Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

After a decisive victory over the Wallabies last week, it's time for round two. The All Blacks secured the Bledisloe Cup, but pride is still on the line as the two teams clash at Sydney's Accord Stadium. Newstalk ZB's Elliott Smith told Andrew Dickens the Kiwi side will be wanting to go our and deliver a similar performance to what we saw at Eden Park, given they got back on track after three losses in South Africa. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A solar advocate agrees National's six-month timeframe to get plug-in solar in shops is doable. New Zealand doesn't yet have regulations to permit the trade of plug-in systems. National's pledging to prioritise finishing work already under way in getting them into shops if re-elected. Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey told Andrew Dickens it's a simple process, which many countries including the US, UK, and places across Europe have made the most of. Labour's policy is similar but says changes to enable plug-in solar would be within 12 months of a government it leads taking office. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A patients advocate says the news of Starship treatment delays isn't about making anyone look bad, but keeping families informed. The Auckland children's hospital's confirmed about 20 chemotherapy cycles have been delayed by a few days due to staffing shortages. Health NZ says it had to make adjustments amid high demand and high staff sickness. Patient Voice Aotearoa Chair Malcolm Mulholland told Andrew Dickens he's thankful for the whistleblower who revealed this, because no one knew. He says the way it's been handled and the messaging from Health NZ leaders has been deplorable. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Friday the 18th of October 2026, Cancer treatments for children at Starship hospital have been delayed, Patient Voice Aotearoa Chair Malcolm Mulholland shares his thoughts. After a whopping at Eden Park last week, the Wallabies are getting ready to stare down the All Blacks again, Elliott Smith joins Andrew from Sydney. National's promising to get plug-in solar panels on shelves within six months if re-elected, Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey tells Andrew how big of a difference this will make. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Peter Anderson has the latest on an inquest’s which has heard the family of 24-year-old William Chapman, who died after entering a tiger enclosure, had concerns about his mental health care and the British government is threatening to ban all Eritreans from entering the UK if the east African country doesn’t accept more returns of small boat migrants and foreign national offenders. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every…

Yesterday's talkback outrage was all about the MPs and the gangs. A meeting that was condemned by both the Chrises in the Leaders debate. But despite this weight of opinion, Marama Davidson doubled down on the visit – and then she promised more funding for gang run social programmes. Well, I don't think Marama quite understands the issue. I actually don't mind MPs talking with criminals to better understand where they're at, and I don't mind them talking with gangs. There are 11,000 gang members now, with tens of thousands of related whanau, many of whom need intervention by the State. Whether it's support for single mothers, or rescuing of children from abusive homes, or housing. It's good to see these issues first hand with your own eyes. However, the real problem was the social media posting of the photos. They legitimised the gangs and even celebrated their existence to the wider public. To not see that was silly and naive of Marama, particularly in a week where the Greens are polling better than ever.…

Is there a clear winner in the wake of the second major leaders debate? Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins went head-to-head in the NZ Herald's Leaders Debate last night, clashing on education, geopolitics, and wages, amid other things. Political Commentator Brigitte Morten told Ryan Bridge the real competition wasn't just between the two leaders, but rather whether or not they could sell to the people watching why they should vote for them. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year is set to be one of the highest graduating years in the history of the New Zealand Police, despite wings often not being at capacity. Around 730 recruits are expected to graduate from police college in 2026, almost 50% more than the average over the past two decades. Police say the incoming pipeline remains healthy with more than a thousand people in different stages of the application process. Associate Police Minister Casey Costello told Ryan Bridge it hasn't come at the cost of standards, which have actually been lifted. She says a change in the way they promoted the career has led to more people applying. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's looking to attract more tourists from Europe and the US to reduce our reliance on Australians. Stats NZ data shows almost 249 thousand overseas tourists arrived in August - 99% of 2019 levels. The figure includes more Australians than in any August on record. But Tourism Holdings Chief Executive Grant Webster told Ryan Bridge Chinese visitors have overtaken Australians as Queenstown's biggest tourism market - a significant shift. He says that diversification is a good thing as we're heavily reliant on Australia, with them making up around half of all arrivals. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Story of the week this week goes to a Herald piece about Ngaire Ashmore, the principal of Auckland Girls' Grammar. Ten years ago, she took over and turned the place upside down. Where there was failure, there's now a 92% university entrance mark for Year 13s. It was less than 50% when she started. The article gives the impression of a driven, serious, and quite determined leader, there for the right reasons. We need more of them. Interestingly, one of the things she found most difficult was not the kids, but the teachers. Getting them to believe the kids could actually do better and be better. Be more successful. That was the challenge. Thank goodness she's succeeded. We often, rightly, put focus on the curriculum and the style of teaching and the assessments, but at the end of the day, leadership, vision, goals, and guts are what drive organisations to improve. It's as true in business as it is in schools. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 15th of October 2026, political commentator Brigitte Morten shares her thoughts on the New Zealand Herald Leaders debate. New Zealand is a whisker away from pre-covid tourism levels, Grant Webster Tourism Holdings Limited Chief Executive tells Ryan how the industry has bounced back. Record numbers of new cops are about to hit the street; Associate Minister of Police Casey Costello tells Ryan how close we are the Government's Police target. Plus, US Correspondent Katie Fisher shares the latest on US inflation rising to 3.7% year-on-year in September, driven by higher energy prices and Ukraine’s military has suddenly had its access to Starlink satellite internet terminals restricted as the Trump administration increases pressure on Ukraine to halt long-range strikes on Russia’s oil industry immediately. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener…

