The Danish Prime Minister has called a snap election, hailing it a decisive next four years for her country.

Mette Frederiksen says the election will be held on March 24 instead of the original end of October date.

It comes after months of politics dominated by Donald Trump's threats to annex Greenland – the semi-autonomous Danish territory.

UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge before that, polls had been unfavourable towards her.

He says her handling of Trump gave her a popularity boost, which she may be capitalising on.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Excitement in Christchurch as the city gears up for one of the biggest weekends of the year.

Electric Avenue is officially the biggest festival in Australasia, with 90 thousand attendees over the two days.

Kiwi band Split Enz is headlining, joined by Australian DJ Dom Dolla.

Last year's festival brought in $10.5 million in visitor spend – the largest local event since the 1974 Commonwealth Games.

Christchurch NZ Visitor Economy Manager Anne Newman told Ryan Bridge 23 thousand people are visiting the city for the festival.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Taupō Mayor says he'd be surprised if Air New Zealand cut its popular regional route.

Some regional flights could be on the chopping block after the airline posted a $40 million half-year loss.

It's pointed to ongoing fleet constraints, a slower recovery in domestic demand, and persistently high aviation system inflation.

Mayor John Funnell told Ryan Bridge he understands costs are rising, but the Taupō to Auckland flights are close to full every time.

He says they have a good relationship with Air New Zealand and isn't expecting any changes.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A victims advocate is attributing a switch up of crime figures to changes in policing and sentencing.

Data from the latest Crime and Victims Survey shows there were 49 thousand fewer victims of violent crime in the year to last October, compared to the two previous years.

The Government says there's no doubt the gang patch ban has played a part.

Chief Victims Advisor Ruth Money told Ryan Bridge many victims think it is because of a bolstered police presence.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank's proposal enforcing the set up of more branches and ATMs has left one expert stunned.

It's asking for public feedback on requiring banks to provide accessible cash services countrywide, free of charge.

It includes ensuring those in urban areas can reach a service by walking.

But Massey University Banking Professor Claire Matthews says the need isn't high enough to warrant banks spending money on this plan, which she says has come out of left field.

She told Ryan Bridge that while the disaster argument does carry water, this doesn’t seem to be the right solution, as it’s not clear cash has been lacking in most of the one’s we’ve had.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The last piece of the puzzle for overnight air traffic control, with the Government opening up a new 24/7 alternative runway for commercial airlines.

Funding's been approved for the round-the-clock service at Ōhakea Air Force base, near Palmerston North.

Under aviation laws, commercial flights must nominate an alternative runway in case a plane can't land at its destination.

Board of Airline Representatives Executive Director Cath O'Brien told Ryan Bridge this is important as long-haul aircraft often start running low on fuel.

She says it's key to have an airport where airlines can divert to if they need, and then get on their way once they refuel.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, Dairy NZ have unveiled their state of the dairy nation report, Federated Farmers Dairy Chair Karl Dean shares his thoughts.

The Government says the control tower at Ohakea air base will soon operate 24/7, making it the country’s official back-up airport, Board of Airline Representatives of New Zealand Executive Director Cath O'Brien tells Ryan Bridge how big of a difference this will make for airlines.

The Reserve Bank is asking the public for feedback on a proposal that banks must provide a minimum level of cash services, Professor at Massey University Business School Claire Matthews, shares her thoughts.

Plus US Correspondent Katie Fisher has the latest on the reaction to Trump's State of the nation speech.

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.