Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

The Black Ferns have made it to the semi-finals. After handily defeating South Africa in the Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-final, they're now set to face the World No 2 team – Canada. However, they're missing a major player from their line up – flanker Jorja Miller appearing to be out with a hamstring injury. Sky Sport Commentator Rikki Swannell told Ryan Bridge that while Miller is a huge loss, her replacement Kennedy Tukuafu is still a handy player. She says fingers are crossed that Miller is available again if they do make it through to the finals. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Corrections Minister says the Government has helped reduce the number of people breaching electronically monitored bail. There were 832 cases of absconding from EM bail last year - up from 64 in 2015. The total number of people on EM bail has risen from 1300 to over six thousand since 2015. But Mark Mitchell told Ryan Bridge the percentage rate of absconding is actually coming down. He says it was at 19% in 2019, which dropped to 14% last year. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Surprise across the board with the latest sharp drop in GDP. Our economy's contracted 0.9% in the June quarter - a worse outcome than any economists had been forecasting. Many were predicting a 0.3% drop, including the Reserve Bank and ASB. ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith shares his analysis with Ryan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 19th of September 2025 GDP fell 0.9% in the last quarter, ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith shares his thoughts. The Women's World Cup semi-final is this weekend; Sky Sport commentator Rikki Swannell tells Ryan about the atmosphere leading up to the game in the UK. Ankle monitor escapes have increase from 64 in 2015 to more than 800 in the last year, Corrections Minister, Mark Mitchell tells Ryan why. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on day two of Trump's state visit to the UK. 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.

Has Nicola Willis failed on growth in her year of growth? So far, yes. We've gone nowhere in six months - Q2 basically wiped out Q1. Should she resign? No. Why? Trump's tariffs. Nobody saw them coming. Markets thought he was bluffing, a negotiation tactic. Until he wasn't. Businesses and Mums and Dads sat on their cash to wait it out - a reasonable response to an uncertain future. Should she borrow and spend more? She can't. It'd be political sacrilege for a party elected to do the opposite. Besides, she's already borrowing Robertson-level cash. The interest tab's nearing $10 billion and ratings agencies are watching closely. The RBNZ printed money like it was going out of fashion, governments here and abroad overcooked the Covid response with border controls. The world ground to a halt. We artificially concocted an inflationary wildfire so hot the ambers burn close to central limits to this day. As for those the calls from Douglas and Co. for Willis' head on a stake, you've got to ask what exactly it is they want and what impact it would have had. Had she gone full Ruth Richardson in Budgets 1 and 2, getting the books in line sooner, that growth number we saw yesterday, the one that prompted the press release calling for a scalp, would have been a hell of a lot worse than 0.9%. So, the waiting game continues, which is cold comfort to many. But the medicine for such a nasty illness was always going to be hard to swallow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington's globally renowned World of Wearable Arts show opens its doors today in its 20th year. The event runs for three weeks at TSB Arena with more than 60-thousand people are expected to attend. It brings in designers and creatives from around the world in a mix of fashion, music, and design. Chief Executive Meg Williams says it embraces the capital's creativity and around 70% of visitors come from out of town. She says WOW brings $30 million into the regional economy every year, because of visitor spend. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Opposition doesn't want the Government taking all the credit for a drop in youth offending. The Government says the rate of serious and persistent offending from young people has dropped by more than 14% since June 2023. Labour's Children Spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime says it is largely because of the Circuit Breaker programme – which they started. She told Ryan Bridge that the Government is effectively saying the drop is due to the boot camp programmes, which have actually been an abject failure with seven of the nine youth reoffending. Prime says they should be more transparent that it's the continuation and expansion of things Labour began that is contributing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An economist is predicting a gloomier number than the Reserve Bank from the latest GDP figure. Stats NZ data on GDP for the year's second quarter will be released today. The Reserve Bank's predicting a 0.3 percent drop. BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones is a picking a 0.5 percent fall. He told Ryan Bridge economic growth is probably going to be slow for a while. Jones says it will probably be until next year that we see what can be classed as recovery. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 18th of September 2025, GDP is out today, BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones tells Ryan what he's expecting to see. The World of wearable arts kicks off in Wellington today, CEO Meg Williams tells Ryan about the impact it has on the capital. Labour's Willow-Jean Prime shares her thoughts on the latest youth crime data. Plus, US Correspondent Toni Waterman has the latest on Donald Trump's state visit to the UK and the US Federal reserve decision. 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.

