The Front Page

As the world’s eyes have been fixed on Ukraine, another conflict on a different continent has seen more than a million people displaced from their homes. Fighting in Sudan has ripped families apart amid a mass migration among those looking to escape the bloodshed. New Zealander Phil Johnstone recently visited South Sudan as part of his work with World Vision. What he saw there has left an indelible mark. As World Refugee Day’s efforts to remind us of the stories of those who have been displaced begin, Phil shares his experience of Sudan’s crisis with Damien and explains what Kiwis can do to help those in need. 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.

Rising interest rates and dropping house prices have seen most of our attention focused on New Zealand mortgage holders. But we are also a nation of renters, with many Kiwis not able to get onto the property ladder. Now, with the latest data confirming this week that Aotearoa was in a technical recession earlier this year, what effect has the current economic strain had on renters around the country? Are prices still steadily going up? And do these high prices even guarantee families a warm, dry home? On The Front Page, Infometrics principal economist and chief executive Brad Olsen explains to Damien why life is only getting tougher for renters. 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 rower Robbie Manson has found a unique way of promoting himself in the lead up to next year’s summer Olympics. The world record holder has signed up for fan subscription service OnlyFans, a site most associated with pornography. This is not a sudden career change for Manson though – and in fact, it highlights the financial difficulty many athletes in New Zealand face, even if they’ve represented us on a world stage. Damien speaks to Robbie Manson about this career move, and is later joined by Olympic medalist turned athlete pay advocate Eric Murray about the realities of financial support for our top sportspeople. 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.

As political parties look to shape the debate ahead of October’s election, the Green Party have made a bold statement when it comes to tax. Their policy would see the wealthiest 0.7 per cent of households targeted by a new tax, plus higher trust and corporate taxes, while cutting taxes for lowest earners tax cuts for New Zealand’s lowest earners. The Greena say it’s to lift those struggling the most out of poverty, but critics see it as more rich bashing by one of our most left of centre parties. So what’s the intention behind the policy – and can the party get Labour to agree to it in a potential coalition? Green Party co-leader and Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, Marama Davidson, joins Damien to explain the policy and the party’s election plans. 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.

Last week, 34-year-old Xavier Valent was sentenced to life in prison for importing drugs into New Zealand. It is only the third time someone has received a life sentence in this country for meth-related charges – but Valent was not your ordinary drug dealer. His six-week-long trial revealed details of the major global drug syndicate he sat at the head of, with dozens of ‘minions’ working for him as he travelled the world living a life of luxury. NZ Herald crime reporter George Block was the only media present in court for the whole trial and sat through all the sordid details of Valent’s offending. He joins Damien to discuss the crimes committed by a man described as a modern-day Mr Asia. 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.

Everyone in Auckland has an opinion on what should happen to the city's port. Businesspeople want its ownership structure to change, the mayor wants it to move and citygoers complain that it’s an eyesore. To make matters worse, the workers have faced years of safety issues and even deaths onsite. This has led to often tense relations between the union and management. The man at the centre of all this is CEO Roger Gray, who joins Damien today to give a sense of what it takes to run Ports of Auckland. 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.

David Seymour isn’t one to mince his words. That much was clear at the ACT Party annual conference, where Seymour used the opportunity to rally the party faithful ahead of this year’s election. As well as taking aim at other parties for their lack of action, Seymour announced a new policy if they make it into government in October – a Ministry of Regulation to reign in government spending. With polls showing a dead heat between both sides of the political aisle, there’s every chance that Seymour will be able to make good on that promise. But what does he want from a National Party coalition, and how committed is he to getting his way? David Seymour joins Damien to share ACT’s goals for the election, and his thoughts on how negotiations could go. 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.