Employers are being warned cocaine use is surging in workplace drug testing. Drug Detection Agency data shows the drug made up 3.2% of positive tests in three months to October, up 118% year on year. Amphetamine-type substances, including meth, accounted for 25.4%, up 9.4% over the past year. Chief Executive Glenn Dobson says there are similar trends in the US and Australia. He told Andrew Dickens that most workplaces have a drug and alcohol policy that guides employers on how to deal with drug use. Generally, Dobson says, rehabilitation is offered, as they’re looking for the employee to stop taking the drug and make the workplace a safer place. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

School leaders want more information from Labour on its plan to scrap a mandated hour of reading, writing, and maths in schools, while achievement results are improving. Leader Chris Hipkins announced last week teachers would be given more choice over how they spend their time. But a Curia Market Research poll shows 74% of Kiwis support the mandated hour policy. Secondary Principals' Council chair Steve McCracken told Andrew Dickens it ensures the subjects are taught regularly and consistently across the country. He says his school is seeing an increase in literacy and numeracy results already, and hearing the same from other schools. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are concerns a flood of cheaper aluminium imports from China could lead to local manufacturers shutting their doors. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer has declined a request for safeguard measures to protect them. MBIE noted the domestic industry is struggling, with the increase in imports just one reason among many, including increasing costs. E tu National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh told Andrew Dickens these plants are the lifeblood of regional communities. She says when we lose industry in this country it doesn't come back, and its effects flow more widely than just job losses. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 14th of October 2026, a new poll shows just how popular the hour of reading, writing and maths has become, Secondary Principals Association Chair Steve McCracken tells Andrew if teachers are on board with it too. There's concern for New Zealand's aluminium industry after the Government rejected protection against cheap imports, ETU National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh shares her thoughts. Our increasing love of Cocaine is bleeding through into the workplace, the Drug Detection Agency CEO Glenn Dobson shares his thoughts. Plus, UK Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on hundreds of French supermarkets have been hit by a cyber attack that caused their fridges and freezers to heat up, spoiling fresh and frozen food estimated to be worth millions of euros and UK PM Andy Burnham under growing pressure after he claimed Russia did interfere with the Brexit referendum. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or…

So, if Qiulae Wong is generally considered to be the best thing in last night's debate, how did she do it and how is her fringe party keeping popular enough to perhaps enter Parliament? Her greatest strength last night was acting like a normal person. It struck me that she was the only person on our screen that was not a career politician. That includes the panel who were full of broadcasters who make their living talking about politics all the time. Q is 38. She's had career background in sustainable business. She's been successful enough to buy a house. She's got kids. She is comfortable speaking her mind. She's authentic. Beside her were two politicians who have only really been politicians and an old warhorse who seems to have been there since the Treaty was signed. So, she appears like a normal person and that is attractive to 8% of the population at the moment, which gives her party the trump hand. But make no mistake, Opportunity's policies are the most radical in play right now. The Citizens Income,…

