This article was first published in October 2023.
AM host Ryan Bridge has revealed a previously unseen exchange with Chris Hipkins, during which he roasted the Labour leader in the ad break before an interview.
Bridge, during Tuesday's show, revealed a clip from about a fortnight before the election. The clip showed Bridge asking Hipkins to count to 10 for a pre-interview sound check.
After Hipkins completed the sound check, a humoured Bridge chimed in by telling the Labour leader: "We're nearly at your polling result... just kidding."
"Oh, that was a bit mean," Hipkins responded.
Bridge, giggling, went on to say, "Sorry, that was a bit low... I'm getting it out of my system now".
"That was a very low blow," said the Labour leader, also laughing and taking the comments in good humour.
Watching the moment back, Bridge said he had "quite a good relationship" with Hipkins during the ad break.
"A lot of people ask, when you're out and about... 'Do you guys talk during the ad breaks?'
"This is just one example... this was a couple of weeks before the election and we were just having a casual chat during the ad break."
Watch the full video for more.
