It's a tale of two islands when it comes to the economy.  

The Westpac Regional Roundup shows many businesses and households are suffering from the slow economy.  

Westpac Senior Economist Satish Ranchhod says feedback from the North Island was more downbeat, with Wellington being the worst off because of a shrinking public service.  

He says there was a rosier picture in the South Island.  

Ranchhod told Ryan Bridge they’ve got a mix of tourism and agriculture among other industries helping to support a positive sentiment in the South. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

It's a tale of two islands when it comes to the economy. &nbsp;
The Westpac Regional Roundup shows many businesses and households are suffering from the slow economy. &nbsp;
Westpac Senior Economist Satish Ranchhod says feedback from the North Island was more downbeat, with Wellington being the worst off because of a shrinking public service. &nbsp;
He says there was a rosier picture in the South Island. &nbsp;
Ranchhod told Ryan Bridge they’ve got a mix of tourism and agriculture among other industries helping to support a positive sentiment in the South.&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

Satish Ranchhod: Westpac Senior Economist on the latest Westpac Regional Roundup

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/43802a2c-6d07-433d-b572-b202014740c9/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

Satish Ranchhod: Westpac Senior Economist on the latest Westpac Regional Roundup

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