Did you see the cops put out a handy warning for us all yesterday? Hide, tell, escape. The spooks in Wellington reckon extremist violence is a realistically possibility in this country. Now, they've been saying this for some time. Yesterday you may have got a news alert about this new campaign from police telling you what to do during an armed attack in a crowded place. You could think, well, maybe they're just being prepared, and better to know what to do than not. But isn't there a part of you that also thinks, do they know something specific? Or are they following so many suspected terrorists that they've maxed capacity and feel now is the time to inform the last line of defence, or self-defence, us? It's one of those things —I was thinking about it last night after watching the news— where you wonder if you're being a bit paranoid or whether it's so plain and obvious that everyone else assumes the same. On the news we had Luigi Mangione. A young guy who hated insurance companies and assassinated a CEO in cold blood, allegedly. Tyler Robinson was in there. Another young guy with strong views who allegedly took his granddad's gun to university to shoot and kill a guest speaker. They reckon the risk here remains low but the threat is growing. The most likely scenario would involve a lone actor, radicalised online through dangerous ideology and grievances. The cops say all this is just one click away... Now, given all of this, think carefully about stuff that's said on social media, about grievances and extreme language, and the need to ‘do something' about it. A recent survey of business leaders found more were worried about extremism in NZ than interest rates. I think most reasonable Kiwis are, and if not, should be too. The cops' advice this week is an update on similar stuff released after the mosque shootings. You just hope like hell we can figure out a way to talk and reason with one another before something happens as bad, or worse, than that.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food price inflation is starting to stabilise. Latest figures from Stats NZ show the food price inflation is 5% – unchanged on a month ago. Butter prices have risen 32% in a year, cheese is up 26%, while milk has increased by 16%. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Ryan Bridge that while households are still seeing high costs, the pressure is coming through in a more contained fashion. He says that when inflation was running rampant a few years ago, just about everything was impacted, but now it's not. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of convicted criminals being sent to prison is at an all-time high. Ministry of Justice data shows more than seven thousand people were sent to prison following convictions in the year to June, up 14% on the previous year. The proportion of people who received prison sentences is the highest on record, at 15%. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith told Ryan Bridge their focus is on reducing victims of crime, not sending people to jail. But he says if it leads to a higher prison population in the short term, so be it. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 17th of September 2025, you're more likely to be sent to jail following a conviction than ever before, according to the latest Ministry of Justice statistics, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith tells Ryan why criminals are no longer getting a free ride from our courts. The aviation sector is calling a new Government plan a major milestone, NZ Airports Association CEO Billie Moore shares her thoughts. Food prices rose 5% in the year to August, Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen provides some analysis. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on Donald Trump arriving in the UK for his historic second state visit. 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.

