The air quality in New Zealand has increased across the country, but some areas are still dealing with high levels of pollution. The Our Air 2024 report shows the level of key pollutants —largely produced by transport and home heating— has reduced across most monitoring sites. However, it also says air quality isn't good everywhere, and in some urb…

Northland's power network is being zapped into action in the wake of the pylon collapse outage. In June, a contractor unfastened three legs of a pylon at once, putting around 88,000 homes and businesses out of power. Northland MP Grant McCallum revealed a regional energy package, with Transpower and contractor Omexom putting one million dollars tow…

I know, I know we're celebrating this morning, the OCR, the money back in your pockets that's coming, inflation coming down. But MBIE has warned the government that electricity prices are likely to rise significantly over the next two years – this is a story from BusinessDesk. See, we have all seen the spot prices market increase, skyrocket even, b…

An OCR cut could be behind an incoming boost in property market activity. The Reserve Bank's cut the Official Cash Rate by 50-basis points to 4.75%. Banks have lowered home rates in response to the cut. Finance Minister Nicola Willis is celebrating the move as fantastic news and sees it as a sign inflation is under control. LJ Hooker's Campbell Dun…

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are urging people in the path of Hurricane Milton to follow advice and evacuate. The Category 4 Hurricane is expected to hit overnight in the state. The core of the storm is expected to pass over west-central Florida, and storm surges of three to four and a half metres are possible. Outer bands of the Hurricane are alrea…

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 10th of October, the Reserve Bank has dropped the Official Cash Rate to 4.75% - what does it mean for the property market and your mortgage rates? Transpower has released a new resilience plan for Northland's power grid following the transmission tower collapse in June - will it m…

The main suspect in the Madeleine McCann case has been cleared of separate rape charges. 47-year-old Christian Brückner was acquitted of five offences of sexual abuse in Portugal between 2000 and 2017. German investigators identified Brückner in 2020 as a suspect in the disappearance of McCann from Portugal in 2007. But UK Correspondent Gavin Grey …

More interest rate cuts are on the horizon. The Reserve Bank expected to cut the Official Cash Rate again this afternoon. ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner is tipping a 50 basis point cut to 4.75%,. She says it's what the market and most economists are predicting, and it’s become the default. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in…

The marine life around Samoa is likely in danger in the wake of Manawanui sinking. The $100 million naval ship struck a reef off the south coast of Upolu on Saturday, before sinking Sunday morning. About 950 tonnes of oil is onboard. Diesel leaked out of the vessel when it capsized and has coated the surface of the water. Waikato University ecology…

Health New Zealand's pointed to nursing recruitment to explain its ballooning deficit, but health experts aren't buying it. Newly released documents show the agency went from expecting a half a billion dollar surplus to a $1.4 billion deficit in April. That's now expected to blow out to $1.76 billion. Patient Voice Aotearoa chair Malcolm Mulholland…

Complaints, backlash, outrage, divisive, sad, there's been strong reaction to the Tui billboards poking fun at old Polkinghorne – who’s not guilty of killing his wife, by the way. The billboards read, if you haven't seen them: "Back to being a respectable meth smoking, sex worker loving doctor then. Yeah right.” It's quite good. It's not breaking a…

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 9th of October, it's OCR day, and all of our big banks are forecasting a 50 basis points drop, bringing the rate down to 4.75%. ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner talks to Ryan about what to expect at today's announcement, and where to from here for the economy. Te Whatu Ora has …

A media commentator says TVNZ appears to be doubling down on what it's good at. The state broadcaster's latest business proposal will see its website shut down in February while more investment will be put towards news on its streaming platform TVNZ+. The company is hoping to save $30 million. Spinoff founder Duncan Grieve told Ryan Bridge it could…

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…

Inflation is still the dominant force in global politics, no doubt about it. We've got the United States election next month, the Aussies are going to the polls by midway through next year, so are the Canadians, we just had the UK, we've just had France, and inflation rules the roost. Bad news for ol' Albanese in Australia. There's a new poll out t…

The chief executive of Ngati Toa agrees a robust debate is needed on the Treaty of Waitangi. Helmut Modlik will debate ACT leader David Seymour tonight, two months after Modlik called him out. A draft of Seymour's Treaty Principles Bill will be ready for public release and discussion next month, but National says it will support the bill no further…