The Greens want to keep a tight rein on AI. The Party wants people held accountable for decisions made using Artificial Intelligence, and to have a public register of AI systems used by Government agencies. It wants people to be able to opt-out of AI-assisted decision making and wants to put a pause on hyperscale data centres. Green Party MP Lawrence Xu-Nan told Andrew Dickens AI needs to be sensibly regulated, as it's a manmade tool that should enhance but not replace. He says their proposal would allow the benefits of AI to be shared by everyone instead of just a few. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ASB says elections aren't usually a handbrake for business or household decisions. Fresh analysis from the bank has found activity doesn't tend to slow down before an election or speed up right after one. Senior Economist Mark Smith says there were two exceptions around the 2008 and 2020 elections but adds that was probably because of the GFC and the pandemic. Business Canterbury CEO Leeann Watson told Andrew Dickens from what they're hearing, businesses are looking past the short-term uncertainty to the longer-term opportunities ahead. She says investment and hiring intentions have remained pretty positive. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tax expert suggests National's trademark tax relief seems a fair way off, with little wiggle room in its fiscal plan. The Party says it can't offer tax cuts until it gets on top of debt. It says all its commitments are costed, matching Labour's $2.4 billion Budget operating allowance. Tax expert Geof Nightingale told Andrew Dickens the $7.5 billion left over arrives in 2029, so it's a long way out. He says 2029 is an election year, so there will be spending promises then too, which will make it difficult to promise a tax cut. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Tuesday the 13th of October 2026, National’s dangled the carrot of tax cuts, but not until the books are back in surplus tax expert Geof Nightingale shares his thoughts. The Greens' newest policy takes on their biggest rival yet -- AI, Green Party MP Lawerance Xu Nan explains how they plan to regulate it. ASB are challenging the old idea that business grinds to a halt before an election, Business Canterbury CEO Leeann Watson shares what activity she's seeing from businesses. Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on an Australian engineer finally leaving IRAQ five years after being arrested and jailed and an iconic Australian band furious after song used illegally by Pauline Hanson at a conservative conference. 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.

With National finally releasing its fiscal policy, it’s easy to generalise the plan as more of the same. The only difference from Labour is that they are in love with pay equity, which comes at a huge cost and leaves the whole balancing act with very little wriggle room. But the enormous ogre under the bridge is the rapidly expanding cost of Superannuation. How long are we going to talk in circles about this? ACT has said lets raise it to 67. That’s not crazy. In Australia, Denmark, Iceland, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, the United States, and Norway it’s 67. In the UK it’s 66, but it's planned to go to 68. Canada and Japan are like us, but more and more we’re becoming outliers. All it takes are political leaders saying let’s do it. David Seymour has. Chris Hipkins hasn’t, and now National is saying we’ll do it if everyone else wants to do it. National, Labour, and New Zealand First are running scared because they’re scared of how older people will react. But if you’re already getting it what’s your beef?…

The election season is well underway, and employment is a key issue for many voters. National has pledged more drug testing for beneficiaries, to ensure more Kiwis are ready to get into work, and Labour has voiced opposition to this idea. National Social Development Minister Louise Upston says she's confident the Government's measures to reduce unemployment are working - but there's more to be done. "We've seen 84,000 people leave welfare into work in the last year, so we're really confident that the measures that we are making are working." Meanwhile, Labour social development and employment spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime has pushed back on this scheme. "Labour has a plan, where we are talking about expanding apprenticeship boost, introducing trades training and expanding that - and a new work package, where we're going to create a whole lot of jobs." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump has made a new diesel deal with Russia, and it's sparked concerns in Europe. Under the agreement, 300,000 tonnes of Russian diesel will be released to the US immediately, followed by a further 500,000 next month. Business correspondent Vicky Pryce says some people are worried about the optics of this arrangement - especially in terms of what it could mean for Ukraine. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 12 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 view it's clearly time our political parties come together to tackle the issue of superannuation. National and Labour have agreed they'll support a cross-party political accord on the retirement system. Act and National are both campaigning on gradually raising the super age to 67. Labour and New Zealand First are both campaigning to keep it at 65. Superannuation expert Jonathan Eriksen told Andrew Dickens some cross-party consensus on this is overdue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s been a concerted campaign by Don Brash and Nick Mowbray to get National voters to split their vote and engineer an overhang. A move John Key has said would be the opposite of clever. Over the weekend, Don Brash went to print again to explain why it’s a good idea. The upshot is that National’s strength in the electorates could mean a loss of list seats, which would affect several senior ministers, including Nicola Willis. In the piece, he argues that National voters are smart enough to work out split voting for themselves and don’t need John Key telling them how to vote. The irony is that Mr Brash and Mr Mowbray have been telling people how to vote all along. Mr Brash believes it’s the only way for National to save a centre-right coalition, but there is another way: be more popular. The other disconnect is that many on the right already believe New Zealand has too many MPs, and yet here are Mr Brash and Mr Mowbray wanting even more, perhaps as many as 124. Another irony is that many on the right can’t…

