Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

Airways New Zealand is pushing for the Civil Aviation Authority to lower the age New Zealanders can get an air traffic control licence amid worries our talent's being poached overseas.  The air traffic control provider's sounded the alarm during an address before a Parliamentary Select Committee.   CEO James Young says there's a global shortage of controllers, and in other areas like controller training.   Aviation Industry Association CEO Simon Wallace told Ryan Bridge a licence can currently only be obtained at 21 or older.  He says this is something Airways has brought up, and the regulator should be looking at this.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, the Government’s forking out $200 million to keep its majority stake in Genesis Energy, Major Electricity Users' Group Chair John Harbord tells Ryan if this is a good investment.  Warnings that staffing shortages could spell big problems for our airline industry, Aviation Industry Association CEO Simon Wallace shares his concerns. Auckland councillor Alf Filipaina tells Ryan why he wants Police stationed at the City Rail Link long-term.  Plus Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on Anthony Albanese writing to Sir Keir Starmer supporting laws to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of royal succession and a monsoon low is heading across three Australian states, bringing torrential downpours and flash flooding.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati

Police say they can't keep an ongoing presence at Auckland's new City Rail Link long term.  The country's largest transport project is scheduled to open to passengers sometime in the second half of the year.  But a Police official told an Auckland Council Safety Committee this month they're preparing to ramp up operations in quarter three.  Auckland Councillor Alf Filipaina tells Ryan Bridge conversations need to be had.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwis are known around the world for their kindness.  We open doors, we say please and thank you, we help out our neighbour. We leap in to help when help is needed.  It’s one of the traits we’re most proud of. But one thing we hate more than anything else is when that kindness is taken for granted - then it’s no more Mr Nice Guy. We say this with kids stealing from dairies and ram-raiding poor old hard-working dairy owners. The minute they started destroying livelihoods and beating people with screw drivers and hammers, sympathy evaporated. Sure, some of these kids may have had hard upbringings, but there are plenty of kids with tough upbringings who choose not to drive a Nissan Gidda through a four-square window at 3am. So, we voted for boot camps. We reversed our ‘no chase’ police pursuit policy. We cracked down. Kindness has its limits.  A long time ago, for those who frequent the city, we crossed the same line with beggars and rough sleepers. We care about them. We donate our time and money

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Monday the 23rd of Feburary 2025, The Government’s moving to give Police new powers to move on beggars and rough sleepers, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith tells Andrew about the difference this will make for town centres. Donald Trump's announced a new 15% global baseline tariff with a new law, after the US supreme court ruled his existing tariffs illegal, Federal Tax Economist at Tax Foundation Alex Durante shares his thoughts.  Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport.  Plus, UK/ Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on new Epstein files say London police officers were instructed to provide security for a dinner party at Jeffrey Epstein's New York home and Spanish police have arrest a 20-year-old man suspected of hacking a hotel booking website and reserving luxury rooms priced at up to €1,000 per night for just one euro cent.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you

The Government is proposing a law which would allow Police to order someone rough sleeping or begging, to leave a public space for up to 24 hours.  They could be fined up to two thousand dollars or three months in jail if they don't. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith joins Andrew Dickens. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If I was asked whether I’d back Defence Force professionals over politicians on Defence protocols and training, I’d back the professionals every time.  ACT and New Zealand First, Winston and David, have asked questions of the Defence Minister Judith Collins on the amount of Māori culture, lore and language which is part of the Defence Force’s preparation for combat.  This is not a new complaint.  Questions about Karakia and haka come up from time to time.  Some see this a against the old God, King and country ideal.  But the Defence force has always used Māori tikanga to build cohesiveness.  They use haka to bring the forces together.  It’s a war dance after all.  They use Karakia, Powhiri and other tikanga Māori a lot because a lot of Māori serve in the defence forces. Proportionately more than other segment of the population.  It’s part of their organizational identity because the culture is unique to New Zealand and therefore beneficial in bonding the team. &nbs

A shocking morning for the UK, with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor being held in custody.  Police have been investigating allegations the former Prince shared confidential information with late sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein.   The BBC understands Police gave advance warning of his arrest to the Home Office – the UK government's internal affairs department.  It says his brother King Charles wasn't told of the arrest in advance, but he's released a statement saying the law must take its course.  UK correspondent Vincent McAviney told Ryan Bridge this marks a huge day.  He says you have to go back about 350 years since a member of the Royal Family was captured in any way.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The spotlight's on the Royal Family following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.  This follows allegations the former Prince shared sensitive information with late sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein.   The family of late Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, who also accused Mountbatten-Windsor of misconduct, told the BBC they celebrated after hearing of his arrest.  Mountbatten Windsor's brother King Charles says the law must take its course.   Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Ryan Bridge with everything in the public eye, it'll be hard to keep calm and carry on.  He says it seems Mountbatten-Windsor's in for a very tough ride, but so is the Royal Family.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's optimism newly introduced visa-free travel for Chinese and Pacific tourists will prove successful long-term.  The trial allows visitors to enter New Zealand for up to three months on a valid Australian visa.  The Government says arrivals have almost tripled since December, reaching 36,800 visits.  Immigration Minister Erica Stanford told Ryan Bridge the scheme will be reviewed around the 12-month mark to assess its success and any risks.  She says there's little to no risk, as we're essentially piggybacking off Australia's robust system.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Auckland City Counsellor says the Government's plans for the CBD won't be clear for a while.  It's reducing the proposed homes allowed in the Supercity from 2 million to 1.6 million.  The revision to new density rules will focus more on builds in the central city and around key transit hubs, than in suburban areas.  Franklin Ward Councillor Andy Baker told Ryan Bridge he doesn't think it'll please everybody and isn't the silver bullet some people have been asking for.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's been arrested and is in custody over alleged misconduct in public office, Royal Commentator Richard Fitzwilliams tells Ryan about the impact this will have on the Royal family's reputation.  The Government's down a u-turn on housing intensification in Auckland, Franklin Ward Councillor Andy Baker shares his thoughts.  Immigration Minister Erica Standford tells Ryan the latest on the success of visa-free travel for chinese and pacific island tourists.  Plus, UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest from Buckingham Palace on former Prince Andrew's arrest.  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.

