Best The New Zealand Initiative Podcasts (2025)

1
A Fast-Track to stronger grocery competition 43:29

6d ago43:29

43:29

In this episode, Eric talks to Benno Blaschke about his groundbreaking report proposing a fast-track supermarket entry and expansion omnibus bill that could revolutionise New Zealand's grocery market.They discuss the regulatory barriers preventing new supermarket chains from entering the market and explore a legislative framework that would streaml…

1
Gavin Grey: Europe Correspondent on Ukraine hitting a bridge connecting Russia and the Crimean Peninsula 3:14

2h ago3:14

3:14

Ukraine's struck a critical bridge connecting Russia and the Crimean Peninsula. It's security service claims agents mined the supports of the bridge with more than one-thousand kilograms of explosives, severely damaging the foundations. Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge the bridge is a hated symbol of Russian occupation for Ukraine. …

1
Chris Henry: 818 Publicity Managing Director on Wellington potentially hosting the premiere of an Avatar movie 2:48

2h ago2:48

2:48

Wellington's seen as the ideal place to host a major movie premiere. That's due to a decade-old agreement between the producers of the Avatar franchise and the Government, given the amount of taxpayers' money that's been contributed. In return, the producers agreed to roll out a red carpet in New Zealand for at least one of the three movies. 818 Pu…

1
Chris Penk: Building and Construction Minister on the liquidation rate of construction companies 3:13

2h ago3:13

3:13

The Building and Construction Minister's confident they're providing the right support while sector liquidation rates remain bleak. Building Research Association data shows construction companies now make up about a third of all business liquidations – up 25% in 2022. Minister Chris Penk told Ryan Bridge it's not a great statistic, but they're focu…

1
Mike's Minute: Some good energy news for winter, for once 2:12

2h ago2:12

2:12

Christmas came early for Tiwai Aluminium Smelter. They get to do business. In fact, they get to do business in a country where you would have thought doing business is to be encouraged. They have been prevented from doing all the business they can because they have a deal with their power company, Meridian, whereby they have to contain themselves i…

1
Pollies: Labour's Ginny Andersen and National's Mark Mitchell talk political polls, fireworks, Sport NZ review, Jacinda Arden's book 10:34

3h ago10:34

10:34

Politicians aren’t worrying too much about the latest poll results. There were starkly different results in the latest RNZ-Reid Research poll and 1News-Verian poll – with the first showing the left bloc in the lead and the second showing the right bloc well ahead. Labour’s Ginny Andersen told Mike Hosking the polls bounce around, so they don’t take…

1
Full Show Podcast: 04 June 2025 55:14

3h ago55:14

55:14

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 4th of June, our international visitor spending is up, but the Government hasn't taken inflation into account. Why not? A LIV Golf-type rugby competition is attempting to get off the ground. It's called R360 and is backed by Mike Tindall. Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell talk the polls, …

1
Michael Webster: Privacy Commissioner on Foodstuffs North Island's facial recognition trial 4:23

3h ago4:23

4:23

Foodstuffs North Island's facial recognition trial might have the tick of approval overall, but there's still work to do. The Privacy Commission's ruled the trial was compliant with the Privacy Act and was successful in reducing harmful behaviour. But Commissioner Michael Webster told Mike Hosking they're recommending Foodstuffs keep systems update…

1
Kali Mercier: Helen Clark Foundation Deputy Director on the report into New Zealand's infrastructure management 2:45

3h ago2:45

2:45

Renewing existing infrastructure rather than investing in new shiny projects is the best way to go, according to a new report co-produced by the Helen Clark Foundation and WSP New Zealand. The foundation claims 99% of the infrastructure New Zealand needs, has already been built. Foundation Deputy Director Kali Mercier says renewals and repairs are …

1
Rob Nichol: NZ Rugby Players Association CEO on the new R360 rugby competition 3:41

4h ago3:41

3:41

New Zealand Rugby Players Association boss Rob Nichol admits their members have been approached to join a new global breakaway club competition. R360 —backed by former England international Mike Tindall— is set to launch in 2026. The league plans to mirror the likes of sevens and F1, moving from port to port with events at major cities and stadia a…

