New Zealand restaurants are getting their sparkle back, thanks to some joining elite ranks. 

More than 100 venues have been recognised by the Michelin Guide, with 14 awarded a single star, including Auckland's Ahi and Wanaka's Kika. 

Essence in Queenstown was the only venue to receive a coveted two stars. 

Restaurant Association CEO Nicola Waldren told Ryan Bridge the country wasn't guaranteed any stars, so securing 16 stars on the first try is huge. 

She says this is a stunning achievement for a little country like ours, with such a special hospitality industry. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

New Zealand restaurants are getting their sparkle back, thanks to some joining elite ranks.&nbsp;
More than 100 venues have been recognised by the Michelin Guide, with 14 awarded a single star, including Auckland's Ahi and Wanaka's Kika.&nbsp;
Essence in Queenstown was the only venue to receive a coveted two stars.&nbsp;
Restaurant Association CEO Nicola Waldren told Ryan Bridge the country wasn't guaranteed any stars, so securing 16 stars on the first try is huge.&nbsp;
She says this is a stunning achievement for a little country like ours, with such a special hospitality industry.&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

Nicola Waldren: Restaurant Association CEO on the launch of the New Zealand Michelin Guide

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/727901c6-0015-44e0-bc7f-b4790183da85/transcript

A former Treasury economist believes the agency has lost its mojo. 

A new report's calling for Treasury to up its game, detailing a litany of blunders, including incorrect ACC deficit numbers, and costings for the Interislander ferry replacements. 

The Public Service Commission also finds some ministers are losing confidence in its advice. 

Economist Cameron Bagrie told Ryan Bridge Treasury hasn't been strong enough with previous ministers. 

He says if you don't get the right leaders at the top, problems tend to filter through the whole organisation. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

A former Treasury economist believes the agency has lost its mojo.&nbsp;
A new report's calling for Treasury to up its game, detailing a litany of blunders, including incorrect ACC deficit numbers, and costings for the Interislander ferry replacements.&nbsp;
The Public Service Commission also finds some ministers are losing confidence in its advice.&nbsp;
Economist Cameron Bagrie told Ryan Bridge Treasury hasn't been strong enough with previous ministers.&nbsp;
He says if you don't get the right leaders at the top, problems tend to filter through the whole organisation.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Cameron Bagrie: Former Treasury economist on the independent review into the Treasury

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/b6607854-9c4a-4082-a15b-b4790182577a/transcript

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 1st of July 2026, a scathing external review of the Treasury has found it's losing the confidence of ministers. Former Treasury economist Cameron Bagrie shares his thoughts.

The first-ever New Zealand Michelin awards have been handed out, Restaurant Association CEO Nicola Waldren discusses the success of the night.

The Auditor-General says up to 20 thousand school lunches a day are being returned uneaten, Kaitao Intermediate School Principal Phil Palfrey tells Ryan what he's been seeing on the ground.

Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the UK Government's long-delayed defence investment plan and people granted asylum having to pay back around £10,000 towards the cost of their accommodation and support once they start earning, under government plans.

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 for Wednesday 1st of July 2026, a scathing external review of the Treasury has found it's losing the confidence of ministers. Former Treasury economist Cameron Bagrie shares his thoughts.
The first-ever New Zealand Michelin awards have been handed out, Restaurant Association CEO Nicola Waldren discusses the success of the night.
The Auditor-General says up to 20 thousand school lunches a day are being returned uneaten, Kaitao Intermediate School Principal Phil Palfrey tells Ryan what he's been seeing on the ground.
Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the UK Government's long-delayed defence investment plan and people granted asylum having to pay back around £10,000 towards the cost of their accommodation and support once they start earning, under government plans.
Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Full Show Podcast: 01 July 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/9503ecbc-ee2f-4a5c-963b-b47901463c1e/transcript

The head of a Rotorua intermediate school says more often than not school lunches are delivered looking unappetising.  

A report from the Auditor-General found only half of the meals complied with nutritional standards, and criticises the scheme's rollout.  

Associate Education Minister David Seymour says some of the meals with fewer vegetables were more popular with students, and the Government saved $130 million last year.  

Kaitao Intermediate principal Phil Palfrey told Ryan Bridge he knows the students who aren't eating the meals are hungry.  

He says some have resorted to buying food from the local shop on their way to school – a very unhealthy way to start the day. 

Palfrey says sometimes there are meals that are okay, but some are horrible. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

The head of a Rotorua intermediate school says more often than not school lunches are delivered looking unappetising. &nbsp;
A report from the Auditor-General found only half of the meals complied with nutritional standards, and criticises the scheme's rollout. &nbsp;
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says some of the meals with fewer vegetables were more popular with students, and the Government saved $130 million last year. &nbsp;
Kaitao Intermediate principal Phil Palfrey told Ryan Bridge he knows the students who aren't eating the meals are hungry. &nbsp;
He says some have resorted to buying food from the local shop on their way to school – a very unhealthy way to start the day.&nbsp;
Palfrey says sometimes there are meals that are okay, but some are horrible.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Phil Palfrey: Kaitao Intermediate Principal on the school lunch programme

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/0bff60b5-174d-48f6-a811-b479012f328b/transcript

Nicola Waldren: Restaurant Association CEO on the launch of the New Zealand Michelin Guide

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