Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 4th of November 2026, Todd McClay and Vanushi Walters join Ryan for an election special panel on foreign affairs and trade. BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones tells Ryan what we can expect from the unemployment number out today. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Antigua and the UK and EU have agreed a draft deal on removing post-Brexit checks from food and agriculture exports, ahead of the UK-EU summit later this month. 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.

Labour says it wants to better protect consumers from unfair pricing practices during the cost of living crisis. The party wants to shake-up the Fair Trading Act to make sure advertised specials relate to the lowest price in the preceding 30 days. It's also promising to ensure loyal phone, internet, and insurance customers don't miss out on specials offered to new sign-ups. Consumer Affairs Spokesperson Arena Williams told Ryan Bridge they want things to be more standardised and clearer, so customers know that when these deals are being offered, they're not missing out. She says we rely on switching to make the market competitive, but for things like insurance or power, which aren't easy to switch from, there's not enough competitive pressure. Williams says the UK brought in a law saying new customers couldn't be offered different rates to what would be offered for a renewal of the equivalent product, and they think that's the right approach to take here. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy…

There are concerns rugby league celebrations are coming at the expense of others. South Auckland police officers made nine arrests after Sunday's showdown between Tonga and Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup. Police had 160 officers monitoring the scenes, with some fans running on to roads, hanging out of cars, and driving dangerously. Councillor Alf Filipaina told Ryan Bridge he loves their passion, but it's shocking to see the behaviour. He says the council is receiving emails from families with young children, complaining of loud music and horns at three in the morning. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday the 3rd of November 2026, Labour’s promising a crackdown on business practices it says are pushing up the cost of living, Labour Consumer Affairs Spokesperson joins Ryan. Rugby League World Cup celebrations turned sour over the weekend with nine arrests, Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina is warning people to enjoy the celebrations without disrupting others. Retailer confidence sky-high despite challenging economy, First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson shares his thoughts. Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on the Reserve Bank of Australia decision and a preview of the Melbourne Cup. 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.

Consumers could be more hesitant to tap their card this Christmas if the country's government is in a state of limbo. Retail NZ's latest Retail Radar report finds 73% of respondents are confident their business will survive the next 12 months – the highest level in two years. First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson told Ryan Bridge a definitive lead this election weekend is crucial for consumer confidence. He says retailers are typically optimistic, but a strong, decisive direction for the country is important. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

News alert for anyone who thinks the US midterms will save the world from Trump: they won't. The guy can still start wars and raise tariffs without Congress approval. He did so last year and this year. Losing the House to Democrats means funding gets harder and legal problems, but it's not a brick wall for the Presidential impulses that most affect us, the rest of the world. Latest polling shows a majority of his own supporters are unhappy with the state of the economy. Diesel prices are up 70% in America since the start of the war. Any impeachment move would be symbolic, as two-thirds of the Senate would need to agree to it. So, that's unlikely, unless he goes off the reservation in a major way. Like, even more major for Trump. The big worry is Iran. JD Vance has been back channelling comms to the Supreme Leader. The Supreme Leader is sending hints about diplomacy over missiles. That's dropped the price of oil in the last 12 hours. But it's just talk. The Wall Street Journal reckons the top US commander in…

The Head of Europe's central bank is resigning nine months before her eight year term ends. Christine Lagarde is stepping down as President of the European Central Bank on February 7th, 2027. Her resignation also comes ahead of France's next presidential election, and there's speculation the timing was chosen so her successor could be chosen while the pro-EU Emmanuel Macron was in power. Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce joined Ryan Bridge to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transport spokespeople from both major parties are welcoming the progress on closing the gap with Australia on road deaths. Between 2016 and 2018, New Zealand's road death rate was 2.5 people per 100,000 higher than Australia's. By last year, that gap had narrowed to just 0.4. National's Associate Transport Spokesperson James Meager told Ryan Bridge there are better roads, vehicles, and driver behaviour. He says new roads with 110 kilometre limits have seen few crashes and deaths, proving you can move quickly and safely. Labour's Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere told Bridge improvements in roadside testing and enforcement has made a difference. He says there's still work to go with the numbers of young people seriously injured and road safety data. But the two parties are clashing over how Labour would fund its proposed three-year freeze on fuel tax. Utikere told Bridge the cost of living is priority, and it would look at scaling back investment from the National Land Transport Fund to help pay for the…

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday the 2nd of November 2026, Associate Transport Minister James Meager and Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere join Ryan for a election special panel on transport policy. Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on the reaction from the UK Budget and ECB President Christine Lagarde to stepping down. More people are waiting longer for drug and alcohol rehab, Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm explains why. Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the Gen Z protests spreading across Europe and three days of national mourning in Spain following another fatal train crash which killed 69. 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.

