The Front Page

Mortgage rates and house prices are two of our favourite topics of conversation in New Zealand, and they are making for grim discussions at the moment. Particularly for those Kiwis who are about to refix their mortgage rate for the first time since the economy really took a turn for the worse. So what’s the best option for those looking to or having to change their rate in the middle of these high interest rates, and is our property fixation about to send jolts through the economy? Today on The Front Page, Damien is joined by Jose George, the general manager of financial and consumer research organisation Canstar. 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 VenutoEditor: Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thirteen minutes of extra time would have felt like a lifetime to Spanish supporters on Sunday night, but the FiFA Women’s World Cup has finally ended with a new champion. This tournament, which had expanded to 32 teams, served up all shocks, giant slayings and silky skills one would expect from the best football players in the world. Packed stadiums in both Aotearoa and Australia also put to bed once and for all the long-held notion that people just aren’t interested in women’s sport. But this is only the start of a long journey. So how do we keep this momentum going? And how do we ensure our footballers of tomorrow continue to give fans a justification to buy tickets to the games? Today on The Front Page, Damien is joined by Newstalk ZB’s weekend sports presenter, and Sky Sport football commentator, Jason Pine for a chat about what lies ahead for the beautiful game. 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.

The modern gambler sits among us. They’re on the sofa in our living room, they’re at our work lunches and they’re the distracted friend at the evening out. Gamblers are no longer relegated to the dark corners of the pokies. With the power of their mobile phone, they can bet no matter where they are. Relentless advertising from the gaming industry offers deals and promotions, encouraging viewers to place bets on everything from online poker to Football World Cup matches. But some countries are now fighting back, putting measures in place to keep online gambling under control. Across the ditch in Australia a new online gambling self-exclusion register called BetStop is going live today. Is this a step we could take? And is Aotearoa doing enough to ensure that we don’t lose a generation to the blight of online gambling addiction? Today on The Front Page, Andree Froude from the Problem Gambling Foundation and Dr Charles Livingstone, Head of the Gambling and Social Determinants unit at Australia’s Monash University discuss whether we are taking too big a gamble on Kiwis’ mental and financial health. 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.

Kiwis around the country fastidiously separate their rubbish, putting recyclables in one bin and trash in the other. The belief here is that we’re doing our part to stop our landfills from overflowing with rubbish that will take hundreds of years to degrade. But what if these efforts aren’t as useful as we’ve been led to believe they are? And is there a better way to ensure that Aotearoa isn’t overwhelmed by plastic? BusinessDesk journalist Cecile Meier explains why a landfill expert she spoke to believes that recycling is essentially a fraud, and Plastics NZ CEO Rachel Barker responds to criticisms of our recycling efforts. 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.

We put our faith in the idea that a visit to the hospital places us in the safe hands of professionals capable of caring for us under their watch. In recent years though, our health system has been stretched thin, with waiting rooms overcrowded, staff burnt out and funding holes everywhere you look. The repercussions are being seen in the stories of both patients and staff, who have grown concerned about safety and the quality of care being offered in our hospitals. Today on The Front Page, Damien is joined by NZ Herald senior writer Alex Spence, who has received numerous leaked reports in recent months that paint a worrying picture about the state of our healthcare. 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 VenutoEditor: Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a month long trial and three days of deliberation, the jury has returned a verdict in the Lauren Dickason trial. Dickason has been found guilty of murder for the deaths of her three children, six year old Liane and two year old twins Maya and Karla, in 2021. Dickason has always admitted to doing the crime, but pleaded not guilty due to the state of her mental health at the time. The trial has been closely followed by thousands of Kiwis over the last few weeks. The New Zealand Herald’s Anna Leask has been there covering the trial, and joins Damien to discuss what she witnessed over the last five weeks. Note that this episode does contain graphic details that may not be suitable for some listeners. 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 VenutoEditor: Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waiwera Thermal Resort was once filled with sound of splashing water and laughing families enjoying a much-needed day out. Those happy sounds have been replaced by an eerie silence, with the entire complex sitting empty for the last six years. Waiwera’s facilities have collapsed into disrepair in the long wait for a buyer who never came. And now, left with little other choice, it will all be demolished. So how did this tourism favourite fall so quickly, and is there a warning here for other businesses? Today on The Front Page, Damien is joined by NZ Herald property editor Anne Gibson to get the inside story on the Auckland icon that became a wasteland. 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.

