The Front Page

On October 14th it won’t just be the people of Aotearoa heading to the ballot box. Australians will be taking part in a referendum over whether their government should introduce an advisory group which would consult on legislation affecting Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders. Should the Indigenous voice to parliament be passed, Australia’s constitution will be updated, and future Governments would have to head to the polls again to make any changes. Aotearoa could face a similar conversation if ACT achieves its campaign goals and gets a referendum over co-governance and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, while referendums could become commonplace, now that New Zealand First is campaigning on the abolition of MPs’ conscience vote and having the voting public decide moral calls. So how likely is The Voice to Parliament to pass? What sort of opposition has it faced? And has how divided has Australia become? Today on The Front Page, Damien speaks to Tom McIlroy, a political correspondent for The Australian Financial Review, to find out how their referendum is going – and what it could mean if we go down the same path. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 4th: As the main parties move on from the debate over a debate, the tension turns towards National's promise to cut the Regional Fuel Tax in Auckland - something Auckland's Mayor doesn't want. Plus, Labour targets the Defence Force as Act targets red tape, and some unwanted analysis from one of the world's top banks. Plus, NZ Herald writer David Fisher joins to go inside the race for Northland. Host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly 600,000 rental properties across New Zealand are home to 1.3 million tenants. The relationship between those renters and landlords hangs in the balance. Under the current Labour Government, we’ve seen a number of strong protections come in to give renters more certainty. But now, both National and Act are promising to reverse some of those restrictions and in doing so return more power to the landlords. Today, NZ Herald property editor Anne Gibson joins Damien to break down the policy differences between the parties and explains why even small changes could drastically shift the balance of power. 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: Damien VenutoProducer: Paddy Fox and Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 3: The political discourse today was dictated by the ongoing argument about The Press debate, and who has said what from both parties. And NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson joins to discuss the races for Auckland Central and Mt Albert - two electorates the Greens hope will be theirs come Election Day. Host: Hamish FletcherProducer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crime in Aotearoa has dominated our political debate in the lead-up to the election. Every party has a view on what should be done about law and order, but these views don’t always align with what experts say. NZ Herald senior politics writer Derek Cheng has taken a close look at the crime policies of all the major parties and spoken to leading experts who argue that what we need to see transformational change in the justice 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: Damien VenutoProducer: Paddy Fox and Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 2nd: There are less than two weeks to go until Election Day, and one of our leaders is down with Covid. NZ Herald deputy editor Thomas Coughlan joins Georgina to discuss what it means for Labour now that Chris Hipkins is out with Covid, and how this has led to an argument about debate schedules. Plus, manifestos and priorities are released, and Winston Peters sparks headlines for the wrong reasons. Host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two of our biggest cities are facing tough budget decisions. Both Auckland and Wellington need to save money and raise more funds to pay for everything. It means both cities are facing the prospect of cutting services or large-scale plans – or, for Auckland at least, major rate rises in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. So how did Wellington and Auckland get into such a financial mess? And what needs to change about the way they’re run? Super City reporter Bernard Orsman discussed the massive headache on Auckland mayor Wayne Brown’s agenda. and Wellington reporter Georgina Campbell shares the details behind the capital’s financial woes. 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: Damien VentutoProducer: Paddy Fox and Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 29th: National finally released its fiscal policy today, and it has already sparked strong words from Labour. And claims of race-baiting take up oxygen on the campaign trail. Deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan joins us again to dissect the fiscal policies, and also recaps the 21st edition of Mood of the Boardroom. Host: Hamish FletcherProducer: Ethan SillsEditor: Paddy FoxSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prominent business leaders have had their say on what they think of the current Government and those vying to take over. The Herald’s Mood of the Boardroom is back for its 21st year, and this time the survey has recorded the pulse of the executive suite on the eve of Aotearoa’s general election. There are strong suggestions that business leaders want change, and that’s bad news for Labour and their leader Chris Hipkins. But why are business leaders so eager for something different? What are they most concerned about? And is former CEO Christopher Luxon faring any better than Hipkins on his home turf? Today on The Front Page, Mood of the Boardroom executive editor Fran O’Sullivan gives Damien a rundown of her survey results and shares what she’s learned from delving into our top business minds. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D Wilson and Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 28: In a bumper episode of On the Campaign, Georgina is joined first by NZ Herald editor at large Shayne Currie to discuss the Newshub leaders' debate and which leader came out on top - and which answer sparked the worst response from the crowd. And then she talks with Wellington reporter Melissa Nightingale about the latest Parliament protest. Plus, new policies from Act, a commitment from National, and strong words from Labour. Host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been a year since retail giant Costco first opened its doors in west Auckland. From day one, shoppers quickly streamed in to buy plus-size versions of everything, and that hype has not died down 12 months later. The arrival of Costco came with the promise of greater competition and more diverse shopping options. But has the firm actually delivered on those? And will the success of Costco serve as an invitation for more major international retailers to come here? Today on The Front Page, marketing expert Ben Goodale gives his verdict on the impact of Costco in Aotearoa. 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: Damien VentutoProducer: Paddy Fox and Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 27: Labour has released their fiscal policy detailing how they will pay for things - and took aim at National in the process. And as the second televised debate goes to air, the focus turns to advanced and early voting - NZ Herald head of data Chris Knox joins to discuss the stats and what influence those early decisions have. Host: Hamish FletcherProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Hollywood writer’s strike prepares to come to an end, another key part of the entertainment industry is weighing up industrial action. Reality TV has become the default option for plugging programming gaps caused by strike action. Now cast and crew members are starting to shine a light on how they are treated behind the scenes, and the level of compensation offered for turning their personal lives into entertainment fodder. Several recent examples – both locally and overseas – have also raised questions about what protections are in place to keep contestants safe. Today on The Front Page, Damien is joined by Professor of Media and Cultural Studies at the UK’s University of Aston, Helen Wood. She has written extensively about reality TV, and served as a parliamentary advisor for an inquiry into the industry. 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: Damien VentutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 26: All parties dipped their toes into the policy announcement pool today, with National targeting beneficiaries, Labour boosting Pharmac, and Greens supporting new families. Plus, NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann joins to discuss a financial debate he moderated and how Grant Robertson and Nicola Willis are performing on the campaign. Host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealanders love their houses – and that love can sometimes see them getting ripped off. Two cases reported on by the NZ Herald in recent weeks have highlighted cases where home buyers have purchased their dream homes on false pretences, in both cases related to misleading information about moisture levels. So what exactly happened in these cases, how were the people found out, and what does it say about the real estate industry as a whole? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior reporter Lane Nichols explains what we can learn about real estate from these cases. 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: Damien VentutoProducer: Paddy Fox and Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 25: A busy weekend of policy announcements preceded one of the most important weeks of the campaign, with advanced voting starting overseas and early voting kicking off from next week. Today, Hamish is joined by deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan for his analysis of the latest policy announcements, the significance of this week, and what to make of Christopher Luxon's decision about NZ First. Host: Hamish FletcherProducer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The future of an Aotearoa architectural icon hangs in the balance. Nearly 100 years after its initial construction, Chateau Tongariro finds itself in a financial mess. The prominent hotel, which sits on National Park land owned by the Crown, is in a state of disrepair and in desperate need of remediation work. The question hanging over all of this is who will pay the tens of millions of dollars necessary to bring the building up to modern standards. Does the onus rest with the Crown? Or should it lie with the organisation that owns the building? And even if the Crown does decide to fork out for the repairs, will this be a palatable decision amid the cost-of-living crisis? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior business reporter Kate MacNamara, digs into the mess underneath one of the country’s most recognisable buildings. 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: Damien VentutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 22: Four of the minor party leaders faced off in their first televised debate of the campaign. NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson was there and joined Georgina for a rundown of how it all went, and which leader emerged victorious. Plus, Labour and National recommit to free lunches and the economy, Act wants to reverse an over-the-counter drug ban, and more accusations of MPs bullying staffers. Host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Airport has hit another bottle neck. Thousands are facing delays and long queues after having to cram into the airport in order to take to the sky during the school holidays. The frustrations are hitting boiling point, with Herald readers calling the airport an “absolute zoo” and questioning how it is that our largest airport can struggle so much. It comes at a time when travellers are already struggling with persistently high airfares. What’s behind these delays? And are there any plans in the works to ensure that this pressure is alleviated in the future? Today, NZ Herald business deputy editor Grant Bradley joins Damien to discuss the slow trudge travellers face getting on to their planes and the other issues impacting travel. 