I was driving through a street just out of Auckland’s CBD yesterday and saw all these apartments for sale. New buildings. Many looked empty. Loads of 'for sale' signs.  Why don't people want to buy them? Is it the price?  Some older 70s brick and tile types close the city are apparently selling in the $400 thousands. Newer ones seem to run more, depending on location. Wellington has a few steals at the moment. But again, not many interested buyers. Is it the economy? Is it the annoying body corporate fees? Is it the leaky building memories? The fact you can’t swing a cat in most of the living rooms? Having to see your neighbours in the lift? Are they poorly designed and made? Perhaps they overheat in summer?  Or is it just that we still want a stand-alone house with a backyard?  We just hate apartments? The Government yesterday just announced a 23% reduction in new homes for Auckland as part of changes, but we are still getting 1.6m new homes. And many of them will be apartments.  My

An economist is pointing out a potential problem with the Reserve Bank’s economic forecast.  The Monetary Policy Committee, chaired by Anna Breman, has decided to keep the OCR unchanged at 2.25% for now.  It says while inflation is above the target band, the economy still needs some time to recover.  Cameron Bagrie told Ryan Bridge that the problem with the Reserve Bank’s forecast is the assumed uptick in productivity growth.  He says they’re assuming the supply side capacity, via productivity growth, will improve, which will keep inflation lower, but if we can’t get supply side capacity up, inflation will prove to be a lot stickier.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two new blood cancer medications could soon be available to patients as pills, with one accessible through private clinics.  Pharmac will consider funding treatments for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, which could be available from May 1st.  They can be taken in pill form and take away the need for chemotherapy.  Blood Cancer NZ CEO Tim Edmonds told Ryan Bridge the medications take a targeted approach to first-line treatment, which means they’ll be able to access targeted therapy instead of chemotherapy once diagnosed.  He says instead of visiting the hospital up to 20 times in six months, they can take an oral tablet every day from home and actually get better outcomes.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions around why action wasn't taken sooner following a fatal dog attack in Northland.  62-year-old Mihiata Te Rore was killed by three dogs on Tuesday as she visited a home in Kaihu, north of Dargaville. Local MP Shane Jones says jail terms should be considered for owners of what he labels 'homicidal dogs'. Animal behaviour expert Mark Vette told Ryan Bridge animal management were aware of the dogs, so it's a shame they didn't step in earlier.  He says this clearly shows something was wrong, and that they were aware of the high-risk situation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So the OCR decision was largely as expected yesterday, but what the Reserve Bank made very clear is where they think growth will come from. As we’ve spoken about on the show lately, house prices aren’t running away here like in Australia, bar Queenstown. In previous recoveries, the wealth effect kicks in and people go shopping when their house prices go up. But this time the bank says prices will stay flat, then pick up again later this year, but only at the rate of income growth.  In other words, the opposite of what we’re used over the past few decades.  Usually, as anyone who’s tried to buy a house will know, the price of a three-beddy in Auckland grows quicker than your salary. That’s all changed now because we have more supply, at least according to the bank. So without the tickle up, where does economic growth come from? Anna Breman answered that question specifically yesterday and was pretty clear: agricultural exports, tourism, and more recently, some signs that manufacturing is picking

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 19th of Feburary 2025, RBNZ Governor Anna Breman held the OCR at 2.25%, Independent Economist Cameron Bagrie shares his thoughts.  Pharmac is moving closer to backing two new drugs for people living with chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Blood Cancer NZ CEO Tim Edmonds tells Ryan why funding for the drugs is important. Shane Jones has called for jail sentences for owners of roaming animals, Dog zen owner and pet behaviour expert Mark Vette shares his thoughts.  Plus, US Correspondent has the latest on peace talks in Geneva between Russia and Ukraine and Mark Zuckerberg appearing in court for a landmark trial on youth social media addiction. 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.

Praise for the Infrastructure Commission's 30 year plan.   It lays out 16 recommendations for the next three decades, including prioritising hospital investment and better managing assets through maintenance.   Civil Contractors New Zealand says the plan recognises the role that infrastructure plays in people's quality of life.   Chief Executive Allan Pollard told Ryan Bridge it’s a good, open, honest assessment of the challenges faced in New Zealand’s infrastructure programme.   He says it reflects a lot of the things they’ve been advocating for – including the need for a clear, consistent pipeline of work, rebuilding capacity and capability, and a long-term vision.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some reassurance a jump in bread prices isn't major as food price inflation rises sharply.  Latest Stats NZ data shows the rate's risen from 4% a month ago to 4.6%.  In the past year, the very cheapest loaf of white bread has gone up by almost 60%, and steak and chocolate more than 20%.  Baking Industry Association President Bernie Sugrue told Ryan Bridge most loaves of bread haven't had price rises as much as this, despite increased costs for bakeries.  He says 60% doesn't represent a lift in all bread prices, just that one particular loaf.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.