Like it or not, next year's big dance in politics will ultimately be decided by the few, not the many. Most MMP elections have been. Minnows hold the keys to the kingdom. Be it Winston with his best result ever or Te Pati Māori with an overhang - 2026 won't be a 2020 landslide. The difference this time is how extreme some of the smaller parties, more to the point, some of their MPs, have become - think Takuta on Indians and Simon Court on Palestine. It's not just rhetoric, but policy, too. A separate Māori parliament, re-nationalising power companies, you name it, they'll go there. The temptation for the behemoths, the broad churches, is to emulate what's getting traction. To dip your toe in the pool of radical ideas. To be establishment without looking or sounding like it. Trump and the MAGA movement are the best example of this. In the UK, parties that have been around since Moses was a linebacker are being absolutely whipped in the polls by newer upstarts with one thing on their pledge cards: radical change. The Conservatives have been around almost 200 years. Reform UK? Six. The big issues differ - our cost-of-living malaise is their immigration. So the temptation must be to embrace a bit of that radical spirit. Labour might yet do that, we just don't know what they're cooking up. My prediction? Establishment parties will do what established parties do. Stick to the script, copy/paste their policies, hug the centre like a koala a tree, and hope their buddies grab enough from the fraying edges to get them across the line. Their bet is that crises come and go but establishments don't, even though the Brits and Americans show us they can and do.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hopes that the Government's aviation plan can help more pilots take off. The Government released the first ever strategy for the sector. Part of that is a commitment to look at pilot education and create a workforce plan. Airports Association Chief Executive Billie Moore told Ryan Bridge it's something we can't afford to neglect. She says there's already a pilot shortage, so we need to get a move on. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland businesses are keen to see what benefits more events at Eden Park could bring them. The Government's looking at Eden Park's rules, including the number of concerts and sporting events that can be held, and a 2000 person limit for conferences. It's exploring whether current rules are holding back economic growth. Heart of the City Chief Executive Viv Beck told Ryan Bridge even a single added concert can do wonders. She says a single P!nk concert brought in more than $6 million in spend. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forestry industry voices say keeping 100% of slash and wood debris inside forest boundaries is operationally impossible. Gisborne District Council has obtained an enforcement order forcing two companies to properly manage the sediment risk. Samnic Forest Management is appealing the order and says it would probably go bankrupt if it went ahead. Eastland Wood Council Chairman Julian Kohn told Ryan Bridge they're trying to get a better deal. He says the industry is trying to find an environmental, social, and economic balance. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest Rabobank survey's found farmers' faith in the broader agricultural economy is at its second highest level in the last decade, up to 46 percent. 51 percent expect it to improve in the year ahead - up three percent from the last quarter. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay told Ryan Bridge it's pleasing to see - as it's good for the country's economy. He says when the primary sector's doing well and prices are up, they start spending money. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I've had it with people whinging about state of this county and people fleeing to Australia who then refuse to stop and ask why we got here and how we get out of it. Chucking up a post up on TikTok or waving a banner at a protest won't cut it. Productivity (that's how much we get out for what we put in) is crap. It's been getting worse or flat-lining for decades. Australia's is better. Wages are 30% higher. We're smaller, we have to be smarter. And that means doing what the banner wavers of the world hate most - getting roadblocks and innovation-killers like government out of the way. Doing business needs to be as cheap and easy as possible. Let smart people be smart people and do what they do best: invent, optimise, invest, grow, thrive. We did this post-Muldoon with agriculture - subsidies and deregulation. We're now the most productive in world. It's proof. There of course are those who reckon the solution is to have a politician sign a piece of paper and artificially increase the minimum wage, or write a blank cheque to teachers, the question is: who's going to pay for it when our best and brightest are leaving NZ and businesses are closing? Who can afford that? Show me a democracy that got rich by increasing the size and influence of the government and I'll give you a million bucks. And not one of those Scandinavian ones that did it off the back of massive mineral deposits - which we're not allowed to touch, remember? We've fallen so far behind we can't be 'managing' a 2% GDP economy. This country needs 7% for at least three years. New Zealand needs a growth spurt. We've fallen too far behind. Please don't be fooled by the false prophets, waving their banners and posting their nonsense, they have no idea what they're talking about. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 16th of September 2025, the Government's investigating local rules that are holding Eden Park back from hosting more big events, Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck tells Ryan about the impact this could have on Auckland. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay shares his thoughts on farmer confidence climbing. Gisborne council's forestry rules have company directors warning they could go bankrupt. Plus, Australia correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on a record fine for misconduct by one of Australia's big four banks. 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.