The Greens are condemning National's plans to drug-test people on welfare and reduce payments. National's promising to randomly drug test ten thousand beneficiaries next year. From April 2028, it would also cut Jobseeker payments for people on the scheme for two of the previous three years, claiming it'll push people into work. Greens' Social Development Spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March told Andrew Dickens drug testing beneficiaries does not create jobs, and the reason unemployment is high is not because they may or may not be using substances. He says the only thing this will create is jobs in the drug testing industry, and it won't address the unemployment crisis that currently exists. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eden Park's CEO is looking forward to welcoming the All Blacks back to the Fortress. The stadium is hosting the first Bledisloe Cup clash this weekend, the All Blacks taking on the Wallabies for the first time since they returned from South Africa. Nick Sautner told Andrew Dickens the All Blacks have a phenomenal record at the stadium, as they haven't lost to Australia there since 1986, and they want to make sure that streak continues. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast 2026, the Green Party is not happy with National's benefit policy, Green Party Social Development Spokesperson Ricardo Menedez March explains why. The trans-tasman rivalry’s back at Eden Park, CEO Nick Sautner tells Andrew what to look out for. Labour say they have a plan to tackle unfair plane ticket costs, NZ Herald Aviation Journalist John Weekes tells Andrew if the plan is viable. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on UK Police accept warrants used to search the home of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor were unlawful and Germany will face threats together, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said as he announced a series of defence and security partnerships. 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's making big promises in aviation if re-elected. The Party would require airlines to publish airfares including every fee upfront - making the full cost clear. It would mandate automatic refunds when big airlines like Air New Zealand and Jetstar cancel or significantly change flights, and for them to publish data on cancellations and delays. New Zealand Herald Aviation Journalist John Weekes joined Andrew Dickens to break down the policy. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I had to chuckle after yesterday's interview with Mr Abercrombie from the PPTA who grudgingly accepted that improvements to the education sector by the government is a factor in teacher registrations being up 40 per cent this year Mr Abercrombie, other industry advocates and the Labour led opposition have been dead set against the changes but now they’re slowly admitting that things are better It makes you wonder why they were so negative from the get-go, and I can only put it down to tribalism If it’s an idea from the right, it has to be evil and wrong and bad for the kids and the vulnerable Now this is also a weakness on the right. The Coalition spent the first year merrily throwing out any initiatives from the previous government whether it had good aspects or not. The us good, them bad narrative is childish. And expensive and slowing us down 3 Waters was thrown out and replaced with the same thing, the only difference being it’s voluntary with no governance. The upshot is that we’re even further behind…

The lawyers of US death row inmate Christa Pike have asked for evidence to be preserved from her botched execution. The 50-year-old survived two lethal injections in Tennessee last week – a death sentence imposed for murder in 1996. A statement from her lawyers yesterday stated she's now conscious and speaking, still handcuffed in hospital, and receiving critical care. US Correspondent Nick Harper told Andrew Dickens Pike's lawyers argue there were problems with the IV lines involved. They claim at least seven needles were used to try to get the doses into her system, one even bent at a 90-degree angle. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A warning there are drawbacks to instant payments as Labour vows to make it possible 24/7 by 2030. The party wants to bring more competition to the sector helping fintech companies take on the big four banks. Part of Labour's plan to achieve this is by introducing e-money licences for businesses offering services like digital wallets and payments. Massey University Financial Professor Claire Matthews told Andrew Dickens that currently, if you're subject to scams there's a small window to get the money back. However, she says, when you have real-time payments, that's gone. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The country's teacher pipeline is showing signs of recovery. Education Minister Erica Stanford is crediting the School Onsite Training Programme for a 40% jump in the number of Kiwis training to be teachers between 2023 and now. But the current figure of 4,500 is still well below the 6,800 training in 2010. PPTA President Chris Abercrombie told Andrew Dickens there are jobs waiting for those entering the profession. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tick of approval for National's small business plan. The party's released a 47 point plan to cut red tape around things like employment disputes and health and safety. Small Business New Zealand founder Phil Wicks says it creates a fairly cohesive plan. He told Andrew Dickens while any help is appreciated, what businesses really want is a growing economy. Wicks says that gives businesses the confidence to hire more staff or invest in more equipment. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm Andrew Dickens and I'm the fill in guy and I'm filling in for Ryan Bridge and I'm filling in all week and I'm doing three days next week and three days the week after and the reason for that is that Ryan is preparing to do telly stuff with Herald now. And last night he was doing the first of the big ones and it was a 90-minute thing called The Future of New Zealand. Now it had politicians, it had seven politicians, yeah we had some politicians, but the big thing about this, the difference was all the other people, all the business leaders, all the entrepreneurs, all the tech bros were all having their say about the future of New Zealand. There was even a dancing robot! And to see Ryan Bridge dancing with a dancing robot on telly was actually quite some sight. So here are some highlights if you haven't seen it. Of course after Jack Tame sucked us into the are billionaires' immoral debate, Tamatha Paul, the Green, had some ideas. She reckons obviously that billionaires are immoral. Yeah, yeah, yeah.…

