Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
Simon Parham: Waitomo Group CEO on the fuel regulations that could be relaxed to help mitigate the fuel crisis
Allowing less pure fuel into the country could shore up supply. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has asked fuel importers what specifications could be relaxed to make it easier for them to get more in. Waitomo Group Chief Executive Simon Parham says there could be a relaxing of the rules to all…
02:47
Nikki Hart: Nutritionist on the three-decade surge in ultra-processed food consumption in New Zealand
A three-decade surge in how much unhealthy food we eat. New research from Auckland University, published in the Globalisation and Health journal, shows New Zealand's imports of ultra-processed food increased from 16 kilograms in 1990, to 104 in 2023. Past studies show about 70% of packaged fo…
03:36
Matt Gault: ANZ Senior Economist on the Q4 GDP result
Yesterday’s “disappointing” GDP data gives the Reserve Bank more scope to delay a hike to the Official Cash Rate, ANZ senior economist Matthew Gault says. The RBNZ’s next monetary policy review announcement is on April 8. It had been picking 0.5% GDP growth for the December quarter, but GDP rose …
03:46
Full Show Podcast: 20 March 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 20th of March 2025, the government's acknowledged a "big shift" in the government's messaging around the war in the Middle East, Waitomo Group CEO Simon Parham, tells Ryan what oil company's are doing to assist with the oil shock. A N…
34:39
Ryan Bridge: Is Joe Kent this week’s voice of reason?
Is Joe Kent this week’s voice of reason? Is he the guy speaking truth in the fog of war? He spoke to Tucker Carlson, and the podcast is worth a listen. He’s a MAGA guy. He was a Trump guy. But this week he turned his back on his President. He quit his job as America’s top counter-terrorism offi…
01:50
Simon Laurent: NZ Association of Migration and Investment Chair on the impact of Government immigration law reform on asylum seekers
Changes to refugee law could put asylum seekers at risk. Under proposed Government reforms, immigration officials would be able to consider crimes committed by refugee applicants. The changes also introduce stricter rules, including mandatory biometrics appointments. NZ Association of Migrat…
04:38
Irene King: Aviation Industry Commentator on the Westport to Wellington flight link being unsustainable
An aviation expert believes the chances of a Westport to Wellington route returning in the future are slim. Westport is on the brink of losing its only direct air link to the capital, with flights set to be axed by May unless financial support is secured. Regional carrier Originair stepped in t…
01:33
Full Show Podcast: 19 March 2026
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 19th of March 2025, Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold shares his forecast for GDP data out today. Westport’s losing its only air service, Aviation commentator Irene King shares her thoughts. The Government's cracking down on cr…
34:24
Kelly Eckhold: Westpac Chief Economist on GDP data
Westpac's chief economist is still holding out hope New Zealand will weather financial headwinds from the Iran war. Stats NZ's releasing data for the December quarter just before 11am. Westpac and ASB have forecast 0.4% quarterly growth, while BNZ and Kiwibank suggest 0.3% and ANZ 0.2%. Kelly E…
02:44
Ryan Bridge: Why today’s GDP number is not irrelevant
Old, yes. Backward looking, by its nature, but not irrelevant. We’re tipped to grow around 0.3%-0.4% for Q4 2025. It would mark, barring any surprises, the second straight month of per capita growth on the trot. That means average income and standard of living was ticking up on a per person basi…
02:21