The Front Page

Tensions in the Middle East are ramping up at an alarming rate. Israel’s Defence Forces have said it has begun a "targeted" ground operation into southern Lebanon against “terrorist targets”. It comes after days of airstrikes within Beirut’s city limits, which started after Israel assassinated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The escalation in the war has killed civilians, destroyed homes and displaced 1 million people in Lebanon. Today on The Front Page, Waikato University international law professor, Al Gillespie joins us to discuss. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Violence towards children is one of the most concerning issues in New Zealand. It’s an issue that debates decades, back when Child, Youth and Family was responsible for our most vulnerable, before it was replaced by Oranga Tamariki. And that government agency bears the brunt of trying to look after our children, and keep them safe from harm – but recent reports have shown that not only has little changed in terms of family harm, children that do end up in care are still at risk of abuse still. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior reporter Nicholas Jones joins to discuss one recent case he’s investigated where child protection services had to apologise for getting it wrong. And to discuss a recent report by the Independent Children’s Monitor, released two and a half years after the death of Malachi Subecz, The Front Page also speaks with Arran Jones from the Independent Children’s Monitor, Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Provincial New Zealand is hurting. Alliance Group last week confirmed plans to close its Timaru meat processing plant in Smithfield, with the loss of hundreds of jobs. It comes after earlier this month that Winstone Pulp International said will close two mills near Ohakune, which will see 230 people lose their jobs. To discuss the impact facing small towns in New Zealand, and if there’s a way out from them, today on The Front Page, we are joined by Dr Sean Connelly, senior lecturer at the school of geography at the University of Otago. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Susie NordqvistSound Engineer: Dan GoodwinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public servants – or what’s left of them – have been ordered back to the office in Wellington. The Government’s call has been welcomed by central city businesses, who said that the absence of workers has impacted on their business. The decline of the city centre is one of a number of issues the capital is facing, including soaring costs from rates and struggling council finances. Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has not helped things, after a week of conflicting statements on selling her car that has caused a distraction. To discuss the state of Wellington and its council, today on The Front Page, we are joined by Newstalk ZB Wellington host, Nick Mills, and Wellington editor for The Spinoff, Joel MacManus. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Susie NordqvistSound Engineer: Dan GoodwinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police Commissioner Andrew Coster announced this week - he is ending his term early, to take up a new role as the head of the Social Investment Agency at the end of the year. Coster was the face of the previous government’s push to ‘police by consent’ and copped a huge amount of criticism from National when they were in Opposition. The race is on to replace Coster – so who will National pick, and what will that decision say about their approach to tackling law and order? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald investigative reporter Jared Savage will share his insight into Coster’s tenure, and how the Government might change tack. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Susie NordqvistSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, a brand-new outlet mall opened in Auckland... right next to the International Airport. Mānawa Bay is a new 200-million-dollar mall on the airport precinct, boasting 100 stores and eateries, including some never seen before in New Zealand. The opening weekend though was marred by large traffic delays around the airport, which caused some flights to be delayed as crews were caught up in the congestion. So why has the airport decided to build a mall right next door, and how does this factor into the rebuild of our biggest international terminal? Today on The Front Page, we are joined by New Zealand Herald deputy business editor Grant Bradley to tell us more. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Susie NordqvistSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand is a country of immigrants, with tens of thousands of people moving here each year. We’re also a country of travellers, and those new arrivals help make up for the population shortfall as Kiwis migrate overseas. Due to the stream of migrants in recent years, our population has been steadily growing, but new forecasts from one economist predicts net migration may slow to zero by 2025. So if the number of new arrivals is even with the number of long-term departures, what impact will that have on our economic growth? Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by Westpac senior economist Michael Gordon, to discuss his immigration projections, alongside NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Susie NordqvistSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After eight weeks at the High Court in Auckland, on the first day of the ninth week, the jury has found Philip Polkinghorne not guilty of the murder of his wife, Pauline Hanna. For more on how the last day of the trial, NZ Herald crime reporter Craig Kapitan details the decision. You can listen to episodes of Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial through The Front Page podcast feed, or find it on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. This series is presented and produced by, Chelsea Daniels, with producer Ethan Sills and sound engineer Paddy Fox. Additional production support by Helen King. Additional reporting by Craig Kapitan and George Block. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the last few years, our headlines have been dominated by talk of ram raids, robberies, and gang members misbehaving. Those stories have fed through to politics, with governments making a big deal about tackling gangs and cracking down on crime. But while these crimes may make for a great photo and deliver political soundbites, little is ever said about the extent of white collar crimes like fraud. NZ Herald investigative journalist Matt Nippert has been reporting on fraud and corruption for much of his career. He joins The Front Page to discuss the extent of it in New Zealand, and if our politicians should pay more attention to it. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pressure of the cost-of-living crunch has been felt by most of us for a few years now. Many of us hope that the more we earn, the less we have to worry about bills, unexpected costs and living week to week. This week though, Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau revealed she’s had to sell her car - in order to help pay her bills. So if a mayor on a salary of just under $190,000 a year is finding it tough – can you really earn enough to avoid financial pressure? Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by Katie Wesney, head strategic coach at EnableMe, to discuss how to survive the cost of living and why those on high salaries are struggling as well. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Susie NordqvistSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Week Eight has the Crown and Defence issuing their closing statements. The Crown alleges that Philip Polkinghorne killed his wife, Pauline Hanna, on April 5 2021. He maintains she took her own life. After the Crown went first, it is now the turn of the defence - led by lawyer Ron Mansfield - to deliver its closing statement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feral or roaming dogs have been causing concern in remote parts of New Zealand for years. But now things are getting so bad, trampers are being told they risk being attacked if they walk alone. It’s prompted calls for drastic action to be taken to curb the issue – but what tools do we have at our disposal to manage the problem, and how has it gotten so bad? Today on The Front Page, we are joined by NZ Herald premium content development deputy editor Hannah Brown, who has been looking into this issue. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Susie NordqvistSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Week Eight has the Crown and Defence issuing their closing statements. First is the Crown, with Crown Prosecutor Alysha McClintock delivering it to the jury. The Crown alleges that Philip Polkinghorne killed his wife, Pauline Hanna, on April 5 2021. He maintains she took her own life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s once world-leading education system is in a sorry state. Huge numbers of Kiwi kids are failing in key areas – with 4 out of 5 Year 8 students behind in maths. It’s prompted the government to fast-track plans for a new maths curriculum for intermediate students, and it’s tackling the teacher shortage by allowing those who were previously registered to be relievers. But can these solutions turn around a sector that is understaffed, under-resourced, and feeling burnt out? Today on The Front Page, we are joined by Dr Nina Hood found of the Education Hub and Clive Jones, deputy chief executive of the Teaching Council to discuss some of the issues facing a sector in crisis. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Susie NordqvistSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A replacement bridge, or a second one – or how about a tunnel instead? The ongoing debate about a new harbour crossing in Auckland has reignited, with Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown laying out his vision for a second bridge, instead of the tunnel proposed by Labour. The proposal has already proved controversial as it would require building through Meola Reef to Kauri Point. How does this plan stack up with other proposals, and why is it taking so long to get this long debated crossing off the ground? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson joins us to discuss our biggest city’s biggest transport headache. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Susie NordqvistSound Engineer: Evan Paea Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After seven weeks and over 80 witnesses, we have finished hearing evidence in the trial of Philip Polkinghorne. The former Auckland eye surgeon is accused of murdering his wife, Pauline Hanna, who was found dead on 5 April, 2021. He maintains she took her own life. In the final days of testimony, the debate over activity on Hanna’s phone continued, before the last two witnesses to take the stand offered their views on the state of her mental health, and the risk factors that could have pushed her towards suicide. You can listen to episodes of Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial through The Front Page podcast feed, or find it on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. This series is presented and produced by, Chelsea Daniels, with producer Ethan Sills and sound engineer Paddy Fox. Additional production support by Helen King. Additional reporting by Craig Kapitan and George Block. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Māori Language Week – where Kiwis are encouraged to have a go at te reo. Whereas the language was once on a pathway to extinction, now it’s flourishing as people flock to learn it. But a change in government last year saw restrictions placed on how the public service uses te reo – one of many policies that has been seen as an attack on Māori rights. Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by AUT professor Dr Ella Henry to discuss some of those policies, and how we can still celebrate Aotearoa’s indigenous language. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Susie NordqvistSound Engineer: Dan GoodwinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s estimated we spend a third of our life at work – with the average worker clocking a staggering 90,000 hours in employment over a lifetime. Covid lockdowns saw companies adapt to remote and flexible working practices, while schemes like four day weeks have gained traction globally. Some international companies though are pulling back or restricting employees from working at home, while one CEO has gone as far as to try and stop people leaving the building during work hours. So what is the best practice, and how do we adapt our workplaces for a changing world? Today on The Front Page, we are joined by AUT associate professor and organisational psychologist Dr. Rachel Morrison to discuss the changing workforce. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Susie NordqvistSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Originally due to run for six weeks, the trial of Philip Polkinghorne is now in its seventh week. The former Auckland eye surgeon is accused of murdering his wife, Pauline Hanna, who was found dead on 5 April, 2021. He maintains she took her own life. More witnesses from the defence took the stand to discuss their thoughts on how Hanna died, and the risk factors that could have pushed her to take her own life. New emails from Hanna were read to the court, and the question on if she used her phone the night before she died saw one Crown witness returned to the stand. You can listen to episodes of Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial through The Front Page podcast feed, or find it on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. This series is presented and produced by, Chelsea Daniels, with producer Ethan Sills and sound engineer Dan Goodwin. Additional production support by Helen King. Additional reporting by Craig Kapitan and George Block. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We may be two years away from our next general election, but the possibility of more tax is already being debated. Labour is starting to warm the public up to the idea of a wealth or capital gains tax being part of their 2026 manifesto - with leader Chris Hipkins saying its necessary to deal with our ageing population. The possibility of introducing either tax has been debated by the left, and rejected by the right, for years – but is it time we have that conversation? Today on The Front Page, we discuss this with tax experts Robin Oliver from Oliver Shaw and Geof Nightingale from Geof Nightingale Advisory. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Susie NordqvistSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The construction industry in New Zealand is struggling – with building companies going to the wall as the housing market falls away. It also has one of the highest rates of workplace injuries of any industry. But there’s another workplace hazard that we’re not talking about. Construction workers are six times more likely to die from suicide than from an accident at work, and last year that number climbed to 80 suspected suicides, according to one report – the highest on record. Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by New Zealand Herald property editor Anne Gibson to talk about what’s going on in the sector, and how severe the mental health issue is. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Susie NordqvistSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Robertson is the most successful coach in Super Rugby history - leading the Crusaders to seven-back-to-back titles. He is also a firm favourite with the public – and is perhaps the most popular rugby coach we've ever had. But his transition from the red and blacks to leading the All Blacks hasn't been smooth sailing. The national side has posted three losses from seven matches – their latest being against the Springboks at the weekend. So what are the issues facing his side? Is there an easy fix – or is this a sign of long-term issues for rugby in this country? Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by Newstalk ZB’s sports news director Clay Wilson to help us unpack the losses. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Susie NordqvistSound Engineer: Dan GoodwinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The struggles facing social media platform X are back in the spotlight. In amongst an advertising exodus and concerns over owner Elon Musk’s takes on the US election, Brazil's Supreme Court has upheld a ban on the app formerly known as Twitter. These are just the latest controversies to hit the platform in the two years since Musk took it over – yet the app still has millions of users, and alternatives to the platform have not taken off. Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by Vaughn Davis from Auckland advertising agency the goat farm to discuss what the future holds for X, and why some people can’t seem to just log off. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Georgina CampbellSound Engineer: Dan GoodwinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has announced a record 32.9-billion-dollar investment in New Zealand’s transport network over the next three years, through the National Land Transport Programme. The big winner is new roads, and the big loser is walking and cycling improvements. So, what does this mean for congestion and emissions in our biggest cities? And will a new National Infrastructure Pipeline prevent these roads being scuppered by future Governments? Today on The Front Page, Auckland University Senior Lecturer in urban planning Tim Welch bring us up to speed. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Georgina CampbellSound Engineer: Dan GoodwinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Week six of the trial of Philip Polkinghorne continued with the defence’s case. The former Auckland eye surgeon is accused of murdering his wife, Pauline Hanna, who was found dead on 5 April, 2021. He maintains she took her own life. Witnesses for the defence revealed a different side of Polkinghorne then what we’ve previously heard, with former colleagues and neighbours describing him as funny, generous and caring. While the case took another dive into the couple’s accounts, electricity usage the morning Hanna died, and the reappearance of a red mark on the stairs – and the defence pathologist weighed in as well. You can listen to episodes of Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial through The Front Page podcast feed, or find it on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. This series is presented and produced by, Chelsea Daniels, with producer Ethan Sills and sound engineer Dan Goodwin. Additional production support by Helen King. Additional reporting by Craig Kapitan and George Block. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, Kīngi Tūheitia the seventh Maori monarch, passed away aged 69, a little over a week after marking 18 years of his reign. His shock death has seen a week of mourning at Turangawaewae Marae, the official residence for the head of the Kingitanga movement, with politicians sharing memories while thousands gather to pay their respects. The next Māori monarch will officially be revealed this morning, just hours before the official funeral procession. Today on The Front Page, to discuss the legacy of Kīngi Tūheitia, we’re joined by Professor of political science at Charles Sturt University Dominic O’Sullivan. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Georgina CampbellSound Engineer: Dan GoodwinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several weeks ago, the Government dramatically moved to take control of Health New Zealand by appointing Professor Lester Levy as a commissioner. He has the unenviable task of finding 1.4 billion dollars in savings, while also improving services and meeting the Government’s national health targets. In the weeks that have followed, the dire state of our healthcare has become clearer, with patient wait times dragging mid-winter, back office staff facing voluntary redundancy, and new mums struggling to get post-birth toast. It begs the question, will this cost cutting inevitably be put ahead of healthcare? Today on The Front Page, I’m joined by New Zealand Herald senior health reporter Isaac Davison, to find out what the troubled state of Te Whatu Ora means for the future of healthcare in New Zealand. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Georgina CampbellSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The year’s biggest land deal has Wellington aflutter with rumours Sir Peter Jackson could be building his long-awaited movie museum. Interests associated with The Lord of the Rings director have spent $105 million buying a large piece of land near the city’s airport in Lyall Bay. So, why the secrecy? And could Jackson’s vision be finally brought to life? Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by BusinessDesk markets reporter Gregor Thompson to discuss the famous filmmaker’s latest property acquisition, and what his plans might be for Wellington. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Georgina CampbellSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winter has come to an end, and it's been a wet last few weeks. A burst of rain in August culminated in flooding in Wellington and saturated days for the rest of us. With us heading now into spring, the hope is that with longer days fast approaching, we might start to see some warmer weather again soon. For an outlook on weather in the months ahead, today on The Front Page we’re joined by NZ Herald science writer, Jamie Morton. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After nearly five weeks of witnesses, The Crown has closed its case in the trial of Philip Polkinghorne. The former Auckland eye surgeon is accused of murdering his wife, Pauline Hanna, who was found dead on 5 April, 2021. He maintains she took her own life. The Crown closed its case with more on Polkinghorne’s arrest, Police searches, and a last minute witness on cell phones. The rest of the trial is now in the hands of the Defence – and for their first witness, they called up Pauline Hanna’s own sister. You can listen to episodes of Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial through The Front Page podcast feed, or find it on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. This series is presented and produced by, Chelsea Daniels, with producer Ethan Sills and sound engineer Paddy Fox. Additional production support by Helen King. Additional reporting by Craig Kapitan and George Block. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Norman Kirk was elected Prime Minister in 1972, bringing the Labour Party back to power after 12 years of National Party rule. His two years in office were seen as radical at the time in how he sought to reshape New Zealand’s place in the world, and his legacy has endured as one of the country’s most popular Prime Ministers. However, on August 31st 1974, Kirk died after a lengthy but private illness with obesity and heart problems. Today on The Front Page, as we near that 50th anniversary since his death, we’re joined by Victoria University of Wellington professor of history, Jim McAloon, to discuss the legacy of Kirk’s life and death. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in May on The Front Page, in the wake of warnings about overuse of the power grid, we discussed what challenges faced the energy sector for the winter ahead. Over the last few weeks, those challenges have become more and more apparent, with diminishing supply sparking rising power prices across the country. It has prompted the Government to this week announce it is fast tracking a new liquified natural gas import terminal, amongst other measures. So what’s behind this latest energy crisis, and what can the Government do to stop this? Today on The Front Page, we’re joined again by the Major Electricity Users Group Chair John Harbord to analyse this latest crisis. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US election race is heating up. A month ago, after the Republican National Convention and a failed assassination attempt, it seemed like Donald Trump would be unstoppable. Instead, US President Joe Biden pulled out of the race, anointing his Vice President Kamala Harris as hir successor, and a triumphant Democratic National Convention showed a party prepared to hold onto the White House. So what is the state of the race, and their parties? Today on The Front Page, we’re joined from Detroit by CBS News campaign reporter Jake Rosen for the latest on the election to watch this year. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Week five in the trial of Philip Polkinghorne has kicked off with more on what was found on the couple’s tech, a hint that Pauline Hanna found a P pipe months before her death, and what exactly is a ‘girlfriend experience’? And two messages, drafted, on the morning of Pauline Hanna’s death, have also been revealed by the defence. You can listen to episodes of Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial through The Front Page podcast feed, or find it on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. This series is presented and produced by, Chelsea Daniels, with producer Ethan Sills and sound engineer Paddy Fox. Additional reporting by Craig Kapitan and George Block. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial intelligence. Once something you’d only find in sci-fi novels, it’s now an everyday necessity for some. A new Accentrue report for Microsoft forecasts Kiwi workers are set to save an average of 275 hours a year through generative AI adoption. Today on The Front Page, Otago University’s Centre of Artificial Intelligence and Public Policy director, James Maclaurin is with us to discuss the tech that’s on everyone’s lips. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was an outbreak of the virus – formerly known as Monkeypox – back in 2022, but a new variant that originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo has proved fatal, with dozens of deaths from thousands of cases. The new variant has also been found beyond the borders of Africa, sparking warnings by the World Health Organisation, and calls for international support to stem this outbreak. Today on The Front Page, University of Auckland associate professor and co-director of the Global Vaccine Data Network, Dr Helen Petousis-Harris, joins us to explain what you need to know about this new outbreak. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The end of the shortened fourth week in the trial of Philip Polkinghorne traverses a range of topics He’s accused of murdering his wife, Pauline Hanna, in April 2021 – but maintains, she took her own life. More on the couple’s finances, the dark sides of meth use, a sex tape, Google searches about infidelity, and a series of intimate letters between a husband and a wife were all revealed and discussed by witnesses. You can listen to episodes of Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial through The Front Page podcast feed, or find it on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.This series is presented and produced by, Chelsea Daniels, with producer Ethan Sills and sound engineer Paddy Fox. Additional reporting by Craig Kapitan and George Block. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's stepped in on Auckland apartment developer the Du Val Group, placing it in statutory management. This follows Du Val Capital Partners and related companies being placed into interim receivership by the High Court earlier this month, with a police raid on the home of company founders Kenyon and Charlotte Clarke. About 120 investors have put money into the entities. So what do these moves mean for those investors, and how unprecedented is this level of response? Today on The Front Page, Herald property editor, Anne Gibson, joins us to walk us through what happened, and who was pulling the strings at Du Val. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first stage of the 37th America’s Cup is about to begin. The world’s longest continuous sporting competition, Team New Zealand will be looking to defend their title in October – their challenger is due to be decided over the coming weeks, as the Louis Vuitton Cup gets underway in Barcelona. But in amongst all the intrigue about which team will come out on top, there’s a lot of background as to why this is all happening on the other side of the world, rather than in our backyard. NZ Herald sports reporter Christopher Reive will be heading to Barcelona for the main event, but joins us now on The Front Page to preview what’s coming up, and a recap of why it’s happening overseas. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The trial of Philip Polkinghorne has, in theory, hit the halfway mark – with Justice Graham Lang telling the jury it’s “broadly on schedule”. Polkinghorne’s accused of strangling his wife, Pauline Hanna, at the couple’s Remuera home in April 2021 – before allegedly staging the scene to look like she’d taken her own life. His defence maintains she committed suicide. Day 16 focused on Auckland Eye, Polkinghorne's workplace, and how his colleagues found a meth pipe and lighter in one of the consult rooms, and the subsequent drug testing there. Day 17 solely focused on Polkinghorne and Hanna's finances and what a forensic accountant found about the state of them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukrainian troops have strengthened positions and expanded territory in Russia's Kursk region, nearly two weeks into their incursion. Ukraine says it has seized more than 80 settlements since August 6 in the biggest invasion of Russia since World War II. Coming two and a half years into Russian’s invasion of Ukraine, why has Ukraine decided to return the favour, and what does this incursion mean on a wider scale? Today on The Front Page, University of Waikato international law professor Alexander Gillespie is with us to analyse this new twist in the long running war. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s tough out there for New Zealand’s hospitality industry. The rising cost of living in the past few years has seen everyone tightening their belts, and the skyrocketing cost of food in particular has been cutting into people’s disposable income. With overheads increasing at the same time as patrons cutting back on their spending, it’s no wonder we’ve seen a series of beloved bars and restaurants closing their doors for good. So what’s next for the industry, and how can these businesses adapt to changing times? Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by Herald deputy Lifestyle editor Johanna Thornton, and AUT Hospitality and Tourism professor David Williamson, to talk about the state of the sector, and where it needs to go from here. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whistleblowers at the Civil Aviation Authority have issued a dire warning about aviation safety in New Zealand. Staff describe a toxic culture, with the CAA’s director “asleep at the wheel”. Data obtained by the Herald has revealed over six hundred thousand dollars has been spent on legal fees related to employment issues, complaints and investigations. And it has prompted warnings that the agency’s investigative approach could mean ‘more people will die’. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior investigative reporter Michael Morrah joins us to discuss what he’s learned about the people meant to keep us safe in the skies. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions around a certain dinner at a Havelock North restaurant, more on what prescription drugs Pauline Hanna was taking – and unravelling the issues at Auckland Eye. Friends and colleagues have weighed in at the end of the third week of Philip Polkinghorne’s trial. You can listen to episodes of Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial through The Front Page podcast feed, or find it on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.This series is presented and produced by, Chelsea Daniels, with producer Ethan Sills and sound engineer Paddy Fox. Additional reporting by Craig Kapitan and George Block. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week the Reserve Bank cut the Official Cash Rate, now it's down to 5.25 percent. This is the first time it has been cut in four years – since March 2020, when the country first went into lockdown to combat the Covid pandemic. Politicians have celebrated the news, and banks have started cutting interest rates already. But in amongst all that joy – there's also a grim warning for the state of the country’s economy. Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann to explain what this news means for all of us. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has announced new restrictions for beneficiaries. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Social Development Minister Louise Upston this week announced a new traffic light system, that comes with harsher penalties for those who don’t meet their obligations to attend meetings and look for work. But what exactly do those sanctions mean, and why is National making this a priority now? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald political journalist Julia Gabel joins us to explain this new traffic light system. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warning: This episode contains disturbing material and some explicit language. How did Pauline Hanna die? That’s the question for the jury, who, for weeks will consider evidence and ultimately decide – was it murder, or suicide? It’s also a question put to two different pathologists, tasked with exploring how the 63-year-old died in her Remuera home in April 2021. Philip Polkinghorne is accused of murdering his wife – but maintains she took her own life. We also hear from a long-time friend of Pauline and about an incident that worried her and her husband, and we get the first glimpse into Philip’s work life – what were the issues at Auckland Eye we’ve heard so much about? You can listen to episodes of Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial through The Front Page podcast feed, or find it on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.This series is presented and produced by, Chelsea Daniels, with producer Ethan Sills and sound engineer Paddy Fox. Additional reporting by Craig Kapitan and George Block. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concerns have been raised on opposite ends of the planet this week on foreign interference from Iran. Donald Trump’s election campaign has claimed that Iran has hacked its internal messages, leaking election campaign documents to US media. At the same time, Austrlaia’s spy boss has claimed that Iran is one of ‘at least three of four’ countries involved in foreign interference. This may seem like an issue happening beyond our shores, but academics and officials have been warning for years that foreign interference is happening here. Today on The Front Page, University of Otago Professor of Politics Robert Patman joins us to discuss how worried New Zealand should be. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2024 Paris Olympics have come to an end – and what a fortnight it has been for the New Zealand Team. With ten golds, seven silver and three bronze, our athletes are bringing home the most Gold medals ever won in a single Olympics, and have equalled our record set in Tokyo. With the likes of Dame Lisa Carrington and Lydia Ko ensuring their place in the history books, to rising stars like Hamish Kerr, Ellesse Andrews and Finn Butcher, there were plenty of Kiwi sporting stars in action. With the games now over, and the four year journey to Los Angeles 2028 already beginning for some, we’re recapping the Olympic highs and lows today on The Front Page with Newstalk ZB sports reporter and Gold Sport commentator, Elliott Smith. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Day 10 saw the jury visit to the home of Pauline Hanna and Phllip Polkinghorne to see where Pauline had died. That was before a parade of ex-colleagues took to the stand to shed light on their relationship with Pauline, and what she told them about her concern for her marriage and her finances. Plus, an explanation as to why Pauline Hanna’s niece recorded a family conversation. You can listen to episodes of Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial through The Front Page podcast feed, or find it on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.This series is presented and produced by, Chelsea Daniels, with producer Ethan Sills and sound engineer Paddy Fox. Additional reporting by Craig Kapitan and George Block. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.