Scepticism as Health New Zealand claims staffing levels may not be as bleak as they look. 

The agency's released data across almost 615 wards last year, showing for 740-thousand shifts, around a quarter were below the target level at some point. 

Chief Nurse Nadine Gray says the figures could represent five minutes or less of under-resourcing across an eight hour shift. 

But Patient Voice Aotearoa Chair Malcolm Mulholland told Ryan Bridge he tends to believe the Nurses Organisation, which is concerned patients' needs aren't being met. 

He says anyone who's spent time in hospitals lately will know that staff are overrun. 

LISTEN ABOVE  

Scepticism as Health New Zealand claims staffing levels may not be as bleak as they look.&nbsp;
The agency's released data across almost 615 wards last year, showing for 740-thousand shifts, around a quarter were below the target level at some point.&nbsp;
Chief Nurse Nadine Gray says the figures could represent five minutes or less of under-resourcing across an eight hour shift.&nbsp;
But Patient Voice Aotearoa Chair Malcolm Mulholland told Ryan Bridge he tends to believe the Nurses Organisation, which is concerned patients' needs aren't being met.&nbsp;
He says anyone who's spent time in hospitals lately will know that staff are overrun.&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

Malcolm Mulholland: Patient Voice Aotearoa Chair on the data showing almost a quarter of nurse shifts were understaffed

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/be82389f-06af-4af1-82a5-b4b00182e210/transcript

Retail's been taking a hit since the Iran war began, with people staying home to save money and fuel. 

Stats NZ data shows the June quarter's inflation and seasonal-adjusted sales volumes fell 0.5% on the three months to March, but after accounting for surging fuel prices, petrol station sales actually plunged 13%. 

The only significant growth was in computer and appliance store sales, with sectors that rely on people driving around and using discretionary money —accommodation, hospo, car dealers— also seeing drops.  

ASB Senior Economist Jane Turner told Ryan Bridge they expect consumer spending will remain fairly modest throughout the rest of the year, with a more meaningful recovery coming next year. 

LISTEN ABOVE  

Retail's been taking a hit since the Iran war began, with people staying home to save money and fuel.&nbsp;
Stats NZ data shows the June quarter's inflation and seasonal-adjusted sales volumes fell 0.5% on the three months to March, but after accounting for surging fuel prices, petrol station sales actually plunged 13%.&nbsp;
The only significant growth was in computer and appliance store sales, with sectors that rely on people driving around and using discretionary money —accommodation, hospo, car dealers— also seeing drops. &nbsp;
ASB Senior Economist Jane Turner told Ryan Bridge they expect consumer spending will remain fairly modest throughout the rest of the year, with a more meaningful recovery coming next year.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Jane Turner: ASB Senior Economist on retail spending contracting in Q2 as petrol prices surged

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/fa644815-d8dc-4fee-84df-b4b0018b5033/transcript

The Government wants under-16's banned from social media, but any law change is many months away.  

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced the move yesterday, which will require platforms to verify age via face scanning or either digital or physical IDs. 

It's not clear if the bill will have enough support, with ACT and New Zealand First agreeing to disagree, and Labour yet to fully back it.   

Labour's Technology and Media Spokesperson Reuben Davidson told Ryan Bridge they want to make sure the bill isn't just lifted from what other countries are doing. 

He says they want to make sure it's actually designed to work in the very specific New Zealand context. 

LISTEN ABOVE  

The Government wants under-16's banned from social media, but any law change is many months away. &nbsp;
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced the move yesterday, which will require platforms to verify age via face scanning or either digital or physical IDs.&nbsp;
It's not clear if the bill will have enough support, with ACT and New Zealand First agreeing to disagree, and Labour yet to fully back it. &nbsp;&nbsp;
Labour's Technology and Media Spokesperson Reuben Davidson told Ryan Bridge they want to make sure the bill isn't just lifted from what other countries are doing.&nbsp;
He says they want to make sure it's actually designed to work in the very specific New Zealand context.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Reuben Davidson: Labour's Spokesperson for technology and media on the under-16's social media ban

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/7cf1ed83-4b5a-4e42-af69-b4b001320a65/transcript

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 25 August.

Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 25 August. 
Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Full Show Podcast: 25 August 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/6e48edce-e5b1-4cd8-9e44-b4b0012ac1e2/transcript

Malcolm Mulholland: Patient Voice Aotearoa Chair on the data showing almost a quarter of nurse shifts were understaffed

In 1 playlist(s)

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips