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 Dave Rennie era is upon the All Blacks. 

New Zealand Rugby announced his appointment as Head Coach yesterday, succeeding Scott Robertson in the role. 

His assistants have yet to be determined, but it’s a focus of Rennie’s.  

Sports Commentator Sam Ackerman told Ryan Bridge that there should be something resembling continuity, and Jason Ryan could be one to stay in the mix. 

LISTEN ABOVE  

The Dave Rennie era is upon the All Blacks.&nbsp;
New Zealand Rugby announced his appointment as Head Coach yesterday, succeeding Scott Robertson in the role.&nbsp;
His assistants have yet to be determined, but it’s a focus of Rennie’s. &nbsp;
Sports Commentator Sam Ackerman told Ryan Bridge that there should be something resembling continuity, and Jason Ryan could be one to stay in the mix.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Sam Ackerman: Sports Commentator on Dave Rennie's appointment as All Blacks Coach

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/32141017-2cf9-409d-9691-b40301786f23/transcript

Whanau Ora's Chair believes there's more focus on removing children from their families, rather than their safety further down the track. 

A critical report from the Independent Children's Monitor argues that little progress has been made in living up to National Care Standards introduced six years ago. 

It finds the percentage of young people suffering abuse or neglect in care has risen from 8% to 10% in the year to July last year.  

Chair Merepeka Raukawa-Tait told Ryan Bridge once children are in care, the minimum standards are not adhered to. 

LISTEN ABOVE  

Whanau Ora's Chair believes there's more focus on removing children from their families, rather than their safety further down the track.&nbsp;
A critical report from the Independent Children's Monitor argues that little progress has been made in living up to National Care Standards introduced six years ago.&nbsp;
It finds the percentage of young people suffering abuse or neglect in care has risen from 8% to 10% in the year to July last year. &nbsp;
Chair Merepeka Raukawa-Tait told Ryan Bridge once children are in care, the minimum standards are not adhered to.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Whanau Ora Chair on the rise in the number of children in care suffering from abuse or neglect

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/714b317e-acdd-4964-a2e9-b4030172fb5c/transcript

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 5th of March 2025, Dave Rennie has been named the new All Blacks head coach, sports commentator Sam Ackerman shares his thoughts. 

Does the conflict in the Middle East risk knocking out our export gains? Trade Minister Todd McClay explains.
 
The Independent Children’s Monitor says abuse in state care is rising Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency Chair Merepeka Raukawa-Tait tells Ryan what needs to happen to make change. 

Plus, US Correspondent Jagruti Dave has the latest on the Pentagon press briefing on Iran and the Senate set to vote on a war powers resolution. 

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 Thursday the 5th of March 2025, Dave Rennie has been named the new All Blacks head coach, sports commentator Sam Ackerman shares his thoughts.&nbsp;
Does the conflict in the Middle East risk knocking out our export gains? Trade Minister Todd McClay explains. &nbsp; The Independent Children’s Monitor says abuse in state care is rising Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency Chair Merepeka Raukawa-Tait tells Ryan what needs to happen to make change.&nbsp;
Plus, US Correspondent Jagruti Dave has the latest on the Pentagon press briefing on Iran and the Senate set to vote on a war powers resolution.&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: 05 March 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/b6fef4bc-58cd-42dd-9085-b403011a9326/transcript

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

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