The changing whims of different governments are putting financial pressure on councils. 

A report from NZIER has found central government underestimates what its reforms cost councils to implement. 

Local Government New Zealand is calling for more assistance from Government to help them carry the cost. 

Vice President and Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry says the speed limit increases under the previous Government cost $570 thousand for his council to implement. 

He says the Government's new directive to reverse speed limit increases will cost another $570 thousand.

LISTEN ABOVE

The changing whims of different governments are putting financial pressure on councils.  
A report from NZIER has found central government underestimates what its reforms cost councils to implement.  
Local Government New Zealand is calling for more assistance from Government to help them carry the cost.  
Vice President and Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry says the speed limit increases under the previous Government cost $570 thousand for his council to implement.  
He says the Government's new directive to reverse speed limit increases will cost another $570 thousand. 
LISTEN ABOVE

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

Campbell Barry: Local Government NZ Vice President on the NZIER report on the cost of Government reforms for councils

A nine-year-old girl has become the third child to die after a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the UK.

Two other girls, aged six and seven, died in the attack in northwest England on Monday.

A 17-year-old boy remains in custody accused of murder and attempted murder following the incident in Southport.

Eight other children suffered stab wounds and five are in critical condition, alongside two adults who were critically injured.

UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge that there is a vigil going on at the sites, with hundreds if not thousands of people attending.

Taylor Swift herself has also commented on the situation, saying she is in total shock over the loss of life and innocence.

Grey said that her fans have raised more than $400 thousand for the families of the victims.

LISTEN ABOVE

A nine-year-old girl has become the third child to die after a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the UK. 
Two other girls, aged six and seven, died in the attack in northwest England on Monday. 
A 17-year-old boy remains in custody accused of murder and attempted murder following the incident in Southport. 
Eight other children suffered stab wounds and five are in critical condition, alongside two adults who were critically injured. 
UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge that there is a vigil going on at the sites, with hundreds if not thousands of people attending. 
Taylor Swift herself has also commented on the situation, saying she is in total shock over the loss of life and innocence. 
Grey said that her fans have raised more than $400 thousand for the families of the victims. 
LISTEN ABOVE

Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent gives an update on the stabbing at the Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the UK

Moves to improve online gambling regulation will allow overseas online casinos to advertise in New Zealand from early 2026. 

The Minister of Internal Affairs says it will only apply to licensed operators and come with strict limits. 

The Problem Gambling Foundation says the advertising is a concern.

Director of Advocacy and Public Health for the Problem Gambling Foundation, Andree Froude told Ryan Bridge that they’d love to see the advertising of gambling banned completely, but if that’s not going to happen they want to see strict measures in place.

LISTEN ABOVE

Moves to improve online gambling regulation will allow overseas online casinos to advertise in New Zealand from early 2026.  
The Minister of Internal Affairs says it will only apply to licensed operators and come with strict limits. 
The Problem Gambling Foundation says the advertising is a concern. 
Director of Advocacy and Public Health for the Problem Gambling Foundation, Andree Froude told Ryan Bridge that they’d love to see the advertising of gambling banned completely, but if that’s not going to happen they want to see strict measures in place. 
LISTEN ABOVE

Andree Froude: Problem Gambling Foundation Director of Advocacy and Public Health on the changes to online gambling advertising regulations

The River Seine fell short yesterday, leading to a last minute cancellation.

The Men’s Triathlon was postponed due to the poor water quality in the river, after the cancellation of two prior training sessions.

They’ve moved the event from 6pm last night to 8:45pm tomorrow, after the Women’s Triathlon.

Michael Burgess, NZ Herald Sports Reporter, told Ryan Bridge that Friday is, as far as they know, the last day they could hold the men’s triathlon in the river, and if they can’t, they’ll have to skip that portion.

He said that one of our athletes, Hayden Wilde, has expressed that there’d be a funny feeling about competing and perhaps medalling at an incomplete Olympic triathlon.

“There’d sort of always be an asterisk attached to that.”

LISTEN ABOVE

The River Seine fell short yesterday, leading to a last minute cancellation. 
The Men’s Triathlon was postponed due to the poor water quality in the river, after the cancellation of two prior training sessions. 
They’ve moved the event from 6pm last night to 8:45pm tomorrow, after the Women’s Triathlon. 
Michael Burgess, NZ Herald Sports Reporter, told Ryan Bridge that Friday is, as far as they know, the last day they could hold the men’s triathlon in the river, and if they can’t, they’ll have to skip that portion. 
He said that one of our athletes, Hayden Wilde, has expressed that there’d be a funny feeling about competing and perhaps medalling at an incomplete Olympic triathlon. 
“There’d sort of always be an asterisk attached to that.” 
LISTEN ABOVE

Campbell Barry: Local Government NZ Vice President on the NZIER report on the cost of Government reforms for councils

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