As we get closer to the October election, we’re also nearing the end of New Zealand's 53rd Parliament. And while most MPs and hoping to return in October, a number will soon be saying farewell to the halls of power for the last time. Amongst the retiring MPs are the National Party’s Jacqui Dean, who has held the Waitaki electorate since 2008, and the Green Party’s Jan Logie, who has been a list MP since 2011. Both have served in ministerial or under-secretary roles during their times at the Beehive, and both have experienced their time on the opposition benches. As they leave their parliamentary careers behind, today on The Front Page Damien is joined by both MPs. 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.

Six months ago today, a national state of emergency was declared as Cyclone Gabrielle made landfall on Aotearoa. While all eyes were on Auckland, the East Coast ended up being the worst hit, with immense devastation across the region. The Front Page checked in with Hawkes Bay Today editor Chris Hyde a week after the disaster to hear firsthand about the strength of the cyclone’s impact. On today’s episode, Hyde joins us again for an update on how long the road to recovery is. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Guest host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being targeted by scam artists is becoming more common by the day. Cyber fraud, often led by international cartels, has been able to grow to such an extent that everybody has a story of a message or odd phone call that was aiming to take advantage of them. It isn’t helping that Police in New Zealand are under-resourced and not focused on this type of crime, with a report from the Independent Police Conduct Authority finding a “vacuum in national leadership on fraud.” So how can we take digital fraud seriously, and is it something that our political parties are even thinking of? Crime expert Dr Jarrod Gilbert, a sociologist at the University of Canterbury and Director of Independent Research Solutions, is calling for change in how we police cyber fraud. 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. Guest host: Chelsea DanielsProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s hard to go through life in the 21st century without hearing daily about exercise, dieting and healthy eating. But what if everything we know about obesity, weight and ‘fatness’ is wrong? That’s what the NZ Herald is exploring in a new podcast series from journalist Sasha Borissenko. In Chewing the Facts, Borissenko sets out to debunk a lot of the myths in Aotearoa, with some surprising insights from experts and those with lived experiences. Sasha Borissenko shares what she has learnt about the things that weigh us down. 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. Guest host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Paddy Fox and Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You always know we’re getting closer to an election when the words ‘fiscal hole’ start getting thrown around the place. Our major parties have engaged in a back and forth in recent weeks, with National getting criticised for the costings of their transport policy, before the Government faced accusations of a $20 billion hole in Government revenue. So, what exactly is a fiscal hole, are any of the political parties in the red when it comes to their finances – and would any new taxes help plug some potential shortfalls? NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenée Tibshraeny talks us through the hot election term. 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. Guest host: Chelsea DanielsProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the last two years, we’ve seen an endless stream of stories about youth misbehaving. But this is a surprising spike after nearly 15 years of dropping rates of recorded youth crime and young people coming into contact with the justice system. What’s behind this steady decline, why has it spiked recently, and what’s the right way to tackle it? NZ Herald senior writer Derek Cheng shares what he’s learned about the state of youth crime 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. Guest host: Chelsea DanielsProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the country’s biggest developments is currently underway in south Auckland. Over 50 hectares of fields are being transformed into a new city the size of Napier – it's called Drury East. The new project is set to house tens of thousands of people when it’s completed. What can we expect from the country’s newest city, and how will it help ease Auckland’s burgeoning population growing pains? NZ Herald property editor Anne Gibson shares the backstory behind Drury East. 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. Guest host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former US President Donald Trump has been indicted once again. After facing charges related to hush money payments and mishandling classified documents, Trump has now been criminally indicted over attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. It's the third time the former US leader has been served this year. So what do these latest charges mean for Trump, and will they impact his desires to be re-elected President of one of the world’s superpowers? Newshub US correspondent Mitch McCann joins The Front Page from Washington, DC to discuss the latest historic Trump legal controversy. 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. Guest host: Chelsea DanielsProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transport links are seen as a key election issues. National has announced a $24 billion policy, with much of the attention going toward new four-lane highways linking Whangarei to Tauranga. National Party leader Christopher Luxon has used the policy announcement to lambast the state of our roads. His party has also promised to remove lower speed limit rules imposed under the current government. Who has got the right approach to improving our road infrastructure and keeping our streets safe – and can major transport projects keep up with our growing population? On The Front Page, AA’s Martin Glyn gives Damien his take on the state of our roads. 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.