1
John Harbord: Major Electricity Users' Group Chair on the need for firmer electricity sources 2:37

4h ago2:37

2:37

Concerns bad investment choices in electricity generation will keep our supply unreliable. Tiwai Point aluminium smelter is ramping up production reversing previous restrictions, to ease winter supply concerns. Meridian Energy says the hydro storage is looking much healthier this winter. Major Electricity Users' Group Chair John Harbord told Mike H…

1
Keith McLaughlin: Centrix Managing Director on fewer people being behind on debt payments 3:21

4h ago3:21

3:21

Fewer people are behind on debt payments. Centrix's May Indicator Report shows consumer arrears fell in April – it was the fourth month in a row where overall arrears were lower than 2024. However, the number of consumers who are more than 90 days past due has risen to its highest since July last year. Managing Director Keith McLaughlin told Mike H…

1
Louise Upston: Tourism Minister on the rise in international visitor spending 3:49

4h ago3:49

3:49

Tourists are being told New Zealand is open for business. A Government survey's found international visitor spending increased by 10% and contributed more than $12 billion to the economy in the year ending March. But this is only 86% of pre-Covid visitor numbers and spending. Tourism Minister Louise Upston told Mike Hosking it shows there's work to…

1
Full Show Podcast: 04 June 2025 42:45

1h ago42:45

42:45

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 4 June. 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.By Newstalk ZB

1
Glyn Lewers: Queenstown Mayor on international visitor spending up 2:51

6h ago2:51

2:51

Although visitor spending is on the rise, some parts of New Zealand are still doing it tough. A Government survey's found international visitor spending increased by 10% and contributed more than $12 billion to the economy in the year ending March. That's 9.2% up on the previous year. It reflects an increase in international visitors, topping 3.3 m…

1
Ryan Bridge: International spending is up, but is it really a win? 2:07

6h ago2:07

2:07

Tourism mojo. Louise Upston fired off an enthusiastic press release last night. "International visitor spend on the up” it proclaimed. New data, which we get from the International Visitor Survey, showed a 10% jump in spending on the previous year. Sounds impressive, right? Sounds like we’re getting somewhere. Finally shaking off the Covid cobwebs.…

1
Donna Demaio: Australian Correspondent on the US demands to up the defence spend 2:42

1d ago2:42

2:42

Australia's refusing to play ball with the US, which is demanding it up its defence spend to 3.5% of GDP as soon as possible. Australia's currently tracking to lift spending to 2.33% of GDP in the next eight years. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese seems to be brushing off the demand. Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge that Albanes…

1
Andrew Alderson: Sports reporter on the French tennis Open, the Warriors, IndyCars 3:39

1d ago3:39

3:39

Plenty happened in the sporting world over the long weekend, and Andrew Alderson joined Ryan Bridge to delve into some of it. On today's agenda is the latest from Roland-Garros, the Warriors' win and Mitch Barnett's unfortunate ACL injury, and a social media spat coming out of IndyCar. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio…

1
Rod Liddle: UK Correspondent on the UK upping its defence spend 5:59

1d ago5:59

5:59

The UK is set to spend more on defence. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's unveiled plans to lift the defence spend, signalling it could reach 3% of GDP at the next Parliament. He vowed to make Britain "a battle-ready, armour-clad nation”, and Defence Secretary John Healey says they’re in a “new era of threat”, which demands a higher spend. UK Correspon…

1
Mike's Minute: The Govt can't rule on 'Run it Straight' 2:01

1d ago2:01

2:01

If the headline is right, and I hope it isn't, the Government are seeking advice on what to do about Run it Straight. If the Government is seeking this advice, they have been sucked in. Unless of course they are saying they are seeking advice so everyone shuts up for a bit, because the whole thing has got hopelessly out of control. We need to break…

