/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/rss ob体育接口 Thu, 01 May 2025 06:23:24 Z en /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/neil-edmond-moneytime-ceo-on-the-new-financial-literacy-curriculum-in-schools/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/neil-edmond-moneytime-ceo-on-the-new-financial-literacy-curriculum-in-schools/ The Government's ensuring financial education is central to a refreshed school social sciences curriculum.  Education Minister Erica Stanford's announced it will be a core element for Years 1-10 from next year.  The curriculum will cover key financial skills for younger students, such as having a bank account, earning, spending and saving.  Older students will be taught concepts like budgeting, investment and taxes.  MoneyTime CEO Neil Edmond told Kerre Woodham it’s heartening to see the Ministry of Education come out and make the curriculum clear.   He says it will have a massive impact on the next generations, as they’ll learn how to manage their money and make the best use of it.   LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 30 Apr 2025 23:34:56 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/katie-ben-association-of-salaried-medical-specialists-president-on-the-senior-doctors-strike/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/katie-ben-association-of-salaried-medical-specialists-president-on-the-senior-doctors-strike/ About five-thousand senior doctors are striking until midnight in a bid to get more of them on the roster.  This comes after eight months of failed negotiations with Health New Zealand.  The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists says it’s not going to fill workforce gaps without major improvements to pay and conditions.  President Katie Ben told Ryan Bridge salaries aren't competitive enough for doctors to want to stay in the country.  She says more doctors need to be recruited into New Zealand and ones that train here need to be kept.  Ben says they often work 10 hour days and then stay on call for 14 hours overnight.  She says they're working non-stop through the day as there's not enough staff for any breaks.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 30 Apr 2025 20:57:02 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/winston-peters-rail-minister-on-the-impact-of-kiwirail-reducing-its-interislander-fleet-to-two/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/winston-peters-rail-minister-on-the-impact-of-kiwirail-reducing-its-interislander-fleet-to-two/ The Rail Minister says any supply chain interruptions caused by the Interislander reducing its Cook Strait ferry fleet can be handled.   Aratere will be retired when demolition begins on its decaying Picton dock late this year or early next, to add infrastructure for new ships.  It's KiwiRail's only rail-enabled ferry.   Winston Peters told Ryan Bridge it won't have an impact on the amount of freight KiwiRail is moving.   He says it will be supplemented by added shipping around the coast and a re-formulated programme.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 30 Apr 2025 20:10:20 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-01-may-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-01-may-2025/ Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 1 May. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. Wed, 30 Apr 2025 18:08:23 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/barbara-edmonds-labour-finance-spokesperson-on-the-preview-of-the-2025-budget/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/barbara-edmonds-labour-finance-spokesperson-on-the-preview-of-the-2025-budget/ The Government books are expected to reach surplus by 2029.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis has teased slices of her Budget 2025 cake, revealing $1.3 billion in new operating spending – a cut from the forecast of $2.4 billion.  Ministers and agencies have been asked to cut more costs, for diversion into focus areas including health, education, and defence.  Labour’s Finance Spokesperson Barbara Edmonds told Ryan Bridge it all comes down to the choices Willis will need to make to get to that surplus.  She says this is where choices really matter, and the Government’s pulling back at a time where they should be investing.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 29 Apr 2025 22:43:14 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gavin-grey-europe-correspondent-on-the-major-blackout-that-impacted-spain-portugal-and-parts-of-france/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gavin-grey-europe-correspondent-on-the-major-blackout-that-impacted-spain-portugal-and-parts-of-france/ Chaos for southwest Europe during a major power blackout.  Spain, Portugal, and parts of France went dark yesterday due to an issue with the grid, originating in Spain.   Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says power has now been restored, and they will take all necessary measures to prevent a repeat.  Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge cash registers, gas pumps, and credit cards all stopped working.   He says it was a very hot day, and people were stuck in lifts and electric trains.  Grey says plenty of other countries are now wondering if they’d be resilient enough if the same happened to them.