We all like to think that, as democratic voters, we have an equal say in influencing politicians and policy – but some of our wealthiest New Zealanders potentially have a bigger say than most. A new series by BusinessDesk, Cash for Candidates, has revealed that since 1996, $52m has been donated to our political parties by major donors above the threshold for public declaration. Those major donations come from just 538 individuals, businesses and non-profit organisations Who is donating to our political parties, which parties benefit the most, and do those donations have any political benefit for those splashing the cash? For a hard look at the world of political donations, Damien is joined by BusinessDesk contributor and investigative reporter, Donna Chisholm. 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.

If you believe the headlines at the moment, New Zealand is facing a mass exodus to Australia. Not only does the data show a huge migration movement across the ditch, but we’re also seeing stories of rich listers and fashion moguls selling up and making the move. But going past these anecdotes, what does the data show about the types of people moving to Australia – and why – and what does this mean for New Zealand’s prospects? Today on The Front Page, population expert and Massey University distinguished professor emeritus Paul Spoonley joins Damien to discuss what the data shows on who’s staying, and who’s going. 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.

You’re being watched online every day. Almost every click you make, every item you purchase and every clip you watch is being recorded by businesses. The collection and selling of this information has become a multi-billion-dollar industry that shows no signs of slowing down. It’s a reminder that getting incredible online services for free online, most often means we’re paying for them in other ways. So what do businesses know about us? And what can we do to stop them from mining our online habits for commercial gain? Damien speaks to Gehan Gunasekara, an associate law professor at the University of Auckland, and BusinessDesk investigations editor Victoria Young shares what she found out when she asked The Warehouse to share the information they had on her. 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.

The last few years of news have been dominated by crime. From fears of attacks on diaries and jewellery stores and ram raids, to shocking acts of violence and murder, crime and death is becoming increasingly difficult to avoid. Stories like this often drive eyeballs to news companies, and these narratives are feeding into our fears. It’s a fear that has been capitalised on by political parties looking to get the edge over each other in a tight election race. So why do we feel unsafe, and is that fear justified? Today on The Front Page, psychotherapist and co-host of The Nutters Club on Newstalk ZB Kyle MacDonald joins Damien to discuss what drives this fixation with crime. 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.

The Netball World Cup kicks off this week in South Africa, with the reigning champs the Silver Ferns looking to repeat their success from 2019. But as they head to their biggest competition since the Commonwealth Games, our netball greats will need to perform better than their bronze performance in that tournament if they hope to secure another world title. What are the challenges facing them this time around, and how likely is victory going to be? NZ Herald/Newstalk ZB sports reporter Nathan Limm is covering the event for NZME from South Africa. He joins Damien on The Front Page to discuss what to expect from Netball’s biggest moment. 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.

The two victims of the Auckland construction site shooting have been named. Solomona To’oto’o and Tupuga Sipiliano were killed when Matu Reid showed up to 1 Queen Street armed with a shotgun and took aim. As the police continue their investigation and other victims recover, questions are being asked about how Reid, who also died from a self-inflicted wound, was able to own a gun and able to leave the house despite being on home detention. Today on The Front Page, Open Justice reporter and former prohibition officer Ric Stevens joins Damien to discuss if anyone did anything wrong in ruling Reid was low risk. Later, NZ Herald senior crime reporter Jared Savage explains New Zealand’s ongoing gun control efforts. 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 FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justice Minister Kiri Allan has resigned from Cabinet after being charged with careless use of a motor vehicle and failure to accompany a police officer. This comes off the back of a tough period for Allan, who until a week ago had been on mental health leave. She was also embroiled in a scandal about the treatment of staff. This is a major blow for the Labour Party only three months out of the election, with Allan one of a number of other Labour Ministers who have also lost their posts. What does this mean for a Labour Party desperate to show the voting public it’s fit to govern? NZ Herald deputy political editor and host of the On the Tiles podcast Thomas Coughlan explains to Damien what this resignation means for Allan and Labour. 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.

