Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the Danish Prime Minister calling a snap election

The Danish Prime Minister has called a snap election, hailing it a decisive next four years for her country.  Mette Frederiksen says the election will be held on March 24 instead of the original end of October date.   It comes after months of politics dominated by Donald Trump's threats to annex …

Anne Newman: Christchurch NZ Visitor Economy Manager on Electric Avenue

Excitement in Christchurch as the city gears up for one of the biggest weekends of the year.   Electric Avenue is officially the biggest festival in Australasia, with 90 thousand attendees over the two days.  Kiwi band Split Enz is headlining, joined by Australian DJ Dom Dolla.  Last year's fest…

John Funnell: Taupō Mayor on the risk of regional flight routes being cut after Air NZ reported a $40m half-year loss

The Taupō Mayor says he'd be surprised if Air New Zealand cut its popular regional route.   Some regional flights could be on the chopping block after the airline posted a $40 million half-year loss.  It's pointed to ongoing fleet constraints, a slower recovery in domestic demand, and persistentl…

Ruth Money: Chief Victims Advisor on the number of victims of violent crime dropping by 49 thousand

A victims advocate is attributing a switch up of crime figures to changes in policing and sentencing.   Data from the latest Crime and Victims Survey shows there were 49 thousand fewer victims of violent crime in the year to last October, compared to the two previous years.  The Government says t…

Full Show Podcast: 27 February 2026

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 27 February. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Claire Matthews: Massey University Banking Professor on the Reserve Bank's push to increase cash

The Reserve Bank's proposal to set up more branches and ATMs has left one expert stunned.  It's asking for public feedback on requiring banks to provide accessible cash services countrywide, free of charge.   It includes ensuring those in urban areas can reach a service by walking.   But Massey …

Cath O'Brien: Board of Airline Representatives Executive Director on the Ōhakea Air Force based being greenlit as an alternative runway for commercial planes

The last piece of the puzzle for overnight air traffic control, with the Government opening up a new 24/7 alternative runway for commercial airlines.   Funding's been approved for the round-the-clock service at Ōhakea Air Force base, near Palmerston North.   Under aviation laws, commercial flight…

Full Show Podcast: 26 February 2026

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, Dairy NZ have unveiled their state of the dairy nation report, Federated Farmers Dairy Chair Karl Dean shares his thoughts.  The Government says the control tower at Ohakea air base will soon operate 24/7, making it the country’s offici…

Karl Dean: Federated Farmers Dairy Chair on Dairy delivering a record year

Dairy farmers are celebrating as the sector delivers a record year.  Data from Dairy NZ's annual state of the dairy nation report shows farmers produced an unprecedented 21 billion litres of milk in the 2024/2025 season.  It's also brought the highest ever export earnings worth $27.1 billion.  F…

Ryan Bridge: Who do we believe on vaping?

There's a big puffy cloud of smoke hanging over the vaping versus cigarettes debate this week.  It's all kicked off because the Government's handing out free vapes to smokers to stop them getting what we know could be a death sentence.  They've done a deal to buy a bunch of them for $500,000. Be…