1
Olga Ivshina: BBC Senior Russia reporter on the latest developments between Russia and Ukraine 4:38

1d ago4:38

4:38

Minimal progress in another round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. The two countries have agreed, in Istanbul, to exchange sick and wounded prisoners of war, and those under 25. Meanwhile, Ukraine's carried out drone strikes on several Russian air bases. BBC's Olga Ivshina says even the loss of one plane is significant, as Russia can't re…

1
Full Show Podcast: 03 June 2025 1:13:29

1d ago1:13:29

1:13:29

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 3rd of June, the Government is shaking up WorkSafe, as well as launching their online road cone hotline. The Prime Minister is on to talk about whether they will look to do anything with the Run it Straight trend, the India trade mission, and why we support Trump's Golden Dome. Being a sho…

1
Commentary Box with Andrew Saville and Jason Pine: Warriors, Super Rugby Pacific, Formula 1, IndyCar 11:25

1d ago11:25

11:25

Andrew Saville and Jason Pine joined Mike Hosking to reflect on the sport that took place over the long King’s Birthday weekend. They covered the Warriors’ latest victory, how Super Rugby Pacific is shaping up ahead of the playoffs, and the latest in Formula 1 and IndyCar among others. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio…

1
Adina Thorn: Litigation Lawyer on the increase in Kāinga Ora tenancy terminations, formal warnings 4:09

1d ago4:09

4:09

There's hope there can be a turnaround in unruly Kāinga Ora tenants. A Government crackdown has resulted in 63 tenancy terminations in the past 10 months - up from 11 in the year before. Formal warnings have gone up 600%. Litigation Lawyer Adina Thorn told Mike Hosking the figures are encouraging. She says it looks like under this government, there…

1
Geoffrey Miller: Geopolitical Analyst on the continuing peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, drone attack on Russia 3:09

1d ago3:09

3:09

Little has come from another round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. The two countries have agreed to exchange prisoners of war, including the sick and wounded, and those under 25. Ukraine has also launched large scale drone attacks on Russian air bases, damaging a third of its cruise missile carriers. Geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller …

1
Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister on the increase number of Kāinga Ora warnings, evictions 9:55

1d ago9:55

9:55

Christopher Luxon says the Government's making its expectations clear when it comes to behaviour in social housing. Kāinga Ora is formally warning seven times as many tenants as it was last financial year. It's evicted 63 tenants in 10 months for disruptive behaviour. The Prime Minister told Mike Hosking the enforcement action is sending a clear me…

1
Mark Rocket: Aerospace entrepreneur on being the first Kiwi to make it to space 3:04

1d ago3:04

3:04

The first Kiwi has made it to space. Christchurch entrepreneur Mark Rocket has made history as the first New Zealander in space abroad a Blue Origin mission in West Texas. With a New Zealand flag in hand, Rocket and five others reached 105km, experiencing zero gravity during the 11-minute sub-orbital flight run by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' space t…

1
Brooke van Velden: Minister of Workplace Relations on the changes to WorkSafe, road cone tipline 3:43

1d ago3:43

3:43

The Workplace Relations Minister hopes WorkSafe's incoming culture shift will show they're there to help, not hurt. The Government's instructed the regulator to move away from enforcement and engage early to support risk management. It starts with today's opening of the road cone hotline. Minister Brooke van Velden told Mike Hosking businesses shou…

1
Ryan Bridge: We shouldn't have to work for the government 2:50

1d ago2:50

2:50

Do you know what's really starts to rub me the wrong way? It's governments telling us to do more things. This morning, we've got the government coming out with yet another hotline. Sounds fancy. Sounds efficient. It's a hotline to report road cones. A road cone tipline. Sorry, but if the problem is that there are too many road cones on the road, an…

1
Full Show Podcast: 03 June 2025 34:29

1d ago34:29

34:29

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 3rd of June 2025, The Government's introducing new changes to Worksafe and implementing a new roadcone hotline, Parallax CEO Dave Tilton shares his thoughts on how it will work. Ukraine and Russia have been having peace talks in Turkey, BBC Senior Russia Correspondent Olga Ivshina shar…

