/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/rss 九一星空无限 Sat, 19 Apr 2025 08:50:35 Z en /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/chris-abercrombie-ppta-president-on-the-number-of-schools-over-capacity/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/chris-abercrombie-ppta-president-on-the-number-of-schools-over-capacity/ The education sector's hopeful further investment into school classrooms is on the way.  New data shows 368 state schools had more students enrolled than their official classroom capacity last year – almost 1500 are at capacity.  Education Minister Erica Stanford announced $100 million for school property, with new schools and classrooms in Auckland.  PPTA President Chris Abercrombie told Ryan Bridge it's got to be supercharged, so more schools can get re-locatable classrooms when they need them.  He says schools are trying to find interesting solutions to the problem – he's heard of one using a Masonic Lodge over the road to help.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 16 Apr 2025 21:53:55 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nick-tuffley-asb-chief-economist-ahead-of-the-new-inflation-data/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/nick-tuffley-asb-chief-economist-ahead-of-the-new-inflation-data/ Our economy could take a knock, with volatility in the global trade environment.   Infometrics has revised its GDP forecast for next year from 2.6% to 1.0% per annum, in anticipation of reduced exports stemming from Donald Trump's tariff policy.  The annual inflation rate is expected to have risen from 2.2% to about 2.4%.  ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Ryan Bridge they’re not too worried about a slight increase in inflation, as the domestic part of inflation should fall substantially this quarter.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 16 Apr 2025 21:37:44 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/rob-campbell-former-health-new-zealand-chair-on-new-health-infrastructure-plan/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/rob-campbell-former-health-new-zealand-chair-on-new-health-infrastructure-plan/ A former New Zealand health boss says the Government's new list of health infrastructure priorities adds nothing new. The plan to pump $20 million into infrastructure includes general maintenance and specific projects across the country.  Former Health New Zealand Chair Rob Campbell says there's no meaningful detail in the plan. He says the Ministry of Health is good at producing lists, but not so good at producing outcomes. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 16 Apr 2025 18:26:49 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/manish-thakkar-dairy-and-business-owners-group-chairperson-says-theyre-seeing-less-violent-crime/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/manish-thakkar-dairy-and-business-owners-group-chairperson-says-theyre-seeing-less-violent-crime/ Dairy owners say they're seeing the Government's tough on crime approach make practical impacts.   The Government's claiming it's already exceeded its goal of 20 thousand fewer victims of violent crime, well before its 2029 deadline.   It admits the data is volatile and subject to change.   Dairy and Business Owners Group Chairperson Manish Thakkar told Ryan Bridge he's seeing less violent crime in its stores.   He says there's still work to do, but thanks the Government for its work so far.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 15 Apr 2025 22:54:00 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/john-murphy-vegetables-nz-chair-says-fresh-produce-prices-could-well-begin-to-rise/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/john-murphy-vegetables-nz-chair-says-fresh-produce-prices-could-well-begin-to-rise/ Prepare for more price rises.  Data due out tomorrow is expected to show the inflation rate has risen again, from 2.2% to about 2.4%.  One contributing factor is food price inflation, which is now back up at 3.5%.  Vegetables New Zealand Chair John Murphy told Ryan Bridge that while fresh produce prices have fallen in the past 12 months, that trend isn't likely to continue.  He doesn't see them coming down any further, and they could well go up.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 15 Apr 2025 22:36:14 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/sherelle-kennelly-chief-executive-of-the-customs-brokers-and-freight-forwarders-federation-on-new-remote-controlled-vessels-to-help-combat-drug-smuggling-around-our-coastline/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/sherelle-kennelly-chief-executive-of-the-customs-brokers-and-freight-forwarders-federation-on-new-remote-controlled-vessels-to-help-combat-drug-smuggling-around-our-coastline/ Customs now has two remote controlled vessels to help combat drug smuggling around our coastline.  Tahi and Rua were launched yesterday and can be at sea for up to 100 days using renewable energy.  A recent Government report shows Customs seized 55 kilograms worth of methamphetamine in 2015 - now 90 kilos gets stopped every week.  Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation Chief Executive Sherelle Kennelly told Ryan Bridge the boats are an important addition.  She says it's a sustainable technology to try to stop these illicit drugs entering the border.  LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 15 Apr 2025 18:24:59 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-16-april-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-16-april-2025/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 16th of April 2025, The Government's patting itself on the back for hitting its violent crime reduction target four years early, Dairy and Business Owners Group Chairperson Manish Thakkar shares his thoughts on the numbers.  Food prices have increased 3.5% on last year, Chair of Vegetables NZ, John Murphy shares his thoughts.  New submarines have been launched to intercept class-a drugs before they get into the country, Sherelle Kennelly from Customs Brokers and Freight Fowarders Federation of NZ tells Ryan Bridge how the operation will work.  Plus, Gavin Grey from the UK has the latest on British Steel's blast furnaces set to continue running after the UK government secured delivery of key raw materials. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Tue, 15 Apr 2025 18:08:16 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mace-ward-auckland-council-group-recovery-manager-on-the-purchase-of-flood-affected-homes/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mace-ward-auckland-council-group-recovery-manager-on-the-purchase-of-flood-affected-homes/ Auckland Council's set to put $352 million into purchasing homes in high-risk flood zones.   More than 1200 properties will be bought by the end of the year, and a large amount of the land will be retained for flood resilience.  Auckland Council Group Recovery Manager Mace Ward told Ryan Bridge it's a significant investment in future resilience for Auckland.  He says over $1.2 billion will be put in between Crown and Council funding.  Ward says there’s an opportunity for development, and around 30% of the properties could be redeveloped for residential use.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 14 Apr 2025 21:43:08 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/kyle-brewerton-auckland-primary-principles-association-on-the-proposed-new-sex-education-curriculum/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/kyle-brewerton-auckland-primary-principles-association-on-the-proposed-new-sex-education-curriculum/ There's uncertainty over whether a newly proposed sex education curriculum has assigned topics across the appropriate age and stage.  The Government's new curriculum will see children learning about puberty in Year 5 and menstruation in Year 6.  High school students will also learn about sexual violence and STIs.  Auckland Primary Principals' Association President Kyle Brewerton told Ryan Bridge it's important for primary students to learn about puberty.  He believes it would be more beneficial talking about menstrual cycles in the younger years and include the boys too.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 14 Apr 2025 21:34:25 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/grant-webster-tourism-holdings-chief-executive-on-the-government-investing-135-million-dollars-into-tourism-new-zealand/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/grant-webster-tourism-holdings-chief-executive-on-the-government-investing-135-million-dollars-into-tourism-new-zealand/ Thumbs up for the Government's tourism campaign.  It's putting 13.5 million dollars into Tourism New Zealand, targeting markets like China, Australia, the US, India, Germany and South Korea.   Arrivals in February were down this year overall.  Tourism Holdings Chief Executive Grant Webster told Ryan Bridge it's the right time to invest.   Webster says Kiwis often think people just come here, but New Zealand's less than 1-percent of the world's tourism meaning we have to compete.  Mon, 14 Apr 2025 18:32:55 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-15-april-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-15-april-2025/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, The Government has put new sex education guidelines out for consultation, Auckland Primary Principals' Association President Kyle Brewerton shares his thoughts.  Auckland Council's voted on the future of land destroyed by floods, Auckland Council Group Manager for the Tamaki Makaurau recovery office tells Ryan Bridge about the plan they've come up with. The Government's coughing up $13.5 million for a new global marketing campaign to attract tourists to New Zealand, Tourism Holdings Chief Executive Grant Webster shares his thoughts.  Plus, Donna Demaio from Australia has Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's reaction to the Opposition’s diss rap track that criticises Labor.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Mon, 14 Apr 2025 18:08:25 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/dylan-thomsen-aa-road-safety-spokesperson-on-the-governments-proposed-changes-to-driver-licensing/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/dylan-thomsen-aa-road-safety-spokesperson-on-the-governments-proposed-changes-to-driver-licensing/ The Government wants to change our drivers licensing system, but AA believes more improvements are needed to have a greater impact on the youth road toll.  