The Front Page

Last week, former Green Party co-leader James Shaw delivered his valedictory speech, marking the end of his decade in politics. But, rather than a smooth transition to a new era, just a few hours later, Green MP Julie-Anne Genter sparked outcry across the aisle after she stood over and shouted at Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey during a Parlimentary debate. It’s the fourth scandal to hit the Greens in under a year, prompting questions about the party's future as the Shaw era ends and a new one begins under his replacement co-leader, Chloe Swarbrick. Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joins us from Parliament to discuss what the future holds for the Green Party. 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 rate of women killed by an intimate partner in Australia has increased by nearly 30% in the year 2022-23, compared to the previous year. And the deaths of dozens of women across the country this year alone has prompted mass protests – with thousands taking to the streets rallying against gender-based violence. But the issue isn't one that isn’t limited to our trans-Tasman neighbours. In New Zealand, between 2009 and 2020, 178 women and girls were killed in family violence-related killings. Today on The Front Page, Chelsea talks first to Australian journalist Sherele Moody, who founded the Australian Femicide Watch and the Red Heart Campaign, and then Dr. Nicola Atwool - the chairperson of the Family Violence Death review here 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: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has put improving education as one of its top priorities. Yesterday, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced plans to refocus education around ‘structured literacy’, with that teaching style winning the so-called ‘reading wars’ against ‘balanced literacy’. It marks the end of a big week for the Minister, with the nationwide cellphone ban at schools coming into effect on Monday, the same day she announced the new top priorities for education in New Zealand. Erica Stanford joins us on The Front Page to discuss her plans to fix education. 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.

In the weeks since Warner Bros Discovery and TVNZ announced cutbacks in their newsrooms, much of the focus has been on what this means for journalism in this country. The moves come amid wider belt-tightening across the television sector, as falling terrestrial TV ratings means companies are now competing against global giants more than ever to hold our attention. And that means it's not only newsrooms that could soon be fighting for survival. This episode, Chelsea talks with Kelly Martin, CEO of South Pacific Pictures, about the impacts on the production sector, and with Lauren Whitney, chief executive of the Comedy Trust, about why this could limit opportunities for the comedy sector. 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.

Youth crime has been a hot topic over the last two years, particularly when our youngest offenders are involved in brazen robberies and violent ram raids across the country. NZ Herald senior crime reporter Anna Leask has been travelling across Australia, witnessing first-hand what groups there have been doing to try and help their troubled youth. She joins us today on The Front Page to discuss her research and what New Zealand can learn from our closest neighbours. Reporting costs for the series Breaking 'Bad' were covered by the University of Canterbury’s Robert Bell Travelling Scholarship in Journalism, received by Herald senior reporter Anna Leask in 2023." 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 time to put away your shorts and sunhats and start getting out your winter coats. Temperatures are dropping across the country as winter makes its mark on Aotearoa. And the big news here is that El Nino is starting to fade, and La Nina is set to take its place. But does that actually mean for weather in the coming months, and just how cold and wet will it be? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald reporter Jamie Morton joins us to run us through the weather maps for the months ahead. 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 concept of 15-minute cities is the idea that all daily necessities – like work, shopping, education, healthcare, and leisure – can all be reached with a 5-minute walk, bike ride, or by public transit. While the idea has been embraced by many countries, some conspiracy theorists have described the notion as an instrument of government repression. Today on The Front Page, University of Auckland school of architecture and planning lecturer Bill McKay joins to explain 15-minute cities and discuss whether we should be worried. 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 Fox and Evan PaeaProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian government has found themselves in a battle with billionaire Elon Musk and his legions of supporters. Australia’s eSafety commissioner last week ordered Musk’s social media platform X – formerly known as Twitter – to remove images of the alleged stabbing of Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, which was captured on a live stream earlier this month. X only blocked the images to Australian users, prompting a further legal challenge that was upheld temporarily by an Australian federal court. Parallels with this case can be drawn with New Zealand’s own efforts to remove videos of the Christchurch terror attack from social media. Former Chief Censor David Shanks made that decision to permanently censor that video. He joins us now on The Front Page to reflect on that move, and this fight happening across the ditch. 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.

