The Front Page

October 18th: In this final episode of On the Campaign for the moment, we hear from NZ Herald head of data Chris Knox about why the special votes are so important in determining the shape and makeup of the next government. Host: Hamish FletcherProducer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The six years of the sixth Labour government have come to a close. Only three years after Jacinda Ardern led her party to a historic landslide, Chris Hipkins has had the dubious honour of guiding his party to the biggest electoral defeat for a governing party yet. The question now is what the future holds for Labour. The last three National governments each lasted three terms, and after losing half its caucus, Labour has a long way to go to prevent that from happening a fourth time. So where did the party lose its way, and how should they rebuild to face a modern electorate? Today, on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson shares his thoughts on what Labour needs to do if it wants to return to 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 VenutoProducers: Paddy Fox and Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While special votes are still to be counted, and a by-election needs to be held, it looks like National and Act are set to form the next government. With Christopher Luxon as Prime Minister, he now has to build a Cabinet and start implementing his policies. But without a full majority, Luxon needs to negotiate with Act and its leader David Seymour to decide what policies to adopt and how many of Act’s MPs will sit around the Cabinet table. The question of how involved NZ First and Winston Peters will be remains unanswered, as the often left-leaning special votes could bump National and Act below a majority. So, what could this coalition look like, and how big of a swing to the right will Aotearoa experience? Today, NZ Herald senior political writer Derek Cheng joins The Front Page to discuss the shape of politics to come. 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.

October 16th: The campaign is over and the coalition negotiations have begun. NZ Herald deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan joins to discuss what should happen over the next three weeks as National and the new Prime Minister Christopher Luxon prepare to take charge, and work out who they need to work with. Host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doctors failing to catch blood clots. Cancer being missed. Medicine given to patients who are allergic to it. Surgical equipment left inside patients. We trust our lives to medical professionals to find out what’s wrong with us and help us get better, but sometimes the mistakes of medical staff can lead to dire consequences. Thankfully, processes are in place to hold doctors, nurses and other staff accountable when things go wrong, and hopefully prevent mistakes from happening again. We’re aware of many of these stories thanks to the Open Justice project which has been reporting on decisions made by the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal and the Health and Disability Commissioner. Open Justice deputy editor Natalie Akoorie discusses what those organisations do, and how they can help you if your medical treatment causes you more harm than good. 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.

In a special crossover episode, the hosts of On The Campaign and The Front Page discuss the results of Election 2023. As the polls predicted poll night was a bloodbath for Labour. Their caucus has nearly halved, several key MPs are out and while Chris Hipkins has not resigned yet, it seems like the inevitable outcome. But for National and Act, it was a case of celebrations. Christopher Luxon is set to be our next Prime Minister, National swung a number of seats their way, and so did Act. With the two parties holding 61 seats at this stage (with a 62nd likely after the Port Waikato byelection) it does raise the prospect of NZ First being needed, but it doesn't change the fact that Aotearoa is getting a change in government. Follow The Front Page and On The Campaign 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. Hosts: Damien Venuto, Georgina Campbell and Hamish FletcherProducers: Shaun D Wilson and Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 13: With only a day of voting left, and hours left of the actual campaign, for this last episode before Election Day, Hamish talks to NZ Herald editor at large Shayne Currie and Markets with Madison host Madison Reidy, who will be fronting the Herald's election coverage tomorrow night. They discuss the best and worst performers on the campaign, the politicians who surprised us, the policies that sparked more debate than usual, and share their predictions for the final result. Host: Hamish FletcherProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tomorrow, after nearly two months of campaigning, and countless press conferences, policy announcements and interviews, New Zealand will choose the next government. With advanced voting down from 2020, many of us will still be trying to make up our minds on who we want to lead the next government and are still consulting polls, analysis and party manifestos to make that decision. But along with the official information, there is plenty of disinformation and misinformation circulating. Some is fuelled by global discourse, some is generated by lingering discontent over long abandoned policies, and some has been fuelled by politicians themselves. So, just how fractured is the electorate, what sort of false information is out there, and what can our next government do to repair the information void? Today on The Front Page, Kate Hannah, founder of The Disinformation Project, is here to share what exactly has been influencing voters this election. 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.

October 12: There is a little over 48 hours to go until polling booths close, and the parties are still out in force as advanced voting suggests a huge undecided vote, with mudslinging continuing between Labour and National. And NZ Herald political writer Michael Neilson joins to discuss the state of the Māori electorates and how many could change hands. Host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the past few years, former broadcaster and journalist Rachel Smalley has been advocating for change in how our country funds medicine. Currently, Pharmac is the crown entity that decides which medicines to fund for use by New Zealanders. But Pharmac has become a dirty word to many people with life-threatening or rare illnesses, who struggle to access the drugs they need to treat their condition. Despite years of advocacy on this subject, Smalley has struggled to gain an interview with Pharmac’s top brass to address the criticisms of how they operate. So, she made an Official Information Act request to find out why – and the resulting emails she received have sparked outrage and calls for the CEO to quit. Today, on The Front Page, Smalley is here to explain to Damien her battle with Pharmac, and what it says about the state of drug-buying agency. 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.

