Allowing less pure fuel into the country could shore up supply.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has asked fuel importers what specifications could be relaxed to make it easier for them to get more in.

Waitomo Group Chief Executive Simon Parham says there could be a relaxing of the rules to allow more sulphur content in our diesel.

He told Ryan Bridge that we only allow fuel with less than 10 parts per million sulphur content.

Parham says the US allows 15 parts per million and Australia has relaxed to 50 parts per million.

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A three-decade surge in how much unhealthy food we eat.

New research from Auckland University, published in the Globalisation and Health journal, shows New Zealand's imports of ultra-processed food increased from 16 kilograms in 1990, to 104 in 2023.

Past studies show about 70% of packaged food in our supermarkets is ultra-processed.

Nutritionist Nikki Hart told Ryan Bridge it's often disguised.

She says it's canned food, crackers, and biscuits that are presented with a health claim.

Kids are also feeding into unhealthy food branding, Hart saying products are designed to catch their attention.

She says there's a lot of money and time going into it, as our rates of child obesity rise.

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New Zealand's economy is heading into the current Middle East crisis noticeably weaker than expected.

GDP's risen just 0.2 percent in the December quarter - well below many forecasts.

It's also risen just 0.2 percent across the whole of last year, after growth in the September quarter was revised down.

ANZ Senior Economist Matt Gault tells Ryan how the Reserve Bank will react to this news.

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 20th of March 2025, the government's acknowledged a "big shift" in the government's messaging around the war in the Middle East, Waitomo Group CEO Simon Parham, tells Ryan what oil company's are doing to assist with the oil shock.

A New study highlights just how unhealthy our eating has gotten, Nutritionist Nikki Hart shares her thoughts on why we're importing so much processed foods.

ANZ Senior Economist Matt Gault tells Ryan what the disappointing GDP result means for the state of our economy.

Plus, UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on prices of gas and oil rising sharply due to strikes on Iran's South Pars field and the King's opened the world's longest coastal footpath which stretches around the entire coast of England.

Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Is Joe Kent this week’s voice of reason?

Is he the guy speaking truth in the fog of war?

He spoke to Tucker Carlson, and the podcast is worth a listen.

He’s a MAGA guy. He was a Trump guy. But this week he turned his back in his President.

He quit his job as America’s top counter-terrorism official.

He was a soldier. He served in Iraq. His wife was killed in a suicide bombing in Syria.

He’s no snowflake. He just doesn’t want the US getting bogged down in wars it can’t win.

It’s one thing to bomb the hell out of a country. But when the dust settles, the troops go home, the victory banners are unfurled, then what?

In Iraq, a power vacuum and ISIS.

So, in calling this out, in quitting, is Joe Kent a hero or a traitor?

The FBI’s now investigating him, but that’s not unusual. Look at Jerome Powell (Fed Chair) John Bolton… right down to Jimmy Kimmel… who was investigated by the US TV regulator after criticising Trump.

Only time will tell whether there was a pressing need for starting this war we’re all paying for.

But history tells us it won’t end just because a US President says so.

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Changes to refugee law could put asylum seekers at risk.

Under proposed Government reforms, immigration officials would be able to consider crimes committed by refugee applicants.

The changes also introduce stricter rules, including mandatory biometrics appointments.

NZ Association of Migration and Investment Chair Simon Laurent told Ryan Bridge the new rules could have serious consequences for asylum seekers.

He says if they don't show up for the appointment, it appears their claim will be thrown out.

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An aviation expert believes the chances of a Westport to Wellington route returning in the future are slim.

Westport is on the brink of losing its only direct air link to the capital, with flights set to be axed by May unless financial support is secured.

Regional carrier Originair stepped in to maintain the route after Sounds Air withdrew from the service in 2024.

Aviation Industry commentator Irene King told Ryan Bridge people just aren't using the route much during the week.

She says it might be sustainable for sort of unscheduled casual operations but will be very difficult to get someone in there for scheduled flights.

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On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 19th of March 2025, Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold shares his forecast for GDP data out today.

Westport’s losing its only air service, Aviation commentator Irene King shares her thoughts.

The Government's cracking down on criminal migrants and refugees, Immigration lawyer and Chairman of the New Zealand Association of Migration and Investment, Simon Laurent shares his thoughts.

Plus, US Correspondent Jagruti Dave has the latest on the Senate hearing on worldwide threats and the confirmation hearing of Markwayne Mullin, Trump's pick to replace Kristi Noem.

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