Pressure continues to pile up on the systems intended to support our military veterans. The government agency charged with meeting veterans’ needs is cutting services and has a year-long waiting list. The VIP scheme, until now, had been seen as a way of acknowledging service and offering support to those otherwise excluded from our veterans’ welfare system. So, as we come together to remember the fallen – is it about time we start thinking more about those who survived? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior writer David Fisher joins to discuss Veterans’ Affairs – and how to better support those who served. 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 Coalition Government has seen its first cabinet reshuffle. Melissa Lee has lost her Broadcasting Minister portfolio and has been demoted out of Cabinet. Meanwhile, Penny Simmonds has lost her Disability Commission portfolio. To discuss this, Chelsea Daniels is joined by the host of the On the Tiles podcast, and NZ Herald deputy political editor, Thomas Coughlan. Follow The Front Page and On The Tiles 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.

For eight months, New Zealand Rugby’s biggest test has been happening behind the scenes. NZR has been at loggerheads with the provincial unions about how to reform governance for the country’s most popular sport. The battle could be nearing an end, with a meeting to take place in the coming weeks that could resolve it, but will the two sides reach an agreement, and will it be enough to help rugby bounce back from its recent woes? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald sports writer Gregor Paul joins to explain the games going on in rugby’s boardrooms. 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.

Rarely a week goes by without some sort of headline proclaiming the woes of New Zealand’s ‘low productivity’. It’s a phrase that has been discussed by economists and politicians for years, and was a particular bug-bear of Sir John Key. The Herald’s very own Liam Dann is the latest columnist to highlight it as a potential cause for some of our economic problems. But what exactly does low productivity mean, how does it impact your back pocket, and why do we struggle to do anything about it? Today on The Front Page, Liam Dann joins us to explain the issue, and what we might be able to do about 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.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has spent the last week in South East Asia. His first overseas trip beyond the Tasman Sea saw Luxon visit Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, joined by several MPs and a delegation of business leaders for a trip largely focused on “reinvigorating” New Zealand’s relationships across Southeast Asia. So did he make much of a splash there, and does he have any wins to bring back home? NZME Managing Business Editor and managing director of NZ Inc Ltd Fran O’Sullivan has been part of the business delegation, and joins The Front Page from the Philippines for her thoughts on how it’s all gone. 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.

Our Minister for Space has been working overseas promoting New Zealand’s space industry over in the US. Judith Collins has returned from the US where she spoke at the Space Symposium -- putting us on the global stage – and she met with senior US government space officials. According to Deloitte, in 2018 and 2019 New Zealand's space industry contributed $1.7 billion to the economy – but, our Space Minister thinks by now it should be three or more times larger than that. Today on The Front Page, Judith Collins joins us to discuss what opportunities New Zealand has beyond our horizons. 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.

"Unproductive and unwilling to change" - a scathing report from outgoing Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier has slammed our country’s prison system. He told the government’s Justice Committee he’ll “leave the job with disappointment” that he hasn’t made “any impact in having the Department of Corrections as an organisation we can be proud of.” A report from the Office of the Inspectorate released just yesterday shows that prisoners in three units at Auckland Prison were not able to leave their cells every day, for many months. Today on The Front Page, Deputy Commissioner of Prisons, Neil Beales joins us to respond to the Ombudsman’s comments. 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 are growing fears the Middle East could be on the brink of war. Over the weekend, Iran launched hundreds of missiles towards Israel, in retaliation for what is believed to have been an Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic complex in Syria last week. It comes after six months of fighting in Gaza, which has drawn the ire of Muslim-majority countries in the region. With no end in sight for the Gaza conflict, there are now fears that Israel may seek revenge against Iran, sparking a region-wide war that will further divide the world. Later in this episode, we’ll hear from aid workers working across Gaza for the latest on the humanitarian crisis there, but first on The Front Page, University of Otago Professor of politics and international studies, Robert Patman, joins us to dissect the latest on Israel, Iran and Palestine. 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.

