Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

Stock traders across the UK are hoping the next Prime Minister will lead to some much-needed stability. Sir Keir Starmer has set out his plan to resign as UK Prime Minister and says a successor will be in place by Parliament's return in September at the latest. It means Downing Street will welcome its seventh leader in a decade. Financial Times Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher told Ryan Bridge markets had already priced in a likely leadership change. She says the signals pointing towards a fairly seamless transition of power, rather than a bloody contest, are being welcomed by the markets. Former Cabinet minister Andy Burnham has now returned to Parliament as MP for Makerfield and is considered a shoo-in to become the next Prime Minister.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 23rd of June 2026, Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as UK Prime Minister, Whitehall editor at the Financial Times, Lucy Fisher has the latest out of the UK. Dave Rennie's unveiled his first All Blacks squad as coach, Sports Commentator Sam Ackerman shares his thoughts. A2 Milk has won approval to sell infant formula into China from its Pōkeno plant, Shareholders Association CEO Oliver Mander tells Ryan how important this is. Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on poultry farms going into lockdown in Western Australia following a deadly Avian Flu strain and Australia's biggest ever cocaine drug bust. 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.

Sir Keir Starmer's resignation has come as no surprise to those who listen to this - or pretty any - show on this station. But what should worry us is why. Sure, he was a dud. Sure, he was a bit of a goofball. He wasn't cool. But, on immigration he was, at-least, trying. Net immigration was 85% below peak. Crime there is apparently falling. The economy's stumbling but not fallen over. The Times newspaper nailed it with a headline: 'Panicking politicians addicted to iPhones oust a Prime Minister'. In just ten years they've had Cameron, May, Johnson, Truss, Sunak, Starmer and now, shortly, Burnham. Who'll probably end up just as loathed and hated as the bloke who went before him. I don't think this is just a politics thing, and certainly not just a British thing. We humans are undergoing an evolutionary metamorphosis - into impatient and petulant children. All of us. Yesterday researchers reported kids can't watch movies these days because their attention spans are too short. And movies are meant to be fun. Musical albums are a thing of the past. Even the idea of a sitting and listening to entire song is foreign to some - a few seconds or hooks of a chorus on TikTok passes as easy listening these days. Forget reading a book. Is it any wonder the world is chewing through political leaders like there's no tomorrow. And consuming more content than the world ever has in its history, yet somehow end up dumber than beforehand? And the irony of AI, the great saviour of the universe, the technological equivalent of Andy Burnham, will save us time. Will give us mor time. To read and watch movies and switch political leaders. What on earth will we do with it all? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday the 22nd of June 2026, National wants to make KiwiSaver compulsory for all workers from 2028, if re-elected Financial Services Council Chief Executive Kirk Hope shares his thoughts. Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on Europe intent on reducing China content in imports and production, Oil prices dropping after the US/Iran peace deal and Inflation stable in the UK, and interest rates stayed unchanged. PWC tax partner Sandy Lau shares her thoughts on the Green Party's wealth tax policy. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the UK PM urged to resign by colleagues to ensure a bloodless leadership battle he seems certain to lose and a major rail line connecting London to the north faces disruption for the whole week following a fatal train crash at the weekend. 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 tax expert says the Greens' proposed approach to tackling corporate greed - is likely to be unpopular. If elected, the party's promising to add new super rich, gifts and inheritance taxes, a major banks levy and a big tech tax. It also wants to lift the corporate tax rate to 33 percent - for large companies like supermarkets, gentailers and banks. PWC tax partner Sandy Lau shares her thoughts with Ryan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's no point talking about the latest loony bin tax plan grab from the Greens because it's not going to become anything more than a word doc on their website. It's not going to happen. An inheritance tax is about the cruellest thing a state can impose on a grieving family. 33% when mum or dad dies. You've got to then take out a loan from the bank, congratulations bank and pay the government. Or sell the shares or property or whatever. Then pay the state. Congratulations state. The idea is that somehow, this act of forced goodwill, taxing assets your family's worked hard to acquire, using money that's already been taxed, earning income that is already taxed, will somewhere, somehow materially change the livers of others is absolute BS. I've just been in France where they have exactly this system. They have high personal income tax rates. And they're swinging far right. And this plan includes a wealth tax on everything from shares to companies, which only a handful of countries around the world bother doing because you may have asset, but it doesn't mean you've got cash to pay a tax on it. Just a reminder. This is not how a country gets rich. This is not how you create more jobs and industry. It's not how you grow an economy. And if you're not doing that. You're standing still or going backwards. We've been doing that in this country for too long. Ideas like this, may be appealing on paper, in reality almost never deliver the things the politicians espousing them promise on the hustings. You don't hear this said often but thank god for Labour completely ruling this thing out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend's Super Rugby Pacific Final is shaping up to be a blockbuster. The Hurricanes are hosting the Chiefs at a sold-out Hnry Stadium. The Chiefs are chasing their first title in thirteen years, but the Hurricanes are hungry to lift the trophy again, a decade after their only win. CEO Tony Philp told Andrew Dickens they know the Chiefs are going to come down and play an epic game. He says it's the two best teams, and they're super excited about taking that challenge on and doing it in front of what's set to be a loud and boisterous home crowd. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fishing industry lobby group says the Government's decision to press pause on changes to fishing laws will be a missed opportunity. Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has confirmed a bill, easing restrictions on the industry, won't be passed before the election. The Government had already scrapped controversial plans to reduce minimum size limits for commercial fishers. Seafood New Zealand Chief Executive Lisa Futschek told Andrew Dickens this legislation was put in place in 1996 and needed an update. She says the bill has been shrouded in misinformation, and the benefits of the changes have been ignored. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says manufacturers share its goal of doubling export receipts. Stats NZ says equipment and food production were the biggest drivers of the 0.8% rise in GDP in the March quarter. BNZ data shows manufacturing activity's dipped again since the fuel crisis started. But Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing Cameron Brewer told Andrew Dickens things are trending up. He says signs are positive, with strong forward orders and confidence improving across the country. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Friday the 19th of June 2026, GDP first three months of the year came in at a decent 0.8%, with manufacturing leading the charge, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing Cameron Brewer shares his thoughts. The Hurricanes host the Chiefs in a sold-out cake tin this weekend, Hurricanes CEO Tony Philip tells Andrew how he thinks the game will shape up. Fishing companies are fuming as the Fisheries Amendment Bill seems dead in the water at least for now, Seafood NZ Chief Executive Lisa Futschek shares her thoughts. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on the Makerfield by-election and Moscow hit by largest Ukrainian drone strike since war began, as the first Russian shadow tanker enters English channel since one of seized on Sunday. 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.

We've come to the end of a fascinating week in politics. But what week in politics isn't? It kicked off last Sunday with Nicola Willis alleging a massive hidden bill in Labour's policies. She also had a crack at the lack of policies from Labour. And while that entertained her base who already hold that view, there were many who said she pulled the trigger too soon and it was a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black. Heather said it was way too soon, and it should have been left to closer to Election Day. Cameron Bagrie said that all parties have hidden bills and because of our fiscal state, all policies are going to have to be paid for by debt. So, Nicola's shot could have backfired. And Audrey Young pointed out that last election Nicola Willis released her fiscal policy with costings only four days before advance voting started, and 17 days before Election Day. This year's election is 141 days away. Look I enjoy this election-style biffo because it's great grist to the mill for people in my job, but I too wonder why National has pulled the trigger so early. It raises the question whether they're very worried about the Opposition beating them. It also shows their hand, and come Election time maybe Labour will be better prepared. Maybe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The economic cost of injuries is being labelled a wake-up call for ACC and policymakers. ACC's latest injuries report shows claims last year cost the economy $8.7 billion in lost productivity. About $4.4 billion was spent on treatment and $3.1 billion on weekly compensation. ACC lawyer and researcher Warren Forster told Andrew Dickens it's positive to see ACC focusing on the economic impact of injuries. He says it's costing us as a society, and change needs to happen. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Data due out today is expected to show our economy was continuing to recover before the fuel crisis really began to bite. Stats NZ is releasing GDP figures for the March quarter at 10.45. It's expected to show the economy grew between 0.7 and 1% between January and March, but it's likely to have contracted again between April and June. Westpac Senior Economist Michael Gordon told Andrew Dickens normally this is a phase in which we'd be able to get some strong growth, but there are still some headwinds against the economy. He says we still had interest rate relief over the past few years, but it's more a case of the Reserve Bank taking its foot off the break, but not stomping on the accelerator to get the economy going again. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Thursday 18th of June Full Show Podcast 2026, Westpac Senior Economist Michael Gordon previews GDP data out today. Benefit numbers not looking too good for the Government, Labour Social Development and Employment Spokesperson Willow Jean Prime shares her thoughts. ACC Lawyer and Researcher Warren Forster tells Andrew Dickens why ACC is costing us so much. Plus, US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on Trump has issuing new threats to Iran if they don't stick to the Memorandum of Understanding and the Obama Presidential Center is due to open in Chicago this weekend. 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.

