The country's biggest pop culture extravaganza Armageddon starts in Auckland today.  

Around 50 thousand sci-fi, anime, fantasy, and gaming fans are expected to flock to Auckland Showgrounds this weekend.  

It's filled with more than 400 exhibitors, including a reunion of the Supernatural cast, a High School Musical sing-along panel, and international guests like Highlander star Christopher Lambert.  

Organiser Bill Geradts told Francesca Rudkin they're not feeling the pinch from the cost of living crisis in the same way festivals and retail are. 

He says last year's October show was one of their best, and this year's tracking to be about the same. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

The country's biggest pop culture extravaganza Armageddon starts in Auckland today. &nbsp;
Around 50 thousand sci-fi, anime, fantasy, and gaming fans are expected to flock to Auckland Showgrounds this weekend. &nbsp;
It's filled with more than 400 exhibitors, including a reunion of the Supernatural cast, a High School Musical sing-along panel, and international guests like Highlander star Christopher Lambert. &nbsp;
Organiser Bill Geradts told Francesca Rudkin they're not feeling the pinch from the cost of living crisis in the same way festivals and retail are.&nbsp;
He says last year's October show was one of their best, and this year's tracking to be about the same.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Bill Geradts: Armageddon Expo Organiser on this year's Auckland event

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/bc84465b-484e-4cd9-a7f6-b4eb0172de43/transcript

Education Minister Erica Stanford’s education overhaul has been impressive this government term. We’re seeing improvements in primary school student achievement, the NCEA qualification is not long for this world, and how good is it to have cellphones out of the classroom?

But for all the changes, there are families who feel the system simply doesn’t work for their child, whose needs, interests or circumstances may not fit comfortably within a conventional classroom.

Yet when someone suggests trying something different, we can become remarkably attached to doing the same thing and hoping for a different result.

That is why charter schools deserve a fair hearing.

ACT has made school choice and educational innovation central to its education agenda for the 2026 general election. It has set a target of 10,000 charter school enrolments by 2029, and a goal of a charter school option in every major town.

As the parent of a child with a brilliant, complex, neurodivergent mind who loves to learn but struggled with the mainstream school environment, this is music to my ears. In order for our child to complete her education, we went down an alternative route. No one was more surprised than we were.

It was hugely expensive and prohibitive for most, but it was brilliant. Our child, who was falling out of school, is now doing a science degree at university. Charter schools will hopefully give more families struggling with children in similar situations the same opportunity.

It is life-changing.

For a young person who has all but given up on education, it could be the beginning of a future that might otherwise have quietly disappeared.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins opposes charter schools.

"We should give all of our schools the tools they need to cater for all of the kids who come through the gate," Hipkins said yesterday.

It is an admirable ambition. But is it the reality? Teachers regularly describe classrooms stretched by complex learning needs, behavioural challenges and inadequate support. Expecting one teacher to meet every need in a crowded classroom is a little like asking a Swiss Army knife to perform open-heart surgery.

Most mainstream schools do wonderful work. But not every child learns the same way, responds to the same environment or thrives under the same structure. A practical, culturally grounded or more flexible approach can be the difference between disengagement and achievement.

There are legitimate concerns about charter schools. Public money must be protected, teaching quality maintained, and private operators prevented from putting profit ahead of pupils. Independence must never mean a free pass. Transparent reporting, financial audits, measurable achievement targets and the power to terminate contracts are essential safeguards.

But if those checks and balances are enforced, why should every school have to follow precisely the same model?

Charter schools are not a replacement for mainstream education. They are another tool in the kit. New Zealand’s children are not all the same, so why insist their education must be?