Kiwis often don’t like to talk about money, but as our debt burden balloons, it’s an uncomfortable conversation we need to have. Both national and private debt have increased at a time when the nation is coming face to face with the spectre of extreme weather events caused by climate change – which will invariably necessitate further investment down the line. On top of this, the average family’s largest asset, their house, has declined in value, heaping on further financial pressure. So exactly how bad is the country’s balance sheet? And should we be willing to take on even more debt to prepare our infrastructure for climate change? On The Front Page today, NZ Herald business editor at large, and host of the Money Talks podcast, Liam Dann helps Damien with answers for these tough money questions. 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.

Ask anyone what’s hurting their wallet the most at the moment, and the majority will probably say the cost of food. Figures out this week show it remains the biggest contributor to inflation, and those climbing costs are leading to rising profits for our supermarket duopoloy. - with some figures suggesting profits of $1 million a day. As Countdown focuses on a costly reversal rebrand back into Woolworths, the Government has moved forward with plans to crack down on supermarkets, but what can they really do to break up a privately run industry? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenée Tibshraeny joins Damien to discuss the future of our rising food prices. 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.

The country was shocked to wake to news that during the morning rush a man had entered an Auckland CBD construction site and opened fire. After several hours of worry that spread around the globe, Police confirmed that at least three people have died and multiple others injured. One of the deceased has been identified as the man believed to be the gunman, Matu Tangi Matua Reid, who was on home detention in relation to domestic violence offenses but is understood to have been given an exemption to work on the construction site. Damien Venuto is joined on this special edition of The Front Page by Newstalk ZB’s Tomas Rice who was at the scene. 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.

We are less than three months away from the election, but both sides of the political spectrum remain incredibly close. National and Act have a slight edge over Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori, but with the election currently looking like it could come down to only one or two seats, our politicians seem to be striking a firm push for the middle ground. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has said a Labour government he leads will never introduce a wealth tax, while National has wheeled out familiar policies around improving roads and tackling crime. But where are the big picture, bold policies that could push one party ahead of the other – and why do our current crop of politicians seem so focused on electability over bold vision? Today on The Front Page, Victoria University of Wellington politics professor Lara Greaves joins Damien to dig into what is shaping our political 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: Damien VenutoProducer: Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hamilton to Auckland rail connection is back in the news for all the wrong reasons. The Te Huia service has been banned from entering the Auckland metro area after the driver ran red lights. The service has been forced to terminate at Papakura while KiwiRail fits new safety technology on the train. It comes just weeks after a new report was released encouraging more investment in regional rail in the North Island. But if this one service is still having basic woes two years into its operation, what hope is there for other networks? To address these concerns, Damien is joined by consultant Roger Blakeley, who recently chaired the Future is Rail conference, to discuss the challenges facing rail. 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.