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Thursday 8th of October 2026, Labour is promising to shake up the banking sector if re-elected, Professor Claire Matthews head of the school of accountancy, economics and finance at Massey University shares her thoughts. National’s got a 47-point plan to cut red tape for small businesses, Small Business NZ Founder & Director of BSP Advisory, tells Andrew if this will make much of a difference. Erica Stanford is celebrating a 40% uplift in new teacher enrolments since she got a hold of the portfolio, PPTA President shares his thoughts. Plus, US Correspondent Nick Harper has the latest on Christa Pike who is conscious and speaking after a botched execution in Tennessee and the White House explains away Trump comments on Iran “take out” of LA and San Diego, saying he was not calling for attack on US cities. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener…

A political commentator believes a lot of weight still sits with the undecided voter. Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins went head-to-head in the first main leaders debate last night. The TVNZ clash saw the pair tussle over tax, education, health, the cost of living, and crime in front of a studio audience of undecided voters. The audience gave Hipkins the win with 49% support to Luxon's 24%. But commentator Brigitte Morten told Andrew Dickens 27% percent were still undecided. She says we're only a couple of weeks out from voting opening, and for a lot of people there's a lot of soft vote. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pressure's on the next government to keep the momentum going on business confidence. The NZIER's latest Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion shows 40% of firms expect the economy to improve in the coming months. That's up from just 14% last quarter. Business Canterbury Chief Executive Leeann Watson told Andrew Dickens businesses want policies that lift productivity, and more certainty about what's ahead. She says they want to make sure they have access to the right people and compliance is reduced. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast 2026, political commentator Brigitte Morten tells Andrew who won the TVNZ leaders debate. Business confidence is rebounding as we head towards the election, Business Canterbury CEO Leeann Watson explains why. National’s promising to cut foreign aid to pay for new medicines, if it leads the next government, Chief Executive of Medicines New Zealand Graeme Jarvis shares his thoughts. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the UK’s main Opposition party has pledged to invest £10bn in a new missile and drone defence system to defend the UK if they win the next general election and Trump has said the US moved its bombers out of RAF Fairford in the UK because of "some threats" to the base. 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 potential for a positive ripple effect as National pledges to boost medicine funding. The party's announced it'll cut 10% of the foreign aid budget, using the savings to increase Pharmac's budget by $604 million. It would also introduce new cancer cell therapy and lower the bowel screening age to 50 by 2029. Medicines NZ CEO Graeme Jarvis told Andrew Dickens medicine's an important part of any health system. He says they help with productivity within hospitals, and help with patient outcomes. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National’s trade-off between foreign aid and Pharmac is a sign of just how far we’ve fallen. Firstly, our spend on medicines through Pharmac has always been woefully low. It pales beside Australia’s investment and that’s never made sense to me. Medicines funded by Pharmac save money within the health system by preventing ongoing costs through hospitalisation and ongoing care. The way we’ve underfunded it has been a false economy, but successive governments have found excuses to keep it running on fumes. It should be appropriately funded, but it isn’t. So now National has decided to rob Peter to pay Paul by reducing our foreign aid. Not all of it, about 10% of it. But that will still be enough to lower our perception as a compassionate country actively participating on the world stage. In an ideal world we would be wealthy enough to fund both. But we’re not. And in that is more proof that we are a shadow of the country we used to be. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are concerns National's $800 million promise for a major Canterbury road will be able to deliver enough bang for its buck. National is promising to start construction on the Belfast-to-Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass if re-elected, with the money allocated in Budget 2027. Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Dom Kalasih told Andrew Dickens that's about $73 million per kilometre. He says the concern is whether the project will deliver enough value for money and stay within budget. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's vowing to make life easier for mechanics so more time can be spent training the next generation. If elected, the party would force car makers to share information, tools and manuals, with local mechanics so they can do a job. It would introduce a right of repair law —like Australia— and require the Commerce Commission to enforce the rules. Consumer Affairs spokesperson Arena Williams told Andrew Dickens we have an aging workforce of mechanics. She says workshop owners are looking at selling instead of training young mechanics. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Tuesday 6th of October 2026, National is pledging $800 million to fully fund the 11-kilometre Belfast to Pegasus motorway in Christchurch, Transporting NZ Chief Executive Officer Dom Kalasih tells Andrew why infrastructure comes at such a cost. Labour is promising to make it cheaper and easier to repair your car if elected, Labour Consumer Affairs Spokesperson Arena Williams explains. Kiwis loving the cocaine more than ever according to new research, Drug Detection Agency CEO Glen Dobson shares his thoughts. Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on the Federal Government defending costs and guest list of major climate summit in Fiji and more details emerging about the fly Dubai pilot who allegedly attempted to hijack a plane and his Australian connection. 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.