Where people live could dictate how quickly they're seen by addiction services. Health New Zealand figures obtained by Newstalk ZB show more than two thirds of drug and alcohol referrals were within three weeks. But only 40.3% in Manawatū's MidCentral health district met that timeframe. Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm told Ryan Bridge the addiction space has been chronically underfunded over many years. She says wait times in general are too long – the window of opportunity for somebody with addiction who's interested in making a change is very short. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Netball New Zealand's board strikes again. And is refusing to do interviews. Again. I don't know what it is with these guys but every time there's a bit of good news to celebrate, like the Silver Ferns winning the Constellation Cup, Netball NZ straps on the suicide vest and wanders into the conversation to blow things up. Last week they turned down the Mowbray/Williams bid for a private domestic competition. Without warning. Williams and Mowbray were told the day after the decision was made and the damage done. Nathan Limm, who you'll know from our sport panels, wrote at the weekend about players having to go on the dole because there's no certainty and no contracts to sign. The blow-up basically comes down to Netball NZ's principles, at least according to a statement from the CEO. They couldn't do a deal because their principles got in the way. Anyone reading that will assume it means they worried the money would be put before the sport. But for the players, there's no sport without the money. Otherwise,…

New Zealand Rugby Players' Association boss Rob Nichol has reflected on a needs-must moment for the sport. That follows the move for the five Super Rugby city hubs to consolidate franchise operations with their respective NPC teams from 2028, in a bid to reduce overhead costs. The governing body are also aiming to have more school leavers attending academies, something Nichol says is paramount in the current landscape. He told Ryan Bridge when kids are coming out of school, they really want to know what they're committing to. Nichol says the sporting landscape is competitive – it's not like 15, 20 years ago, people have options. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First-home buyers are still dominating the market. The latest Cotality Westpac First Home Buyer Report finds they made up almost 30% of property purchases in the third quarter of this year. It shows lower house prices and mortgage rates are helping, with many tapping into KiwiSaver. Cotality Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson told Ryan Bridge it varies, but on average homeowners are spending hundreds of dollars less on their mortgages than a few years ago. He says the huge savings there and the lower house prices are a big plus for first time buyers. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Possible overhangs, high voter turnout, lower enrolment, and the Opportunity Party all mean the outcome of the election is too close to call, former Labour leader Phil Goff says. “Come Election Night, by midnight we may well not know who is going to govern New Zealand and that may take a couple of weeks after that, probably up to the edge of Christmas,” Goff told Ryan Bridge. While National could get a “huge overhang” if people split their candidate and party votes, it wasn’t clear if that campaign was working, Goff said. He also believed turnout this year would be better than in 2023, based on early voting levels. However enrolment was down, Goff said, claiming up to 100,000 people had been "disenfranchised" by the enrolment cutoff changing. The fate of Opportunity was also key, with leader Qiulae Wong saying she would find it very hard to work with NZ First. "If the Opportunity Party gets in then there is...a chance that there'll be a change of government. If they don't get in, that makes it much harder…

Halloween is the new fireworks for kids in New Zealand, and it's a hell of a lot less controversial. New Zealand First wants to ban backyard fireworks. Winston loves his horses and they get spooked. The Greens back a ban. They love adopted Greyhounds. And cats. When I was young, this time of year was all about shooting each other with Godzilla's. Smokebombs. Scraping all the powder off 50 sparklers to make a sparkler bomb. But these days Halloween is where it's at. The old English tradition has been overtaken by its American competitor. Well, it's not really American but the Americans have made it popular. That means it's a growth industry. If you're going to get Dracula teeth, you need Dracula blood. If you're getting the blood, why not get the whole costume? Australians are expected to spend half a billion dollars on Halloween this year. That's up on last year. If this trend continues, there'll probably be no point banning backyard fireworks, they'll just fizzle out on their own. And on the whole, that's…

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 30 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.