Labour's suggested the Government's out of touch with the challenges beneficiaries face trying to lock down a job. Social Development Minister Louise Upston wants to slash the number of people on Jobseeker to 140 thousand by 2030. But Labour says we're on track to miss this target by more than 60 thousand people. Social Development spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime is criticising the measures the Government's put in place - telling Andrew Dickens they're punitive. She says there are so many people looking for work, but the Government hasn't created the conditions for more work. LISTEN ASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first Michelin rankings of New Zealand restaurants are out later this month Yesterday Jesse Mulligan, the Herald's restaurant reviewer, pointed out it's going to be a very incomplete list of our best restaurants and worth little to most, including the high wealth tourists it's supposed to attract There's a couple of reasons. Firstly, geographic. The reviewers have only visited Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. So restaurants outside that area, many in our wine growing districts, won't even be visited. His examples are Craggy Range in Hawke's Bay and Arbour in Marlborough, which he reviewed as being most probably New Zealand's best restaurant. He also argues that that local word-of-mouth and trusted, down-to-earth recommendations hold more practical value for diners than anonymous international inspectors. He reckons 35 restaurants might be reviewed, and we'd be lucky to see any get a star. Now normally I wouldn't care, except Tourism New Zealand paid $6.3 million to bring the Michelin Guide to the country in a three-year partnership agreement. That's an awful lot of taxpayer's money to get a very incomplete and small guide of New Zealand restaurants that miss our best and much of our country. You know what that sounds like to me? That sounds like wasteful government spending.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A decline in drink driving convictions. Ministry of Justice figures show convictions for teenagers in the past nine years are down 52% and 9.6% overall. But the numbers rose for people in their thirties and over 55's. Alcohol Beverages Council spokesperson Virginia Nicholls told Andrew Dickens it shows youth drinking is changing for the better. She says a change in culture is coming through as well as the impact of targeted education and support programmes. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ACT Party's promising to ensure freedom of speech for professional regulators if re-elected. The proposal would ban regulators from disciplining workers for lawful expression outside of professional practice. It would require them to remain neutral on political issues and restrict mandatory training to matters directly related to professional competence and safety. Free Speech Union council member Ani O'Brien told Andrew Dickens these people are currently being judged on more than just their competence. She says workers are being policed on what they post on social media and their political beliefs. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Wednesday 17th of June 2026, Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett gives his thoughts on the Government given the green light to a 30-year infrastructure plan. Less people are drinking and driving and it's young people leading the charge, Virginia Nicholls NZ Alcohol and Beverage Council Executive Director tells Andrew why. The Act Party is promising to restore freedom of speech to professional regulators if re-elected, Free Speech Union Council Member Ani O'Brien shares her thoughts. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on 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.