Among the changes are removing the full licence test, more consequences for drivers who commit traffic offences while on their learner or restricted licence, and a zero-alcohol limit for everyone until they reach a full licence.    AA Road Safety Spokesperson Dylan Thomsen joins the show to discuss the proposal.  LISTEN ABOVE.  Sun, 13 Apr 2025 19:24:54 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gavin-grey-uk-correspondent-on-russian-sensor-allegations-and-scotlands-ferry-fiasco/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gavin-grey-uk-correspondent-on-russian-sensor-allegations-and-scotlands-ferry-fiasco/ Russia's ambassador to the UK isn't denying allegations that Russian sensors have been hidden around Great Britain in an attempt to track UK nuclear submarines.  Andrei Kelin said that while he did not deny Russia was attempting to track British submarines, he rejected the idea that such activities presented a threat to the UK. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey joins the show to discuss the allegations, and Scotland's ferry fiasco.  LISTEN ABOVE.  Sun, 13 Apr 2025 19:16:57 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/andrew-alderson-sports-reporter-on-the-golf-masters-v8s-liam-lawson-bahrain-grand-prix-race/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/andrew-alderson-sports-reporter-on-the-golf-masters-v8s-liam-lawson-bahrain-grand-prix-race/ It's been another bad day in the office for Liam Lawson who finished 13th in Formula One's Bahrain Grand Prix.  Two separate incidents with Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg saw Lawson slapped with 15 seconds worth of time penalties.  Sports Reporter Andrew Alderson joins the show to discuss the Kiwis race, the Golf Masters live, and V8s over the weekend.  LISTEN ABOVE.  Sun, 13 Apr 2025 19:10:39 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-14-april-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-14-april-2025/ On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast 2025 Monday 14th of April 2025, The Government wants to change up our drivers licensing system, AA Road Safety Spokesperson Dylan Thomsen shares his thoughts.  The documentary following the trial of Phillip Polkinghorne was released last night, the projects producer Polly Fryer tells Andrew Dickens about the process behind it.  Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport.  Plus, UK/ Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on Russia's ambassador to the UK refusing to deny allegations that Russian sensors have been hiding in seas around Great Britain in an attempt to track UK nuclear submarines.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Sun, 13 Apr 2025 18:28:21 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/polly-fryer-producer-of-new-polkinghorne-documentary-on-the-work-behind-the-project/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/polly-fryer-producer-of-new-polkinghorne-documentary-on-the-work-behind-the-project/ The producer of the newly released Polkinghorne documentary is denying claims from its namesake, the TV show is tabloid clickbait.  The three episodes explore the eight-week trial which saw Auckland eye doctor Phillip Polkinghorne found not guilty for the death of his wife Pauline Hanna.  Producer Polly Fryer told Andrew Dickens it's played no part in the judicial process and doesn't shy away from his lifestyle choices.  Fryer says portraying a side of life not often seen doesn't make it clickbait, and Philip himself has said he's not on trial for morality issues.   Sun, 13 Apr 2025 18:15:59 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/david-trewavas-taup%C5%8D-mayor-ahead-of-this-years-taup%C5%8D-super-440/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/david-trewavas-taup%C5%8D-mayor-ahead-of-this-years-taup%C5%8D-super-440/ Taupō's hoping for a local economy rev up with the Supercars in town this weekend.  It's the second year hosting the Taupō Super 440 – with 60-thousand people expected in town from around the country and Australia.  Mayor David Trewavas told Andrew Dickens measurements done after last year's event showed a minimum of $20 million was pumped through the town.  He's hoping to replicate that economic success.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 10 Apr 2025 23:06:23 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/sean-lyons-netsafe-chief-online-officer-on-the-survey-revealing-a-desire-for-a-safer-internet/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/sean-lyons-netsafe-chief-online-officer-on-the-survey-revealing-a-desire-for-a-safer-internet/ New Zealand children have had their say on what they want from a safer internet.  A Save the Children and Netsafe survey of a thousand young people aged six to eighteen finds more than half feel safe online.  Around three quarters believe greater control over ads, and stronger protections from harmful content are needed.  Netsafe Chief Online Officer Sean Lyons told Andrew Dickens it needs to be a joint effort.  He says it's the responsibility of parents to keep an eye and provide support, but it's also on regulation and the platforms.