A gin distillery at the bottom of the country is earning top-shelf recognition. Bluff Distillery's been inducted into the prestigious Gin Guild – one of the first in New Zealand to receive the honour. Co-founder Chris Fraser was installed as Warden Rectifier at the Lord Mayor of London's mansion earlier this month, just two years since launching the distillery. Fraser told Ryan Bridge there's no secret formula behind their success. He says it's gin that tastes like gin, as they just stick to the basics. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political paralysis in Israel could leave behind a caretaker government with Benjamin Netanyahu at its helm. With most votes counted, the incumbent's just ahead of his rival Gadi Eisenkot, with 53 seats to 48. The Arab parties are on a record 19 seats, and the 61 seats needed to govern are beyond the reach of all sides. CBS Middle East correspondent Linda Gradstein told Ryan Bridge coalition talks could drag on for weeks, with Netanyahu still in charge in the meantime. She says it basically means his government's still the government and can do anything it was previously doing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 29 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.

National Party Finance Spokeswoman Nicola Willis said the Official Cash Rate not going up is "positive news for the economy". The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) was split 4-3 in its decision to hold the rate at 2.75% yesterday. Willis told Ryan Bridge that the Reserve Bank said yesterday inflation was not as high as it previously forecast. "Ultimately, this is positive news for the economy because lower interest rates mean lower debt servicing costs for mortgage holders and for businesses." With so much uncertainty around the globe, it is important that New Zealand controls its own domestic response, Willis said. "We know from our last experience through Covid that when governments keep spending in a big way in response to international inflation pressures, that can make the situation a lot worse for Kiwis." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna know something weird? 1 in 7 Australian adults could imagine falling in love with an AI chatbot. They might tease us about our relations with sheep, but at least we're not actually getting into emotional relationships with a rack of computer hard drives. Weirdos. Anthony Albanese gave a speech yesterday about their new AI laws, which he's trying to pass and trying to get Opposition support for. Guess what would be banned if the law passes? Emotional Intimacy. How cooked. It's not just about adults, but they're worried young people are making chatbots their best friend. How insane is that? Did anybody think this would be the pressing issue of 2026? To be fair, there's probably a similar chance of this happening here. I've got a mate who is dangerously close to his Claude agent. Claude knows everything about him. They chat about life, work, and relationships. Anthropic, which is basically the AI emotional pimp of the world, said in its filing for an IPO this week that there is a real risk to its business…

Israeli voter turnout's reached a record high in the election that could determine Benjamin Netanyahu's political future. CNN exit polls show Gadi Eisenkot's on 52 seats to Netanyahu's 50. Security is the leading issue among voters, with many blaming Netanyahu for the October 7th attack. CBS Middle East correspondent Linda Gradstein told Ryan Bridge both camps will likely need a coalition to form a government. She says the Arab Citizens of Israel, who are at about 20%, could put Eisenkot over the top, but some of his partners are expected to refuse to work with Arab members. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The election could factor into whether this afternoon brings the Reserve Bank's third OCR hike of the year. Most economists predict a 25 basis point lift to 3%. Inflation's sitting at 3.7% – outside its target band. Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Ryan Bridge there's an argument for holding off until December, but he expects the Reserve Bank will toe the market's line. He says it might be disruptive otherwise, so close to the election, but that doesn't mean it's the best idea. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A property investor is questioning why Labour's rent-to-own scheme should stop at just state houses. The party is proposing allowing Kainga Ora to put aside $100 rent a week, working up to a deposit. Labour would also lift the income cap for 5% deposits to $300,000, making more buyers eligible. Property Investors Federation Advocacy Manager Matt Ball told Ryan Bridge it's a good idea but it's niche. He says it could be all for all working people, giving them this $100 credit wherever they go. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 28th of October 2026, mortgage holders are bracing for another OCR hike, Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold tells Ryan what we can expect. The Labour party want state housing tenants to own their own home, Property Investors Federation Advocacy Manager Matt Ball shares his thoughts. Israel is going to the voting booth today, CBS Middle East Correspondent Linda Gradstein has the latest. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the details on two British nationals charged over an alleged plot to assist Iran's intelligence service as part of the investigation into the incident at RAF Fairford and the leaders of Norway and Finland held a rare 'frank' phone conversation with Vladimir Putin. 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.