Hopes a new events fund will make Auckland an attractive choice for international acts. The Government is pumping $40million dollars to secure large scale events from next year - part of a bigger $70million dollar boost. Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner says his dream would be a Spice Girls reunion concert. But he told Ryan Bridge any big name will be good for the city. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday 15th of September 2025, The government's dropping $70 million to supercharge events and tourism, Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner shares his thoughts. Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport. One in four of our schools need help to achieve the government's 2030 attendance target, NZ Principals Federation President Leanne Otene explains what help is needed. Plus 26 police officers have been injured while policing a protest organised by a far-right activist, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest. 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 view that factors schools can't control are the reason school attendance is static. About 600 schools are struggling to reach the 2030 goal of having 80 percent of students attending more than 90 percent of the time. That's almost one in four schools. Principals' Federation President Leanne Otene told Ryan Bridge this data includes both unjustified and justified absences - as well as transience. She says this can be kids needing to move around for social housing, or those in families impacted by high unemployment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's no doubt punters will like this new major events fund. $70-million of new and old money. Some for infrastructure like the cycleway network which needs an upgrade. $10-million for regional tourism. And the showstopper is this $40 for "significant, high-impact events for New Zealand from 2026". The PM and Minister Upston came out yesterday and said these big major events are money-makers. Hospotality does well. Tourism operators do well. Retail does well. They called it a bonanza. But if you're a fan of ailing. If you like the America's, you might scratching your head. It was only five months ago the PM say nah to backing the America's Cup. Why? We're in a fiscal mess, we need to invest in "proper infrastructure" like hospitals and roads. He said we need to be more responsible with taxpayers money. And now we have new money for a pearl jam concert. To be fair, the sums involved here are important. The Cup would have cost somewhere between 40 and 70 million on its own. This entire fund, the bit for major events, is $40 million total. But if you follow the reasoning and ask yourself the basic question, is there less demand for hospital or roading infrastructure now than there was then, you'd be right to feel a bit confused by all this. Either the cup was a crap investment, or these investments, more generally are simply not a priority. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a big weekend for rugby, with the Warriors final against the Panthers falling at the same time as the All Blacks second clash with South Africa. It's been ten years since the All Blacks claimed victory over the Springboks in Wellington – will they be able to pull off another win? And the Warriors are entering the playoffs in 6th place after a season filled with ups and downs – how will they fare against the Panthers? Newstalk ZB's voice of rugby Elliott Smith and sports journalist Nick Bewley joined Ryan Bridge to preview the weekend's clashes. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concern there's a creep towards privatisation in a refreshed curriculum. The Government's overhauling senior secondary school subjects, with new options to be phased in from 2028. Vocational subjects including engineering, building, and construction will be industry-led. Principal of Auckland's Albany Senior High School Claire Amos told Ryan Bridge it could mean losing the benefits of a school-led approach. She says some of the most powerful vocational learning is happening in the context of schools meeting the needs of their distinct communities. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 12th of September 2025, Erica Stanford's revealed the new subjects which will be included in the replacement of NCEA, Albany Senior High School Principal Claire Amos shares her thoughts. Newstalk ZB's Elliot Smith and Nick Bewley provide some analysis ahead of the All Blacks and Warriors games this weekend. A manhunt is still underway in the us to search for the killer of conservative activist, Charlie Kirk, Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian David Smith has the latest out of the US. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on Peter Mandelson's sacking. 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 FBI is releasing images of the latest person of interest following the shooting of Charlie Kirk. The highly influential conservative activist was shot at an event at Utah Valley University yesterday morning and later died in hospital. The manhunt continues for the person responsible after two people were questioned but later released from custody. Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian David Smith has the latest out of the US. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week NASA found the clearest sign yet of ancient life on Mars. We learned that for the first time in human history, there more obese children on earth than underweight children. In the Middle East, missiles bomb peace talks. Over the skies of Europe we've got drones and fighter jets. In the US, supposedly the first among free nations, another political assassination. It's times like this you think, what a strange species. If those Martian aliens turned up here, what would they think of us? How would we explain ourselves? Religion is about loving thy neighbour, but we fight in the name of it. Food is scarce but some have too much and others too little. Democracy means freedom until you're shot in the head for speaking your mind. Of course none of this is unusual. We've done this since the beginning of time. Fight, kill, war, rinse and repeat. Animals fight for territory, food and survival. We do that to, but we also fight just because we can't agree with each other. I think what it all boils down to is the fact we're social beings. It can work for us but it can work against us - arguably, social media is making this all worse. So what are we to conclude? How are we to explain ourselves to an alien? What if they landed tomorrow in some big spacecraft, who would you take them to meet? Donald Trump? Xi Jinping? The Pope? The King? Honestly I don't know. Maybe we'd be better off asking a question: have you got any room for me up there? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand appears to be a gateway for migration to other countries. Latest Stats NZ data shows there were 14 thousand migrant arrivals and nearly 10 thousand departures in the year to July. Massey University sociologist Paul Spoonley told Ryan Bridge we're seeing more people migrate to New Zealand, who then move on to Australia. He says the Australians have been actively recruiting here for a number of years, offering better salaries and pension conditions. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Calls for swift intervention to keep our young people healthy. A United Nations report suggests 9.4% of those aged five to 19-years-old are obese, and 9.2% are underweight. In the year 2000, 12% were underweight and just 3% were obese. Save the Children Advocacy Director Jacqui Southey told Ryan Bridge there needs to be better education around what is and isn't healthy. She says some products may appear healthy but are actually packed with sugars, salts, and fats. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A big commitment from Jetstar and its parent Qantas as both airlines make big moves to expand routes. Jetstar's adding new routes from Brisbane to Queenstown and Hamilton to Christchurch and increasing capacity on five domestic and trans-Tasman routes. Qantas is also expanding routes and will begin flying state-of-the-art A220 aircraft between Wellington and Brisbane from February. Aviation Commentator Irene King shares her thoughts with Ryan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Remember it was only a month ago Trump was parading around an Alaskan Air Force base, talking up peace for Ukraine. Within weeks, Putin sends 800 drones across the border - the biggest attack of the war so far. He's targeted EU and British government buildings in Kyiv. He's now entered NATO airspace. The fighter jets were scrambled. The alarm bells rang in Brussels. Does any of this sound like progress? Does any of this sound like diplomacy is doing a god damn thing to stop regular folk being slaughtered in the crossfire? No, of course not. Meanwhile Netanyahu's firing missiles into Doha. And who was he aiming for? The Hamas lead negotiator. The same guy who, as recently as last week, was being given ceasefire details from the Americans via the Egyptians and Qataris. If you really want peace, you don't fire missiles at the guy you're negotiating with. Now if you're Hamas, what are you going to do now the place you thought was safe to have talks no longer feels safe? Some in Hamas believe the whole thing was a set-up, according to the BBC. The American ceasefire proposal was all a trick to get them in one place at time, then bang. Bomb them. Blow them up. Can't blame them for thinking that. It doesn't matter where you look, which continent, which war, diplomacy is not working. The Americans look weak. Trump looks weak. Netanyahu's taking him for a ride. Putin couldn't care less. And one guy in the world sitting back watching, smiling, biding his time, and growing a military empire is Xi Jinping of China.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 11th of September 2025, more New Zealand citizens are leaving the country than ever before, Massey University Sociologist Paul Spoonley tells Ryan about the impact it'll have on the country's growth. Jet Star's announced it's biggest ever expansion here with over 600,000 extra seats, Airline Commentator Irene King tells Ryan about the impact it'll have on Air New Zealand. More children are now obese than they are underweight, Jacqui Southey from Save the Children shares her thoughts. Plus could there be life on Mars? US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest from a NASA press conference about a rock showing potential of ancient life. 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.

There's a concern the Government's school shakeup could drive more students to drop out early. New data shows that over 1,300 students were granted an early leaving exemption last year – the highest since 2007. The Government is proposing to remove subjects from senior school general subject list, reclassifying them as a limited vocational option – one being Outdoor Education. Whenua Iti Outdoors CEO Mark Bruce-Miller told Ryan Bridge that outdoor education allows all students flourish in areas that are difficult to work on within a classroom environment, such as teamwork, leadership, communication, resilience, and initiative. He says students need to be as well-rounded as possible when leaving school, and removing outdoor education from the list means some students won't get those benefits. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A children's advocate says Tom Phillips' children are not "public property" and the public don't have a right to know and debate their lives. Authorities say the children are safe and healthy and continuing to receive support. Their father died on Monday morning after being shot by police near Marokopa in western Waikato. Child Matters Chief Executive Jane Searle told Ryan Bridge we don't need to know everything we want to know about the children. She says they have a lengthy process of reintegrating into society and rebuilding their lives, and for that to be a public story wouldn't be healthy for those children. The Police officer injured in Monday's altercation is still in hospital. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 10th of September 2025, the missing Marokopa kids have been found, but how can we make sure we don't traumatise them further? Child Matters CEO Jane Searle shares her thoughts. There's concern the Government's change up of the school curriculum could drive more students to drop out early, Mark Bruce-Miller CEO of Whenua Iti Outdoors explains why it's important to focus on more than just the core subjects. A report on organised crime says we need a dedicated minister to be responsible for transnational crime and bring agencies together, Customs Minister Casey Costello shares her thoughts. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on French President Emmanuel Macron urgently seeking a new Prime Minister after his government collapses. 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.