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 8th of October, Ngati Toa's Helmut Modlik is set to face David Seymour in a much anticipated debate on the Treaty of Waitangi. Modlik speaks to Ryan ahead of the debate. A mixed bag in Westpac's Regional Roundup, but things are looking good heading towards the New Year and Wednesda…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the French President's demands for a halt on arms deliveries to Israel for use in Gaza is a "disgrace". He says "Israel will win with or without their support". UK and Europe correspondent Gavin Grey says it came as a surprise since France is known to be a supporter of Israel. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystud…

Why? It's the question we all want answered this morning. But what we'll get is a bunch of speculation. The first most important question has been answered. Is the crew safe? Yes. Thankfully. And by the sounds of it, it's thanks in large part to help from others, the decision to abandon ship and a dose of good luck. Some of the crew spent five hour…

Belief the Government's fast-track list will reap more benefits than environmental problems. The Government's listed 149 projects for its Fast Track Approvals Bill - including nine mining projects. The Bill still needs to go before the Environment Committee, then each project will be assessed by an expert panel. Straterra chief executive Josie Vida…

Cameron Munster has vehemently denied biting Penrith’s Paul Alamoti as the Melbourne five-eighth nervously awaits the outcome of the NRL’s match review committee. Munster will find out on Monday morning if he has been charged by the NRL after he was accused of biting Alamoti in the final 10 minutes of the Storm’s 14-6 grand final defeat on Sunday. …

A search for answers over the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui - off Samoa's southern coast. The $100 million naval ship was running a survey off the area when it hit a reef on Saturday night. All 75 people onboard were rescued - it caught fire and sank yesterday morning Former Defence Minister Ron Mark told Ryan Bridge he's gutted as his team fought…

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 7 October. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Af Newstalk ZB

Deanna Michelle Merryfield was a 13 year old from Killeen, TX. She had a fraternal twin sister and she LOVED Def Leppard. In the early morning hours of July 22, 1990, Deanna appeared with two young males at her uncle's where her twin sister was staying. After just a few minutes, Deanna left with them. She was never seen again. Facebook: https://www…

Deanna Michelle Merryfield was a 13 year old from Killeen, TX. She had a fraternal twin sister and she LOVED Def Leppard. In the early morning hours of July 22, 1990, Deanna appeared with two young males at her uncle's where her twin sister was staying. After just a few minutes, Deanna left with them. She was never seen again. Facebook: https://www…

The British government announced it will hand sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, in a settlement that ends decades of disputes over Britain’s last African colony, while maintaining a key US-British military base in the archipelago. Europe correspondent Vincent McAviney says the UK keeping its military base for another 99 years marks …

There's several possible reasons behind a rise in the number of homes empty on Census night. The latest data shows just more than 110 thousand homes were empty, up from just under 100 thousand in 2018. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says part of that could be due to Cyclone Gabrielle flood levels, and high levels of construction. He tol…

Flooding and landslips are keeping officials busy in Otago. The area is in a State of Emergency due to heavy rain, with downpours expected to continue into the afternoon. Fire and Emergency NZ have responded to 31 calls between 6pm last night and 5.30am, with around 70 people evacuating to welfare centres. Dunedin Civil Defence Manager Scott MacLea…

Kudos to Qantas for introducing a wellbeing zone on the cattle class of the aircraft. Airlines are cramming us in like sardines, anyone who's travelled will know this. They serve you booze, you recline your seat, the planes dry you out and then as a natural consequence, people go nuts. Unruly passengers ripping open the emergency doors, running up …

The Government is confident their support of frontline Police is coming to fruition. Recruitment numbers have soared in the past year, with almost 1,400 applicants in July – the highest since 2014. It's seen around five and a half thousand applicants in the first eight months of the year, more than double across the same period last year. Associate…

Health New Zealand is expecting its financial deficit for the past financial year to be near a billion dollars. The agency's released its report for the June quarter. Earlier in quarter three, a $299 million surplus was forecast - but the preliminary financial result for the year to the end of June is a $934 million deficit. Association of Salaried…

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 4th of October, Dunedin has declared a state of emergency following significant rainfall overnight and surface flooding. Civil Defence Controller Scott Maclean has the latest. Police recruitment wings will be expanded from next year following record applications to join the force. A…

Mood of the boardroom survey, more than 100 of our top business leaders have had their say on the government, its ministers and the economy today. CEOs ranked the performance of the Cabinet Ministers with ‘1’ being not impressive and ‘5’ - very impressive. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon scored with 3.73 whilst keeping his cabinet focused on deliv…

Nearly 50,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) are on strike Tuesday against the nation’s East and Gulf Coast ports. They are demanding a $5/hour increase in pay every year for the next six years. Mitch McCann, US Correspondent says that New Zealand exporters are likely to be affected by congestion and delays. The Minis…