Michael Wood is the latest minister to lose a portfolio under Chris Hipkins. He has been stood down from the Transport portfolio after revelations he owns shares in Auckland Airport – and has failed to sell them despite several reminders. It’s the latest problem to engulf the government at a ministerial level, heaping more pressure on Prime Minister Chris Hipkins to right his ship ahead of this year’s election. NZ Herald deputy political editor and host of On the Tiles, Thomas Coughlan broke the story about Wood. He joins Damien to dissect the issues facing the Labour government. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Paddy Fox and Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aotearoa’s population is getting older, which means more people are entering aged care every year. The problem is that our care facilities are already overburdened and understaffed, heaping pressure on the nurses taking care of New Zealand’s elderly. NZ Herald investigative journalist Nicholas Jones recently won a Voyager award for best individual investigation in recognition of his work looking into the industry. He joins Damien to explain if anything has changed since he first started asking some tough 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.

We’re being watched every single day. Our every online move is recorded, jotted down and then sold on to bidders who want our eyeballs. This is how tech giants like Google, Meta and TikTok make billions of dollars in ad revenue every year. It’s an incredibly effective system but also comes with some serious consequences. So what price are we actually paying for “free” access to these services? How worrying is it that tech giants are essentially keeping track of our every move? And what can we do to stop this from happening? Today, advertising expert and agitator Bob Hoffman explains to Damien how we’re being sold without even realising it. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The country woke up this morning to news that former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had been declared a Dame. She is just one of 182 people from across a range of industries being recognised in today's Kings Birthday Honours, on a list that includes rugby coaches, armed service personnel, medical pioneers, and Queen Camilla. But how does the honours system work and who gets to make the call about who gets knighted? To help us make sense of all the honours and understand how they’re awarded, Damien is joined by Secretary of Cabinet Rachel Hayward who helps organise the lists twice a year. 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.

Parliament’s major parties are both leaning heavily towards the political centre, in order to attract the coveted middle New Zealand vote. But in doing so, they’re leaving an opportunity for the minor parties to pick up voters on the fringes. The thing is that as society becomes more polarised, those fringes are becoming larger and larger. This leaves some uncomfortable choices for both National and Labour as they head into the next election. So how do you appeal to the middle while not alienating the party faithful? And who has the most to lose in getting this balance wrong? 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.

Few issues have attracted as much media attention in the last year as crime. Ram raids, street violence and burglaries have grabbed headlines time again, creating a sense that New Zealand is no longer a safe place to live – and a narrative that crime has got worse under the Labour government. Now, new insights from the NZ Herald data team reveal whether this perception is actually reflected in the crime statistics. Head of newsroom data Chris Knox tells Damien what the numbers actually show, and political writer Michael Neilson shares what our politicians have said on the subject over the years. 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.

Name suppression is one of the most contentious parts of the New Zealand legal system. Many high-profile criminals in recent years have received name suppression for months or years on end – with the five year suppression for the Mama Hooch rapists being one of the recent examples of how long suppression can last. That can cause tension with the general public, as it often seems as though it's only high profile offenders who get to keep their identities hidden. So how does name suppression work, how evenly is it handed out, and how important is it to the legal 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.

The Labour Party's key focuses for Chris Hipkins' first party congress as leader were keeping the age of superannuation static and continuing an apprenticeship scheme. But the National Party also made a grab for the spotlight by pulling its support for bipartisan joint housing accords. Who came out looking stronger? And do the would-be governing parties have their eye on the minor parties who may decide 2023's election? Today, NZ Herald political editor Claire Trevett cuts through the party PR and bluster to reveal the reasons behind the political moves. 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.

Trusts have hit the headlines in recent weeks. First, a major IRD report revealed that extremely wealthy people were earning most of their money through trusts. Then, shortly afterwards, the Government announced an increase in the tax rate on trusts. So what exactly is a trust? How do you earn money from it? How many New Zealanders will be impacted by this tax hike? And is there a risk that average Kiwis take the biggest hit? Today, Deloitte tax partner Robyn Walker and partner at TGT Legal Aimee Mitchell take Damien through the trust system’s inner workings. 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 Reserve Bank this week lifted the Official Cash Rate to 5.5 per cent, as expected. But the big surprise came when Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr told Kiwis that his work was done and that the Reserve Bank didn’t see the need to lift rates any higher. So why has the Reserve Bank suddenly changed its mind on further hikes? Are Kiwis in for a longer run of inflation? And what factors will have the biggest impact on the economy over the next 12 months? Today, on the Front Page, NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenée Tibshraeny explains the repercussions from the latest OCR hike. 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.