This morning I can't stay silent on this issue that's been raised in the campaign. This comment, made by New Zealand First candidate and former Defence Minister Ron Mark, is outrageous and wrong. Ron, Ron, Ron. There is nothing wrong with an expressing oneself via a man bun. Some call them twat tops. A douche donut. A head turd. They've been called a lot of things, but a sign of weakness? No. Have you never seen a Japanese Samurai? Or a Norse Viking? Both are elite warriors. Samurai fight with swords and use them to literally chop off their enemy's head. These guys are tough. Pete Hegseth tough. They're ruthless. They're clinical. But also a bit stylish. What about Jason Mamoa? They don't call him a Hollywood heavyweight for nothing, do they? He's just bought a house in Queenstown worth $15m. Do you know what he paid with? Warrior cash. Do you know what he looked like doing it? Amazing. As anyone who's grown a bun or a top-knot knows all-too well, it takes balls of steel to stick it out through the awkward…

The UK's new Chancellor is set to deliver his first Budget. John Healey will set out Labour's tax and spending plans on October 28th, with tax increases possible. Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce told Ryan Bridge there have been some hints about what the Budget will include, such as some redistribution of funds from the wealthiest to those who need it the most. But she says it'll will be very tight fiscally, and will be watched very carefully by the capital markets. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's potential for National and Labour to find common ground on education, despite disagreement over curriculum reforms. National's Erica Stanford told Ryan Bridge she tried to engage Labour while NCEA changes were being drafted, but to no avail. She says a recent meeting with Ginny Andersen revealed plenty they agree on —like the structured literacy mandate— but Labour still doesn't like the twice-yearly assessments or an hour of reading, writing, and maths each day. Andersen says learning support is one area where the parties could work together. She says there's an increasing number of children needing extra support, and it's one of the sector's biggest challenges going forward. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most voters have not realised how difficult New Zealand's fiscal predicament is, says a think tank boss. New Zealand Initiative executive director Oliver Hartwich said the ACT Party's manifesto shows it is the "most radical" about getting government spending to 2017 levels. Released yesterday, the manifesto pledged to cut "wasteful spending" by $22 billion over four years, getting debt $12.4b lower by 2031 than currently forecast. Hartwich told Ryan Bridge that the plan was different from what other parties were offering. Nine years ago, 28.5% of GDP was spent by the Government, but currently the figure sits at nearly 33%, he said. "I think that a lot of this extra government spending has not resulted in actually making us feel better, in actually delivering better services for Kiwis, and therefore it is right to ask whether we couldn't achieve better results with lower spending." Although that message is landing with some of the electorate, most people do not realise how problematic the fiscal situation is,…

Odds are on we'll get another hike to the OCR tomorrow. That'll take us to 3%. Markets are pricing the chance of that hike happening at about 85%. It's not great timing for a Coalition government trying to get elected when cost of living is the number one issue. But that's obviously not something the Reserve Bank should or would care about. Their job is inflation. All signs point north on that front. It's expected to be higher than the bank predicted in September, their last update. Our dollar is weaker compared to our trading partners which means stuff we buy from offshore costs us more. Throw into the mix the fact oil is also higher and that Trump is planning to re-start bombing in Iran post-midterms, and you can see why the pundits are picking another hike. 3% is still roughly neutral so you can argue, if they do hike, the bank is being cautious without clubbing the economic recovery in the back of the neck right when its kicking into gear. It's yet another reminder that the outcome of the US midterms are…

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2026, Education Minister Erica Stanford and Labour's Education spokesperson Ginny Anderson join Ryan for an election special discussing schools, children and education policy. Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on the forthcoming budget in the UK and what it means for capital markets and the controversial approval in UK of the new gas field. ACT wants to slash government spending to help fund health, NZ Initiative Executive Director Oliver Hartwich shares his thoughts on if this is the right approach. Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on the first day of Parliament since Helen Haines attack and no apology from the maker of One Nation’s controversial cartoons. 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 country's biggest pop culture extravaganza Armageddon starts in Auckland today. Around 50 thousand sci-fi, anime, fantasy, and gaming fans are expected to flock to Auckland Showgrounds this weekend. It's filled with more than 400 exhibitors, including a reunion of the Supernatural cast, a High School Musical sing-along panel, and international guests like Highlander star Christopher Lambert. Organiser Bill Geradts told Francesca Rudkin they're not feeling the pinch from the cost of living crisis in the same way festivals and retail are. He says last year's October show was one of their best, and this year's tracking to be about the same. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Education Minister Erica Stanford’s education overhaul has been impressive this government term. We’re seeing improvements in primary school student achievement, the NCEA qualification is not long for this world, and how good is it to have cellphones out of the classroom? But for all the changes, there are families who feel the system simply doesn’t work for their child, whose needs, interests or circumstances may not fit comfortably within a conventional classroom. Yet when someone suggests trying something different, we can become remarkably attached to doing the same thing and hoping for a different result. That is why charter schools deserve a fair hearing. ACT has made school choice and educational innovation central to its education agenda for the 2026 general election. It has set a target of 10,000 charter school enrolments by 2029, and a goal of a charter school option in every major town. As the parent of a child with a brilliant, complex, neurodivergent mind who loves to learn but struggled with…

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 23 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.

