Kevin Putt: Former Springbok previews the first clash between the All Blacks and Springboks

A big showdown in Johannesburg this weekend.  The All Blacks are facing the Springboks for the first time on their tour of South Africa, clashing at Ellis Park at 3am Sunday.  The Kiwi side is on a winning streak against the domestic sides, but the Springboks have won four of the past five meetin…

Claire Matthews: Massey University Head of Accountancy, Economics and Finance on Kiwibank's financial results

Kiwibank is reporting a 9% drop in annual profit.  It comes amid talk of a potential merger between Kiwibank and TSB Bank, if the current TSB-Heartland merger falls through.  The Crown-owned bank says it's dealing with a challenging economic environment.  Its net interest income —the gap between…

Peter Fraser: Dairy Industry Analyst on NZ First's proposal to amend the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act

New Zealand First's plan to force more Fonterra milk into the hands of rival manufacturers is being dismissed as a “dumb idea”.  The party wants to amend the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act, giving qualifying manufacturers access to up to 500-million litres of Fonterra milk a year for six years –…

Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on the latest with Harry and Meghan returning to the UK

Questions whether Megan and Harry's feud with British tabloids will be re-ignited once they're back in the UK.  The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be back in the next couple weeks, with their children due to start school next month.  The pair chose to step down as senior members of the royal fam…

Ryan Bridge: Kiwibank's result proves there is competition for banks

There's a lot of noise around banks in this country, but results speak for themselves.   If I had a dollar for every time a politician said there's no competition in the banking sector, that they're price-gouging tyrants, I'd be richer than Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos put together.   But let's take …

Shane O'Hare: Queenstown Airport CEO on reporting a $34 million profit for the year to June

Queenstown Airport's turning its focus to managing the pressure of growth after another record year.  It’s declared a $20.4 million dividend for the year to June after making $9.1 million in profit and handling a record 2.82 million passengers.  Chief Executive Shane O'Hare told Ryan Bridge the c…

Colin Hurst: Federated Farmers President on the Government's changes to the Freshwater Farm Plans

Federated Farmers is feeling refreshed seeing the Government's changes for Freshwater Farm Plans.   An amendment paper to the Natural Environment Bill will do away with some mapping requirements and re-certification will be required every six years instead of five.  It'll also ensure certificatio…

Sam Uffindell: Tauranga MP on the damning Mt Maunganui landslide review

Tauranga's MP says a question mark's hanging over the head of council's CEO following the damning Mt Maunganui landslide review. The council commissioned report found the loss of six lives in the campsite at Mauao's base in January was preventable.  Tauranga City Council had been given expert war…

Full Show Podcast: 20 August 2026

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 20th of August 2026, Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell responds to damning findings from the fatal Mount Maunganui landslide inquiry. Business is booming at Queenstown Airport with nearly three million passengers this financial year, Que…

Ryan Bridge: How fast-food companies are reacting to the weight loss jab craze

You've probably noticed a few people now, there are loads out there, on the jab and looking skinny.   The weight-loss miracle drugs mean people eat less. Less food and less often.  Fewer cravings. That means demand for fatty, deep fried food and sugar is shrinking, quick as our waistlines.   The…