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 29 Apr 2025 22:29:02 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nick-harper-political-analyst-on-mark-carney-winning-the-canadian-election/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nick-harper-political-analyst-on-mark-carney-winning-the-canadian-election/ Canadian Liberal Party Leader Mark Carney will have a lot of issues to tackle after winning the country's election last night.   The win means he'll continue to lead Canada – the job he took over from Justin Trudeau six weeks ago.   It's an upset loss for the Conservative Party, which was leading the polls up until Carney took over.  Political Analyst Nick Harper told Ryan Bridge it might be a tough start for him.  He says Carney has a tremendous to do list, and will also have to work out a trade policy with the US.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 29 Apr 2025 22:04:16 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/jane-searle-child-matters-ceo-talks-growing-number-of-reports-of-concern-to-oranga-tamariki/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/jane-searle-child-matters-ceo-talks-growing-number-of-reports-of-concern-to-oranga-tamariki/ A children's support charity says a mix of heightened awareness and more abuse could be the reason for more reports to Oranga Tamariki.  The Ministry for Children estimates its seen a 45 percent increase in reports of concern in the year to April. It comes as Newstalk ob体育接口 reveals more than a-thousand children are overdue to be assigned a social worker.  Child Matters Chief Executive Jane Searle told Ryan Bridge it's aware of a large volume of under-reporting - especially in serious cases.  She says increased reporting is certainly not indicative of just more awareness.  LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 29 Apr 2025 18:20:58 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-30-april-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-30-april-2025/ On the Early Edition Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 30 April 2025, numbers revealed this morning show more 1,300 children are waiting to be assigned a social worker by Oranga Tamariki. Child Matters CEO Jane Searle gives her reaction to Ryan Bridge.  Labour is already calling the upcoming budget the "slash and burn budget." But Ryan questions Finance Spokesperson Barbara Edmonds on what she would do differently.  We get reaction from Canada as Mark Carney and the Liberal Party pull off a remarkable win in the country's election.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. Tue, 29 Apr 2025 18:08:19 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/ankit-sharma-master-builders-ceo-on-the-changes-to-builder-certifications-and-inspections/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/ankit-sharma-master-builders-ceo-on-the-changes-to-builder-certifications-and-inspections/ A thumbs-up from the building industry over changes to certifications and inspections.   The Government will be letting approved builders, plumbers, and drainlayers sign off their own work for simple residential dwellings.   80% of inspections will also need to be completed within three working days.  Master Builders CEO Ankit Sharma told Ryan Bridge there’s a lot that can be done to reduce the compliance burden on low-risk homes without compromising quality or consumer protection.  Some of which, he says, are restricting it to low-risk builds, having strict self-certification criteria, and strengthening the LBP scheme.   Sharma says that more details would be needed, but if improvements in these areas are implemented well, they’ll enable productivity gains without compromising quality.   LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 28 Apr 2025 22:19:07 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/rachel-barker-plastics-new-zealand-ceo-on-the-strategies-for-minimising-plastic-waste/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/rachel-barker-plastics-new-zealand-ceo-on-the-strategies-for-minimising-plastic-waste/ A belief there's hope to solving New Zealand's plastic waste problem.  Plastics New Zealand has released two reports with strategies for minimising plastic waste in the construction sector and in consumer, medical and seafood packaging.  Five thousand tonnes of polystyrene packaging enters the supply chain every year, with 77% going to landfill.  Plastics New Zealand CEO Rachel Barker told Ryan Bridge there's work to be done.   She says New Zealand could implement product stewardship, so people have a place they can take it back to —or it gets collected— so it can be recycled and re-used into new products.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 28 Apr 2025 22:05:07 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/andrew-little-former-labour-leader-on-his-bid-for-wellington-mayor-tory-whanau-bowing-out/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/andrew-little-former-labour-leader-on-his-bid-for-wellington-mayor-tory-whanau-bowing-out/ Tory Whanau is bowing out of Wellington's mayoral race.  The incumbent's confirmed she'll instead stand for the council's Māori ward seat to give former Labour Leader Andrew Little a clear run.  She says Little will do a good job, and she hopes people see her withdrawal as a gracious move.  Little's been critical of Whanau, calling rate increases under her leadership "simply not acceptable".  He told Ryan Bridge Whanau advised him before announcing her decision.  