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: Damien VentutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 21: Positive economic news released today was interpreted very differently by Labour and National, while Act released their slightly complex alternative budget. New policy promises target foreign students and hospitals, while deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan joins to discuss "one of the most serious claims made on the campaign" around petrol prices and the cost of carbon. Host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are in the thick of the election campaign, but it almost doesn’t matter what policies are being announced – everyone's eyes are on the cost of living. With many households struggling and job cuts and restructuring now being felt, these concerns about our economic prospects are only now getting worse. But what does the latest data show about the state of our economy, are there any positives on the horizon, and what could be the headaches for the winner in October’s election? Today, NZ Herald business editor-at-large Liam Dann brings us the latest economic outlook. 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: Damien VentutoProducers: Paddy Fox and Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 20th: NZ Herald editor at large Shayne Currie joins Georgina to recap and review the first televised leaders debate, and declares an unexpected true winner from the event. Plus, Act announces their education policy, there are some Government announcements, and Christopher Luxon milks a goat. Host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a consensus across party lines that Aotearoa must forge a better relationship with India. Both Labour and National are vowing to organise business delegations and make trade deals with the world’s most populous country. Chris Hipkins has promised that should he be reinstated as PM he will send a prime ministerial delegation to India within his first one hundred days in office. This comes at a time when India’s Hindu nationalist government is asserting its presence on the world stage, butting heads with China and facing stark criticism from countries around the world over its human rights record. Why are our politicians trying to woo India? And do they understand the risks around our small country engaging with this superpower? Today on The Front Page, Dev Nadkarni, editor-at-large at the Indian Weekender, explains to Damien we should and shouldn’t expect from a deal with India. 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: Damien VentutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 19: There's only been one major story of the campaign today, and its for an event that hasn't happened yet. NZ Herald political editor Claire Trevett joins Georgina to discuss what to expect from the first televised debate tonight, and how important it could be for the respective campaigns. Host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An 18-year-old Canterbury woman has died after the car she was riding in crashed while fleeing police. The accident came after police had arrived at the scene of an illegal street racing meetup in Fernside early on Sunday morning. While it has been some time since boy racers have made national headlines, there has been a resurgence in the street racing community in Christchurch after dying down over Covid. This latest tragedy further highlights the difficulty politicians and police have faced over the decades in trying to crack down on this problem. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald reporter Nathan Morton is here to give us the latest on Christchurch’s boy racer problem, and if there are any hopes of putting a stop to it once and for all. 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: Damien VentutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 18th: It was a quiet weekend for most of the political parties, except for Act, who had their campaign launch hijacked by Freedoms NZ. NZ Herald's Adam Pearse joins Georgina to recap those events. And to today's news, resurfaced comments about fluoride from a National candidate put the pressure on Luxon today, while Labour focused on solar panels. Host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in 2020 during our last election campaign, Covid-19 was the top focus for politicians as Jacinda Ardern and Judith Collins argued that their party was in the best position to get us through the pandemic. Three years on and the coronavirus is no longer on the agenda, with the Labour Government removing all restrictions and precautions last month and firmly placing the response in the past. But as candidates out on the election campaign trail argue over how to best improve our healthcare system, have we learned anything from a pandemic that so radically changed our lives over three years? On today's episode of The Front Page, senior lecturer and immunologist at the University of Auckland Dr Anna Brooks shares her concerns that those in power are no longer taking Covid-19 seriously. Damien is also joined by senior lecturer in Human Resource Management at the University of Otago Paula O'Kane, who looks at the long-term impact of the pandemic on the world of work. 