Organised crime is being described as the number one threat to New Zealand's national security. The Ministerial Advisory Group on Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime see it as such a significant issue, it's recommending the government should give one minister the responsibility of tackling the problem. A new report says police and customs regularly encounter drug shipments which were once thought unthinkable. Customs Minister Casey Costello told Ryan Bridge she sees merit in the recommendation. She says it's been done before, in the 80s when the Serious Fraud Office was set up to respond to a specific type of criminal offending. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I watched a movie Sunday with a group of friends. Here are 12 things I learnt: 1. You probably aren't hungover on the couch at home uber-eatsing Maccas from the sofa. 2. You have taken the extraordinary measure of walking, using your perfectly capable legs even though you're still a bit stiff and sore from the gym. 3. This means you have visited the gym four times this week to ensure your ass will squeeze into the ever-shrinking vice of a seat provided these days. 4. You chat amongst yourselves loudly while the shorts are playing because you just do not give a flying shite about that level of decorum any longer. Nobody paid for the shorts, they paid for the film - the rest is marketing. 5. The short you do watch has Leonardo DiCaprio (heartthrob of youth) playing the cantankerous father figure to group of young actors you wouldn't know from a bar of soap. 6. You feel nostalgia that the movie is set in the early 2000s. 7. You find the young actors replicating that style —the clothes, the hair, the style— immediately lame for copying what we clearly wore better. 8. One of your friend has a moon boot on after a ‘fall' he took while out walking with this same group of friends the weekend prior. 9. You love the movie 'Caught Stealing' with Austin Butler. Not just because it's a good simple hearty action thriller but because it's only an hour and half long. 10. That means only one toilet break because it's impossible to sit on 660mls of fizzy water without the feeling you bladder may explode into a thousand pieces. 11. The timeframe is just enough before you need to rearrange to alleviate back pain. 12. You laugh, you're enthralled, you feel content sitting there in the dark with your buddies. Happy in the knowledge any worries you had going in are a world away from the grungy lower east side of Manhattan where the film is set. It's the little things you notice that paint a picture of where your life is at, how old you are and how you fit into a world of ever changing demographics. It's a reminder to enjoy the good moments in life with the people that make you happy. Because one day we'll either have dementia or be dead. Here's to middle age. Halfway dead and fine with it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data shows rents are down to the lowest point since 2023. They've dropped 3% in the last year to $628 per week according to realestate.co.nz. Urban centres had the biggest decline, with Wellington leading with 11.8% drops and Auckland following with 2.3%. ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Ryan Bridge its very much an economics lesson in basic supply and demand. He says that we not only have more listings coming onto the market, but also net immigration has fallen over the past few years, so there's less demand for rentals. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A private investigator who previously tried tracking down Tom Phillips says the area where the fugitive's campsite was found was where people expected. Phillips was killed in a shootout with police after a quad bike he was riding with one of his children was spiked by police on a rural Waitomo road yesterday morning. Following a large manhunt, the remaining two children were found at a campsite two kilometres away. Chris Budge told Ryan Bridge the area is rugged in parts, back country gravel roads, with little isolated farming communities. He says the area is quite hard to look through, which is why police weren't able to locate them over the last few years. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 9th of September 2025 Tom Phillips has been shot dead and his three children have been found safe, Private investigator Chris Budge tells Ryan what happens from here. New data shows rents are down 3% nationwide to the lowest point since 2023. The PPTA is telling members to vote down the government's new pay offer, Leighton Watson Senior Lecturer of maths and statistics at Canterbury University, shares his thoughts. Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the details of Mushroom Cook Erin Patterson's sentencing. 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.