Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

The Prime Minister’s being accused of playing politics over Iran.  Christopher Luxon says the Government will make a decision very shortly on whether to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity.  Former Foreign Minister Phil Goff told Ryan Bridge if Luxon wanted to take a stand, he should have done it already, as moving now would look opportunistic.  He's questioning why the Government's treating Iran differently than countries like Russia, and thinks we need consistency.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 3rd of March 2025, New Haven University Director of International Affairs and National Security Expert Matthew Schmidt shares the reaction from the US following the latest developments with Iran.  The captain of the Manawanui Commander Yvonne Gray, is among three navy officers being charged over its sinking in Samoa last year, Massey University Centre for Defence and Security Studies Senior Fellow John Battersby shares his thoughts.  The PM’S signalling the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could soon be officially listed as a terrorist organisation here, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Former Minister of Defence Phil Goff tells Ryan how New Zealand should react to the ongoing situation in the Middle East. Plus, Australia Correspondent Lesley Yeomans has the latest on a state of emergency in central Australia following torrential rain and Aussie dairy farmers want law changes to stop labelling non-dairy products as "milk". 

There’s been a lot of chat about AI replacing jobs lately. And I get it, there are signs it’s happening. For certain roles, especially more junior ones, the threat is real. But there are some things a computer will never know and never be able to do. Like reading somebody’s emotions. Burger King in the US, this is a story out this week, is trialling AI software to judge how courteous and friendly its staff are. They’ve got an aptly named AI assistant, Patty, apparently doing this task. Party lives in their headsets, monitoring their every word. If you’re handing out Whoppers at a drive thru, Patty will apparently record how many times you say welcome, please, and thank you. Patty then delivers the Whopper crew a daily friendliness score. Apart from sounding like a peak micro-managing pain in the ass, Patty, with respect, actually doesn’t know what she or it is talking about.   Can Patty detect sarcasm? Does Patty know if you’re dead in the eyes while welcoming the next hungry customer? Cus

A barrier stopping rural workers from using KiwiSaver is being lifted. Farm workers, rural teachers, police and defence staff have been unable to make first-home withdrawals, because they’re required to live in employer housing. The Government’s now allowing them to use their savings, including towards buying a farm. Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Ryan Bridge that these workers have been locked out of the KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal for too long. She says if people are working hard to get ahead, where they live shouldn't exclude them from the property ladder. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Israeli Prime Minister says bombing in Iran could continue for days.  Coordinated strikes with the US have killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and multiple senior officials - resulting in Iran launching counter strikes across the Middle East.  Three US service members have been killed in the military operations while nine people in Israel have been killed in Iran's retaliatory attacks.  Iranian officials have formed a transitional council to lead the country.  The Guardian Washington Bureau Chief David Smith told Ryan Bridge Benjamin Netanyahu wants the offensive to continue - but US Congress likely won't.  He says they will want US President Donald Trump to leave Iran as soon as possible. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have a new issues poll out this morning.  It's from IPSOS. 1000 people. Was taken after Waitangi weekend.  The numbers are bad for National, because they should be winning on more issues.  But Luxon won't hate the numbers because they're going in the right direction of a few key issues.  A significant increase on Cost of Living - after a period of trending in the wrong direction.  Another 'significant' increase on healthcare/hospitals- closing the gap from 19 to 12 points since October.  After being overtaken on the economy, they've come back to draw with the reds.  Interestingly, concern from voters about poverty and inequality is trending down - despite the big push in the media last week.  The reality is that Labour is still ahead on three of the five issues.  But no election is won or lost on a single issue, is it? Although Covid in 2020 and cost of living in 2023 were dominant.  What the election will come down to, as I've always said, and everyone alr