Today, US time, marks the beginning of Donald Trump’s slew of criminal trials. In what’s been coined the ‘hush money’ case, the former President is being accused of falsifying his company’s business records in connection to a payment to an adult film star in the run-up to the 2016 election. After a judge just last week dismissed Trump’s motion to toss out the indictment altogether, or delay the trial further, the 45th President will now must fight a criminal trial and an election campaign at the same time. Today on The Front Page, Politico magazine senior writer and former federal prosecutor Ankush Khardori joins us from New York to discuss the trial that could define the US election. 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.

At least six people are dead and many more injured after a lone attacker stabbed shoppers at a Westfield shopping mall in Sydney’s Bondi Junction on Saturday. 40-year-old Joel Cauchi was killed at the scene by Police but not until he had upended countless lives in his brutal attack. In this bonus episode of The Front Page, Sydney-based ABC News reporter Penny Timms joins to give an update on this horrific attack. 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.

A new docu-drama has revisited the horrors of Dilworth. The Auckland boarding school was intended to help disadvantaged boys, but over the decades multiple teachers have been charged and found guilty of sexual abuse – with the number of victims believed to be more than 200. On The Front Page, Open Justice editor Elizabeth Binning joins to discuss the background to this shocking abuse, and co-directors of TVNZ’s The Lost Boys of Dilworth, Mary Durham and Peter Burger, go behind the scenes of their docudrama. 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.

School holidays kick off tomorrow, and hundreds of families are set to take to the roads and skies to head off on vacation. For those of us travelling internationally though, the main hope is that the ongoing renovations at Auckland Airport won’t lead to the usual ‘travel chaos’ many of us have come to expect. So how are those developments going, and is the travel industry as a whole on the road to recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic? Today on The Front Page, business travel editor Grant Bradley is with us to discuss the latest in travel. 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.

Newshub is officially closing down. Despite hopes of a last-minute lifeline, Warner Bros Discovery has confirmed all news operations will shut up shop from July 5th. It comes as TVNZ also confirms its Midday and Tonight bulletins will end in mid-May, while Fair Go will shift to digital only. So, with so many jobs going over the next three months, what does the future hold for news in New Zealand – particularly as trust falls to a new low? Today on The Front Page, Media Insider Shayne Currie joins to give us the latest on an industry fighting for survival. 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.

Government ministries are on a mission to cut spending by 6.5 to 7.5 per cent before the coalition Government’s first Budget next month. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has asked all departments to look for savings to “restore discipline” to taxpayer spending. For some agencies, cutting costs means cutting jobs – and that number is already at about a thousand roles, give or take. Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB reporter Azaria Howell discusses the challenges facing our public sector as departments race to cut spending. 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 coalition Government’s signalled “everything’s on the table” when it comes to a major shake-up of New Zealand’s gun laws. The world praised us when we took swift action following the Christchurch terror attack – banning semi-automatic firearms and assault rifles. But now a coalition agreement between National and Act could see semi-automatics make a return to gun ranges. In the US, this month marks 25 years since the Columbine high school massacre – where two teenagers murdered 12 students and a teacher. 15-year-old Daniel Mauser was one of those killed in the school’s library. Daniel’s father, Tom, has spent the last 25 years advocating for gun control in America – and he joins us on The Front Page to discuss why New Zealand shouldn’t be complacent when it comes to firearms. 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.

A new social media policy is being described as having a chilling effect on politics, and by extension the health of democracy. Meta, the global behemoth that owns Facebook and Instagram, is putting a stranglehold on recommendations in user feeds that contain political content. The move, signalled in February, applies to Instagram and Threads, and will eventually extend to Facebook. Today on The Front Page, Senior writer Derek Cheng joins us to look at what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how it changes the game for politicians. 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.

