Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Far North Police are being met with a wall of silence nearly two months on from a fatal hit and run. 

They've been investigating the death of 18-year-old Jahkani Hamilton last month, when he and an associate were knocked off their dirt bikes near Kaikohe. 

Police say the investigation's being hindered as witnesses and their supporters are actively choosing to say nothing. 

Defence lawyer Steve Lack told Andrew Dicken...

Pike River families are disappointed by mixed messages from New Zealand First over planned health and safety law changes. 

Leader Winston Peters told protesters yesterday he'll dump the Health and Safety at Work Act amendments if re-elected next term. 

Stand with Pike spokesperson Sonya Rockhouse told Andrew Dickens Peters earlier told families he didn’t support the bill in its current form, leaving them feeling enc...

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Thursday 25th of June 2026, Brooke Van Velden's accused Winston Peters of last-minute politicking, after NZ First threatened to withhold support for health and safety reform, Pike River Campaigner Sonya Rockhouse, tells Andrew what happened at Parliament. 

Lee Marshall Hunter Campbell Managing Partner shares his thoughts on the annual Hunter Campbell mood of the CFO's ...

The hubbub yesterday over the Conservation Amendment Bill brought to light three issues for me.

Firstly, how bad much of our law is, and that stems back to how it’s written and processed. Secondly, that many concerned organisations are not afraid to scaremonger and exaggerate to win their way. And thirdly, how many New Zealanders rely on social media to keep informed on the issues of the day.

For those who were spooked by the...

A call for retirement villages to speed up their payment processes.  

The Government's looking to change the law so retirement villages have to pay back departed residents in 12 months.  

Labour wants to see it reduced to three months.  

Retirement Village Residents Association national president Brian Peat says a Consumer NZ petition for the three-month policy has received more than 40 thousand signatures.  

He...

A cyber security expert says AI has created an arms race between attackers and defenders. 

Five Eyes agencies have issued a warning rogue states could use artificial intelligence to overwhelm the West’s cyber defences within months, not years. 

The spy agencies have issued tips for organisations to shore-up their defences and take a cautious line on new technology. 

Cybersecurity advisory organisation Ciso Lens...

A reminder physiotherapy can be an important step in getting back to work after injuries following revelations some people might be missing out.

A New Zealand Initiative report shows the Accident Compensation Corporation automatically marks a person as "returned to work" five weeks after their last payment.

This comes after its claims pool stopped growing in April, after once increasing 15% annually. 

Physiotherapy New Zealand...

So let's talk about that weird interview yesterday. 

No not the one with Winston Peters, the one with Chris Hipkins. 

He has planted Labour in an almost impossible-to-justify position on NZ Super. 

On Ryan Bridge Today yesterday he said Labour will not change the age of entitlement. Will not means-test. Will not cut it. Will keep it in full indefinitely. 

We currently have around four people working to support e...

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 24th of June 2026, the world's latest ai models may soon pose a threat to national security, cyber security expert Nadia Yousef shares her thoughts.

A new NZ Initiative report warns ACC's focused on the wrong thing, President and Chair of Physiotherapy NZ tells Ryan where it's going wrong. 

Labour's promised retirement village residents will get their money ...

The first All Blacks squad under Dave Rennie has been unveiled. 

There are four fresh faces – the Hurricanes’ Xavier Numia, Fehi Fineanganofo, and Josh Moorby, as well as the Blues’ Anton Serger. 

Ardie Savea is returning from his sabbatical in Japan to captain the squad.  

Sports Commentator Sam Ackerman told Ryan Bridge it’s a list that reflects an optimistic, forward-thinking brand of rugby...

There’s a view A2 Milk still has work to do as the company wins regulatory approval to sell infant formula into China. 

It'll be made at its plant in northern Waikato's Pōkeno – bought from Chinese company Yashili late last year.  

The company's also pressing on with a $300 million special dividend for shareholders. 

Shareholders Association CEO Oliver Mander told Ryan Bridge this doesn't guarantee A2 sal...

Stock traders across the UK are hoping the next Prime Minister will lead to some much-needed stability.

Sir Keir Starmer has set out his plan to resign as UK Prime Minister and says a successor will be in place by Parliament's return in September at the latest.  

It means Downing Street will welcome its seventh leader in a decade.

Financial Times Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher told Ryan Bridge markets had already priced in a lik...

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 23rd of June 2026, Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as UK Prime Minister, Whitehall editor at the Financial Times, Lucy Fisher has the latest out of the UK. 

Dave Rennie's unveiled his first All Blacks squad as coach, Sports Commentator Sam Ackerman shares his thoughts. 

A2 Milk has won approval to sell infant formula into China from its Pōkeno ...

Sir Keir Starmer's resignation has come as no surprise to those who listen to this show – or pretty much any show on this station. 

But what should worry us is "why". 

Sure, he was a dud. Sure, he was a bit of a goofball – he wasn't cool. 

But on immigration he was, at-least, trying. Net immigration...

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday the 22nd of June 2026, National wants to make KiwiSaver compulsory for all workers from 2028, if re-elected Financial Services Council Chief Executive Kirk Hope shares his thoughts. 

Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on Europe intent on reducing China content in imports and production, Oil prices dropping after the US/Iran peace deal and Inflation s...

A tax expert says the Greens' proposed approach to tackling corporate greed - is likely to be unpopular. 

If elected, the party's promising to add new super rich, gifts and inheritance taxes, a major banks levy and a big tech tax. 

It also wants to lift the corporate tax rate to 33 percent - for large companies like supermarkets, gentailers and banks. 

PWC tax partner Sandy Lau shares her thoughts with Ryan. 

See...

There's no point talking about the latest loony bin tax plan grab from the Greens because it's not going to become anything more than a word doc on their website. It's not going to happen.

An inheritance tax is about the cruellest thing a state can impose on a grieving family. 33% when mum or dad dies. You've got to then take out a loan from the bank, congratulations bank and pay the government. Or sell the shares or property or wh...

This weekend’s Super Rugby Pacific Final is shaping up to be a blockbuster. 

The Hurricanes are hosting the Chiefs at a sold-out Hnry Stadium. 

The Chiefs are chasing their first title in thirteen years, but the Hurricanes are hungry to lift the trophy again, a decade after their only win. 

CEO Tony Philp told Andrew Dickens they know the Chiefs are going to come down and play an epic game. 

He says it&rsq...

A fishing industry lobby group says the Government's decision to press pause on changes to fishing laws will be a missed opportunity. 

Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has confirmed a bill, easing restrictions on the industry, won't be passed before the election. 

The Government had already scrapped controversial plans to reduce minimum size limits for commercial fishers. 

Seafood New Zealand Chief Executive Lisa Futsc...