line item is defence/foreign affairs/terrorism at 2%. So, two-fifths of bugger all people want him to be talking about the electoral system. It's like somebody putting Creed on the jukebox and wondering why everyone stops dancing. It's a big call. It's risky business. The problems are two-fold. One. It'll never happen because it's not even National's policy, and even it if it was, won't get support from other parties to pass. Not being able to do what you say want to do when you're the Prime Minister could be seen as weakness. Two, and most importantly. You risk pissing off your co-workers. They looked a mix of confused, bewildered, and frustrated yesterday. They've now spent an entire week walking back and explaining things their boss is saying in public. There are 2 more weeks till advance voting opens. The polling companies will be on the blower today and if there's no MMP bump, or a dip, the rogue agent may yet be put out on the cold. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI might be contributing to our rising unemployment rate. Stats NZ data shows unemployment jumped to 5.6% in the June quarter, up from 5.3% in March. It's the highest rate in 11 years and higher than most economists had been picking. ABC Business Sales' Chris Small told Ryan Bridge when you compare the South Island's rate of 3.7% to the North Island's 6%, it seems like more of a white-collar problem than a blue-collar one. He says AI is filling a bit of a void for some business owners, which means they're not hiring as many people. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Justice is being accused of turning a blind eye to some internal issues after a staffer facing money laundering charges stayed on its payroll for five years. Former Lotto host Russell Harrison was arrested days after starting at the ministry in 2021, admitting guilt in June. Documents obtained by the Taxpayers Union reveal four other ministry employees are on leave while facing charges or misconduct investigations. Union executive director Jordan Williams told Ryan Bridge the HR department would surely know. He believes there's a culture within the public service, where they don't worry as taxpayers are footing the bill. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A couple of things on the unemployment number that came out yesterday. It looks worse than actually it is because a bunch of people decided they would start looking for work in the second quarter rather than the one before it. So, there are a bunch of reasons for this happening, but basically you don't really know. You don't know what you don't know. It's anyone's guess. It could be that people go, oh, the job market is on the up, so it's actually worth me trying to look for work now, which would be a good thing. But also, the net rate is better than it was in March. There are a couple of reasons, a couple of good takeaways from yesterday's number. The net rate better than it was in the March quarter. That's young people, so ages 15 to 24 who are not in employment, not in education, or not in training. So you want fewer of them. It was 14.4%, it's now 13.8%. Sure, definitely room for improvement, but there is a slight improvement. Young people who couldn't find work have gone into education to upskill, which is exactly what you want them to do at a time like this. The numbers still higher than you want, of course. They both are actually on the whole, but with context, not as bad as they look at first glance and with some promising signs under the hood. And every economist and his dog right now will tell you, don't let this put you off. Unemployment is the lagging indicator, so it's the last one that will turn in an economic turnaround. And gee, this thing's been a titanic of a turnaround job. But there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic despite the headline number that came out yesterday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are concerns family violence victims are waiting too long for protection orders to be served. Data released under the Official Information Act reveals nearly half of temporary protection orders served by Police in 2025 took four days or longer to reach respondents. Northland recorded the longest average delay at 16 days. Aviva's Gwenda Kendrew told Ryan Bridge their concern is the state of limbo the process leaves them in, unsure of their safety, rights, and the protection they have around them. She says it is a piece of paper, but it says a whole lot about how they can live their life safely from then on. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 6th of August 2026, unemployment's climbed to highest level in nearly 11 years, ABC Business Sales CEO Chris Small tells Ryan why the rate is so high currently. The Taxpayers Union has revealed four more employees at the Ministry of Justice are on leave while facing criminal charges or serious misconduct investigations, Executive Director Jordan Williams has the latest. Domestic violence advocates are concerned by how long it takes to get a protection order, Aviva General Manager Gwenda Kendrew tells Ryan how concerning the issue is for victims. Plus, US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan and Trump saying a deal on the Strait of Hormuz could come as early as today. 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.

More than 170 migrants have been rescued after a boat crossing the English Channel caught fire. The vessel left France on Monday night before bursting into flames on Tuesday morning. Eleven people suffered minor injuries, while an Egyptian national has been arrested. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge the Government believes its measures are working, with crossings down on last year. But he says two thousand migrants have successfully crossed the channel in the last fortnight, which Reform UK says is too many. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The red meat sector's celebrating its best June on record for exports. The Meat Industry Association's found $1.37 billion worth of red meat was exported over the month – twice that of June last year. Sheepmeat surged 40% in volume and more than doubled in value, while the value of beef climbed more than a fifth. Chief executive Nick Beeby told Ryan Bridge the increased demand is a result of the period of tight supply from many of our competing countries. He says prices have been really strong, but they have to keep a close eye on things like cost of living pressures, tariffs, and geopolitical uncertainty. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The job market is expected to remain tight for quite some time. Many economists are picking today's unemployment rate will increase from 5.3% to 5.5% for the June quarter. ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith told Ryan Bridge the war in Iran and the surrounding uncertainty has probably spooked many employers. He says they may even hold off making any hiring decisions until next year. Smith says manufacturing and construction are likely to see bigger job losses, and workers under 25 are suffering the most, with their unemployment rate sitting around 15%. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's scepticism from retailers that Police will turn up to a theft as shoplifting rises to a record high. Official Information Act data shows Police laid the highest number of shoplifting charges in 15 years across the 2024/25 year. This resulted in the highest number of convictions being dished out in the country's courts. Retail NZ Advocacy Manager Denise Garland told Ryan Bridge Police are stretched and says it's the lower levels of retail crime they sometimes miss. She says they'll attend when there's harm and threatening behaviour. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 5th of August 2026, unemployment's expected to edge up from 5.3 to around 5.5%, ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith shares his thoughts. June saw $1.37 billion worth of red meat exports, Meat Industry Association CEO Nick Beeby tells Ryan how significant this is for meat farmers. Shoplifting is at its highest rate in 15 years, Retail NZ Advocacy Manager Denise Garland tells Ryan why it's become such an issue. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on more than 150 migrants have been rescued after the boat they were using to cross the Channel caught fire and profits at BP have surged to the highest since 2022 after the war in the Middle East pushed up oil prices. 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've been spending a bit of time in hardware stores lately. Which is great because most let you bring your dog along, and when it's raining you can basically walk the dog for half an hour indoors. Anyway, last week I was in the shop looking for a sealer for a limestone tile. Now, I have no idea about sealers and don't know much about limestone tiles either. But this is why you go to Bunnings or to Mitre 10, right? There's be someone there who knows about this stuff. Well, fifteen minutes spent trying to track somebody down in a red t-shirt and overalls, and they had no idea. One young person suggested I use AI to find the product. Which is I did. And then they didn't know where the product lived in their store. Here we are, now 20 minutes in. So, I did what any reasonable person would do. I began discriminating against the staff – based on their age. Where have the wise older folks gone from hardware stores? Usually, you'll find some bloke, grey-haired, long-in-the tooth, gruff sort of disproportion, in the paint section or the part where they keep the power tools. They know their way around a screwdriver. Used to be a carpenter. Retired for an inside job. You know the sort. Same goes with the excellent plant ladies. I'm not saying young people don't know what they're doing, but if you've been round the block a few times, you're more likely to know a thing or two. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A building material supplier wants to see the consents given to new homes turn into actual work. Stats NZ figures show approvals rose 19% annually to June – topping 40 thousand for the first time since 2023. Infometrics says Auckland and Canterbury continue to dominate, making up 80% of residential growth. Combined Building Supplies Co-operative CEO Carl Taylor told Ryan Bridge it's a positive sign to see houses being snapped up. He says the real measure on recovery will be seeing projects turn into work on site, which is the biggest issue at the moment. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Signs of life in the economy as overall debt improves. Centrix data for June shows consumers' credit performance is continuing to improve, with arrears plunging to the lowest level since 2021. However, the results still show 84 thousand people with payments 90 or more days overdue. Independent economist Cameron Bagrie told Ryan Bridge there seems to be a bit less stress on our economy. He acknowledges there's still a lot of personal stress due to the high cost of living, but says this shows the economy itself isn't in too bad a shape. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2026, The Government's keeping the extra $50 fuel relief for now, Waitomo Group CEO Simon Parham shares his thoughts on where we're at with fuel prices. Centrix's consumer credit shows arrears are at the lowest level since 2021, Independent Economist Cameron Bagrie tells Ryan why we're seeing a shift. New home consents have topped 40,000 for the first time in three years; Combined Building Supplies Co-operative CEO Carl Taylor shares his thoughts. Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on One Nation leader Pauline Hanson banning certain media from her press conference unveiling the party's candidates for VICTORIAN election and a former professional rugby player gives evidence at the Federal inquiry into new gambling ad laws. 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.

There's support for continued fuel relief, with motorists still sensitive to price rises. The Government's extending the in-work tax credit, higher mileage rates for health workers and eligible patients, and reimbursements for relievers. That's despite average pump prices staying below $3 for four weeks. Waitomo Group CEO Simon Parham told Ryan Bridge people change their behaviour once prices climb above that mark. He says people top up rather than fill their tank – likely a sign of them managing household budgets. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The battle for the right and centre-right vote is the most interesting thing about the Election. Because it's the battle that will determine who wears the pants in the next Government. I'm still of the view that the Coalition will be re-elected. The make-up of the cabinet is what they're now fighting for. That's why over the past week we've seen the biggest dust ups between the three parties currently sitting on the Treasury benches. When was the last time you heard anything from or about the Māori Party? The left's been fascinated by TOP. In some ways this a function of the media oxygen. Fighting, albeit with gloves on, between coalition partners is newsworthy. Punch too hard and the thing could collapse before making through the next 90-odd days. Punch too soft and you might not make it out the other side of November 7th. The right is battling for the same group of voters. Luxon ruling out TOP was an attempt to pull some formerly blue votes back to the mothership. But their polling is still at a point where they would lose some big names —Goldsmith, Bishop— if things don't turn around. The fundamentals, i.e. the economy and how people feel about it, won't change dramatically in the next few months, so this is now a battle of wills. Who has the stamina and discipline not to blow it and go of course on the campaign? Will the Nats pull a Hail Mary-Jacinda move and roll Luxon, for fear his foot-in-mouth disease strikes again and they lose even more of the soft centre? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two people have died after their helicopters collided in mid-air, while fighting wildfires west of Athens in Greece. A British pilot and Greek fire service liaison officer survived the crash and have been taken to hospital. Greece is among many parts of Europe suffering devastating wildfires after a summer of extreme heat. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge that so much of the continent is trying to help one another, with French and Romanian personnel also assisting their Greek counterparts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday the 3rd of August 2026, NZ First's wants to give parents money to have more children, parenting expert Nathan Wallis tells Ryan if it's enough of an incentive. Paul Henry's unveiled his first Act Party policy, giving teachers the legal power to remove naughty students from the classroom, Secondary Principals Council Chair Steve McCracken tells Ryan if this is the power teachers need. UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on a search and rescue operation is underway after two Firefighting helicopters collided while tackling wildfires in a region West of Athens and the European Union to hold emergency talks tomorrow to discuss the migration crisis in Ceuta after tense exchanges between Spain and other member states. Plus, Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on the economic impact of the wild forest fires across Europe, inflation up in Europe and bond markets expecting higher inflation and pushing bond yields up globally. 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.