The Front Page

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.

A new report has suggested that the country’s biggest city is going backwards. The second annual State of the City report, which compares Auckland’s progress against nine major cities around the globe, has shown that things are on the backwards trend. While outside factors like the Anniversary weekend floods, inflation and post-Covid recovery contributed to the worse than expected outcomes, the report highlights a number of longer-term problem areas that the city needs to address. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson joins us to analyse the state of Auckland, and how the city can improve. 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.

Pauline Hanna’s voice echoed throughout the courtroom on Day 9 of the trial of her husband, Philip Polkinghorne, who is accused of murdering her. It came in the form of a covert recording of a family dinner – providing Hanna a chance to explain their relationship in her own words to the jury, who’ll decide whether she died of foul play, or, whether she took her own life. That was before a bombshell was dropped by the defence, as they revealed new information about the state of her mental health in the decades before her death. 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 2024 Olympics has seen plenty of sporting highs as well as heartbreak for competitors around the world. But no competition has sparked more debate and controversy than the woman’s boxing. The inclusion of Algeria’s Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting has sparked a firestorm, after they were both banned from International Boxing Association competitions last year, citing negative gender tests. The issue has blown up during the Olympics after Italy’s Angela Carini called off her match against Khelif after only a few seconds, prompting outrage from a diverse list of politicians and celebrities, including Donald Trump, JK Rowling, Elon Musk, Logan Paul, and our own Winston Peters and Israel Adesanya. But as new information has shone light on the complexities of the case, it’s once again ignited a debate around women in sport. With both boxers now guaranteed medals at the Olympics, today on The Front Page, we’re joined by University of Waikato professor of sociology in sport and gender, Holly Thorpe, to discuss the facts behind the outrage. 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 court has gotten its first glimpse of evidence from those closest to Philip Polkinghorne and Paulina Hanna – and some insight into his infidelity. And we have heard directly from Polkinghorne, with the court hearing his interview with Police for the first time. The former Auckland eye surgeon is accused of murdering his DHB boss wife in April 2021 - but he says, she took her own life. Day 7 heard from a friend of the couple who owned the bach next to them, before the court heard from a power expert to analyse Polkinghorne's version of events from the morning Hanna died. On Day 8, more people who had come into contact with the couple, including a personal trainer due to see Hanna the morning she died. Police also detailed a raid on a chalet where Polkinghorne was staying with a sex worker in the weeks after his wife's death, before his Police interview was played. For the transcripts from Polkinghorne's interview, go here:https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/crime/philip-polkinghorne-murder-trial-jurors-hear-defendant-in-his-own-words-as-police-interview-played/U7YXHIMVBRBO3NDL2BJRGO5NZI/ 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fears of a war in the Middle East are growing – after a senior Hamas leader was killed in Tehran last week. It’s prompted Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters to urge New Zealanders in Lebanon and Iran to leave now while options remain available. Those in Israel are also being asked to consider ‘whether they need to remain in the country’. It comes as the war between Israel and Hamas nears the 10 month mark, with no sign of abating, despite multiple efforts from the US and Middle Eastern leaders to try and bring peace to the region. To discuss the ongoing threat of war, today on The Front Page we’re joined by University of Otago professor Dr Leon Goldsmith. 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.

On January 29, 2019, 3-year-old Gore toddler Lachie Jones was found dead in an oxidation pond, a little over a kilometre away from his mother’s home. Two police investigations concluded Lachie drowned, but his father, Paul Jones, does not accept these findings, and believes he was murdered. Ahead of the second phase of a coronial inquest into Lachie’s death, his mother, Michelle Officer, has spoken for the first time to the Herald’s Ben Tomsett about her side of the story. Today on The Front Page, Ben Tomsett joins us to digest that interview, and how this case has evolved. 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.

As the trial begins its second week, Day 6 began with a cross-examination of ESR forensic scientist, Fiona Matheson, and later the court heard from ESR forensic scientist Nicholas Curno, to discuss DNA evidence. Last week, the jury heard how police and forensic scientists spent 11 days at the scene. We already know the Crown isn’t relying too much on forensics done at the scene – but, it’s important for ESR to walk the jury through what they didn’t find, just as much as what they may have. 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does it seem like people are a bit sicker than usual this winter? It’s been the talk of offices around the country, as people seem to be falling sick and staying sick for longer than usual. And it’s not just Covid that is continuing to claim lives, with the Herald reporting on two cases in the last month of people dying suddenly after developing flu symptoms. So how bad are the bugs and diseases going around Aotearoa this winter, and what do we need to know to be vigilant about our health? Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by Dr Lucy Telfar-Barnard, an epidemiologist with the University of Otago’s Department of Public Health, and Dr Bryan Betty, chair of General Practice 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 first week of the trial of Philip Polkinghorne has come to an end. While we’re in the early stages of evidence, the topics that will be covered in the case have been made clear. Infidelity, threesomes, sex workers, a meth habit, financial concerns, depression, stress, and a Covid vaccine rollout: All this will be traversed over the next six weeks to answer the ultimate question of murder or suicide? Day 4 focused on the rope found at the scene and analysis of it from a Canadian expert, before the state of the guest room and laundry in the couple's home was explored. Day 5 had a focus on some of the last photos seen of Hanna from the day before her death. 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Party will be gathering for its Annual General Meeting this weekend. It comes as the party recently marked eight months in power, and as key campaign promises of tax cuts and youth boot camps take effect, giving them plenty to celebrate. But it’s not been an easy ride for the biggest party in Parliament, caught in the middle of a coalition it would rather not be in, and facing continued pushback over its handling of Māori relations and the environment. Today on The Front Page, we discuss how National is handling these highs and lows with NZ Herald political editor, Claire Trevett. 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.