A key focus of both the residents and candidates is Wellington's high rates, and Little says he wants to slow the rise. He says a 35% increase over the next three years is simply not acceptable.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 28 Apr 2025 21:30:05 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-29-april-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-29-april-2025/ On the Early Edition Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 29 April 2025, Tory Whanau has given up her bid to be re-elected Wellington's Mayor. Ryan Bridge got reaction from the apparent frontrunner in the race, Andrew Little.  The construction industry is celebrating the government's to allow reputable builders, plumbers and drainlayers to self-certify their own work for certain builds.  We get the latest from Australian as the election campaign draws to a close.  Ryan gives a reality check for those complaining about Air New Zealand's prices.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. Mon, 28 Apr 2025 18:08:24 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gavin-grey-uk-correspondent-on-a-counterterrorism-investigation-after-a-crossbow-attack-in-leeds-marks-and-spencers-struggling-after-a-cyber-attack-and-liverpool-winning-the-premier-league/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gavin-grey-uk-correspondent-on-a-counterterrorism-investigation-after-a-crossbow-attack-in-leeds-marks-and-spencers-struggling-after-a-cyber-attack-and-liverpool-winning-the-premier-league/ Three people have been taken to hospital after they were found injured in Leeds. Among them is a 38-year-old suspected attacker who is thought to have caused the injuries by using a crossbow. Police are investigating the incident as a counter-terrorism event because they also found a firearm at the scene. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey talks to Mike Hosking about the incident, Marks and Spencer still struggling after a cyber-attack and Liverpool's Premier League win. LISTEN ABOVE. Sun, 27 Apr 2025 21:55:52 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/elliott-smith-newstalk-zb-sports-editor-on-auckland-fc-win-warriors-in-christchurch-and-super-rugby-weekend-wrap/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/elliott-smith-newstalk-zb-sports-editor-on-auckland-fc-win-warriors-in-christchurch-and-super-rugby-weekend-wrap/ Auckland FC have officially claimed the Premier's Plate after Melbourne City drew with Adelaide United.  The Auckland team beat Perth Glory 1-0 at home yesterday.  Newstalk ob体育接口 sports editor Elliott Smith joins the show for a weekend sports wrap.  LISTEN ABOVE.  Sun, 27 Apr 2025 19:21:30 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/kirsten-corson-chair-of-drive-electric-on-the-governments-latest-push-to-have-more-public-ev-chargers-missing-the-point/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/kirsten-corson-chair-of-drive-electric-on-the-governments-latest-push-to-have-more-public-ev-chargers-missing-the-point/ The Government's planning to build thousands of EV chargers by 2030.  Using a concessionary loan scheme to do it, the Government will use a private-public funding model to build the charging model.  Currently New Zealand has about 1400 EV charging stations.  Chair of Drive Electric Kirsten Corson tells Ryan Bridge she isn't sure their plan will work.  LISTEN ABOVE.  Sun, 27 Apr 2025 19:11:40 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/jo-mckenna-rome-correspondent-discusses-the-upcoming-conclave-to-select-new-pope/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/jo-mckenna-rome-correspondent-discusses-the-upcoming-conclave-to-select-new-pope/ Discussions around the next Pope are heating up. Eighty-eight year old Pope Francis has been laid to rest after a funeral in front of St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican on Saturday night. One hundred and 35 cardinals will soon be locked in the Sistine Chapel to vote on his successor in secret - the candidates must be aged under 80. Newstalk ob体育接口's Jo McKenna, who's at St Peters' Square, told Ryan Bridge she's been told the Italians want to see a European Pope. She says her source has told her they didn't like that an outsider from Argentina had come in and shaken things up, as they see it as a family business. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 27 Apr 2025 18:40:29 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-28-april-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-28-april-2025/ On the Early Edition Full Show Podcast for Monday 28 April 2025, Rome Correspondent Jo McKenna talks Ryan Bridge through what to expect as the Vatican prepares to elect a new Pope.  The government is making moves to try and boost the number of public EV chargers - but Drive Electric's Kirstin Corson explains why she doesn't think the plan is a silver bullet.  ob体育接口 Sport's Elliott Smith talks Auckland FC's remarkable debut season as it takes out the A-League's Premier Plate.  Ryan asks whether the government should simply ditch one of its flagship policies.   Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. Sun, 27 Apr 2025 18:28:23 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/oskar-howell-tech-commentator-on-the-rising-use-of-generative-ai-in-the-workplace/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/oskar-howell-tech-commentator-on-the-rising-use-of-generative-ai-in-the-workplace/ New Zealand workers seem to be embracing Gen AI in the workplace.  