The overall economy seems to be holding together as it slowly gets back on track. 

Westpac's August overview forecasts 2% growth across this year – accelerating to 3% in 2027.  

It points to an uptick in activity after falling flat in the three months to June.   

Independent economist Cameron Bagrie told Ryan Bridge the war in Iran has played into a lot of uncertainty in recent months, but the economy's bounced back well. 

He says import and export numbers have been phenomenal, and a lot of that's coming from regional growth. 

LISTEN ABOVE  

The overall economy seems to be holding together as it slowly gets back on track.&nbsp;
Westpac's August overview forecasts 2% growth across this year – accelerating to 3% in 2027. &nbsp;
It points to an uptick in activity after falling flat in the three months to June. &nbsp;&nbsp;
Independent economist Cameron Bagrie told Ryan Bridge the war in Iran has played into a lot of uncertainty in recent months, but the economy's bounced back well.&nbsp;
He says import and export numbers have been phenomenal, and a lot of that's coming from regional growth.&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

Cameron Bagrie: Independent Economist on Westpac's GDP forecasts

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/023bdaa5-f172-47f9-94d1-b4b201829b26/transcript

ACT's pledging to abolish the Climate Commission. 

The Party claims it's cost $100 million since it was established and only writes reports, duplicates work, and proposes ridiculous ideas. 

They're proposing folding responsibility for assessing emissions reduction progress into mega-Ministry MCERT, culling the Commission and its Board. 

NZ Climate Change Research Institute's Adrian Macey told Ryan Bridge while there are some issues with the Commission's target recommendations, having an independent voice is important.  

He says they don't just make targets, they also look at how the country can prepare for the impact and adapt to climate change. 

LISTEN ABOVE  

ACT's pledging to abolish the Climate Commission.&nbsp;
The Party claims it's cost $100 million since it was established and only writes reports, duplicates work, and proposes ridiculous ideas.&nbsp;
They're proposing folding responsibility for assessing emissions reduction progress into mega-Ministry MCERT, culling the Commission and its Board.&nbsp;
NZ Climate Change Research Institute's Adrian Macey told Ryan Bridge while there are some issues with the Commission's target recommendations, having an independent voice is important. &nbsp;
He says they don't just make targets, they also look at how the country can prepare for the impact and adapt to climate change.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Adrian Macey: NZ Climate Change Research Institute Adjunct Professor on ACT's pledge to scrap the Climate Commission

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/b0c59bdb-2ae0-4222-9709-b4b300030212/transcript

The dairy sector's booming, but some are calling for more support to ensure it continues. 

A report commissioned by DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association has found dairy exports reached almost $29 billion in 2025, and supports more than 51 thousand jobs. 

It also finds the dairy sector is a backbone of much of regional New Zealand's economy, wages, and job market.  

Association Executive Director Kimberly Crewther told Ryan Bridge farmers want policy that supports innovation. 

She says there needs to be reliable infrastructure domestically, with abundant and affordable energy 

LISTEN ABOVE  

The dairy sector's booming, but some are calling for more support to ensure it continues.&nbsp;
A report commissioned by DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association has found dairy exports reached almost $29 billion in 2025, and supports more than 51 thousand jobs.&nbsp;
It also finds the dairy sector is a backbone of much of regional New Zealand's economy, wages, and job market. &nbsp;
Association Executive Director Kimberly Crewther told Ryan Bridge farmers want policy that supports innovation.&nbsp;
She says there needs to be reliable infrastructure domestically, with abundant and affordable energy&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Kimberly Crewther: Dairy Companies Association Executive Director on the sector's exports and job creation

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/1aef7eba-8b52-4209-a193-b4b2018af15a/transcript

Meta's cut a landmark US trial over teen social media addiction short, agreeing to pay US$18 billion in a settlement deal.

29 US states brought the case against the Instagram and Facebook owner in a California federal court.

As part of the agreement the social media giant will include daily limits and night-time blocks for teenage users on its platforms.

New York correspondent Mitch McCann told Ryan Bridge it's unclear if the changes will be rolled out internationally.

He says interestingly the deal means Meta doesn't have to admit any guilt at the cost of a lot of money. 

LISTEN ABOVE

Meta's cut a landmark US trial over teen social media addiction short, agreeing to pay US$18 billion in a settlement deal.
29 US states brought the case against the Instagram and Facebook owner in a California federal court.
As part of the agreement the social media giant will include daily limits and night-time blocks for teenage users on its platforms.
New York correspondent Mitch McCann told Ryan Bridge it's unclear if the changes will be rolled out internationally.
He says interestingly the deal means Meta doesn't have to admit any guilt at the cost of a lot of money.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Mitch McCann: US correspondent on Meta agreeing to pay 18 billion US dollars in a settlement deal

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/a048574f-2d08-430c-b386-b4b2012ec0e2/transcript

Cameron Bagrie: Independent Economist on Westpac's GDP forecasts

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