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 10 Apr 2025 23:03:52 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/chris-finlayson-former-treaty-negotiations-minister-on-the-treaty-principles-bill-being-shut-down/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/chris-finlayson-former-treaty-negotiations-minister-on-the-treaty-principles-bill-being-shut-down/ A Former Treaty Negotiations Minister believes taking the Treaty Principals Bill to a referendum is a prescription for disaster.  Parliament has voted down the contentious bill spearheaded by David Seymour - only Act voting in favour.  Seymour says the party will take another strategy to pursue its agenda.   Former Minister Chris Finlayson told Andrew Dickens Act's principals could go into a Constitution Act or something similar.  Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:34:32 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-11-april-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-11-april-2025/ On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Friday 11th April 2025, The Treaty Principles Bill is dead in the water, Former National Minister for treaty negotiations Chris Finlayson shares what happens from here.  New data shows only one in three Kiwi parents have rules around their children's use of social media, Netsafe Chief Online Safety Officer Sean Lyons shares his concerns with Andrew Dickens.  It's Supercars weekend in Taupo, Mayor David Trewavas tells Andrew what we can expect from the weekend.  Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on EU reaction to Donald Trump's back-down on tariffs.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE   Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:08:23 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/brad-olsen-infometrics-principle-economist-on-the-reserve-bank-cutting-the-ocr-response-to-tariffs/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/brad-olsen-infometrics-principle-economist-on-the-reserve-bank-cutting-the-ocr-response-to-tariffs/ The Reserve Bank's keeping a watchful eye on global trade developments.  It's lowered the Official Cash Rate by 25-basis points to 3.5%, with another cut expected next month.  But it's still waiting to see how trade barriers affect inflation before deciding what to do after that.  Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Andrew Dickens the central bank is right to take a wait-and-see approach.  He says what's become very clear over the past couple of days, and again this morning, is how everything can change in an instant.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 09 Apr 2025 22:46:07 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/phillip-duncan-weatherwatch-head-analyst-on-the-merger-between-niwa-and-metservice/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/phillip-duncan-weatherwatch-head-analyst-on-the-merger-between-niwa-and-metservice/ A weather forecaster's hoping there can be clearer skies for our Government weather agencies with a merger on the way.  Legislation's coming to merge NIWA and MetService before the end of the year.  The Government says it'll deliver a more efficient agency, combining operations and streamlining back-office functions.  WeatherWatch's Phillip Duncan told Andrew Dickens he wants MetService's clear communication skills to be central to the new agency.  He says it's compared to NIWA, which frequently uses extreme words that often don't come true.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 09 Apr 2025 22:33:30 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mark-patterson-associate-minister-of-agriculture-on-new-government-directive-supporting-the-wool-industry/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/mark-patterson-associate-minister-of-agriculture-on-new-government-directive-supporting-the-wool-industry/ The wool industry believes New Zealand will enjoy the benefits of the Government's new building directive. From July, all new Crown agency builds costing more than nine-million-dollars, and refurbishments topping 100-thousand, must use New Zealand wool where possible. It follows Kainga Ora reversing its price-based decision to not use more-expensive wool products in January. Associate Minister of Agriculture, Mark Patterson told Andrew Dickens it does change the price, but you're getting a better-quality product.  Wed, 09 Apr 2025 18:24:55 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-10-april-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-10-april-2025/ On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Thursday 10th April 2025, The Reserve Bank cut the OCR by 25 basis points, Infometrics Principal Economist shares whether or not it was the right move.  Legislation to merge Niwa and MetService, will be introduced later this year, Weather Watch Head Analyst Philip Duncan tells Andrew Dickens about the difference it will make.  The Government's directing agencies to use wool where appropriate, but will it come at a cost? Associate Minister of Agriculture Mark Patterson shares the details.  Plus, US Correspondent Mitch McCann shares the latest on the markets and tariff turmoil.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.       LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 09 Apr 2025 18:08:18 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/casey-costello-associate-police-minister-on-the-report-into-organised-crime-in-new-zealand/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/casey-costello-associate-police-minister-on-the-report-into-organised-crime-in-new-zealand/ New Zealand faces significant obstacles to take down organised crime groups.  