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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 3rd of June 2025, The Government's introducing new changes to Worksafe and implementing a new roadcone hotline, Parallax CEO Dave Tilton shares his thoughts on how it will work. Ukraine and Russia have been having peace talks in Turkey, BBC Senior Russia Correspondent Olga Ivshina shares the latest. Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport. Plus, Donna Demaio has all the details on the Australian PM brushing off a push from the US to spend more on defence. 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.
Australia's refusing to play ball with the US, which is demanding it up its defence spend to 3.5% of GDP as soon as possible. Australia's currently tracking to lift spending to 2.33% of GDP in the next eight years. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese seems to be brushing off the demand. Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge that Albanese has said what you should do in defence is decide what you need, your capability, and provide for it, and that's what his Government is doing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Donna Demaio joined Tony McManus to talk about some of the best shows, events and food around the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A 43-year-old Australian man arrested in Bali for smuggling cocaine, could face the death penalty. Lamar Aaron Ahchee was picked up by Police at the location where the drugs were allegedly delivered. More than 200 small packages of cocaine were confiscated, weighing almost two kilograms. Australian correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge Ahchee has yet to be charged, but has been presented to media at a press conference wearing an orange jumpsuit and black balaclava. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 20th of May 2025, the Government's announced it will allow foreign businesses to fund a bigger chunk of their investments in New Zealand through tax deductible debt, Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett shares what this will mean for investment in infrastructure. Educators are cracking down on the use of AI in school exams, Dr Kathryn MacCallum Associate Professor of Digital Education Futures at University of Canterbury shares her thoughts. Parliament votes on the decision to suspend three Te Pati Maori MPs today, Columnist and Political commentator Liam Hehir tells Ryan Bridge what he thinks will happen from here. Plus, Donna Demaio has the latest on a new species of octopus found off the West Australian coast. 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 Australian Prime Minister's confirmed he's had a 'warm and positive' chat with US President Donald Trump. Anthony Albanese's Labor Party has swept back into office, securing a historic second term. It's widely thought Trump's volatility influenced the outcome. Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge Albanese thanked him for reaching out in such a positive way. She says they talked about tariffs, and will continue to engage with each other. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Donna Demaio joined Tony McManus and Simon Owens to talk about some of the best shows, events and food around the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, The Government has put new sex education guidelines out for consultation, Auckland Primary Principals' Association President Kyle Brewerton shares his thoughts. Auckland Council's voted on the future of land destroyed by floods, Auckland Council Group Manager for the Tamaki Makaurau recovery office tells Ryan Bridge about the plan they've come up with. The Government's coughing up $13.5 million for a new global marketing campaign to attract tourists to New Zealand, Tourism Holdings Chief Executive Grant Webster shares his thoughts. Plus, Donna Demaio from Australia has Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's reaction to the Opposition's diss rap track that criticises Labor. 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.