An aim to squeeze more out of every dollar on infrastructure spending. The Government's agreeing to all recommendations and acting on all priorities in the Infrastructure Commission's National Plan. The 30-year document includes reviewing the Land Transport Fund and requiring Crown entities to publish long-term investment plans. Infrastructure NZ Chief Executive Nick Leggett told that it's really important to attach proper funding to the plan, so that when a project is announced, there's actually money to build it. He says there are a lot of phantom projects that have come and gone over the years, but they were able to be picked off politically because the money to deliver them was never properly put forward. LSTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Lord. Parliamentarians are actually doing something we've asked for. They've come up with an Infrastructure Plan for the next 30 years and more remarkably, it has rare cross party backing. It was produced independently by the Infrastructure Commission. Labour and the Greens have called it a long-term, non-partisan blueprint for fixing decades of inconsistent infrastructure decisions. Here's our problem: New Zealand spends heavily on infrastructure but ranks poorly on efficiency and asset management. Minister Chris Bishop says the Government is already acting on all ten priority areas, including reviewing transport funding, legislating long-term investment plans, improving national infrastructure data, and strengthening public-sector project leadership. Further work is needed on predictable funding signals, multi-year budgeting, and coordinated workforce planning, with Treasury and MBIE to report back in 2027. But finally, we are attacking the stop start nature of developing this country and that will make it quicker, more efficient and most importantly cheaper. And finally, the so called grownups in charge of the country are being grown up and ditching infrastructure as a way to define themselves politically. I had a mate who was a tunneller who did the Victoria Park tunnel. Then he left New Zealand until the Waterview tunnel started and then he left New Zealand again. And I remember at a barbecue him saying that if we just got all our tunnelling projects sorted and, in a row, so the experience could move from one job to the next than the country would save billions. Every project carries the coast of start-up operations. and it's holding us back.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Whites are kicking off their FIFA World Cup campaign this afternoon. It's the first time since 2010 that they've made it into the tournament, and they're facing Iran in their opening match. Weekend Sport's Jason Pine told Andrew Dickens set pieces will likely be All Whites' best opportunity to score goals. He says the opportunities won't come along very often, so when they do, they will have to take them. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Middle East War has left Iran with a harder-line regime than before, says The Guardian's Washington Bureau Chief. David Smith told Andrew Dickens that although the United States and Iran have agreed on a deal to end the war, it is more relief than resolution. “I think it's hard to celebrate after such a rough war with so many civilian casualties, we should not forget them. And frankly, a war that's left the Iranian population worse off now with a more hardline regime and an economic crisis. "Also many critics would argue [the war] has dealt a real blow to US power and prestige and shown the limits of that power." Smith said he believes the Iranian regime will be less likely to make concessions on its nuclear programme. "I think partly because the Iranian regime does feel emboldened. For them, nearly hanging on and surviving was victory, and they achieved that. And we now have something more like a military junta that is younger and more radicalised and feels emboldened that it managed to stand up to the Goliath Americans." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MPs may be underestimating just how negatively the public views their use of parliamentary allowances. There's renewed scrutiny of politicians claiming taxpayer-funded accommodation allowances while owning their own Wellington homes. The Opportunity Party is campaigning on reforming the rules. Political commentator Bryce Edwards told Andrew Dickens there could be real public appetite for change. He says story-after-story seems to receive strong feedback. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are a lot of people who think the media are a left-wing lobby group. And they think Stuff is one of the leftiest of them all. So, explain to me why Stuff has just appointed Mathew Hooton as their new editor, apparently after he was shoulder tapped by Sinead Boucher. Yesterday the Post reported this about their new editor. "Hooton's CV includes being a Young Nat, a press secretary in the Bolger Government, a strategist for National during the Don Brash years ... an adviser for ACT, a strategic consultant for iwi, banks, most corporate sectors, government departments, and the ultra-rich - and a short-lived stint as Wayne Brown's adviser." Totally socialist. Not. But if you read Matthew and if you meet Matthew, you'll know he has one of the clearest understandings of how power works in this country both left and right politically. And at a corporate level. And in Te Ao Māori. People in this country are far too quick to generalise. They don't understand the difference between left and right, often confusing them between conservative and liberal and the difference between demand side and supply side economics. I've grown frustrated at hearing supposedly rightist people demanding government intervention and not realising they're straying out of their lane. So, Matthew I think is a genius move - so let the ructions begin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Tuesday the 16th of June 2026, The US and Iran have agreed a deal to end the war, which Pakistan says will be signed on Friday in Switzerland, Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian David Smith tells Andrew if this deal is going to stick. The All Whites will take on Iran in their first game of the FIFA World Cup, Weekend Sport Host Jason Pine shares his thoughts on how the All Whites will play. Political commentator and Director of the Democracy Project Bryce Edwards shares his thoughts on the Opportunities Party committing to all their MPs not getting taxpayer funded entitlements in an unfair way. Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on a shark attack at a Sydney beach and Australia's richest person investing in Elon Musk's SpaceX. 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.