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: Damien VentutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 15th: Two debates - the ASB Great Debate and a rural issues debate - drew huge interest last night. Queenstown-based Herald reporter Derek Cheng and debate moderator Heather du Plessis-Allan join the podcast today to give their thoughts on how they turned out. Plus, a slew of new policy promises from National, Labour and Act, one politician promises to resign if a policy doesn't pan out, and a shocking death threat on the campaign. Host: Hamish FletcherProducer: Ethan SillsEditor: Shaun D WilsonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Famed filmmakers Sir Peter Jackson and Dame Fran Walsh have been quietly expanding their land empire, spending hundreds of millions of dollars on properties across Wellington and Queenstown. Their recent purchase of land in Wellington’s Shelly Bay has seen a long-mooted new housing development scrapped, with the couple planning to return much of the land to nature. As much of the country grapples with a housing crisis, some critics have questioned why Jackson and Walsh have built up $350 million in property. So why are he and Walsh buying up all this land? And should we be concerned about wealthy people flexing their financial muscle to grab as much land as they can? NZ Herald investigative reporter Matt Nippert joins Damien to discuss the details around more and more of Aotearoa becoming Jackson’s personal Middle Earth. 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: Damien VentutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 14th: Three economists have come out against National's foreign buyer tax plan, saying it is 'beyond comprehension' with the possibility of creating a $2 billion hole in their tax plans. So why won't the party release their workings for it, and will it damage them in the polls? NZ Herald deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan joins Georgina to provide his analysis. Plus, National targets farmers, Chris Hipkins heads to the West Coast, and a climate change debate gets tense. Host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Ethan SillsEditor: Shaun D WilsonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After relentless downpours across the North Island for most of the year, the weather in Aotearoa is about to take a rapid turn. Meteorologists are predicting that we will soon see El Niño conditions take hold, bringing warm, dry weather. But those rejoicing about the prospect of a hot summer might want to put the cork in the champagne and reflect on what this actually means. So what’s headed our way, and what all-time records are likely to be broken this summer? Could dry conditions lead to environmental complications we just aren’t prepared for? NIWA meteorologist Ben Noll joins Damien to explain the rapid weather change headed our way. 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: Damien VentutoProducers: Paddy Fox and Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 13th: We're over a week into the election campaign, and the steady stream of policy announcements from the major parties is becoming more of a trickle, as parties hone in on their key pledges they hope will woo voters in their direction. However, Labour and Act found new policies to announce today, while National is still being grilled on their tax plans. And as eyes turn towards the debates, are the Chrises ready to face off? Hosted by Hamish FletcherProduced by Ethan SillsEdited by Paddy Fox For more Election 2023 coverage, head to nzherald.co.nz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morocco has suffered its worst earthquake in six decades. Ancient buildings have been destroyed and key transport routes through the Atlas Mountains have been completely cut off since the initial violent shakes at the end of last week. Close to 3,000 have already been confirmed as having lost their lives, with the death toll rising every day as more people are pulled from the rubble. Previous earthquakes in Morocco killed 15,000 people in 1960, and over 500 in 2004. This time around many are still missing. Others have been left homeless in the wake of the wave of destruction. When the quake hit, NZ Herald journalist Sarah Pollok happened to be in regional capital Marakech on a travel assignment. She was planning an evening celebration when tragedy struck in the tourist hotspot. Sarah joins Damien from Morocco to share what she’s seen in the days since a nation was shaken to its core. 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: Damien VentutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 12th: It was all about the PREFU - Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update - today, which arrived with some good news and big warnings. Georgina is joined by NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny to discuss what the fiscal forecasts shows. Plus, Adam Pearse details a weird moment on the campaign between National and the Taxpayers Union. Host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Ethan SillsEditor: Shaun D Wilson See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cancer is a diagnosis no one wants to receive, but approximately 25,000 Kiwis will hear that bad news every year. Making those numbers even worse is the fact that our public health system doesn’t always go as far as it could to help those afflicted by our biggest killer. Just this week, a Rotorua man told the Herald about having to spend more than $100,000 over the last two years in his fight against bowel cancer. What are the root causes that allow this to happen? And why does Australia seem to have a better handle on cancer than Aotearoa? Today on The Front Page, Rachael Heart, chief executive of the Cancer Society, helps us understand the shortcomings of a system that allows so many to fall through the cracks. 