1
Dave Tilton: Parallaxx Traffic Control Training Chief Executive on new road cone tipline 3:04

1d ago3:04

3:04

Significant changes at WorkSafe as it moves from an enforcement focus and launches the road cone hotline. The agency will now engage early to support risk management, starting with today's opening of a tipline for excessive road cone usage. Parallaxx Traffic Control Training Chief Executive Dave Tilton told Ryan Bridge there are good elements to th…

1
Mike's Minute: The Reserve Bank didn't inspire me 2:09

4d ago2:09

2:09

Call me superficial, but to watch the Reserve Bank heavyweights lined up, as I did Wednesday post their cash rate decision, I did not see dynamism. These people outwardly do not fill you with any sense of excitement. The Reserve Bank is in a spot and, as a result, so are we as a country. A couple of semi-interesting things happened and also one ver…

1
Richard Arnold: US Correspondent on Trump's tariffs, Elon Musk leaving DOGE 4:55

5d ago4:55

4:55

Elon Musk’s time in the US Government has come to an end. He's posted on his platform, X, saying the mission of the Department of Government Efficiency —or DOGE— will only strengthen over time. A White House official has confirmed Musk's departure. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking there’s been mixed reviews about his work. Musk was…

1
Peter Clark: Aviation commentator on Air New Zealand's performance in April 3:53

5d ago3:53

3:53

Just 60% of Air New Zealand's trans-Tasman flights took off within 15 minutes of their scheduled time last month. A report by the Ministry of Transport shows airline performance for April. 78% of Jetstar's flights between Australia and New Zealand left on time, and 70% for Qantas. Aviation commentator Peter Clark told Ryan Bridge Air New Zealand's …

1
Andy England: Darfield High School Principal on the new truancy directive 3:00

5d ago3:00

3:00

Doubts many parents will be prosecuted for repeat truancy under a new Government directive. Associate Education Minister David Seymour's confirmed these parents could be fined up to $30 a day as part of a firmer approach on school attendance. Any possible prosecution cases will be referred to the Ministry. Darfield High School Principal Andy Englan…

1
Mike's Minute: Has the political divide gotten worse? 2:18

5d ago2:18

2:18

I cannot recommend a piece of reading enough in the Listener, and reproduced elsewhere, on a longitudinal study that now spans 35 years and 12 elections. It's gripping. A couple thousand people each election are given dozens of questions. Its weakness is some of the questions are vague enough to throw up responses around things like health care and…

1
Mark the Week: Trump looks ropier by the day 2:20

5d ago2:20

2:20

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all. Fonterra: 9/10 It is literally raining money. Record farmgate, record profits, and the milk price starting at $10 for next year. Go buy a ute. Port of Auckland: 2/10 Everything that’s wrong with New Zealand – putting prices up bec…

1
Kate Acland: Beef + Lamb NZ Chair on the proposed changes to the Resource Management Act 3:07

5d ago3:07

3:07

Farmers are welcoming a proposal to remove difficult rules from the Resource Management Act. The Government's released three discussion documents proposing amending 12 current national directions and four new ones. They include changes to freshwater management and regulation of farming practices. Beef + Lamb New Zealand Chair Kate Acland told Ryan …

1
Wrapping the Week with Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson: First home buyers, Hailey Bieber, Producer Sam's puppy 11:32

5d ago11:32

11:32

Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was. They discussed the average age of first home buyers, Hailey Bieber and her make up company, and how Producer Sam’s puppy has been behaving this week. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

1
Full Show Podcast: 30 May 2025 1:30:04

5d ago1:30:04

1:30:04

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 30th of May, David Seymour is pulling the trigger, and parents will now be prosecuted for not sending their kids to school. We've got new data on flight cancellations and delays after the endless texts saying services are rubbish now. Turns out, it's nowhere near as bad as you think. Tim an…