Donald Trump's peace deal with Iran's could be dead in the water - with Israel being the one to push it overboard. Israeli forces have killed three people in Beirut, in strikes the US President says shouldn't have happened - and that Iran's now vowing to respond to. Earlier Trump insisted the deal will still be signed today. Global affairs reporter Simon Marks told Andrew Dickens there is absolute fury at the White House over the Israeli attack. He says the Iranians have said there's no point continuing talks with the US - as it clearly doesn't have control over Israel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Saturday I went to my local rugby club's game. North Shore versus Northcote. A game Shore comfortably won And there I met the president of the club Laurie Magrain, who as it happens is a fan of this station and the Chair of New Zealand's second largest dairy company, Open Country.He told me he's been down at Field Days all week. Of course being a nosey radio guy I googled Laurie when I got home and discovered he'd been making a noise at Field DaysHe'd been talking about the review of the Act that regulated our milk industry The Act gives the responsibility of calculating the farmgate milk price to Fonterra because when it was set up it was the biggest player by far These days Fonterra controls 78 per cent national milk so he'd like other milk companies to have more say in setting the farmgate price he argues the market isn't truly competitive, and without clear, open pricing rules, smaller processors can't compete on equal footing. I agree. It's a funny thing about business philosophy. More competition does create better scenarios. Meanwhile monopolies can be bloated yet can also in certain cases create efficiencies. With the rise of the independent milk companies it's time to let them have more say to sharpen up Fonterra and give more choice to farmers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Monday 15th of June 2026, Trump says a US/Iran agreement could be signed today, with mediators saying a deal is within reach. Business correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on oil prices following a potential US/Iran peace deal, how will the UK pay for defence and forthcoming Bank of England interest rate decision this week and the European Central Bank raised rates a bit, what does it mean for growth? Nicola Willis has called out Labour for having a $18.2 billion spending hole in their policy plan, Independent Economist Cameron Bagrie shares his thoughts on whether we need a independent verifier to stop 'fiscal holes'. Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on British armed forces intercepting a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel and Switzerland votes in a referendum to decide on a proposal to cap their population at 10 million. 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.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has begun. Mexico claimed victory over South Africa in the opening match of the tournament – scoring a goal in each half to win the match 2-nil. Next up, South Korea and the Czech Republic are taking the centre stage at Guadalajara Stadium. The current favourites to win the Cup are Spain, France, Brazil, and England, with Argentina close behind. But Weekend Sport Host Jason Pine told Francesca Rudkin there are some underdogs worth keeping an eye on, such as Japan and Ecuador. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johns Hopkins foreign policy analyst Jeffrey Pryce is sceptical of US President Donald Trump's claim that an agreement in the Middle East is approved and ready to be signed. Speaking to Francesca Rudkin, Pryce pointed to the extensive demands in a proposed Memorandum of Understanding from several weeks ago, which did not progress. That MoU had included a permanent ceasefire, likely including Lebanon; the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and removal of the US naval blockade; and the beginning of nuclear negotiations, possibly including progress on unfreezing Iranian assets or lifting sanctions on Iran. There was also a push for the Gulf states to sign the Abraham Accords – all of which was “a lot to put into an agreement”. Pryce did agree with Trump that the Iranian decision-making progress could be very extended. “Things have to be brought up to the Supreme Leader, who is by all accounts severely injured, and they have a sort of a long, painstaking process of decision making. So it's possible that we're getting closer to a deal.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ACT Party isn't saying how it'll pay for a major rural policing policy, but says it'll be a better use of taxpayer money than current spending. It's boosting rural patrols and expanding 111 texting for farmers in poor mobile coverage. Rural spokesperson Andrew Hoggard told Francesca Rudkin the plan requires an additional 182 officers in rural areas. He says it would cost up to $45 million in the first year and about $30 million after that. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another member of Sir Keir Starmer's cabinet has jumped ship, with Britain's Defence Secretary John Healey the latest to go. He's the sixth minister to resign in the past month. Healey's accusing the Prime Minister of putting the UK at risk, with a planned defence spending uplift of just 0.08% of GDP. UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Francesca Rudkin that Healey's suggesting it won't provide the military equipment needed in a dangerous world. He says Starmer's acknowledged Healey's comments but says he doesn't agree - but also hasn't found anyone to replace him yet. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cheap, illict, black market ciggies are in the news again. A new report claims more that than one third of tobacco consumed last year was bought on the black market. It estimates the Government lost $817 million in excise and GST revenue last year. It's worth noting the report was commission by tobacco companies, who are obviously very keen to knock this behaviour on the head. Immediately, it raises questions about the excise tax placed on cigarettes and whether we should raise it, keep it steady, or drop it. Excise tax and GST in NZ means a packet of cigarettes is around $40 – but you can pick up a pack on the black market for around $13. It's a difficult policy choice. On one hand, high cigarette taxes have helped reduce smoking rates over time. On the other hand, you can't deny that rising prices have increased the incentive for black market tobacco smuggling and illicit sales. There is a reasonable argument for reducing or freezing excise taxes if policymakers believe the illegal market is growing faster than the legal market is shrinking. Australia provides a warning. After years of large tax increases, the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates illicit products made up as much as 80% of nicotine consumption in 2025. Organised crime groups have become heavily involved, leading to violence, extortion, and firebombings. However, cutting taxes also has drawbacks. Cheaper cigarettes may encourage more smoking, undermining progress towards public health goals. I would also argue it's unlikely the excise tax would be reduced enough to truly compete with a black market $13 pack of cigarettes. New Zealand has not yet reached Australia's level of criminal involvement. The Government has stated that while illicit tobacco is increasing, New Zealand is “not yet facing the same issues as Australia.” Authorities have responded with joint operations involving Customs, Police, and Health agencies. Last night, Customs Minister Casey Costello defended border controls on Newstalk ZB Drive, stating that Customs has had huge success in seizing illicit tobacco. And to be fair, they have demonstrated significant enforcement capability. In one recent case, officers intercepted 927,000 smuggled cigarettes concealed in shipments falsely declared as clothing, leading to arrests and the potential tax avoidance of $1.4 million. Other operations have seized more than 1.5 million cigarettes and over a tonne of loose tobacco. What we need to see though is better organisation between Police and Health agencies once the product is in New Zealand and on sale. In the year ending in March, Ministry of Health did not undertake any enforcement action against retailers under Smokefree legislation, and yet, dodgy retailers don't seem to be very hard to find. From here they need to make it clear whose jurisdiction it is to focus on breaking up the domestic supply of illegal cigarettes, with serious fines and consequences on the table. Overall though, the strongest response may be a middle path: avoid large future excise increases while investing more resources in enforcement. This approach preserves the health benefits of high tobacco prices while reducing the risk of creating an Australian-style black market dominated by organised crime. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast 2026, Jeffrey Pryce, Senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute, John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies shares his thoughts on Trump's latest strikes on Iran. The FIFA World Cup is about to be underway in Mexico City, Weekend Sport Host Jason Pine tells Francesca what we can expect. Act's taking a tougher stance on rural crime, Act Party Agriculture Spokesperson Andrew Hoggard shares the party's latest policy. Plus, UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on Defence Secretary John Healey resigning from Keir Starmer's government and Trump saying the US will hit Iran 'very hard' and threatens to take Kharg Island. 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 a belief a cap on public transport fares would be better bang for buck compared to other roading projects. Labour's campaigning on a $20 weekly maximum in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, and $10 elsewhere. It would be funded by re-prioritising $65 million from the National Land Transport Fund. Independent urban planning expert Bruce Weir told Francesca Rudkin for some projects, $65 million doesn't go very far. He says when it's sunk into the roading network, it's chewed through pretty quickly and doesn't bring many long-term benefits. But the benefits of the policy, like increased use of trains and busses, could be slow to filter through. Weir thinks it'll take about three-to-five years to see any direct impacts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cost of hiring the wrong person is racking up for employers, despite a large number of applicants. New Seek data estimates small and medium sized businesses lose more than $900 million a year from bad hires. Small Business NZ founder Phil Wicks told Francesca Rudkin the quality of applicants seems to be slowly declining. He says often in the trades, it's hard to find the right person, and yet the industry's under immense pressure to find people quickly. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast Thursday the 11th of June 2026, Labour wants to cap public transport fares at $20 a week in the main centres, urban planner Bruce Weir tells Francesca Rudkin whether or not this is feasible or not. The wrong hire could come at a big price tag for small businesses, Director of BSP Advisory and Small Business NZ Founder Phil Wicks shares his thoughts. US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on Trump's latest comments around the war restarting and NBA Basketball fever taking over New York City. Plus, Charter schools have released their first performance reports and the results are mixed, PPTA President Chris Abercrombie shares his thoughts. 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 question of whether charter schools can achieve better results than what's already possible at state schools. New annual reports show three of the seven charter schools that opened last year failed to meet attendance or achievement targets. Some did make significant gains, with Māori-Pasifika boys' boarding school Tipene nearly doubling reading expectations. PPTA President Chris Abercrombie told Francesca Rudkin state schools can deliver just as well for disengaged students. He says they're more equipped to deal with specific issues, with established networks and resources. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Move-on Orders Amendment Bill has passed its first reading in Parliament – this is the bill that would give police the power to issue move-on orders to rough sleepers, people begging or obstructing entrance ways, or showing intent to inhabit a public place. Submissions to the bill close next month. Now, the majority of Auckland City Councillors agreed this week that they want begging and rough sleeping to be taken out of these proposed move-on orders. They see the proposed legislation very much as a tool to deal with destructive, disorderly or threatening behaviours, not to further marginalise those who are already struggling. At the end of the day, the action taken will be at the discretion of the Police. The bill in its current state puts the Police in an awkward position, because it is being sold to us as a bill that is going to get rid of homelessness in city centres. It gives the impression police will be out on the beat daily, moving on those sleeping rough from doorways or bus shelters, and that all of a sudden homelessness will disappear and we don't have to think about it again. In theory this sounds good. It will make city centres safer and more welcoming, respond to the business community's concern that rough sleepers harm economic activity, and help connect homeless people to support services. But we all know the issue of homelessness is complicated and nuanced, and that temporarily removing the problem from sight does nothing to fix the problem. The Police Association said it would be a drain on resources. Retail NZ welcomes new tools for police but doubts their long term usefulness. Those who deal with homelessness aren't impressed. In short, no one seems convinced by this bill. The move-on law may provide businesses and the wider public with short-term relief from visible homelessness and anti-social behaviour. But without meaningful investment in housing and support services, it risks criminalising vulnerable people, fracturing service access and merely “sweeping the problem under the rug”. True solutions require addressing the structural causes of homelessness, building trust with affected communities, and creating inclusive pathways out of homelessness. Police will use the law to move on people who are causing a disturbance, and to get people the care and support they need it, but it's not going to work as it's being sold. Simplifying the Bill to reflect this reality isn't a bad idea – the legislation as proposed is about optics and won't fix the issue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More exposure to Asian cultures within our communities is helping expand ties with the region. The Asia New Zealand Foundation's latest survey finds more than 60% of members now feel connected to Asian culture in their daily lives. Sociologist Paul Spoonley says more young people are considering the region for their OE, when in the past, they'd tend to opt for Europe or Australia. He told Francesca Rudkin the destinations are a draw, and people are attracted by the food, the culture, the climate, and the cost. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's more scepticism about who'll end up paying for a new LNG terminal. The Government's pressing on with plans but scrapping a proposed levy on power bills, intended to pay for the facility. It's also announced stronger dry year supply requirements and penalties for gentailers. Rewiring Aotearoa Chief Executive Mike Casey told Francesca Rudkin he hopes the facility doesn't get built – especially if the cost falls on gentailers. He says it'll be a great outcome for consumers if gentailers are not forced to pay for it, but then the question of where the money comes from remains. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.