There’s a weather forecast battle brewing as two taxpayer-funded agencies go toe to toe for our attention. MetService and NIWA have dominated headlines in recent months amid numerous extreme weather events, but animosity is simmering between them. There’s growing concern that their remits are starting to overlap as they vie for the attention of New Zealanders desperate to understand what weather is heading our way. So why are two agencies, both accountable to the Government, becoming so competitive? Who should the public trust when we need accurate information? Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has just been confirmed that Auckland’s City Rail Link opening has been delayed yet again, pushing out the opening date out to 2026. This comes off the back of numerous earlier delays and cost blow-outs and will only exacerbate the level of frustration in the city. The initial idea for the plan goes back to the 1920s, and delays have spread to the actual project. So how much longer will Auckland’s inner city remain a construction site? What has gone wrong with this project? And could it have repercussions for other major infrastructure plans around the city? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior journalist Bernard Orsman takes Damien under the surface of the CRL situation to find out what’s going on. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After an earthquake near the Loyalty Islands last Friday, a tsunami warning sparked sleepless nights in coastal areas around Aotearoa as residents waited for the potential waves. While the damage was limited, one Ahipara resident told the NZ Herald the resulting swells were “much, much worse” than those that came in after Cyclone Gabrielle earlier this year. It again raises the question about how prepared our coastal country is for a potential tsunami. To explain the science of tsunamis and what we need to know about them, today on The Front Page, Damien speaks to Jose Borrero, a tsunami expert and director of eCoast Marine Consulting and Research. 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 annual Government Budget announcement is always a major PR opportunity for the Government, to lay out its vision for the country. Labour has now presented that vision – and unsurprisingly, Opposition parties aren’t onboard with what they see. National leader Christopher Luxon said that it showed the Government had run out of ideas – and warned that a Capital Gains Tax is on Labour’s agenda for the election. So what would he have done differently if his party had been shaping this Budget, and what are his economic plans for the election? Today on The Front Page, Christopher Luxon, gives us a view of the alternative choice voters have in the lead-up to the 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 VenutoProducer: Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, the Labour Government delivered its sixth Budget. It's their last before October’s election, with key figures in the worlds of childcare, public transport, and public housing. This Budget arrives at a time when the economy faces a cost-of-living crisis and pressures stemming from the destruction caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. So how has Finance Minister Grant Robertson handled the tightrope of balancing the books versus election sweeteners? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald Business editor at large and host of the Money Talks podcast, Liam Dann, gives us a rundown of what effect this Budget is likely to have on the economy, and the country’s future. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Hosts: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Live from inside the Budget 2023 lockup, this special episode of The Front Page's sister podcast On The Tiles has NZ Herald Deputy Political Editor Thomas Coughlan talking to Infometrics' Brad Olsen about some of the major figures from this year's Budget, with immediate reaction on what it could mean for the Government and inflation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The deadly Loafers Lodge fire in Wellington has shocked the country – not simply for the loss of life involved, but due to the building’s safety standards. While the hostel did not have sprinklers, it was not breaking any laws and was not required to retrofit them. It’s just one aspect of Aotearoa’s building code that has been put into the spotlight by this fire and has raised concerns around how many other buildings could be at risk. Today on The Front Page, John Gray from the Home Owners and Buyers Association of New Zealand joins us to talk about his concerns for the safety of our older 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. Hosts: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The