Inflation's eased up slightly - but it's also become more persistent and widespread. The official inflation rate has fallen in the past three months - from 4.1 percent to 3.7 percent - due to a brief fall in fuel prices. But underlying core inflation has been rising and more items are increasing in price. Labour's Finance Spokesperson Barbara Edmonds told Francesca Rudkin the government doesn't have a plan to tackle the rising prices. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Indian cricket tour begins tonight with a T20 against New Zealand at a sold-out Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The sides last met in March's World Cup final at Ahmedabad, won by the then-hosts. However, the start times for this tour seem to be an issue, as an 8pm start means the games won't be ending until nearly midnight. Newstalk ZB Sports Reader Andrew Alderson told Ryan Bridge it's not ideal, but the tour is a golden egg. He says that it's an amazing opportunity for NZ Cricket to reap the rewards of a broadcasting deal worth millions as well as ticket sales and merchandising. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges says politically, the Mood of the Boardroom shows a "tactical draw" between National and Labour. The survey of business leaders shows dissatisfaction and a desire for more investment in infrastructure, reform, leadership and talk of productivity, Bridges told Ryan Bridge. "Because you'd expect, and they are in their numbers, the Nats as a centre right incumbent government to be higher up, I would sort of call it a tactical draw between the Nats and Labour when you look at this closely." Unease about "the tail wagging the dog" with minor parties gaining more power in the future government is also present. "This is a very small sliver of business. It's the top end of town, let alone it being the electorate... "They've got a very clear view about what they like. They tend to like stability, certainty, an incumbent government over change that might be messy and uncertain." The former National Party leader said no result in the upcoming election would surprise him.…

A warning we could see some more nasty inflation spikes before the year is out. Stats NZ is releasing the inflation data for the three months to September just before 11 this morning. Economists expect it to show inflation’s sitting around 3.7%. BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones told Ryan Bridge they're expecting inflation to rise to 4.7% in the next update. He says most of it is due to the spike in fuel prices, but the numbers today will show core inflation is also on the rise. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday the 22nd of October 2026, economists are expecting a mixed bag in today's inflation figures, BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones takes his pick. The Black Caps open their five-match t20 series against India in Christchurch tonight at 8pm, with the first game at Hagley Oval, Newstalk ZB Sports Reader Andrew Alderson shares his thoughts on why the match starts so late. Business leaders are feeling pretty optimistic about our economic trajectory, Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges shares his thoughts. Plus, US Correspondent Nick Harper has the latest on a US teacher released by Russia, and Steve Witkoff and Putin's meeting. 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.

Nearly there. Voting's already happening for Kiwis overseas. Monday, we start in-country. Two weeks later it's all over and counting begins. The result looks as tight as a fish's bum. Here's my predictions: Opportunity won't get 5% and the Coalition will be returned to power. I want to be clear, this is not based off a scientific poll-by-poll or electorate probability calculator. It's just a gut feeling of how voters will behave once they get into the voting booth. And the fact not everyone who's polled actually turns out to vote, and not everyone who voted is polled. If Opportunity does get over the line, of course, Luxon will talk to them, but he's got a strategy and he's sticking to it. Campaigning politicians and CEOs do that. There's no point having strategy you abandon at the eleventh hour. For me, the key part of last night's leader's debate was Qiulae Wong's vibe on the Coalition. If they get in, they'd support with confidence and supply only. ACT and New Zealand First's more extreme wish lists might…

Opioids remain the biggest driver of overdose deaths, often with a cocktail of other substances. The latest NZ Drug Foundation report reveals the country's losing around three people a week to preventable overdose. It also shows a rise in hospitalisations from stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine. Foundation executive director Sarah Helm told Andrew Dickens that in 85% of fatalities, the person had more than one thing in their system. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A health sector leader's praising Labour's plan to get our emergency departments into recovery mode but says there are still gaps. The party's released its plan combining all their health election policies, including three free GP visits, a stock take of empty hospital beds, and training more extended care paramedics. Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Executive Director Sarah Dalton told Andrew Dickens there's a lot to like, but as with other parties, it doesn't address the need for more senior hospital doctors. She says the hospital flow component of this policy makes sense, apart from the fact decisions around this are determined by senior doctors. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 21st of October 2026, Police arrests for retail crime are through the roof, Retail NZ CEO explains. Labour’s promising to cut emergency department wait times, Association of Salaried Medical Specialists' Executive Director Sarah Dalton tells Andrew if the plan will work. The Drug Foundation says three New Zealanders a week are needlessly dying to overdoses; Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm tells Andrew what needs to change. Plus, Gavin Grey UK/Europe Correspondent has the latest on Prince Harry says he would like to 'reconcile' with his family, and the BBC has confirmed the closure of tv and radio channels BBC Three, BBC Scotland and BBC Radio 4 Extra linear broadcast services in Q1 of 2027. 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.