I’ve never met a person who actually knows anything about Daylight Saving Time, just that at some point we lose an hour, and at another point of the year we gain one. And no, it’s not Daylight Savings Time, either. We first introduced it nearly a hundred years ago in 1927 – and the current times have been fixed since 2007. In spring, we change our clocks forward 1 hour to New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT). In autumn, we change our clocks back 1 hour to New Zealand Standard Time (NZST). Today on The Front Page, Take Back the Clocks spokesperson Connor Malloy joins us to discuss where Daylight Saving Time came from, and how we might be able to get rid of 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.

Since its inception, it’s safe to say the Three Strikes law has faced its fair share of criticism. Academics have condemned it for promoting penal populism and disproportionately targeting Māori and Pasifika communities. Despite this, the return of the controversial law has made its way onto the Government’s next action plan. So, does Three Strikes only stand as a symbol of a Government’s ‘tough on crime’ approach? Or, will it garner better results a second time around? Today on The Front Page, Auckland University of Technology criminal law professor Warren Brookbanks 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.

The Government has honed in on rebuilding the economy as a priority for the coming months. Amongst several promises in a new action plan, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has promised to deliver a budget that reduces wasteful spending, delivers tax relief to hardworking New Zealanders, and invests in frontline services. Yet this promise comes days after his Finance Minister once again highlighted the fragile state of the economy. So how bad are things looking, and should we still be looking at tax cuts? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny joins to take a look at the state of our economy. 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.

CEOs in New Zealand continue to get paid more than ever. While not as high as the 15 per cent increases seen in 2022, remuneration packages for NZX-listed chief executives increased on average by 3.58 percent in the 2023 financial year. And despite a stagnant local share market, one CEO has set a new record for the largest ever pay packet in the history of the Herald’s CEO pay survey. To run us through the trends and the seven figure salaries, we’re joined today on The Front Page by BusinessDesk investigations writer Murray Jones. 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’s flicking the off switch on EV owners. From today, road user charges will have to be paid for light electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Bringing EVs in line with other vehicles has been a priority for this government, but little else in the plans so far have suggested what their strategy is for the environment and climate change. Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB political and climate reporter Demelza Jackson joins to discuss if this government is making the right moves for the planet’s future. 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 financial year is coming to an end. While that may not mean a lot for the average Kiwi, when the new financial year kicks off on April 1st, many of us could see a little more money in our back pockets. This is when the Annual General Adjustment takes place, with things like benefits and the minimum wage rising to account for inflation or wage growth. It’s also one of the dates when tax changes or new fees come into effect – and this year, that means changes for EV drivers and those with a family. To discuss what these changes mean for you, today on The Front Page, we’re joined by NZ Herald business editor at large and author of BBQ Economics, 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: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today marks 40 years since Ernie Abbott went to work at Wellington’s Trade Hall, and never returned home. On March 27, 1984, the caretaker was locking up for the day when he spied a discarded light-green suitcase on the ground behind a wall. Curious, he picked it up by its cloth-wrapped handle - triggering a mercury switch hidden inside. He was killed instantly as the force tore through the passageway of the Vivian St building. The Police investigation to find the man who was seen carrying the suitcase into the building just before 7.30am that day has garnered more than 550 suspects and thousands of exhibits. Today on The Front Page, Detective Sergeant Sam McKenzie joins to discuss whether police are any closer to closing this cold case. 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.

Labour is going back to the drawing board - and tax is on the table. Party leader Chris Hipkins has delivered his first major speech in Opposition, six months after Labour were kicked out of government. He has taken aim at the country’s tax system as being inequitable, and laid blame for the current financial woes at National’s feet. Today on The Front Page, Hipkins joins to discuss what his party plans to offer the country at the next election, as well as to respond to recent criticism of the past government's actions on race and crime, and if he will run again in 2026. 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.

For over 50 years, the secretive Christian community of Gloriavale has fascinated New Zealanders. While the community has long been discussed by former members who have left Gloriavale behind, in the last few years, multiple official investigations and Employment Court proceedings have shone more light on what's happening behind the scenes. Now, a new TVNZ documentary, Escaping Utopia, is looking back at the community’s chequered history and its recent problems. Today on The Front Page, co-director Justin Pemberton joins us to explain this fresh look at historic concerns. 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.

Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has been diagnosed with cancer. She revealed the news in a video released this weekend, after months away from the public eye following abdominal surgery. The public was told that surgery was not related to cancer – but subsequent tests revealed the Princesses condition, and she is now undergoing chemotherapy. So what does this mean for the Royal Family that’s now facing two cancer battles at the same time? For this special bonus episode, UK correspondent Gavin Grey joins The Front Page from London to discuss this latest royal shocker. 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: Dan GoodwinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government earlier this month made it through its first 100 days after a few ups and downs, but the months ahead could be a little rougher. Questions continue to be asked about how the coalition can fund its much-promised tax cuts amid reports of a growing fiscal hole and criticism from international financial agencies, with just two months left until this National-led government delivers its first budget. To talk us through the state of the economy, the public’s feedback on the government, and the state of his other portfolios, today on The Front Page we’re joined by Associate Finance Minister and Act Party leader, David Seymour. 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.

Boeing - one of the world’s largest airplane manufacturers and once its most well respected - has seen a string of concerning incidents have tarnished that reputation. This year alone, we’ve seen a door plug blow off mid-flight on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 in January, while closer to home, a LATAM Airlines flight from Sydney to Auckland plunged mid-air – injuring at least 50 passengers, some seriously. It comes only a few years after two fatal crashes involving Boeing 737 Max plans only five months apart. 189 people died when Lion Air Flight 610 crashed into the Java Sea in October 2018, and in March 2019, an Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed, killing 157 people. One of those people was Graziella de Luis y Ponce, a United Nations interpreter. Her brother is Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics lecturer, Javier de Luis. He was then asked to serve on the US Federal Aviation Administration’s panel that reviewed Boeing’s safety practice last year. He joins The Front Page today to discuss the ongoing issues with Boeing. 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.

Two brothers have been arrested in Thailand this week after an alleged roadside tussle with a police officer. Video appears to show Hamish and Oscar Day wrestling with an officer for his gun, after reportedly being pulled over for speeding. They are just the latest in a very long line of Kiwis who have run afoul of the law overseas – but what exactly are your rights if you clash with cops while on holiday? Today on The Front Page, we discuss this with Waikato University international law expert, Alexander Gillespie. 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.

New Zealand’s rolling out the red carpet for China’s foreign minister -- with Wang Yi’s visit marking the highest-level diplomatic engagement with New Zealand’s largest trading partner on our soil in at least seven years. It comes as China continues advocating for its ‘One China’ policy with Taiwan, while our coalition government explores expanding our trading horizons. So is our relationship with China still strong, and can it survive China’ slowing economy? Today on The Front Page, NZ Contemporary China Research Centre director and Victoria University associate professor Jason Young joins us to discuss our relationship with China, how it’s blossomed, and where it’s headed. 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.

Five years have passed since the Christchurch mosque terror attack, the country’s first ever terror attack, but it only took another two and a half years for another one to occur at a New Lynn supermarket. A year ago, top security and intelligence officials revealed they had foiled three further terror threats. So, five years on from our darkest day, how concerned should be about threats going forwards? Today on The Front Page, Massey University distinguished professor Paul Spoonley joins to discuss his decades of research into this area. 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.

Chloe Swarbrick has this week become the new co-leader of the Green Party Her rapid rise to become the youngest current party leader in New Zealand comes a little over six years since she entered Parliament, and seven years since she made national headlines for running for the Auckland mayoralty. So, what does the 29-year-old want to do when she takes the reins of the third biggest party in Parliament? Today on The Front Page, Chloe Swarbrick joins us to discuss her rise to the top of the Greens. 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.

Photoshop fails are hardly a new thing – but rarely, if ever, do they involve members of the British Royal Family. A seemingly harmless photo of the Princess of Wales and her three children has turned into a major embarrassment, after eagle-eyed followers saw noticeable edits had been made to the photo. It has reignited not only a debate about the Royal Family’s secrecy, but also on photo manipulation as AI tools gain more prominence. Today on The Front Page, New Zealand Herald deputy lifestyle editor Emma Gleason digs into the mystery behind the photo, and AI expert Dr Paul Duignan joins later to discusst how worried we should be about this. 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 Government has announced it will restore deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties. But it is not as much tax relief for these property investors as National promised Act in the parties’ coalition agreement. So, what’s changed? And does that mean other policies in their agreement are also up for renegotiation? And, is this government prioritising landlords over renters - a group that’s a growing part of the population. Today on The Front Page, New Zealand Herald deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan joins us to discuss whether this is a political win for the Government. 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.