The real proof will be in the pudding – if smoking rates come down, does it matter how she did it? If it was a non-tobacco company getting a tax cut to provide a product that was less harmful than ciggies would there be outrage? Or are we blinded by the fact it's a multinational whose legacy has been peddling cigarettes that clouds our judgement? A…

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 3rd of October, Air NZ has made more cuts to regional flights, and we still don't have a plan for an Interislander replacement. Do we have a transport problem in New Zealand? Former Transport Minister Maurice Williamson joins the show to discuss. The PPTA are now allowing charter …

Iran has sent up to 350 missiles and drones into Israel, setting off the sound of explosions and sirens. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan says the US Navy destroyers stationed in the Mediterranean Sea intercepted Iranian missiles. He says it was a significant escalation from Iran and it was equally important they could step up to…

Tensions in the Middle East are on a knife's edge in the aftermath of Iran's barrage of missiles on Israel. The Israeli defence force says there's been no reports of casualties and most of the around 180 projectiles were intercepted. Iran has confirmed the attack and says it's targeting Israel in response to deaths of Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasra…

A new Bio-Refinery at the Marsden Point Energy Precinct is being proposed. Channel Infrastructure NZ Limited announces it has entered into a conditional project development agreement with Seadra Energy Inc, who is partnering with the likes of Qantas, Renova Inc, Kent Plc, and ANZ. It would utilize some of the decommissioned oil refinery assets whic…

JD Vance and Tim Walz are set to do battle for what looks to be the final debate of this US presidential election. The vice-presidential candidates will meet for their only debate in New York today, which gets underway at 2pm NZ time. US political commentator Danielle McLaughlin says the buzz could reach the levels of Joe Biden vs Sarah Palin in 20…

So Luxon is back in the news. Bryce Edwards written a piece saying our members of parliament own 2.3 homes per MP - more than most of us. Jacinda made $330,000 on her property while Prime Minister. Luxon has made close to half a million dollars on his properties. Now let's really talk about a capital gains tax, because we essentially have one on in…

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 2nd of October, Iran has started firing missiles towards Israel with the iron dome defence system working to stop them. We're live to the Middle East for the latest news. Tim Walz and JD Vance will take to the stage for the US Vice Presidential debate in New York tomorrow. It cou…

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 1st of October, The Government has released its action plan for the fourth quarter of the year. ACT MP and Under Secretary to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform Simon Court is on the show to discuss the new targets. The Insurance Council wants people to stop building in “dumb p…

The Government's moving into its next quarterly plan - with infrastructure the focus. It achieved 39 of its 40 goals in the third quarter - largely targeting law and order. This quarter's 43 actions include passing the first Resource Management Amendment Bill and introducing the second RMA reform Bill as well as a National Infrastructure Agency. Un…

The Government's refusing to say if it will designate Hezbollah's political wing as a terrorist entity. In a statement to Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, our Terrorism Designations Working Group says the Iran-backed group's military wing was declared a terrorist entity in 2010. "Designations are considered based on recommendations from the National…

There's a debate over who should be responsible for the consequences of building in high-risk areas. The Insurance Council is asking the Government to ensure natural hazard changes to the Resource Management Act mean people don't build in what it's calling "dumb places". Urban designer Bruce Weir told Ryan Bridge if building on a risky site comes d…

Air New Zealand's direct flight between Wellington and Invercargill will soon be no more. It's being scrapped, with its last service in mid-January. Great South chief executive Chami Abeysinghe says customers are still able to fly to Wellington via Christchurch, and the airline's adding more flights between Christchurch and Invercargill. She told R…

Grumbling and discontent in regional New Zealand is growing louder and louder, and Wellington ought to pay attention. The latest was in Dunedin. 35,0000 locals turned in protest, waving signs with Nicola Willis swinging atop a wrecking ball. The wrecking ball was Luxon's head. The reason the government should heed and listen is because of the size …

Big changes to consenting processes could be on the way. Currently, 67 building consent authorities receive and approve consents – with each one taking a slightly different approach to the rules. Building and construction minister Chris Penk has proposed creating larger regional authorities to help standardise the process and reduce costs for build…

Austria’s general election could see the far-right opposition Freedom Party (FPÖ) top the polls for the first time as voters head out to cast their ballot. The party’s leader describes himself as Volkskanzler (people's chancellor), which was used to describe Adolf Hitler in the 1930s. UK & Europe correspondent Gavin Grey tells Ryan Bridge the party…