New research from Robert Half finds 91% of workers are using AI tools to help with their day to day tasks.  93% of workers say they’re transparent about their use with their managers and employers.   Tech Commentator Oskar Howell told Francesca Rudkin it’s becoming a real staple of a lot of desk jobs, as it allows people to become more efficient.  Although, he says there may be such a focus on upskilling in the area as people are concerned their job may be taken over by AI in the future.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 23 Apr 2025 22:40:50 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/kathy-wolfe-early-childhood-nz-ceo-on-the-modelling-for-the-familyboost-payment-being-incorrect/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/kathy-wolfe-early-childhood-nz-ceo-on-the-modelling-for-the-familyboost-payment-being-incorrect/ It comes as no surprise to some the Government got the number of families eligible for the full FamilyBoost payment wrong.  New data shows 249 families have received the maximum payment of $975 dollars a quarter since the scheme came into effect last year.   Finance Minister Nicola Willis says IRD got the modelling wrong, as 21,000 families were thought to be eligible.  Early Childhood NZ chief executive Kathy Wolfe told Francesca Rudkin the sector always knew the scheme was flawed.  She says it doesn't reach the families it should, and there are a lot of hoops those eligible have to jump through to get access.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 23 Apr 2025 22:13:30 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/scott-simpson-minister-for-commerce-and-consumer-affairs-on-new-protections-requiring-banks-to-reimburse-fraud-victims-up-to-500-000/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/scott-simpson-minister-for-commerce-and-consumer-affairs-on-new-protections-requiring-banks-to-reimburse-fraud-victims-up-to-500-000/ A 24/7 reporting channel is just one of the new anti-scamming measures banks are implementing. The suite of consumer protections will be rolled out this year. Banks will also now reimburse victims up to $500,000 if they fail to adequately warn and protect consumers. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson tells Francesca Rudkin telco companies and digital platforms should follow suit. He says other players in the scam ecosystem need to step up. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 23 Apr 2025 18:11:38 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-24-april-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-24-april-2025/ On the Early Edition Full Show Podcast for Thursday 24 April 2025, Early Childhood CEO Kathy Wolfe joins Francesca Rudkin to discuss concern the sector reform could put business over children.  Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Scott Simpson explains new protections that require banks to reimburse fraud victims up to $500,000. Increasing numbers of people are openly using AI at work. Tech commentator Oskar Howell considers the changing attitudes towards AI. And, US correspondent Mitch McCann shares details on how the stock market is reacting to tensions with China. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 23 Apr 2025 18:08:17 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/geoffrey-miller-geopolitical-analyst-on-the-meeting-between-christopher-luxon-and-keir-starmer/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/geoffrey-miller-geopolitical-analyst-on-the-meeting-between-christopher-luxon-and-keir-starmer/ Christopher Luxon and Sir Keir Starmer have reaffirmed the close ties between New Zealand and the UK.  Luxon says the relationship between the two countries is strong, and he'd like to deepen ties around defence and security.  The pair discussed their support for Ukraine, with Starmer announcing a multi-million dollar deal to buy Kiwi-made drones.  Geopolitical Analyst Geoffrey Miller told Francesca Rudkin Ukraine is front and centre of the agenda at the moment, but it’s not the only thing on it, with trade being another focus.   However, he says Luxon will need to be careful about what he says about defence, as China will be watching.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 22 Apr 2025 23:12:17 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/grant-webster-tourism-holdings-ltd-ceo-on-the-impact-of-trumps-tariffs-on-bookings-in-the-us-division/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/grant-webster-tourism-holdings-ltd-ceo-on-the-impact-of-trumps-tariffs-on-bookings-in-the-us-division/ One of the first locally listed companies is seeing the impact of Trump’s tariffs.  Tourism Holdings Limited has seen a dramatic slowdown in bookings by its US division and is anticipating a “significantly” lower net profit than previously expected.   Its share price fell more than 10% after announcing it was downgrading its earnings outlook.  CEO Grant Webster told Francesca Rudkin in recent weeks, the booking intakes for the rentals division into the US are down 40-50%.  However, he says people are simply choosing to travel elsewhere, and their other markets are actually up.