A ministerial advisory group's first report reveals a sobering reality the country is losing the fight, and claims bold changes are needed.  It says a significant spike in methamphetamine use last year was dire.  Associate Police Minister Casey Costello told Andrew Dickens a series of reports will provide practical advice over the next six months.  She says there will be specific actions released each month - including how agencies could work more closely together and breaking down barriers about information sharing.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 08 Apr 2025 22:55:04 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gavin-grey-uk-correspondent-on-prince-harry-challenging-a-court-decision-over-security-arrangements/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/gavin-grey-uk-correspondent-on-prince-harry-challenging-a-court-decision-over-security-arrangements/ Prince Harry has returned to the UK to challenge a court decision over his security arrangements in his home country.  The Duke of Sussex has appeared at the High Court in London, appealing last year's ruling the Home Office fairly gave him different levels of taxpayer-funded protection.   The 40-year-old's legal team has questioned the way the decision, taken in early-2020 after Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior working royals, was made.   UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Andrew Dickens the Duke didn't give evidence, and the hearing's outcome will be revealed at a later date.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 08 Apr 2025 22:46:15 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/lesley-yeomans-australian-correspondent-on-the-outcome-of-the-first-debate-of-the-australian-election/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/lesley-yeomans-australian-correspondent-on-the-outcome-of-the-first-debate-of-the-australian-election/ Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appears to have got the better of opposition leader Peter Dutton in their first election debate.   Sky 九一星空无限 declared the incumbent Albanese as the winner after asking 100 undecided voters their thoughts.   Australian Correspondent Lesley Yeomans told Andrew Dickens two key issues emerged last night.   She says the cost of living and energy policy were two of the biggest topics.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 08 Apr 2025 22:37:19 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/john-carran-jarden-economist-and-investment-strategist-on-todays-ocr-decision/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/john-carran-jarden-economist-and-investment-strategist-on-todays-ocr-decision/ Economists are seemingly aligned on where they think today's Official Cash Rate figure will land.  The Reserve Bank's expected to cut the OCR by 25 basis points, down from 3.75 percent.  It's the first rate decision since Governor Adrian Orr's resignation.   Jarden Economist and Investment Strategist, John Carran told Andrew Dickens there's been a lot of uncertainty in markets from US President Donald Trump's tariffs.  He believes it's too early for the bank to panic and cut the OCR any further.  Tue, 08 Apr 2025 18:23:24 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-09-april-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-09-april-2025/ On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Wednesday 9th of April 2025, Associate Police Minister Casey Costello joins Andrew Dickens to talk on a report which found a substantial increase in organised crime over the past 5 years. Australia Correspondent Lesley Yeomans shares the reaction from the Australian public on the first debate between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his election rival Peter Dutton.  Plus, It's OCR day... John Carran, Investment Strategist and Economist at Jarden takes his pick on how the Reserve Bank will move.  And UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey shares the latest on the Duke of Sussex is in court again in London to appeal a decision to downgrade the level of security he receives in the UK. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 08 Apr 2025 18:08:19 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/hayden-ricketts-retired-lieutenant-colonel-on-the-governments-new-12-billion-defence-spending-plan/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/hayden-ricketts-retired-lieutenant-colonel-on-the-governments-new-12-billion-defence-spending-plan/ A retired lieutenant can't see how a boost in defence funding will fill missing skills and trades.  New Zealand's injecting $12 billion into defence over four years – $9 billion of which is new spending.   It includes enhancing our strike capabilities, replacing the Boeing 757 fleet, and upgrading our javelin anti-tank missiles.  Retired Lieutenant Colonel Hayden Ricketts told Andrew Dickens the navy, army, and air force already have more vehicles than they can staff.  He says a commitment to spend more money on gear is great but without more personnel, the plan will fall apart.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 07 Apr 2025 22:24:21 Z