Education Minister Erica Stanford’s education overhaul has been impressive this government term. We’re seeing improvements in primary school student achievement, the NCEA qualification is not long for this world, and how good is it to have cellphones out of the classroom?
But for all the changes, there are families who feel the system simply doesn’t work for their child, whose needs, interests or circumstances may not fit comfortably within a conventional classroom.
Yet when someone suggests trying something different, we can become remarkably attached to doing the same thing and hoping for a different result.
That is why charter schools deserve a fair hearing.
ACT has made school choice and educational innovation central to its education agenda for the 2026 general election. It has set a target of 10,000 charter school enrolments by 2029, and a goal of a charter school option in every major town.
As the parent of a child with a brilliant, complex, neurodivergent mind who loves to learn but struggled with the mainstream school environment, this is music to my ears. In order for our child to complete her education, we went down an alternative route. No one was more surprised than we were.
It was hugely expensive and prohibitive for most, but it was brilliant. Our child, who was falling out of school, is now doing a science degree at university. Charter schools will hopefully give more families struggling with children in similar situations the same opportunity.
It is life-changing.
For a young person who has all but given up on education, it could be the beginning of a future that might otherwise have quietly disappeared.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins opposes charter schools.
"We should give all of our schools the tools they need to cater for all of the kids who come through the gate," Hipkins said yesterday.
It is an admirable ambition. But is it the reality? Teachers regularly describe classrooms stretched by complex learning needs, behavioural challenges and inadequate support. Expecting one teacher to meet every need in a crowded classroom is a little like asking a Swiss Army knife to perform open-heart surgery.
Most mainstream schools do wonderful work. But not every child learns the same way, responds to the same environment or thrives under the same structure. A practical, culturally grounded or more flexible approach can be the difference between disengagement and achievement.
There are legitimate concerns about charter schools. Public money must be protected, teaching quality maintained, and private operators prevented from putting profit ahead of pupils. Independence must never mean a free pass. Transparent reporting, financial audits, measurable achievement targets and the power to terminate contracts are essential safeguards.
But if those checks and balances are enforced, why should every school have to follow precisely the same model?
Charter schools are not a replacement for mainstream education. They are another tool in the kit. New Zealand’s children are not all the same, so why insist their education must be?

Francesca Rudkin: Why are charter schools vilified?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/34d849f1-86cd-43b4-ba15-b4eb01226e3d/transcript

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 23 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 Friday 23 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: 23 October 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/0be86b8d-963b-42dd-9e00-b4eb011a46f0/transcript

Inflation's eased up slightly - but it's also become more persistent and widespread.

The official inflation rate has fallen in the past three months - from 4.1 percent to 3.7 percent - due to a brief fall in fuel prices.

But underlying core inflation has been rising and more items are increasing in price.

Labour's Finance Spokesperson Barbara Edmonds told Francesca Rudkin the government doesn't have a plan to tackle the rising prices. 

LISTEN ABOVE

Inflation's eased up slightly - but it's also become more persistent and widespread.
The official inflation rate has fallen in the past three months - from 4.1 percent to 3.7 percent - due to a brief fall in fuel prices.
But underlying core inflation has been rising and more items are increasing in price.
Labour's Finance Spokesperson Barbara Edmonds told Francesca Rudkin the government doesn't have a plan to tackle the rising prices.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Barbara Edmonds: Labour's Finance Spokesperson on CPI falling to 3.7%

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/edf040ef-cfa7-4d69-837b-b4eb011b3184/transcript

The Indian cricket tour begins tonight with a T20 against New Zealand at a sold-out Hagley Oval in Christchurch. 

The sides last met in March's World Cup final at Ahmedabad, won by the then-hosts. 

However, the start times for this tour seem to be an issue, as an 8pm start means the games won't be ending until nearly midnight. 

Newstalk ZB Sports Reader Andrew Alderson told Ryan Bridge it's not ideal, but the tour is a golden egg. 

He says that it's an amazing opportunity for NZ Cricket to reap the rewards of a broadcasting deal worth millions as well as ticket sales and merchandising.  