Australian officials are closely monitoring a Chinese vessel that's passing through its waters, after completing a joint mission with Kiwi scientists off the coast of Fiordland. The high-tech Chinese research ship is carrying a deep-sea submersible that's capable of exploring extreme depths. It's following the route of Australia's deep-sea submarine cable, off the southern coast, weeks after Chinese warships carried out live drills in the Tasman Sea. Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Andrew Dickens that when asked, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says there's not much Australian can do about it. Albanese says they'd prefer it wasn't there, but it's able to pass through, just like Australia is able to have vessels in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A sizable boost to defence spending's expected in Australia's budget. Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers will hand down his fourth federal budget for Labor tonight. The Defence Minister says it will include bringing forward a billion dollar spend on defence. It comes as New Zealand ministers hint at more spending in defence here too. Australia correspondent Donna Demaio told Andrew Dickens it's a significant spend. She says it will be the biggest defence spend since World War II, and will boost the country's military capability. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australians are bracing for Cyclone Alfred, as its first effects are felt. The slow-moving storm is expected to reach the coast of Southeast Queensland and northeastern New South Wales tonight or early tomorrow morning. Queensland's energy supplier is reporting more than 20-thousand customers are without power, of which more than 17 thousand were on the Gold Coast. Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Andrew Dickens 12 metre waves have been seen, and a couple of people have been taken to hospital, having been knocked over in the surf. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Queensland's bracing for Cyclone Alfred to hit later this week. It's been upgraded to category two overnight, and is brewing off the Australian coast, where it's already causing heavy surf and high tides. Correspondent Donna Demaio told Andrew Dickens it's expected to hit on Thursday or Friday. She says there's a possibility of destructive winds and life-threatening flash flooding. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Donna Demaio joined Tony McManus to talk about some of the best shows, events and food around the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australia's next tropical cyclone is getting a name change. Cyclone Zeila's dissipation has brought the Australian Bureau of Meteorology to the end of an alphabetical list, alternating by gender. The next cyclone was due to be named Anthony, but since Anthony Albanese is the current Prime Minister, the decision was made to jump to the next a-initial on the list. Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Andrew Dickens that when the name matches that of a prominent person, they reorder the name to avoid confusion. She says the next name will be Alfred. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to speak with Donald Trump as tariffs loom. The US President has said he will announce a 25% import tax on all steel and aluminium entering the country, on top of already existing metal duties. He implemented a similar policy in his first term, but later granted partners like Australia duty-free quotas. Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Andrew Dickens the Albanese Government has been preparing for such a decision. She says it's been reported that attempts to secure exemptions have been developed behind the scenes. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 4th of February 2025, our future involvement in the Paris Agreement's up in the air, with David Seymour hinting at ACT campaigning on leaving the accord after the 2026 Election. Over the last six months, there's been a significant increase in search and rescue operations, compared to the year before. NZ Land Search and Rescue's Johnny Franklin discussed the rising count. New Centrix data shows reported financial hardship increased 19% in the past year, most of those cases were down to mortgage repayment issues. Andrew shares his thoughts on youth struggling to get any work experience in the current job market. Plus, Donna Demaio shares the latest on the 17 year old teenager who died in a shark attack. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Donna Demaio joined Tony McManus to talk about some of the best shows, events and food around the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this podcast of Sounds Good with Donna Demaio – Donna speaks to tennis legend John Fitzgerald in the lead up to the Australian Open and his thoughts on Nick Kyrgios. Donna's other guests are local singer song-writer Jessica Robinson and one of Australia's musical theatre greats Natalie O'Donnell who's starring in the Tony Award winning Broadway hit Dear Evan
Two of the Australians who fell gravely ill after drinking pina coladas at a Fiji resort have returned home. Seven Australians staying at the high-end Warwick Resort have been hospitalised. Tanya Sandhoe and her teen daughter Georgia landed in Sydney last night after getting medical clearance to fly. Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Andrew Dickens it's a suspected mass alcohol poisoning. She says investigations are continuing into what happened, with toxicology reports expected soon. New Zealand's travel advice to Fiji's been updated, warning of a potential drink spiking and methanol poisoning. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Australian Government is pushing ahead with regulating of social media and AI, despite the incoming Trump administration's opposition to both. It's in the process of developing "guardrails" for high-risk uses of AI. Donald Trump is promising to repeal American regulation of AI, claiming it hinders innovation and imposes radical left-wing ideas. But Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge the Australian Government believes the public wants action. She says the Government's planning to work with other countries if possible, but is prepared to act alone. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Get out your fascinators and place your bets: it's Melbourne Cup Day. The 164th running of the Melbourne Cup begins about 5pm. Donna Demaio is Newstalk ZB's Melbourne Cup correspondent at Flemington. She told Ryan Bridge there are 24 horses in the final field for this year's big race. They include three trained in New Zealand: 'Trusting You', 'Positivity' and 'Sharp and Smart'. In addition, she said, this year there are also four women jockeys for the second time ever. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An Australian woman's been found alive, after going missing in New South Wales' Snowy Mountains for nearly two weeks. A multi-agency search started for Lovisa Sjoberg when authorities discovered her hire car had not moved for six days. The 48-year-old was found injured and dehydrated by officials on Sunday. Australian Correspondent, Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge it was also found a venomous Copperhead snake had bitten her, four days before being found. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australian politicians from both sides have denounced Independent indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe's expletive-laden outburst at King Charles' reception in Canberra. Thorpe, a Senator for Victoria, began yelling as the King's speech ended and claimed he'd committed genocide against her people. She says the King destroyed her land, and the country wants a treaty. Australia correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge it's been labelled childish. She says front-benchers from both sides say it was grandstanding and failed miserably. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australia's Northern Territory is reintroducing a controversial device in its efforts to get tough on crime. Police Commissioner Michael Murphy says that spit hoods will once again be used to restrain children. Murphy says that over the last three months 68 police officers were assaulted, with 20 counts of spitting. Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge that it's in opposition to the UN Committee against torture recommending last year that Australia take all necessary measures to end their use. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australia's consumer watchdog has launched legal action against the Australian arm of Woolworths, and its main rival Coles. The ACCC's accusing the supermarket giants of breaching consumer law by misleading consumers, raising prices by 15% at times before dropping the price as part of a promotion. The watchdog claims the price of hundreds of products were affected. Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge the ACCC is taking both retailers to federal court in separate cases and will be seeking significant penalties. She said they'll also be aiming to impose community service orders on both Woolworths and Coles, which means they'll have to fund a registered charity to deliver meals to Australians in need. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's not just New Zealand who's been experiencing an icy start to Spring. Australia has seen record low temperatures across the southeast, with an icy blast catching several states unaware. Canberra marked its coldest September morning on record, with Monday hitting –6.9C, and many regions were hitting below 0. Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge that the system has come almost from Antarctica, and the temperatures are sitting about five to eight degrees lower than average. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A global manhunt is underway for a man who allegedly poured boiling hot coffee on a nine-month-old baby in Brisbane. Police say the 33-year-old has fled the country since the August 27th incident in a Stones Corner park. Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge detectives believe the man escaped less than a day before he was identified. She says the man was aware of police methodology and was conducting counter-surveillance activities, making the investigation very complex. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The Australian Government is facing calls to go further with proposed restrictions on gambling ads. It's looking to ban ads during sports broadcasts, during children's programming, and online. But a 60-strong alliance —including former prime ministers John Howard and Malcolm Turnbull, and prominent figures from across the political spectrum— are calling for a complete ban. Australia correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge minor parties are also backing the ball, particularly the Greens. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 6th August 2024, more changes are on the way for our education system, but what's the thinking behind the policy decisions? NZ Initiative's Dr Michael Johnston joins Ryan to discuss. The U.S. Presidential Election is less than 100 days out, and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris is expected to announce her running mate by tomorrow. Ryan speaks to Allan Lichtman who has correctly predicted almost every election since 1982. St John union staff have announced further strike action later this month, including a "withdrawal of labour". Australia has raised their terror threat level for the first time in a decade. We cross to Australia correspondent Donna Demaio. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A lift in the terror threat level in Australia is in response to an increase in extremism, fuelled by conspiracy theories and anti-authority ideologies. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed the level is lifting from ‘possible' to ‘probable' - meaning there's now a greater than 50% chance of an onshore attack in the next twelve months. Australian correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge the Prime Minister is adamant there's no intelligence of an imminent attack, but there is a need for a higher level of preparedness and alertness for agencies and the public. The Security Intelligence Service says New Zealand's threat level is low. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australia's Opposition leader is edging ahead in the polls amid growing economic concerns. A national Resolve poll saw Peter Dutton eclipse Anthony Albanese as preferred Prime Minister for the first time, backed by 36% of voters compared to Albanese's 35%. Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge support for the Coalition lifted from 36% to 38%, while Labour remains on 28%. She said that it's the lowest level since Albanese took power at the last election in 2022. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Alice Springs is under another curfew. Australia's Northern Territory Police Commissioner has declared another curfew, lasting three nights, following a string of violent incidents in the outback town. Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge that this time the curfew applies to both children and adults, unlike the one in March that only applied to youth. She said that the NT Police Minister Brent Potter says it's been a “horror 72 hours”, beginning with a police officer being run over outside a bottle shop on Friday night. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Donna Demaio joins Simon Owens in studio to talk Showbiz and Entertainment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australia's big four banks have been hit with a raft of cyber-attacks. The systems of NAB, CommBank, ANZ, and Westpac were being hit every minute of every day, leaving customers increasingly vulnerable to scams. The attackers were trying to gain access to the banks' computer systems, deny services to customers, use malicious code, or breach security logins. Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that the banks say that they've spent a fortune trying to protect themselves from this, to a sum of about $3 billion a year. A few hours after, she said, quotes were released from Chris Sheehan calling it a type of warfare, saying that every person who uses one of the big four banks is at risk. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australia is taking a firm stance on vaping. The sale of vapes will be restricted to pharmacies from next week, as the Greens agree to pass a proposed ban. However, the Government has agreed to water down restrictions that would have required adults to obtain a prescription. Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that this has sparked anger, as pharmacists say that they should be prescription only. She said that restrictions will still be in place regarding packaging and flavours, limiting the products to plain packaging and mint, menthol, and tobacco flavours. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Following his visit to New Zealand, the Chinese Premier has begun his visit to Australia. Li Qiang was greeted by hundreds of supporters and protestors upon his arrival in Canberra on Sunday, receiving a ceremonial welcome at Parliament House. Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that there has been talks of better military communication, as well as extending the offering of visa-free travel to Australians. She said that Albanese says the bilateral relationship is back on track. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Donna Demaio joined Tony McManus to talk about some of the best shows, events and food around the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Police response times in Australia's Northern Territory have gotten worse. A domestic violence inquest has heard that police response times have increased in the past year, more than doubling over the previous five. NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy revealed that between 2022 and 2023, the number of hours spent on domestic violence cases increased from 712,000 to 882,000, costs increasing with them. Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that racism within the Northern Territory Police has also been put under the spotlight. She said that allegations have been made that a serving officer circulated a photo of a topless aboriginal woman via a social media chat. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australia's federal budget is due today. With gross debt predicted to rise above $1 trillion by 2026, Treasurer Jim Chalmers is walking a tightrope between offering cost-of-living relief without fuelling inflation. Repayments on Government debt have become the fastest growing expense in the budget, and Dr Chalmers is facing calls to continue cutting spending. Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that they're hearing that inflation could be under control a year earlier than expected. The early relief could result in interest rate cuts, and there has been talk of energy bill relief for students and welfare recipients, she said. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Donna Demaio joined Tony McManus to talk about some of the best shows, events and food around the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An Australian pilot operating in international waters was forced to take evasive action. A Chinese military jet detonated flares close to the Navy helicopter as it flew above the Yellow Sea near South Korea. The Defence Department has described the actions of the Chinese Air Force plane as “unsafe and unprofessional”. Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that there were thankfully no injuries or damage. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Queensland's abuse support services are receiving a financial boost. The state government has announced an additional $36 million in funding that will go to frontline domestic, family, and sexual violence support services over the next 12 months. Premier Steven Miles said the figure was an increase of 20% of the current funding, calling on the federal government to match it. Donna Demaio, Australian Correspondent, told Mike Hosking that the Prime Minister has called a national Cabinet meeting tomorrow to discuss the call to action. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lizzie, Donna, Simon and callers talk about butt-dialing (accidentally calling people on a mobile phone), Donna reviews Pink's concert, and calls are taken on Parent/Child on stage performances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lizzie, Donna and Simon talking about moving furniture, inspirational people, dating apps, holepunchers, and sports events.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lucy, Donna, Simon and callers talk about Best Friends and the musical kings and queens of each decadeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lizzie, Donna and Simon kick around some topics and take your calls. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The race that stops two nations kicks off in about half in hour. About 80,000 punters will be track side at Flemington for the Melbourne Cup, with 23 horses ready to hit the ground running. Australian correspondent Donna Demaio says the party's already started. "Post-pandemic, it really feels like the Melbourne Cup has got its buzz back." Newstalk ZB will cross live to the race when it begins. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.