1
Ian Woolford: Reserve Bank Director of Money and Cash on King Charles featuring on the 10 cent coin from 2027 4:17

5d ago4:17

4:17

A new face is coming to New Zealand’s coins. An image of King Charles has officially been approved to feature on the 10 cent coin from 2027. 2024 will be stamped on the currency – the year the Reserve Bank ordered them. A koruru image will remain on the reverse side, as it has since 1967. Ian Woolford, Director of Money and Cash at the Reserve Bank…

1
Mark Hooper: Federated Farmers RMA Spokesperson on the changes coming to the Resource Management Act 3:41

5d ago3:41

3:41

Federated Farmers is welcoming proposed changes to the Resource Management Act. The Government's released three discussion documents proposing amending 12 current national directions and four new ones. They include changes to freshwater management, regulation of farming practices and revising mine consent processes. Mark Hooper, their RMA Spokesper…

1
Kelvin Davidson: Cotality Chief Property Economist on the average age of first home buyers rising 3:31

5d ago3:31

3:31

The average first home buyer is getting older. A Cotality-Westpac report has found the average age of first home buyers has increased to 36 nationwide. It's 37 in Auckland, 36 in Wellington, and 35 in Christchurch – all figures are two or three years higher than average in 2019. Cotality Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson told Mike Hosking th…

1
James Meager: Associate Minister of Transport on Air New Zealand's flight performance for April 6:41

5d ago6:41

6:41

Just 60% of Air New Zealand's trans-Tasman flights jetted off on time last month. A report by the Ministry of Transport shows aviation performance for April. It reveals 82% of the airline's domestic flights were on time, taking off within 15 minutes of their scheduled time. Air New Zealand's highest cancellation rate was on its Rotorua to Auckland …

1
Billie Moore: Airports Association CEO on Auckland Aiport's domestic airfield upgrade 3:05

5d ago3:05

3:05

Auckland Airport's investing nearly $150 million into a major domestic airfield upgrade. It's part of works to help enable future growth in regional flights across the country. Car parks next to the domestic terminal will be shifted to make way for four new aircraft parking stands dedicated to regional services. Airports Association Chief Executive…

1
David Seymour: Associate Education Minister on the fines parents of absent students could face 3:11

5d ago3:11

3:11

Parents could be forced to pay thousands of dollars if they repeatedly refuse to ensure their children attend school. Associate Education Minister David Seymour's announced the change as part of a firmer approach the Government's taking on school attendance. Seymour told Mike Hosking schools will alert the ministry to possible prosecution cases and…

1
Vincent McAviney: UK/Europe Correspondent on police name the man charged in relation to a car crash during the Liverpool parade 2:07

5d ago2:07

2:07

British Police are still asking the public not to speculate as to why a 53-year-old businessman drove his car into a massive crowd of people in Liverpool. Seventy nine people - among those celebrating Liverpool Football Club's league title - were hurt; seven remain in hospital. Paul Doyle faces six charges related to grievous bodily harm, and one o…

1
Full Show Podcast: 30 May 2025 34:17

5d ago34:17

34:17

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, Friday the 30th of May Full Show Podcast 2025, the Ministry of Education's been ordered to prosecute parents who who don't regularly send their children to school, Darfield school Principal Andy England shares his thoughts. Beef and Lamb NZ are praising the government's RMA announcement Chairperson Kate Acland…

1
Ryan Bridge: Why expensive butter prices are actually a good thing 2:42

5d ago2:42

2:42

The price of butter's shot up 65% over the past year - you might have noticed nana's cookie jar's a bit empty lately. Bakers are buying in bulk from the Aussies, where it's cheaper. Online discussion blames our dairy farmers, the co-op that buys their milk, and the producers who sell it. But, there are a couple of reason its cheaper there than here…

1
Rod Liddle: UK Correspondent gives an update on the Liverpool car ramming 5:59

6d ago5:59

5:59

There are still many questions regarding the man who drove his car into a crowd in Liverpool. Fans of Liverpool Football Club had flooded the city's streets to celebrate its Premier League title win. Nearly 80 people were injured, and a 53-year-old local was arrested for attempted murder. UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Mike Hosking one theory is …

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