Ryan Bridge: It's not just Dunedin, it's everywhere

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Grumbling and discontent in regional New Zealand is growing louder and louder, and Wellington ought to pay attention.

The latest was in Dunedin. 35,0000 locals turned in protest, waving signs with Nicola Willis swinging atop a wrecking ball. The wrecking ball was Luxon's head.

The reason the government should heed and listen is because of the size of the protest. 35,000 is huge - and it wasn't just your usual mob of rent-a-crowds and serial protesters.

Dunedin normally votes red so do you bother listening if you're the government?

Problem here is it's not just Dunedin, It's everywhere.

Give me a region and I'll give you a grievance.

Central North Island: Plant closures.

Marlborough: Ferry cancellations.

Tararua: the Manawatu Gorge.

West Coast: uprising over health cuts

Now I think the government will compromise on Dunedin, but for most of the rest of regions waving placards and marching the message will be simple - Blame Labour. They spent with gay abandon during and after covid. Inflation ran rampant and now we're having to come in and clean it up.

That's also why we need to toll roads to get these things finished, that's why we need downsize new hospitals, why we have to cut this bridge or that school or this funding.

The question for the government is, are these people going to turn around and vote Labour in anger?

The answer is probably not. People understand why we're in this mess and most are just trying to sway the current government, not change it completely.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.