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 22 Apr 2025 22:58:28 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/ro-edge-save-womens-sport-australasia-nz-spokesperson-on-nz-firsts-bill-aiming-to-legally-define-gender/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/ro-edge-save-womens-sport-australasia-nz-spokesperson-on-nz-firsts-bill-aiming-to-legally-define-gender/ New Zealand’s new bill is finding support from a women’s sport advocacy group.  The new bill wants to codify sex-based language, defining a woman as an “adult human biological female” and a man as an “adult human biological male”.   It comes as Britain’s Highest Court ruled that only biological women —not trans women— meet a definition of a woman under equity laws.  Save Women’s Sport Australasia NZ Spokeswoman Ro Edge told Francesca Rudkin the bill is a protection for the sex-based rights of women.   She says all it does is reinforce the urgent need for the likes of Sport New Zealand to prioritise and protect safety and fairness for biological women.  Edge says they play sports with their bodies, not their identities.   LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 22 Apr 2025 22:08:19 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gavin-grey-europe-correspondent-on-funeral-for-pope-francis-confirmed-by-the-vatican/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gavin-grey-europe-correspondent-on-funeral-for-pope-francis-confirmed-by-the-vatican/ Some of the world's most influential people will be making their way to Rome to farewell the late Pope Francis.  The Head of the Catholic Church died aged 88 on Easter Monday - following a stroke and heart failure.   Pope Francis' funeral will take place outside St Peter's Basilica on Saturday evening - and he'll be laid to rest in Rome's Basilica of St Mary Major.   Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Francesca Rudkin world leaders have begun confirming their attendance.  He says Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, Sir Keir Starmer, the Argentinean President and Prince William on behalf of the King are among those going.  Tue, 22 Apr 2025 18:18:20 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-23-april-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-23-april-2025/ On the Early Edition Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 23 April 2025, geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller discusses the overnight meeting between Prime Minister Luxon and his British counterpart Sir Keir Starmer.  NZ spokesperson for Save Women's Sport Australasia, Ro Edge explains a new members bill that aims to legally define men and women.   And, Tourism Holdings Limited has seen a dramatic slowdown in bookings to the US. Chief Executive Grant Webster considers the effect of the US tariff regime on the locally listed company.  Francesca Rudkin asks us to take responsibility for our own relationships with technology.  Plus, Pope Francis' funeral will take place at the Vatican on Saturday morning - UK correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 22 Apr 2025 18:08:23 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/elliott-smith-newstalk-zb-sports-reporter-talks-the-warriors-super-rugby-formula-1/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/elliott-smith-newstalk-zb-sports-reporter-talks-the-warriors-super-rugby-formula-1/ The Easter weekend hosted a fair bit of sport, and Elliott Smith joined Francesca Rudkin to delve into the wins, losses, and major players. They discussed the Warriors' win over the Broncos, the Super Rugby results, and the latest out of Formula 1. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 21 Apr 2025 22:44:57 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/ernie-newman-grocery-policy-expert-on-costcos-possible-expansion-to-wellington-and-christchurch/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/ernie-newman-grocery-policy-expert-on-costcos-possible-expansion-to-wellington-and-christchurch/ Costco is assessing its options for a potential expansion.  The US big box retail chain has seen a sharp rise in membership and revenue since opening in Auckland's Westgate in September 2022.  It launched home delivery to members and non-members across Auckland last week, and is working on expanding to new regions.  Grocery Policy Expert Ernie Newman told Francesca Rudkin that he’s not all that convinced this expansion will pan out.  He says Costco is successful in the North American market as people are able to access it within a relatively short drive, but New Zealand is much more fragmented.  Newman says that New Zealand supermarkets go to where the consumers are, but Costco expects the consumers to travel long distances to get to them.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 21 Apr 2025 22:34:59 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/jo-mckenna-italy-correspondent-on-the-death-of-pope-francis/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/jo-mckenna-italy-correspondent-on-the-death-of-pope-francis/ Heavily choreographed proceedings are now in motion, following the death of the Pope.  The leader of the Catholic Church has died overnight at the age of 88 following a battle with double pneumonia.  Later this week, the Pope will lie in state in St Peters Basilica for several days for the public to pay their respects.  Italy Correspondent Jo McKenna is at St Peters' Square, and told Francesca Rudkin another ritual will be held in the coming hours, inside his apartment.  Mon, 21 Apr 2025 18:17:45 Z