word crisis has become synonymous with our health and education sectors in recent years. Under-resourcing, long work hours and poor pay have culminated in teachers and nurses walking off the job to protest these working conditions. The 2023 Budget offers an opportunity for the Government to address these concerns, but economic pressure on the country right now means that any steps taken likely won’t go as far as many hope. So what would our nurses and teachers like to see? Is there any hope of the Government delivering? And are we at risk of losing nurses and teachers to other countries if we don’t act now? Liam Rutherford (immediate past president of the New Zealand Educational Institute) and Paul Goulter (CEO of New Zealand Nurses Organisation), gives Damien a sense of why teachers and nurses are burnt out and fed up. 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. Hosts: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The nation woke up to harrowing news this morning as a blaze in Wellington ripped through a hostel. Fire crews worked through the night to save as many lives as they could, but the full extent of lives and livelihoods lost so far remains unclear. Katrina Bennett, Wellington head of news for the NZ Herald, joins us to explain what we know so far about this fiery tragedy. 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. Hosts: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The emergence of ChatGPT has captured the imagination of the world. Depending on who you ask, the Artificial Intelligence interface is either set to take over humanity or it’s little more than a quirky digital toy. As is often the case with these things, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. So what is the potential of AI technology? Are technology companies taking risks by moving too fast? And are our jobs really at risk? Today, Dr Chris Galloway, a communications specialist at Massey University, joins Damien to discuss the rise of AI. 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. Hosts: Damien Venuto and AI Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has promised that this year we’ll see a no-frills budget, meaning that we won’t be seeing any flashy spending. This continues a long trend of politicians keeping our debt levels low rather than investing heavily in infrastructure needed for the future. So is this the best approach given the myriad challenges the country faces? And as a society do we need to become more willing to take on debt to make sure our cities are fit for the future? Today, on The Front Page, Sense Partners economist Shamubeel Eaqub helps us understand why Aotearoa is so afraid of debt – and why that might need to change. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the era of lockdowns, the travel sector is hitting another speed bump. The Minister for Tourism has publicly criticised the high cost of some tourism operators, leading to questions about whether Aotearoa's tourists are being taken for a ride. Not to be deterred, international airlines are trying to lure us back to the skies with more direct routes and new innovations to improve the travel experience. But with economic concerns looming, can the average Kiwi still afford the luxury of domestic travel, let alone international? Today, on The Front Page, NZ Herald aviation editor Grant Bradley gives Damien a sense of the mood in the travel 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 VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland was hit by torrential rain once again this week, stirring up memories of the record-breaking flooding seen in January. Those memories seemed to spark a fight or flight response in Auckland, with the entire city fleeing home at the same time, causing gridlocked traffic for hours across the city. Given that scientists are warning these weather events are fast becoming the norm, how can we learn to better cope with weather panic? Today, clinical psychologist Jacqui Maguire joins Damien to offer her advice on coping with our new 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 VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two major financial reports have given a glimpse at the state of Aotearoa's economy. The financial stability report and unemployment figures gave us a sense that the economy is still holding up well, but that could change soon. All forecasts point to things becoming a whole lot tougher as the pressure mounts. So how much worse will the situation become? Will the Government step in to help? And how bad could the coming year get for Kiwi families? Today, on The Front Page, BusinessDesk senior reporter Rebecca Howard takes Damien through the big economic data. 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.

Much of the North Island is once again flooding amid an absolutely heaving severe downpour. Schools have been evacuated across Auckland and Northland, and emergency services have again been on high alert. This opens fresh wounds for a region that was only recently in the firing line of severe flooding and cyclone Gabrielle. So why has this been happening so much in the same region? Is there a better way to forecast the likelihood of extreme weather? And what does the latest research show about the way we report heavy rainfall? University of Canterbury PHD researcher Cameron McErlich joins Damien to explain his findings on how we can become better at predicting heavy rainfall. 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.

Having one MP resign from their party mid-term is rare enough in Aotearoa – but to have two from the same electorate is basically unheard of. Yet days after Meka Whaitiri quit the Labour Party, her two-time Ikaroa-Rāwhiti electorate rival Elizabeth Kerekere has quit the Green Party. What was behind Kerekere’s decision to leave, and what does this shake-up between Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori mean for a potential coalition after the election? Today, on The Front Page, we’re joined by NZ Herald deputy political editor and host of the On the Tiles podcast Thomas Coughlan, to discuss the latest political shakeups. 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.

King Charles the Third has officially been coronated, in an extravagant state affair that has not been seen in the Commonwealth for 70 years. And the King has been waiting just as long to fulfill his destiny as sovereign. But now that the big event is over – what comes next for his reign, for the future of the British monarchy, and Aotearoa’s role in it? NZ Herald lifestyle and entertainment editor Jenni Mortimer is in London for the big event. She joins Damien on The Front Page to recap the coronation and give us a taste of the mood on the ground. 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.

Hollywood is on strike. Around eleven thousand screenwriters have put down their pens and picked up a placard instead, after negotiations between the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers over a new contract broke down. As writers take to the streets, the strike is set to impact most film and TV shows over the coming weeks, and potentially months as it drags on So what do the writers want – and are the big film studios likely to give in to their demands? Today, New York Times entertainment reporter Brooks Barnes joins Damien from Los Angeles to explain what this strike means for your favourite show. 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.

Now former Minister Meka Whaitiri has blindsided her bosses by announcing that she will resign from the Labour Party and stand for Te Pāti Māori in the upcoming election. The move was so surprising that Prime Minister Chris Hipkins was only made aware of the news in London, where he plans to attend the coronation of King Charles III. So what motivated Whaitiri to make the move? And what does it mean for a Labour Party desperate to hang onto power? Today, NZ Herald Kaupapa Māori editor Joseph Los’e explains the ins and outs to Damien of the move that shocked 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.

Eden Park is looking to safeguard its place as our national stadium with a multimillion-dollar renovation. This would include improving the stands and building a retractable roof to allow for all-weather play. However, their plans for an upgrade façade come as a consortium looking to build a national stadium on Auckland’s waterfront prepare to introduce a new, cheaper plan. So who has the better proposal, and can we afford either of them? Today, on the Front Page, NZ Herald sports reporter Bonnie Jansen is here to give us the rundown around Auckland’s impending stadium wars. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Paddy Fox and Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has spent millions upon millions of dollars on outside consultants pursuing major policy ideas. This is despite Prime Minister Chris Hipkins saying there’s a need to lessen the Government’s reliance on the private sector to get things done. In fact, this is one of the few areas where we’ve seen bipartisan consensus, with National Party leader Christopher Luxon also critical of the level of consultant spending. So how much is too much? And are there signs of the Government breaking free of consultants? Today, on the Front Page, NZ Herald senior business journalist Kate MacNamara, follows the money and helps us understand how it got there in the first place. 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 countdown to the Coronation is on. Eight months after the death of his mother, Charles the Third will go through his formal investiture as King, in a ceremony he’s been waiting for his whole life. It’s the first time the Commonwealth has witnessed a Coronation in seven decades. So what can we expect from the pomp and ceremony, and is the public keen to mark the start of the King’s reign? Jenni Mortimer (NZ Herald lifestyle and entertainment editor and co-host of One Day You'll Thank Me) who will be covering the coronation live from London – gives Damien the lowdown on what to expect, and NZ Herald senior writer Kim Knight shares the mystery of our lost golden coronation gift from 1911. 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 political machine is starting to hum as Aotearoa gears towards the general election. The chance to have your say is a mere six months away, and the good and the great are already competing for a ballot box tick by their name. So, who has the funds to run a massive campaign? What’s more valued, ideas or leadership? And will any issue matter more than the economy during a planned recession? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald political editor Claire Trevett gives Damien her take on the runup to an election - that at this time last year, few expected to be led by two middle-aged men called Chris. 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 IRD has released a massive investigation into the share of tax that New Zealand’s wealthiest families pay. The report suggests that the median effective tax rate for this group currently sits at 8.9% of their overall income. This is less than half the percentage paid by the average New Zealander. So why is there such large divide? What can be done to address this imbalance? And is it even possible to find the political will for a tax overhaul? Today, economist and researcher at the Victoria University of Wellington, Max Rashbrooke explains to Damien what this report has revealed. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After twenty years of being treated as supposed second-class citizens, Kiwis in Australia are finally getting their rights restored. Aussie Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has made it easier for New Zealanders to get citizenship across the ditch, allowing over 400,000 Kiwis currently living there to vote and access basic support. NZ Herald political reporter Michael Neilsen gives Damien a lowdown on these changes, and population expert Paul Spoonley explains what this means for movement between the two countries. 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.