October 11: Chris Hipkins and Christopher Luxon have faced the Herald's PM Job Interview to test their skills for the country's top job, as they continue their final days of campaigning ahead of Election Day. And NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson joins the podcast to dissect the races for Epsom and Tamaki that are seeing potential coalition partners National and Act go head to head. Host: Hamish FletcherProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aotearoa is still picking up the pieces from Cyclone Gabrielle, and with a long dry summer ahead, 2023 will surely be remembered as the year climate change truly came knocking. So where has it been this election cycle? After floods and storms claimed homes and lives earlier this year, it seemed like all our political leaders were on the same page. But as the months wore on, the focus shifted to the economy, the cost of living and high inflation rates. Now, in the middle of campaign season, it seems like all hope of consensus on climate policy has been left behind, with our parties again deeply divided on what should and shouldn’t be done. Today, on The Front Page, NZ Herald science writer Jamie Morton, digs into the different policies and offers a view on whether we’re headed in the right direction. 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.

October 10: A shock death on the campaign trail has revealed some of the more interesting elements of our electoral law, sparking a by-election to take place next month, as well as spotlighting the complex overhang rule that can increase the size of our Parliament. To explain what these laws means, and the Sainte-Laguë method that determines Parliament's makeup, we hear from lawyer Graeme Edgeler and NZ Herald head of data Chris Knox. And our latest electoral spotlight heads to the east coast to discuss Napier and Ikaroa-Rāwhiti, and if the shakeup in their MPs there post-Cyclone Gabrielle will see a change in representation. Host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For much of the election campaign, the focus has been solely on domestic issues, with questions around foreign policy during televised debates quickly shut down. That changed this weekend after Palestinian militants attacked settlements in southern Israel, killing hundreds, taking hostages, and sparking harsh retaliation from Israel. As our politicians exchanged back and forths about the crisis, questions were asked about Aotearoa’s stance on a two-state solution, and what role this country can play in foreign affairs. University of Waikato Professor of Law and foreign policy expert Alexander Gillespie shares why he wants to hear more about what positions our politicians have on matters of global concern. 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.

October 9: We are just five sleeps away from Election Day, but some parties are already discussing a second election. Thomas Coughlan joins to dissect if those concerns are valid, and previews the final week of the campaign. Plus, a shock death on the campaign trail has sparked a by-election. And Georgina Campbell joins to discuss what could happen in Hutt South and Ōhāriu.You can experience the Herald's election model here: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/election-2023-can-labour-win-from-here/XNPWKLMXJFG2ZH7UK6XS2WGXKU/ Host: Hamish FletcherProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The old saying goes that money can’t buy you happiness – but it turns out, if you do rely on what’s in your wallet to keep you happy, you're going to need a lot of it. Recently released analysis has suggested that a Kiwi family needs a household income of just shy of $200,000 to hit that point, with those in Auckland facing a higher price point on the road to contentment. But that figure is roughly $80,000 higher than the average household income. So, while productivity and tax cuts are being debated on the election campaign trail, is there anything we can do to change our low-wage economy? Or do we need to re-examine the relationship between money and happiness? Today, on The Front Page, Auckland University economics Professor Robert MacCulloch, joins Damien to evaluate if any of us can really find enlightenment through our bank balance. 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.

October 6: NZ Herald political reporter Adam Pearse joins the podcast to discuss the latest debate between the minor parties, and the growing tension between Act and NZ First. And speaking of minor parties, Newstalk ZB Christchurch reporter Georgia O'Connor-Harding joins to discuss the race for Ilam, which has garnered national attention due to TOP's Raf Manji making a strong fight for the seat to get his party into Parliament. Host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billions of dollars are spent on our benefit system every year. And every election, politicians debate fiercely about where we should be cutting or increasing contributions to make the system fairer. This topic is incredibly fraught given that some of the population will invariably be unemployed or simply unable to work at any given point. And as we’ve seen with the Reserve Bank’s moves this year, it sometimes even better for the economy when more people are unemployed. Hanging over all this is the giant spectre of superannuation, which our major political parties are never as eager to talk about as other benefits. So how do we make sense of the numbers while also making sure our population is looked after properly? Today, NZ Herald deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan runs through what our main parties think about this issue – and whether there’s any hope of consensus across the political divide. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D. WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 5: The battle over National's tax policy came up again today thanks to new analysis, while allegations of candidates being targetted resurfaced as well. And Georgina pops up to analyse the race for Wellington Central and Rongotai - two seats the Greens hope to take from Labour. Host: Hamish FletcherProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.