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian David Smith, has the latest on US/Israel strikes on Iran.  The Government will allow farmers to use their KiwiSaver to buy their first home or farm, Finance Minister Nicola Willis tells Ryan about the impact this will have.  Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport.  Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on UK troops at a base in Bahrain are narrowly missed by a rocket fired from Iran and tens of thousands face flight disruption as airlines are continuing to cancel and divert flights serving the Middle East. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Greenland – the semi-autonomous Danish territory.   UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge before that, polls had been unfavourable towards her.   He says her handling of Trump gave her a popularity boost, which she may be capitalising on.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 festival brought in $10.5 million in visitor spend – the largest local event since the 1974 Commonwealth Games.   Christchurch NZ Visitor Economy Manager Anne Newman told Ryan Bridge 23 thousand people are visiting the city for the festival.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 persistently high aviation system inflation.   Mayor John Funnell told Ryan Bridge he understands costs are rising, but the Taupō to Auckland flights are close to full every time.  He says they have a good relationship with Air New Zealand and isn't expecting any changes.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 there's no doubt the gang patch ban has played a part.   Chief Victims Advisor Ruth Money told Ryan Bridge many victims think it is because of a bolstered police presence.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 University Banking Professor Claire Matthews says the need isn't high enough to warrant banks spending money on this plan, which she says has come out of left field.   She told Ryan Bridge that while the disaster argument does carry water, this doesn’t seem to be the right solution, as it’s not clear cash has been lacking in most of the one’s we’ve had.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 flights must nominate an alternative runway in case a plane can't land at its destination.   Board of Airline Representatives Executive Director Cath O'Brien told Ryan Bridge this is important as long-haul aircraft often start running low on fuel.   She says it's key to have an airport where airlines can divert to if they need, and then get on their way once they refuel.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 official back-up airport, Board of Airline Representatives of New Zealand Executive Director Cath O'Brien tells Ryan Bridge how big of a difference this will make for airlines.  The Reserve Bank is asking the public for feedback on a proposal that banks must provide a minimum level of cash services, Professor at Massey University Business School Claire Matthews, shares her thoughts.  Plus US Correspondent Katie Fisher has the latest on the reaction to Trump's State of the nation speech.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  Federated Farmers Dairy Chair Karl Dean told Ryan Bridge a lot of it comes down to herd testing to ensure Kiwi cows have the best genetics.  He says as performance and profitability continue to increase, the Government gets more tax revenue.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Between last January and July, 3000 smokers were given vaping kits and nearly half of them stopped smoking. Which, ordinarily, you would think would be a good news story.  Not so for Kelly Burrowes, Auckland University Vaping Researcher. She said on Newstalk ZB that it wasn't.  So I spoke yesterday to Robert Beaglehole. Yes, the Robert Beaglehole. Former boss of the World Health Organisation. Public health expert.  He says some of the searches are from laboratory-based scientist with no epidemiological or public health experience and doesn't have the big picture in mind. He says one of the other antagonists to this approach clearly doesn't comprehend the evidence, because it's a my

Liquor licensing mayhem for Christchurch bar owners as the opening of the new stadium nears.   Super Rugby's Super Round games will be played at One NZ Stadium on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Anzac weekend.   But alcohol laws mean bars must close at midnight on Friday and can't serve alcohol without a meal before 1pm on Saturday.   Hospitality NZ's Canterbury President Jeremy Stevens told Ryan Bridge they've been hoping to get an exemption.  But he says despite the council and Mayor Phil Mauger being on board, current legislation won't allow it  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former chair of Health New Zealand says a fix to issues within health data systems has likely been put off, after a possible hack of MediMap.  The platform's widely used across the country, especially in aged care, disability, hospice, and community health.  Rob Campbell told Ryan Bridge there's a lot of issues within data systems that need fixing.  He says it's expensive, can be complex and isn't headline grabbing, so it's the sort of thing people put off.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 25th of Feburary 2025, nurses at aged care facilities are going back to paper-based prescriptions after Medimaps data breach, Former Health NZ Chair shares his concerns.  Christchurch bar owners say Anzac Day liquor laws will ‘shut the city down’ on the new stadium’s opening night, Jeremy Stevens Hospitality NZ Canterbury Branch President tells Ryan how much it'll impact bars.  Pharmac's looking at funding two new Melanoma drugs, medical oncologist and Melanoma specialist Dr Gareth Rivalland tells Ryan how big of a difference the drugs would make.  UK/ Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on trade minister Chris Bryant calling Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as a "rude, arrogant and entitled man" and a baby boy has become the first child in the UK to be born using a womb transplanted from a dead donor. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.     &