LISTEN ABOVE 

The Indian cricket tour begins tonight with a T20 against New Zealand at a sold-out Hagley Oval in Christchurch.&nbsp;
The sides last met in March's World Cup final at Ahmedabad, won by the then-hosts.&nbsp;
However, the start times for this tour seem to be an issue, as an 8pm start means the games won't be ending until nearly midnight.&nbsp;
Newstalk ZB Sports Reader Andrew Alderson told Ryan Bridge it's not ideal, but the tour is a golden egg.&nbsp;
He says that it's an amazing opportunity for NZ Cricket to reap the rewards of a broadcasting deal worth millions as well as ticket sales and merchandising. &nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Andrew Alderson: Newstalk ZB Sports Reader ahead of the Indian cricket tour

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/977d5eb2-f372-4291-9e89-b4ea017654de/transcript

Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges says politically, the Mood of the Boardroom shows a "tactical draw" between National and Labour. 

The survey of business leaders shows dissatisfaction and a desire for more investment in infrastructure, reform, leadership and talk of productivity, Bridges told Ryan Bridge. 

"Because you'd expect, and they are in their numbers, the Nats as a centre right incumbent government to be higher up, I would sort of call it a tactical draw between the Nats and Labour when you look at this closely." 

Unease about "the tail wagging the dog" with minor parties gaining more power in the future government is also present. 

"This is a very small sliver of business. It's the top end of town, let alone it being the electorate... 

"They've got a very clear view about what they like. They tend to like stability, certainty, an incumbent government over change that might be messy and uncertain." 

The former National Party leader said no result in the upcoming election would surprise him. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges says politically, the Mood of the Boardroom shows a "tactical draw" between National and Labour.&nbsp;
The survey of business leaders shows dissatisfaction and a desire for more investment in infrastructure, reform, leadership and talk of productivity, Bridges told Ryan Bridge.&nbsp;
"Because you'd expect, and they are in their numbers, the Nats as a centre right incumbent government to be higher up, I would sort of call it a tactical draw between the Nats and Labour when you look at this closely."&nbsp;
Unease about "the tail wagging the dog" with minor parties gaining more power in the future government is also present.&nbsp;
"This is a very small sliver of business. It's the top end of town, let alone it being the electorate...&nbsp;
"They've got a very clear view about what they like. They tend to like stability, certainty, an incumbent government over change that might be messy and uncertain."&nbsp;
The former National Party leader said no result in the upcoming election would surprise him.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber CEO on the Mood of the Boardroom weeks out from the election

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/640e9bc1-fcb3-4c1d-8b2a-b4ea016fc806/transcript

A warning we could see some more nasty inflation spikes before the year is out. 

Stats NZ is releasing the inflation data for the three months to September just before 11 this morning. 

Economists expect it to show inflation’s sitting around 3.7%. 

BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones told Ryan Bridge they're expecting inflation to rise to 4.7% in the next update. 

He says most of it is due to the spike in fuel prices, but the numbers today will show core inflation is also on the rise. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

A warning we could see some more nasty inflation spikes before the year is out.&nbsp;
Stats NZ is releasing the inflation data for the three months to September just before 11 this morning.&nbsp;
Economists expect it to show inflation’s sitting around 3.7%.&nbsp;
BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones told Ryan Bridge they're expecting inflation to rise to 4.7% in the next update.&nbsp;
He says most of it is due to the spike in fuel prices, but the numbers today will show core inflation is also on the rise.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Mike Jones: BNZ Chief Economist on the latest inflation figures being released today

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/e931c67b-8fb5-40c1-a905-b4ea011e5560/transcript

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 22nd of October 2026, economists are expecting a mixed bag in today's inflation figures, BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones takes his pick. 

The Black Caps open their five-match t20 series against India in Christchurch tonight at 8pm, with the first game at Hagley Oval, Newstalk ZB Sports Reader Andrew Alderson shares his thoughts on why the match starts so late.

Business leaders are feeling pretty optimistic about our economic trajectory, Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges shares his thoughts.

Plus, US Correspondent Nick Harper has the latest on a US teacher released by Russia, and Steve Witkoff and Putin's meeting. 