Cocaine seems to be appealing to New Zealanders right across the spectrum. The Drug Trends Survey shows respondents reporting cocaine use increased from 11% in 2018 to 31% this month. The frequency of use is also increasing, with most people who reported using it in the past six months using it at least monthly. Drug Detection Agency chief executive Glenn Dobson told Andrew Dickens it appears to be easier to access and is becoming a lot more socially acceptable. He says it's not the glamour drug it was in the 80s and 90s but has become popular right across a broad range of society. Dobson also says cartels seem to be getting a grip on production. He says producers are getting better at growing the plant and extracting cocaine, and New Zealand is becoming a target for supply. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour finally released their fiscal plan over the weekend It was much anticipated. In fact, commentator after commentator for weeks now have been demanding it Now it’s being dissected, and mostly by the current coalition parties. But here’s the thing: where’s National’s? And why don't they have the same pressure? And how about ACT? Yesterday I asked David Seyour what spending he will cut to afford the loss of revenue from the KiwiSaver tax exemption, and he said enough and their fiscal plan is forthcoming What’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander, so I would like to see these plans soon. Meanwhile I bumped into Jenny Marcroft at a Sunday market in the weekend, and I asked her where she’ll be on the list. She has no idea. She’s waiting. We’re waiting. There’s only 32 days until the election. Advance voting in New Zealand begins in 21 days, and overseas voting begins in 16 days. And in those days are weekends and rugby tests and more. I just feel this election campaign has been going forever but a…

The suspect accused of murdering Reform UK's Ann Widdecombe has been charged with preparing acts of terror, including against party leader Nigel Farage. 28-year-old Joshua Kerry was charged with one count of preparation of terrorist acts, according to police. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Kerry is due to appear in court later this week. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation across Europe jumped to 3.8 percent in September - a higher rate than economists were predicting. This increase was largely down to energy costs, and these are expected to make inflation rates go up further. Business correspondent Vicky Pryce explained how these rates could increase, and how that's likely to impact households. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT is confident its KiwiSaver plan would put more in people's kitty by retirement. The party wants to scrap the Government contribution to KiwiSaver, and the tax paid on investment earnings made through the scheme. It says the tax relief created, would be more substantial than the up to $260 currently contributed by the Government. Leader David Seymour says someone with a small balance, less than $15,000 may initially be worse off. "A builder, $60 grand a year through their career - they start when they're 20, by the time they retire, they would be $210,000 better off not paying tax on their returns." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Monday the 5th of October 2026, the Act Party wants to scrap tax on Kiwisaver investment earnings, Act Party Leader David Seymour explains. Labour's laid out it's highly anticipated fiscal plan, Independent Economist Cameron Bagrie shares his thoughts. Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the details on Inflation rising sharply in Europe and Europe agreeing to release more crude and refined strategic stocks to release pressure on diesel prices and prevent US diesel export ban, Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the man accused of murdering a former UK Prisons Minister and Immigration spokesperson for Reform UK has also been charged with preparing acts of terror including against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and UK PM scraps controversial plans to curb some jury trials. 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…