The number of convicted criminals being sent to prison is at an all-time high. 

Ministry of Justice data shows more than seven thousand people were sent to prison following convictions in the year to June, up 14% on the previous year. 

The proportion of people who received prison sentences is the highest on record, at 15%. 

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith told Ryan Bridge their focus is on reducing victims of crime, not sending people to jail. 

But he says if it leads to a higher prison population in the short term, so be it. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

The number of convicted criminals being sent to prison is at an all-time high.&nbsp;
Ministry of Justice data shows more than seven thousand people were sent to prison following convictions in the year to June, up 14% on the previous year.&nbsp;
The proportion of people who received prison sentences is the highest on record, at 15%.&nbsp;
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith told Ryan Bridge their focus is on reducing victims of crime, not sending people to jail.&nbsp;
But he says if it leads to a higher prison population in the short term, so be it.&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

Paul Goldsmith: Justice Minister on the number of criminals being sent to prison reaching an all-time high

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/d1420cf0-ea1d-4ff0-a8c0-b35a0173b990/transcript

The Government's under pressure to act to ensure airlines can continue operating. 

Air New Zealand's raised fares due to rising jet fuel costs, increasing domestic fares by $10, short-haul fares by $20, and long-haul fares by $90. 

Air Chathams has also raised its standard fare by $20. 

Chief Executive Duane Emeny told Ryan Bridge the Government could be playing a role in helping the industry out. 

He says they could focus on aviation and start working on things to support airlines should the conflict continue. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

The Government's under pressure to act to ensure airlines can continue operating.&nbsp;
Air New Zealand's raised fares due to rising jet fuel costs, increasing domestic fares by $10, short-haul fares by $20, and long-haul fares by $90.&nbsp;
Air Chathams has also raised its standard fare by $20.&nbsp;
Chief Executive Duane Emeny told Ryan Bridge the Government could be playing a role in helping the industry out.&nbsp;
He says they could focus on aviation and start working on things to support airlines should the conflict continue.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Duane Emeny: Air Chathams CEO calls for government support as jet fuel prices rise

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/e81b661f-0fd2-4e39-8581-b409016a729c/transcript

A lawyer who represented opponents of vaccine mandates says the real test of the Covid inquiry is whether the country learns from its mistakes. 

The second phase of the inquiry has found New Zealand's overall response was effective. 

But it's found some mandates lasted too long, and the Government didn’t always communicate well with Kiwis. 

Lawyer Matthew Hague told Ryan Bridge people don’t expect perfection if another pandemic hits, but decisions need careful reflection. 

He says one of the report's recommendations is the introduction of legislation to better protect human rights, and he thinks that's a good idea. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

A lawyer who represented opponents of vaccine mandates says the real test of the Covid inquiry is whether the country learns from its mistakes.&nbsp;
The second phase of the inquiry has found New Zealand's overall response was effective.&nbsp;
But it's found some mandates lasted too long, and the Government didn’t always communicate well with Kiwis.&nbsp;
Lawyer Matthew Hague told Ryan Bridge people don’t expect perfection if another pandemic hits, but decisions need careful reflection.&nbsp;
He says one of the report's recommendations is the introduction of legislation to better protect human rights, and he thinks that's a good idea.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Matthew Hague: Lawyer who represented vaccine mandate opponents on the outcome of the Covid Inquiry

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/ff365059-2b19-44ea-bf1e-b4090166995a/transcript

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 11 March.

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 Wednesday 11 March. 
Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Full Show Podcast: 11 March 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/aec4206c-ce7b-4a89-bfa8-b409011a8e6e/transcript

Paul Goldsmith: Justice Minister on the number of criminals being sent to prison reaching an all-time high

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