The Front Page

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

Morocco has suffered its worst earthquake in six decades. Ancient buildings have been destroyed and key transport routes through the Atlas Mountains have been completely cut off since the initial violent shakes at the end of last week. Close to 3,000 have already been confirmed as having lost their lives, with the death toll rising every day as more people are pulled from the rubble. Previous earthquakes in Morocco killed 15,000 people in 1960, and over 500 in 2004. This time around many are still missing. Others have been left homeless in the wake of the wave of destruction. When the quake hit, NZ Herald journalist Sarah Pollok happened to be in regional capital Marakech on a travel assignment. She was planning an evening celebration when tragedy struck in the tourist hotspot. Sarah joins Damien from Morocco to share what she’s seen in the days since a nation was shaken to its core. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VentutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

Change is needed. According to an independent panel commissioned by the Government, our electoral system is due for some updates. Included in the wide-ranging report are suggestions on the voting age, party donations, election thresholds, and the rules on who should and shouldn’t be allowed to vote. This task has not been undertaken lightly, with any changes needing to ensure that the foundations of our democracy are as strong as they can be. But do any of these suggested changes have any chance of becoming a reality? And what are some of the biggest challenges ahead for our electoral system in the coming decades? Today on The Front Page, Otago University legal expert Professor Andrew Geddis joins Damien to discuss why our electoral system is due for a makeover. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VentutoProducer: Paddy Fox and Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A scheme introduced by the Government last year meant to end the abuse and exploitation of migrants instead seems to have done quite the opposite. Multiple stories have emerged in recent weeks about migrants, brought here under the Accredited Employer Work Visa, ending up crammed in their dozens inside unsanitary houses, with many now facing eviction with nowhere to go. So how is ir that this one visa change could spark dozens of investigations, and what needs to be done to fix this blooming scandal? Today on The Front Page, Damien is joined by NZ Herald journalist Lincoln Tan who offers insight on an immigration controversy that is only set to get worse. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VentutoProducer: Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2023 Rugby World Cup is kicking off this week in France. It marks a big moment not just for the All Blacks, looking to reclaim the world title as well as recover after a rough 2022, but for the sport globally as it looks to grow its international presence. It could make for an interesting tournament, with the draw limiting how many of the top five countries could make this years final match. So which teams could cause an upset, and how will the All Blacks perform after their up and down year? Today on The Front Page, Damien is joined by Elliott Smith, host of Rugby Direct, and the voice of rugby for NZME, from the All Blacks camp in Lyon. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VentutoProducer: Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the case that has all of New Zealand scratching their heads. Marokopa resident Tom Phillips and his three children have been missing since January 2022. While Police are still on the hunt for the four, the latest development involves a bank heist with people being shot at in Te Kuiti. To discuss the many bizarre twists in this neverending case, Damien is joined on The Front Page by Newstalk ZB senior reporter Chelsea Daniels. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VentutoProducer: Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

SkyCity Entertainment Group could soon have the operator license for their three casinos suspended if the Department of Internal Affairs has its way. It all stems from a complaint related to just a single customer, but this move has already had a huge impact on their share price – and, if the suspension goes ahead, it could be even more damaging. So how unprecedented is this move, and how does it add to woes the company is already facing after troubles in Australia? Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by NZ Herald property editor Anne Gibson to discuss the uncertain future ahead for our biggest casino operator. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VentutoProducer: Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week marks one year since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. It also marks a year since the ascension of King Charles III from a lifetime of waiting, into the role he was born to inherit. So how has the last year been for the royals, will the closeness between family members we saw last September return, or have those old wounds reopened beyond repair? Today on The Front Page, Damien is joined by NZ Herald lifestyle editor Jenni Mortimer to hear the latest on the royal family. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A years-long dispute between two pensioners and an Auckland property developer reignited over the weekend. Owen and Jane Hayward claim they have trespassed from the surrounding businesses of their Ōrākei apartment for their refusal to sell to property developer Kerry Knight – but Knight says he’s the one being harassed by the octogenarians. Warring neighbours may have been perfect reality TV fodder back in the day, but as more developers seek to make the most of new zoning laws, how can these affected parties sort out their woes before the media gets involved? Today on The Front Page, Damien is joined by senior property lawyer Jonathan Wood for his advice on what both sides of these types of conflicts can do differently. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VentutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

As Parliament wraps up its final sitting week of the term, will next Friday it will formally dissolve as the Governor-General of New Zealand triggers the course of events that lead to the next election. But as politicians prepare their final speeches of the 53rd Parliament, they are already deep in campaign mode, with the rhetoric between the major parties heating up in recent days. So with coalition deals already being fleshed out in public, and fiscal promises and swing voter friendly policies already being dished out, what is the current state of campaigning, and are politicians priorities in the right place? Today, NZ Herald deputy editor and host of On the Tiles, Thomas Coughlan, joins Damien for a discussion about the dissolution of Parliament and what will happen next. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VentutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been 10 years since the collapse of construction company Mainzeal, and for much of that decade the company’s directors have been embroiled in a legal battle between them and creditors over how it went down. That finally ended last week, with the Supreme Court ordering the directors, including former Prime Minister Jenny Shipley, to pay out nearly $40 million. So how did Mainzeal come to this – and what does this mean long-term for company directors, who may now find themselves in difficult legal positions? Today on The Front Page, Damien is joined by BusinessDesk investigations editor Victoria Young, who has been following this case through the courts. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VentutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The centrepiece of our fashion industry is back after four long years away. New Zealand Fashion Week returns with a brand new te reo name; Kahuria, which means to cloak or adorn. The event’s new owners will be hoping to present a refreshed major cultural event after close to half a decade in the darkness. So, what looks will be on display? How is the garment industry coming to terms with concerns around fast fashion, consumerism, and the cost-of-living crisis? And can the smorgasbord of creativity on show catch the zeitgeist? Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by Viva managing editor Amanda Linnell and Viva’s fashion and creative director Dan Ahwa to discuss what to expect from an event a long time in the making. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducers: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nobody expects their relationship to spill into a long Family Court dispute, but thousands in Aotearoa resort to this measure every year. The experience can be brutal for those involved, with the proceedings often being compared to warfare between people who once loved each other. The impact is particularly harsh on children, who could face years of watching their parents embroiled in bitter disputes with antagonism just growing stronger over time. NZ Herald senior writer Jane Phare has spent months investigating Family Court cases, talking to families, psychologists, lawyers and judges who have all experienced this system firsthand. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducers: Shaun D Wilson and Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warning: This episode of The Front Page contains extensive discussion of sexual assault. Danny and Roberto Jaz are now known as two of Aotearoa's most notorious criminals. In 2022, after years of name suppression, the brothers were unmasked as the Mama Hooch rapists. They have 69 charges between them for their crimes against a number of victims who will return to court over the next two days as the brothers are sentenced. But who exactly are these criminal brothers and how did they get caught? The NZ Herald’s Anna Leask has followed this case through the courts. She joins us today on The Front Page to discuss one of the most shocking cases of sexual assault in our recent history. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducers: Paddy Fox and Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.