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 the 22nd of October 2026, economists are expecting a mixed bag in today's inflation figures, BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones takes his pick.&nbsp;
The Black Caps open their five-match t20 series against India in Christchurch tonight at 8pm, with the first game at Hagley Oval, Newstalk ZB Sports Reader Andrew Alderson shares his thoughts on why the match starts so late.
Business leaders are feeling pretty optimistic about our economic trajectory, Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges shares his thoughts.
Plus, US Correspondent Nick Harper has the latest on a US teacher released by Russia, and Steve Witkoff and Putin's meeting.&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: 22 October 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/7850afdf-80cb-412b-82ad-b4ea011bad38/transcript

Nearly there.  

Voting's already happening for Kiwis overseas.  

Monday, we start in-country. Two weeks later it's all over and counting begins.  

The result looks as tight as a fish's bum.  

Here's my predictions: 

Opportunity won't get 5% and the Coalition will be returned to power.  

I want to be clear, this is not based off a scientific poll-by-poll or electorate probability calculator.  

It's just a gut feeling of how voters will behave once they get into the voting booth. 

And the fact not everyone who's polled actually turns out to vote, and not everyone who voted is polled.  

If Opportunity does get over the line, of course, Luxon will talk to them, but he's got a strategy and he's sticking to it.  

Campaigning politicians and CEOs do that. There's no point having strategy you abandon at the eleventh hour.  

For me, the key part of last night's leader's debate was Qiulae Wong's vibe on the Coalition.  

If they get in, they'd support with confidence and supply only. 

ACT and New Zealand First's more extreme wish lists might need to be put on ice in return for their support, plus a few sweeteners on innovation and the digital economy thrown in for good measure.  

Either way, there's still a long road ahead.  

We'll have started buying Christmas trees before the Governor General is swearing in a new government. 

Nearly there. &nbsp;
Voting's already happening for Kiwis overseas. &nbsp;
Monday, we start in-country. Two weeks later it's all over and counting begins. &nbsp;
The result looks as tight as a fish's bum. &nbsp;
Here's my predictions:&nbsp;
Opportunity won't get 5% and the Coalition will be returned to power. &nbsp;
I want to be clear, this is not based off a scientific poll-by-poll or electorate probability calculator. &nbsp;
It's just a gut feeling of how voters will behave once they get into the voting booth.&nbsp;
And the fact not everyone who's polled actually turns out to vote, and not everyone who voted is polled. &nbsp;
If Opportunity does get over the line, of course, Luxon will talk to them, but he's got a strategy and he's sticking to it. &nbsp;
Campaigning politicians and CEOs do that. There's no point having strategy you abandon at the eleventh hour. &nbsp;
For me, the key part of last night's leader's debate was Qiulae Wong's vibe on the Coalition. &nbsp;
If they get in, they'd support with confidence and supply only.&nbsp;
ACT and New Zealand First's more extreme wish lists might need to be put on ice in return for their support, plus a few sweeteners on innovation and the digital economy thrown in for good measure. &nbsp;
Either way, there's still a long road ahead. &nbsp;
We'll have started buying Christmas trees before the Governor General is swearing in a new government.&nbsp;

Ryan Bridge: My final election prediction, Qiulae's out

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/817ccac8-7bc5-45f6-8cfa-b4ea011c2e65/transcript

Opioids remain the biggest driver of overdose deaths, often with a cocktail of other substances. 

The latest NZ Drug Foundation report reveals the country's losing around three people a week to preventable overdose. 

It also shows a rise in hospitalisations from stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine. 

Foundation executive director Sarah Helm told Andrew Dickens that in 85% of fatalities, the person had more than one thing in their system. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Opioids remain the biggest driver of overdose deaths, often with a cocktail of other substances.&nbsp;
The latest NZ Drug Foundation report reveals the country's losing around three people a week to preventable overdose.&nbsp;
It also shows a rise in hospitalisations from stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine.&nbsp;
Foundation executive director Sarah Helm told Andrew Dickens that in 85% of fatalities, the person had more than one thing in their system.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Sarah Helm: NZ Drug Foundation Executive Director on the new report showing three people are dying a week from preventable overdoses

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/f4d4f141-4744-4591-87e1-b4e901720bb0/transcript

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

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