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: Damien VentutoProducers: Shaun D Wilson and Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 11th: A lot can change in a few days during an election campaign. A rough interview has seen Christopher Luxon take a hit as National's financial policy continues to face scrutiny, while Chris Hipkins enjoys a bounce back after a week of tough questions. Hamish is joined today by deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan to discuss the weekend in policy announcements and performances. Hosted by Hamish FletcherProduced by Ethan SillsEdited by Shaun D. Wilson For more Election 2023 coverage, head to nzherald.co.nz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Change is needed. According to an independent panel commissioned by the Government, our electoral system is due for some updates. Included in the wide-ranging report are suggestions on the voting age, party donations, election thresholds, and the rules on who should and shouldn’t be allowed to vote. This task has not been undertaken lightly, with any changes needing to ensure that the foundations of our democracy are as strong as they can be. But do any of these suggested changes have any chance of becoming a reality? And what are some of the biggest challenges ahead for our electoral system in the coming decades? Today on The Front Page, Otago University legal expert Professor Andrew Geddis joins Damien to discuss why our electoral system is due for a makeover. 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: Damien VentutoProducer: Paddy Fox and Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A scheme introduced by the Government last year meant to end the abuse and exploitation of migrants instead seems to have done quite the opposite. Multiple stories have emerged in recent weeks about migrants, brought here under the Accredited Employer Work Visa, ending up crammed in their dozens inside unsanitary houses, with many now facing eviction with nowhere to go. So how is ir that this one visa change could spark dozens of investigations, and what needs to be done to fix this blooming scandal? Today on The Front Page, Damien is joined by NZ Herald journalist Lincoln Tan who offers insight on an immigration controversy that is only set to get worse. 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: Damien VentutoProducer: Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2023 Rugby World Cup is kicking off this week in France. It marks a big moment not just for the All Blacks, looking to reclaim the world title as well as recover after a rough 2022, but for the sport globally as it looks to grow its international presence. It could make for an interesting tournament, with the draw limiting how many of the top five countries could make this years final match. So which teams could cause an upset, and how will the All Blacks perform after their up and down year? Today on The Front Page, Damien is joined by Elliott Smith, host of Rugby Direct, and the voice of rugby for NZME, from the All Blacks camp in Lyon. 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: Damien VentutoProducer: Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the case that has all of New Zealand scratching their heads. Marokopa resident Tom Phillips and his three children have been missing since January 2022. While Police are still on the hunt for the four, the latest development involves a bank heist with people being shot at in Te Kuiti. To discuss the many bizarre twists in this neverending case, Damien is joined on The Front Page by Newstalk ZB senior reporter Chelsea Daniels. 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: Damien VentutoProducer: Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gabon has become the latest African nation to see its leadership overthrown in a coup d’etat in recent years. Minutes after the ailing President Ali Bongo claimed victory in a disputed election last week, military leaders took to national television to announce that the nation was under new management. This is the eighth coup on the African continent since 2020, and comes just weeks after Niger’s government fell in similar circumstances, while military conflict is ongoing in Sudan. So why does the continent remain unstable, and is there any way to stop more countries going down the same road? And as these incidents damaging the reputation of a rapidly growing and developing African continent? Today on The Front Page, Professor of Political Science and lecturer on African Politics at Victoria University of Wellington, Stephen Levine, joins Damien to give us an insight into why military might so often topple leaders. 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: Damien VentutoProducer: Paddy Fox and Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SkyCity Entertainment Group could soon have the operator license for their three casinos suspended if the Department of Internal Affairs has its way. It all stems from a complaint related to just a single customer, but this move has already had a huge impact on their share price – and, if the suspension goes ahead, it could be even more damaging. So how unprecedented is this move, and how does it add to woes the company is already facing after troubles in Australia? Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by NZ Herald property editor Anne Gibson to discuss the uncertain future ahead for our biggest casino operator. 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: Damien VentutoProducer: Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week marks one year since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. It also marks a year since the ascension of King Charles III from a lifetime of waiting, into the role he was born to inherit. So how has the last year been for the royals, will the closeness between family members we saw last September return, or have those old wounds reopened beyond repair? Today on The Front Page, Damien is joined by NZ Herald lifestyle editor Jenni Mortimer to hear the latest on the royal family. 