Labour believes it's more financially responsible than the current Government following the release of Treasury's Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update. 

It's predicting economic growth of just 1.7% in 2026, well down on the May Budget's 2.9% forecast. 

Labour's Finance and Economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds was asked by Andrew Dickens whether her party would have increased taxes to get back in black faster. 

She says they would have followed the same plan they had in 2023, before the election, but ultimately it comes down to choices. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Labour believes it's more financially responsible than the current Government following the release of Treasury's Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update.&nbsp;
It's predicting economic growth of just 1.7% in 2026, well down on the May Budget's 2.9% forecast.&nbsp;
Labour's Finance and Economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds was asked by Andrew Dickens whether her party would have increased taxes to get back in black faster.&nbsp;
She says they would have followed the same plan they had in 2023, before the election, but ultimately it comes down to choices.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Barbara Edmonds: Labour's Finance Spokesperson on the state of the Government's books

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/c52e4c9a-8b50-4779-9b33-b3b501643610/transcript

The Utilities Dispute service is welcoming changes to power rules.  

The Electricity Authority's new rules, which kick in from October 30, will force power companies to simplify their bills and tell customers if they're on the best plan they provide.  

It will also mean power companies could only send backdated bills once every six months.  

Utilities Dispute Commissioner Neil Mallon told Ryan Bridge it won't just benefit customers.  

He says it will lead to fewer complaints and make it easier to resolve complaints.  

LISTEN ABOVE  

The Utilities Dispute service is welcoming changes to power rules. &nbsp;
The Electricity Authority's new rules, which kick in from October 30, will force power companies to simplify their bills and tell customers if they're on the best plan they provide. &nbsp;
It will also mean power companies could only send backdated bills once every six months. &nbsp;
Utilities Dispute Commissioner Neil Mallon told Ryan Bridge it won't just benefit customers. &nbsp;
He says it will lead to fewer complaints and make it easier to resolve complaints. &nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Neil Mallon: Utilities Dispute Commissioner on the updated transparency rules for power companies

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/c8401d72-0651-4bcc-a35f-b402017b8063/transcript

There’s concern youth offending boot camps don't cater to the issues impacting children the most. 

Newstalk ZB understands the programme for young offenders is starting in Palmerston North on Monday, for 10 youths.  

They'll spend more time in the residential facility than in the pilot, and this iteration will have more input from local iwi. 

Kickback co-founder and youth worker Aaron Hendry told Ryan Bridge these are kids who are often struggling in poverty and homelessness themselves. 

He says parents don't have the adequate support to help children get through tough issues. 

LISTEN ABOVE  

There’s concern youth offending boot camps don't cater to the issues impacting children the most.&nbsp;
Newstalk ZB understands the programme for young offenders is starting in Palmerston North on Monday, for 10 youths. &nbsp;
They'll spend more time in the residential facility than in the pilot, and this iteration will have more input from local iwi.&nbsp;
Kickback co-founder and youth worker Aaron Hendry told Ryan Bridge these are kids who are often struggling in poverty and homelessness themselves.&nbsp;
He says parents don't have the adequate support to help children get through tough issues.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Aaron Hendry: Kickback co-founder and youth worker on the Government's boot camp program for youth offenders

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/0c13cf46-6e1e-409c-a74e-b4020174a18b/transcript

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, tourism total spend hit $46.6 billion in the year to March Tourism Minister Louise Upston shares her thoughts. 

New changes to your power bill could mean money back in your pocket, Utilities Disputes Commissioner and CEO, Neil Mallon explains.

Youth social workers are warning the Government bootcamps won’t fix youth crime, Aaron Hendry, youth development worker and Kickback co-founder tells Ryan why. 

Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the UK government is considering whether to send a Royal Navy warship to the Mediterranean to increase security while helping British citizens currently stuck in the Middle East get home and Rachel Reeves has updated MPs on her economic plans. 

Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.          

LISTEN ABOVE  

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, tourism total spend hit $46.6 billion in the year to March Tourism Minister Louise Upston shares her thoughts.&nbsp;
New changes to your power bill could mean money back in your pocket, Utilities Disputes Commissioner and CEO, Neil Mallon explains.
Youth social workers are warning the Government bootcamps won’t fix youth crime, Aaron Hendry, youth development worker and Kickback co-founder tells Ryan why.&nbsp;
Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the UK government is considering whether to send a Royal Navy warship to the Mediterranean to increase security while helping British citizens currently stuck in the Middle East get home and Rachel Reeves has updated MPs on her economic plans.&nbsp;
Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Full Show Podcast: 04 March 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/cd96e1a5-3eae-4aca-a1fd-b402011a9410/transcript

Barbara Edmonds: Labour's Finance Spokesperson on the state of the Government's books

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