A tick of approval for National's small business plan.  

The party's released a 47 point plan to cut red tape around things like employment disputes and health and safety.  

Small Business New Zealand founder Phil Wicks says it creates a fairly cohesive plan.  

He told Andrew Dickens while any help is appreciated, what businesses really want is a growing economy.  

Wicks says that gives businesses the confidence to hire more staff or invest in more equipment. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

A tick of approval for National's small business plan. &nbsp;
The party's released a 47 point plan to cut red tape around things like employment disputes and health and safety. &nbsp;
Small Business New Zealand founder Phil Wicks says it creates a fairly cohesive plan. &nbsp;
He told Andrew Dickens while any help is appreciated, what businesses really want is a growing economy. &nbsp;
Wicks says that gives businesses the confidence to hire more staff or invest in more equipment.&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

Phil Wicks: Small Business New Zealand Founder on National's small business plan

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/b302828a-fd39-4d6d-814a-b4dc011dd80b/transcript

The election season is well underway, and employment is a key issue for many voters.

National has pledged more drug testing for beneficiaries, to ensure more Kiwis are ready to get into work, and Labour has voiced opposition to this idea.

National Social Development Minister Louise Upston says she's confident the Government's measures to reduce unemployment are working - but there's more to be done.

"We've seen 84,000 people leave welfare into work in the last year, so we're really confident that the measures that we are making are working."

Meanwhile, Labour social development and employment spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime has pushed back on this scheme. 

"Labour has a plan, where we are talking about expanding apprenticeship boost, introducing trades training and expanding that - and a new work package, where we're going to create a whole lot of jobs." 

LISTEN ABOVE

The election season is well underway, and employment is a key issue for many voters.
National has pledged more drug testing for beneficiaries, to ensure more Kiwis are ready to get into work, and Labour has voiced opposition to this idea.
National Social Development Minister Louise Upston says she's confident the Government's measures to reduce unemployment are working - but there's more to be done.
"We've seen 84,000 people leave welfare into work in the last year, so we're really confident that the measures that we are making are working."
Meanwhile, Labour social development and employment spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime has pushed back on this scheme.&nbsp;
"Labour has a plan, where we are talking about expanding apprenticeship boost, introducing trades training and expanding that - and a new work package, where we're going to create a whole lot of jobs."&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Louise Upston and Willow-Jean Prime: National Social Development Minister and Labour social development and employment spokesperson on their new policies

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/07f678b2-3849-4892-a1a3-b4e00151eb8a/transcript

Trump has made a new diesel deal with Russia, and it's sparked concerns in Europe.

Under the agreement, 300,000 tonnes of Russian diesel will be released to the US immediately, followed by a further 500,000 next month.

Business correspondent Vicky Pryce says some people are worried about the optics of this arrangement - especially in terms of what it could mean for Ukraine.

LISTEN ABOVE

Trump has made a new diesel deal with Russia, and it's sparked concerns in Europe.
Under the agreement, 300,000 tonnes of Russian diesel will be released to the US immediately, followed by a further 500,000 next month.
Business correspondent Vicky Pryce says some people are worried about the optics of this arrangement - especially in terms of what it could mean for Ukraine.
LISTEN ABOVE

Vicky Pryce: business correspondent on Europe's reaction to Trump easing Russian diesel import restrictions

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/a2d424df-acb4-4677-bdfd-b4e0014bf1ef/transcript

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 12 October.

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 Monday 12 October. 
Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Full Show Podcast: 12 October 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/5fa12357-fe1f-4206-977c-b4e001271c11/transcript

Phil Wicks: Small Business New Zealand Founder on National's small business plan

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