TVNZ has become the latest media company to cut back on its news programming. The state-owned broadcaster has proposed to shut down current affairs shows Sunday and Fair Go later this year amid cost savings measures. With Newshub also on the chopping block, local news is facing a true crisis, and many are wondering if there’s a way back from the edge. Today on The Front Page, Auckland University of Technology journalism lecturer Dr Greg Treadwell joins to analyse the state of local media. 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.

When Government talks about cracking down on crime, they often refer to gangs and retail crime that leave a visible mark behind. But, for a growing number of New Zealanders, online scams are becoming the most common crime many of us deal with. It’s estimated that we’re losing around 200 million dollars a year to cyber crime – but given many of those affected may be too embarrassed to report a crime, some think that figure is closer to 2 billion. So is there anything that can be done to stop these crimes, and is the government putting enough focus on this issue? Today on The Front Page, Banking Association chief executive Roger Beaumont joins us as part of the Herald’s new Scambusters series to discuss this rapidly growing area. 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.

National has unveiled their plan for transport over the next term and it includes some new fees coming your way. Getting a Motor Vehicle Registration is about to become a lot more expensive, while promises not to raise fuel taxes are being kept – but only just. All of this is to fund a revival of the National Party’s Roads of National Significance, but are voters going to care when it means higher costs to drive on them? Today on The Front Page, New Zealand Herald senior political journalist Derek Cheng joins to analyse the Government’s big transport shakeup. 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 Government has set every part of the public service a target to find savings between 6.5 and 7.5 per cent before the Budget is delivered in May. These cuts have been discussed since the campaign trail, but what impact they are set to have is yet to be seen. Now, thanks to the Official Information Act, we have some idea of how 11 Ministries are trying to tackle this – and it has led to a lot of concern within the departments that run the country. Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB Wellington reporter Azaria Howell joins to discuss what we’ve learned about the cost crunch happening behind the scenes in our ministries. 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.

After two trials, David Charles Benbow has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Michael McGrath in 2017. Benbow will spend at least 17 years behind bars for McGrath’s death in a case that has garnered national attention. And that’s because McGrath’s body has never been found. New Zealand Herald senior crime reporter Sam Sherwood has been following this case for seven years, and even served as a witness for the Crown during the first trial. He joins The Front Page to discuss this captivating case. 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.

As the cost of living crisis drags on, it seems even some of the country’s top educators can’t avoid the woes of inflation. An analysis by the Herald has revealed school fees for many of the country’s top private schools have risen drastically in the last two years. So what’s driving those costs – and do these schools results justify the fees? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior journalist Alex Spence talks us through the rising cost of going to the country’s most exclusive schools, and later, Head of Data Chris Knox looks at the results for these schools. You can read both pieces by Alex and Chris 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: Katie HarrisSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank last week announced the Official Cash Rate would stay at 5.5 per cent. But while things are looking positive for a cut sooner than expected, the Bank has warned inflation is still sitting above where it needs to be. So, in the wake of our major publicly listed companies reporting their half-year results, how is the economy holding up, and can we expect a sunny or stormy outlook for the coming months? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann joins us for his take on the state of our economy. 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 deaths of Sydney couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies have gripped both sides of the Tasman for the last week. After a nearly week long search, Police on Tuesday said they have found their bodies in Bungonia in southern New South Wales. While the search may be over, questions remain over the response of New South Wales police, particularly as one of their own is alleged to have committed this crime. ABC News reporter Isaac Nowroozi was at the scene in Bungonia earlier this week. He joins The Front Page today to discuss the case that has shocked Australia, and the world. 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.