For the first time in decades, actors in Hollywood have gone on strike. Negotiations between the actor's union and the big studios broke down last week, and now everyone from top A-listers to background actors have joined already striking screenwriters on the picket lines. But this is not about multimillionaires wanting a bigger pay packet. Big questions hang over this conflict about the future of the entertainment industry, from how content is delivered to the masses, to whether or not the people we see on screen are real or artificially created. On The Front Page today, New York Times entertainment reporter Brooks Barnes once again joins us from the picket lines in Los Angeles as Hollywood questions its 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: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi CEOs are paid 30 to 50 times more than the average wage. Questions have long been asked about whether those levels of remuneration are justified, particularly when the performance of an organisation doesn’t always live up to expectations. This, of course, applies to private companies, but the salaries of some public sector CEOs have also led to sharp criticism. As the country heads into a recessionary period, is there any likelihood of top bosses taking pay cuts? And in the high-flying world of executive salaries, does it pay more to work in the private or public sector? On The Front Page today, Damien talks to NZME managing editor of business Duncan Bridgeman run through the big numbers behind our top bosses. 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 Wilson and Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The way we read, watch and listen to the news is constantly evolving and news companies need to respond – or risk becoming obsolete. Add to this equation misinformation, declining trust, news fatigue, paywalls and clickbait and you have a complicated cocktail of challenges all begging for a solution. So what does the future hold for media? And how do news organisations avoid repeating the strategic errors of the past? On The Front Page, NZME chief content officer Murray Kirkness and NZ Herald head of premium Miriyana Alexander sit down with Damien for a frank chat about the state of media 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: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Businesses have for years been talking about the importance of workplaces being reflective of Aotearoa’s demographics. This is particularly important at a time when our population is both ageing and rapidly changing. Despite numerous studies showing the value of improving diversity, there are still some who question whether doing so still allows the money to come first. So how are businesses tracking? And is it really worth it to improve the diversity of the team at your business? Now on The Front Page, KPMG executive chair Matt Prichard and ANZ chief executive Antonia Watson are here to explain whether Kiwi businesses are really being the champions of change they claim to be. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Paddy Fox and Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the start of this month, there was good news for parents as new financial benefits kicked in for them. At the same time, several wide-reaching existing policies to offset the cost of living ended, leading to yet another financial shock. With three months to go until the election, the focus for many is now turning to what the parties vying for our votes have to offer – and if there’ll be any financial relief before we cast our ballots. On The Front Page, Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joins us to discuss what we can expect from our politicians amid these tough economic times. 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.

Several headlines recently have sparked concerns about the state of our teaching pool. Most notably, a man legally known as Taurapa has become the latest teacher found to have had a sexually inappropriate relationship with a student. Another case saw a teacher lose their registration for refusing to call a transgender student by their preferred pronouns. What is the process for disciplining our teachers, and can we be reassured that the right people are educating our children? Today on The Front Page, Damien speaks to Lesley Hoskin, chief executive of the Teaching Council and NZ Herald senior crime writer Sam Sherwood. 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.

If you feel you have less than you did a few years ago, you’re not wrong. The latest data shows that Kiwis are indeed worse off overall than they were before the pandemic ripped through the economy. Dropping house prices and the rising cost of living mean that we own less and we’re spending more on the necessities to get by. And yet, many of us are still splashing out on luxuries and not changing our behaviour. So could this lead to a big financial shock down the road? And what changes should we be making right now? NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann crunches the latest numbers and finds that some of us are not taking the risks seriously enough. 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.

Meta, the owner of Facebook, is shaking up social media with an app some are calling the 'Twitter killer'. Threads will offer a very similar service, but it will be powered by the massive machine Mark Zuckerberg has built since starting FaceMash, as Facebook was first known, in his university dorm room. In the battle between the tech titans Twitter owner Elon Musk has been making a few moves of his own – but none of these have been well-received. So who will come out on top? And perhaps, more importantly, do either of these contenders have what it takes to defeat a rapidly rising TikTok? Today on The Front Page, Melanie Spencer, the group CEO of advertising and marketing company Thompson Spencer helps Damien try make sense of the scrappy battle for social 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: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A house, once owned by the Sultan of Brunei, in the affluent Auckland suburb of Herne Bay has become the centre of a dispute with community residents divided over whether the new owners should be allowed to build a boatshed. Some wealthy backers have come out in support of the plan, while others reckon it would be an eyesore. So why do people care so much about what wealthy people are doing in their backyards? Will this boatshed end up being built? And do communities even stand a chance going up against these well-resourced individuals? NZ Herald property editor Anne Gibson is on The Front Page today to talk about what we can and can’t build in our backyards. 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.

High winds this week once again closed Auckland’s Harbour Bridge, something that has become a regular and frustrating occurrence in recent years. After 64 years, there’s confusion as to why strong winds are now a concern – and what it means for the long-term stability of the vital transport link. But what are the options for a potential replacement or complementary harbour crossing, and is there the political appetite to do this? NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson joins Damien on The Front Page to discuss the present concerns with the bridge, and the future solutions. 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.