Police have found remains in the search for missing Christchurch real estate agent Yanfei Bao. It comes just a few weeks after the one year anniversary of her disappearance. A process has been underway to formally identify the remains, but Police believe they’ve finally solved this part of a case that’s shocked the country. For more details and how police got here, we’re joined on The Front Page by Newstalk ZB Christchurch reporter, Emily Ansell. 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.

Day three of the trial of Philip Polkinghorne centred around a bright orange rope hanging from a balustrade, and a detailed walk-through of the scene examination of the couple’s Remuera home. The former Auckland eye surgeon maintains his wife took her own life on the morning of April 5, 2021 - an Easter Monday. But, the Crown claims he staged the scene to look like 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government’s long-awaited tax cuts are finally coming into effect from today. National campaigned strongly on the cuts, and on Budget Day announced a $14 billion tax package for the next four years. The average Kiwi should soon receive an extra $40 a fortnight to spend how they wish, with more benefits coming for parents, but the lowest income earners are only set to gain $9. So, is this tax package fair for all – and will it provide the cost of living relief the Government promised? Today on The Front Page, we’ll get the political rundown from New Zealand Herald deputy political editor, and On the Tiles podcast co-host, Thomas Coughlan, and then get insight on how to best use your tax cut from Auckland Central Budgeting’s Teresa White. 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.

Warning: This podcast contains disturbing content.The second day of the trial focused on those who first attended the scene where Pauline Hanna's body was found.Was Philip Polkinghorne reasonably calm on the morning of his wife’s death or just composed and trying to help?Was the injury on his forehead a scratch, graze, scrape, or cut?How was Pauline Hanna’s body found - and what injuries did she have?And why, by late morning, before a statement was even given, did Police deem the scene suspicious?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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The future of KiwiRail is at risk of going off the rails. There has been an exodus of directors from the Board following the early retirement of chairman David McLean, and the company has been under intense scrutiny of how it’s handled the Cook Strait ferry business. So, what does the future hold for a state owned enterprise responsible for a significant part of our transport network? And is there a way to get its fortunes back on track? Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by BusinessDesk Infrastructure Editor Oliver Lewis to dive into KiwiRail’s problems. 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.

Warning: This podcast contains disturbing content. The Crown has alleged extramarital affairs, dealings with sex workers, and a drug habit. The defence claims a suicide, casual drug use, and an open and loving relationship. All the cards were laid on the table on the first day of Philip Polkinghorne's trial. He’s accused of murdering his wife, Pauline Hanna – whose body was found in the couple’s Remuera home in April 2021. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Easter Monday 2021, Paulina Hanna was found dead at the Remuera home she shared with her husband of 30 years, Philip Polkinghorne. For 16 months, her death was treated as “unexplained”. That’s until it emerged Polkinghorne had been charged with murder. He pleaded not guilty in August 2022. From the team behind The Front Page, the New Zealand Herald's daily news podcast, comes Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial. Listen to Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts, or in The Front Page podcast feed. 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.

On July 26th 1984, David Lange was sworn in as the 32nd Prime Minister of New Zealand. His ascension into the country’s top job came after Robert Muldoon’s infamous snap election ended his nine years in power. Best remembered for enshrining New Zealand’s nuclear free status, Lange also oversaw controversial economic policies that ultimately divided his caucus, and saw his time on the ninth floor only last five years. With this Ruby Jubilee prompting reflections on Lange’s leadership and the legacy of the fourth Labour government, today on The Front Page we’re joined by one of the few journalists who was there at the time and is still working today, Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent, Barry Soper, and Victoria University of Wellington politics professor Lara Greaves. 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.

Aotearoa’s complicated history of land sales is the focus of a new series from the New Zealand Herald. Whenua: Our Land, Our History, is an interactive map showing how Māori land passed into Pākehā ownership and the stories surrounding it. It confronts questions some of us prefer not to ask because they raise uncomfortable issues about Aotearoa’s colonial legacy, and how those impacts are still being felt today. On The Front Page today, we get the story of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei with their Trust’s deputy chair, Ngarimu Blair, and discuss the decision to make this series with Chief Content Officer for the Herald and NZME, Murray Kirkness. To read more about how these land sales impacted all iwi around Aotearoa, and the stories by NZ Herald journalists, head to nzherald.co.nz. Whenua is a New Zealand Herald data-led project, supported by NZ On Air, in association with Māori land legal expert Adrienne Paul. 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.

Nearly three-thousand experiences have been heard in 133 days of public hearings, and more than a million documents received. It’s been five and a half years since the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care was established – to investigate the abuse of children, young people, and vulnerable adults within state and faith-based institutions. Over the years, the Inquiry’s heard from countless survivors, government heads and church leaders. Common themes have included significant sexual, verbal and physical violence, over-medicalisation, isolation and unsanitary conditions. Finally, the Inquiry’s final report will be released publicly today after it’s presented in Parliament. Senior Investigative Reporter Michael Morrah has been covering this inquiry since it started, and joins us today on The Front Page. A warning - this episode of The Front Page contains distressing content such as details about sexual and physical abuse. 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.