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: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A years-long dispute between two pensioners and an Auckland property developer reignited over the weekend. Owen and Jane Hayward claim they have trespassed from the surrounding businesses of their Ōrākei apartment for their refusal to sell to property developer Kerry Knight – but Knight says he’s the one being harassed by the octogenarians. Warring neighbours may have been perfect reality TV fodder back in the day, but as more developers seek to make the most of new zoning laws, how can these affected parties sort out their woes before the media gets involved? Today on The Front Page, Damien is joined by senior property lawyer Jonathan Wood for his advice on what both sides of these types of conflicts can do differently. 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: Damien VentutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Day by day climate change is having a clearer and clearer impact on us and the world we live in. While we’re reaching the end of a frosty winter here in New Zealand, July 2023 was the hottest month ever recorded, as heat waves spread across the Northern Hemisphere. Closer to home, wildfires have caused devastation on the Hawaiian island of Maui after being fuelled by cyclonic winds. The Government has recently announced plans to try and make Aotearoa the first country to have 100 percent renewable electricity – but are we acting too late for a crisis we’ve been warned about for decades? And will our pleas for a sunny summer give us more than we bargained for? Today on The Front Page, Damien is joined by NZ Herald science writer Jamie Morton to discuss what to do now that weather shocks and climate records have become the norm. 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: Damien VentutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Parliament wraps up its final sitting week of the term, will next Friday it will formally dissolve as the Governor-General of New Zealand triggers the course of events that lead to the next election. But as politicians prepare their final speeches of the 53rd Parliament, they are already deep in campaign mode, with the rhetoric between the major parties heating up in recent days. So with coalition deals already being fleshed out in public, and fiscal promises and swing voter friendly policies already being dished out, what is the current state of campaigning, and are politicians priorities in the right place? Today, NZ Herald deputy editor and host of On the Tiles, Thomas Coughlan, joins Damien for a discussion about the dissolution of Parliament and what will happen next. 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: Damien VentutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been 10 years since the collapse of construction company Mainzeal, and for much of that decade the company’s directors have been embroiled in a legal battle between them and creditors over how it went down. That finally ended last week, with the Supreme Court ordering the directors, including former Prime Minister Jenny Shipley, to pay out nearly $40 million. So how did Mainzeal come to this – and what does this mean long-term for company directors, who may now find themselves in difficult legal positions? Today on The Front Page, Damien is joined by BusinessDesk investigations editor Victoria Young, who has been following this case through the courts. 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: Damien VentutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The centrepiece of our fashion industry is back after four long years away. New Zealand Fashion Week returns with a brand new te reo name; Kahuria, which means to cloak or adorn. The event’s new owners will be hoping to present a refreshed major cultural event after close to half a decade in the darkness. So, what looks will be on display? How is the garment industry coming to terms with concerns around fast fashion, consumerism, and the cost-of-living crisis? And can the smorgasbord of creativity on show catch the zeitgeist? Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by Viva managing editor Amanda Linnell and Viva’s fashion and creative director Dan Ahwa to discuss what to expect from an event a long time in the making. 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: Damien VenutoProducers: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nobody expects their relationship to spill into a long Family Court dispute, but thousands in Aotearoa resort to this measure every year. The experience can be brutal for those involved, with the proceedings often being compared to warfare between people who once loved each other. The impact is particularly harsh on children, who could face years of watching their parents embroiled in bitter disputes with antagonism just growing stronger over time. NZ Herald senior writer Jane Phare has spent months investigating Family Court cases, talking to families, psychologists, lawyers and judges who have all experienced this system firsthand. 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: Damien VenutoProducers: Shaun D Wilson and Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warning: This episode of The Front Page contains extensive discussion of sexual assault. Danny and Roberto Jaz are now known as two of Aotearoa's most notorious criminals. In 2022, after years of name suppression, the brothers were unmasked as the Mama Hooch rapists. They have 69 charges between them for their crimes against a number of victims who will return to court over the next two days as the brothers are sentenced. But who exactly are these criminal brothers and how did they get caught? The NZ Herald’s Anna Leask has followed this case through the courts. She joins us today on The Front Page to discuss one of the most shocking cases of sexual assault in our recent history. 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: Damien VenutoProducers: Paddy Fox and Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.