Today is Anzac Day, the annual public holiday for us to remember our veterans and those who gave up their lives defending Aotearoa. But while we dedicate this day to our fallen soldiers, those currently in our defence force are struggling with low wages, poor accommodation and outdated infrastructure. So how have things got so bad for the defence force, and what can be done to improve the situation? Today, award-winning journalist Pete McKenzie joins Damien on The Front Page to discuss his feature for North and South that explored this very problem. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been 33 years since we last hosted the Commonwealth Games – but that could soon change. The New Zealand Olympic Committee has signaled interest in hosting the 2034 Commonwealth Games, starting a lengthy bidding process to host the international tournament. So, would this be an exciting showcase of local sporting talent – or is there a reason it’s taken three decades for us to put our hand up to host again? Today, Newstalk ZB sports news director, Clay Wilson, joins Damien on The Front Page to break down what a 21st-century Commonwealth Games in Aotearoa could look like. 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.

This week’s inflation data has surprised economists around the country. The figure came in well below expectations, suggesting that the rising cost of living had peaked. This comes amid continued rates rises from the Reserve Bank, which has been among the most aggressive in the world. So have rates rises gone too far? Are we unnecessarily engineering a deep recession? And where could the inflation data head next? Today, NZ Herald business editor at large, Liam Dann, is on The Front Page to break down with Damien the implications of the numbers that shocked many. 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.

Covid-19 case numbers are ticking up and up as we head into the colder months of the year. And while vaccinations and prior infection do give us some level of protection, immunity is waning, and we now face the threat of new variants. On top of this, the old threats of influenza and RSV will also waft through schools, offices and restaurants around the country in the coming months. So, are we prepared for what’s heading our way? How dangerous are the new variants of Covid-19? And is enough being done to ensure New Zealanders get their boosters? Today, Dr Jemma Geoghegan, an infectious disease specialist from Otago University, joins Damien to give a sense of the viruses set to threaten our health this winter. 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.

Richlister Chris Meehan is taking aim at the Government in a series of advertisements. The full-page newspaper ads describe Aotearoa as the land of the long red tape, bemoaning the difficulty of getting anything built. He isn’t alone in making these complaints, with many other construction insiders also expressing the view that regulation has made building projects move at a glacial pace. So are they right? Are our rules too strict? And if these restrictions were relaxed would that hamper the quality of what’s being built? Winton Land CEO Chris Meehan, joins The Front Page to explain why he thinks it’s time to bin the bureaucracy, and John Tookey (AUT School of Future Environments) discusses the impact of regulation has had. 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.

Ongoing tremors underneath Lake Taupō have seen the alert level for the supervolcano rise for the first time in history. Geologists are closely monitoring the site, while a series of other shallow quakes have jolted Kiwis across the country. So what’s the science behind all these tectonic movements at the moment? And is there anything for us to worry about yet? Today, Dr Finn Illsley-Kemp, a seismologist from Victoria University of Wellington, is on The Front Page to help Damien make sense of the disturbances beneath the surface. 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.

Three Waters is dead - long live ‘Affordable Water Reform’. The Government has announced a revised version of their policy to improve the quality of the country’s waste, storm and drinking water systems. As part of the changes announced by Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Local Government Minister Kieran McAnulty, there will be 10 regionally owned and led public water entities, instead of the four originally proposed, to take over management of those systems. Today, NZ Herald deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan joins fellow On the Tiles host Georgina Campbell to discuss the changes, and whether the name will stick. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A damning report has been released into Auckland Council’s response to the January flooding, and has highlighted a ‘system failure’ of leadership in the first 12 hours of the response. The report comes out as Mayor Wayne Brown marks six months in office, adding more criticism to an already divisive and controversial time wearing the mayoral chains. So how has Brown’s time in office gone, and can he come back from such a damning report? NZ Herald deputy head of news Tom Dillane and senior writer Simon Wilson join guest host Chelsea Daniels to analyse the report, and discuss six months of the Wayne Brown era. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsProducer: Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.