Critical minerals are starting to be wielded as a geopolitical weapon.  

The Trump administration's ramping up pressure on allies to strike a deal in order to shore up US supply.  

Talks with New Zealand officials are said to have been picking up steam.  

US Critical Materials Executive Director Harvey Kaye told Ryan Bridge the US is aware of China's dominance in this space, and won't accept it. 

He says innovation in every area of human development from medicine to defence to AI, is dependent on having a ready supply of rare earth. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Critical minerals are starting to be wielded as a geopolitical weapon. &nbsp;
The Trump administration's ramping up pressure on allies to strike a deal in order to shore up US supply. &nbsp;
Talks with New Zealand officials are said to have been picking up steam. &nbsp;
US Critical Materials Executive Director Harvey Kaye told Ryan Bridge the US is aware of China's dominance in this space, and won't accept it.&nbsp;
He says innovation in every area of human development from medicine to defence to AI, is dependent on having a ready supply of rare earth.&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

Harvey Kaye: US Critical Materials Executive Director on the increasing pressure to strike deals for critical minerals

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/b5b567a1-2c2d-4035-83c7-b3ed01663936/transcript

Changes to refugee law could put asylum seekers at risk. 

Under proposed Government reforms, immigration officials would be able to consider crimes committed by refugee applicants.  

The changes also introduce stricter rules, including mandatory biometrics appointments. 

NZ Association of Migration and Investment Chair Simon Laurent told Ryan Bridge the new rules could have serious consequences for asylum seekers. 

He says if they don't show up for the appointment, it appears their claim will be thrown out. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Changes to refugee law could put asylum seekers at risk.&nbsp;
Under proposed Government reforms, immigration officials would be able to consider crimes committed by refugee applicants. &nbsp;
The changes also introduce stricter rules, including mandatory biometrics appointments.&nbsp;
NZ Association of Migration and Investment Chair Simon Laurent told Ryan Bridge the new rules could have serious consequences for asylum seekers.&nbsp;
He says if they don't show up for the appointment, it appears their claim will be thrown out.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Simon Laurent: NZ Association of Migration and Investment Chair on the impact of Government immigration law reform on asylum seekers

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/c8c3e4ea-dd86-41a1-8ab6-b4110174fd53/transcript

An aviation expert believes the chances of a Westport to Wellington route returning in the future are slim. 

Westport is on the brink of losing its only direct air link to the capital, with flights set to be axed by May unless financial support is secured. 

Regional carrier Originair stepped in to maintain the route after Sounds Air withdrew from the service in 2024. 

Aviation Industry commentator Irene King told Ryan Bridge people just aren't using the route much during the week. 

She says it might be sustainable for sort of unscheduled casual operations but will be very difficult to get someone in there for scheduled flights. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

An aviation expert believes the chances of a Westport to Wellington route returning in the future are slim.&nbsp;
Westport is on the brink of losing its only direct air link to the capital, with flights set to be axed by May unless financial support is secured.&nbsp;
Regional carrier Originair stepped in to maintain the route after Sounds Air withdrew from the service in 2024.&nbsp;
Aviation Industry commentator Irene King told Ryan Bridge people just aren't using the route much during the week.&nbsp;
She says it might be sustainable for sort of unscheduled casual operations but will be very difficult to get someone in there for scheduled flights.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Irene King: Aviation Industry Commentator on the Westport to Wellington flight link being unsustainable

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/d0d66832-db6e-47a0-be95-b4110171763b/transcript

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 19th of March 2025, Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold shares his forecast for GDP data out today. 

Westport’s losing its only air service, Aviation commentator Irene King shares her thoughts.

The Government's cracking down on criminal migrants and refugees, Immigration lawyer and Chairman of the New Zealand Association of Migration and Investment, Simon Laurent shares his thoughts. 

Plus, US Correspondent Jagruti Dave has the latest on the Senate hearing on worldwide threats and the confirmation hearing of Markwayne Mullin, Trump's pick to replace Kristi Noem. 

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 19th of March 2025, Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold shares his forecast for GDP data out today.&nbsp;
Westport’s losing its only air service, Aviation commentator Irene King shares her thoughts.
The Government's cracking down on criminal migrants and refugees, Immigration lawyer and Chairman of the New Zealand Association of Migration and Investment, Simon Laurent shares his thoughts.&nbsp;
Plus, US Correspondent Jagruti Dave has the latest on the Senate hearing on worldwide threats and the confirmation hearing of Markwayne Mullin, Trump's pick to replace Kristi Noem.&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: 19 March 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/c8bf2cab-613f-4207-9ec7-b411011a860a/transcript

Harvey Kaye: US Critical Materials Executive Director on the increasing pressure to strike deals for critical minerals

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