Justice Minister Kiri Allan is the latest Government Minister to have reportedly had significant issues with a member of their staff. The reports of the strained working relationship between Allan and a Department of Conservation employee, emerged last week, and have added further woes to Chris Hipkins’ tenure as Prime Minister. But Allan is not the first MP in recent years to have reportedly clashed with one of their staffers. So why does this tension seem to be such a common occurrence, and is anything being done to change? Newstalk ZB political correspondent Barry Soper joins Damien on The Front Page to share insights into Parliament’s culture from his many years in the press gallery. 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.

After the pandemic forced international flights to grind to a halt, the travel industry is slowly returning to normal. School and university winter holidays are now set to coincide with the European summer, and many Kiwis will undoubtedly be grabbing the opportunity to take flight overseas. But if you are heading to some dream destinations, you’ll find that their new normal looks a little different. Cities like Bali, Amsterdam, Venice and Rome have introduced visitor limits in certain areas to ensure that tourists don’t completely take over these treasured landmarks. What do these changes mean, and how does it feel for the everyday explorer to navigate them? And are these restrictions on major tourist hotspots a good excuse to head down the roads less traveled? NZ Herald travel editor Stephanie Holmes was recently in Italy and joins Damien on The Front Page to explain what’s being done to manage some of the planet’s major global attractions. 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 Wilson and Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years, NZ Herald readers have pondered the identity of the ‘prominent businessman’ and his five-year journey through the courts for charges relating to sexual assault and perverting the course of justice. While co-conspirators such as entertainer Mika X and PR man Jevan Goulter were named, the businessman’s case dragged on. Finally, this week the ‘prominent businessman’ has been unmasked as Sir James Wallace, a former rich lister well known for his financial contributions to major arts organisations and the highest-grossing local movie of all time. NZ Herald news director and crime reporter Sam Hurley has been following the case since the beginning. He joins Damien to explain who Wallace is, why this case went on for so long, and offer insight into a trial that feels ripped out of a Hollywood screenwriter’s imagination. 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.

Abuse from the sidelines. Media blackouts. Legal battles to keep players on the bench. This is the level of drama you’d expect from sports on an international level, but these are all headlines that have involved rugby at the high school level in New Zealand over the last year. So how is it that schoolboy rugby has become so controversial? NZ Herald editor at large Shayne Currie joins Damien on The Front Page to try and explain what is happening. 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.

The Government has stepped in to announce a $128 million funding package to assist our struggling universities. This comes after a proposal to cut more than 200 jobs at Victoria University of Wellington, which would have seen entire courses removed from the syllabus and others folded into neighbouring departments - just one of many universities that have had to take this measure amid growing budget holes. While the Government has responded to the furious calls from staff to plug the funding gap, serious questions persist about whether these steps go far enough. So why are our universities struggling to make ends meet, and what does this mean for the future of tertiary education? Dougal McNeill, a senior lecturer in English at Victoria University of Wellington and the Tertiary Education Union branch president gives Damien his take on whether the Government’s handout is enough. 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.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine took a stunning turn over the weekend, when the leader of the Wagner mercenary force threatened a coup against President Vladmir Putin. Yevgeny Prigozhin’s long-brewing pushback against Russia’s military establishment was short-lived. Within 24 hours, Belarus had negotiated a deal that saw the man once dubbed Putin’s chef allowed to leave the country without any blood being shed. The saga has baffled international onlookers, with many believing that even though this coup failed to topple the Russian leader, it may mark the beginning of the end of Putin’s long reign. Damien speaks to Otago University international relations professor Robert Patman to discuss the biggest challenge to Putin’s supremacy. 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.

