Consumers could be more hesitant to tap their card this Christmas if the country's government is in a state of limbo.  

Retail NZ's latest Retail Radar report finds 73% of respondents are confident their business will survive the next 12 months – the highest level in two years. 

First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson told Ryan Bridge a definitive lead this election weekend is crucial for consumer confidence.  

He says retailers are typically optimistic, but a strong, decisive direction for the country is important. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Consumers could be more hesitant to tap their card this Christmas if the country's government is in a state of limbo. &nbsp;
Retail NZ's latest Retail Radar report finds 73% of respondents are confident their business will survive the next 12 months – the highest level in two years.&nbsp;
First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson told Ryan Bridge a definitive lead this election weekend is crucial for consumer confidence. &nbsp;
He says retailers are typically optimistic, but a strong, decisive direction for the country is important.&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

Chris Wilkinson: First Retail Group Managing Director on Retail NZ's Retail Radar report

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/671f53fa-5533-494b-b8e6-b4f6011a1150/transcript

Labour says it wants to better protect consumers from unfair pricing practices during the cost of living crisis. 

The party wants to shake-up the Fair Trading Act to make sure advertised specials relate to the lowest price in the preceding 30 days. 

It's also promising to ensure loyal phone, internet, and insurance customers don't miss out on specials offered to new sign-ups. 

Consumer Affairs Spokesperson Arena Williams told Ryan Bridge they want things to be more standardised and clearer, so customers know that when these deals are being offered, they're not missing out. 

She says we rely on switching to make the market competitive, but for things like insurance or power, which aren't easy to switch from, there's not enough competitive pressure. 

Williams says the UK brought in a law saying new customers couldn't be offered different rates to what would be offered for a renewal of the equivalent product, and they think that's the right approach to take here. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Labour says it wants to better protect consumers from unfair pricing practices during the cost of living crisis.&nbsp;
The party wants to shake-up the Fair Trading Act to make sure advertised specials relate to the lowest price in the preceding 30 days.&nbsp;
It's also promising to ensure loyal phone, internet, and insurance customers don't miss out on specials offered to new sign-ups.&nbsp;
Consumer Affairs Spokesperson Arena Williams told Ryan Bridge they want things to be more standardised and clearer, so customers know that when these deals are being offered, they're not missing out.&nbsp;
She says we rely on switching to make the market competitive, but for things like insurance or power, which aren't easy to switch from, there's not enough competitive pressure.&nbsp;
Williams says the UK brought in a law saying new customers couldn't be offered different rates to what would be offered for a renewal of the equivalent product, and they think that's the right approach to take here.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Arena Williams: Labour's Consumer Affairs Spokesperson on the party's pledge to ban fake, unfair discounts

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/80cda6f3-f020-4bbd-85cb-b4f601760c7b/transcript

There are concerns rugby league celebrations are coming at the expense of others.  

South Auckland police officers made nine arrests after Sunday's showdown between Tonga and Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup.  

Police had 160 officers monitoring the scenes, with some fans running on to roads, hanging out of cars, and driving dangerously.  

Councillor Alf Filipaina told Ryan Bridge he loves their passion, but it's shocking to see the behaviour. 

He says the council is receiving emails from families with young children, complaining of loud music and horns at three in the morning. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

There are concerns rugby league celebrations are coming at the expense of others. &nbsp;
South Auckland police officers made nine arrests after Sunday's showdown between Tonga and Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup. &nbsp;
Police had 160 officers monitoring the scenes, with some fans running on to roads, hanging out of cars, and driving dangerously. &nbsp;
Councillor Alf Filipaina told Ryan Bridge he loves their passion, but it's shocking to see the behaviour.&nbsp;
He says the council is receiving emails from families with young children, complaining of loud music and horns at three in the morning.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Alf Filipaina: Manukau Ward Councillor on the post-Tonga v Samoa celebrations that led to nine arrests

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/19054c48-8349-4969-bbca-b4f6016efe5a/transcript

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday the 3rd of November 2026, Labour’s promising a crackdown on business practices it says are pushing up the cost of living, Labour Consumer Affairs Spokesperson joins Ryan. 

Rugby League World Cup celebrations turned sour over the weekend with nine arrests, Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina is warning people to enjoy the celebrations without disrupting others.

Retailer confidence sky-high despite challenging economy, First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson shares his thoughts. 

Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on the Reserve Bank of Australia decision and a preview of the Melbourne Cup.

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 Tuesday the 3rd of November 2026, Labour’s promising a crackdown on business practices it says are pushing up the cost of living, Labour Consumer Affairs Spokesperson joins Ryan.&nbsp;
Rugby League World Cup celebrations turned sour over the weekend with nine arrests, Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina is warning people to enjoy the celebrations without disrupting others.
Retailer confidence sky-high despite challenging economy, First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson shares his thoughts.&nbsp;
Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on the Reserve Bank of Australia decision and a preview of the Melbourne Cup.
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: 03 November 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/09dd35d9-f072-418e-8ae7-b4f6011a4c0a/transcript

Chris Wilkinson: First Retail Group Managing Director on Retail NZ's Retail Radar report

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