There's a view retail crime's reduced as penalties have strengthened. The Ministry of Justice's latest data shows finalised charges for theft from a retail premises were more than 21,000 for the year to June, more than tripling since 2022. Retail NZ believes offending's dropped as much as 30% since last year. Chief Executive Carolyn Young told Andrew Dickens retailers are reporting more crime, which means they're able to capture more offenders that account for a number of these issues. She says repeat offending is high, with around 60% of offences carried out by 10% of the offenders. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The other day Christopher Luxon sent conniptions through the commentariat by saying we'll be lucky to have a Government by Christmas. I'm not surprised. So we have an election on November 7th. Writ day is December 3rd – that's the deadline for all the votes to be counted. It's three weeks later. It's always been three weeks later. Now here's a thing: same day voting was removed from this election and the reason given was to make the vote count faster. If it's not faster, then the allegations of electoral manipulation will be strengthened. That it was done to disenfranchise the votes of the lazy, ignorant, and young. So let's watch to see if they beat the deadline aye? And by the way, there are 64,000 young voters yet to enrol with three days to go until the deadline, which was brought forward by a fortnight. So let's just say we know the vote by the start of December. Then the negotiations begin with the so-called minor parties looking to have a stronger hand. That's going to slow things down. Then there's…

Our Superannuation fund is seeing great returns, but growth is still needed for the long term. The 25-year-old fund is now worth $94.35 billion dollars, excluding tax, with it earning $9.3 billion in the past reporting year – a return of almost 14.2%. Infometrics' Brad Olsen told Andrew Dickens that it's useful money to have, but the expectation for the fund is to grow it to $200 billion by 2040. He says there's a lot of growth still to come, but it's at a time when the bill is still growing and we have to pay for it in the short term. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's excitement in the apple sector over access to 1.4 billion Indian consumers being unlocked. Our new Free Trade Agreement with the world's most populous nation takes effect today, with 57% of exports to India now tariff-free. The number of tariff-free exports would rise to 82% over time, with the next round of cuts due from next year. Apples and Pears Chief Executive Danielle Adsett told Andrew Dickens there's huge demand for our products. She says we have the best apples in the world and India's growing middle class want them because they're tasty and can be trusted. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Tuesday 20th of October 2026, Labour's pledging to ban social media for under-16s within its first 100 days if elected, Secondary Principals Association Chair and B416 expert advisory panel member Steve McCracken shares his thoughts. The New Zealand Superfund has posted a 14.17% increase, Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen tells Andrew if it's enough. The India FTA kicks in from today, New Zealand Apples and Pears CEO Danielle Adsett tells Andrew if it's time to celebrate. Plus, Nick Harper has the latest on Trump's approval rating and Russia says Putin could hold a meeting with Trump and Xi on ending the Ukraine war. 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.

A school leader says it's fantastic both major parties are backing a crackdown on children's social media use. Labour says if elected, an under-16 social media ban will go before a select committee within 100 days, alongside a new digital duty of care law. National introduced a similar bill to Parliament in August. Secondary Principals Association Chair and B416 expert advisory panel member Steve McCracken told Andrew Dickens both policies have merit. He says it's hard to determine which is better, as more detail is needed for each. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's an election promise to train more dentists in Otago – the first increase in training numbers in 10 years. And if it comes to pass, you'll have to ask, why did this not happen earlier? In John Key's day, economic policy supercharged our economy on the back of mass immigration and surging property prices. But as our population rapidly grew, nobody stopped to have a hmm. More people are going to need more dentists. But as has been New Zealand's want for a long time now, we took the growth but did not invest in the services it demanded. It's the same for doctors. New Zealand has had only two medical schools since the 1960s, and for about 20 years successive governments kept a fairly tight cap on medical student numbers. The cap was only substantially lifted in 2024 after years of warnings about doctor shortages. The New Zealand Government has approved a third medical school, to be based at the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine at the University of Waikato. The decision was announced in July 2025…