Winter is well and truly upon us now, and with it has come a steady stream of news articles offering advice on how to keep your house warm during the cold months while saving on energy bills. Cost cutting is an extra priority this year with the inflation crunch. In a two-week period, Trade Me saw three hundred and forty thousand searches for heaters. However, a recent report from the UK has suggested fixing draughty homes could add 40 billion pounds to their economy by 2030. The Government acknowledges the economic and social importance of this issue and is pushing hard to improve conditions in homes across the country. In addition to the healthy homes standard, Labour has also put even more money into the Warmer Kiwi Homes policy, which focuses on the installation of insulation and efficient heaters. Since its launch in 2018, this policy has seen more than 100,000 installations of insulation and efficient heaters. The Warmer Kiwi Homes policy, which offers Government grants to cover up to 80 per cent of costs involved in the installation of insulation or efficient heating, was extended in the 2023 Budget.But how are we tracking on this issue? And what else can we do to keep our homes warmer? To discuss this, today’s guest on The Front Page is Philippa Howden-Chapman, an Otago University professor of public health specialising in housing, health and wellbeing. She is also a director for Kāinga Oranga’s Housing and Health Research Programme. 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.

Over the last week, the world has been captivated by the story of a group of five wealthy people trapped in submarine on a voyage to visit the wreck of the Titantic. This story has now ended in catastrophe with the submarine imploding and killing everyone on board. The US Coast Guard confirmed that it had detected a debris field at the bottom of the ocean and that no one had survived? So, how did things go so wrong? And why was the whole world’s attention fixed on this story of five people when hundreds of migrant lives are lost in shipping disasters every year? On The Front Page now, we have UK correspondent Gavin Grey to explain how tone disaster captured the world's attention. 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.

Our economy has slipped into a technical recession, and Kiwis around the country are feeling the pinch of high inflation and rising mortgage rates. Ask anyone, and they’ll tell you that everything feels more expensive at the moment. It’s become easier than ever to question whether we’re even getting a fair deal anymore. After conducting a study of the supermarket industry, the Government has now announced that banks will also be reviewed. This comes amid a wider international discussion about greedflation. That’s the practice of businesses lifting prices faster than they need to, simply because they know shoppers expect to pay more right now. So how long will this recessionary and inflationary period last? And how are some companies getting away with using financial turmoil as an opportunity to increase their prices? NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenée Tibshraeny is on The Front Page to talk about the state of the economy and PriceSpy’s Carl Lindholm talks greedflation. 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.

It’s only a few weeks until the opening ceremony officially announces the start of the Fifa World Cup in both Australia and Aotearoa. While preparations are well underway, there have been a few hiccups along the way. There was a major dispute over television rights in Europe, ticket sales in New Zealand haven’t moved quite as fast as expected and there are concerns about how inconvenient our time zone is for the northern hemisphere. So have these issues been addressed? Will our stadiums be filled with fans? And how much inspiration will this groundbreaking tournament give young girls around the country? FIFA chief women’s football officer Sarai Bareman lets us know how preparations are going for the biggest sporting event to ever come to New Zealand. Then, NZ Herald sports journalist Bonnie Jansen will explain the ongoing challenges facing the game from grassroots all the way to the top. 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 Wilson and Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

News that Auckland surgeons are now being required to consider a patient’s ethnicity when deciding who should get an operation first sparked sharp debate around the country. Politicians and medical professionals quickly weighed in, with some saying that Health New Zealand’s new Equity Adjuster Score was indefensible. Supporters have, however, pointed out that ethnicity is just one of a number of factors being considered alongside clinical priority, time spent on the waitlist, geographic location and deprivation level. So is this system defensible or even ethical? And is this even the best way to address poor health outcomes faced by Māori and Pasifika communities? Joining Damien on The Front Page today to help answer those questions is Auckland University associate professor Monique Jonas, an expert in healthcare ethics and distributive justice in health. 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.

Kāinga Ora is getting bad press once again, following the publication of the harrowing story of a Hamilton woman who for years lived next door to disruptive and disrespectful tenants. This is just the latest in a string of stories, stretching back years, that tell of neighbours enduring abuse, aggression and anti-social behaviour. So how widespread is this issue across social housing in New Zealand, and what are Kāinga Ora management doing to keep people safe from unruly neighbours? Damien is joined by Nick Maling, the general manager of national services at Kāinga Ora, NZ Herald deputy chief of news Lane Nichols who has for years been covering the turmoil that some Kiwi families are facing. 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.